Book 4 of The Marlow Murder Club mysteries series
A fun cozy crime mystery - as you can tell by the cover, the plot centred around a crime on a boat and our murder victim is found dead in the river with gunshot wounds.
Loved the ladies friendship, as always excellent teamwork to the solve the mystery and always on top of their game.
Thanks @robertthoroughgoodwriter, @hqstories & @netgalley for the perfectly pitched, humorous cozy crime caper

‘Under the polished exteriors of so many people, there lay black hearts capable of committing murder’.

Review: This is the 4th book in The Marlow Murder Club series and Judith, Suzie and Beck once again find themselves at the centre of the latest murder to hit Marlow. Verity Beresford comes to Judith as her husband, Oliver, is missing. Soon after, his body washes up in the local river and Judith must put the pieces together to solve this mystery.

The Judith that we have learned to admire made an appearance in the last 25-30% of the book. Judith had her lightbulb moment and the reader could see that the climax was building and the story was leading to a conclusion. The last third of the book was thought out, developed and interesting. It felt like the other books in the series.

The Marlow Murder Club books have quickly become one of my favourite cozy crime series and I can’t quite believe that I have caught up with book 4 already. When the founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society fails to come home after a party his wife calls on Judith Potts to see if she can help find out what happened to him, after all she has quite the reputation for solving crimes. When his body is found it is quite clear that he has been murdered and its not long before Judith, Suzie and Becks are once again smack bang in the middle of the investigation whether DS Tanika Malik likes it or not.
You have to wonder why the police even bother trying to stop the group from getting involved in the investigations as it’s clear that they are going to do what they want anyway, especially Judith who seems to have removed the word no from her vocabulary when it suits her. They have a way of getting people to open up to them in a way that the police can’t, but this can also cause problems as it invariably gives them more questions than answers and more suspects to consider. With most people seemingly having an alibi for the time of the murder it looks like this time even the tenacious trio could be well and truly stumped. It was fun to see Judith out of her comfort zone, joining the latest MADS production to follow all possible leads but with Suzie sure that something is going to happen to Judith they all seem a little on edge.
I love all the twists and turns in this book, and I think that this is my favourite of the series so far probably because they were basically acting unchecked most of the time and that’s when the fun really happens. Judith, Suzie and Becks may be a bit of an odd group of friends on the surface, but they work well together, Judith is the daring one, Suzie is more acts first think later and then Becks is the voice of reason. They really are like the crazy relatives you secretly love to be around as you just never know what is going to happen next. As for what the group will get involved in next I guess I will have to wait until the next book but if the ending of this one was anything to go by, life will get interesting for at least one of them.

I'm quite late to the the party but not because I didn't love the novel, the best in the series so far ihmo. There's twists, mysteries, quirky characters, Tanika who could be at risk in the professional side.
There's a closed circile/impossible crime and an impeccable whodunnit that kept me hooked, guessing, and having a lot of fun.
Loved it
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

A thrilling page-turner! This latest Marlow Murder Club adventure had me hooked with its clever twists and turns. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end—totally outsmarted me! Those murder suspects had me pointing fingers in all directions. And that ending? Talk about leaving us hanging! Can't wait to see what's next for this crime-solving crew!

As a fan of Death in Paradise I was already predisposed to like Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood, the creator of said TV series!
The story’s got amateur detective trio Judith, Suzie, and Becks (all faimilar to fans of the series but new to mw) hot on the trail of a killer who murdered Oliver Beresford, the big-shot founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society. When his wife Verity comes knocking on Judith’s door flustered because Oliver didn’t come home after a fancy boat party on the Marlow Belle, you just know he isn’t going to turn up safe and well – well to be afir the books title is a hint in that direction!
As mentioned I wasn’t familiar with these amateur sleuths, Judith’s a crossword-crunching older lady with a wild idea and a unique perspective, Suzie nis more down to earth walking her dogs and sniffing out clues like a bloodhound in a leather jacket, and Becks juggles vicar’s wife duties with sleuthing and being the heart of her family. Together, they’re unstoppable, as is usual for this type of cozy crime book they go through alibis and red herrings like they’re in a three-legged race.
A book in the world of amateur dramatics beings its own unique set of characters There’s a diva who thinks she’s Meryl Streep, a mechanic with a chip on his shoulder, and a Hollywood star who’s slumming it back in Marlow. Everyone has something to hide, and it soon becomes clear many people had something against the victim. The book has a lot of twists and turns and when I thought I had an idea the rug was pulled from under me, but this added to the fun. The pacing’s zippy, the dialogue’s snappy, and by the end, I was ready to go back and seek out the previous books in the Marlow Murder Club series. Also no spoilers but it ended the book on a cliffhanger that now means the next book is on the tbr pile!
If you’re into cozy mysteries with heart, laughs, and a boatload of quirky charm, Murder on the Marlow Belle should maybe be your next read. As a fan of the MC Beaton books if you like those you’ll enjoy this and I didn’t feel I missed too much by not having read the previous books, though I undoubtedly will now!

When the founder of the local Am Dram Society turns up dead, it is going to be something of a drama for three friends Judith, Becks and Suzie to solve this crime in the fourth of this instalments.

Oliver had plenty of people who wanted him dead and many secrets are tumbling out about the theatre group. Of course the three ladies stumble and bumble around much to the annoyance of the police and especially DI Tania Malik who appreciates their work but not their methods.

But despite their methods, they do solve the case and reinforce that their mismatched skills are very much needed in Marlow.

Well plotted, fun and quick witted, the perfect antidote to some of the more darker crime books out there.

Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review!

Its suffice to say that I love this series and characters. Each instalment has me gripped and reading it non stop! The mystery in this one kept me on my toes and had some really good plot twists that had me gasping. I love Judith, Suzie and Becks. They are a great cast of characters who each complement each other so much. I could read loads more of these books and wouldn't get bored. I'm excited for the next instalment.

This was a great read and I can quite see why the series has already been adapted for TV. A great cast of characters and an interesting plot, read it before TV spoils it for you!

Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood offers an engaging blend of mystery, wit, and charm, set aboard a scenic riverboat journey. The novel introduces readers to the likable amateur sleuth, Solomon, whose sharp eye for detail and knack for solving puzzles make him an intriguing protagonist. The plot unfolds as a murder takes place on the luxurious Marlow Belle, and Solomon, along with a group of quirky characters, must uncover the truth.

Thorogood's writing is fast-paced and filled with clever twists, making it hard to put down. His ability to create vivid settings and develop characters with depth allows readers to immerse themselves in the story, while the dialogues remain sharp and humorous, providing a light-hearted undertone to the darker mystery at hand.

What truly stands out in this book is Thorogood’s skill in crafting a tightly wound narrative. Each clue is placed strategically, leading readers down one path only to be surprised by another revelation. While the book is undoubtedly a gripping whodunit, it also explores themes of human nature and the complexity of relationships, giving the story more substance.

Overall, Murder on the Marlow Belle is an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries and suspenseful storytelling. Thorogood delivers a fresh take on the genre with a delightful blend of intrigue and humour, ensuring a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers eager for more.

The fourth offering in the highly enjoyable Marlow Murder Club series where our intrepid gaggle of amateur sleuths find themselves at the heart of another murder mystery this time involving the local am dram society. I love this easy reading whodunnit series.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

In the fourth book of The Marlow Murder Club, the trio of amateur detectives – Judith, Suzie, and Becks are back, and this time they are trying to solve the murder of Oliver Beresford, founder of the local Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS).

Oliver’s wife raised the alarm about her missing husband to Judith and asks for her help in finding him. Not long after, the call comes in that a body has been found in the river. Oliver had been shot and killed, and it looks like it happened whilst members of MADS were enjoying a pleasure cruise together.

However, the three women have to do their sleuthing in secret, as DS Tanika Malik, who they usually help out, is under scrutiny and can’t have the women involved this time.

Murder on the Marlow Belle is another tremendous book in an already fabulous series, which has now been turned into a TV drama. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are all at their best, and even though they have been told not to get involved, they just can’t help themselves, as solving murders is what they are good at.

The list of suspects is long and a good amount of red herrings have weaved into the story. Fingers are pointed aplenty, and nearly everyone had a motive for wanting Oliver dead, as he wasn’t a well-liked man.

The book is certainly a page-turner, and I didn’t want to put it down once I had begun. Judith’s sharp tongue and stubbornness were ever-present, which makes for entertaining reading. The plot thrilled me and had me eager to discover who the murderer was and why. I now can’t wait for book five in the series.

I love the Marlow Murder Club, and these books just keep getting better and better, this time the drama unfolds in the amateur dramatics society which culminates in death on the high seas, or in this case on the Thames River aboard the newly refurbished Marlow Belle. Fast and furious reading awaits all who climb aboard.

In "Murder on the Marlow Belle," the author, Robert Thorogood, does an excellent job of creating a classic mystery with a fun twist that makes the story even more exciting. The group of suspects in this tale is especially intriguing; each character has their own unique quirks, hidden secrets, and motives. This diverse cast of characters keeps readers guessing, as their true natures are revealed bit by bit, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

The plot is cleverly crafted, filled with misleading clues and surprising turns that keep you engaged throughout. What may seem simple at first often becomes much more complicated as the story unfolds. Thorogood's skillful pacing builds suspense, making it hard to put the book down.

What really makes this novel stand out is not only its complicated plot but also the colorful characters and the charming setting of Marlow. The three main characters—Judith, Suzie, and Becks—are relatable and endearing, each bringing their own experiences and charm to the investigation. Their friendship adds depth to the story, as they tackle the mystery together, mixing in humor and light moments that balance out the darker themes.

Marlow itself is depicted as a beautiful and quaint town, with its lovely streets and cozy spots creating a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The town's inviting atmosphere contrasts nicely with the seriousness of the murder, making readers feel as if they're right there, wandering along the riverbanks and picking up on the neighborhood gossip that might uncover the truth.

"Murder on the Marlow Belle" is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries. It has a great mix of suspense, humor, and heartwarming interactions that create a delightful reading experience. With its smartly crafted story, engaging characters who feel like old friends, and the charming atmosphere of Marlow, this book is sure to resonate with readers and leave them excited for more adventures from the Marlow Murder Club.

Another solid episode in this series and with a cliffhanger ending! I love the ladies, they are all very believable characters. Judith didn’t rely quite so much on her past skills. The final chapters were a triumph - exactly what Judith would do. Looking forward to the next episode.

Fourth in the series and the fourth I’ve read. Like the previous three, this is an excellent whodunnit in the classic mould, albeit with a distinctly dramatic denouement! Our three musketeeresses (I’m sure at least two of them would approve of traditional feminine endings) battle through to the final solution via veritable creels of red herrings. Thoroughly entertaining as always. I’ll enjoy looking out for the likely TV version - there are lots of mouth-watering visual possibilities in the locations. And talk about a cliff-hanging ending…

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ books for a proof copy. Much appreciated and enjoyed.

This is the fourth book in the series, but worked well as a standalone book. I would have preferred to read the previous books as I would have had a better understanding of the main characters, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
I am one of the few people who couldn’t even finish the first Richard Osman book as I thought it was so dire, and I was concerned this would be in the same vein but thankfully that was not the case.

A quick but entertaining read 4*

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy and return for an honest review.

Another great read in this wonderful series and such a cliff hanger at the end so, we know there's another one to come. Soon I hope. I love these women their friendship and ability to work out the clues before the police. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A wonderful read! Another fabulous instalment in the Marlow Murder Club series. This one really gets the brain going with the ins and outs and topping and going around who did it. I have to say, it beat me, I didn’t guess who the murderer was. I can’t wait for the next book, quite a cliff hanger at the end.

Thank you Netgalley

Verity Beresford is worried about her husband, Oliver who didn’t come home last night so she goes to Judith Potts for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And then Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him – it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action...

Being back with my favourite characters from one of my favourite cosy crime series always makes me feel nostalgic because I love spending time with these iconic ladies and seeing what adventures they get up to. I love how even after four books in this series, I feel like I am still learning new things about the much loved characters - I really enjoy seeing their development and seeing their friendship blossom even further.

The constant misdirection had me constantly questioning everybody with their account of the murder and motives. Every time that I thought I had it all figured out, I found out that I was wrong so I was kept constantly on my toes, which I loved! I love how cosy and humorous this series is - it makes me feel like I'm visiting old friends for a catch up each time that we get a new The Marlow Murder Club book.

I felt so immersed in this book and truly struggled to put it down because I was dying to know how everything would play out. It's been the same with every installment of this series and I cannot see that changing any time soon. After that explosive cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait to see what is in store for the fifth book in this series - I need it in my hands asap!

I cannot recommend this series enough if you're looking for loveable old characters that has women front and centre (which we love to see!) in a gorgeous, cosy crime series.

Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ CWs: alcohol and drug use, murder, gun use, cancer, cheating; mentions blood, adult/minor relationship, person with substance use disorder, overdose, animal death ⚠️