Thank you NetGalley and publisher for the arc! I really enjoyed reading this book by Jo Nichols, and the perspectives given by our neighbors in the Marigold Cottages. I was wanting more of a climax to the ending, but perhaps that is where the cozy part of cozy mystery comes in. I felt the ending, and its writing needs to be more tightened as it feels a bit rushed in comparison to the rest of the book. However, I do enjoy all the characters (besides Vernon, but I feel he is written to be that way). I especially looked forward to Sophie's chapters, which turn into screenplay acts as that is how she formulates her notes. Actually, I didn't rush to get through anyone's perspective- as they were all enjoyable and added personality. Something that did put me on edge what how they infantilized Sophie due to an incident surrounding her but the book does actually address this, right when I was catching on that it was rubbing me the wrong way. If there was ever a sequel to this book, I would read it just to get back to these characters.

This book felt so much like The Thursday Murder Club, and I love that for me. It stole my heart!

The writing style was clear and straightforward, and I think the author did an amazing job setting the tone. I absolutely loved the setting. The descriptions of the Marigold Cottages Collective were vivid and charming. I really, really enjoyed it!!! This might be one of the coziest mysteries I’ve ever read.

The pacing was good. It moved quickly at times and slowed down in others, but even during the slower parts, we’re still learning more about these characters we care about, so it never feels like a drag.

And the characters… OMG, the characters. Every single one of them felt so well-crafted. It’s clear Jo Nichols put a lot of heart into them. They’re layered, relatable, and lovable. You root for them. You feel like you’re part of their little neighborhood collective. If I had to pick a favorite, I’d say Lilly Anne. She’s perfectionist, anxious, methodical, and incredibly hardworking. She might have OCD, and I loved seeing that reflected thoughtfully in her character. But Mrs. B might be the true heart of the story; she grounds everything and brings the emotional weight. And then there’s Ocean, Sophie, Anthony, Nicholas… they’re all unforgettable.

This story is rooted in the idea of community, found family, circumstantial proximity, neighbors becoming chosen family. I adored that. They didn’t pick each other, but their shared situation brought them together, and what formed was this unexpectedly beautiful and protective bond. The group chat was such a clever and cozy addition. It made their friendship feel modern, tangible, and hilarious. I adored their protectiveness, their check-ins, and casual updates. It’s the kind of connection many of us long for. And this book? It’s laugh-out-loud funny. The humor really lands.

The ending… wow. We were warned. And I didn’t listen. If you know, you know. There’s a moment that sets it all up, but still, I didn’t see it coming. I was genuinely shocked. This book surprised me, moved me, and stayed with me. And in the end, I think this book is about love. Even the “bad guys” were driven by love and care in their own complicated ways, and I’m such a fan of that!

If I had one criticism, it wouldn’t be about the story, it would be about the synopsis. In my opinion, it gave too much away. There’s a moment that’s treated like a twist in the book, but because of how the synopsis was written, I kept waiting for it from the very beginning. When it didn’t happen until around 60% in, I felt like the surprise had been robbed. If that element had been left out of the blurb, it would’ve made for a more impactful reveal. So, if you haven’t read the synopsis yet, maybe skip it!

If you loved The Thursday Murder Club, or even if you just love cozy mysteries or comforting reads in general, you need to read this book. It’s rooted in kindness, love, friendship, and the power of community. Watching this unlikely group of neighbors come together to protect each other while solving a mystery was beautiful. The message about belonging and being valued for who you are is one that will stay with me. I recommend it wholeheartedly.

I loved the mix of characters in this cozy mystery. It was such a fun book to read. Thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book

Jo Nichols' The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective focuses on a group of tenants who live in Santa Barbara cottages owned by Mrs. B, their elderly landlord. Rotating chapters are written from the POV of each of the characters, familiarizing us with their personality, occupation, and background. But later the residents come together to solve the murder of a man found in the bushes outside--who is he, and could the murderer be Anthony, a tattooed ex-con who just moved into one of the apartments? Mrs. B refuses to believe Anthony is the perpetrator, and there is no real evidence. But when law enforcement detains him for too long, she decides to confess to the crime to get Anthony off the hook.

Although I thought the book started too slowly and there was too much repetition, I was interested in some of the characters. Sophie, an aspiring playwright and director, is still freaked out by a stalker who caused her to have a breakdown, and now she drinks too much. In her chapters, she captures some of the group conversations in the style of a play she would like to write. Proposal writer Lily-Ann is dealing with an almost-ex who wants to control her. Hamilton is an agoraphobe who never leaves his cottage, and artist Ocean is a divorcee with two children. Nicholas is a city employee keeping a big secret from his fellow tenants.

The story wrapped up in an unexpected way, which was fun, but I would have liked a little more depth to the characters.

My thanks to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.

I absolutely love cozy mysteries and was so excited when I was able to read this early.

Let's start with the things I enjoyed:

The characters were enjoyable, and their relationships with each other were authentic and kept me wanting to read more about them. The setting was fun and vibrant, and the "found family" aspect felt believable and comforting. The mystery itself hit the perfect note of complexity without being convoluted. It's the kind of book you can put down for a few days and easily pick back up without missing a beat.

The premise is also really promising-- neighbors turned amateur sleuths when a murder takes place just outside their complex. It should be Thursday Murder Club meets Only Murders in the Building... and yet, I couldn't get past three stars for this one. We just have way too many POV characters. Often, each pov chapter is just 2 - 3 pages, so we don't really move the plot along too much in each chapter, making the book feel like it meanders along rather than being tightly paced.

The chapters from Sophie's POV that were actually written like a half-finished script for a play were really distracting. I think it was supposed to be a cute and quirky aspect for her character, but it just didn't work for me. (And there was a line in one of these chapters that talked about how "something would work better as a visual in a movie rather than written" and I just... yeah. Ok. But you aren't directing a movie, Nichols. You are writing a book. I don't want a cute wink and nudge about how this could be better in a different medium. I want a book that is written to work well *as a book*). But this is my own preference and I'm sure there will be people who love this aspect.

Overall it's a really fun book and a perfect vacation read.

I can't recommend it enough! I really enjoyed this book, I couldn't put it down, I finished it in a couple of days!

Mrs. B rents out her cottages to the people she likes, a group of people who have nothing in common except where they live. When a murder happens and Mrs. B says that she did it they all come together to find the true killer and set the one person they all care for free.

This book was so fun!!! Full of lovable misfits and crazy antics. I love how you got everyones perspective and what they are thinking and experiencing, even the detective. It was a little odd at first how all of the perspectives are in third person with the exception of Sophie who is written in first person. But after I got used to it, I really liked how hers was different and in her perspective you also get elements of a play because she is a playwright working on a play based on the events that are happening. I really did enjoy that added element to the book.

This definitely gives you a mixture of Only Murders in the Building and Gilmore Girl vibes. So if that's your vibe, highly recommend checking this out. You will not be disappointed.

Very cute story featuring Mrs. B and a group of misfit tenants of the Marigold cottages. I love a cozy mystery like this one with a bit of humor mixed in. Cute!

"The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective" by Jo Nichols is a smart and fun cozy mystery set in the charming community of Santa Barbara, California.
The plot revolves around the quirky residents of The Marigold Cottages, a small community where the landlady, Mrs. B, rents her cottages only to people she likes. When a murder shakes the neighborhood and one of the renters is arrested, Mrs. B steps in and confesses to the crime. This prompts the residents to band together and form the Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, determined to clear her name.
Nichols excels in multi-layered storytelling, using multiple points of view to give depth to the characters and their individual quirks. The narrative is reminiscent of "Only Murders in the Building," blending humor with a neighborhood mystery. The found-family dynamic among the residents adds warmth and relatability to the story, making their interactions both endearing and entertaining.
Overall, "The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective" is a heartwarming and twisty mystery that fans of Finlay Donovan, Not a Happy Family, and Only Murders in the Building will thoroughly enjoy. I flew through this book in a few days and would give it 4 stars. Major thanks to St Martin's Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC.

The book "Marigold Cottages Murder Collective' is an interesting book with definite positive points. Waffled on the rating, because Jo Nichols is a terrific writer, but the book is a sometimes difficult read. The story moves between several neighbors, with chapter titles to note the POV. However, in addition, there is a murder and lots of drama, mixed in with one character drafting a 'screen play' based on her perception of the neighbors. It is too much for reader comfort, particularly as it is marketed as a 'summer read'. And character Mrs. B is like a magical fairy godmother, floating around in decorative caftans and giving people cheap rent in California cottages - just over the top. The book is interesting but due to the writer's talent, not the book content. Recommend but with reservations.

When a dead body is found shortly after an ex-con moves into the Marigold Cottages, the police are eager to pin the blame on the ex-con, Anthony. But beloved landlady Mrs. B is convinced they've got the wrong man and soon enlists her other tenants to try to prove his innocence.

This is a fun cozy mystery with lovely short chapters that I breezed through in a few days. I loved the setting of a group of cottages in Santa Barbara and the quirky characters living within them. I also really appreciated a story with a fat character who actually has a love life and is seen as desirable.

Thank you to NetGalley and and Minotaur Books for the e-galley!

🌼🔍 A Whimsical, Warm-Hearted Murder Mystery with Big Laughs and Even Bigger Heart 🌼🔍

“The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” is an utterly delightful blend of cozy mystery, character-driven drama, and offbeat comedy that had me smiling one minute and gasping the next. It’s the kind of novel that sneaks up on you—not just with its clever twists and turns, but with its compassion and charm.

At the heart of it all is Mrs. B, the wonderfully prickly, fiercely loyal landlady of The Marigold Cottages. She’s a character you’ll want to hug and have a spirited argument with over tea. Her quirky tenants—each flawed, each fascinating—feel like real people you’d meet at a neighborhood block party and instantly want to befriend (or at least eavesdrop on).

The setup is irresistible: a beachside bungalow community turned amateur sleuth club, bound together by a shared determination to protect one of their own. The murder mystery unfolds with just the right mix of suspense and screwball comedy, but what really makes this book sing is its heart. Underneath the secrets and bodies lies a touching story about chosen family, healing, and the weird, wonderful ways we connect with each other.

It’s rare to find a mystery that’s both laugh-out-loud funny and genuinely moving, but The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective pulls it off beautifully. Think Only Murders in the Building meets Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine—warm, witty, and wholly original.

Highly recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with a twist, ensemble casts, and stories that celebrate the magic of misfits. I didn’t want it to end.

Who doesn't love a good, cozy murder mystery novel set at a beach? Especially one with a totally random cast of characters that have to work together to solve the murder. I really couldn't put this book down if I tried, which was good that it was a lazy Sunday morning when I started it. This book was a lot of fun to read, and was more than I expected. Highly recommend!!

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and heartfelt community drama. Mrs. B and her eclectic tenants create a warm, offbeat setting that feels like a welcoming dollhouse full of secrets and surprises. Each character brings something unique to the table—from Sophie’s anxious creativity to Ocean’s fierce independence—and their interactions add both humor and depth.

The plot keeps you guessing, especially with the unexpected twist of Mrs. B confessing to a crime she insists she didn’t commit. Watching the tenants band together in their own amateur detective squad was genuinely fun and added a refreshing sense of camaraderie.

While the story sometimes leans into familiar cozy mystery tropes, the author’s witty writing and strong character dynamics more than make up for it. The pace is steady, with enough twists to maintain suspense without overwhelming the charming seaside vibe.

If you enjoy mysteries that combine quirky characters, warm friendships, and a touch of intrigue, this one’s a solid, satisfying read.

So, a little bit sweet, saucy and mysterious. Can’t say this is my favorite type of mystery. It was an easy and fun read. Found it a little slower going than I like but it has heart and is a great relaxing story. We meet all the residents of Marigold Cottages, who in a way are family by association. When disaster strikes, they bond together and do what is necessary to survive and make things right. An enjoyable read.

That ending! I followed the plot line fairly closely and felt that I knew where the story was going. It was still enjoyable so I kept reading, even though the book started off a little slow. SO glad I did because the last page was worth it.

This cozy murder mystery features a cast of neighbors determined to save one of their own when he gets accused of murder. Everyone is eccentric, but determined to protect those they care about. The multiple POVs gives us a personal look into everyone's reasons for protecting their neighbors.

This will appeal to those who like amateur sleuths mixed with drama. We get not one, but two murders that need solved. While murder is the setup, the focus is mostly on the bonds that tie everyone together and how they decided to work together to solve the murders. I enjoyed the quirky characters and the glue holding them together, but the murderer reveals didn't quite hit for me.

Imagine six cute little cottages in Santa Barbara, each inhabited by someone who could benefit from Mrs. Golda Bakofsy’s–the landlady’s– interventions. You see, each had a painful secret and generally, each underestimated how much Mrs. B. actually knew about them.

There was Sophie, who had been stalked. She had healed but her parents were understandably anxious about her mental health. Lily-Ann was separated from her husband, but that wasn’t her secret. Hamilton seldom left his cottage and Nicholas usually exited by the back door for some reason. Then there’s Ocean who had known Mrs. B. since childhood.

Life is progressing as usual when Sophie looks out her window one evening and spies a man sleeping in the bushes. Except he wasn’t sleeping, was he?

What better activity than to figure out who killed the man outside Sophie’s window? Because they’re sure–well, pretty sure– that it wasn’t the man who just moved in.

What follows are schemes that rile the police, or are illegal, or are dangerous, or, occasionally, sound like just the ticket. “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” is a story about a murder. It’s scary in places, but mostly endearing and charming.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advance reader’s copy. This is my honest review.

Mrs. B rents her cottages to people she cares about and who have nothing in common. When her
newest tenant, an ex-con, is being held on a charge of murder, Mrs.. B is convinced of his innocence
and gets the tenants to investigate and prove his innocence. As the investigation continues, the
tenants discover more about each other and connections are made. Solid cozy mystery with diverse
characters.
#TheMarigoldCottagesMurderCollective #StMartinsPress #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley

Thank you for the ARC!
I really enjoyed this book! I loved reading all the different characters point of views and trying to figure out who did it ! Definitely recommend !