The Marlow Murder Club: A Novel (The Marlow Murder Club, 1)

Robert Thorogood's "The Marlow Murder Club," is a rollicking good read. It took me awhile to warm up to the main character of 77-year-old Judith Potts, but once Thorogood helped me to know her better, it was game on! When pondering the composition of this review, I was reminded of the beginning of old jokes that start with something like," An art gallery owner, a taxi driver, and a rowing center owner walk into a bar....." I also thought of writing, "A crossword puzzle writer, a vicar's wife, and a professional dog walker go into a bar....." Please indulge my poor attempts at humor, but in this novel, the first three wouldn't walk out of the bar at all, because they would be killed, and the last three would be searching for the murderer. Technically, this is a cozy mystery because three lady amateurs assist a local police detective who tells them to but out, until she actually makes them "civilian advisors" to assist in the investigation as bodies continue to pile up. All victims were shot by an antique gun and were found with a medallion saying, in order of the killings, "Faith," "Hope," and "Charity." It's the most sophisticated cozy mystery I've ever read. There are some Hitchcockian themes at play, suspects have ironclad alibis, while motives are very elusive. I'm avoiding the biggest spoilers at all costs, but the most enthralling skeleton comes out of the closet during the denouement. I look forward to the next installment of the Marlow Murder Club.

This book was much less likable than I expected. I loved the idea that the detective band is all female -- three amateurs and one professional. But the "lead" detective, Judith Potts, is not likable, and Suzie and Becks are just too odd. I was put off immediately in chapter one, finding nothing charming or amusing about 77-year old Judith attacking a flock of pigeons. Never got over it. The rest of the mystery is okay, but just okay. The series is coming to Masterpiece on PBS this year and will hopefully work better on film.

It takes quite awhile for this book to get going. The characters are well drawn but don’t seem to mesh as a group, which I believe is the intent. I felt there was a lot of extraneous information provided that could have been in the form of actual clues, but wasn’t. The big reveal was saved for the end, with only Judith, the leader of our merry band, in the know and present with the killer as the others + the police, struggled to reach her. So, of course, she had to lay out the entire plot to the killer, a trope consistent with how “Death in Paradise” is structured. Although in this case it stretches credulity that the killer doesn’t manage to finish her off before she’s done telling them what she’s figured out. Overall, entertaining but not a series I’d follow — except, oops, I bought the second book by mistake (meaning to buy this one), so I will be monitoring the further adventures of Judith, Suzie (and Emma) and Becks in the future. Talk to you then!

I loved The Marlowe Murder Club mystery and just received the second book in the mail today, Death Comes to Marlowe. The characters are great. The description of the area is vibrant, and the plot is challenging. I also really love the humor. There were times I laughed out loud at the escapades of the women. I look forward to reading more adventures of Judith Potts and her friends!

What a romp. Women, crosswords, friendships, church moms, dog walkers, old age pensioners and a dastardly murderer, or two, or three. And a dog

Captivating, fun, down-to-earth female leads. Intriguing story. Just when you think you have it, you find out You're not quite there yet. Can't wait to read more from women in Marlow!

She seems so demure and elderly but that is very deceiving. Elderly yes, demure no way. The characters were eccentric and I interesting and the murder plot a bit unique. I will read the next book for sure.

I got hooked on Death in Paradise ( still am ) on tv so I decided to read the books and I'm sad I could only find 2 so I thought i'dtry The Marlow Murder Club and love it! Now I'm on to the second one. Please keep writing

Bem escrito!

This book, even when I was just a few chapters in, made me regret that there are only two in the series thus far. The false leads and clues built up and wove together like a crossword puzzle. The characters grew vivid throughout the book, driving me to cheer for the budding friendships, and the personal growth of each woman as she discovered she didn't have to be limited by the way she'd come to see herself. It's such fun to read about underestimated women working together, challenging each other to grow and see their own strengths, and achieving surprising results. I purchased the Kindle version and finished it within 24 hours, and now must wait for the second book!

An old lady, a vicar's wife and a dog walker come together to solve one murder and then find out it's three. What secrets will they find in this perfect little hamlet and how will it cement their friendship

I can only say I was drawn into this (quite quirky) story right from the beginning. The main character is anold lady but, wow, what a lady... Strong for her age, both physically and mentally, somewhat of an eccentricbut nevertheless likeable. As she stumbles across a murder victim by pure chance, she doggedly pursuesall possible leads and finds a couple of new friends - both very different from each other - helping herinvestigate. The characters all come across as very believable, the story evolves steadily but never dulland the end is pure drama!The background, the lovely town of Marlos, provides an extra interest (I'll soon be going there as friendsof mine have just purchase a house there which aroused my interest in the first place).Well done...

It was lovely to read a series set in England although the plot at the end was familier it was still a very good read and I am looking forward to the next book. I even bought the German version to give to a relation who enjoys reading books like this!