The Queens of Crime: five women, one murder case and a chance to prove themselves

The Queens of Crime by Marie Benedict is a story of four women fighting for a place in literature as they race to solve a murder. It’s London, 1930, five women crime writers band together to form a second society with the goal to prove they deserve to be recognized, the Queens of Crime are Dorothy L. Sayers, Agatha Christie, Nagio Marsh, Margery Allingham and Baroness Emma Orczy. How do they prove they are worthy of recognition? Solve the real life murder of May Daniels was a young English nurse who discovered during a trip to France with her friend, seemingly vanishing into thin air. When her body is discovered months later in nearby woods. There are so many questions and inconsistencies that the women know that someone is hiding something. As they get deeper into their investigation, the killer targets Dorothy Sayers with a dark secret from her past. 

The only Queen of Crime I am familiar with is Agatha Christie. I have heard of Dorothy L Sayers by name only. The other ladies I had not heard of. I was looking forward to a fictionalized story of a true story from Sayers’ life, especially her unique relationship with Agatha Christie as a professional “rival” and friend. Unfortunately, I struggled with this story. I had no interest in the murder investigation and the constant girl-power, “I can’t believe he thinks that” attitude was annoying. I was also surprised there was no author’s note at the end of the story giving some insight into the author’s inspiration or thoughts on the real women. Author’s notes are usually very insightful and add more to the story. It was disappointing not to see it there. By the end of the story, I felt I did not know more about these women. I do not recommend The Queens of Crime. 

The Queens of Crime is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Caroling into Murder: snow, Christmas and murder!

Caroling into Murder by Jamie Rutland Gillespie is the fourth book in the Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series. The Christmas season has arrived in the quaint mountain town. Decorated with snow and all the festive trimmings, Landry Burke is excited to join in all the small town activities. One night, while caroling, Landry and her friends discover Paul Harcourt, badly injured. As he is rushed to the hospital, they are left wondering what happened and who would be responsible? When news breaks that Mr Harcourt did not survive, the town faces another murder investigation as they try to come on with the festive season. There isn’t a shortage of suspects as the past of the quiet, loner Paul Harcourt comes to light and new, unfamiliar faces appear in town. Will the identity of the killer be discovered before another victim is taken? 

The Bobwhite Mountain Cozy Mystery series is filled with mysteries of twists and turns, leaving readers on the edge of their seats until the end. It is also filled with a small town of quirky characters that seem to get into humorous and unfortunate situations that will leave readers smiling and laughing out loud. I enjoyed Landry’s confrontation with a tenant who seemed to believe the rules don't apply to her. I cheered as Landry held her ground and refused to be intimidated. I even enjoyed the surprise arrival at Landry’s door as the story closed. I guess I need to read book 5 to discover his or her motives. Overall, I enjoyed this story and seeing Landry and her friends as they enjoyed the holiday season. I recommend Caroling into Murder and the previous three books of the series. 

Caroling into Murder is available in paperback and eBook

Big Summer: a story of female friendships

Big Summer by Jennifer Weiner is a novel about the ins and outs of female relationships. Daphne Berg and Drue Cavanaugh became friends in school until one day, a fight ended their relationship. Six years later, Daphne is a social media influencer for plus sized women and enjoys her life. She is shocked when Drue shows up in her life again with a huge favor. She asks Daphne to be her maid-of-honor at her society wedding the following summer. Daphne is speechless and has a hard time saying no despite her reservation and her friend and roommate, Darshi’s warning. When the weekend of the wedding arrives, Daphne is swept up in the glamour of the Cape Cod waterfront mansion and the drama that always seems to be involved with a wedding. Tragedy strikes and Daphne finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation and finds herself determined to find out the truth. Will she be able to discover the truth? Will she be able to move forward?

Big Summer was hard to get through. Told in three parts, the story opens with a prologue about a mother and her son that does not seem to connect with the story of Daphne and Drue. When the connection is revealed, I thought “okay….?” The first part is super slow as the history and complexity of Daphne’s friendship with Drue and her own battle with her weight is the made focus. The second and third parts were much more fast paced as the murder investigation occurs and Daphne chases clues to who the killer could be. The book is marketed as “A sparkling novel about the complexities of females relationships, the pitfalls of living loud and online, and the resilience of the human heart.” In a way, the book is about these factors, however, I expected a more powerful commentary than what is featured. It was hard to sympathize with adult Daphne as she fell into the same patterns with Drue. And Drue was the stereotypical mean girl who seems to have it all but is jealous of the fat girl who has everything that matters. I even expected the death to be a fake and another ploy for attention or sympathy. Overall, the book was okay. I did not genuinely care about the characters, the resolution or the author’s commentary on fat shaming, social media, and relationships. If you are a fan of Jennifer Weiner, you may enjoy Big Summer.

Big Summer

is available in hardcover, eBook, and audiobook