Ngaio Marsh
Biography
Ngaio Marsh was a renowned New Zealand author who was best known for her popular detective series featuring the charismatic Inspector Roderick Alleyn. Born in 1895 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Marsh began her writing career at a young age, publishing her first novel, "A Man Lay Dead," in 1934. Over the course of her prolific career, Marsh wrote a total of 32 detective novels, with Inspector Alleyn solving crimes in various settings from quaint English villages to glamorous theatrical productions. Her keen eye for detail and intricate plotting made her a favorite among mystery lovers worldwide. In addition to her success as a writer, Marsh was also a respected theatre director and producer. She often drew upon her theatrical experiences to add depth and richness to her novels. Marsh's work has been praised for its elegant prose, vivid descriptions, and engaging characters. She has been recognized as one of the leading authors of the Golden Age of Detective Fiction, alongside Agatha Christie and Dorothy L. Sayers. Ngaio Marsh passed away in 1982, but her legacy as a master of the mystery genre continues to endure.
Standalone Novels
Individual novels by Ngaio Marsh not part of a series
- A Man Lay Dead
- A Wreath for Rivera
- Artists in Crime
- Black As He's Painted
- Black as he's painted
- Clutch of Constables
- Colour Scheme
- Dead Water
- Death Dancing Footman
- Death and the Dancing Footman
- Death at the Bar
- Death in Ecstasy
- Death in a White Tie
- Death of a Fool
- Death of a Peer
- Death of a Peer (R
- Died in the Wool
- Enter a Murderer
- False Scent
- Final Curtain
- Grave Mistake
- Hand in Glove
- Killer Dolphin
- La Clinique du crime
- Last Ditch
- Last ditch
- Light Thickens
- Man Lay Dead/A
- Night at the Vulcan
- Nursing Home Murder
- Opening Night
- Overture to Death
- Photo Finish
- Scales of Justice
- Singing in the Shrouds
- Spinsters in Jeopardy
- The Nursing Home Murder
- Tied Up in Tinsel
- Un pi�?¨ge pour Miss C.
- Vintage Murder
- When in Rome
- Wreath for Rivera/A
Classic Series
The series that started it all
- A Man Lay Dead
- Enter a Murderer
- The Nursing Home Murder
Recent Series
Latest works by the author
- Death in a White Tie
- Overture to Death
Reading Order
Complete reading order for Ngaio Marsh's books
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of the series written by Ngaio Marsh?
Roderick Alleyn series
How many books are in the Roderick Alleyn series?
There are 32 books in the series.
What genre does Ngaio Marsh primarily write in?
She is known for her detective fiction and murder mysteries.
Was Ngaio Marsh ever honored for her writing?
Yes, she was made a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contributions to literature.
Are Ngaio Marsh's books still popular today?
Yes, her books are still widely read and enjoyed by fans of classic mystery novels.