Ngaio Marsh was a crime fiction writer from New Zealand. She is considered as one of the four queens of crime alongside Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers and Margery Allingham. Her novels mainly revolve around the detective works of Roderick Alleyn.
- Born on April 23, 1895 in Christchurch, New Zealand
- Graduated from University of Canterbury in 1917
- Her first book, A MAN LAY DEAD was published in 1934 and introduced the character of Roderick Alleyn for the first time
- She wrote a total of 32 novels throughout her career
- Died on February 18, 1982 at Greypower House in Christchurch
Agatha Christie was a British crime novelist known for her detective novels and short stories. Her works have been translated into over 100 languages and have sold millions of copies worldwide.
Dorothy L. Sayers was a British crime writer, poet, and playwright. She is best known for her mysteries, a series of novels and short stories set between World War I and World War II that feature English aristocrat and amateur sleuth Lord Peter Wimsey.
Margery Allingham was an English writer of detective fiction, best known for her mystery novels featuring the gentleman sleuth Albert Campion.
The first book in the Roderick Alleyn series, with Alleyn investigating a murder that takes place during a weekend party at a country house.
The second book in the Roderick Alleyn series, with Alleyn investigating the murder of a New Zealand impresario in London.
The seventh book in the Roderick Alleyn series, with Alleyn investigating the murder of a prominent socialite during a high society ball.
The fourth book in the Roderick Alleyn series, with Alleyn investigating a murder that takes place within a mysterious cult.
The eleventh book in the Roderick Alleyn series, with Alleyn investigating a murder that takes place during a weekend party at an isolated country house.
A great book to start with is 'A Man Lay Dead', which is the first book in the Roderick Alleyn series.
Unlike most detectives, Roderick Alleyn is not a hardboiled or cynical character. He is often described as a charming, likable and intellectual gentleman.
Some of the other notable characters in Marsh's books include Inspector Fox, Alleyn's colleague and friend, and Nigel Bathgate, a journalist who sometimes helps Alleyn with his investigations.
While Marsh was originally from New Zealand, most of her books are actually set in England.
Marsh and Christie are often compared due to their similar genres and time periods, but Marsh's style tends to be more literary and less formulaic than Christie's.