A review by thecosymoose
Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

Known for his TV work such as Death in Paradise, Robert Thorogood has an excellent command of the murder mystery. Set in less exotic climes, the Marlow Murder Club returns for its fourth outing, Murder on The Marlow Belle. 

A body is found, after an outing on river cruiser The Marlow Belle, which had been hired out for an event. Marlow’s Amateur Dramatic Society took to the river to honour the return of one of their early members and now Hollywood Star Lizzie Jenkins. There were 6 people that boarded the boat. 5 disembarked. When the Marlow Murder Club – Judith, Suze and Becks – get involved, the suspect pool is limited.

But that doesn’t make it an easy case. Victim Oliver Beresford isn’t the most popular person, and with the other suspects being involved in the Dramatic Society, theatrics abound. 

Crossword-setter Judith is not one to shy away from a puzzle, despite promising to keep out of the way of the Police. With friends Suze and vicar’s wife Becks trying to rein her in, she is determined to shine the spotlight on all the suspects and bring their motives to light to reveal the killer. 

I love this series, as the Murder Club characters are flawed and human, and you find yourself rooting for them. Murder on the Marlow Belle sees the series really finding its feet, and it’s an enjoyable, warm novel that keeps you guessing until the very end. It’s probably my favourite in the series so far, and I can’t wait to see what the gang get up to next. 

Thank you to the author, HQ Books and Netgalley for an advance copy. 

Murder on the Marlow Belle is out on January 16, and can be preordered