The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts

The Marlow Murder Club #5

by Robert Thorogood

*Pre-order the brand-new gripping novel in the Marlow Murder Club Mystery series now!* THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB is now a major TV series

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The new cosy crime novel from the Sunday Times bestselling author. THE MARLOW MURDER CLUB is now a major TV series.

Someone is killing celebrities in Marlow! When footballer Gary Wise and thriller writer Tony Sexton are found dead, Judith, Suzie, and Becks (AKA The Marlow Murder Club) must untangle a web of blackmail and scandal to find the killer. But with their friend and police contact, DI Malik, suspended from duty, and Judith’s own past catching up with her, The Marlow Murder Club find themselves on their own for the first time ever.

With suspects piling up like tabloid headlines, and someone threatening to expose Judith’s secrets, the pressure is on for The Marlow Murder Club in more ways than one … Can they find the killer and help Judith in time, or will this be the end of The Marlow Murder Club?

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Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Murder Mystery, Crime, British Literature

313 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication January 15, 2026

About the author

Robert Thorogood is an English screenwriter. He is best known as the creator of the BBC 1 Murder Mystery Series, Death in Paradise.

Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.

Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.

In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.

In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.

Reviews

[Kate O'Shea · Rating 3 out of 5]

When Gary Best, local footballing legend, is found dead the Marlow Murder Club want to be on the case but before they can get to the bottom of this death, another local celebrity is killed. The gang should be on the case but with their police contact, Tanika, suspended from duty and Judith hiding some dark secret, will they get to the truth before another famous Marlow resident is targeted?

This is the first of the series that I've read and while I found the plot and relationships easy to follow, it didn't particularly resonate with me. The plot felt quite forced at times and a lot of the dialogue was extremely clunky.

I'd watched a couple of the adaptations and enjoyed the cosy feel but the book simply wasn't for me. I didn't particularly warm to any of the characters - they all felt like caricatures. Its a shame, because the adaptation was really quite enjoyable.

However, since I'm coming at this without having read previous books I think it's only fair to try an earlier book in the series to get more perspective.

The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts is certainly a cosy crime novel and I should imagine that if you are a fan, then you will enjoy this latest episode. I'll go and try a few of the previous novels.

Thankyou to Netgalley and HQ for the advance review copy.

[Alayne Emmett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was lovely returning to these feisty women. Their relationship with each other is so entertaining and the way they solve murders and work with the police is funny at times. They get their man eventually but, I love the way they manipulate people to get information. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

[Sarah Rossi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book, as always in this series, did what it says on the tin. A little intrigue in a bucolic setting, female friendships, a rogues gallery of characters, some surprises (but nothing too jarring - of course). Love me a cosy crime and this series is one of my top choices of the genre. Didn’t 100% love the very end (no spoilers..) and think the reactions around it could’ve been developed further. Still a solid cosy crime read. Thanks for the ARC!

[Books By Your Bedside · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and HQ for the advanced copy of this title in return for an honest review.

This is book five of the Marlow Murder Club series, with the previous being:

1. The Marlow Murder Club
2. Death Comes to Marlow
3. The Queen of Poisons
4. Murder on the Marlow Belle

Let me tell you, new Judith Potts day is always a good day.

I always worry when I come back to a series that is several books in, and particularly if it's been a while since I read the last one, that I will forget where I am and it'll take me some time to get back into it, but within the first page I was back in Judith's world like I'd never left.

I also worry that with these kinds of series, where the books are, if we're honest, very similar, that they have a shelf life and might get boring and repetitive. But this is book five and it hasn't reached that point yet so I am here for many, many more.

I won't spoil it by saying who she is but we get introduced to a new character, Eleni. I wouldn't necessarily say she's a nice character but I felt she was well written, and whether we were meant to be on her side or not, I was interested to read her story. And it was lovely to see a new character introduced into this world of such familiar faces.

Whilst Judith is still our main character - obviously, I mean her name is in the title - we get a lot more of Suzie and Becks, which is good, I like them. And I wonder if Robert is potentially looking to pass the bacon to them if and when Judith perhaps feels too old to continue? That's no spoiler as there's no suggestion he's planning to retire Judith but it was just a thought I had.

Cosy crime novels tend to be a bit far fetched and this one is probably the most far fetched one of the series but I didn't care. I expected it, to be honest, and I loved it; it's exciting and fun and tense and brilliant. It did feel quite a bit darker than the previous books as well which was a nice avenue to explore.

There are quite a lot of characters in this one that some may have issues with keeping on top of but I found they were all used very well in their own stories and in Judith's story.

I enjoyed the subplot going on concerning Judith and Eleni, and whilst I won't spoil it by telling you what it is, it gives us an extra dimension to Judith and her past that was interesting to read about.

I've always loved the little clues and puzzles Judith leaves, I think they're wonderful, even if I have failed to work out a single one in five books.

And the main point I make across all five books is I love that we have a predominately female cast, with three very strong female protagonists, all of which aren't spring chickens anymore, which is refreshing to see.

I am notoriously terrible at working out whodunnits but even I was shocked by the travel here, I did not see it coming at all.

Once again, Robert has given us an entertaining, funny, exhilarating, complex, fabulous novel and I really do hope there are more Marlow books on the horizon as I'm not sure I'm quite ready to leave Judith, Suzie, and Becks.

[Raye · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and I legitimately clapped like a sealion when I heard I was getting a proof.

The way that Murder on the Marlow Belle ended had me desperate to discover what happened next. Though Judith has always been central to the mysteries of the Marlow Murder Club, this book had her past holding centre stage.

I will be writing a full review closer to publication, because I have so much to say.

[Kath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well... haven't we all be waiting for this book with baited breath after the way the author left book four. With an unexpected visitor arriving at Judith's door... Obviously you know all this having started from the beginning and having read the previous, all cracking, books in order...
And what an unexpected, and definitely unwanted, guest Eleni turns out to be. But I will have to leave you to discover who she is and what she wants from Judith yourself - spoilers...
Meanwhile, there is also murder afoot! And, as usual, Judith, Suzie, and Becks want in on the action as "police advisers". But there is a spanner in the works as Tanika is not available to co-opt them as she has been suspended. Leaving DS Brendan Parry in charge. What could possible go wrong there!
Then murder becomes murders and the chase is on for our erstwhile amateur super sleuths to go it alone to figure out who and why, which when they eventually figure it out, it is more than shocking!
Oooo I loved this book. Especially as, with Judith a wee bit preoccupied, Susie and Becks have to come into the spotlight a wee bit more. And then with regard to Judith and her mysterious visitor, well this just brings up a load of interesting backstory for her and also provides the spark for her to really open up to her friends.
And then the main case... wowsers... although I did guess a tad early, and yes it's "one of those" solutions which I don't usually like, but it was well done, and I did have a blast reading the rest of the book so I can easily forgive the author. I mean, some of the ways that the girls used to wheedle information out of people did impress me and occasionally made me chuckle. And, at the end of the day, it did all make sense, and was wholly satisfying.
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well loved series. My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

[Ceecee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Marlow Murder Club #5

There’s been another murder in Marlow, closely following on from the last successful investigation. The latest victim is ex Premier League footballer, Gary Wise who is shot in woods behind his home. Gary is working with ghostwriter Harry Asquith on an autobiography, perhaps someone doesn’t want him to tell all. However, Judith Potts is very distracted and distinctly off her game. Does this have anything to do with a tense encounter the night before with Eleni Paphides? It seems Judith’s past is coming back to bite and Eleni appears to have very sharp teeth. Two characters, both with pasts they might want to forget. The pressure is on for Judith, Suzie and Becks a.k.a. The Marlow Murder Club to find answers.

It’s another fun and entertaining read as these three use all their wiles to get answers, with a fair old bit of manipulation and kidology along the way. Okay, I think it’s not unfair to say this novel is on the far-fetched side but if it keeps you reading on and enjoying it, then that can’t be a bad thing. Parts of the plot are clever with puzzles being set and of course, Judith is in a league of her own when it comes to those.

These are really good characters that Robert Thorogood has created and I enjoy the dynamics between them as well as the Marlow setting, particularly Judith‘s house by the river (with her daily swim of course) which provides an atmospheric backdrop.

Overall, these are good lightweight capers, easy to read with writing that flows. They are a lively combination of humour, cheesy dialogue, intrigue and mayhem with a dash of murder or two. Solved, natch, by our intrepid three.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated early copy in return for an honest review.

[The Cookster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.2/5

"The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts" is the fifth book in the "Marlow Murder Club" series, but the first that I have read. Ideally. I prefer not to drop into a series part way through as there is always the danger that you are missing out on something. That was certainly the impression that I got while reading this book. It is very much character-driven and, as such, will offer a more rewarding experience to readers who are familiar with the returning protagonists. There are also references throughout the story to previous investigations that the Marlow Murder Club have been involved in, which won't have any significance to newcomers to the series.

This point aside, "The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts" is a well-executed cosy murder mystery. It has recognisable tropes of the genre, such as an interfering busybody or, in this case, busybodies, who inveigle their way into an investigation, confident in their belief that they are better equipped to solve the mystery than the local police force. Also, although carefully plotted, it has the kind of convenient developments that would only ever pass muster in a mystery of the cosy genre.

Overall, the writing is fluent, the characters are engaging and it comes as no surprise that the books have become the basis of a television series. Whilst I probably wouldn't place it the top of my "must read" list, I certainly wouldn't be averse to coming back and reading more about the ladies of the Marlow Murder Club.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for supplying an ARC in return for an honest review.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

There’s something wonderfully comforting about returning to Marlow, where Judith Potts and her friends once again find themselves tangled in murder, secrets, and scandal. In this latest installment, Thorogood gives us a mystery that feels both familiar and fresh—layered with intrigue, humor, and the kind of small-town charm that makes the series so addictive.

Judith, crossword setter and reluctant sleuth, is hiding a secret of her own this time, and it adds a delicious tension to the story. When local celebrities start turning up dead—a footballer, a thriller writer—the Marlow Murder Club must untangle a web of lies before the killer strikes again. But what really shines here is the dynamic between Judith, Suzie, and Becks. Their friendship, tested by secrets and pressure, feels so real and relatable, grounding the twists in genuine emotion.

Thorogood’s writing has that easy, conversational flow that makes the pages fly by. It’s witty, atmospheric, and full of unexpected turns. You can almost hear the clink of teacups in Marlow’s cafés while the shadow of danger lingers just beyond the riverbank.

Casually speaking, this is the kind of mystery you curl up with on a winter evening—clever, cozy, and just a little bit dark. Fans of the series will feel right at home, while newcomers will be swept up by Judith’s charm and the sheer fun of the puzzle.

With thanks to Robert Thorogood, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m a big fan of the Marlow Murder Club and have read all their previous exploits but this one was a bit different. As well as solving a murder, Becks, Suzy and Judith have another problem. Judith’s past is catching up with her when her stepdaughter arrives from Greece and accuses her of murdering her father,
Judith is distracted in this investigation and Tanika , their police friend also has some issues- it is left to Suzi and Becks to take up the slack and do a lot of the work! They really come into their own in this novel.
I really liked finding out more about Judith’s history and it was very touching to see how much she is supported by her friends who really don’t know whether she is guilty or not.
The local murder is of a famous footballer and very complicated so the amateur sleuths have to use all their skills to try and solve it despite getting little help from the police in the form of Sergeant Brendan Perry whilst Tanika is not available.
This would be described as cozy crime a.though I don’t know what’s cozy about several brutal murders! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and I loved catching up with Judith, Becks and Suzy- they are like old friends really.
I definitely recommend “The mysterious Affair Of Judith Potts” as a thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining read.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for my advance copy!

[Seriesbooklover · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an eARC of this book for a free and unbiased opinion.
The Marlow Murder Club mysteries are one of my favourite crime series- I find the crime series a comforting yet thrilling read that leaves just me a little bit happier about the state of the world. The mysterious affair of Judith Potts is no different although the stakes are much higher as Judith Potts becomes a suspect in her late husband death and the book has a darker edge than the previous books.
The murder of a famous footballer is murder mystery A and one that Tanitha is keen for our trio of detectives to solve in a change to her usual attitude ( the reason why becomes clear later one) but Judith is strangely distracted. Becks and Susie soon pry the reason out of her- Judith has been accused of murdering her late husband.
The mystery is twisty and complex with more bodies popping up with plenty of action including posh balls, underground caves, shooting and blackmail. This is all served with a sense of suburban English normalcy which makes the ultimate reveals shocking. I had no idea who the murderer was right till the dramatic reveal.
I can’t wait till the next book is out and also looking forward to the wonderful tv series as well.

[Fiona · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another very enjoyable murder mystery in this series. This time, celebrities are being bumped off and Suzie, Becks and Judith start investigating. They are without Tanika, the police officer who previously recruited them, because she has been suspended. Instead, they are lumbered (though not officially) with Brendan, an overly ambitious but incompetent police sergeant. To complicate thing’s further, Judith’s stepdaughter turns up at her door accusing her of having murdered Phillipos, her father and Judith’s husband, so there are two mysteries to solve.

Long may this series continue and I suspect it will as there is now a television series based on it. I won’t watch it though because I know the characters too well and would only be annoyed if the TV version didn’t match my own.

With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a review copy. Keep ‘em coming, please!

[Nat Eveleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

The Marlow Murder Club are back for the next instalment. This time, a murder plot involves Judith, as well as their next crime to solve - two celebrities shot dead in very similar circumstances.


This series of books never fails to make me smile, as well as think im right there with them solving murders. The characters are so well written, and I wish I was friends with these people as they seem so much fun. This story was very well written, and we finally find out a little more of Judith's backstory - when a stranger turns up and makes her confront her past. I would love to see this series come to life on screen, and I cant wait for the next one.

[Amy Geminibookish · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosy murder mystery set in Marlow. Perfect for fans of the tv series, anyone who enjoys the genre or lived in the area. I loved reading so many places I know in the book. Three women annoying the police and solving crimes themselves - what’s not to like. My only con is that the characters are kind of two dimensional but this is easy reading so I’m not angry about it. This is the first Robert Thorogood book I’ve read, the writing style is much slower than I’m used to but it’s to be expected with this sub-genre of mystery. Thank you to Rachel Quin and HQ for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

We join Judith, Suzie, and Becks in the latest cosy crime read set in Marlow.
A local footballer and an author are shot dead. Judith has been accused of murdering her late husband. It's all going on in Marlow.
Tanika has been suspended, so is unable to help the ladies find their killer. Never mind, the ladies use all sorts of tactics to get the evidence they need to solve the crime.
I love this series. It's not taxing, and I know that Judith will save the day.
I can't believe that I still haven't visited the Hellfire Caves when I live about 20 minutes away!
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.

[Miki Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A footballer and an author are murdered in Marlow. Both shot dead. Alerted to the first shooting by Tamika, Judith, Becks and Suzie speak to the widow.
Shortly afterwards Tamika is suspending following information from DS Brendan Perry. This leaves DS Perry in charge of the case and he really doesn't like the trio.
Meanwhile Judith has an unwelcome visitor concerning events in her past and she is distracted by accusations the visitor brings.
Will the gang be able to solve the murders in what becomes an increasing complex case.
With all the style and panache we have seen before this fun read definitely produces the goods.
Loved it.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to read this and it did not disappoint. This might be my favourite Marlow Murder Club book yet.

The mystery is fast paced and twisty, with murders piling up and secrets bubbling to the surface. I loved learning more about Judith Potts and seeing how her past impacts both the case and her friendships.

With Tanika out of action at work, the dynamic shifts and raises the tension, while Judith’s distractions make everything feel slightly off balance. It all comes together brilliantly.

Clever, engaging, and impossible to put down. I read it in one sitting and loved every minute.

TheMysteriousAffairOfJudithPotts #NetGalley.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fifth visit to Marlow and its feisty little trio of crime-solvers. The town is second only to St Mary’s Mead for life expectancy or local crime. On this occasion a handful of local celebs are murdered, a local notorious politician is in trouble and Judith’s past is fast catching up with her.
Will the trio’s puzzle solving skills stand them in good stead this time or is there too much to unravel?
A fab, enjoyable cosy crime series.
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

[Sarah B · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a delight to be returning to the adventures of Judith Potts, Becks Starling and Suzie Harris in the glorious setting of Marlow. Fresh from their success of solving their previous case, they are thrust into a mysterious investigation. They just can't help themselves to being amateur sleuths to follow the clues that lead them into dangerous situations. It was engrossing, entertaining full of plot twists and turns with a few red herrings, humorous, and suspenseful. I was shocked at the big reveal!

[StrictlySue · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was such a joy to read this, the latest in the Marlow Murder Club series, and to be reacquainted with Judith, Susie and Becks! This time our amateur sleuths are trying to solve the murder of a well known local footballer and a famous novelist, however Judith finds herself in deep water when a face from the past turns up to accuse her of murder!
I absolutely loved this book. It’s fast paced, full of red herrings and keeps you guessing until the end. I devoured this book in a day and hope that there will be more books in this series. Highly recommended ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Armchair murder mystery being solved by a group of three older ladies. Cosy, entertaining audiobook.

First I hadn’t listened to/read any of the previous books. Didn’t matter, there’s enough to introduce the main characters and back story.

The story starts of at a good pace. Two different story lines. Hints, red-herrings, a cast of possible suspects. Think it slows a little in the middle. But there is a satisfying ending.

Thank you to Harper Collins UKAudio and NetGalley for the ARC. The views expressed are all mine, freely given.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meeting up with old friends to solve the latest murder in the village.
Suspended detective Tamika cannot help this time as they race to solve the murder as it becomes two.
Distracted Judith is not the usual help as she is distracted by her late husband's child turns up to accuse her of murdering her late husband.
Sit down put your feet up and grab a drink as you sink into the book. Familiar characters come alive and I couldn't put the book down till the murders had been solved.

[Chrissie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts is a fun and engaging cosy mystery. It is the fifth visit to Marlow and two of Marlow's Famous residents have been found dead and the intrepid trio decide to solve the crime .Tanita has been suspended from the Police so they don't have her help this time and her replacement DS Brendon Perry who dislikes the Amateur Sleuths .Fast paced .a real page turner. Loved it .Thank you to NetGalley for my ARC.

[Emily West · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good crime caper that clipped along at a good pace. I’ve read all the books in this series and found that I really enjoyed this one. There was plenty going on that you were constantly looking in different directions. If you haven’t read the previous books, it won’t impact on the main storyline but it definitely helps to know who all the main characters are.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Judith Potts, I missed you - 4*

I LOVE the Marlow Murder Club and what makes it what it is... the incredible trio (Judith, Becks and Suzie). I loved this book but I do think with everything that was happening with Judith, I missed the awesome trio.

Still a fantastic read!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoils us! Not only does it tackle Judith’s backstory face on, we also get Suzie and Becks at the helm.

This is the first time in the series I’ve guessed the killer, not to be taken as bad thing, I was so invested and into the story, I was right there with them.

Thank you HQ for this ARC. A Robert Thorogood ARC is always an honour ✨

[Anne Fox · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another lovely episode in the life of the Marlow investigators. If you like Death in Paradise, Beyond Paradise and Return to Paradise on TV then this series is for you as they are written by the same author. Fans of Richard Osman will also like them. Cosy crime - no swearing, lots of clues and red herrings and a lot of girl power! I’m sure this one will be filmed too.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

A solid cosy read from the Marlow murder club. I was pleased that Judith's story got a resolution, it has been bubbling along throughout the series.

The plot was fairly simple, if a bit repetitive in terms of events and conversations, but I enjoyed the wrapping up and discovery of the big bad.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

Another tale of Judith and her friends Becks and Suzie only this time Judith falls under suspicion! Can Becks and Suzie help their friend in her hour of need?

Recommend you read to find out!

[Polly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The next Marlow Murder Club book promises a twisty, cozy mystery as Judith and her friends investigate the latest murders in Marlow. More of Judith’s past comes to light, adding depth to their friendship. Clever, warm, and full of suspense.