Podcast Summary: Totally Booked with Zibby – Interview with Marie Benedict on "The Queens of Crime"

Episode Title: Marie Benedict, THE QUEENS OF CRIME: A Novel
Release Date: February 26, 2025
Host: Zibby Owens

Introduction to Marie Benedict and Her Work

Zibby Owens opens the episode by introducing Marie Benedict, a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author known for her meticulously researched historical novels. Benedict's notable works include The Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius, The Mystery of Mrs. Christie, and The Other Einstein, among others. Owens highlights Benedict's impressive portfolio and her ability to bring historical figures to life through fiction.

“Marie is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of the Mitford Affair, Her Hidden Genius... which have been translated into multiple languages and selected for various book clubs.” [00:01]

Exploring "The Queens of Crime"

Owens transitions the conversation to Benedict's latest novel, The Queens of Crime. She expresses excitement about the book's exploration of iconic female mystery writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers.

“We’ve got some Agatha Christie. We got all these fabulous women. Oh my gosh. Tell everybody what it’s about.” [01:28]

Benedict explains that The Queens of Crime is a genre-bending story that brings together five remarkable Golden Age mystery writers. The novel delves into how these women collaborate to solve a real-life murder mystery, blending historical facts with fictional narrative.

“It’s a little bit of a departure for me and yet it’s very much in keeping with what I have written in the past... these five incredible golden age of mystery writers...” [01:42]

Inspiration and Research Process

Benedict shares her inspiration for the novel, particularly her fascination with Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. She recounts discovering Dorothy Sayers' involvement in investigating a young British nurse's murder, which sparked the idea for the story.

“When I learned that she had actually been extremely involved in investigating the murder of this young British nurse, I was like, if that isn’t a story, I don’t know what is.” [02:58]

Delving into her research process, Benedict emphasizes the importance of immersing herself in the authors' works and the interwar period's societal context. Her love for history, influenced by her aunt, an English professor and poet, fuels her dedication to creating authentic and engaging narratives.

“I try very hard every day to not slip behind the mask and shut it and be more authentic. And writing the books that I write reminds me of that.” [09:54]

Crafting Engaging Historical Fiction

Owens praises Benedict's ability to draw readers into her stories, highlighting her use of dialogue and vivid details that create immersive settings.

“By all the ways you use like, dialogue and the details, like you get us in, like the book opens up... I was just so in it.” [04:07]

Benedict elaborates on her writing technique, balancing thorough research with storytelling to keep readers engaged without getting lost in historical minutiae.

“It’s really about the masks we wear to survive, the masks we wear to thrive... how are we going to get these women to engage in this... quest.” [05:01]

Themes of Identity and Authenticity

A significant theme in The Queens of Crime is the concept of masks that women wear to navigate societal expectations. Benedict relates this to her personal experiences, discussing her journey to shed societal masks and embrace authenticity.

“I wear a million masks... growing up... the masks were unconsciously encouraged.” [08:39]

She reflects on the challenges of being authentic, especially in professional settings, and the importance of surrounding herself with people who accept her true self.

“I think it's healthier for me to be around people who really want to see me as me.” [10:11]

Uncovering Hidden Histories

Benedict reveals intriguing insights uncovered during her research, particularly the intertwined lives of the mystery writers and their real-life contributions to solving crimes.

“Dorothy Sayers, who was Agatha Christie's lifelong best friend, actually became involved in the investigation into the murder of this young English nurse.” [12:02]

She discusses the societal attitudes towards women during the interwar period, highlighting the marginalization of working women and how these historical prejudices are still relevant today.

“These women are all a little bit outside the box... they have to wear masks to survive.” [16:24]

Upcoming Projects and Future Endeavors

Looking ahead, Benedict shares excitement about her forthcoming novel set in 1920s England and ancient Egypt. This new project explores the life of Hatshepsut, the only female pharaoh, blending historical intrigue with personal discovery.

“It’s about a woman who becomes an archaeologist... how the past reverberates into the present.” [17:18]

She expresses fulfillment in returning to her roots in history and archaeology, emphasizing the importance of pursuing one's authentic passions.

“If you are true to yourself... when you pursue what you're meant to be doing, things start to fall into place.” [18:51]

Closing Remarks

Owens concludes the interview by praising Benedict's work and expressing anticipation for her upcoming novel. Benedict thanks Owens and reiterates her passion for creating stories that resonate with readers.

“Thank you for the Queens of Crime and the Escapist. Very immersive and of course, super well written.” [20:14]
“Thank you for having me. It is such a treat and an honor.” [20:36]

Key Takeaways

• Historical Authenticity: Benedict's novels are rooted in extensive research, bringing historical figures and events to life while maintaining engaging storytelling.

• Themes of Identity: The Queens of Crime explores the masks women wear in society and the journey towards authenticity, both in personal lives and professional endeavors.

• Female Collaboration: The novel highlights the power of female collaboration in overcoming societal challenges and solving mysteries, drawing parallels to the real-life collaboration among Golden Age mystery writers.

• Continued Relevance: Benedict underscores that many societal attitudes from the interwar period persist today, making her historical insights profoundly relevant.

• Future Projects: Benedict is expanding her literary repertoire with a new novel set in 1920s England and ancient Egypt, continuing her exploration of powerful female figures in history.

Notable Quotes:

• “It’s about the masks we wear to survive, the masks we wear to thrive.” – Marie Benedict [05:01]

• “I try very hard every day to not slip behind the mask and shut it and be more authentic.” – Marie Benedict [09:54]

• “These women see that they have the power to make enormous change.” – Marie Benedict [16:24]

• “If you are true to yourself... things start to fall into place.” – Marie Benedict [18:51]

Conclusion

This episode of Totally Booked with Zibby offers an in-depth look into Marie Benedict's The Queens of Crime, exploring themes of identity, female collaboration, and historical authenticity. Benedict's passion for history and dedication to portraying strong female characters provide listeners with valuable insights into the creation of compelling historical fiction.