09 May Book Review of The Queens of Crime
Book Review: The Queens of Crime by Cat Sebastian
As a lover of historical mysteries, the premise behind The Queens of Crime had me intrigued from the moment I learned about it. Storytelling intertwines with real-life figures thriving in a male-dominated world, and having Dorothy L. Sayers herself narrate the journey was a delightful hook. So, when I received an ARC from NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press, I couldn’t wait to dive in. Unfortunately, like many of us, I’ve encountered the disappointment when a promising premise fails to meet its potential.
Set against the backdrop of the real-life Detection Club, founded in 1930 by renowned authors including Agatha Christie and Sayers, the story opens with a droll initiation meeting. Here, Sayers and Christie grapple with dismissive attitudes from their male counterparts, who see them as exceptions rather than equals. The book hints at a broader theme of women fighting for recognition within the literary community, but I couldn’t shake off my irritation. Why must they prove themselves to men who ought to recognize their talent inherently?
The storyline revolves around the investigation of May Daniels, a nurse whose body has resurfaced after going missing for months. Sayers and Christie, determined to tackle the case from a woman’s perspective, assemble a group of female authors to highlight issues that the male investigators may overlook. I was drawn to this narrative thread—women stepping up to reclaim agency and recognition, while also tackling a mystery together.
Yet, despite the rich historical backdrop and the fascinating characters involved, the execution fell flat for me. Cat Sebastian’s writing, while polished, felt devoid of emotional resonance. The characters came across as wooden, their vibrant potential dulled by a narrative that lacked dynamism and flair. It’s disappointing when such interesting figures are rendered mundane on the page; the storytelling felt almost pedestrian.
As I’ve experienced with other works by Sebastian, there seems to be a tendency towards a logic-based narrative that often sidesteps emotional depth. It left me feeling disconnected from the very people I was eager to rally behind. I found myself trudging through the pages, rather than relishing the unraveling mystery.
While there were moments that glimmered—like the bond among the women and their determination to fight for their voices—the overall pacing felt sluggish. Perhaps a different storytelling approach or a partnership with an author who brings an artistic touch could elevate such compelling material.
In conclusion, I can’t wholeheartedly recommend The Queens of Crime. While readers interested in feminist literary history or the golden age of detective fiction may find some value in it, my own experience left me frustrated. After two books from this author, I think it’s time to part ways. Nevertheless, I hold out hope that someone will take this rich premise and breathe life into it, granting these queens the vibrant narrative they so richly deserve.
Rating: ★★☆☆☆ (2.5 stars)
If you’re like me and crave engaging mysteries that leap off the pages and resonate emotionally, you might consider exploring other authors who capture the magic of their historical contexts with more finesse.
