I’ve been a die-hard Robert Thorogood fan since the
very first episode of Death in
Paradise, but the Marlow Murder Club series has
quietly become my absolute favorite of his work. There’s something magical
about this cozy little corner of Buckinghamshire—and yes, having actually
visited Marlow makes every page feel like I’m strolling along the Thames right
beside the characters. The TV adaptation only adds to the joy; thanks to
Samantha Bond’s perfect portrayal, I now carry Judith’s unflappable elegance,
Becks’ quiet determination, and Suzie’s no-nonsense energy in my head like old
friends.
The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts (book five) is, without question, the strongest installment
yet. Thorogood somehow manages to raise the stakes while deepening the heart of
the series. We finally get layers of Judith’s backstory—her adventurous past as
a retired archaeologist, her wealthy bohemian life in that gloriously crumbling
riverside pile, her love of wild swimming, and the crossword puzzles she crafts
for the local magazine. Seeing her rattled by a ghost from her past (her late
husband’s illegitimate daughter accusing her of murder) adds real vulnerability
to a woman we’ve always known as unshakably unruffled. It’s brilliant character
work.
The mystery itself is a double delight: two local celebrities meet untimely
ends—one a retired footballer found in the woods, the other a second
high-profile victim—and the club is on the case without their usual police
lifeline. DI Tanika Malik is suspended, leaving Suzie and Becks to carry the
investigation while Judith wrestles with her personal demons (and a detour to
Greece). Caves, corrupt old money, blackmail, jealousy, fancy parties, and a
mountain of red herrings keep the pages turning at breakneck speed. The culprit
genuinely shocked me—rare praise in a genre I devour.
Yes, the book occasionally feels a touch rushed; it assumes you already know
how these three very different women (the dog-walking single mum, the vicar’s
wife, and the crossword-writing adventurer) first banded together. I missed
some of the slower, warmer bonding moments that made the earlier books so
special. But honestly? The trade-off is worth it. The twists are sharper, the
stakes feel higher, and by the final page the trio—and Tanika—are an even
tighter, stronger force for good.
If you’re already a Judith, Becks, and Suzie fan, you will not be disappointed.
This is elite cozy mystery writing that somehow keeps getting better. I’m
already counting down the days until book six. Time spent with the Marlow
Murder Club is never wasted—it’s pure escapist joy.
Preorder your copy here.
Many thanks to
NetGalley, Robert Thorogood, and the Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with
an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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