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theoverbookedbibliophile's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.0
The third installment in Robert Thorogood’s The Marlow Murder Club series, begins with the death of Geoffrey Lushington, the mayor of Marlow, during a town council planning meeting in which Suzie Harris was one of the attendees. She is quick to summon her friends, Judith Potts and Becks Starling to the crime scene. It quickly becomes evident that the mayor was poisoned and as local law enforcement embarks on their investigation, DI Tanika Malik, well aware that no amount of warning would deter them from pursuing the case, engages the Marlow Murder Club as “civilian advisors” which allows them to conduct their investigation in collaboration with local law enforcement.
The narrative follows our amateur sleuths as they go about finding the killer. The suspect list is long and finding the culprit won’t be easy but our motivated ladies leave no stone turned as they delve into the lives of the deceased mayor who appeared to have been well-liked by those who knew him, his associates and anyone who might have held a grudge.
Having enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to reading The Queen of Poisons. Though there are a few aspects of the story that implausible, I didn't mind having to suspend disbelief and chose to go with the flow. I do like these characters and have enjoyed following their antics in the past, but I struggled to finish this book. The premise was intriguing and while I usually enjoy investigations that involve multiple suspects, in this case, the plot becomes too convoluted as the narrative progresses. The pacing was uneven and I found the writing a tad repetitive with subplots that served no purpose other than to distract us from the primary narrative. Though I found the final reveal interesting, plot development was weak and the motive behind the murder wasn’t quite convincing.
I do appreciate the humor that the author injects into these stories and though I didn’t dislike the book in its entirety, this installment is the weakest among the three novels in the series. However, I won’t give up on the series yet and will await the next installment.
For those who are new to the series and the characters, I would recommend reading the preceding books before you read this one.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The narrative follows our amateur sleuths as they go about finding the killer. The suspect list is long and finding the culprit won’t be easy but our motivated ladies leave no stone turned as they delve into the lives of the deceased mayor who appeared to have been well-liked by those who knew him, his associates and anyone who might have held a grudge.
Having enjoyed the previous books in this series, I was looking forward to reading The Queen of Poisons. Though there are a few aspects of the story that implausible, I didn't mind having to suspend disbelief and chose to go with the flow. I do like these characters and have enjoyed following their antics in the past, but I struggled to finish this book. The premise was intriguing and while I usually enjoy investigations that involve multiple suspects, in this case, the plot becomes too convoluted as the narrative progresses. The pacing was uneven and I found the writing a tad repetitive with subplots that served no purpose other than to distract us from the primary narrative. Though I found the final reveal interesting, plot development was weak and the motive behind the murder wasn’t quite convincing.
I do appreciate the humor that the author injects into these stories and though I didn’t dislike the book in its entirety, this installment is the weakest among the three novels in the series. However, I won’t give up on the series yet and will await the next installment.
For those who are new to the series and the characters, I would recommend reading the preceding books before you read this one.
Many thanks to Poisoned Pen Press for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
rachelsread's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a middling novel for me that didn't cause any extreme emotions. The characters were mostly well-developed, although I did find it difficult to remember who was who at the start of the story - part of this may be because this is part of a series that I haven't read. I enjoyed that the "detectives" were three middle-aged women, each with their own personal problems too, and the plot was interesting and largely believable. The ending did contain a plot twist, but I found it predictable, and although I hadn't been able to figure out who the killer was, I didn't really care when they were revealed because I found it difficult to care about most of these characters, given what they have done in the past. Overall it was an interesting murder mystery but not one that I'll likely ever read again.
books_in_the_clouds's review against another edition
mysterious
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
4.5
ajbird84's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I enjoyed this book so much!! It was so great to join the fun group of ladies again investigating around town. I didn’t guess the twist or the killer and very much enjoyed the ending. Excellent read!
Thanks so much RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
Thanks so much RB Media and NetGalley for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook!
kishab's review against another edition
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? It's complicated
4.0
This is the third book in the Marlow Murder Club series and while the mystery aspect was great there wasn’t as much about the three main characters. This instalment was much more plot focused than the first two. The setting, tone and writing were all great, and the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. I also listened to the audiobook, and as always the narration was fantastic. Judith had the most going on for her besides the mystery, but I felt like Susie was just there for investigation. This time the gang is involved in the murder investigation from the very start and they were able to run amok as they pleased, I kind of missed the pushback that they used to get from the police investigator. Almost every character introduced had a motive for the murder so it was a bit hard to narrow it down as a reader. I would still continue the series (and I’ve heard there’s a tv show out there too) as I’ve really enjoyed it as a whole. This addition was just as fun, I just wanted to see a little more out of the characters.
Thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press and Robert Thorogood for this e-ARC/ALC
emilyxclark's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saccalai's review against another edition
4.0
Another wonderful story from the Marlow Murder Club. I never tire of reading about Judith Potts and her friends, Suzie and Becks. This time there is a murder at a planning meeting, but the victim is the mayor who everyone seems to agree is a perfect saint! They can't find any reason why anyone would want him dead. Lots of clues lead to many discoveries and confessions, evidently everyone on the council has something to hide but can they find the actual murderer?
Each novel gives a little more insight into the superb characters. They all have their own talents which helps them solve whichever case they are working on. I love how their initially reluctant interactions have turned into best friends who always look out for each other.
The writing was excellent and kept me hooked throughout and the narrator was perfect for the character. I really hope the series continues.
Each novel gives a little more insight into the superb characters. They all have their own talents which helps them solve whichever case they are working on. I love how their initially reluctant interactions have turned into best friends who always look out for each other.
The writing was excellent and kept me hooked throughout and the narrator was perfect for the character. I really hope the series continues.
emjayscott's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
naluju's review
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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
4.5
Needs tighter editing, will look for series on Masterpeace, love 3 main chracters