April 23, 1895? There is some disagreement as to the date of Ngaio Marsh's birth because her father didn't get around to registering it until 1900, but this seems to be the standard guess. We know she was born in Christchurch and is certainly one of the most famous people to come from New Zealand. Her 32 novels featured a British cop, Inspector Roderick Alleyn, and often had theatrical themes.
Marsh was considered one of the great female writers of the Golden Age, along with Christie, Sayers, and Allingham. The Mystery Writers of America named her a Grand Master in 1978.
The prize for best crime novel in New Zealand is the Ngaio Marsh Award.
My favorite of hers is Artists in Crime.
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