The Impact of Roderick Alleyn on the Mystery Genre

Roderick Alleyn, the detective created by Ngaio Marsh, had a significant impact on the mystery genre. Here are some ways in which Alleyn influenced the genre: Prior to the creation of Roderick Alleyn, many detective characters in mystery fiction were portrayed as larger-than-life figures with superhuman abilities. Alleyn, on the other hand, was portrayed as a more realistic and relatable character. He had personal flaws … Continue reading The Impact of Roderick Alleyn on the Mystery Genre

Ngaio Marsh’s Impact on the Mystery Genre

Ngaio Marsh was a prominent figure in the mystery genre, and her impact is still felt today. Here are some ways in which she influenced the genre: Ngaio Marsh’s impact on the mystery genre was significant. Her attention to character, detail, language and social commentary helped to elevate the genre and make it more intellectually engaging and culturally relevant. Her influence can be seen in … Continue reading Ngaio Marsh’s Impact on the Mystery Genre

How The Queens of Crime Revolutionized The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Introduction The Golden Age of Detective Fiction, which refers to the period between the two World Wars, witnessed the emergence of several women writers who made significant contributions to the mystery genre. These women writers challenged the male-dominated landscape of detective fiction, and their works continue to inspire readers and writers today. This essay aims to explore the best women mystery writers of the Golden … Continue reading How The Queens of Crime Revolutionized The Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Cozy Mysteries During the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Cozy mysteries were a popular sub-genre of detective fiction during the Golden Age of detective fiction, which is generally considered to have spanned the 1920s and 1930s. Cozy mysteries were characterized by their lighthearted tone, small-town or village settings, and amateur sleuths who used their everyday skills and knowledge to solve crimes. Cozy mysteries were often seen as a response to the darker and more … Continue reading Cozy Mysteries During the Golden Age of Detective Fiction

Book Review: Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh (1972)

Tied up in Tinsel is a murder mystery novel written by Ngaio Marsh, featuring Inspector Alleyn as the detective tasked with solving the case. The story takes place during the Christmas season in 1972 and revolves around a house party where Agatha Troy, an artist, is painting the host’s portrait. As the party progresses, a local holiday pageant takes place, but things go awry when … Continue reading Book Review: Tied Up in Tinsel by Ngaio Marsh (1972)

Book Review: Death at the Bar by Ngaio Marsh (1940)

Death at the Bar is a classic murder mystery novel written by Ngaio Marsh, a prolific writer of detective fiction during the golden age of detective fiction. First published in 1940, the novel is set in a small English town called Devon, where a group of regulars at a local pub witness a murder. The victim is a well-known barrister, and suspicion falls on almost … Continue reading Book Review: Death at the Bar by Ngaio Marsh (1940)

Reading List: Visiting the Theatre Can Be Murder!

Do you love the theatre and a good mystery? Then let one of these books take center stage of your next night in, but beware, behind every curtain lurks a killer. Catch them if you can before they kill again! Ruddy Gore by Kerry Greenwood (Phryrne Fisher Mysteries,7) Phryne Fisher is running late to a showing of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore when she runs into … Continue reading Reading List: Visiting the Theatre Can Be Murder!

Book Review: Light Thickens by Ngaio Marsh (1982)

Light Thickens by Ngaio Marsh is the final installment of her long-running detective novels featuring the brilliant Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Set in a theater in London, the novel revolves around the mysterious death of the actor-manager of the theater during a dress rehearsal of Macbeth. The plot of Light Thickens is classic whodunit fare, with a cast of eccentric characters and a plethora of potential … Continue reading Book Review: Light Thickens by Ngaio Marsh (1982)