Murder on Charity Lane

Marigold Cottages Murders #2

by Jo Nichols

The charming and heartfelt follow-up to The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, written in the vein of The Thursday Murder Club and "Only Murders in the Building," with a southern California twist.

After the recent 'hubbub'—as Mrs. B describes the murders on the property—quiet descends upon the Marigold Cottages. Sophie is moving in with Nicholas, Anthony is smitten with Lily-Ann, and life is returning to normal.

But Mrs. B misses the hubbub.

That's why she invites her friend Elsa Moore to move into Sophie's now-vacant cottage: Elsa is a suspect in the death of her employer, who tumbled down the stairs of his mansion during a dinner party. His much-younger window claims she saw Elsa push Frank, but Mrs. B knows she's innocent.

Mrs. B rallies the residents to investigate the party-goers: an eccentric couple who owe Frank, a fundraiser who depends on his largesse, and an old friend obsessed with life-extension. But the tenants all come to the same conclusion: Elsa is guilty.

And as they investigate, someone is snooping around the Cottages, leaving windows unlocked and papers misplaced. Then there’s a second murder, and they discover that Mrs. B risked the Marigold Court for Elsa. With their tight-knit community on the line, they must prove her innocence.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Mystery Thriller

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication August 18, 2026

About the author

JOEL ROSS is the author of an award-winning fogpunk adventure series that includes THE FOG DIVER and THE LOST COMPASS, the BEAST & CROWN series, and ALLEY & REX series. As Joel Naftali, he wrote a skunkpunk children’s series and co-wrote THE ARMY OF FROGS trilogy which became a Netflix animated series―for which he and Lee wrote the screenplays. He is also the author of two adult WWII thrillers. And as Joel Dane, he wrote the CRY PILOT science fiction series, along with the science fiction podcast, MARIGOLD BREACH that starred Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto.

LEE NICHOLS is the author of five chick lit novels including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN and HAND-ME-DOWN. She’s written the HAUNTING EMMA series for young adults, which is currently optioned for TV and co-wrote the animated Netflix series, THE ARMY OF FROGS.

Lee and Joel met in college and have lived together more years than they have not. They currently reside in Santa Barbara with two cats named Earl and Betty and have one son who pretends to be learning something while away at college. After collaborating on roughly thirty books together for both children and adults, they finally sat down to write The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, their first mystery.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quirky cast of characters. Sophomore book in the series where we investigate another crime. Who wanted the wealthy, elderly man dead. And why did it happen way differently than someone else expected. Interesting California setting where the cottages represent a tight-knit group of misfits who've come to see each other as family. I enjoyed many of the scenes but I struggled to maintain interest the entire time. Still a good one tho.

[theliterateleprechaun]

4 ⭐

This book is the second installment in The Marigold Cottages Murders series and is set six months after the series debut. To get the most from this story, I’d recommend starting with book one.

I loved escaping back into Ms. B’s world; the ensemble cast of unconventional found family instantly pulled me in. I love how this cast of unusual and quirky renters makes the community feel familiar and allows me to sit back and laugh or gasp at the antics. Don’t get me wrong, Ms B steps up her game and there are still mysteries and murders to solve, but the solidarity and camaraderie of these renters is the highlight of the series. It may not have had the same tone as the series debut, but I LOVED that the authors chose to gloss over the character introduction. It’s a big pet peeve of mine when sequels take up pages reintroducing cast members. If you’ve read book one, you’ll be able to hop right into the action in this installment after meeting one new renter, Elsa.

I’m all in for book three!

I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

We have a strong conclusion to a (book)
story that I was having a difficult time
spending time with and caring about the
characters. At the 3/4 mark, it was as if
a bright light appeared along with a
friend;y ghost~ to make sure I was getting
the point and loving how brilliant the plot
really is as it comes together with a strong
set up for the next offering.
I STRONGLY encourage folks to read the
first book so you will be set up for success!
My thanks to Minotaur Books via Net Galley
for the download of the book for review
purposes.

[Dayle (the literary llama) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so so so hoping that book one would launch a succesful series and was elated to jump into Murder on Charity Lane to discover if the eccentric and quirky murder mystery path could be taken twice. It's a slightly unconventional arc that these books take, giving something new to the cozy genre while also fitting right in with just a smidge more blood and grit. And I'm happy to report that it's another winner for the people at Marigold Cottages. Sweet and fun this time around with couples shacking up and interactions of all kinds feeling closer and more intimate. Their shared secrets bond them even while casting a small shadow.

Of course there is a new murder to solve and Mrs B is intent to shove her nearest and dearest right into the middle of it. The accusations fly and the intrusive sleuthing begins. Detective Vernon is back and he's a lot more likeable this time around. Much improved, thankfully, while not completely abandoning his established personality, he has his own investigation to commence and with a little bit of sanctioned help from our intrepid collective.

Are some things a little too coincidental? Sure. Can some things be easily extrapolated? Yes. But are the short chapters and multitude of characters absolutely delightful making this a dream to read? Absolutely.

Basically, I love this series and I hope there are many more stories to come.

* I received a free early ecopy from the publisher

[Trisha]

oooh I loved book 1 of this series!! Can'tw ait to read this one!

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 rounded down for goodreads

After being absolutely enchanted with book one, I was thoroughly disappointed by this second installment. If you haven’t read the first book, you’re going to be totally lost here. We don’t really get a rundown of the characters, and the events of the first book are casually sprinkled throughout, almost in passing.

Lily-Ann is making great strides personality-wise, and that was wonderful to see, but I would have loved to see more character development from the rest of the group (minus Anthony, because he’s a peach).

While we’re given the same rotating POV chapter style from book one, the story really ends up belonging to Sophie and Nicolas, both of whom weren’t my favorites from the first book. Unfortunately, the story felt boring, dry, and dragged out. There’s little to no action and hardly any involvement from the group until the very end.

There also felt like there were too many outside players compared to the main cast. Instead of being a fun, chaotic mystery like the first book, the story just felt slow. I don’t know how many times I picked up my phone or got up to do chores mid-sentence.

I’m hoping this was just a fluke and not the tone of the rest of the series. Given how strong the first book was, I’d absolutely be willing to try book three when it comes out.

[Devi · Rating 5 out of 5]

📱📖 Read on Kindle (Kobo edition)
📃 352 pages
⏱ 4.5 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Minotaur Books
📅 Release Date: August 18, 2026
✨ ARC provided by NetGalley

After adoring the first Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, I was both nervous and giddy to see if Jo Nichols could pull it off again... and Jo Nichols delivered! Murder on Charity Lane leans into everything that made Book 1 sparkle: cozy chaos, loveable oddballs, and Mrs. B’s irresistible meddling. In book one, murder landed at Marigold Cottages uninvited. But this time, Mrs. B practically sets out the welcome mat for it. And honestly? I loved that bold energy.

Because we already know the residents, Nichols skips lengthy character reintroductions. Which is refreshing, but also my gentle PSA: read this series in order. The ensemble dynamic is half the magic. Watching this found family grow more comfortable, more united, and more in sync with each other’s quirks made the whole experience warmer and richer. The multi-POV structure (everyone except Mrs. B) adds layers, though I am deeply curious why we’re denied her perspective. And Sophie alone narrating in first person? Intriguing choice. I have questions, Jo Nichols. I have questions. The pacing is gentle but confident, and Nichols’s descriptive touch strikes just the right balance: warm, vivid, and never bogged down.

The writing remains smooth and immersive, painting Marigold Cottages in cozy, sun-warmed tones without overindulging in description. The mystery itself keeps the pages turning, but it’s the community that anchors everything. This series has that rare “I want to live there” quality. Coming back to Marigold Cottages felt like catching up with old friends, ones you’d absolutely gossip with over tea and scones while a murder unravels next door. Mrs. B has fully taken the reins as the Queen Bee of Charm and Chaos, and I, for one, am delighted to follow her anywhere. I cannot get enough. Book three might be a year away, but consider me already impatient.

Would I recommend it?
Murder on Charity Lane is a charming, clever sequel that wraps humor, heart, and a solid mystery into one breezy read. If you love small-town cozy mysteries, strong ensemble casts, and that warm “found family” feeling wrapped around a twisty whodunit, this series continues to deliver. It’s comfortable without being complacent, charming without losing stakes. Mrs. B remains iconic. If you loved the first, this one’s an automatic pre-order.

[ReaderintheFog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to St. Martins Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC, all opinions in this review are my own.

Murder on Charity Lane by Jo Nichols is the fantastic sequel to The Marigold Cottage Murder Collective, with the same cast of lovable misfits and a brand new murder mystery to solve.

Hopefully if you are planning to dive into this story you have already read the first book in the series (there are definitely spoilers). And I think you really need to go into this one one with a sense of who all of these characters are so you can appreciate the progress they have all made and the relationships they are building.

The best thing about sequels with ensemble casts is that you get to skip the “getting to know you” phase and go right into the fun and inside jokes and see how all of the relationships have deepened and developed. That is the real charm of this book, the characters as individuals and all of the different relationships and dynamics. The mystery was fun too, and definitely kept me guessing with all of the different suspects but I was here for the characters and their crazy antics and found myself laughing out loud multiple times. So much so that I convinced my husband to read the first book based on that alone!

If you enjoyed the characters and storytelling of the first book you will love this one even more, I can tell the authors are really hitting their stride with developing the personalities and relationships.

If you are considering reading this series for the first time, read this if you are in the mood for some fun cozy mysteries with a dynamic cast of characters who are dead set on solving a mystery while also breaking all sorts of laws and getting in the way of the police (the Santa Barbara version of Only Murders in the Building). I hope we get even more books in this series as I would love to hang out with these characters again.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I discovered The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective via NetGalley last year. I really enjoyed it and was hoping or more time with the residents of the Marigold Cottages. I was happy to see Murder on Charity Lane is coming out later this year and jumped at the chance to read the arc.

Murder on Charity Lane takes place 6 months after the first book. All seems calm and peaceful at the Marigold Cottages. Lily-Ann and Anthony are dating, and Sophie and Nicholas are taking their relationship to the next level and moving in together.

Mrs. B sets Ocean up with CJ, who she met at the YMCA. CJ works for elderly millionaire Frank as his live-in personal assistant. When Frank dies after taking a tumble down the stairs at a party, his wife claims she saw CJ push him. CJ now needs to prove her innocence, and she also needs to place to live, as she’s been kicked out of Frank’s mansion.

Mrs. B offers CJ Sophie’s old home, and the residents of the Marigold Cottages band together to clear CJ’s name.

This is another fun book staring the kooky cast of characters who call the cottages home. I value my privacy and I don’t know my own neighbors very well, but I wouldn’t mind living in one of the Marigold Cottages and hanging out with its residents.

There are a lot of characters to keep straight, but I didn’t find it difficult, as most of them were first introduced in The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective. The book is told in multiple points of view, which I don’t mind. I did get a little annoyed that Sophie’s chapters are told in the first person while the others are told in the third. Perhaps it’s because Sophie is a playwright, and she’s writing about the murders, however, it doesn’t seem necessary, as the book isn’t her play.

Thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the arc.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley

Peace and calm once again permeates Marigold Cottages, but it doesn’t last too long. CJ is accused of pushing her wealthy employer down the stairs to his death. But Mrs. B. believes she is innocent, even though Frank’s wife insists she saw CJ push Frank.

Can Mrs. B. and the Marigold Cottage folks prove CJ’s innocence? And can they identify the true murderer?

=========

Second in the author’s Marigold Cottages Murders series, this story brings back all the expected characters and provides sufficient backstory for the book to work as a standalone. With a second murder, the group of people living in the cottages come together to find a way to find the true culprit. There’s a strong family component here; the cottage residents consider themselves family and come together to solve the crime.

Told from alternating points of view, the unfolding story offers readers some surprising revelations and some unexpected plot twists to keep them guessing. The strength in the telling of this tale is in the disparate group of residents at the cottages who have formed themselves into a family; readers hearts will smile as they work together.

Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, quirky characters, and a tantalizing mystery will find much to appreciate here.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press / Minotaur Books and NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving this review.
#MurderonCharityLane #NetGalley

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went into this one without reading the first book, and I wasn’t sure if I’d feel lost—but I really didn’t. It took a minute to get everyone straight, but once I did, I was in.

This picks up about six months after the first book, and everything at Marigold Cottages feels calm… a little too calm. Of course that doesn’t last long. When CJ is accused of pushing her wealthy employer down the stairs, Mrs. B immediately decides she’s innocent—based on nothing but a feeling—and pulls everyone together to prove it.

Mrs. B is honestly my favorite part of this whole book. She’s feisty, loyal, and the kind of person who just decides you’re hers and will go to bat for you no matter what. The whole group has that found-family vibe, and I found myself thinking I wouldn’t mind living there… even with all the murder happening.

There are a lot of characters and multiple points of view, but it didn’t feel confusing. The only thing that threw me a little was Sophie’s chapters being in first person while everyone else is in third. I get what the author was trying to do, but it didn’t feel totally necessary to me.

The mystery itself kept me interested, and I liked that just when I thought I had it figured out, it shifted. That second murder? Did not see that coming.

Overall, this was just a really fun, easy-to-read cozy mystery with humor, a great cast of characters, and a fresh feel to it. It definitely made me want to go back and read the first book.

[Boshi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This series was my first real dip into cozy murder mysteries, and there was a lot to like about the reading experience.

I enjoyed how the story builds and unfolds as the chapters progress. The shorter chapters also made it feel quick and easy to pick up, and I liked the multi-POV approach. Getting to see different perspectives added variety and helped the small-town/community feel come alive.

Speaking of which, I really loved the cast of characters and their little community. That cozy, familiar vibe was easily the strongest part for me, and it’s what makes me interested in continuing with the series.

Where this one lost me a bit was the ending. Specifically the moment where the truth of the murder is revealed. After such a strong build-up, the final reveal felt like a letdown for me, especially compared to the first book in the series (which I enjoyed a lot more and rated 4 stars). I wanted the conclusion to hit with a little more punch, given how much momentum the story had.

Even so, I’d still give the next one a shot. The series has a lot going for it, and I’m hoping the next installment delivers a more satisfying payoff.

Thank you to St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this digital ARC!

[Jessica Pendergraft · Rating 2 out of 5]

The premise of this book is undeniably charming, especially for readers who enjoy a quirky, crime-solving ensemble cast. There’s a lot of potential in bringing together a mismatched group of characters, and it’s clear the story aims to lean into that appeal. Unfortunately, the execution doesn’t quite live up to the promise.

The characters, while numerous, lack the depth needed to make them feel distinct or engaging. Their personalities blur together, and the repeated use of the same style of “witty” one-liners quickly becomes predictable rather than clever. What should have added humor and charm instead starts to feel formulaic, making it easy to anticipate dialogue before it happens.

The pacing also struggles under the weight of too many side storylines. Rather than enriching the narrative, these detours pull focus away from the central plot, slowing its development and diluting its impact. The result is a story that feels scattered, as if it’s trying to do too much without fully committing to any one thread.

Ultimately, this is a case where an overabundance of characters and subplots detracts from what could have been a tight, engaging mystery. The concept is appealing, but the lack of focus and character depth makes it difficult to stay invested in the story being told.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not read the first in this series, although I plan to rectify that after reading this one, because I found the characters interesting, three-dimensional, and likeable. Mrs. B is the feisty landlady of Marigold Cottages and she tends to collect...ermm, choose...interesting tenants. She is also a champion of her friends/tenants. In that regard, she becomes determined to prove her friend's innocence after Elsa is accused (by his widow!) of murdering her employer. Mrs. B believes that Elsa is not guilty, so she and her brigade of tenants begin investigating. As the book progresses, puzzle pieces start fitting, but there are twists that I didn't see coming, including a second murder...didn't see that coming! I liked this book because there is plenty of humor and there are modern elements/diversity that are not so often seen in cozy mysteries. I recommend it and will hope for more in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for sending this book for review consideration. I am leaving this review voluntarily and all opinions are my own.

[Anabel · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a copy of this book on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for this opportunity*

4.5/5

The strong bid for Best 'Found Family' continues with the next installation of the Marigold Cottages Murders, and somehow I finished this book even more charmed than the first book!

MURDER ON CHARITY LANE picks up six months after we left our quirky crew, and things are better than ever. Ocean has been successfully set up by Mrs. B (gasp!) with a wonderful woman named CJ, Sophie and Nathan are moving in together. Lily-Ann and Anthony are getting serious in their relationship, and Hamilton is debating adopting a cat. But after the unexpected and violent death of CJ's beloved boss the Marigold Murder Collective is back in business.

I loved each character, and I thought Jo Nichols (a dynamic duo) did a great job of balancing each person's story along with the overarching murder mystery. And, once again, the ending was completely satisfying and a little unexpected!

[Kathryn E Hagen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so happy to see a sequel to “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective.” Relationships have evolved and new characters have appeared. One dies– is it murder or purely accidental? The Marigold Cottages residents must know. Each brings a distinctive skill to the effort, as well as a willingness to insert themselves into places where they probably should not go. Except for Hamilton, of course, who doesn’t leave his home. Ever.

Detective Sergeant Vernon Enible returns. He’s become rather used to the quirks and capabilities of the Marigold Cottages denizens. He knows that sometimes their view of justice varies from the textbook definition.

The characters are wonderful, and growing all the time. The mystery is satisfying. If you enjoyed “The Thursday Murder Club,” “The Marlow Murder Club,” or other series in which amateurs work together to solve crimes, try “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” stories.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance copy of this book. This is my honest review.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book. I had not read book one in the series, but I saw that it was recommended by other reviewers to read it first. So I found an Audible copy and listened to book one before reading this book. I am glad I did. I was able to enter the story with knowledge of all the characters and their lovely idiosyncrasies. I enjoyed the books very much, and they remind me of the TV show Murder in the Building, which I love. Do I think you could enjoy this book without reading book one? Yes, I do, but as others have said, it is more enjoyable after reading book one.
I will say that listening to the first book was a different experience from reading the second. The way the book is written lent itself to being an audiobook, but I quickly adapted to reading.
I have found a new series to love. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Suzan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given an advance copy of this book. I had not read book one in the series, but I saw that it was recommended by other reviewers to read it first. So I found an Audible copy and listened to book one before reading this book. I am glad I did. I was able to enter the story with knowledge of all the characters and their lovely idiosyncrasies. I enjoyed the books very much, and they remind me of the TV show Murder in the Building, which I love. Do I think you could enjoy this book without reading book one? Yes, I do, but as others have said, it is more enjoyable after reading book one.
I will say that listening to the first book was a different experience from reading the second. The way the book is written lent itself to being an audiobook, but I quickly adapted to reading.
I have found a new series to love. Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for the ARC. This review is my honest opinion.

[Kailee Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book as an ARC through NetGalley.
Murder on Charity Lane is an engaging and thoughtfully constructed murder mystery that expertly blends suspense, charm, and humour.
The characters are quirky and immediately likeable, with Mrs B. practically creating murderous chaos that once again brings the community together for a well-intentioned cause. The multi-POV structure and short chapters, along with the dynamic and fast plot line make this book an effortless page turner.

This book is the second in a series. While reading the first book would be helpful to learn more about the characters and dynamics at Charity Lane, the author does a great job revealing the unique personalities of each character and the shared secret at the Marigold Cottages..

I would absolutely recommend this book and look forward to the next one!

[LittleRead]

I love Mrs. B and the gang!
I wasn’t sure what to expect when ai read the first book and I fell in love with the whole group at Marigold Cottages. Mrs. B is someone I would definitely want in my corner and she really is a sweetheart at the end of the day. Don’t let the elderly monicker fool you. THESE are the kinds of neighbors you want if you have to live in close proximity with a group of people.

In this installment a new resident joins their little group and Mrs B. Asks them to prove them to prove CJ innocent of murder. But soon the group has to face the fact that maybe, JUST MAYBE, Mrs B. has it wrong and CJ is guilty of the crime. Now they have to do their best to prove to the police, and themselves, whether CJ is truly innocent.

I’m so glad this became a series. It’s truly a great escape with a wonderful collection of sleuths that warms my heart.

[Kristin Hoxie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder on Charity Lane
by Jo Nichols
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This feels like a series best read in order. There are several established relationships that would likely carry more weight with prior context, and jumping in here does come with spoilers for the earlier book.

That said, the cast of characters is lively and engaging. Mrs. B is a standout, and I enjoyed the dynamic of the women leading the charge while the men take more of a backseat.

The story itself is creative, and the dialogue is fun, but it felt overly long. At nearly 400 pages, there were moments that dragged or repeated, and I think the book would have been stronger in the 250–300 page range.

Beautiful cover, entertaining premise, and a solid mystery, but the pacing could have been much tighter.

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

As someone who had not read the first book in the series, I still found myself thoroughly enjoying this novel (and wanting to go back and read the first). The characters were fun and quirky in the best way. The residents of Marigold Cottages each bring their own unique personality quirks and perspective to the investigation of the murder. The book keeps you interested and keeps you on your feet, never really knowing what’s going on. Until the last page, I didn’t truly have the case solved, which is always something I look for in a book. Overall, I would probably suggest reading the first book first, but even without the background information, this book was thoroughly enjoyable and an overall solid read.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was just as much fun as the first book in the series. Packed to the brim with the most likeable and quirky characters and so much found family, but it's the dialogue that pulls me right into their stories. The characters chatter away with ease and have the utmost respect for each other's flaws. As in the first book, the mystery was tight and provided a little twist. I will mention to read the first book in the series before this one as that plot is given in away in this book. Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for allowing me to read an advanced copy.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free DRC of this book through Netgalley and the publisher. I really loved book 1 in this series The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, but this second one didn't make me laugh like the first one did so it was a bit of a letdown for me. I do recommend reading the first book in the series before you read this one to understand the dynamic of this small community. The story is okay and there was at least one moment that made me "ah", but I wanted more.

[Tracie Crane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is so much more than a cozy mystery. It is an amazing story about a group of people who have made an unconventional family, living together in cottages owned by Mrs. B. I loved it. Great storyline and the best characters ever!
While reading this book, I realized there was probably a book 1, without knowing I was reading Book 2. You can definitely enjoy it as a standalone (As I did), but the references throughout are most likely from Book 1. I have already ordered Book 1 and look forward to reading it and hoping for many more.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the gift of reading this book.

[Anniee Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review.

Murder on Charity Lane is a cozy mystery that delivers a nice balance of charm, intrigue, and community. The small-town setting and cast of characters give it that warm, familiar feel, while the mystery itself keeps you engaged without being overwhelming.

I enjoyed how character-driven the story is—it’s less about shock value and more about the relationships and subtle twists along the way. It’s an easy, enjoyable read that still keeps you guessing, making it perfect for when you want something lighter but still entertaining.

[Jess Hilbert · Rating 3 out of 5]

🔍The premise here is really charming, and I was excited to start this one.

Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with the story from the beginning. With a large cast of characters and a mix of first- and third-person perspectives, it quickly became difficult to follow, and I found myself feeling lost more often than engaged.

The story also leans heavily on events and relationships from the first book, which made it challenging to jump into without that context.

While I can see the appeal of the concept, this ultimately wasn’t the right fit for me. 📚

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I finished reading this book lady evening, and I was pleasantly surprised with how it all played out.
The characters in this book are so quirky and colorful, I enjoyed laughing at some of their antics.

Mrs. B is playing matchmaker for Ocean, and introduces her to a woman named CJ.
The plot revolves around CJ and her boss, who is like a father to her.
When he stumbles and falls down the stairs, his wife immediately points her finger at CJ.
This inspires the Marigolds Cottages Murder Collective to once again try and solve what apparently is a homicide investigation.
I enjoyed this story and getting to know the characters was fun.
Plenty of laugh out loud moments to make readers smile.

[Britney Ireland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This review pertains to Marigold Cottage Murders #2. Regrettably, I began with the second installment without having read the first, which, based on other commentary, is recommended for proper context. Nevertheless, the title is awarded a four out of five-star rating due to the compelling storyline and well-developed characters. The narrative effectively maintains an element of mystery, creating a strong impetus to continue reading until the resolution. The conclusion was highly satisfactory.

Thank you #NetGalley for the ARC read of this book.

[Corrine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love this group of characters. Book 2 is set in the upper echelons of Santa Barbara society, and the setting was on point. As expected there was a mix of humor and zaniness (Mrs. B I am looking at you), as well as heart, and of course the mystery. I especially liked the parts with Sophie and Lily-Ann, who carried a lot of the plot in this one.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Publishing Group for the ARC. All opinions are my own. If you get a chance to meet the authors, let me tell you, they are as funny and smart as their characters.