Death Comes to Marlow

This book is for fans of The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. It’s a cozy mystery with a wonderful cast of characters who are equally charming, witty and funny. This is the second book in the series, and I enjoyed revisiting Judith and her friends Suzie and Becks as they solve yet another murder.

The night before the wedding of Sir Peter and Jenny, Judith gets a call inviting her to their wedding. Judith isn’t super familiar with Sir Peter so she finds it odd when he invites her and even more odd when he reacts strangely to her joke of hoping no one gets murdered at his wedding.

When a murder does in fact take place, Judith and her friends must investigate what seems like an impossible murder. The list of suspects is pretty obvious and while I had my suspicions the entire time (and ended up being right), the murder plot itself was quite well thought out and definitely not something easily guessed. You may be able to guess who did it, but I doubt you’ll guess how it was done. It reminds me of the game club, Colonel Mustard, in the ballroom with the candlestick. Guess the murderer, and guess how it was orchestrated.

While this definitely isn’t a thriller with lots of plot twists, the characters in this book are what make this book a standout. I truly hope this series continues as I would love to see what Judith solves next. The ending made it seem like there might be another book in this series, so fingers crossed there!

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.

The motley crew of the informal Marlow Murder Club reunites for this sequel as fabulous as the first. Semi-recluse Judith Potts, dogwalker Suzie Harris and vicar’s wife Becks Starling are on sight when callow, short-tempered Sir Peter Bailey is crushed by a cabinet on the eve of second marriage. The women — and the supportive Detective Sergeant Tanilka Malik — strongly suspect murder, but how could Sir Peter have been killed in his locked study, with the only key, an ancient, uncopiable model, still his pocket.

Kudos to author Robert Thorogood for a sequel as riveting as his debut, The Marlow Murder Club! Like the debut, the sequel contains a chilling denouement I never saw coming. Forgive the cliché, but I couldn’t put it down and I read it in a day. No greater recommendation that that! And for those whom missed the first book (please remedy that as soon as you can), Death Comes to Marlow stands up quite well on its own.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.

The perfect cozy crime to curl up with on the couch on a cold and rainy day.

I have loved these ladies from the beginning (especially Becks, our intrepid vicar's wife with hidden depths), and it was such a delight to reunite with them for their next big case. Their odd friendship is so wonderful, and I love seeing how their lives developed.

This time, an old rich member of Marlow society calls Judith saying he fears for his life and is indeed found dead the day before his wedding. Crushed by a cabinet. Locked in his study. While all the obvious suspects were outside...

Murder seems impossible, but the ladies are determined to find the truth.

This was such a fast, fun read! I flew through it in a few days and absolutely loved it. My only small complaint is that the murder felt a bit... elaborate to me when it was revealed how the killer went about things.

Perfect for fans of Richard Osman.

Oh my goodness, I have been waiting for this since reading the first book. It is brilliant. A locked room murder that I didn't solve.. I could not put this down. It was so nice to be back in the company of Judith, Suzie and Beth. A trio not to be trifled with! I love Judith and the way she says exactly what wants. I think we all wish we could that! As a local girl, I also enjoy reading about places i know and can easily visualise.
Another sure fire hit, roll on book 3 please.

Death Comes to Marlow is a clever cosy mystery. Robert Thorogood has done it once again! It was a delight reuniting with the dynamic trio - Judith, Suzie and Becks as they brought their wits together to solve a puzzling locked room mystery that turns into murder. I appreciate how the supporting characters, especially Suzie and Becks, are fleshed out. The narrative style hooked me, and the banter was skillfully crafted. The plot was an intricate maze with remarkable breakthroughs and yet frustrating dead ends, all of which complement an unpredictable and shocking ending. The last two chapters were jaw-dropping! This mystery explores cruel intentions, wealth, family, secrets and friendships. Do not skip this series if you're a fan of cosy mysteries, amateur detectives and the classic whodunit.

I look forward to reading more of the author's work and the series!

Thank you to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for an e-ARC. This honest review is left voluntarily.