Reviews

The Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood

sssnoo's review

funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Queen of Poisons is the third installment of the Marlow Murder Club series. It's another whacky venture into police investigations that would never happen in real life. Sometimes, that is okay, but it's starting to feel contrived in this series. The author lets the three club members get coopted into a murder investigation by the reigning investigator. That allows the Murder Clubmates access to potential suspects. But it has become too over the top this time. 

This installment's plot, escapades, and ultimate conclusion were too unbelievable. I found my eyes rolling way too much. Everyone is a suspect, and Suzie jumps to conclusions in every other paragraph. I could do without this character altogether. I enjoy Judith and Becks much better. 

Reading this book, I had a delightful 'ah ha' moment. The narrative seemed oddly familiar, reminiscent of a British TV mystery I adore, Death in Paradise. It turns out the author is the creator of that very series. How did I miss this connection? Regardless, my preference still leans towards Death in Paradise.

I'll keep reading this series—or at least number 4 if it is published. The concept is good, the writing is fine, and I hope for a better plot next time.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an electronic ARC in exchange for a review.

laurenla's review

3.0

Finished audiobook but think I slept through alot. Reminder to self to skip next book no matter how hard it is promoted.

klambert's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

fuzzybob_249's review

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death of parent and Death

anniq's review

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

rhianna_jsy's review

lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

5.0

cward7836's review against another edition

adventurous challenging funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

joallott's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

lucyp747d4's review against another edition

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

jennadurrant's review against another edition

adventurous lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5