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The Marlow Murder Club #4
Mrs Potts' Mordclub und der Tote in der Themse
Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn’t come home last night so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And then Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him – it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated chap with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn’t short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they’ll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case, otherwise a killer will walk free …
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated chap with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn’t short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they’ll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case, otherwise a killer will walk free …
355 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 16, 2025
1230 people are currently reading
23029 people want to read
About the author
Robert Thorogood
20 books2,320 followersRobert 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,275 reviews
September 16, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Film Star Lizzie Jenkins got her start at the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and she has returned to Marlow to attend an exclusive party aboard the Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser hired by Oliver Beresford, the founder of MADS. He is keen to celebrate her success and her return.
But when Oliver doesn’t return home after the party, his wife Verity calls upon Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, Judith Potts, for help. Just as she is voicing her concerns to Judith, his body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in it.
None of the SIX guests remember seeing him disembark, which seems to make this a locked room mystery. As always, Judith Potts and her friends (and fellow amateur detectives) Suzie Harris and Becks Starling, will have to use their logic and perseverance to “help” DI Tanika Malik solve the case.
And, Judith may have to play a part in the next MADS production to get closer to the suspects…
TRAVEL SWEET, ANYONE? 😉
This is the fourth installment of this COZY series and probably my least favorite. Perhaps it’s a “ME” thing as admittedly very few series hold my attention for long, and I have also grown tired of locked room mysteries and the long Agatha Christie style solution at the end. You also must really suspend disbelief when Judith explains how she solves this latest case.
Although I haven’t decided if I want to read book five, I have to admit that the cliffhanger in the closing sentences of the book does have me curious as the next case seems to be of a more personal nature…
This installment is NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Poisoned Pen Press for inviting me to read an ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
Film Star Lizzie Jenkins got her start at the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and she has returned to Marlow to attend an exclusive party aboard the Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser hired by Oliver Beresford, the founder of MADS. He is keen to celebrate her success and her return.
But when Oliver doesn’t return home after the party, his wife Verity calls upon Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, Judith Potts, for help. Just as she is voicing her concerns to Judith, his body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in it.
None of the SIX guests remember seeing him disembark, which seems to make this a locked room mystery. As always, Judith Potts and her friends (and fellow amateur detectives) Suzie Harris and Becks Starling, will have to use their logic and perseverance to “help” DI Tanika Malik solve the case.
And, Judith may have to play a part in the next MADS production to get closer to the suspects…
TRAVEL SWEET, ANYONE? 😉
This is the fourth installment of this COZY series and probably my least favorite. Perhaps it’s a “ME” thing as admittedly very few series hold my attention for long, and I have also grown tired of locked room mysteries and the long Agatha Christie style solution at the end. You also must really suspend disbelief when Judith explains how she solves this latest case.
Although I haven’t decided if I want to read book five, I have to admit that the cliffhanger in the closing sentences of the book does have me curious as the next case seems to be of a more personal nature…
This installment is NOW AVAILABLE
Thank You to Poisoned Pen Press for inviting me to read an ARC provided through NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts.
October 1, 2025
I’m so glad I waited on the audio for the latest installment of The Marlow Murder Club series Murder on the Marlow Belle. I think it made a huge difference for my enjoyment, plus I’m not sure I can do this series without Nicolette McKenzie’s wonderful voice talents! To embody our three protagonists Judith, Becks and Suzie with such uniquely distinct personalities is no small feat, and once again she’s taken Robert Thorogood’s latest mystery and elevated it even more.
Verity Beresford shows up on Judith’s doorstep one day asking for her help in finding her missing husband Oliver, director of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society. She last saw him on the pleasure cruiser The Marlow Belle during a trip down the Thames that Oliver had arranged for the MADS committee. When his body is found shortly after, all attention goes to those who were on the cruise.
Our suspects include the boat captain Lance Goodman, mechanic and amateur actor Toby Vincent, MADS technical director Duncan Wood, Oliver’s wife Verity, and a Marlow-bred film actress named Lizzie Jenkins.
There’s nothing ground-breaking here. It’s a standard locked room mystery with a small suspect pool brimming with various motives to end Oliver’s life. He hadn’t exactly inspired any allegiance or goodwill! There’s a little comic relief in the form of a pretentious, blowhard aged actress named Mary Eddingham who puts on ALL the airs for whatever audience will listen to her. Actually she’s pretty annoying, but in a funny, eye-rolling way.
Judith, Becks and Suzie are the stars of the show, as always, and continue to make life both easier and more difficult for DI Tanika Malik who has basically begged Judith to stand down from her sleuthing before it gets her in trouble. Does Judith listen? Those of you who’ve followed the series know better than to ask that!
If you enjoy an Agatha Christie style mystery, where Poirot or Miss Marple are replaced by a headstrong, determined septuagenarian amateur detective and her two sidekicks, look no further. I personally think the series is best enjoyed on audio, and I wonder if some of my friends who just read it might’ve enjoyed it more in that format. Maybe not. I began with both my Kindle and the audio, but ended up just listening to most of it and followed along easily.
Overall, the mystery was decent. The ending used a ploy I’m not very fond of and the motive seemed weak, but I still loved watching Judith piece it all together, and the book ends on a very surprising cliffhanger! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
★★★ ½ (rounded up)
Thanks to Poison Pen Press, NetGalley and author Robert Thorogood for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
Verity Beresford shows up on Judith’s doorstep one day asking for her help in finding her missing husband Oliver, director of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society. She last saw him on the pleasure cruiser The Marlow Belle during a trip down the Thames that Oliver had arranged for the MADS committee. When his body is found shortly after, all attention goes to those who were on the cruise.
Our suspects include the boat captain Lance Goodman, mechanic and amateur actor Toby Vincent, MADS technical director Duncan Wood, Oliver’s wife Verity, and a Marlow-bred film actress named Lizzie Jenkins.
There’s nothing ground-breaking here. It’s a standard locked room mystery with a small suspect pool brimming with various motives to end Oliver’s life. He hadn’t exactly inspired any allegiance or goodwill! There’s a little comic relief in the form of a pretentious, blowhard aged actress named Mary Eddingham who puts on ALL the airs for whatever audience will listen to her. Actually she’s pretty annoying, but in a funny, eye-rolling way.
Judith, Becks and Suzie are the stars of the show, as always, and continue to make life both easier and more difficult for DI Tanika Malik who has basically begged Judith to stand down from her sleuthing before it gets her in trouble. Does Judith listen? Those of you who’ve followed the series know better than to ask that!
If you enjoy an Agatha Christie style mystery, where Poirot or Miss Marple are replaced by a headstrong, determined septuagenarian amateur detective and her two sidekicks, look no further. I personally think the series is best enjoyed on audio, and I wonder if some of my friends who just read it might’ve enjoyed it more in that format. Maybe not. I began with both my Kindle and the audio, but ended up just listening to most of it and followed along easily.
Overall, the mystery was decent. The ending used a ploy I’m not very fond of and the motive seemed weak, but I still loved watching Judith piece it all together, and the book ends on a very surprising cliffhanger! I can’t wait to see where the story goes next!
★★★ ½ (rounded up)
Thanks to Poison Pen Press, NetGalley and author Robert Thorogood for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out now.
October 16, 2025
Verity Beresford contacts amateur sleuth Judith Potts to locate her husband, Oliver, who never came home last night, and isn't answering his phone. It goes straight to voicemail.
Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, booked The Marlow Belle, a pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee, plus the driver and one important guest—six on board.
While speaking with Judith, Verity takes a call from a friend. Oliver's body has washed ashore on the River Thames with two bullet holes. With only six people on the cruiser during the party, and five of them not seeing Oliver exit, it seems Judith, Suzie, and Becks—AKA The Marlow Murder Club—have a locked room murder mystery to solve...
Murder on the Marlow Belle, I'm sorry to say, felt slightly more than flat. Okay, it felt blah. Where was all the fun and laughter? Even the writing was lackluster. And why didn't Judith go skinny dipping? I think she could have used a nice cool dip in the Thames midway through this one!
The pace finally picks up at about three-quarters through the story, but my-oh-my, that's a long way to go to feel engaged. It's easy to see this isn't my favorite, and I'm still not sold on how Judith fits all the pieces together in solving this mystery. Even so, I remain loyal to these three female super-sleuths!
What I did enjoy was the intriguing cliffhanger ending that has me wanting and waiting for book #5!
3.25⭐
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Robert Thorogood for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, booked The Marlow Belle, a pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee, plus the driver and one important guest—six on board.
While speaking with Judith, Verity takes a call from a friend. Oliver's body has washed ashore on the River Thames with two bullet holes. With only six people on the cruiser during the party, and five of them not seeing Oliver exit, it seems Judith, Suzie, and Becks—AKA The Marlow Murder Club—have a locked room murder mystery to solve...
Murder on the Marlow Belle, I'm sorry to say, felt slightly more than flat. Okay, it felt blah. Where was all the fun and laughter? Even the writing was lackluster. And why didn't Judith go skinny dipping? I think she could have used a nice cool dip in the Thames midway through this one!
The pace finally picks up at about three-quarters through the story, but my-oh-my, that's a long way to go to feel engaged. It's easy to see this isn't my favorite, and I'm still not sold on how Judith fits all the pieces together in solving this mystery. Even so, I remain loyal to these three female super-sleuths!
What I did enjoy was the intriguing cliffhanger ending that has me wanting and waiting for book #5!
3.25⭐
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and Robert Thorogood for the gifted DRC through NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.
September 18, 2024
The second installment solidified my opinion that this is a "poor man's" version of the Thursday Murder Club. This series isn't awful but it lacks the sparkle of TMC. The characters are quirky but not especially appealing. The plot is complicated but feels contrived. The writing is adequate but not especially compelling.
It's a great book to have available in my phone to pass the time when I am unexpectedly waiting for something.
It's a great book to have available in my phone to pass the time when I am unexpectedly waiting for something.
December 14, 2025
“It was just a matter of following the logic of the situation through.”
Judith, Suzie and Becks are back on the case in this 4th installment of the Marlow Murder Club mystery series. Was their involvement mere coincidence—or were they drawn into the mystery by design?
It starts off ‘innocently’ enough when Verity knocks on Judith’s door seeking her help. According to Verity, her husband Oliver hadn’t returned with her from their river cruise the night before. When Oliver’s body is discovered, it becomes clear that there is more to his original disappearance than meets the eye. And, it certainly appears to be no accidental death.
So, what really happened on the Marlow Belle boat cruise? When the three women embark on a bit of friendly sleuthing, what secrets and curious clues will they stumble upon that just might support and shift the course of Detective Inspector Tanika Malik’s investigation?
The author known for creating, writing and executive producing television series like, “Death in Paradise,” “Beyond Paradise,” and the television adaptation of this series, has also written a cozy mystery BBC TV series called “Return to Paradise – Australia” that is now in its second season. Known for its quirky characters, Thorogood always has a way of inventing characters that you want to like, follow, and wonder what their investigative skills will bring to the story. And, then of course, how the case will eventually be resolved. Is it as we expect it, or does something surprise us as readers/viewers that brings everything to a satisfying end?
Such is the case with this series. The women are likable, and fearless. We are intrigued by their curiosity and strong interest in finding resolution. Which makes this story so readable. And, when we think we know everything, there is always something more to pull readers in. It becomes that amazing twist, that keeps readers fascinated and quickly turning pages to that final compelling conclusion.
But is the story over?
Maybe this one.
But the author has more in mind for his faithful readers. And it happens at the end. A cliffhanger. A long arc first introduced in book 1 that needs resolution. Will readers finally get the truth?
Anyone who’s been with me for a while knows I’m not exactly a cliffhanger enthusiast. But this one surprised me—it fit Judith’s character perfectly and even had me eager to see what happens next. Still, that lingering ‘wait, that’s it?’ feeling isn’t my favorite, so I did bump the rating down for this book, a tad. Sorry. 😢
I guess we will have to wait and see what happens when the next installment comes, titled interestingly enough, “The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts.”
3.5 stars
Judith, Suzie and Becks are back on the case in this 4th installment of the Marlow Murder Club mystery series. Was their involvement mere coincidence—or were they drawn into the mystery by design?
It starts off ‘innocently’ enough when Verity knocks on Judith’s door seeking her help. According to Verity, her husband Oliver hadn’t returned with her from their river cruise the night before. When Oliver’s body is discovered, it becomes clear that there is more to his original disappearance than meets the eye. And, it certainly appears to be no accidental death.
So, what really happened on the Marlow Belle boat cruise? When the three women embark on a bit of friendly sleuthing, what secrets and curious clues will they stumble upon that just might support and shift the course of Detective Inspector Tanika Malik’s investigation?
The author known for creating, writing and executive producing television series like, “Death in Paradise,” “Beyond Paradise,” and the television adaptation of this series, has also written a cozy mystery BBC TV series called “Return to Paradise – Australia” that is now in its second season. Known for its quirky characters, Thorogood always has a way of inventing characters that you want to like, follow, and wonder what their investigative skills will bring to the story. And, then of course, how the case will eventually be resolved. Is it as we expect it, or does something surprise us as readers/viewers that brings everything to a satisfying end?
Such is the case with this series. The women are likable, and fearless. We are intrigued by their curiosity and strong interest in finding resolution. Which makes this story so readable. And, when we think we know everything, there is always something more to pull readers in. It becomes that amazing twist, that keeps readers fascinated and quickly turning pages to that final compelling conclusion.
But is the story over?
Maybe this one.
But the author has more in mind for his faithful readers. And it happens at the end. A cliffhanger. A long arc first introduced in book 1 that needs resolution. Will readers finally get the truth?
Anyone who’s been with me for a while knows I’m not exactly a cliffhanger enthusiast. But this one surprised me—it fit Judith’s character perfectly and even had me eager to see what happens next. Still, that lingering ‘wait, that’s it?’ feeling isn’t my favorite, so I did bump the rating down for this book, a tad. Sorry. 😢
I guess we will have to wait and see what happens when the next installment comes, titled interestingly enough, “The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts.”
3.5 stars
November 27, 2025
EXCERPT: Throwing her stick into the Thames, Judith set off back toward her house and was surprised to see an old Volvo estate car parked up. She'd not heard anyone arrive. There was also a woman standing by her front door.
'Hello?' Judith called out.
'Oh, there you are,' the woman said, turning to face Judith.
As she approached, Judith could see that the woman was in her mid-sixties, had straight brown hair, and was incredibly thin. The jeans she was wearing were like drainpipes, and her arms seemed like sticks in her loose white blouse. Judith was briefly put in mind of a praying mantis.
'Can I help you?' Judith asked.
'I hope so,' the woman said. 'I'm Verity Beresford,' she added and paused, perhaps expecting Judith to know her name. 'I'm sorry to call unannounced, but I'm worried about my husband. He vanished last night and didn't come home. And he's not answering his phone; it's going straight through to voicemail. It's not even ringing.'
Judith felt a little surge of adrenaline.
'Does he often go away like this?' she asked.
'No, never! I mean, actually he goes away every week, but he always lets me know when he'll be out. Him suddenly vanishing like this has never happened before.'
Judith looked at the panicking woman in front of her and knew she could have only one response.
'Why don't you come in,' she said, 'and let's see if we ca work out what's happened to him together.
ABOUT 'MURDER ON THE MARLOW BELLE': Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn’t come home last night so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And then Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him – it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated chap with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn’t short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they’ll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case, otherwise a killer will walk free …
MY THOUGHTS: Murder on the Marlow Belle is somewhat of a locked room mystery with a surprising outcome; one that never occurred to me, but which was altogether satisfying.
With such a small group of suspects (five) and a contained crime scene, Judith feels that this murder should be easier to solve than it actually is. BUT . . . Oliver was a man who was larger than life, wasn't short of enemies, and was concealing a major secret!
Judith, Suzie, and Becks, but particularly Judith are frustrated by their lack of progress. They believe they have all the information they need to solve the case but are not seeing something crucial or are not putting it all together in the right order. But do they have ALL the information, or are they missing the crucial piece? And, unlike in the previous book, Judith, Suzie and Becks have been warned off getting involved in this case by DI Tanika Mallik who is under pressure from her superiors.
I enjoyed the am-dram aspect of this case and was delighted to see Judith signing up to play Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest, my favorite play ever. I also loved the character of Mary Eddington, a pretentious, self-aggrandising actress who adds much to the story and is cast as Lady Bracknell. I doubt she will ever forgive Judith!
I loved this mystery! I tried my utmost to solve it but was just as perplexed as Judith. Every one of the suspects eventually appears to have a motive and at one point I was envisaging an Agatha Christie-esque Murder on the Orient Express style reveal. Was it? My lips are sealed! 🤐
Murder on the Marlow Belle ends on a cliffhanger. Judith? Really? I want #5 now!
And do make sure you read the author's note at the end - it is a delightful story about how the plot for came about.
Fabulously entertaining.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.7
#MurderontheMarlowBelle #NetGalley
MEET 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for providing an e-ARC of Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'Hello?' Judith called out.
'Oh, there you are,' the woman said, turning to face Judith.
As she approached, Judith could see that the woman was in her mid-sixties, had straight brown hair, and was incredibly thin. The jeans she was wearing were like drainpipes, and her arms seemed like sticks in her loose white blouse. Judith was briefly put in mind of a praying mantis.
'Can I help you?' Judith asked.
'I hope so,' the woman said. 'I'm Verity Beresford,' she added and paused, perhaps expecting Judith to know her name. 'I'm sorry to call unannounced, but I'm worried about my husband. He vanished last night and didn't come home. And he's not answering his phone; it's going straight through to voicemail. It's not even ringing.'
Judith felt a little surge of adrenaline.
'Does he often go away like this?' she asked.
'No, never! I mean, actually he goes away every week, but he always lets me know when he'll be out. Him suddenly vanishing like this has never happened before.'
Judith looked at the panicking woman in front of her and knew she could have only one response.
'Why don't you come in,' she said, 'and let's see if we ca work out what's happened to him together.
ABOUT 'MURDER ON THE MARLOW BELLE': Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn’t come home last night so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow’s resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And then Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him – it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated chap with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn’t short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they’ll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case, otherwise a killer will walk free …
MY THOUGHTS: Murder on the Marlow Belle is somewhat of a locked room mystery with a surprising outcome; one that never occurred to me, but which was altogether satisfying.
With such a small group of suspects (five) and a contained crime scene, Judith feels that this murder should be easier to solve than it actually is. BUT . . . Oliver was a man who was larger than life, wasn't short of enemies, and was concealing a major secret!
Judith, Suzie, and Becks, but particularly Judith are frustrated by their lack of progress. They believe they have all the information they need to solve the case but are not seeing something crucial or are not putting it all together in the right order. But do they have ALL the information, or are they missing the crucial piece? And, unlike in the previous book, Judith, Suzie and Becks have been warned off getting involved in this case by DI Tanika Mallik who is under pressure from her superiors.
I enjoyed the am-dram aspect of this case and was delighted to see Judith signing up to play Miss Prism in The Importance of Being Earnest, my favorite play ever. I also loved the character of Mary Eddington, a pretentious, self-aggrandising actress who adds much to the story and is cast as Lady Bracknell. I doubt she will ever forgive Judith!
I loved this mystery! I tried my utmost to solve it but was just as perplexed as Judith. Every one of the suspects eventually appears to have a motive and at one point I was envisaging an Agatha Christie-esque Murder on the Orient Express style reveal. Was it? My lips are sealed! 🤐
Murder on the Marlow Belle ends on a cliffhanger. Judith? Really? I want #5 now!
And do make sure you read the author's note at the end - it is a delightful story about how the plot for came about.
Fabulously entertaining.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.7
#MurderontheMarlowBelle #NetGalley
MEET 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.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press via Netgalley for providing an e-ARC of Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood, for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 8, 2025
Book four in the Marlow Murder Club - strangely I have somehow missed book one in the series so I quickly reserved it at the library for future pleasure.
In this outing with the Marlow Murder Club, Judith, Suzie and Becks, a man is found drowned and it is soon discovered that he had been on a pleasure trip on a river boat, the Marlow Belle. There are a very limited number of suspects and even Judith struggles to see a logical conclusion to their investigations.
The author writes well and the story is well paced and always interesting. A quick and unexpected twist at the end is beautifully played. I enjoyed it a full five stars worth.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
In this outing with the Marlow Murder Club, Judith, Suzie and Becks, a man is found drowned and it is soon discovered that he had been on a pleasure trip on a river boat, the Marlow Belle. There are a very limited number of suspects and even Judith struggles to see a logical conclusion to their investigations.
The author writes well and the story is well paced and always interesting. A quick and unexpected twist at the end is beautifully played. I enjoyed it a full five stars worth.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 10, 2025
Murder on the Marlow Belle is the 4th-installment in the Marlow Murder Club series. I've had a lot of fun with the previous 3-books in this humorous Cozy Mystery series, so had been anxiously awaiting this latest.
This series follows Judith Potts, a widow in her 70s, and her two best friends, Suzie and Becks, as they tackle mysteries in their local Marlow community.
This mystery begins when Verity Beresford contacts Judith asking for help locating her missing husband, Oliver. Verity, like most residents of Marlow, is well aware of Judith's superior sleuthing skills, and she believes Judith maybe able to help her find Oliver faster than anyone else.
Oliver's only been missing overnight, but the circumstances are concerning. Oliver, the founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for a party cruise for his committee members, but no one remembers seeing him disembark.
Of course anytime someone goes missing upon the water, there's cause for concern. In this case, it's more than warranted, when shortly thereafter Oliver's body is discovered, having washed ashore with two bullet wounds.
As it turns out, Oliver was a complicated man, with no shortage of enemies. Nevertheless, Judith and her friends are confident they can weed out the killer.
Unfortunately, the task proves more difficult than they'd hoped when they discover what a twisted web the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society actually is.
Will the ladies be able to find Oliver's murderer before they've flowed out of their grasp like the River Thames?
Overall, I thought this was a really fun installment to this Cozy series. I love books set at a theater, or involving a theater troupe, so this was perfect for me in that regard.
I'm fully attached to this charming cast of characters at this point, so find it hard to believe that I would dislike any of these books. Judith is plucky and resourceful.
I love that she's found these two friends at this stage of her life, and though they're all very different, they're so supportive of one another. Squad goals!
I'm in for the long haul with this series. I have no clue how long it is slated to be, but I'll be reading each and every one.
I would highly recommend this series to all Cozy Mystery fans, in particular if you enjoy friendship groups solving mysteries together, or elderly amateur sleuths. The small town vibes are on point as well.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to solve more cases with Judith, Suzie and Becks.
The 5th-book in the series, The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts, is set to release on January 15, 2026. I'll be marking my calendar, and so should you!
This series follows Judith Potts, a widow in her 70s, and her two best friends, Suzie and Becks, as they tackle mysteries in their local Marlow community.
This mystery begins when Verity Beresford contacts Judith asking for help locating her missing husband, Oliver. Verity, like most residents of Marlow, is well aware of Judith's superior sleuthing skills, and she believes Judith maybe able to help her find Oliver faster than anyone else.
Oliver's only been missing overnight, but the circumstances are concerning. Oliver, the founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for a party cruise for his committee members, but no one remembers seeing him disembark.
Of course anytime someone goes missing upon the water, there's cause for concern. In this case, it's more than warranted, when shortly thereafter Oliver's body is discovered, having washed ashore with two bullet wounds.
As it turns out, Oliver was a complicated man, with no shortage of enemies. Nevertheless, Judith and her friends are confident they can weed out the killer.
Unfortunately, the task proves more difficult than they'd hoped when they discover what a twisted web the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society actually is.
Will the ladies be able to find Oliver's murderer before they've flowed out of their grasp like the River Thames?
Overall, I thought this was a really fun installment to this Cozy series. I love books set at a theater, or involving a theater troupe, so this was perfect for me in that regard.
I'm fully attached to this charming cast of characters at this point, so find it hard to believe that I would dislike any of these books. Judith is plucky and resourceful.
I love that she's found these two friends at this stage of her life, and though they're all very different, they're so supportive of one another. Squad goals!
I'm in for the long haul with this series. I have no clue how long it is slated to be, but I'll be reading each and every one.
I would highly recommend this series to all Cozy Mystery fans, in particular if you enjoy friendship groups solving mysteries together, or elderly amateur sleuths. The small town vibes are on point as well.
Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy to read and review. I'm excited to solve more cases with Judith, Suzie and Becks.
The 5th-book in the series, The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts, is set to release on January 15, 2026. I'll be marking my calendar, and so should you!
November 25, 2025
After being introduced to this series via the deliciously addictive TV show, The Marlow Murder Club, I was thrilled when Murder on the Marlow Belle lived up to my high expectations. A fun locked room mystery complete with an Agatha Christie-esque vibe, the plotting was on-point as the trio of amateur sleuths hunted for their latest killer. A motley crew of crime solvers, the witty septuagenarian, local vicar’s wife, and middle-aged dog walker/DJ were as endearing and clever as they were perfectly quirky. Combined with a plot that felt as comfy as my favorite pair of old jeans, I was beyond happy as I tried to put together the clues before the final timely reveal. After all, the red herrings and twisty storyline really kept me guessing as these lovable protagonists searched for the truth.
All said and done, despite the somewhat formulaic classic cozy mystery feel, I had a blast riding shotgun with this amazing cast of characters. I mean, who wouldn’t love the sharp dialogue, smart twists, and hilarious dark humor? A deft cross of The Thursday Murder Club and Midsomer Murders, you get all of the crime with none of the gore, which made for the perfect palate cleanser between my harder hitting thrillers. After all, with a heavy dose of juicy drama and a small village setting, you can just imagine the trouble that these ladies got into. The best piece of all, though? That had to be the cliffhanger ending because it means there’s another book coming. Until then, I need to get my hands on these books so I can binge read the first three in the series ASAP! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn't come home last night, so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow's resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had rented The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, to host an exclusive party for the society, but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And when Oliver's body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him, it's time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated fellow, with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn't short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they'll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case… otherwise a killer will walk free.
Thank you to Robert Thorogood and Poisoned Pen Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 16, 2025
Content warning: murder, cancer, addiction, infidelity, mention of: animal death
All said and done, despite the somewhat formulaic classic cozy mystery feel, I had a blast riding shotgun with this amazing cast of characters. I mean, who wouldn’t love the sharp dialogue, smart twists, and hilarious dark humor? A deft cross of The Thursday Murder Club and Midsomer Murders, you get all of the crime with none of the gore, which made for the perfect palate cleanser between my harder hitting thrillers. After all, with a heavy dose of juicy drama and a small village setting, you can just imagine the trouble that these ladies got into. The best piece of all, though? That had to be the cliffhanger ending because it means there’s another book coming. Until then, I need to get my hands on these books so I can binge read the first three in the series ASAP! Rating of 4.5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn't come home last night, so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow's resident amateur sleuth, for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had rented The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, to host an exclusive party for the society, but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And when Oliver's body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him, it's time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action.
Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated fellow, with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn't short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they'll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case… otherwise a killer will walk free.
Thank you to Robert Thorogood and Poisoned Pen Press for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 16, 2025
Content warning: murder, cancer, addiction, infidelity, mention of: animal death
October 8, 2025
The fourth is just as good as the first!
I am super particular about the series I read, mostly because they seem to always lose steam as the characters, mysteries, or plots become less intriguing over time. I’m thrilled to report that The Marlow Murder Club is still going strong with this reader!
Judith Potts, Marlow’s amateur sleuth and her sidekicks Becks and Suzie investigate the mysterious death of Oliver Beresford, founder of the Marlow Dramatic society. On the night of his death, he hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser for an exclusive party with the MADS committee, but no one seems to remember seeing him disembark. When his body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes, the Marlow Murder Club is called into action. Will they solve his murder?
I listened to the audiobook (as I have for all the books in this series) because Nicolette McKenzie IS Judith. She is a fantastic reader, and I highly recommend listening to this series.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the mystery, as Judith slowly pieces it together. I did not guess the murderer, as Thorogood does a terrific job of casting doubt on all the characters. The audiobook also ends with McKenzie interviewing Thorogood about the book and the series. I was able to gain a lot of interesting insights into his thought process when writing these characters and the plots. I really enjoyed learning more about Judith!
I highly recommend this book and series to those who enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters! I cannot wait for the next installment!
4.25/5 stars
I am super particular about the series I read, mostly because they seem to always lose steam as the characters, mysteries, or plots become less intriguing over time. I’m thrilled to report that The Marlow Murder Club is still going strong with this reader!
Judith Potts, Marlow’s amateur sleuth and her sidekicks Becks and Suzie investigate the mysterious death of Oliver Beresford, founder of the Marlow Dramatic society. On the night of his death, he hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser for an exclusive party with the MADS committee, but no one seems to remember seeing him disembark. When his body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes, the Marlow Murder Club is called into action. Will they solve his murder?
I listened to the audiobook (as I have for all the books in this series) because Nicolette McKenzie IS Judith. She is a fantastic reader, and I highly recommend listening to this series.
I really enjoyed the twists and turns of the mystery, as Judith slowly pieces it together. I did not guess the murderer, as Thorogood does a terrific job of casting doubt on all the characters. The audiobook also ends with McKenzie interviewing Thorogood about the book and the series. I was able to gain a lot of interesting insights into his thought process when writing these characters and the plots. I really enjoyed learning more about Judith!
I highly recommend this book and series to those who enjoy cozy mysteries with quirky characters! I cannot wait for the next installment!
4.25/5 stars
November 18, 2025
Excellent, excellent, excellent. I think these books are just getting better. I don’t do in depth reviews of books in a long series ~ mostly because once you are three books in you usually just want to know if the new one is good.
It’s good! We have the local theater group on a river cruise with a Hollywood star and MURDER. There’s also a small town art walk. Good stuff.
It’s good! We have the local theater group on a river cruise with a Hollywood star and MURDER. There’s also a small town art walk. Good stuff.
July 9, 2025
This series is becoming disappointingly bad as it goes on.
The lead character is becoming irritating, brash about not following rules, being completely insensitive to ‘best friends’, and is full of ridiculous scenario where people tell her everything.
The book really goes with the ladies walk around pointing fingers at everyone saying ‘you killed the person’, the suspect says ‘no’. They go ‘oh well we eliminate them from our suspect list.’
Who the killer is takes you by surprise, not because the mystery is written well, but because there was no mention, or hint or clue of the person even being a possible suspect.
How the lead character came to the conclusion was equally ridiculous… just sharp at the end… no clue, no presumptions, no doubts.
She goes ‘ohhh i have a flash of idea… you are the killer. ‘
And the killer goes ‘oh well you found me. so let me confess now’
And all this while…police is doing nothing but waiting for these ladies to give them inputs, with statements like … I don’t know how you do it Judith. What a bunch of nincompoops.
In the end a complete blah book. Not worth the time.
The lead character is becoming irritating, brash about not following rules, being completely insensitive to ‘best friends’, and is full of ridiculous scenario where people tell her everything.
The book really goes with the ladies walk around pointing fingers at everyone saying ‘you killed the person’, the suspect says ‘no’. They go ‘oh well we eliminate them from our suspect list.’
Who the killer is takes you by surprise, not because the mystery is written well, but because there was no mention, or hint or clue of the person even being a possible suspect.
How the lead character came to the conclusion was equally ridiculous… just sharp at the end… no clue, no presumptions, no doubts.
She goes ‘ohhh i have a flash of idea… you are the killer. ‘
And the killer goes ‘oh well you found me. so let me confess now’
And all this while…police is doing nothing but waiting for these ladies to give them inputs, with statements like … I don’t know how you do it Judith. What a bunch of nincompoops.
In the end a complete blah book. Not worth the time.
December 20, 2024
4.5 stars. The 4th instalment of this very enjoyable series and just as enjoyable as the first.
This time, our three amateur sleuths - 79 year old Judith, Suzie, a middle aged dog walker and part time DJ, and Becks, the local vicar’s wife - are warned by the police to stay out of the investigation into the murder of Oliver, director of the local am dram society. As always, however, these three are way ahead of the police.
The action takes place in and around Marlow, a fairly wealthy town on the Thames, not far from London and most of the characters are in some way connected to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society. It is in many ways a formulaic cosy murder mystery - events and characters are all rather unlikely - but it’s very well done. There are plenty of red herrings throughout and I certainly didn’t guess who the murderer was before s/he (no spoilers here!) was revealed.
This is a better series than Richard Osman’s IMO although there are many similarities. I’ll definitely be watching out for the next in the series as this book finishes on a real cliffhanger and I want to know what happens.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a review copy.
This time, our three amateur sleuths - 79 year old Judith, Suzie, a middle aged dog walker and part time DJ, and Becks, the local vicar’s wife - are warned by the police to stay out of the investigation into the murder of Oliver, director of the local am dram society. As always, however, these three are way ahead of the police.
The action takes place in and around Marlow, a fairly wealthy town on the Thames, not far from London and most of the characters are in some way connected to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society. It is in many ways a formulaic cosy murder mystery - events and characters are all rather unlikely - but it’s very well done. There are plenty of red herrings throughout and I certainly didn’t guess who the murderer was before s/he (no spoilers here!) was revealed.
This is a better series than Richard Osman’s IMO although there are many similarities. I’ll definitely be watching out for the next in the series as this book finishes on a real cliffhanger and I want to know what happens.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ for a review copy.
October 5, 2025
This installment of the series starts with Judith Potts getting a visitor. Verity Beresford is concerned because she and her husband had been on a private river cruise for their local dramatic society, and while they boarded together and she saw him early on, he never came home afterwards. His body is found in the river soon afterwards, with two bullet holes showing his murder. Judith and friends have been admonished against investigating, they keep finding clues and getting pulled in through their local connections.
This is such a fun and classic cozy mystery. The setting, characters and plot twists continue to entertain! This one ends on a cliffhanger and questions of what is ahead for Judith. The ending of the audiobook includes a delightful conversation between the author and narrator.
This is such a fun and classic cozy mystery. The setting, characters and plot twists continue to entertain! This one ends on a cliffhanger and questions of what is ahead for Judith. The ending of the audiobook includes a delightful conversation between the author and narrator.
August 29, 2025
Such a fun, whimsical series. The characters of Judith, Becks and Suzie are unique. They compliment one another so well. I never figured out who the murderer was. The plot was quite clever. ALL of the suspects looked guilty. The story flowed well. I smiled most of the time as I was reading this uplifting story. It ended upon a cliff hanger. I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
I was blessed with an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.
February 5, 2025
Another brilliant book from Robert and this ended on a cliffhanger so, there's going to be another one. I love the friendship between the three women and they way they work out the clues to help the police. Such a pleasure to read. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
May 22, 2025
Author Robert Thorogood has penned yet another fun and fabulous page-turner following the clever hijinks of the trio that make up the unofficial Marlow Murder Club. An alarmed Verity Beresford visits semi-recluse Judith Potts when her husband Oliver goes missing. Verity knows of the success that Judith, dogwalker Suzie Harris and vicar’s wife Becks Starling have had in solving murders — the whole town has! Turns out Oliver Beresford, the flamboyant director of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS), has been shot twice and left in the Thames River.
The threesome can’t get their usual support from the Maidenhead Police Station’s Tanka Malik, newly promoted to detective inspector, but Judith, aided by Suzie and Becks, manage to figure out who killed Oliver Beresford and why. Murder on the Marlow Belle works as a stand-alone for newbies, but I highly recommend catching up on the previous three suspenseful and humorous novels in the series.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
The threesome can’t get their usual support from the Maidenhead Police Station’s Tanka Malik, newly promoted to detective inspector, but Judith, aided by Suzie and Becks, manage to figure out who killed Oliver Beresford and why. Murder on the Marlow Belle works as a stand-alone for newbies, but I highly recommend catching up on the previous three suspenseful and humorous novels in the series.
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
January 21, 2025
I enjoyed this book least out of the 4 Marlow Murder club books.
The plot felt a bit humdrum, to the point it at times felt a bit dialled-in to add to a successful series. There was little to no development of the three main characters, threads left dangling (Hugo?) and a supporting cast that were pretty lifeless.
I’ve enjoyed this series overall, but this one was a bit of a shame.
The plot felt a bit humdrum, to the point it at times felt a bit dialled-in to add to a successful series. There was little to no development of the three main characters, threads left dangling (Hugo?) and a supporting cast that were pretty lifeless.
I’ve enjoyed this series overall, but this one was a bit of a shame.
November 5, 2025
This is another cozy mystery series that I've come to love. This mystery was pretty interesting. So many suspects. Judith is definitely one of my favorite female lead characters in this genre. I really like her wit and independence. Her speeches at the end summing up the mystery always goes long. Like, really long. I understand why even though I wish they went a little quicker. I even caught an episode of the mini series based on the books and really liked it. There's at least one more book in the series so far and I will check it out when it's available. Definitely recommend. Happy reading!! 🏞
September 3, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I really enjoyed Murder on the Marlow Belle. The riverboat setting was fun and atmospheric, and the three amateur detectives are as likable as ever. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings, but it was never confusing or over the top.
It’s not the most shocking or intense whodunit out there, but that’s also what makes it such a cozy, comforting read. Perfect if you like classic-style mysteries with a modern, lighthearted touch. I’ll definitely be picking up the next one!
I really enjoyed Murder on the Marlow Belle. The riverboat setting was fun and atmospheric, and the three amateur detectives are as likable as ever. The mystery kept me guessing with plenty of twists and red herrings, but it was never confusing or over the top.
It’s not the most shocking or intense whodunit out there, but that’s also what makes it such a cozy, comforting read. Perfect if you like classic-style mysteries with a modern, lighthearted touch. I’ll definitely be picking up the next one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2025
Another charming mystery in one of my favorite series. This time the brilliant trio of Judith, Becks and Suzie are on the case involving a shooting that takes place on a boat on the Thames. The victim had a massive ego that made him a good addition to the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, but also left him with quite a few enemies. The theater scenes add to the character of the plot and enjoyment. The end hints at a future mystery that delves into Judith's past. I'm definitely looking forward to it!
October 10, 2025
Actual Rating - 3.5
This is the fourth installment in the Marlow Murder Club series and I am glad that until now I have followed the series assiduously on NetGalley. Reading my reviews of the past books in this series I have realized that Robert Thorogood has a reliable formula for his Marlow book plots and that although sometimes its frustrating to be led down a false path or a misleading clue in search for the murderer, it all leads to a satisfactory end.
In this book, the three friends, Judith, Suzie and Becks are solving the murder of Oliver Beresford that occurred during a fun cruise that took place aboard the Marlow Belle. So its kind of a locked room mystery as there are limited number of suspects- those on board the boat, but as the book progresses we find out that all the suspects had a very good motive to kill Oliver and every time the three civilian detectives talk to the suspects I was sure that he/she was the killer. It was fun and entertaining read for sure in that way. Suzie also predicts, based upon her tarot card reading, that Judith's life is in grave danger and the last twist that ended on a cliffhanger was good. It kind of set the mood for the next book.
The Marlow murder club series is getting better with each new book that comes out and I can't wait to read the next part in it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the book.
This is the fourth installment in the Marlow Murder Club series and I am glad that until now I have followed the series assiduously on NetGalley. Reading my reviews of the past books in this series I have realized that Robert Thorogood has a reliable formula for his Marlow book plots and that although sometimes its frustrating to be led down a false path or a misleading clue in search for the murderer, it all leads to a satisfactory end.
In this book, the three friends, Judith, Suzie and Becks are solving the murder of Oliver Beresford that occurred during a fun cruise that took place aboard the Marlow Belle. So its kind of a locked room mystery as there are limited number of suspects- those on board the boat, but as the book progresses we find out that all the suspects had a very good motive to kill Oliver and every time the three civilian detectives talk to the suspects I was sure that he/she was the killer. It was fun and entertaining read for sure in that way. Suzie also predicts, based upon her tarot card reading, that Judith's life is in grave danger and the last twist that ended on a cliffhanger was good. It kind of set the mood for the next book.
The Marlow murder club series is getting better with each new book that comes out and I can't wait to read the next part in it. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an advance copy of the book.
June 2, 2025
Hmm, very readable (as ever) but I did somewhat feel that Thorogood was writing by numbers/looking to fulfil his publication obligations/seeing this as a novel to get through just so he could end on that particular cliffhanger. It lacked the heart of the other books in the series, the exploration of the crime-solving trio which so effectively portrayed women for whom inadvertent crime solving is just a part of their otherwise normal yet complex lives! There was a tiny bit of it portrayed through Becks' family, but even that felt perfunctory and lacking conviction. It's a shame because, while I don't want to wade through endless personal angst, the roundedness of the characters and how their bond enhanced their lives rather than being the core of their lives was one of my favourite aspects of this series.
Putting that aside, I really enjoyed the plotting of the actual mystery of this. A classic "locked-room" setup where the perp could only be one of the people on the boat, the number of suspects bafflingly small for the event that they were gathered for (although this did come to make sense) and clues that pointed in all directions. I did wonder if Thorogood was somewhat over-egging the pudding in terms of obscuring the motive and killer, but the red herrings and various alibis and evidence that made the case so frustratingly baffling actually had a really well thought out and coherent reason that was in keeping with the characters and actually very satisfying as a reader! I perhaps could have done without the final revelation when it came to the case though. It felt overly convoluted and convenient to wrong-step the reader, even if the seeds had been planted earlier in the narrative. It felt a little too deliberate in what had been a clever and neatly solved case prior to that point.
As ever, a very easy read that made for a fun mystery, just lacking a few of the ingredients that draw me to this series.
Putting that aside, I really enjoyed the plotting of the actual mystery of this. A classic "locked-room" setup where the perp could only be one of the people on the boat, the number of suspects bafflingly small for the event that they were gathered for (although this did come to make sense) and clues that pointed in all directions. I did wonder if Thorogood was somewhat over-egging the pudding in terms of obscuring the motive and killer, but the red herrings and various alibis and evidence that made the case so frustratingly baffling actually had a really well thought out and coherent reason that was in keeping with the characters and actually very satisfying as a reader! I perhaps could have done without the final revelation when it came to the case though. It felt overly convoluted and convenient to wrong-step the reader, even if the seeds had been planted earlier in the narrative. It felt a little too deliberate in what had been a clever and neatly solved case prior to that point.
As ever, a very easy read that made for a fun mystery, just lacking a few of the ingredients that draw me to this series.
January 25, 2025
I will always eat up this series!
The crime was compelling and the twist was very fun! Loved that the plot was centered around a crime on a boat with members of a amateur dramatics society - the cast of suspect was wild. My besties Judith, Suzie, and Becks were on top of their game and I really enjoyed their teamwork of cracking this case and their friendship as well.
Also can we talk about that last line?? I need book 5 immediately!!!
The crime was compelling and the twist was very fun! Loved that the plot was centered around a crime on a boat with members of a amateur dramatics society - the cast of suspect was wild. My besties Judith, Suzie, and Becks were on top of their game and I really enjoyed their teamwork of cracking this case and their friendship as well.
Also can we talk about that last line?? I need book 5 immediately!!!
November 7, 2025
Another fun episode with these three English village snoops! Good cast of characters. An unusual murder scene and a solution I wasn’t able to figure out!
January 28, 2025
I've enjoyed my time with this murder mystery series however that enjoyment has slowly waned over the course of each book and I feel like this may be my last. I didn't feel the sense of community that Robert Thorogood initially created with this village and the core characters, which was a complaint I also had with book three.
Whilst I found the initial premise of the murder mystery intriguing, my interest waned over the course of the story and I found myself completely confused by the ending and resolution. It felt too long winded to be comprehensible so I think I would've enjoyed this more had I stuck to reading the physical book rather than via audiobook as this is the format I've read the previous books in the series.
2.5 stars (rounded down to 2 on Goodreads)
Whilst I found the initial premise of the murder mystery intriguing, my interest waned over the course of the story and I found myself completely confused by the ending and resolution. It felt too long winded to be comprehensible so I think I would've enjoyed this more had I stuck to reading the physical book rather than via audiobook as this is the format I've read the previous books in the series.
2.5 stars (rounded down to 2 on Goodreads)
January 20, 2025
An adequate mystery novel. Some strange moralistic observations, as usual. Not a fan of those. Characters were not as compelling or as interesting as in the previous books, with their inner and personal lives being set aside for a more focused emplotment. The book felt a bit more phoned in, perhaps as a consequence of this lack of intimacy. It was still a fairly entertaining read, and I will, of course, be here for the next one.
February 6, 2025
Huge fan of this series and hope there’s more coming such a page turner and an easy cozy mystery read
September 18, 2025
This is getting old. No pun intended. A swan song is calling. There’s nothing new to offer in the series.
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars (Kindle). Very complex, but we'll thought out whodunnit. I really enjoy RTs writing style + his characters. I just wish they TV series matched the energy + quirkiness of Marlow.
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