A very gentle slow paced murder mystery . The unlikely sleuthing trio crack the case again . There are twists and turns then you think you have found the culprit when it dives off again through intuition to the final unexpected denouement . Can foresee it televising well

Murder on the Marlow Belle is the fourth outing for amateur detectives Judith, Becks and Susie, and finds them plunged into the world of local amateur dramatics (a perfect setting for a murder mystery - as The Appeal demonstrated - due to the big personalities involved). The book rattles along at a fast pace as always, although I did think the subplot involving Becks' daughter could have been developed a little more. An entertaining read for fans of cosy crime.

I am very excited to be back with the Marlow Murder Club, as with the other books I loved the twists and turns and I cannot wait to follow on for more.

The Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society hold an exclusive party on the Marlow Belle but one of the party disappears sometime after the boat sets sail, this is the story that the missing man’s wife tells Judith Potts the next day when she discovers that he never made it home, while she is talking to Judith his body is found and it is discovered that he was murdered but by who? Everyone who was on the boat had reason to kill him. For me this is the weakest book in the series, without giving anything away there are things that neither the murder club or the police pick up on, and the murderer was obvious as soon as they appeared.

This is the fourth book in the series, although they can be read as standalones.
Oliver Beresford is a larger than life character whose life comes to an end very early on.
He has hired the Marlow Belle for the committee of MADS ( Marlow amateur dramatics society), and there is a special guest, the actress Lizzie Jenkins. Who would want to kill Oliver?
There are plenty of suspects for amateur sleuths Judith, susie, and Becks to investigate.
There are plenty of red herrings as the three women try to work out who has a grudge against Oliver. It seems they all had their reasons.
Having visited Marlow twice in the last few months, I loved that I could picture the high street as well as the suspension bridge. It is such a lovely place.
A great read.
Thanks to Netgalley and HQ for the ARC in return for an honest review.

'Murder on the Marlow Belle' is the hugely enjoyable fourth book in the Marlow series by acclaimed author and screenwriter Robert Thorogood. As usual, the book is filled with multi-dimensional, witty and sometimes sardonic characters that I've come to love. The plot is equally complex as the previous three, with twists, turns and double crosses aplenty. I found the pace (especially in the first half) a little slower than previous books, but not in a way that spoiled my enjoyment while reading. I look forward to seeing these books continue to be adapted for television, and to the next book in the series!

Judith, Becks and Suzie are drawn into another local murder mystery whilst also being warned off by DI Tanika Malik from trying to assist in the police enquiries. The committee members of the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society set off on a luxury river boat, the Marlow Belle, for an afternoon cruise with a celebrity guest. Six people set out on the cruise but only five return.

The plot does not disappoint, it is well paced and has a nice blend of intrigue and humour with some delightfully witty dialogue. As the story unfolds it emerges that no one on the boat appears to have an alibi and there is evidence pointing the finger of suspicion at all of them. The murder has been meticulously planned and executed with precision.

Each of the main suspects has an interesting story and a secret to be discovered. The main characters continue to develop with Judith’s foray into acting adding an interesting dimension.

A thoroughly enjoyable read, masterfully crafted and I eagerly look forward to reading the next adventure of Judith and her friends.

As the series progresses, it’s hard not to have a soft spot for each of the main characters. In this fourth book, we see even more of their tangled personal lives, which I loved. There is also the matter of a mysterious murder, which I genuinely had no idea ‘whodunit.’ The plot does a fantastic job of leading you off in different directions to finish with a stylish build-up at the end.

The suspects had very solid reasons for murder which added to the shock ability of this book. I also thought that this book took on a traditional ‘whodunit’ and added its own unique spin. For me, all the elements of the plot slotted into place at the right time. Oh, and that ending? I can’t wait to see where the books go next.

This is the fourth book in the Marlow Murder Club cosy mystery series and how delightful it was to be back with our old friends Judith, Suzie and Becks, who’s humour we have come to expect from this trio. There were certainly lots of people in the frame for ‘whodunnit’ in this book and it kept me guessing to the end, where I was completely wrong! Great twist too. And then the ending! How could you do that to us Mr Thorogood? You’d better start writing super quick because I for one am not sure I can wait too long. You could read this book as a stand-alone but I would recommend starting the series from the beginning, it would make much more sense. Thank you to NetGalley and HQ for letting me read and review this book.

This is book four of this brilliant series and, although the main story is self-contained, you could do yourself a favour and go back and play catch-up if you haven't already read the previous three books. If nothing else, they are all cracking reads and you will get to know the main characters better if you do!
So in this book, we start with Verity Beresford who is worried that her husband Oliver hadn't returned home after a night out. Based on notoriety and reputation, she takes her concerns straight to Judith Potts. There was a bit of a do the previous evening. The local Marlow AmDram society held a party onboard a pleasure boat - The Marlow Belle - and, after asking around, no one else attending remembers seeing him disembark. Long story short and his body eventually washes up, dead, complete with two bullet holes.
And so begins a rather convoluted and interconnected tale that takes Judith and her sidekicks, Suzie and Becks, all round the houses as they interview and research and speculate they whys and wherefores. As they cut through the secrets and lies, and, eventually expose the truth!
I love this series. I am a bit of a fan of this author, especially his Death in Paradise series of books which (the other way round than you'd expect) was born FROM the TV series! When I read book one of this series I knew it would be adapted for TV, and it was, and very well too, as the way the books are written do lend themselves to the small screen nicely.
Boy does this guy know how to plot mysteries. His powers of obfuscation are second to none and always keep me guessing. But the main thing is that when the truth does come out, instead of feeling cheated as a reader, I always just sit back in awe and respect the way he had cleverly pulled the wool over my eyes. I read a LOT of this genre book and hardly ever guess his denouement early which is no mean feat for an author. I can even forgive the way he ended the book... bit cheeky!
All in all, a cracking addition to an already well impressive series, book five now please! My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

Once again Robert Thorogood gives us another fabulous murder mystery in Marlow. I was so excited to read this book and read it over one weekend. Yet again Judith, Suzy and Becks combine together to find out who killed Oliver Beresford. Lots of twists and turns and fun along the way. I felt an intense nfluence from Agatha Christie with this murder and it was very intriguing. There were good side stories as well within the characters. I’m sure this will be another smash hit. I will definitely be rereading this and recommending this book to others. Thank you Netgalley and HQ

Known for his TV work such as Death in Paradise, Robert Thorogood has an excellent command of the murder mystery. Set in less exotic climes, the Marlow Murder Club returns for its fourth outing, Murder on The Marlow Belle.

A body is found, after an outing on river cruiser The Marlow Belle, which had been hired out for an event. Marlow's Amateur Dramatic Society took to the river to honour the return of one of their early members and now Hollywood Star Lizzie Jenkins. There were 6 people that boarded the boat. 5 disembarked. When the Marlow Murder Club - Judith, Suze and Becks - get involved, the suspect pool is limited.

But that doesn't make it an easy case. Victim Oliver Beresford isn't the most popular person, and with the other suspects being involved in the Dramatic Society, theatrics abound.

Crossword-setter Judith is not one to shy away from a puzzle, despite promising to keep out of the way of the Police. With friends Suze and vicar's wife Becks trying to rein her in, she is determined to shine the spotlight on all the suspects and bring their motives to light to reveal the killer.

I love this series, as the Murder Club characters are flawed and human, and you find yourself rooting for them. Murder on the Marlow Belle sees the series really finding its feet, and it's an enjoyable, warm novel that keeps you guessing until the very end. It's probably my favourite in the series so far, and I can't wait to see what the gang get up to next.

Thank you to the author, HQ Books and Netgalley for an advance copy.

Murder on the Marlow Belle is out on January 16, and can be preordered

i just love this series so much and could never take any criticisms for it. i adored being back with judith, suzie, and becks, and the ending has me so excited for another book!
thank you netgalley for the early copy!!!

Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.

Judith, Suzie, and Becks, are back in the next instalment of The Marlow Murder Club series. And of course, there is another murder to solve. Oliver Beresford has been washed up, and everyone is the perfect suspect. So, it is up to this trio to find out who the real killer is.

This series is one of my favourites, and I always look forward to the next instalment, it really is like catching up with old friends. The characters of Judith, Suzie, and Becks are so well written. And, on paper, they shouldn't really be friends as they are all such different characters, but they are the best of friends, and each of them bring their own traits to the table, that are perfect for solving murders. This series also has an element of comedy running throughout, so these are always a joy to read. And this book was no different, we had a murder that needed solving, and the perfect trio to solve it. The writing is always flawless, and this one was no different. The author always ensures the reader feels part of the story, and offered an immersive and compelling storyline. Really recommend this book.

This is book number four in the Marlow Murder Club series. A very cosy series.

As the founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, Oliver has arranged a trip along the river with only a select amount of members from the MADS and a very special guest. All goes well until the next morning when Oliver's wife calls on Judith Potts, saying that Oliver hasn't returned home and she doesn't recall when she last saw him on the boat, the Marlow Belle.

Before long, Judith and her two friends, Suzie and Becks are doing their own investigating. Staying well out of the way of the police force as their help with solving the murders in the last three books have not gone down well at all with some of DI Tanika Malik's colleagues, leading to Tanika being under investigation. We discover that Oliver was murdered on the boat, but every one of the suspects all have an alibi.

As usual, there are loads of great background characters who you will love, hate or be convinced that they are without a doubt, the murderer - and if you're anything like me, you'll be mistaken.

I had absolutely no idea of whodunit and just when you think that everything is all wrapped up neatly, the author drops yet another surprise on you.

Although I didn't enjoy this book as much as some of the others, I shall certainly be looking out for the next in the series.

I really enjoyed this novel! It must be the best one yet in the series! Only murders in the building season 3 vibes. The writing is captivating, smart, and entertaining. There were many threads of mystery that connected to the main one and all of them were resolved with an impressive flair.
I did figure out the invitations at 6pm part, but the final reveal was shocking! And the final page! I’ve been waiting for Judith’s past to catch up with her. Looking forward to book #5!

I’ve been enjoying Robert Thorogood’s Marlow Murder Club series so far, and Murder on the Marlow Belle is another fantastic installment! The mix of mystery, humor, and the quirky camaraderie between Judith, Suzie, and Becks is as delightful as ever. This time, the story takes us aboard the Marlow Belle, and the riverside setting is beautifully described, adding a unique charm to the mystery.

The plot kept me guessing with its clever twists, and I loved how the characters’ relationships continue to deepen and evolve. While the pacing is on the slower side, it suits the cozy tone and gives you time to enjoy the world Thorogood has created. If you’ve been following the series, this book is a wonderful addition—I can’t wait to see what Judith and her friends get up to next!

I absolutely love the Marlow murder mysteries. This is the fourth in the series featuring Judith, Suzi and Becks. And unlikely group of friends who seem to keep stumbling across murders. I don't think that I would be so keen to move to Marlow with the murder rate! Judith is a lady who is north of 70 and sets cryptic crossword puzzles. Suzi is the local dog walker and part time radio presenter. Becks is the wife of the local vicar. The fourth outing for the intrepid trio does not disappoint. The murder is set on a local river boat, hired for a party of six from the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society. Everyone seemingly has a motive to want the victim dead. This story seems much tighter than the previous three with a small pool of suspects to investigate. The story moves along at a pace and does not disappoint. I very much look forward to future books involving the ladies.

Book 4 of The Marlow Murder Club series sees the three friends help detective Tamils investigate the murder of an amateur dramatics impresario on the Marlow River. A cosy crime with well written characters, the denouement clever and I liked the ending which beautifully sets up the next novel.

My first read of 2025. Robert Thorogood. Murder on the Marlow Belle.
An ARC from Netgalley. Due out this month.
I love this cosy crime series. As I read the book I was imagining Samantha Bond and friends investigating. A good plot around an am-dram group on a boat trip. 5⭐️.