This group of women will have you in stitches as they work to solve the murders in Marlow. Judith Potts is a whiskey drinking, skinny dipping, crossword puzzle author, who pulls the local dog walker and the vicar’s wife into her murder-solving antics.
But, in her book, anyone who could pick up a couple of coffee cups, and a few short minutes later find herself hiding inside a cupboard, was ok by her.
Author: Robert Thorogood
Genre: Fiction, Mystery, Action/Adventure
Recommend: Yes!
Overview of The Marlow Murder Club
The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood is the first book in a charming cozy mystery series set in the quaint English town of Marlow. Written by the creator of Death in Paradise (one of my favorite shows), this novel brings a delightful mix of eccentric characters, puzzling murders, and small-town secrets. It’s a gentle but engaging read perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club or classic Agatha Christie stories. But it comes with a modern twist and a bit more sass.
Summary
Judith Potts is in her seventies. She lives alone in a crumbling mansion, and enjoys setting cryptic crosswords for a living. Her peaceful life is interrupted one evening when she hears a gunshot while skinny dipping in the Thames. However, the police are quick to dismiss it, so Judith launches her own investigation.
Soon, more deaths follow—and Judith realizes something far more sinister is going on in her quiet little village. Along the way, she ropes in two very different women: Suzie, a no-nonsense dog-walker with a nose for trouble, and Becks, the vicar’s uptight wife who’s ready to break out of her shell. Together, this unlikely trio forms the Marlow Murder Club and starts piecing together a deadly puzzle the police seem to be missing entirely.
Key Themes
- Female friendship: The heart of the book lies in the developing friendship between three very different women, each stepping out of her comfort zone to make a real difference.
- Small town secrets: On the surface, Marlow is picture-perfect, but dig a little deeper and you’ll uncover rivalries, scandals, and secrets that only a meddling trio of amateur sleuths could uncover.
- The joy of the puzzle: As a crossword setter, Judith approaches mysteries like logic problems, and the book invites readers to play detective right alongside her.
Who Should Read It
It could be my age, but I am thoroughly enjoying this group of quirky older woman solving these mysteries. I think I can appreciate them more because I am well beyond the cute bookshop owner that is standard in most cozy mysteries.
If you are a fans of cozy mysteries with quirky heroines set in a charming English village, then this is a must read. I am a fan of the Thursday Murder Club and this has a similar vibe.
If I were to rate this like a movie, it would be somewhere between PG and PG-13. There is some mild language. But that’s about it for the warnings. Judith may be a bit snarky and occasionally adult themes may pop up, but for the most part these books are all about the clever clues and the witty dialogue.
You will want to start your own Marlow Murder Club after reading this book.
Final Verdict on The Marlow Murder Club
The Marlow Murder Club is a smart, funny, and endearing cozy mystery that balances lighthearted charm with genuine intrigue. Judith Potts is a whip-smart heroine who proves that age is just a number—and that murder investigations are best done with good friends, a bit of whiskey, and a whole lot of determination. This book is a delightful start to what promises to be a thoroughly entertaining series. Highly recommended.
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