This is a fun cosy murder mystery that is quirky, funny, entertaining and is very easy to read. I enjoyed the story, the characters and had everything you want and need from a good book.

What more can I say but read it, enjoy it and have fun.

Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

Very funny, very strange and quirky. A refreshing change. I finished this quickly. The characters made me laugh out loud. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

A fun, cozy murder mystery that had me reading on and on just to find out what was going on.
There is light humor throughout the story that will make you smile.
I do have to say, it did take me awhile to get into the storyline.

This was in one way a fun and cozy thriller that I really enjoyed.
The title was what drew me to this book the first time and after that the description of the book.

If you want a good and cozy thriller that is easy to read then this might be the one for you.

Oh what a brilliant book this was! I devoured it on a long haul flight and it was just the perfect book to while away the hours with. Full of humour, mystery, the most incredible cast of characters, I absolutely can see this book either on TV or as a film. I was casting as I was reading! I loved how the book was written from the different points of view of Clio and her two best friends Amber and Jeannie, and also how it counted down in reverse in Gary’s chapters to the final big reveal of who actually murdered him. I thoroughly enjoyed solving the mystery along with the ladies and I’m delighted that there’s going to be more of their sleuthing to come.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Boldwood Books, for an arc in exchange for a review.

How not to murder your ex is a lighthearted, easy to read cosy mystery. Three friends have to find out who killed Gary, who happens to be the ex-husband of one of them. Gary’s ex-wife is accused of his murder and along with her friends they take a journey to discover the identity of the true murderer.

I truly disliked the character of Gary who was a schemer as well as a thief and wronged quite a few people in the book.

A must read for all cosy mystery fans!

This was a fantastic book and a glad it is the start of a female led series. I loved the mix of a cosy murder mystery and female friendships. I love the dual POVs especially the victim in the lead up to a great conclusion. I also love the motives are slowly revealed keeping you hooked and I genuinely can't wait for the sequel.

I found this entertaining and humorous in a dark sort of way. I knew what had happened, but I wanted to know how and why. I thought the author did a great job when it came to building suspense for the reader, whilst maintaining the dark humour that I liked, and portraying the characters as humorous. I enjoyed reading this, and I wonder if my crime book club would enjoy it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

This was great - another in the dark murder humour vein and branded to look more cosy than it actually is. Really enjoyed this and the variety in the cast of characters was fun. Every time I thought I had solved it, I hadn't, but I did have a. sneaky suspicion throughout! Generally really good, what a horrible, hideous murder victim and a group of ladies pulling together to protect each other.

The novel "How Not To Murder Your Ex" presents an intriguing premise: a woman named Clio, a single mother, finds herself in a precarious situation when her despised ex-partner, Gary, is discovered dead on her doorstep. As the prime suspect in his murder, Clio faces the challenge of proving her innocence despite her hazy memory of the night due to alcohol consumption and memory lapses associated with aging.

The narrative revolves around Clio's struggle to recall the events of that fateful night while grappling with the suspicion that she might have been involved in Gary's demise. Alongside her, Clio's two best friends, Amber and Jeanie, become embroiled in the mystery as they try to unravel the truth and clear Clio's name. The story promises suspense, intrigue, and a race against time to find the real culprit before it's too late.

The setting on the English coast adds an atmospheric backdrop to the unfolding events, and the story seems to blend elements of mystery and dark humor, drawing comparisons to novels like "The Thursday Murder Club" and other works in the genre.

The novel appears to offer a thrilling and engaging read for fans of mysteries and suspenseful storytelling, combining elements of personal conflict, friendship, and a quest for truth within the framework of a murder investigation.

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The dead body of Clio’s ex, Gary, is found on her doorstep. Clio has been accused of his murder and although she can’t remember what had happened the night before she is determined to find his killer.

Marsh gives us an entertaining narrative with a fantastic group of characters with a great friendship.

This novel had an underlying theme of friendship, loyalty and truth, mixed in with hilarious stereotypes and antics not to be taken seriously.

This was a really enjoyable read and one to add to any ones to be read list.

How to prove you didn't do the killing when you can't remember anything about it. Sheer bad luck that the body was on your doorstep. 4 stars

Thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for this ARC

"How Not To Murder Your Ex" is like hanging out with your most hilarious friends, but with a murder mystery twist. Clio, Amber, and Jeanie, three forty-something women, find themselves in a chaotic situation after a wild night of birthday celebrations. The morning after, Clio discovers her almost ex-husband dead in front of her home. What follows is a clever, laugh-out-loud cozy mystery that keeps you guessing.

Katie Marsh weaves a wonderful story of friendship among these real and fantastic characters. Clio is navigating a rough patch in life, living in a borrowed caravan and dealing with the challenges of perimenopause. Her friends, Amber and Jeanie, add layers of humor and warmth to the tale, creating a special bond that warms the heart.

The book is not just about the mystery; it's a delightful exploration of the strength of women's friendship. The characters, especially the women in their 40s, are relatable and endearing. Marsh blends humor seamlessly into the story, making it a joyous ride from beginning to its wholly satisfying end.

While solving the murder mystery, the book also tackles serious issues with a light touch. The author brings out the complexities of relationships and personal struggles of new motherhood, divorce, and career changes, making the characters more human and lovable.

In the end, "How Not To Murder Your Ex" is a cozy mystery that delivers on its promise of cleverness and laughs. It's a delightful read that combines a great mystery, quirky characters, and the warmth of true friendship. Katie Marsh has crafted a story that not only keeps you entertained but also leaves you with a heartwarming feeling, much like spending time with your favorite pals.

This is a book that is going to resonate highly with women of a certain age (which includes me!) who are tired of being written off by society as over the hill, tired, emotional and with nothing left to offer. Hang on to your hats, world, because these three ladies are going to show you how mistaken you are about that.

Meet Clio, going through an acrimonious divorce from one of the most appalling men ever committed to the page. She wakes up to every embittered divorcee’s dream – news of his death – but maybe not when his corpse is on your doorstep and you are the prime suspect in his murder. She’s not going to take this accusation lying down though, she’s going to find the real killer.

Then there is Amber, going through a career crisis but isn’t going to let that stop her doing her job if it can save her friend. And Jeanie. Longed for and hard won motherhood might not be exactly what she was expecting and it might be driving a wedge through her marriage, but none of that is going to hold her back when her friends need her, because the old Jeanie is still in there somewhere. These are the kind of friends women need when they are accused of murder on their forty-fifth birthday!

This book is a ludicrous but entertaining romp through female ‘mid-life crises’ which aren’t really crises at all. That’s just what society likes to label as women finally knowing who they really are and deciding to live life on their own terms, whether the rest of society likes it or not, and nothing is going to hold them back. It’s about female bonds, no longer giving a cr*p about what people think and working out what is really important in life. The fact that they are doing this against the backdrop of murder and mayhem feels almost secondary.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this entertaining book. It really made me laugh in places (the bit about the effect that daring physical deeds has on a middle-aged body made me snort because it is so TRUE – just thinking about Jeanie’s antics is making me ache in sympathy) and cheer in others, and thank my lucky stars that I have some really good friends who I know would go in to bat for me in exactly this way (well, maybe not EXACTLY this way, but near enough.) This is a glorious fun read which doesn’t take itself seriously but has some important things to say about knowing who you are and what is important in life.

Highly recommended.

Katie Marsh's "How Not To Murder Your Ex" offers readers a mix of mystery and humor, creating an unputdownable tale set against the English coast. While the story brings an entertaining twist to the classic whodunit, it falls short of reaching its full potential, earning a three-star rating.

The narrative kicks off with a bang, quite literally, as Clio, a single mum living in a caravan, discovers her ex-husband Gary dead on her doorstep. The circumstances surrounding his demise suggest foul play, and Clio becomes the prime suspect. The plot takes an intriguing turn as Clio, grappling with memory lapses and fueled by the disdain she and her friends feel towards Gary, embarks on a quest to clear her name.

One of the strengths of the novel lies in its quirky characters, particularly Clio and her two best friends, Amber and Jeanie. The dynamics between the trio add a layer of humor to the story, and Marsh successfully infuses warmth and camaraderie into their friendship. The English coast setting is vividly portrayed, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the book.

However, where the story falters is in its predictability. The plot follows a somewhat formulaic structure, and the mystery lacks the depth and complexity needed to keep readers consistently engaged. The forgetfulness and hot flushes that plague Clio, while intended to add an element of intrigue, sometimes feel forced and distract from the core mystery.

Additionally, the humor, while present, occasionally borders on the overly exaggerated, undermining the tension necessary for a compelling mystery. The narrative struggles to balance the light-hearted moments with the gravity of a murder investigation, leaving some readers wishing for a more nuanced approach.

In conclusion, "How Not To Murder Your Ex" is a light and entertaining read that successfully blends mystery and humor. However, its predictable plot and occasional tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the heights of other novels in the genre. While it may not be a groundbreaking addition to the mystery genre, readers seeking a quick and amusing diversion may find enjoyment in the eccentric world created by Katie Marsh.

I loved this first entry in the Bad Girls Detective Agency series by Katie Marsh. You know you’re going to be the prime suspect when your ex-husband ends up dead on your doorstep and Clio definitely has plenty of reasons to want him dead. Gary was an adulterer, thief, blackmailer and all-around bad guy. It’s up to Clio’s friends Amber and Jeanie to seek out the real murderer, and they have plenty of suspects to choose from.

A really fun murder mystery book, a thrilling read! Hope this becomes a series as look forward to seeing how the characters develop.

How Not To Murder Your Ex is a fast paced, humorous murder mystery. I found it enjoyable and it kept me guessing throughout.

Thank you to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my ARC.

How Not To Murder Your Ex follows 3 friends as one is arrested on suspicion on killing her ex husband. Will the friends clear her name and find out who did it? Highly recommend.

When Clio wakes up the morning after her 45th birthday party more than a little bit worse for wear and with the events of the previous night a little hazy, the last thing she expected was a body on her doorstep... especially when she sees who it is.

This was a solid cosy Murder mystery. I loved the realistic relationship between the three best friends, as well as the portrayal of women of this age. The format of interspersed chapters from the victim leading up to the murder was used well to give a well-rounded story. As the first in a series, I am really looking forward to see what happens with them next.