“Five Queens ”Follows an Infamous All-Female Crime Syndicate — See the Cover (Exclusive)

Nikki Vietz, an author and historian, is gearing up for the release of her upcoming book, *Five Queens: The Lives of London’s First All-Female Gang*. Set to be published on March 30, 2027, the book shines a light on the Forty Elephants, an extraordinary all-female criminal organisation that operated in London from the 1870s until the 1960s.

The Forty Elephants, often overlooked in historical narratives, represents a fascinating facet of British history. This audacious group, comprised primarily of working-class women, became notorious for their exploits in theft, fraud, and cunning manipulation. Vietz’s research not only brings their remarkable story to the forefront but also challenges traditional views of organised crime as being solely a male domain.

Vietz, who works as an archival technician at the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, dedicated five years to meticulously researching and writing *Five Queens*. Her extensive investigation took her across London, where she unearthed new sources and insights into the lives of these groundbreaking women. As Vietz puts it, the process of writing her book has significantly influenced her development as a historian and researcher, as well as shaping her understanding of societal narratives.

The book features figures such as Mary Carr, the gang’s founder; Alice Diamond, who devised the gang’s notorious Hoister’s Code; and Shirley Pitts, who earned the title “Queen of the Shoplifters.” Their stories and the camaraderie among the members of the Forty Elephants serve as the book’s focal points, illustrating their resilience and rebellion against societal constraints.

Vietz expresses her hope that readers will resonate with the stories of these women, who she believes reflect broader societal feelings of frustration and confinement. She aims for her audience to see not just the criminal acts committed but the circumstances that propelled these women into a life of crime. “I want readers to understand why these women chose their paths,” she explains. “Rather than judging them for their choices, perhaps they can empathise with their struggles against a restrictive social structure.”

The author notes the importance of reframing the narrative around women in crime, highlighting how their experiences challenge established norms about gender roles in society. In her view, the Forty Elephants exemplify a critical, yet seldom discussed chapter of working-class history, retail evolution, and policing practices in London.

In addition to uncovering their criminal exploits, *Five Queens* also seeks to debunk long-held myths regarding the Forty Elephants. Vietz suggests that their legacy has often been obscured by misconceptions and invites readers to look beyond the stereotypes associated with women in crime. The richness of their story, she emphasises, provides fresh perspectives on the socio-economic conditions of their era.

As excitement builds for the book’s release, readers are invited to explore the lives of the Forty Elephants through the lens of Vietz’s research. The narratives woven throughout *Five Queens* not only promise to entertain but also to provoke thought and discussion about the complexities of crime, gender, and society.

*Five Queens: The Lives of London’s First All-Female Gang* is now available for preorder at various book retailers, providing a unique opportunity to delve into the untold stories of these daring women who carved out their own place in history.