We chat with author Amie McNee about To Kill A Queen, which is set in a shadowy world of crime in Elizabethan London with this twisty historical mystery featuring a queer sleuth and a dash of romance!
Hi, Amie! Can you tell our readers a bit about yourself?
Hi Nerd Daily! My name is Amie McNee and I’m a novelist and speaker. I write wild, slightly feral books about people trying to survive the world. My latest novel, To Kill a Queen, is a queer Tudor murder mystery. I also write non-fiction about the artistic life, including We Need Your Art, a manifesto for creatives. Online, I’m probably best known for my platform Inspired To Write, where I talk (a lot) about creativity, courage, and why making art is not frivolous but essential.
When did you first discover your love for writing and stories?
It’s so innate it’s hard to even pinpoint a moment. However, the other day my Mum showed me a home video that felt revealing. In a retro 90’s haze, we see my siblings and parents are having fun in the kitchen. There is dancing and singing. Amie is very obviously absent. My dad, the camera man, goes to find me. He opens my bedroom door to discover Amie, only 4 or 5 years old, sitting on my bed in silence, staring into space, listening intently to an audiobook on tape. From very early on, two things have been clear: Amie needs alone time, and Amie needs stories.
Quick lightning round! Tell us:
- The first book you ever remember reading: I have very strong memories of reading a book called Amy’s Angel – about a girl who fell over, hurt her chin and had to have stitches. Loved that we shared a name. The start of my main character energy.
- The one that made you want to become an author: The Hobbit!
- The one that you can’t stop thinking about: Demon Copperhead …
Your latest novel, To Kill a Queen, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Queer Tudor mystery, grit, silly.
What can readers expect?
A classic who dunnit – but with a cast of absolutely ridiculus miscreants.
Where did the inspiration for To Kill a Queen come from?
The original idea came to me when I was watching a Doctor Who episode called “The Snowman.” We meet Madame Vastra, a lizard woman, and her wife Jenny, they are a inter-species, lesbian detective couple who solve crime! I fell in love! Then, one day, in a deprivation tank of all places the idea of a queer detective couple in tudor England arrived in my lap!
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
My favourite character to write and to voice ( I read the audiobook!) is The Justice of the Peace Benjamin. I have never written such a silly, ridiculous character in my life. He delighted me.
Can you tell us a bit about your research for To Kill a Queen?
It was a pleasure to research this book. The highlight is thumbing through the absolutely scandalous court records of the 16th century. There was so much scandal, gossip and secrets in Tudor London, and so much of it is actually documented by the courts. I love primary sources. I love reading things written by the hands of the people who lived it. One of my most devastating and intruging finds was from the 1569 coroner’s inquest on little Jane Shaxspere, who drowned while picking flowers:
“ by reason of collecting and holding out certain flowers called ‘yelowe boddles’ growing on the bank of a certain small channel at Upton, Jane Shaxspere suddenly and by misfortune fell into the same small channel and was drowned in the aforesaid small channel; and then and there she instantly died. And thus the aforesaid flowers were the cause of the death of the aforesaid Jane”
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
I had absolutely no idea who had done the murder until three quarters way through the first draft. I wanted the murderer to reveal themselves to me. At the half way point, I began to get worried, but sure enough – 60,000 words in, I discovered them.
What’s next for you?
I am currently writing the sequel to this book, another Jack and Jenny mystery! Currently titled Everyone in London Is Going to Die. Our investigators have their work cut out for them as “Jesus” appears in London, declaring that everyone must follow him or they will be smited by God! Something that actually did happen in real-life Tudor England.
I have also just finished writing a scifi with my husband, which has been the most fun I’ve ever had writing a book. It’s cozy, very silly, and ultimately hopeful.
Lastly, what books have you enjoyed reading this year? Are there any you’re looking forward to picking up in 2026?
This year, my absolute favourite book was The Tainted Cup – a murder mystery and fantasy! YES! Ridiculous characters, intrigue, magic – it had it all.
In terms of 2026… Every year I look forward to Patrick Rothfuss’s next book in the Kingkiller chronicles… why do I do it to myself.
