Als im vornehmen Marchfield Square die Leiche von Richard Glead gefunden wird, sind dessen Nachbarn nur mäßig erschüttert, war das Opfer zu Lebzeiten doch alles andere als beliebt. Allein die Vermieterin des eleganten Wohngebäudes ist besorgt und möchte das Verbrechen lieber heute als morgen aufgeklärt wissen. Da sie der Polizei nicht allzu viel zutraut, beauftragt sie zwei Mieter mit diskreten ihre temperamentvolle Putzfrau Audrey und den introvertierten Schriftsteller Lewis. Gemeinsam begibt sich das ungleiche Duo auf Spurensuche in der illustren Nachbarschaft und stellt schon bald In Marchfield Square gibt es jede Menge pikanter Geheimnisse - und noch mehr Verdächtige ...
Nicola Whyte has loved books for as long as she can remember. She writes novels and short stories for both adults and children. Her work has been listed for the Comedy Women in Print Prize, the Cheshire Novel Prize, the Daily Mail First Novel Competition, the BPA First Novel Award, and the Times Chicken House Children’s Fiction Competition. She lives near Stonehenge in Wiltshire with her family, a ridiculous spaniel, and two demanding tabby cats.
Marchfield Square looks like a lovely and safe place to live. In the city but behind walls and security gates, wealthy Celeste van Duren built her small community. She’s made one mistake though: she didn’t count on having a tenant with a criminal past – and a criminal live. When he’s found murdered and the police isn’t very fast with finding clues, she asks two other tenants to solve this mystery. Audrey, who loves cleaning and taking care of others, and Lewis, who hates his job and people in general, but loves crime writing. The two set out in a somewhat reluctant way but when the story evolves they learn to work well together.
What I like about this story is the interaction between Audrey and Lewis, and several other characters – not to forget that Marchfield Square itself plays a big role. And although there are developments we don’t expect, and some real surprises, the story failed to keep my interest at places. There was just too much talking and not enough action. It was a nice book and I would like to read more of this author to whether other works by her may get four stars instead of three.
Thanks to Bloomsbury Publishing and Netgalley for this review copy.
Big thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Publishing for the ARC!
If *Only Murders in the Building* had a slightly British twist and way more conversations over cups of tea, you'd get *10 Marchfield Square*. It’s a cozy murder mystery with just the right touch of amateur sleuthing and eccentric neighbors, all wrapped up in a charming (but secretly shady) apartment complex.
Celeste Van Duran, the estate’s owner, recruits two unlikely detectives—Audrey the cleaner and Lewis the crime writer—to dig into a suspicious tenant murder when she loses faith in the police’s enthusiasm.
Their odd-couple dynamic is genuinely the highlight of the book. Audrey’s down-to-earth sensibility paired with Lewis’s self-serious crime brain gives the whole thing a fun, offbeat rhythm.
That said, it *is* a slow burn. There’s a lot of talking, a lot of speculating, and at times it feels like the plot is meandering around in circles. It doesn't help that there’s a sizable cast of quirky characters to keep track of—keeping a notebook on hand wouldn’t hurt.
Still, there are some solid twists, a nice “gotcha!” ending, and it’s cozy in the best sense of the word. If you're into murder mysteries that are more tea than terror, give this one a go.
Nicola is a lovely friend of mine and she's written a book! And it's a cozy crime! Loved the setting and sense of place and Audrey and Lewis's relationship.
Honestly if I hadn’t been reading this book club, I would have for sure DNFed it. The plot was kinda interesting but I didn’t care about the characters at all. At one point I was hoping that Lewis would be the next victim just to add a little something interesting
A solid 4-star mystery. I loved the characters, I was supposed to love, and hated those who I was supposed to. Now whe I look back I feel like this puzzle is pretty solvable for the reader if they want to, but I just enjoyed the ride this audiobook took me on. The mystery didn't feel isolated from the rest of the world even though the most of the action took place in the Marchfield Square
Thanks to NetGalley, the author, the audiobook narrator and the publisher for providing me with the audio arc
I genuinely love everything about this book! Only Murders in the Building meets The Paris Apartment! A couple of murders happen in a small block of flats in modern day London. The elderly landlady recruits 2 of the square’s residents—her cleaner and a mystery novelist—to investigate, after police are quick to rule it a murder suicide. The unlikely pair discover anyone in the square could be a suspect and everyone has something to hide.
I want to move into this square and investigate alongside Audrey and Lewis! This was such a fun read! I like how the different perspectives kept the story moving in an exciting and balanced manner. Sequel, please?
Thank you to Dreamscape Media for providing an arc!
uhmm that was the longest audio book of my life. And so very mid. I feel like it was soo stagnant the whole entire book, nothing caught my eye as I was reading, so made it VERY hard to finish. Lol at finishing this so late !
This is an absolutely PERFECT cozy murder mystery. It has a variety of interesting and well-rounded characters and enough information to keep you constantly coming up with new theories, but not so much that it becomes horribly convoluted. The twists were surprising but subtle enough to be believable. I loved the interaction between the main duo and really hope this is a first in a series!
The narrator in the audiobook did an Incredible job of bringing the characters to life! Tricky dialogues were very easy to follow.
Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for providing me with an ARC for my honest review!
This story is an absolute delight! Marchfield Square is a close-knit, safe community—until one of its residents is found dead. The eccentric landlady, Celeste, recruits the personable cleaner Audrey and the introverted writer Lewis to solve the murder, and the result is a fast-paced whodunit brimming with charisma and charm. The dynamic between Audrey and Lewis is a perfect blend of contrasting personalities, bringing both humor and heart to the story, making them an unlikely yet irresistible detective duo. The square itself feels almost like a character, with its quirky residents and picturesque setting adding to the mystery’s allure. The twists and turns keep you guessing until the very end, and just when you think you’ve figured it out, there’s another surprise. With a satisfying conclusion, this book is a wonderful read that balances suspense with endearing moments. If you're a fan of cozy mysteries, this one is definitely worth picking up!
Thank you to NetGalley and Union Square & Co. for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book dragged sooo much. I didn’t mind the characters but it really felt like it was trying to be Thursday Murder Club or Marlow Murders but just wasn’t. Also I guessed the end end “plot twist” within the first 50 pages.
For what it's worth, 10 Marchfield Square is a cozy, murder mystery. It is a slow burn and could be too slow for some.
I enjoyed the amateur sleuthing done by Audrey and Lewis. They were an unlikely pair to find this mystery out. I enjoyed their banter. These two had never spoken a word to each other until Celeste gave them an offer they couldn't refuse. I too would take time off work if someone offered to pay my month's worth of salary to find out whodunnit.
Audrey is a cleaner with a keen eye. However, around the end, she did slightly annoy me by believing the red herrings. She did have PTSD, so I can't blame her too much.
Lewis was kind of a mood. A crime writer who had a failed last book and was stuck in almost writer's block. He goes to work, comes home, and attempts to write. A reclusive man who doesn't socialize enough with his neighbors. I'd do the same tbh.
I liked this book, but not as much as I would have hoped. It is slow and there is a lot of talking. Not that many scenes that make you feel the thrill of investigating. The surprise at the end wasn't too surprising for me. I had a feeling from the beginning of the book, because why else would they have been watching?
This is a cosy murder mystery with an amateur detective duo who beats the police to the punch.
When the first body turns up dead in the building at 10 Marchfield Square, wealthy neighbour Celeste feels the police are bumbling about and not likely to find the culprit. When the second body turns up and they suspect a suicide, the conclusion is confirmed. She proceeds to secure a better duo of detectives inasmuch as at least they seem interested to discover the truth and are unwilling to leave any stone unturned.
Quite the caper.
Thank you Nicola Whyte and Netgalley for this ALC.
Als ich mir “Marchfield Square” als Lesejury Prämie geholt habe, waren meine Erwartungen nicht allzu groß, doch aktuell bin ich für viele Krimis zu haben.
Grundsätzlich hat mir die Story des Buches gefallen und auch das Londoner Setting am Marchfield Square war ein authentischer Schauplatz. Dennoch gibt es für mich leider mehrere Kritikpunkte…
Nicht nur kam ich ständig mit all den Charakteren durcheinander (es gibt 10 Parteien am Square und dann noch viele Außenstehende…), sondern auch der Schreibstil hat meinen Lesefluss ziemlich beeinträchtigt 😢
Am schwerwiegendsten ist für mich allerdings die Tatsache, dass einige der Handlungen und Plot Twists so kompliziert waren, dass ich sie schlichtweg nicht verstanden habe. So war mir selbst das Ende bzw. die finale Auflösung des Falles nicht ganz klar, was das Leseerlebnis natürlich negativ beeinflusst 😕
Dennoch gebe ich 3✰, denn Potenzial hat das Ganze definitiv - nur leider scheiterte es an der Umsetzung.
Falls allerdings jemand mehrere komplexe Zusammenhänge in Krimis liebt: Dieses Buch ist für euch perfekt! 🔎
One of the biggest joys of Celeste, the rich neighbourhood busybody (and landlady of Marchfield Square) is to quietly spy on her neighbours and tenants with binoculars as she is looking out her window every day, chronicling the comings and goings of the residents. One day murder creeps through the cracks of the building and Celeste is ready to task the ‘cleaner’ and the ‘writer’ in the building to do sleuthing for her to both satisfy her curiosity and solve the murder of one of her tenants.
The way this book was a delightful read! Absolutely adored all the characters that were included in this cozy murder mystery. There are a little million small characters, and seemingly no one has a motive, but turns out there are more going on in the neighbourhood, than what you expect at first.
Audrey and Lewis’ chemistry in conversations are enchanting, as opposites are interacting, although I sometimes felt the happenings were drowned out by conversation and at times I had a hard time keeping up with who is who and did what. I didn’t mind it as much as audiobook, since Nneka Okoye narrates it wonderfully, bringing the book to life vividly.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for allowing me to listen to this audiobook for free ✨
Cozy Crime Story mit "Only Murders in the Building" Vibes ❤️ Schon seit Release war ich so gespannt auf die Story 🤓 Ich hab es dann sehr spontan als Hörbuch angefangen und muss zugeben, dass mir der Einstieg nicht leicht viel 😕 Irgendwie waren mir das auf einmal zu viele Charaktere, Namen und Orte. Doch nach einer Weile war ich dann voll drin und richtig gefesselt. Die Atmosphäre war richtig schön dicht, mysteriös aber dennoch ganz cozy 🥰 Aber auch mit Audrey und Lewis als laienhaftes Ermittlerduo musste ich erstmal warm werden 🤣 beide sind echt speziell und haben total ihre Eigenheiten, was in der einen oder anderen Situation schon zu einem witzigen Moment geführt hat 🤣 Beide spielen sich aber nach einer gewissen Zeit ein und machen auch eine tolle Entwicklung durch, das hat mir richtig gut gefallen 🥰 Ich habe den Fall wirklich gespannt verfolgt, obwohl ich manchmal das Gefühl hatte es wird sich ein unnötigen Details verbissen, nur um die Leserschaft auf eine falsche Fährte zu locken 🤓 Die Auflösung und den kleinen Twist am Ende fand ich doch toll und sehr unterhaltsam inszeniert 😊 Ich hatte an tristen und verregneten Sommertagen viel Spaß mit der Geschichte und es gibt eine klare Leseempfehlung für Fans von "Only Murders in the Building ". Besonders mit dem düsteren, cozy Setting passt es auch toll in den kommenden (Spät)Herbst 😊
Wenn ihr Fans seid von 'Fenster zum Hof', 'Only Murders in the Building', 'Hotel Ambrosia' oder dem Donnerstags-Mordclub, speichert ihr euch JETZT 'Marchfield Square' auf eurer Wunschliste ab.
Marchfield Square ist eine Gated Community inmitten von London, gehört einer reichen, immobilen älteren Dame und wird bewohnt von einem Dutzend sehr unterschiedlicher, teilweise etwas verschrobener Bewohner*innen. Die alte Dame, Celeste, ist sowas wie Der Pate in nett, sie hat alle Fäden ihres Anwesens in der Hand und weiß alles über ihre Mieter*innen. Somit erfährt sie als erste, dass ein sehr unbeliebter Mieter ermordet wurde, in seiner Wohnung. Da Celeste der Polizei nicht traut, engagiert sie als privates Ermittlungsteam kurzerhand ihren Mieter Lewis - einen erfolgslosen Krimiautor - und ihre Mieterin und Reinigungskraft Audrey. Beide haben keinerlei Befähigung zum Aufdecken von Morden, doch allzu schnell haben sie es nicht nur mit einem Haufen Verdächtiger zu tun, sondern auch mit mehreren Leichen..
Der Roman ist äußerst unterhaltsam, dabei bleibt er nicht nur im Seichten, sondern behandelt auch schwere Themen wie häusliche Gewalt oder Trauma. Audrey ist definitiv die Heldin der Geschichte, während Lewis der ziemlich trottelige Trampel ist, den manche sicherlich dennoch liebenswürdig finden können. Es gibt zahlreiche spannende Plottwists, wenn auch kein super überraschendes Ende.
Ganz an 'Hotel Ambrosia' ran kommt 'Marchfield Square' für mich nicht, aber Spaß gemacht hat es mir allemal.
In her debut novel, Nicola Whyte creates a delightfully insular world within the smallest residential square in London, then punctures its peaceful veneer with a perfectly executed murder. 10 Marchfield Square combines the charm of a cozy mystery with the psychological depth of contemporary crime fiction, delivering a compelling read that keeps you guessing until the very end.
The story unfolds in Marchfield Square, a small, private residential enclave created by the wealthy van Duren family as a sanctuary for those needing protection from their pasts or simply priced out of London living. When Richard Glead is murdered in his kitchen, and the police try to pin it on his abused wife Linda, the square's elderly matriarch Celeste van Duren takes matters into her own hands. She recruits an unlikely detective duo: her cleaner Audrey Brooks, who knows everyone in the square and all their secrets, and Lewis McLennon, a failed crime writer who lives in solitary frustration over his stalled career. Together, they must uncover the truth before further tragedy strikes.
Strengths: Character Development and Setting
The greatest triumph of 10 Marchfield Square is Whyte's masterful character work. Each resident of the square comes alive through distinctive personality traits, quirks, and histories. Audrey, with her cleaning routine that helps her process information and her traumatic past that makes her empathetic to abuse victims, is a particularly well-crafted protagonist. Her foil, Lewis, with his social awkwardness and obsession with true crime forums, creates a perfect tension that drives much of the narrative.
Celeste van Duren deserves special mention as a fascinating character who defies easy categorization. Is she merely an eccentric, wealthy old lady with a penchant for justice, or is there something more calculating beneath her benevolent façade? The way Whyte keeps readers questioning Celeste's motives until the very end demonstrates her skill at multilayered characterization.
The setting itself functions as a character. Marchfield Square, with its carefully maintained garden, Victorian street lamps, and secluded atmosphere, becomes both a sanctuary and a potential trap. Whyte draws this small world with such precision that readers can easily visualize the layout, from Celeste's picture window that overlooks everything to the hidden maintenance shed that becomes crucial to the plot.
The Mystery: Clever Misdirection and Satisfying Resolution
The central mysteries of who killed Richard Glead, and subsequently his wife Linda, are constructed with impressive intricacy. Whyte scatters clues throughout the narrative that reward attentive readers without ever making the solution obvious. The investigation unfolds organically as Audrey and Lewis interview suspects, search for evidence, and slowly piece together connections between:
- Richard's blackmail operations - His investment scams targeting wealthy older women - A possible criminal network involving art theft - Multiple incidents of domestic abuse - The peculiar presence of a silver coin at the crime scene
What elevates this mystery above many in the genre is Whyte's willingness to engage with serious themes like domestic violence, stalking, and trauma without reducing them to mere plot devices. Linda's abuse at Richard's hands and Audrey's history with a stalker are treated with appropriate gravity, informing character motivations rather than simply serving as background color.
Narrative Style: Alternating Perspectives and Pacing
Whyte employs alternating perspectives between Audrey and Lewis for most chapters, with occasional glimpses into Celeste's viewpoint. This technique effectively builds tension by allowing readers to see different pieces of the puzzle while maintaining mystery about critical elements. The narrative moves at a brisk pace, with short chapters that encourage "just one more" reading sessions that can easily turn into hours.
The dialogue deserves particular praise—it feels natural and distinctive to each character. From Lewis's awkward social interactions to Celeste's aristocratic pronouncements, each voice is instantly recognizable. Conversations reveal character while pushing the plot forward, a difficult balance that Whyte manages with apparent ease.
Areas for Improvement: Plot Complexity and Side Character Development
While the intricate plotting is generally a strength, there are moments when the multiple layers of conspiracy become almost too complex to track. The connections between Richard's criminal enterprises, the mysterious "Fixer," and the various residents of Marchfield sometimes require mental gymnastics to follow. A slightly tighter focus might have made the central mystery even more impactful.
Some side characters, while colorful, remain somewhat underdeveloped. Captain Gordon, for instance, is more of a stereotype of a military man than a fully realized character. Similarly, Victor DeFlore's secret life feels like it deserves more exploration than it receives. These are minor criticisms, however, in a book that generally excels at breathing life into its ensemble cast.
Thematic Depth: Appearances and Reality
The novel's central theme—how little we truly know our neighbors—is explored with nuance and psychological insight. Whyte peels back layers of respectability to reveal:
- The performative nature of community - How physical spaces can both protect and imprison - The lengths people will go to maintain appearances - The different masks we wear for different audiences - How trauma shapes behavior in unexpected ways
This thematic richness elevates 10 Marchfield Square above standard cozy mysteries, giving readers something to ponder long after the whodunit is resolved.
Final Assessment: A Stellar Debut
For a debut novel, 10 Marchfield Square displays remarkable assurance. Whyte balances the expectations of the mystery genre with fresh character work and social observation. The novel delivers the satisfaction of a traditional murder mystery while incorporating contemporary sensibilities about trauma, abuse, and recovery.
Fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series will appreciate the mix of humor and serious crime, while readers who enjoy Lucy Foley's closed-community mysteries will find similar pleasures here. There are echoes of Agatha Christie's attention to detail and cluing, updated for modern readers who expect psychological depth alongside puzzle-solving.
What sets this book apart is its perfect blend of accessibility and substance. The pages turn easily, but the story lingers, making it an ideal summer read that doesn't insult your intelligence.
Marchfield Square ist ein Buch was sich super flott lesen lässt, zeitweilig echt Spaß macht, aber leider einfach nicht hängen bleibt.
In der Londoner Wohnanlage Marchfield Square wird ein Bewohner ermordet, was die Vermieterin Celeste van Duren dazu bringt, zwei ungewöhnliche Ermittler mit der Aufklärung zu betrauen. Während Audrey und Lewis, der eigenbrötlerische Schriftsteller, die Nachbarschaft durchleuchten, stoßen sie auf zahlreiche Geheimnisse und eine überraschend große Zahl potenzieller Täter.
Wir lesen abwechselnd aus der Sicht von Audrey und Lewis, wobei ich Audreys Kapitel viel mehr genossen habe, da mir Lewis oft ein bisschen arrogant vor kam, ganz nach dem mysteriösen Schriftstellerklischee... Oft hat er sehr auf Audrey herab geschaut und das vor allem in Bezug zu ihrem Beruf, sie arbeitet nämlich als Putzfrau und excuse me wir haben 2025 warum muss man da immer noch so herablassend drauf schauen?
An sich war das Mystery um den Mord in der Wohnanlage spannend, aber ab und zu gab es einige Stellen, die sich sehr gezogen haben. Ich glaube dem Buch hätte es gut getan etwas kürzer zu sein. Aber ansonsten kann ich da nicht meckern! Ich mochte die restlichen Charaktere sehr, hätte mir vielleicht ein bisschen mehr Gesellschaftskritik gewünscht, weil die exklusive Wohnanlage da schon eine gute Steilvorlage bietet, aber naja, maybe in einem nächsten Buch von Nicola Whyte, ich glaube die Autorin hat echt gutes Potenzial!
Fans of the cosy mystery genre will love this quirky whodunnit centred around a London apartment building (content warnings for domestic violence). Before you sign a lease, be aware that Celeste van Duren watches over her tenants with a protective eye and a pair of secret binoculars. Celeste is 82 years old but refuses to sit on the sidelines as residents in her building are murdered - she needs the inside scoop & the police aren't up for the job. I thought Celeste was a hoot, and when she recruits Audrey (a cleaner) and Lewis (a crime writer) as her deputy investigators – the criminals don’t stand a chance. I enjoyed the fact that Audrey and Lewis had their own personal and professional obstacles to overcome while they’re hunting down the killers. The two amateur detectives balanced each other well in terms of skills and personality quirks. Each tenant in the building felt well-imagined with their own backstories to discover. The pacing flowed well and I had a giggle over some of the character descriptions – looking at you "human potato in a white wig". I’d definitely follow more adventures set in this cosy London apartment complex. I have a feeling there are a lot more secrets buried in the foundations. Review to be shared on FishbirdCentral.com closer to publication date. Thank you to Netgalley & Publishers for the early reader copy.
Searching for a twisty mystery between seasons of Only Murders in the Building? Look no further. Wealthy Celeste has turned Marchfield Square into a set of apartments, only renting to the right people. But she made a mistake with Richard and Linda. Now Richard is found dead and Linda is the prime suspect. Not trusting the police, who seem bent on blaming Linda, Celeste hires Audrey, her house cleaner, and Lewis, a stalled crime writer, to solve the case. But as they investigate, it gets more and more complicated. However, Audrey and Lewis find that they're actually pretty good at solving crimes and are on their way to the solution.
This was Only Murders, but make it British and a bit tedious. This felt like it went on for ages. There wasn't a lot of action, just description and dialogue. It certainly wasn't bad and the mystery was sufficiently twisty, but I doubt I'd read more.
Cosy Crime mit britischem Charme Marchfield Square ist eine sehr vornehmer Wohnkomplex in London, in dem die reiche Vermieterin Celeste alle Fäden in der Hand hält. Als in der Bonfire Night der allseits verhasste Mieter Richard Glead erschossen wird, beauftragt sie 2 ihrer Mieter - die empathische Putzfrau Audrey und den introvertierten Schriftsteller Lewis - den Mordfall aufzuklären. Die Ereignisse überschlagen sich, als es zu weiteren Todesfällen kommt und es werden Geheimnisse und Verbindungen aufgedeckt.... Der Roman ist wirklich super geschrieben und hat mich von Anfang an begeistert. Die Chemie zwischen Audrey und Lewis ist so gut, dass ich manchmal laut lachen musste. Den beiden Ermittlern zu folgen und die Morde aufzuklären, hat mir richtig Spaß gemacht und ich habe die Atmosphäre im Buch wirklich geliebt. Auch der Schluss hat mich nicht enttäuscht, sondern im Gegenteil richtig begeistert und so bleibt mir nur zu sagen - absolute Leseempfehlung!
I was lucky enough to get an early copy of this book and couldn’t put it down. It’s cosy with page-turning characters and a plot that keeps you guessing (with some wicked twists). I adore the journey Audrey and Lewis go on to find out who murdered their neighbour (Lewis’ awkwardness and Audrey’s patience had me hooked). I’d also love to live in a gated community with Celeste at the helm- what a lady! Highly recommend this for anyone who loves a good mystery with memorable characters.
Landlady Celeste has a situation on her hands: one of her tenants at 10 Marchfield Square was murdered. She recruits two other tenants, her cleaner Audrey and reclusive mystery writer Lewis, to crack the case. As Audrey and Lewis dig deeper, they stumble into more murders and unearthing secrets from all the other tenants in the building. Could one of their neighbors be the murderer?
I sought this book out because it’s being advertised to those who love Only Murders in the Building - and I have to agree that this is the perfect descriptor! It’s a #CozyMystery for those who like the True Crime-ification of podcasts that Only Murders in the Building so excellently weaves in. It may not be the most fast-paced thriller, but that’s partially because the author takes care of developing her characters beyond just the one-dimensional suspects that they could have otherwise been. It was pleasant to read, and I think Only Murders in the Building fans will love the change of scenery this book provides.
Nneka Okoye narrated this book to perfection! She was a perfect match for the cadence and storytelling, and her various inflections/tones for the different characters helped to distinguish them in a story with several key characters. Great choice on having her as the narrator and I can’t wait to listen to more of her narration!
Reviewed as part of #ARC from #NetGalley. Many thanks to Dreamscape Media/Union Square & Co. for the opportunity to read and review.