A cozy mystery with a quirky cast of characters. This story lets us get to know three ladies from Marlow we happen upon a murder mystery in their sweet little town. We follow their hijinks as they disregard the local police who tells them not to get involved.

This was my first “Cozy” mystery story and it was a nice read. Easy to read and follow along although a little unrealistic in how things just seem to work out. It gave me very Scooby Doo “I would have got away with it if it wasn’t for you meddling kids” vibes. I thoroughly enjoyed that the book had kind of a wrap up at the end. I was very invested in the mystery unraveling and learning who-dun- it.

I think this book would be great for someone looking for a light, easy read.

Thanks Poisoned Pen Press & NetGalley giving me the opportunity to read this one early.

So this was my very first cozy mystery and I THOROUGHLY enjoyed it. The characters were fascinating, over the top and absolutely hilarious. And I loved going on this adventure with them!

I loved that the main three were all eccentric older women. They were an absolute delight and I’m so glad this will be a series! I can’t wait to follow them on many more adventures.

Because this is a cozy mystery, you definitely have to ~suspend some disbelief throughout (especially when it came to the police involvement). Plus the writing was more on the simple side but I’m guessing that’s part of the cozy mystery atmosphere? Normally that would’ve distracted me but I was having too much fun with this story to care.

Anyway. My only real problem with this book was the ending. The big ~twist is very similar to a famous twist from a classic mystery novel/film (it's literally Strangers on a Train) and if you’re at all familiar with that story, you’ll see this one coming from a mile away (as I did). So I was a bit disappointed by the unoriginality there.

But other than that, I really enjoyed this one and I’ll definitely be picking up the sequel!

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review!

Judith is a 77-year old…a septuagenarian (please don’t ever ask me to pronounce that) who likes to relax in the evening by drinking scotch and swimming naked in the Thames River. On top of that, she also creates crossword puzzles for the newspaper. On top of THAT, it turns out she also may be good at solving crimes.

When Judith’s neighbor is shot dead, the police don’t immediately jump to action. So she decides to start digging around to find out what happened. Soon after, she questions Suzie, a dog walker, and Becks, the wife of a Vicar. Before you know it, they join her on the quest for truth as more murders occur.

With a cop named Tanika who reluctantly asks the women to assist in the case, can these ladies solve it before one of them dies?

If you’re like me, you’re instantly thinking that this is a rip-off of The Thursday Murder Club. I can’t help but think that’s where part of the author’s inspiration came from. However, whether I’m right or wrong, this one is enjoyable on its own merits and so much fun! The similarities end after the basics.

I loved getting to know all of these fun characters, and chuckled throughout. It’s on the cozy side, but there is definitely a worthy mystery filled with plenty of suspects and red herrings.

The charm doesn’t come from the mystery itself, but from the spunky and smart ladies who are trying to solve it.

Even if the denouement is a bit contrived and OTT, the book is a hoot, and I can’t wait to read the sequel…which will be out towards the end of the year.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a widget through Early Reads. Available now.

Review also posted at: https://bonkersforthebooks.wordpress.com

Judith is a delightful character - at 77 years young she is doing it her way. Swimming nude at night in the Thames, a drink when the mood strikes her, no man to cook for or to question her actions...her life is good. Her life is about to change in a big way. While swimming one night she is 100% certain she has heard gunfire coming from her neighbor's house. The police, in the form of a police woman, brush off Judith's report. With that Judith is on a mission to find out what happened and catch a killer. Why not? She creates crossword puzzle for The Times and that means she has a very sharp mind. Add to that she joins forces with two more wonderful characters - Becks, the vicar's wife and Suzie, a dog walker. With this trio on the case the killer hasn't got a chance. The cast of suspects and the well crafted mystery full of twists, turns and red herrings gave them the perfect stage.
When I saw the blurb for this first in a new series saying it involved a senior lady and crosswords, well I had to have a copy and I enjoyed every page. As soon as I finished it I added the next in the series, Death Comes to Marlow to my Christmas list as it comes out 12/8/2022.
My thanks to the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thanks to Netgalley and publishers for this eARC of The Marlow Murder Club.

Now who doesn't love a murder mystery? I just love novels like this!

The premise and the characters were all fantastic. I loved the main character being in her seventies and solving mysteries. It's like a Jessica Fletcher situation - just loved it.
The writing and the build up of the mystery was delightful to read. I really enjoyed all the characters and they all brought the murder mystery story together.
It's a delightfully cozy and humourous read

From the very get-go I fell in love with Judith Potts. She’s intelligent, independent and definitely not your typical retiree. She enjoys her job, loves being single, routinely swims nude in the Thames, and can’t do without her whisky. What a lady! After she hears a gunshot on her neighbour’s property, she gets impatient with the police’s slow response and decides to investigate the (supposed) murder on her own.

But she isn’t on her own for very long. Judith’s new friends, Becks and Suzie, are just as unique and memorable. Together, the three of them form a very strong circle and I really enjoyed the friendship between these three very different personalities. They all seem to have their own flaws and sadnesses, but I think together, they prop each other up and bring out the best in each other.

Joining the three women, as a strong supporting character, is DS Tanika Malik. As Acting SIO, Malik isn’t that confident in her murder-solving skills and starts to feel overwhelmed when the bodies start piling up. Unlike many stubborn law enforcement characters, she’s ends up trusting Judith, Suzie and Becks, and works with the women, rather than against them, to solve the investigation.

I really appreciated how well I got to know the characters within this one book. Books that are starting off a series generally feel a bit slower as they have to set up so much – the town, the main characters, the supporting characters – but The Marlow Murder Club never flagged. It never felt like too much information and yet I felt like every character was fully-fleshed out in the short span of time allowed.

There was plenty to keep the momentum going: a serial killer (with three very unrelated victims!), an antique murder weapon, and a religious token left with each body. The pacing was almost perfect – the combination of action, character building, the murders, the investigation – it was never bogged down and never too break-neck fast. I enjoyed every minute of it and genuinely felt sad that the book came to an end.

*** Thank you to the publisher, Poisoned Pen Press, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

The basis of The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood is the development of the trope of a small English village with a curious older woman. Judith Potts is considered to be eccentric and whilst out swimming in the Thames one evening, she hears a gun shot and is worried for her neighbour. When the police assure her there’s nothing wrong, she decides to investigate for herself. So begins the Marlow Murder Club series with its new crime solving hero who drinks whiskey, constructs crosswords and is a seventy-seven-year-old woman. Judith teams up with Becks, the wife of the local vicar and Suzie, a dog walker, to form a formidable investigative team. When another body is discovered, they are on the trail of a serial killer and the puzzle solving is suddenly a dangerous game. Overall, a gentle lyrical tale of a murder solving club that makes for a four and a half star read rating. With thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and the author, for an uncorrected advanced reader copy for review purposes. As always, the opinions herein are totally my own and freely given.

Liked it but didn’t love it or anything. Reminded me a lot of a Christie book for sure. If you are a fan a cozy mysteries this will right up your alley easily, if cozy mysteries aren’t your thing this may not be your book to be honest. Overall enjoyable read!

I could not finish this book. It starts really fast, but doesn't seem to follow through. It does not sound practical. I am also having a hard time connecting with these characters. Judith seems like your typical murder mystery character that tries to solve crimes, but unlike others, she doesn't have a connection to true crime or murder mystery before the killings. Becks seems like a poor me kind of woman who just wants to experience life. I didn't make it far enough to see where the other woman comes into play enough. It just doesn't seem to work, and is also sort of predictable. I wanted more out of this story. I do love the crosswords in this story, it's not something you see everyday.

What this cosy, slower-speed mystery lacks in pacing, it makes up with delightful character development. All the staples of a good, quiet crime read are here: amateur sleuths, a sleepy town where 'murders don't happen', and an effortless chemistry between characters. Perfect for a lightweight beach read, The Marlow Murder Club offers an airy and intriguing puzzle at its centre: a series of strange shouts coming from the neighbour's house—it must be something sinister. Marlow homebody Judith takes the case when the police won't, and makes two friends along the way—Becks and Suzie—who are intent on getting to the bottom of the mystery. Thorogood's writing has a breezy calm to it; he writes with a straightforward casualness which is approachable and inviting. Readers will likely connect quickly with the trio of inexperienced sleuths. We all want to be like Judith: crossword in hand, a cloak in our closet that doubles as a decent blanket. There's enough of a foundation here that Thorogood could easily set up a charming series with these characters, and I hope he does. While the story is slow to get going, the pace quickens in the second half. If it's an intricately woven thriller you're looking to bring to the beach this summer, this book might not pack the punch. But this release undoubtedly holds up for anyone looking for a delicate and warm-hearted caper. Funny, light, and a good mystery at the centre.

As she takes her nightly swim in the Thames, seventy-seven year old Judith Potts hears the shot that kills Mr. Duckwoody, her neighbor. Despite a hole in his forehead and no gun in evidence, the police fail to call it a murder. Judith feels that the only thing that she can do is investigate the death herself. Her search leads her to an antiques dealer who has a solid alibi. He was rehearsing with the church choir at the time. Becks, the vicar’s wife verifies the alibi. She has been feeling somewhat unappreciated lately and she gets caught up in Judith’s investigation. It isn’t long before they are joined by Suzie, a dog Walker who worked for Iqbal, a second murder victim. Both victims were found with medallions, one with Faith and one with Hope. The only thing missing is Charity, leading the police to believe that a third murder will happen.

With the same weapon involved in both murders, DS Tanika Malik has her hands full handling the investigation and Judith’s interference. It is that interference, however, that often points Tanika in the right direction. Seeing the three women together sometimes even brings a smile to her face. Marlow is a peaceful town that has never faced multiple murders. The third victim brings the attention of the national press and Tanika is under pressure to solve the murders quickly. Facing limited staff and budget, she calls on the women as civilian consultants to help. The biggest problem is finding a connection between the victims that will lead them to the killer.

Robert Thorogood is the creator of the popular series Death in Paradise, a show known for its’ quirky characters that work together to solve cases. He brings this same formula to The Marlow Murder Club. Judith creates crossword puzzles and can see patterns where others can not. Suzie has a tendency to act impulsively, while Becks is often a voice of reason. These three strangers bond together as the killer sets his sights on one of them. Thorogood will leave you wanting to join these women again for further adventures. I would like to thank NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing this book for my review.

Thank you to the author, the Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley, for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I loved the idiosyncratic heroine of this unlikely murder mystery, and aim to be just like her when I get to that point in my life. The story started out slow and meandered a bit, until it picked up a bit of speed by the midway point, when the heroine had recruited two other women to her investigation. I enjoyed the way they complemented one another on their search for the truth, and their tenacity, although it was much too easy to work out early on "whodunnit". However, at a certain point the story went off the rails and strained the limits of credulity - and the ending was very unsatisfying.

I love a good mystery and this book by Robert Thorogood was a delightful read. It's hard not to love Judith Potts- she sets crosswords, drinks when she pleases , cycles even at 77 years old and swims naked each evening in the Thames(what's not to love?).

Her life changes when she hears a yell that was followed by a gunshot while she was swimming. And true to every cozie she sets out to investigate. Soon, one determined amateur sleuth becomes three with Suzie, the dog walker and Becks the wife of the local vicar and alas the Marlow Murder Club is born. I laughed, enjoyed and could not put down this cozy.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.

What a fun small-town murder mystery this turned out to be. Feisty seventy-seven year old Judith accidentally hears her neighbor being murdered, and begins her own investigation into what had happened. Along the way she makes friends with other strong women from town, Suzie and Becks (and detective Tanika.) I loved their dynamic; they each brought a crucial piece to the investigation. The twists and turns kept me guessing right alongside the characters as they attempted to find the murderer. A very engaging addition to the cozy mystery genre.

It wasn’t BAD.

Definitely not an overly captivating murder mystery.

I was able to put it down and not feel an overwhelming urge to go read it.

While I was reading tho, I wasn’t bored

The Marlow Murder Club is the perfect cozy mystery to read while cozy in your favorite chair with a hot cup of coffee. 77 year old Judith Potts is what I want to be when I grow up. Her life of solitude writing crossword clues and whiskey at night is the stuff of legends.

After witnessing the murder of her friendly neighbor Judith decides to take the reigns and solve this puzzling crime. Along with her new friends Becks and Suzie they each bring their own strengths and help to make up the new Marlow Murder Club. They are all so different but at the same time work as puzzle pieces to complete each other.

The writing is not too complicated and a humorous cozy mystery that was a quick read that I didn’t want to put down. I can’t wait for more of these stories to come in the future. Also big bonus for that awesome cover!

Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

The Marlow Murder Club is just plain fun to read; I think I had a smile on my face most of the time as I read it. Robert Thorogood has created the perfect trio of amateur sleuths: each smart, each funny, each resourceful, each flawed in some way, and a force to be reckoned with when all three of them stand together.

Judith Potts is one of those lovable English eccentrics who loves her whisky, shares her knowledge of crossword puzzles, and doesn't pass up an opportunity to go skinny dipping in the Thames. Becks Starling is the local vicar's wife, who has a touch of OCD (keep a tight rein on her when visiting a crime scene), plenty of useful local contacts, and really knows how to think on her feet. Suzie Harris, as a local dog walker, has her own contacts, and-- whether she realizes it or not-- is just as strong and important as the other two members of the Marlow Murder Club.

These three women share their findings with Detective Sergeant Tanika Malik, who finds herself as Senior Investigating Officer of multiple murders because her superior is on sick leave. At first, the three women drive Malik batty, but she soon sees that they can be quite a help to her, and she comes up with an ingenious way to bring them on board her investigation.

The Marlow Murder Club is being described as Agatha Christie-esque and compared with Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club. I think both comparisons are superficial and more wishful marketing than anything else. For me, the characterizations outshone the mystery because of its (to me) obvious plot connection to an Alfred Hitchcock movie, so as far as I'm concerned, this book is more Hitchcock than Christie-- which isn't necessarily a bad thing. As far as the Osman comparison, it's all marketing. Both books feature at least one elderly person solving a crime. For my money, Thorogood's The Marlow Murder Club is much the better choice. It keeps its focus and its humor, and the more manageable, smaller band of sleuths absolutely sparkles. I can't wait to see what happens in Marlow next.

Take a dash of Miss Marple's curiosity, add the self-assurance of a 77-year-old who doesn't mind swimming nude in the river near her house, and a brain that enjoys puzzles - and you have Judith Potts. When she finds her neighbor dead, she decides the police aren't taking the investigation seriously enough and begins her own sleuthing. She pulls in Suzie (the local dogwalker) and Becks (the vicar's wife) to help with her search for clues. Before long they are enlisting friends and acquaintances to give them details about the lives of their suspects, setting up appointments with the suspects at work to have the chance to ask them questions, and generally putting themselves in danger and driving the local detective sergeant to distraction.

There are impersonations, confrontations, a lot of gin being consumed (mostly by Judith), an adorable dog named Emma, and an overworked female DS who begins to suspect that the ladies may be onto the truth. The three sleuths are an odd mix of personalities and ages with Judith a fairly well off widower in a nice home, Suzie more of a free-spirit who stays busy with her dogwalking and dogsitting, and Becks determined to be the perfect housewife with a sparkling clean house and smartly turned out in her yoga outfit. But between them they know many of the residents in Marlow and can compare notes about what their questioning uncovers.

The story has the feel of a cozy mystery with its village setting, but the women seem more like Richard Osman's <i>The Thursday Murder Club</i> with its mix of members that each have a specialty that helps in the investigation. If you enjoy mysteries that include unlikely amateur detectives, female bonding, and small town settings, then you should pick this book up right away.

Judith Potts is a seventy something year old woman who enjoys crosswords from The Times paper, when she discovers a dead body. The Police have their theory, but Judith isn't so sure about that. Judith's suspicions are confirmed when another body turns up dead - there is a serial killer on the loose! Judith and her sidekick work to solve the crime.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for a free advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

Judith, a crossword setter is living a quiet life when she stumbles across her neighbour’s body. Although the police believe it could be suicide, Judith is sure he was murdered and is determined to bring his killer to justice. A cute cozy with a strong tenacious female lead and some great sidekicks. Thx to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.