Book Review: The Queens of Crime by Sophie Hannah
When I first heard about The Queens of Crime by Sophie Hannah, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. A historical mystery set in the 1930s with prominent literary figures like Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers? Sign me up! As a lover of both mysteries and literary history, I was eager to dive into this world where groundbreaking women writers were stepping into the spotlight. Unfortunately, my fervor quickly dissipated into disappointment, which leaves me pondering the missed opportunities that arose from such a promising premise.
The Queens of Crime is narrated by Dorothy L. Sayers, who, alongside Agatha Christie, finds herself facing the frustratingly misogynistic attitudes of their male counterparts in the Detection Club. This club, formed to elevate the mystery genre, is portrayed as a battleground where women must fight for their worthiness to join. While the theme of female empowerment is compelling, it felt hollow when paired with the execution. The characters, laden with potential for depth and dynamism, often felt wooden and lifeless. Instead of breathing vibrancy into these iconic figures, Hannah’s portrayal left them flat, robbing their historical significance of the emotional weight it deserved.
The plot revolves around the murder of a woman named May Daniels, spurring Sayers and Christie, along with other women writers, to take the reins of the investigation. This choice made sense; they believed the male detectives’ perspective was limited and inadequate. However, the narrative meanders through a series of events with little emotional resonance — a shame, considering the thrilling possibilities Hannah could have explored. Pacing was a consistent issue, and I often felt like I was trudging through a dense fog rather than moving briskly ahead. The descriptions made me long for more artistic flair and nuance, but they felt more workmanlike than evocative.
In reflecting on my experience, I can’t help but think about how much richer this story could have been in the hands of a different author, or even with a co-writer who could bring that missing flair to the narrative. Much like how The Mystery of Mrs. Christie seemed to excel with its innovative take on the renowned author’s life, The Queens of Crime struggles under the weight of its own premise.
Though I found it frustrating that such a rich historical backdrop was rendered mundane, I still believe there might be readers who would appreciate it, particularly those interested in the era or in exploring the lives of these women outside their literary accomplishments. Ultimately, I walked away from The Queens of Crime disheartened but hopeful for future narratives that honor the legacy of these pioneering women with the depth and artistry they deserve.
For now, I’ll cautiously set aside my anticipation for upcoming titles by this author, as I can’t face the same disappointment again. Here’s hoping that the next literary endeavor I tackle brings back that spark and leads us to the captivating stories hiding within the annals of history. (2.5 stars)