Our Marriage Is Murder: A Novel

by Carol Goodman

In the latest thrilling mystery from Mary Higgins Clark Award-winning author Carol Goodman, a writers’ conference at an Italian castle turns deadly when a killer begins using a husband-and-wife writing team’s novel as a blueprint for murder.

Fred and Thea Morgan-Lane are the envy of the mystery community, the perfect partners in life and in writing. Together they coauthor the wildly successful Death Takes a Holiday series, and they’ve been invited to the Italian castle where it all began for a mystery conference celebrating their first novel, Death Takes the Castle.

But their story isn’t quite the fairytale it seems to outsiders. Twenty years and twenty books after they met, Thea wants out. Their marriage and partnership haven’t been working for some time, and what better place to announce the end of the series than where it started?

Except shortly after their arrival at the beautiful Castellarosa, a shocking death takes place when the wrong person drinks a cocktail meant for Thea. The stunned conference-goers put it down to an unknown allergy, but Thea isn’t so sure. Could someone be trying to kill her? Perhaps her loving husband isn’t as ok with their series ending as he pretends, or maybe Nadine, the upstart young author who is vying to take Thea’s place, wants her out of the way. Suddenly, it seems like everyone has a motive, and when a second death occurs, a disturbing pattern emerges—these deaths aren’t random, they’re following the murders in Death Takes a Castle exactly. Murders that Thea and Fred wrote.

In order to save the day—and maybe even their marriage—the unhappy couple will have to work together to figure out who is using their book as a blueprint for a killing spree. That is, if they can trust the person they’ve spent twenty years plotting murders with…

Genres: Mystery, Mystery Thriller, Italy, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Books About Books

336 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2026

About the author

Carol Goodman is the author of The Lake of Dead Languages, The Seduction of Water, which won the Hammett Prize, The Widow's House, which won the Mary Higgins Clark Award and The Night Visitors, which won the Mary Higgins Clark Award. She is also the co-author, with her husband Lee Slonimsky, of the Watchtower fantasy trilogy. Her work has appeared in such journals as The Greensboro Review, Literal Latte, The Midwest Quarterly, and Other Voices. After graduation from Vassar College, where she majored in Latin, she taught Latin for several years in Austin, Texas. She then received an M.F.A. in fiction from the New School University. Goodman currently teaches literature and writing at The New School and SUNY New Paltz and lives with her family in the Hudson Valley.

Reviews

[Holly in Bookland · Rating 4 out of 5]

*4.5 stars ✨

[Tricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve been a huge Carol Goodman fan for the past 10 years and this one did not disappoint! A murder mystery/treasure hunt that kept me guessing until the very end. Absolutely loved this, thanks William Morrow Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC!

[Jerry]

Under new policy this is the first book I did a DNF couldn’t relate to any of the characters. 100 pages is enough

[Erin McInnis · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

2.5 stars. This book was just okay… I honestly had to put it down, read a couple other books and pick this one back up. It felt like somewhat a fantasy book mixed with a mystery when I only signed up for the mystery portion. The fantastical portions made my brain shut off and made me want to quit. The mystery portions were good though and what made me finish the book.

[Suesyn Zellmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a highly entertaining story about an author couple, Thea and Fred, whose marriage and book series are coming to a close. They are attending a mystery conference taking place where they first met and wrote and set their first book, in an Italian castle. The perfect place for an event that will feature mystery authors from all genres - cozy mysteries to international espionage mysteries, to historical mysteries. It's fun to read from the insiders' points of view. Like how they come across (and put up with) the same types of attendees everywhere - the goth librarians, the middle American housewives, the fawning fan girls, etc. Those in the know have to keep the readers happy and fulfilled at every step, no matter how annoying they can be, because their fanbase keeps them in business, after all.

And the attendees at this conference are true fanatics. Thea is planning on announcing the end of their series and knows the news won't go down easy. She hasn't even told Fred yet, but figures he'll handle it fine since they've been separated for a while now, and it makes sense for their series to end just like their relationship. But of course, this being a mystery about mystery writers, someone inevitably ends up dead soon after the conference begins. And it's all downhill from there, because the deaths keep coming.

That doesn't stop the conference from continuing, though. And the main event is a treasure hunt that was designed by the first victim. Everyone believes that if they can solve the treasure hunt, they will discover who the murderer is, because it must be related. Thea and Fred aren't exactly willing participants, but since the crimes are mimicking the deaths in their book, they have the most knowledge about where the treasure hunt could lead. The attendees are hoping to be the ones to solve it, of course, so they can claim to be the ultimate armchair detectives. That is, if they don't end up becoming victims themselves.

The book is quite engaging, a total tongue-in-cheek representation of murder mystery authors and readers. There are red herrings everywhere and nods to various famous authors and their tales. And of course, the lure of hidden treasure! And a poison garden! I couldn't put it down, and neither will you.

[Gali · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our Marriage Is Murder" by Carol Goodman is an engaging locked-room mystery about a husband-and-wife author team who find themselves entangled in a real-life murder case. After reading several fantasy books in a row, I was in the mood for a mystery, and this one fit the bill perfectly.

Fred and Thea Morgan-Lane are partners in both life and writing, coauthoring the successful Death Takes a Holiday mystery series. When their novel Death Takes the Castle is nominated —along with several others—for the prestigious Poirot Prize for Best Mystery Series, they are invited to the Italian castle Castellarosa to attend a mystery conference called Murdercon, where one book will ultimately be chosen. One of the highlights of the conference is a treasure hunt designed by the organizer and based on the Morgan-Lanes’ book. However, after twenty years of marriage and collaboration, Thea wants out—of both the marriage and the writing partnership.

Things take a darker turn when the conference organizer is poisoned in a manner that mirrors the Morgan-Lanes’ book. As deaths among the attendees continue, Thea quickly becomes the prime suspect. Yet the treasure hunt goes on, each clue drawn from their novel and supposedly leading to a buried treasure tied to a local legend. With a killer on the loose and the police breathing down their necks, the unhappy couple must solve the mystery—and perhaps save their marriage—before it's too late.

With mysterious deaths, intriguing clues, and plenty of red herrings, the book kept me turning the pages. The pacing is occasionally slow, but it didn’t significantly affect my enjoyment. The story is told from Thea’s first-person point of view, which helped me connect with her. I was less fond of Fred, though that may have been influenced by the narration.

I appreciated the many nods to Agatha Christie and other classic mystery authors. I enjoyed the literary references, the glamorous Italian setting, and, of course, the mystery itself. A particularly fun detail was that the cats mentioned in the tale were named Tommy and Tuppence, after Christie’s protagonists. That said, the slow start and the repetitive tidbits of local legend and backstory sometimes pulled me out of the story.

The plot could have benefited from some tightening, and because of that, I deducted a star, rating the book 4 out of 5 stars. Still, I enjoyed it and would recommend it. Our Marriage Is Murder is a standalone (as far as I know, it isn’t part of a series), though I would be happy to meet these characters again. This book should appeal to mystery and suspense fans, as well as to readers looking for an entertaining, light read with a classic mystery feel.

* Thank you NetGalley and (publisher) for the opportunity to read this arc. All opinions are my own.
* Review on my blog: https://galibookish.blogspot.com/2026...

[Laura Hill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to William Morrow and NetGalley for providing an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. The book will be published on July 21st, 2026.

A love story and a mystery, immersed in literary and classicist references with a touch of modern greed and drama. Master genre novelists Fred and Theda Morgan-Lane are both writing and life partners. At least they were. Now — on the cusp of attending a mystery convention at the gorgeous Italian castle where their very popular “Death Takes a Holiday” series was launched — they plan to announce the end of both. Or at least Theda does; Fred has a few other plans up his sleeve. Ignoring whatever plans they each may have, things start going horribly wrong as one by one the murders from their first novel seem to be repeating in real life.

The writing is (as always) good; the pacing deliberate and triggering just the right blend of edge of the seat and calm curiosity; and the characters are all interesting (to me) people. The people and their various relationships are intriguing because they capture multiple levels of overlapping and inconsistent emotional undercurrents. Especially once the murders start and everyone is forced to look at everyone else in a whole new, and highly suspicious, way. Goodman is both a classicist and a feminist, and both themes ran through the narrative in credible fashion. Most importantly, the resolution was surprising (to me), tenable, and completely satisfying — the perfect combination!

[mkm_bookloverarchivistreader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carol Goodman's Our Marriage Is Murder is a clever, humorous tale that pokes fun at the world of murder mysteries. In a shocking twist, Thea Morgan-Lane plans to use a mystery conference at an Italian castle to announce not only the conclusion of her and husband Fred's bestselling series but also the demise of their marriage. Life imitates art - and then some. Real-life murders start mirroring the fictional deaths in the couple's debut novel, Death Takes a Castle. Talk about a killer plot twist! Get ready for a wildly entertaining ride, full of sharp wit, clever banter, and a healthy dose of dark humor. This show is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, with twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the very end. This gripping tale follows an "unhappy couple" as they navigate their crumbling relationship and learn to trust each other again. Critics have praised the story's "intriguing" emotional depth and the "overlapping" web of suspicion that binds the characters together. Buckle up, friend, because this thoughtfully energetic page-turner is about to take you on a wild ride! The 'completely satisfying' and 'surprising' resolution is the 'cherry on top' of this 'gripping' narrative - and you'll be 'breathlessly turning pages' till the very end. While set in a beautiful Italian castle, the story is a real 'killer' with its 'sinister' and 'suspenseful' atmosphere as everyone at the conference becomes a suspect. Our Marriage Is Murder, Carol Goodman's latest novel, is a 'whodunit' you won't regret reading - highly recommended!

[Ali Bunke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our Marriage is Murder by Carol Goodman is an entertaining mystery set in an Italian castle. The story follows Fred and Thea Morgan‑Lance, a married writing duo who are being celebrated at a mystery conference. On the surface, it looks like a dream trip, but it doesn’t take long to see that their marriage and writing partnership has fallen apart. Thea is ready to walk away from both.

Things take a turn when someone dies shortly after they arrive, and it looks like Thea might have been the intended target. Suddenly everyone feels suspicious, including Fred. When a second death occurs, it becomes clear that the murders are copying the plot of one of Fred and Thea’s own books, which adds a really fun layer to the mystery.

What I loved is how the story balances the tension with a sense of playfulness. It never gets too heavy, even while delivering a solid, well‑plotted mystery. There are plenty of suspects, lots of motives to sift through, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing. I also enjoyed the behind look at authors and the writing world, as it adds texture without slowing anything down.

Watching Fred and Thea try to put aside years of hurt and mistrust so they can work together again gives the story some emotional weight, and the characters overall are nicely drawn. It’s engaging, fun, and full of momentum. I really enjoyed this one.

Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Goodman is one of my go-to mystery/thriller authors. Her books are always atmospheric, twisty, and intriguing. OUR MARRIAGE IS MURDER, her 2026 offering, is no exception, even if it sometimes has the feel of a cozy. Its setting is definitely unique. The story takes place in a medieval Italian castle-turned monastery-turned hotel that is hosting a writers' conference. Both of these elements come with some fun tropes—the castle/hotel has secret passageways, rumors of a priceless treasure, a tragic legend, and more, while the conference comes complete with nosy superfans, jealous author rivalries, snubbed cozy mystery authors, etc.—that add color and conflict to the plot. The tale needs the extra boost because it's a little slow. It kept me mostly engrossed, though. I didn't love the characters, but I cared enough about them to want happy endings all around. And the book's finale is VERY satisfying. I loved it.

While OUR MARRIAGE IS MURDER isn't my favorite Goodman book, I enjoyed it. It's an entertaining mash-up of cozy mystery, literary thriller, an Indiana Jones-style treasure hunt, and second chance romance. It's different than her others, and I liked the difference overall.

If this were a movie, it would be rated: PG-13 for language (1 F-bomb, plus milder invectives), violence, and blood/gore

[Rebecca June · Rating 3 out of 5]

I kind of struggled with this one. I would swing back and forth from enjoying it to over it. The hardest part, I believe, was that there are really three storylines woven into one:
• Fred & Dora’s story of the past 20 years, falling in love, writing their books together, distrust and infidelity, and now having to work together beyond writing books in order to solve the mystery they are currently in.
• The legend of Bianca Rosa and her knight in shining armor and their eventual deaths at the Castellarosa Monastery.
• The current murders happening at a murder convention at the very same Castellarosa the inspired Fred & Dora’s famed murder mystery series. These murders have been suspiciously following the tracks of their first book, Death Takes the Castle.
While I found all of these plots interesting, the way the author wove them together felt very scattered and chaotic and I sometimes would find myself rereading the same paragraph over and over because I’d checked out. Plus, I called the culprit from the very beginning (yikes) but their motive was meh and didn’t feel important enough because there hadn’t been any buildup of stakes. I had a hard time rating this one because I definitely didn’t love it, but I also was loving parts of it? So, middle of the road it is. I am inspired to read more murder mysteries, though!

[Janet Fiorentino · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Our Marriage is Murder” is the delightfully thrilling (pun intended) novel by Carol Goodman. I had just returned from Italy, so the chance to read about a writing conference—complete with a treasure hunt—set there was an extra delight. In the novel, we meet a husband-and-wife team of mystery writers who return to the setting of their first book, an Italian castle that now hosts the conference.

The trip is supposed to celebrate their success, but Thea has other plans. She intends to announce not only the end of their long-running series, but also the end of their marriage. Before her husband Fred learns of Thea’s intentions, however, a dead body is discovered…followed by another, and then another.

Goodman is particularly skilled at writing novels about writers whose personal demons begin to overshadow their best intentions. I enjoyed the premise and the clever plotting here, though after reading several of Goodman’s books I sometimes find myself frustrated with her characters. Still, the pacing and steady twists kept me turning the pages—making this a fun and satisfying read for fans of literary mysteries with a dark edge.

Thanks to Carol Goodman, the publisher and the author for a chance to read and review this novel.

[C · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

A slow-burn Italian mystery that blends murder, history, and a marriage under strain.

This is more than just a murder mystery set in Italy—it’s also a story about a long marriage coming full circle. The dual narrative (with a medieval abbess and knight) adds a really interesting historical and romantic layer alongside the present-day mystery.

There’s definitely no shortage of intrigue—bodies are piling up—but the emotional focus is really on Thea and Fred. As they work through the case, they’re also forced to confront old wounds in their relationship. I liked seeing that growth and self-awareness, though at times the heaviness of their marital tension made the mystery feel a bit uneven in pacing.

The setting is beautifully done. The history, gardens, and scriptorium details are immersive, even if they occasionally slow things down. It feels intentional though—this is very much a “sink into the atmosphere” kind of read.

I do wish more of the side characters had been developed further. Many of them seemed interesting but ultimately felt more like plot devices.

Overall, this is a thoughtful, layered mystery that blends crime with history and relationship drama—best for readers who don’t mind a slower pace and enjoy character-driven stories.

[Simone (mysterypageturners) Ketchum · Rating 5 out of 5]

📚Book Review: Our Marriage is Murder
Author: Carol Goodman
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Genre: Mystery/Thriller
Pages: 336
Coming July 21, 2026

📚My Book Review:


Our Marriage is Murder is a thrilling mystery that takes place at a writer’s convention in Italy. The main characters are a husband and wife writing team whose book is being used as a blueprint for murders.
This book had me on the edge of my seat with multiple twists and turns. I was unable to put this book down. The author has developed very likable characters, really making it hard to figure out who is the murderer. Red herrings are everywhere in the book. Being a fan of Agatha Christie, I enjoyed the references to her in the book.
I was left wanting more with the ending; I want a continuation of the main characters’ story. I hope that the author has it in mind!!
I rate this book a strong 5 stars!! It was enjoyable, thrilling and a must read for anyone who enjoys Agatha Christie. I highly recommend this book to lovers of mystery. This was my first Carol Goodman book and it will not be my last!!

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this mystery, it was entertaining and different. Married couple Thea and Fred, write the successful Rick and Dora mystery series. 13 books later Thea wants out of the writing partnership as well as the marriage but first they’re flying to a writers conference in Castellarosa, Italy where they first met, and wrote their book, Death Takes the Castle. Up for a prestigious award, their fans are there for a treasure hunt that will find the lost gold, and the legend they wrote about long ago. The characters were all wonderfully detailed and fun to read about. The two mysteries was interesting, and the entire book is perfection. I would love for this to be the start of a Thea and Fred series.

[Amber Nay🖤💫 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley & Harper Collins for the e-arc!

4 solid ⭐s

"If you play with death, death will play you for a fool."

This was great! This story follows Fred & Thea, an author couple famous for their murder mystery series. They are off to a convention called MurderCon where their story started 20 years ago, when all of a sudden, real murders start happening.

I haven't read a good whodunnit in awhile, and I can honestly say- I did not see this twist coming. The pacing was great, the characters had depth, and the atmosphere was phenomenal. I felt like I was at the Castellarosa with these characters (minus the cheese and wine).

I definitely can't wait for this to come out so others can enjoy it.

[Tamara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and William Morrow for my ARC in exchange for my honest review of Our Marriage is Murder by Carol Goodman.

Plot-"It is a thriller about a killer who uses a mystery novel written by a husband-and-wife team as a blueprint for real-life murders at an Italian writers' conference. In order to save the day—and maybe even their marriage—the unhappy couple will have to work together to figure out who is using their book as a blueprint for a killing spree. That is, if they can trust the person they’ve spent twenty years plotting murders with…"

I really enjoyed this book. Great mystery mixed with a love story. The characters were relatable and the pacing was on point. Did not see the twists coming.

Mark your calendar for the expected publis date July 21 2026.

[Sandy Bree · Rating 5 out of 5]

I expected a mystery thriller, but the experience turned out to be an unexpected adventure. Carol Goodman took us on an emotional journey filled with love, scandal, envy, and nostalgic moments from times we never lived. Her descriptions of scenes, whether a room or a garden, were so vivid that I felt immersed, almost smelling the settings through her words. The beginning was a bit slow, making it hard to get into at first; however, once I grasped the plot, I realized it was a classic whodunit murder mystery. To my surprise, it wasn't just another typical murder story. I feel privileged to have read and been part of this remarkable journey.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 4 out of 5]

A tragic historical mystery intertwined with the dissolving of a marriage between two authors of a beloved mystery series. I loved how the story brought together past mysteries (both medieval and at the start of the characters’ relationship) as well as the current mystery of deaths at the castle during a mystery conference.

I enjoyed all the twists and turns in this. Fred and Thea both have their own assets and flaws, making it enjoyable to delve into their romantic history. I loved that the story of their first book together played a major role in the present day storyline.

Thank you to #NetGallry and #WilliamMorrow for an ARC

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 3 out of 5]

I struggled to connect with the many characters, not really
feeling a part of the story until the very end. I feel like I am
the last person at the party, never feeling quite a part of the
group, forcing myself to stay with it and by the last 5 chapters
I was finally figuring things out. I did really like the premise
of Fred and Thea as the perfect couple with a mirror perfect
and hugely,successful series.
This was just not easy for me to feel a part of the action.
My hope is that the intended audience will enjoy the
book
My thanks to William Morrow Publishing for the download
copy of the book for review purposes.

[Alora Khan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this. This is my second book by this author and I enjoyed it so much more than the first one. The main character is going back with her estranged husband to where they started to write their book series. There's a murder book convention happening. But then people start dying in the same way as they did in the character's first novel. She and her husband have to figure out the clues and what's going on. I thought I had the killer nailed down but I was dead wrong. I also liked the history that was involved in this novel, and I was definitely turning pages late into the night to figure out what was going on. Coming July 2026.

[Lauren Nicole · Rating 4 out of 5]

So this is one of my absolute favorite authors. However this is honestly one of my least favorite books by her. It felt a bit more like a cozy mystery almost than the normal gothic type books she usually writes.
The setting was so so, it got interesting at the end with the underground vault but the rest just didn’t do it for me. I was excited to be approved and read this book but it just did not live up to what I usually get and love from this author.
3.5 stars rounded up to 4 since I like the author.

[Aish · Rating 2 out of 5]

I actually really enjoyed this book in the beginning but I soon found myself feeling bored and struggling to get through this once we were introduced to more characters. I lost interest, making it harder for me to be invested in the mystery - 2 stars.

Thank you to Carol Goodman, William Morrow | William Morrow Paperbacks, and NetGalley for providing me with an eARC of this book!

#OurMarriageIsMurder #NetGalley

[Mehva · Rating 3 out of 5]

4 stars
4 stars
I have read other books by this author and liked this. This one didn't work for me, it had more of cozy mystery feel, a locked room feel, both i am not fond of. I was interested in the ups and downs of the married couple who wrote best selling mysteries about a couple solving them. The writing was fine, it just didn't have the depth that her books normally have but I know others who like this 3.5

[Liz D'Amore · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story about a married mystery book writing couple who contend with real murders being committed while they are attending aMurderCon convention. A really fun and fast paced read with lots of interesting twists and turns. A solid 4 star mystery I would highly recommend. Thank you to Netgalley for this Advance Reader Copy of this forthcoming title.

[LibraryLaur · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was closer to a cozy mystery than I expected from Goodman, but it was unique and enjoyable nonetheless!

*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun and twisty thriller with fantastic storytelling and excellent plotting. our MC is wonderful and the killers are a hair predictable but work. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, rounded up

review to come

[Roxana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm such a sucker for books about books, and especially whodunits about whodunits. Mystery writers attend a conference for mystery writers, where a mystery occurs? Sign me up. Sometimes I'm a bit let down by the result, but Our Marriage is Murder gave me just what I hoped for. Well-paced whodunit plot, vivid setting (an Italian castle, turned convent, then turned luxury hotel), plenty of interpersonal drama between the characters, and ultimately a satisfying solution.

The hidden treasure element and some details that went into that plotline took a good bit of suspension of disbelief, but I was charmed by the knowing, tongue-in-cheek approach to the mystery genre and writing industry. I spent the whole book thoroughly entertained, and definitely recommend it to anyone else who, like me, can never resist the allure of a murder mystery about murder mysteries - or just wants a fun, light-hearted mystery to read this summer.

Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review!