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The Marlow Murder Club #3
The Queen of Poisons
Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 16:34:53
10 copies available
U.S. only
Geoffrey Lushington, Mayor of Marlow, dies suddenly during a Town Council meeting. When traces of aconite – also known as the queen of poisons – are found in his coffee cup, the police realise he was murdered. But who did it? And why?
The police bring Judith, Suzie and Becks in to investigate as Civilian Advisors right from the start, so they have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence to their heart’s content, which is perfect because Judith has no time for rules and standard procedure. But this case has the Marlow Murder Club stumped. Who would want to kill the affable Mayor of Marlow? How did they even get the poison into his coffee? And is anyone else in danger? The Marlow Murder Club are about to face their most difficult case yet . . .
The police bring Judith, Suzie and Becks in to investigate as Civilian Advisors right from the start, so they have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence to their heart’s content, which is perfect because Judith has no time for rules and standard procedure. But this case has the Marlow Murder Club stumped. Who would want to kill the affable Mayor of Marlow? How did they even get the poison into his coffee? And is anyone else in danger? The Marlow Murder Club are about to face their most difficult case yet . . .
352 pages, Hardcover
First published January 18, 2024
About the author
Robert Thorogood
9 books1,074 followersRobert Thorogood is an English screenwriter. He is best known as the creator of the BBC 1 Murder Mystery Series, Death in Paradise.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
Robert was educated at Uppingham School in Rutland and read History at Downing College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he toured with the university's student comedy troupe Footlights in 1993 and was elected President in 1994. Soon after leaving Cambridge, Robert set up a theatre company that toured small theatres and schools, the highlight of which was a production of Molière's The Miser that he directed and acted in alongside Robert Webb, David Mitchell and Olivia Colman.
Robert wrote for many years - selling scripts to the BBC, ITV and independent film companies - but before 2011 the only script of his that was actually broadcast was a Radio 4 afternoon play called From Abstraction about the life of Paul Wolfskehl.
In 2008, Robert entered the inaugural Red Planet Prize and was a chosen finalist, where he was able to pitch his 'Copper in the Caribbean' idea to Tony Jordan. By 2011, when the show was finally broadcast - making it Robert's first TV broadcast credit at the age of 39 - Robert had become something of a poster boy for 'never giving up on the dream'.
In January 2014, it was announced that Robert had signed a deal with MIRA Harlequin to write three Richard Poole Murder Mystery novels, with the first being published in hardback in January 2015.
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October 22, 2023
Marlow Murder Club #3
Suzie Harris attends a council planning meeting- what is she up to?! Councillor Sophia De Castro arrives late, a somewhat exotic creature for Marlow Council, thinks Suzie. Sophia causes a slight furore with her tardiness but not as great as when the Mayor, Geoffrey Lushington sips his coffee, then drops to the floor, utterly motionless. Detective Tanika Malik, newly promoted to DI, investigates with a “bit of help from her friends” - Judith Potts, Becks Starling and Suzie Harris. Tanika engages the threesome as police civilian advisors which is probably for the best as they’d investigate Geoffrey’s untimely demise anyway. Turns out the poor old Mayor meets his maker courtesy of the Queen of Poisons - aconite, otherwise known as monkshood, wolf bane and / or leopards bane. Why would anyone want to murder a man for whom no one has a bad word? Our intrepid trio are on the scent - with Tanika, obviously!
The Queen of Poisons, the latest in this fun series, is definitely capturing and delivering the Queen of Crime vibes here. It’s the usual mad caper which is full of mystery- notes, letters, phone calls, you make it, it’s here. As per usual, these three have noses like bloodhounds and are able to suss out a lie at fifty paces. Of course, it’s convoluted, there’s a largish suspect pool and plenty of rushing about the length and breadth of Marlow to solve it after flashes of inspiration Miss Marple style, usually from Judith. I’m sure DI Malik must feel redundant at times! Naturally, there’s a large dose of humour alongside the poison. A laugh with a mystery, what a great combo!
The author has created some really good and immensely likeable characters here and with every new instalment you get to know them a bit better with the three of them being resourceful to say the least. Poor Becks earns a ton of sympathy as her mother in law is simply ghastly. However, the ultimate end is nicely devious and earns applause from me.
Of course, some things are very convenient, it wouldn’t be a cozy otherwise but it’s highly entertaining and so it’s a go with the flow read. The big reveal is suitably bonkers and is unexpected as my suspicion antenna twitches into an altogether different direction. Nicely played Mr Thorogood!
Overall, I’m liking this series more and more with every new novel as I eagerly anticipate number 4.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Suzie Harris attends a council planning meeting- what is she up to?! Councillor Sophia De Castro arrives late, a somewhat exotic creature for Marlow Council, thinks Suzie. Sophia causes a slight furore with her tardiness but not as great as when the Mayor, Geoffrey Lushington sips his coffee, then drops to the floor, utterly motionless. Detective Tanika Malik, newly promoted to DI, investigates with a “bit of help from her friends” - Judith Potts, Becks Starling and Suzie Harris. Tanika engages the threesome as police civilian advisors which is probably for the best as they’d investigate Geoffrey’s untimely demise anyway. Turns out the poor old Mayor meets his maker courtesy of the Queen of Poisons - aconite, otherwise known as monkshood, wolf bane and / or leopards bane. Why would anyone want to murder a man for whom no one has a bad word? Our intrepid trio are on the scent - with Tanika, obviously!
The Queen of Poisons, the latest in this fun series, is definitely capturing and delivering the Queen of Crime vibes here. It’s the usual mad caper which is full of mystery- notes, letters, phone calls, you make it, it’s here. As per usual, these three have noses like bloodhounds and are able to suss out a lie at fifty paces. Of course, it’s convoluted, there’s a largish suspect pool and plenty of rushing about the length and breadth of Marlow to solve it after flashes of inspiration Miss Marple style, usually from Judith. I’m sure DI Malik must feel redundant at times! Naturally, there’s a large dose of humour alongside the poison. A laugh with a mystery, what a great combo!
The author has created some really good and immensely likeable characters here and with every new instalment you get to know them a bit better with the three of them being resourceful to say the least. Poor Becks earns a ton of sympathy as her mother in law is simply ghastly. However, the ultimate end is nicely devious and earns applause from me.
Of course, some things are very convenient, it wouldn’t be a cozy otherwise but it’s highly entertaining and so it’s a go with the flow read. The big reveal is suitably bonkers and is unexpected as my suspicion antenna twitches into an altogether different direction. Nicely played Mr Thorogood!
Overall, I’m liking this series more and more with every new novel as I eagerly anticipate number 4.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to HQ for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
December 17, 2023
I really enjoyed the first two books in this series but I haven’t enjoyed reading this one so much. In the first two, the characters of Suzie, Becks and Judith felt much more rounded and interesting. Much of this book is just dialogue and the storyline feels convoluted with practically everyone involved being listed as a suspect at some point. The finale - and I will avoid spoilers - is just silly as no one capable of murder is liable to stand patiently for what must have been half an hour having their crime explained to them in minute detail.
Is this a book too far? The first has been televised though not broadcast. Perhaps it will lead to a series that isn’t based on the books. The characters are made for television so it’s a strong possibility.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ/Harper Collins for a review copy.
Is this a book too far? The first has been televised though not broadcast. Perhaps it will lead to a series that isn’t based on the books. The characters are made for television so it’s a strong possibility.
With thanks to NetGalley and HQ/Harper Collins for a review copy.
February 7, 2024
The Marlow Murder Club makes a triumphant return and so do our beloved Police Civilian Advisors – Judith, Suzie, and Becks. In The Queen of Poisons the third instalment in the series, Suzie attends a Town Council meeting, but it isn’t long before the Mayor of Marlow, Geoffrey Lushington, keels over and dies at the table.
Was it a heart attack, etc? No, it is a meticulously executed act of murder. His coffee has been laced with poison but who would want to do such a thing to an apparent well-respected man, and who has seen the sugar bowl? These are answers the Marlow Murder Club friends need to find out if they want to locate the murderer and bring them to justice.
I love this series. The dynamic trio, Judith, Suzie, and Becks have such contrasting personalities and yet work well together. Their energy and vibrancy bounce off the pages, along with their sarcasm, sneakiness, and boldness. It was also lovely to see Becks having a backbone and her family supporting her (well most of them!).
The thrills and twists of a fine murder mystery novel were weaved throughout and the pages were turned with ease having me flying through the book in no time. I also always love playing along trying to see if I can work out who the killer is before the big reveal.
The Queen of Poisons is a stellar addition to an already outstanding series. It is entertaining and I love how the author manages to captivate his audience the whole way through with a blend of mystery and intrigue alongside fabulous characters. I now look forward to more books in the future and the TV series which is due out soon.
Was it a heart attack, etc? No, it is a meticulously executed act of murder. His coffee has been laced with poison but who would want to do such a thing to an apparent well-respected man, and who has seen the sugar bowl? These are answers the Marlow Murder Club friends need to find out if they want to locate the murderer and bring them to justice.
I love this series. The dynamic trio, Judith, Suzie, and Becks have such contrasting personalities and yet work well together. Their energy and vibrancy bounce off the pages, along with their sarcasm, sneakiness, and boldness. It was also lovely to see Becks having a backbone and her family supporting her (well most of them!).
The thrills and twists of a fine murder mystery novel were weaved throughout and the pages were turned with ease having me flying through the book in no time. I also always love playing along trying to see if I can work out who the killer is before the big reveal.
The Queen of Poisons is a stellar addition to an already outstanding series. It is entertaining and I love how the author manages to captivate his audience the whole way through with a blend of mystery and intrigue alongside fabulous characters. I now look forward to more books in the future and the TV series which is due out soon.
March 2, 2024
In the third book of our usual gang, as always, there is Judith Potts, a woman in her 70s who swimming naked in the river, solving and making crossword puzzles, and enjoys living alone with her cat. Then there is Becks, a vicar's wife who has a good financial mind and tries her best to carry her dignity, most of the time. Lastly, there is Suzie, a woman in her 50s who is a dog walker, has a line in Marlow radio, and hates podcasters.
This time, they didn't pull into the murder, like before. To make things worse, Suzie is the witness of it, so, Tanika, the detective inspector of Marlow to prevent them from meddling and becoming a nuisance, does all of them including herself a favor, and hires them as civilian advisers for the case. This way, they have to act as law-abiding citizens, but is such a thing even possible for Judith?!
I found three novels of The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood to be enjoyable and mysterious, and each of which can be read as a standalone book. While I did like this book as much as the others, I couldn't give it a 5-star rating because of its psychological aspect which made me feel sad. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, so I won't go into detail, but overall it was still a very good read.
My huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for giving me the chance to read The Queen of Poisons (The Marlow Murder Club #3) by Robert Thorogood, I have given my honest review.
This time, they didn't pull into the murder, like before. To make things worse, Suzie is the witness of it, so, Tanika, the detective inspector of Marlow to prevent them from meddling and becoming a nuisance, does all of them including herself a favor, and hires them as civilian advisers for the case. This way, they have to act as law-abiding citizens, but is such a thing even possible for Judith?!
I found three novels of The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood to be enjoyable and mysterious, and each of which can be read as a standalone book. While I did like this book as much as the others, I couldn't give it a 5-star rating because of its psychological aspect which made me feel sad. I don't want to reveal any spoilers, so I won't go into detail, but overall it was still a very good read.
My huge thanks to Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley for giving me the chance to read The Queen of Poisons (The Marlow Murder Club #3) by Robert Thorogood, I have given my honest review.
Want to read
April 5, 2023Before reading: I am so excited for this book! The first two Marlow books are some of my favorite mysteries of all time, and I'm obsessed with Thorogood's writing style! Anxiously anticipating a release date.
April 7, 2024
Robert Thorogood is fun. I enjoy his TV series (which I watch on BritBox). My favorite episodes are the ones he wrote in the first season. And I like his Marlow series, of which The Queen of Poisons is the third entry. In my opinion, it's the best of the series so far.
Judith is an almost-80 year old woman who, as a part-time job, creates crossword puzzles for newspapers. She is sharp, smart, drinks a little too much whiskey, and likes to swim nude in the Thames. And in her spare time, she solves murders (of which the village of Marlow seems to have more than its fair share. But why quibble?).
In the first book of the series, Judith and her best friend, Suzie Harris, a dogwalker embrace Becks Starling, the vicar's wife, as a kind of partner in crime solving. Judith is the leader--as good at solving a murder puzzle as she is at crosswords, Suzie is her emotional support friend--always willing to take a risk for the sake of an adventure, and Becks is a somewhat reluctant yet fascinated follower who emerges over time out of the shadow of her role of wife and mother to show her own brand of feistiness.
Suzie has thoughts of building a hotel of sorts in her back yard (yes, that's what I wrote). She attends a town council meeting to get a sense of how she might best approach the council successfully. Of course, there is a suspicious death, almost immediately.
Tanika, a rising star in the Marlow police force, has "worked" (not always willingly) with the triumvirate before. Although they constantly break rules and protocol, they (spearheaded by Judith) always solve the mystery (of course). So Taniika has accepted her fate--and her unofficial squad
Thorogood has a warm, humorous tone to his writing. The story moves along quickly.. Although I had suspicions about the identity of the killer, in the end, Thorogood did manage to surprise me.
The Marlow series are very light. As I began this review by saying, Thorogood is fun and so is this book.
Full disclosure: I received this book as a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Judith is an almost-80 year old woman who, as a part-time job, creates crossword puzzles for newspapers. She is sharp, smart, drinks a little too much whiskey, and likes to swim nude in the Thames. And in her spare time, she solves murders (of which the village of Marlow seems to have more than its fair share. But why quibble?).
In the first book of the series, Judith and her best friend, Suzie Harris, a dogwalker embrace Becks Starling, the vicar's wife, as a kind of partner in crime solving. Judith is the leader--as good at solving a murder puzzle as she is at crosswords, Suzie is her emotional support friend--always willing to take a risk for the sake of an adventure, and Becks is a somewhat reluctant yet fascinated follower who emerges over time out of the shadow of her role of wife and mother to show her own brand of feistiness.
Suzie has thoughts of building a hotel of sorts in her back yard (yes, that's what I wrote). She attends a town council meeting to get a sense of how she might best approach the council successfully. Of course, there is a suspicious death, almost immediately.
Tanika, a rising star in the Marlow police force, has "worked" (not always willingly) with the triumvirate before. Although they constantly break rules and protocol, they (spearheaded by Judith) always solve the mystery (of course). So Taniika has accepted her fate--and her unofficial squad
Thorogood has a warm, humorous tone to his writing. The story moves along quickly.. Although I had suspicions about the identity of the killer, in the end, Thorogood did manage to surprise me.
The Marlow series are very light. As I began this review by saying, Thorogood is fun and so is this book.
Full disclosure: I received this book as a complimentary copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2024
there is something so metal about Robert Thorogood initially wanting to write a “The Marlow Murder Club” TV series which everyone rejected, only to decide to publish the story as a novel, which then became so successful it was turned into a TV series after all. First and foremost, you gotta respect the hustle.
Naturally, I was curious to see how the series’ first book that I enjoyed so much would play out on screen and while the series is entertaining, though unremarkable, I now cannot help but view the books through an entirely new lens. Once you know this story was originally created and written for TV, you cannot help but notice all the signs pointing towards it, no more so than in Thorogood’s newest entry into the Marlow verse, The Queen of Poisons.
This time, Marlow’s idyllic peace is disturbed by a murder no one can explain. It’s not only the how, but the why that puzzles Judith, Suzie and Becks. After all, who would have wanted to kill Geoffrey Lushington, Marlow’s affable mayor who was beloved by all and hated by none? When traces of aconite – also known as the queen of poisons – are found in his coffee cup, they and the police realise they’re dealing with a stone-cold killer who will do anything to avoid being found.
The crime is set, the team is back together, and I was primed to enjoy the heck out of this murder mystery and yet… everywhere I looked I stumbled over signs just how much better this would have worked as a TV script and how much this was written as one. There’s a scene in here in which Judith and Suzie are face-timing each other when Judith accidentally uses one of those animal filters which leads to half a page of banter about how hilarious Suzie finds Judith talking to her whilst wearing giraffe face.
This scene SCREAMS television so much so that it made it into the TV adaptation of the first book, making me question just how invested the author still is in writing these novels rather than just developing his stories for the screen and afterwards putting the same scenes into his books, killing two birds with one stone whilst only putting the work in once. There’s rather a lot of telling instead of showing going on, and I can imagine much of the humour would translate so much better on screen than it does here.
The overall plot is unfortunately a bit draggy, with many of the characters’ decisions feeling like plot devices. The story lacked a natural flow, especially since 90% of it is the trio running around Marlow, going from interviewing one suspect to the next, then regrouping, finding out a fact that sheds new light on one of the suspects they had previously discounted. Then Judith says something like: “There’s one way to find out. We should ask her, don’t you think?” or “I think we need to talk to him, don’t you?” at the end of a chapter and off the women are to interview one of their previous suspects. It’s a pity the story essentially isn’t more than that because the three women could not be more different and it’s their character dynamic that really brings these stories to life.
While I think that Tanika’s decision to bring on the team as civil instigators served to make the narrative of three women sticking their noses into everybody’s business and running around questioning suspects a bit more believable, it also led to some of the spice missing that in previous books was so wonderfully created by the ladies’ continuous run-ins with the police.
Running parallel to the murder plot are several minor side plots that are concerned with further developing the main trio to a lesser success than I would have liked. Suzie is given another side hustle so utterly ridiculous, that it begs to question whether it does anything at all for Suzie’s character development. It does, however, provide the beginning of her turning over a new leaf so that’s that. Similarly, Becks does not only have to deal with the murder case but with an entitled and posh mother-in-law, a side plot neither responsible for laughs nor good storytelling, merely serving to pad out the murder plot, while also “making it a bit about the people in it”.
I found the story lacking in much of what I had previously enjoyed in the series’ first two instalments and I would be content not to get another Marlow Murder Club for a while if that means Thorogood putting all his focus on getting a second series of the TV adaptation off the ground.
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Naturally, I was curious to see how the series’ first book that I enjoyed so much would play out on screen and while the series is entertaining, though unremarkable, I now cannot help but view the books through an entirely new lens. Once you know this story was originally created and written for TV, you cannot help but notice all the signs pointing towards it, no more so than in Thorogood’s newest entry into the Marlow verse, The Queen of Poisons.
This time, Marlow’s idyllic peace is disturbed by a murder no one can explain. It’s not only the how, but the why that puzzles Judith, Suzie and Becks. After all, who would have wanted to kill Geoffrey Lushington, Marlow’s affable mayor who was beloved by all and hated by none? When traces of aconite – also known as the queen of poisons – are found in his coffee cup, they and the police realise they’re dealing with a stone-cold killer who will do anything to avoid being found.
The crime is set, the team is back together, and I was primed to enjoy the heck out of this murder mystery and yet… everywhere I looked I stumbled over signs just how much better this would have worked as a TV script and how much this was written as one. There’s a scene in here in which Judith and Suzie are face-timing each other when Judith accidentally uses one of those animal filters which leads to half a page of banter about how hilarious Suzie finds Judith talking to her whilst wearing giraffe face.
This scene SCREAMS television so much so that it made it into the TV adaptation of the first book, making me question just how invested the author still is in writing these novels rather than just developing his stories for the screen and afterwards putting the same scenes into his books, killing two birds with one stone whilst only putting the work in once. There’s rather a lot of telling instead of showing going on, and I can imagine much of the humour would translate so much better on screen than it does here.
The overall plot is unfortunately a bit draggy, with many of the characters’ decisions feeling like plot devices. The story lacked a natural flow, especially since 90% of it is the trio running around Marlow, going from interviewing one suspect to the next, then regrouping, finding out a fact that sheds new light on one of the suspects they had previously discounted. Then Judith says something like: “There’s one way to find out. We should ask her, don’t you think?” or “I think we need to talk to him, don’t you?” at the end of a chapter and off the women are to interview one of their previous suspects. It’s a pity the story essentially isn’t more than that because the three women could not be more different and it’s their character dynamic that really brings these stories to life.
While I think that Tanika’s decision to bring on the team as civil instigators served to make the narrative of three women sticking their noses into everybody’s business and running around questioning suspects a bit more believable, it also led to some of the spice missing that in previous books was so wonderfully created by the ladies’ continuous run-ins with the police.
Running parallel to the murder plot are several minor side plots that are concerned with further developing the main trio to a lesser success than I would have liked. Suzie is given another side hustle so utterly ridiculous, that it begs to question whether it does anything at all for Suzie’s character development. It does, however, provide the beginning of her turning over a new leaf so that’s that. Similarly, Becks does not only have to deal with the murder case but with an entitled and posh mother-in-law, a side plot neither responsible for laughs nor good storytelling, merely serving to pad out the murder plot, while also “making it a bit about the people in it”.
I found the story lacking in much of what I had previously enjoyed in the series’ first two instalments and I would be content not to get another Marlow Murder Club for a while if that means Thorogood putting all his focus on getting a second series of the TV adaptation off the ground.
As always, thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for granting me an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Want to read
March 20, 2024ARC received!! Thank you so much, Poisoned Pen Press!
I cannot wait to continue with this series!!
Original:
This is surprising! An announcement of the third book so soon. I'm here for it!!
I cannot wait to continue with this series!!
Original:
This is surprising! An announcement of the third book so soon. I'm here for it!!
March 30, 2024
First off, I should say that if you haven’t read the previous two books in the Marlow Murder Club series, that’s OK; this book works as a standalone. Ideally you’d start at the beginning, but you won’t be disadvantaged if you don’t.
Primary characters in the series are three older women who poke their noses into local murder cases. Judith Potts is widowed (and glad of it), lives in a big house by the Thames where she daily takes a nude swim, writes cryptic crosswords for several major newspapers, and has assertiveness as her leading characteristic. Suzie always has an idea for how to make money. At the moment she’s got her dog-walking business, but she’s considering building a pod hotel in her garden and making money from tourists visiting Marlow. Suzie is blunt and ready for anything. Becks, a vicar’s wife, is much more reticent than either of her friends, but she is so nice that she can get people to talk when the others’ style rubs them the wrong way.
One evening, Suzie goes to a town planning committee meeting to suss out the committee’s members and procedures, so she’ll be prepared when it comes time to get her pod hotel permit. Not long after all the committee members arrive, chair and local mayor Geoffrey Lushington drops dead after drinking a cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine. But who would kill Geoffrey, the ultimate nice guy?
Tanika Malik, a local police detective, is assigned to the case, as she has been in the prior books. But she has now been elevated and runs the investigative team, no longer needing to get permission from her sexist and none-too-bright bosses. From prior experience, Tanika knows it’s best to have the women involved, so she authorizes them as civilian consultants. I’m happy that this novel loses that aspect of most amateur detective novels where the detective is constantly having to battle the official investigators.
There were enough people in the room when Geoffrey died that there are plenty of people for the trio of amateurs to interview and investigate. It soon becomes clear from their digging that nice as Geoffrey was, several people had motives to kill him. The murder has been cleverly and carefully planned, but Judith has as devious a mind as any villain, and the trio work together with Tanika to spring a trap for the killer.
Lots of people compare this series to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, since both involve senior-citizen amateur detectives in English village settings. To me, they don’t read as much alike, though. Osman has such a distinctive style that I doubt he could be mimicked even if another author wanted to, and I don’t think Thorogood wants to. These are entertaining books on their own; not quite as good as Osman’s, but they offer a pleasant way to pass a few hours.
Primary characters in the series are three older women who poke their noses into local murder cases. Judith Potts is widowed (and glad of it), lives in a big house by the Thames where she daily takes a nude swim, writes cryptic crosswords for several major newspapers, and has assertiveness as her leading characteristic. Suzie always has an idea for how to make money. At the moment she’s got her dog-walking business, but she’s considering building a pod hotel in her garden and making money from tourists visiting Marlow. Suzie is blunt and ready for anything. Becks, a vicar’s wife, is much more reticent than either of her friends, but she is so nice that she can get people to talk when the others’ style rubs them the wrong way.
One evening, Suzie goes to a town planning committee meeting to suss out the committee’s members and procedures, so she’ll be prepared when it comes time to get her pod hotel permit. Not long after all the committee members arrive, chair and local mayor Geoffrey Lushington drops dead after drinking a cup of coffee from the Nespresso machine. But who would kill Geoffrey, the ultimate nice guy?
Tanika Malik, a local police detective, is assigned to the case, as she has been in the prior books. But she has now been elevated and runs the investigative team, no longer needing to get permission from her sexist and none-too-bright bosses. From prior experience, Tanika knows it’s best to have the women involved, so she authorizes them as civilian consultants. I’m happy that this novel loses that aspect of most amateur detective novels where the detective is constantly having to battle the official investigators.
There were enough people in the room when Geoffrey died that there are plenty of people for the trio of amateurs to interview and investigate. It soon becomes clear from their digging that nice as Geoffrey was, several people had motives to kill him. The murder has been cleverly and carefully planned, but Judith has as devious a mind as any villain, and the trio work together with Tanika to spring a trap for the killer.
Lots of people compare this series to Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, since both involve senior-citizen amateur detectives in English village settings. To me, they don’t read as much alike, though. Osman has such a distinctive style that I doubt he could be mimicked even if another author wanted to, and I don’t think Thorogood wants to. These are entertaining books on their own; not quite as good as Osman’s, but they offer a pleasant way to pass a few hours.
April 3, 2024
The gang’s together again — crossword-puzzle creator and semi-recluse Judith Potts, ditzy dogwalker Suzie Harris and vicar’s wife Becks Starling — and I am definitely here for it! In this third entry in the Marlow Murder Club series, the women — for once with Detective Inspector Tanika Malik’s blessing — investigate the death of the beloved mayor of Marlow. Right before Suzie’s eyes at a planning council meeting, Mayor Geoffrey Lushington died after a sip of coffee. How was he poisoned in plain sight? Judith, Suzie and Becks are sure to find out, while uncovering some other crimes in the effort.
Longtime fans will love catching up with the Marlow Murder Club, but those new to the series will not feel lost. Author Robert Thorogood has not lost his touch, as The Queen of Poisons proves just as stellar as the first two books in the series, The Marlow Murder Club and Death Comes to Marlow .
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
Longtime fans will love catching up with the Marlow Murder Club, but those new to the series will not feel lost. Author Robert Thorogood has not lost his touch, as The Queen of Poisons proves just as stellar as the first two books in the series, The Marlow Murder Club and Death Comes to Marlow .
In the interest of full disclosure, I received this book from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2024
Loved this fun story! Book 3 in the Marlow Murder Club
The Marlow Murder Club reconvenes when the Mayor dies suddenly in front of a council meeting. Who would be so daring to poison Mayor Lushington? As civilian advisors, our old friends Judith, Suzie, and Becks come in to uncover secrets, make wisecracks and generally help and annoy the police in equal portions.
Great plot, perfect pacing makes this a fun read for any detective-want-to-be!
#thequeenofpoisons #robertthorogood #hq
The Marlow Murder Club reconvenes when the Mayor dies suddenly in front of a council meeting. Who would be so daring to poison Mayor Lushington? As civilian advisors, our old friends Judith, Suzie, and Becks come in to uncover secrets, make wisecracks and generally help and annoy the police in equal portions.
Great plot, perfect pacing makes this a fun read for any detective-want-to-be!
#thequeenofpoisons #robertthorogood #hq
March 20, 2024
easy going cosy crime mystery thriller , was okay to read
January 23, 2024
I am convinced that reading this series of books is like starting a tube of Pringles - you know they are rubbish, you know they are bad for you and yet you can’t stop until you reach the end.
The plot is okay but the characterisation is so stereotypical, and I think that if Judith (one of the ‘detectives’) moved into my town, I would cheerfully murder her. She is so insufferable - I know she is supposed to have issues but the way she has been written I have absolutely no sympathy or empathy for her whatsoever. The way she conducted herself throughout the ‘investigation’ ruined what could have been a not bad murder mystery and put me off ever reading one of them again, that is if this series continues.
In fact, none of the women in the book come out very well at all. I’m trying to work out why that is.
The plot is okay but the characterisation is so stereotypical, and I think that if Judith (one of the ‘detectives’) moved into my town, I would cheerfully murder her. She is so insufferable - I know she is supposed to have issues but the way she has been written I have absolutely no sympathy or empathy for her whatsoever. The way she conducted herself throughout the ‘investigation’ ruined what could have been a not bad murder mystery and put me off ever reading one of them again, that is if this series continues.
In fact, none of the women in the book come out very well at all. I’m trying to work out why that is.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 31, 2024
Oh dear, 'The Queen Of Poisons' turned out to be seven hours of comic cosy crime fun entombed in a nine-hour audiobook.
This wasn't the reaction I'd hoped to have to this book but...
HOW IT STARTED
HOW IT FINISHED
I pre-ordered 'The Queen Of Poisons' after reading 'Death Comes To Marlow' which was more fun than the first book, 'The Marlow Murder Club'. When I started the book, I was sure I was going to be writing a review that said that this was a series that just kept getting better. I still thought that about halfway through. By the time I finished the book this evening, I'd been waiting for it to end for nearly an hour.
The book opens with a welcome change to the formula. Suzie witnesses the murder, Tanika Malik has been promoted to Detective Inspector and so has the freedom to bring Judith, Becks and Suzie in from the beginning as Civilian Advisors. This cut out a lot of unnecessary time that might have been spent on justifying the three friends' involvement and acknowledges their track record without stopping them from being free agents.
The chemistry between Judith, Becks and Suzie is even better in this book than in the first two. I love the close observation of how day-to-day life works and the dialogue worked so well that I found myself laughing out loud at it in places. I loved that we finally get to see Becks losing her temper as she tries to cope with having her mother-in-law invading her home for an indefinite period.
My disappointment began when it became clear that Judith was effectively cutting Tanika out of the investigation except when she needed evidence tested or a person arrested. In 'Death Comes To Marlow' it seemed to me that Tanika had started to become a fourth friend in the Marlow Murder club. In 'The Queen Of Poisons' she's barely more than a plot device.
Initially, I quite liked the plot. It was a twist on a locked room mystery in that it seemed that the murderer had to be one of the four people in the room with the victim when he was killed. I enjoyed watching the three friends dig into the lives and secrets of each of the four, generating new suspects as they went along.
Then I started to feel like I was being dragged through a maze by a person with no sense of direction, as we hit dead end after dead end and seemed to get no closer to finding the murderer. By then, my interest was mainly sustained by the nuanced descriptions of the suspects and the lively dialogue between Judith, Becks and Suzie.
By the time I got to the last two hours of the book, I was less interested in who the murderer was and how they did it than I was in how Becks would rid herself of her mother-in-law.
The story hit its nadir in the last hour with one of the longest, slowest, most static pieces of plot exposition that I've ever read. What should have been a tense confrontation with the killer, followed by the big reveal became something so tediously detailed that I felt as if I was watching a PowerPoint presentation.
This sapped so much of my energy that even the clever way that Becks did eventually free herself from her mother-in-law barely raised a smile.
For me, this was a book that would have benefitted from an editor pushing the author to tighten everything up.
Nicollette McKenzie's narration was wonderful. I loved the distinctive and appropriate voices that she's given to the main characters, although even she could put much life into the over-long explanation of the who, how and why of the plot. Click on the SoundCloud link below to hear a sample of her work.
https://soundcloud.com/harpercollinsp...
This wasn't the reaction I'd hoped to have to this book but...
HOW IT STARTED
HOW IT FINISHED
I pre-ordered 'The Queen Of Poisons' after reading 'Death Comes To Marlow' which was more fun than the first book, 'The Marlow Murder Club'. When I started the book, I was sure I was going to be writing a review that said that this was a series that just kept getting better. I still thought that about halfway through. By the time I finished the book this evening, I'd been waiting for it to end for nearly an hour.
The book opens with a welcome change to the formula. Suzie witnesses the murder, Tanika Malik has been promoted to Detective Inspector and so has the freedom to bring Judith, Becks and Suzie in from the beginning as Civilian Advisors. This cut out a lot of unnecessary time that might have been spent on justifying the three friends' involvement and acknowledges their track record without stopping them from being free agents.
The chemistry between Judith, Becks and Suzie is even better in this book than in the first two. I love the close observation of how day-to-day life works and the dialogue worked so well that I found myself laughing out loud at it in places. I loved that we finally get to see Becks losing her temper as she tries to cope with having her mother-in-law invading her home for an indefinite period.
My disappointment began when it became clear that Judith was effectively cutting Tanika out of the investigation except when she needed evidence tested or a person arrested. In 'Death Comes To Marlow' it seemed to me that Tanika had started to become a fourth friend in the Marlow Murder club. In 'The Queen Of Poisons' she's barely more than a plot device.
Initially, I quite liked the plot. It was a twist on a locked room mystery in that it seemed that the murderer had to be one of the four people in the room with the victim when he was killed. I enjoyed watching the three friends dig into the lives and secrets of each of the four, generating new suspects as they went along.
Then I started to feel like I was being dragged through a maze by a person with no sense of direction, as we hit dead end after dead end and seemed to get no closer to finding the murderer. By then, my interest was mainly sustained by the nuanced descriptions of the suspects and the lively dialogue between Judith, Becks and Suzie.
By the time I got to the last two hours of the book, I was less interested in who the murderer was and how they did it than I was in how Becks would rid herself of her mother-in-law.
The story hit its nadir in the last hour with one of the longest, slowest, most static pieces of plot exposition that I've ever read. What should have been a tense confrontation with the killer, followed by the big reveal became something so tediously detailed that I felt as if I was watching a PowerPoint presentation.
This sapped so much of my energy that even the clever way that Becks did eventually free herself from her mother-in-law barely raised a smile.
For me, this was a book that would have benefitted from an editor pushing the author to tighten everything up.
Nicollette McKenzie's narration was wonderful. I loved the distinctive and appropriate voices that she's given to the main characters, although even she could put much life into the over-long explanation of the who, how and why of the plot. Click on the SoundCloud link below to hear a sample of her work.
https://soundcloud.com/harpercollinsp...
March 18, 2024
Full disclosure, I have read everything by this author, I am a fan. I loved the Death in Paradise series with its plot that was always full of twists and turns, the characters who were fully developed, the humor and the unexpected ending. In the Marlow series I have enjoyed them but the characters are less interesting and the plot is less intricate. I truly enjoyed the first two installments but this one was on the silly side. A murder occurred then you follow the three amigas wondering through Marlow asking questions, Judith being blunt, Becks apologizing and Suzie stating something she was warned not to repeat. In short, the plot needed more development, it felt flat.
The series just started on PBS and I cannot wait to see it. Like I said the first two installments were good.
The series just started on PBS and I cannot wait to see it. Like I said the first two installments were good.
January 28, 2024
Geoffrey is murdered with poison and the evidence points to Sophia but did she do it? Loads of twists and turns and an unexpected ending. The best out of the three so far don’t know why all the negative reviews did remind me a lot of death in paradise
April 23, 2024
Перший раз за дуууууже довший час закінчую серію на одному подиху всі книги підряд
January 27, 2024
Another gem from Robert Thorogood. I love this series featuring the main protagonist Judith Potts, the 78 year old, feisty, crossword compiler (for national papers like The Observer), who lives in a house on the edge of the River Thames, which has a boathouse from which she swims in the river - naked! Her compatriots in the Marlow Murder Club are Susie the dog-walker and Becks, wife of the local vicar Colin. Once again they are recruited as official Civilian Advisers by DS Tanika to investigate the murder of the local mayor, Geoffrey Lushington. Traces of aconite - the Queen of Poisons - have been found in his coffee cup at a council meeting. Who on earth did this - and why? It appears that the mayor was liked by everyone.
Our intrepid three, once again, have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence which suits Judith as she has no time for rules and standard procedure. But - this case has them stumped as the Marlow Murder Club face their most difficult case yet in another perfect, cosy crime that held me spellbound.
Well done Robert! Hope I don't have to wait too long for the next...
Our intrepid three, once again, have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence which suits Judith as she has no time for rules and standard procedure. But - this case has them stumped as the Marlow Murder Club face their most difficult case yet in another perfect, cosy crime that held me spellbound.
Well done Robert! Hope I don't have to wait too long for the next...
March 23, 2024
I absolutely loved this book. I am so grateful that my first ARC was a 5 star read! I had a feeling it would be, as I loved the first two in this series, as well. There is just something special about these characters and the cozy mysteries they find themselves in. If you are a fan of the Thursday Murder Club books, you will probably like these, too! I truly love Judith Potts, and I also love that this series really focuses on female friendship and how these very different women enrich each others' lives.
January 14, 2024
This is a great cosy murder mystery.
When Suzie witnesses the Mayor of Marlow drop dead at a council meeting, she calls her friends so they can help.
Judith, Suzie and Becks love to investigate a crime and previously have been very successful helping the Police, so this time Detective Tanika appoints them as civilian advisors.
They get straight to work trying to find the killer and work well with the Police.
Some aspects are a little hard to believe but it adds to the charm of the story.
This is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
When Suzie witnesses the Mayor of Marlow drop dead at a council meeting, she calls her friends so they can help.
Judith, Suzie and Becks love to investigate a crime and previously have been very successful helping the Police, so this time Detective Tanika appoints them as civilian advisors.
They get straight to work trying to find the killer and work well with the Police.
Some aspects are a little hard to believe but it adds to the charm of the story.
This is an enjoyable cosy murder mystery.
Thanks to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
January 21, 2024
“You're incorrigible." 'I do hope so, imagine being corrigible? How boring”
My favorite Marlow ladies are back!!
This is book 3 of the series and with each book it just keeps getting better and better! I honestly would read endless books about this crime solving trio
I really enjoyed the we got to learn a little bit more about the ladies in this book. It feels with each book, more of their personalities, home life, and lore is revealed! And I love discovering these things just as much as I love solving the murderers
The murder itself was fun! Even though this is a cozy mystery I was genuinely shocked by some of the revelations! You never know about those small British towns lol. I was quite proud of myself during this book as I managed to sniff out the motive (but not the culprit) so I’m definitely getting better 😂
I can’t wait for book 4!
My favorite Marlow ladies are back!!
This is book 3 of the series and with each book it just keeps getting better and better! I honestly would read endless books about this crime solving trio
I really enjoyed the we got to learn a little bit more about the ladies in this book. It feels with each book, more of their personalities, home life, and lore is revealed! And I love discovering these things just as much as I love solving the murderers
The murder itself was fun! Even though this is a cozy mystery I was genuinely shocked by some of the revelations! You never know about those small British towns lol. I was quite proud of myself during this book as I managed to sniff out the motive (but not the culprit) so I’m definitely getting better 😂
I can’t wait for book 4!
January 20, 2024
Love the characters, love the setting, love the writing style. Just loved it. Would recommend to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries. If it wasn't for the high death rate would totally move to Marlow after reading this. Judith Potts is an icon.
December 10, 2023
2.5/5
I am a person who thought the Marlow Murder Club was fine, and thought Death Comes to Marlow was AMAZING, so it left me in a weird spot with this book.
And, unfortunately, this doesn’t live nearly up to the quality of the second installment.
This mystery isn’t really centered in a location, but rather jumps around five or six different locations every chapter, and trust me, that gets annoying really fast.
Additionally (and I don’t say this all too often with whodunits), I almost think this has too little suspects to warrant a 350 page book. There are 4 or 5 people you really dive into throughout the book, which gets repetitive really quickly.
And the solution to the mystery, is in my opinion both unsatisfying, and probably the least clever reveal in the series (especially with how the crime was pulled off). I will give it points, however, for motive of the crime. That was somewhat interesting in an otherwise bland reveal.
People are inclined to compare the series to Richard Osmon’s The Thursday Murder Club, but I consider those more crime books and these whodunit books, so I don’t feel weighed down by that comparison. But I will say, the characters seem to be less funny and interesting this go around, and I almost find myself wishing these three ladies had the dynamic of the characters from those series. Once in a while they can hit some form of a dynamic, but it certainly isn’t consistent.
Overall, this book felt rushed. I know Death Comes to Marlow was loved by a lot of people, but this felt like a very quick turnaround for another book, and it certainly shows in the final product. Rest assured, I will be here for a fourth book (which hopefully they give Thorogood more time to work on) and I’ll be watching the TV series!
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC!
I am a person who thought the Marlow Murder Club was fine, and thought Death Comes to Marlow was AMAZING, so it left me in a weird spot with this book.
And, unfortunately, this doesn’t live nearly up to the quality of the second installment.
This mystery isn’t really centered in a location, but rather jumps around five or six different locations every chapter, and trust me, that gets annoying really fast.
Additionally (and I don’t say this all too often with whodunits), I almost think this has too little suspects to warrant a 350 page book. There are 4 or 5 people you really dive into throughout the book, which gets repetitive really quickly.
And the solution to the mystery, is in my opinion both unsatisfying, and probably the least clever reveal in the series (especially with how the crime was pulled off). I will give it points, however, for motive of the crime. That was somewhat interesting in an otherwise bland reveal.
People are inclined to compare the series to Richard Osmon’s The Thursday Murder Club, but I consider those more crime books and these whodunit books, so I don’t feel weighed down by that comparison. But I will say, the characters seem to be less funny and interesting this go around, and I almost find myself wishing these three ladies had the dynamic of the characters from those series. Once in a while they can hit some form of a dynamic, but it certainly isn’t consistent.
Overall, this book felt rushed. I know Death Comes to Marlow was loved by a lot of people, but this felt like a very quick turnaround for another book, and it certainly shows in the final product. Rest assured, I will be here for a fourth book (which hopefully they give Thorogood more time to work on) and I’ll be watching the TV series!
Thank you to Netgalley and HQ for an ARC!
December 15, 2023
4.5* rounded up.
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (Harper Collins UK) for a digital review copy of "The Queen of Poisons" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
In this latest instalment of the Marlow Murder Club series our intrepid trio are brought in to help solve the tricky murder of the town's head of the planning committee. What follows, as with the other two books in the series, is the reader is swept along as Judith, Suzie and Becks (a group that is a whirlwind force of nature) seek to solve the case using cunning, humour, smarts and a little bit of whiskey, supported by the ever patient DI Malik.
All of our lead characters are likeable and loveable, with quirks, foibles and weaknesses that enhance each other as a group and also the story. The case is, as always, suitably bonkers with plenty of red herrings and dead ends that never leave you feeling frustrated and do keep you interested in the final solution (which I had an inkling of but didn't fully guess).
Overall, it has to be said that this series (along with Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club) has become an instaread for me. The characters and stories are fun, likeable and engaging, there's great humour as well as pathos and I eagerly await Book 4.
The Queen of Poisons is due for release on January 18th 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and HQ (Harper Collins UK) for a digital review copy of "The Queen of Poisons" in exchange for my honest and voluntary review.
In this latest instalment of the Marlow Murder Club series our intrepid trio are brought in to help solve the tricky murder of the town's head of the planning committee. What follows, as with the other two books in the series, is the reader is swept along as Judith, Suzie and Becks (a group that is a whirlwind force of nature) seek to solve the case using cunning, humour, smarts and a little bit of whiskey, supported by the ever patient DI Malik.
All of our lead characters are likeable and loveable, with quirks, foibles and weaknesses that enhance each other as a group and also the story. The case is, as always, suitably bonkers with plenty of red herrings and dead ends that never leave you feeling frustrated and do keep you interested in the final solution (which I had an inkling of but didn't fully guess).
Overall, it has to be said that this series (along with Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club) has become an instaread for me. The characters and stories are fun, likeable and engaging, there's great humour as well as pathos and I eagerly await Book 4.
The Queen of Poisons is due for release on January 18th 2024
December 11, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
The Marlow Murder Club are back for the 3rd instalment, and it is pure brilliance.
Suzie, Judith, and Becks, are 3 good, but completely different characters, are all friends and when there’s a murder, they’re there to solve the crime.
Suzie attends a town council meeting, where a member of the Council Committee drops dead. And when it transpires, the Murder Club can’t wait to chase the clues.
This is one of the best cosy crime series I’ve ever read. The writing is fantastic, full of mad capers and red herrings. I love the characters, the author writes them perfectly. The books in this series are all light hearted fun, and this one is no different. A brilliant read, and I can’t wait to find out what they get up to next!!
The Marlow Murder Club are back for the 3rd instalment, and it is pure brilliance.
Suzie, Judith, and Becks, are 3 good, but completely different characters, are all friends and when there’s a murder, they’re there to solve the crime.
Suzie attends a town council meeting, where a member of the Council Committee drops dead. And when it transpires, the Murder Club can’t wait to chase the clues.
This is one of the best cosy crime series I’ve ever read. The writing is fantastic, full of mad capers and red herrings. I love the characters, the author writes them perfectly. The books in this series are all light hearted fun, and this one is no different. A brilliant read, and I can’t wait to find out what they get up to next!!
January 22, 2024
Utterly disappointed. This is a third in the series, and definitely the weakest. Main characters who were mildly annoying (but funny) in the first two books are totally unlikeable (and NOT funny) in this one. The book was rather boring, too (it doesn't usually take me 3 days to finish such a short book, but I had to force myself to continue) and the ending (especially the reveal and the killer's motive) quite ridiculous.
No idea why I even bothered to finish this one, but I surely won't bother with this series anymore.
No idea why I even bothered to finish this one, but I surely won't bother with this series anymore.
October 13, 2023
J'ai adoré ce tome et je peux sans aucun doute dire que c'est mon préféré de la saga. J'ai bien aimé le fait que Suzie et Becks aient un peu plus de un premier rôle, par rapport aux autres tomes. Je n'ai pas du tout trouvé l'assassin et je me suis faite balader par l'auteur comme jamais ! La résolution de l'enquête est vraiment top !
Je recommande ce livre sans hésitation, une super saga de cosy mystery !
Je recommande ce livre sans hésitation, une super saga de cosy mystery !
January 6, 2024
There’s no trouble jumping in at No 3 as your first foray into the Marlow Murder Club, as there’s nothing relating to previous cases involved. The women seem intent on trampling all over any evidence, and interview people off the cuff, which I’m sure will make the evidence inadmissible, but it’s all in good fun. Just a warning in case you like your cosies a little more police procedural.
My first impression, having read Mr Thorogood’s bio in which he says he’s been mad about Miss Marple stories since he was ten, was that he had been impressed too much, as the first couple of chapters read terribly old fashioned. This wears off, fortunately, into quite a jolly caper.
There’s an awful lot of things I think a good editor should have picked up, some in phrasing and some in factual detail, but am I too fussy? I mean… what is an undeveloped field? It’s either a field or it’s been developed (or in process) and is no longer a field. Obviously nobody bothered to check the planning process and local powers, or bat surveys, and what to do if a rare one was found. Also, checking the habitat used by the named rare one might have been good. Although, I suppose it would have ruined several strands of the author’s story.
It was convoluted, to say the least. So many suspects, so many ways to suspect them. So little proof until they’d scrabbled around and conveniently found things. It was all so contrived. Two of the women are very badly characterised and I could not tell who was who when they were speaking, or remember which was which when they were named. And as for the tropes Mr Thorogood reaches into for his motivations… I can’t imagine why half his readership haven’t burnt his books by now.
My messages for Mr Thorogood are: remember ‘a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle’. I think that’s around 100 years old now, but it’s as relevant as ever. And check your facts better.
My first impression, having read Mr Thorogood’s bio in which he says he’s been mad about Miss Marple stories since he was ten, was that he had been impressed too much, as the first couple of chapters read terribly old fashioned. This wears off, fortunately, into quite a jolly caper.
There’s an awful lot of things I think a good editor should have picked up, some in phrasing and some in factual detail, but am I too fussy? I mean… what is an undeveloped field? It’s either a field or it’s been developed (or in process) and is no longer a field. Obviously nobody bothered to check the planning process and local powers, or bat surveys, and what to do if a rare one was found. Also, checking the habitat used by the named rare one might have been good. Although, I suppose it would have ruined several strands of the author’s story.
It was convoluted, to say the least. So many suspects, so many ways to suspect them. So little proof until they’d scrabbled around and conveniently found things. It was all so contrived. Two of the women are very badly characterised and I could not tell who was who when they were speaking, or remember which was which when they were named. And as for the tropes Mr Thorogood reaches into for his motivations… I can’t imagine why half his readership haven’t burnt his books by now.
My messages for Mr Thorogood are: remember ‘a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle’. I think that’s around 100 years old now, but it’s as relevant as ever. And check your facts better.
January 19, 2024
All round nice guy and mayor Geoffrey Lushington is murdered during a town council meeting, attended by none other than dog walker Suzie. So yet again the Marlow Murder Club is back in business.
Who would possibly want to kill a man who everyone says is nice and goes out of his way to help people in any way he can? Well it turns out quite a lot, the list of suspects quickly rising on the murder board and motives becoming apparent.
Suzie bringing her chaos to the fray, Judith her sharp intellect and Becks just trying to keep them on the right side of the law. Not helped by the lanyards stating they are civilian advisors which Judith has interpreted as she is now the police.
This was another enjoyable instalment, it is wickedly clever and in my opinion unguessable for all the armchair detectives out there. The usual humour is there especially surrounding a visit from a mother in law intent on moving in and how to stop it happening.
One statement mentioned throughout the book certainly struck a chord and all I have to say is
‘ 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒕 ’
Who would possibly want to kill a man who everyone says is nice and goes out of his way to help people in any way he can? Well it turns out quite a lot, the list of suspects quickly rising on the murder board and motives becoming apparent.
Suzie bringing her chaos to the fray, Judith her sharp intellect and Becks just trying to keep them on the right side of the law. Not helped by the lanyards stating they are civilian advisors which Judith has interpreted as she is now the police.
This was another enjoyable instalment, it is wickedly clever and in my opinion unguessable for all the armchair detectives out there. The usual humour is there especially surrounding a visit from a mother in law intent on moving in and how to stop it happening.
One statement mentioned throughout the book certainly struck a chord and all I have to say is
‘ 𝑰 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝒍𝒊𝒗𝒆 𝒐𝒏 𝒎𝒚 𝒐𝒘𝒏, 𝑰’𝒗𝒆 𝒈𝒐𝒕 𝒂 𝒄𝒂𝒕 ’
April 6, 2024
And I'm done with the series (for now). I loved this bunch of ladies and their life. This book is much more than a murder mystery, it’s about the way these women navigate issues in their life while solving a big case was just so fun to listen/read. The mystery was good, the lead up was good but the characters are what makes this series worth it!!!
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