So different! I have to admit, it took me a good bit of the book to get a handle on all of the different perspectives, and the fact that this didn’t follow “the formula.” But it was fresh and kept me on the edge of my seat!

this was a fun, cozy mystery book. It gave off vibes of the thursday night murder club. It had a few twists and was a enjoyable read.

The cast of characters who live in Mrs B's cottages are a rag tag bunch, who all clearly love the older woman. Through their stories as they come together to solve not one, but two murders, as well as save one of their own, they grow on you. They are committed to saving their little neighborhood and each other. An engaging story with an ending that ties the story together nicely. Thanks to Net Galley, Ms Nichols, and St Martin's Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fantastic cozy mystery with a found family feel to it! Loved the writing style with multiple points of view. Funny dialog but also serious topics because… you know, someone was murdered.

Thanks to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for this ARC in exchange for my honest review. Watch for The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective to come out August 19, 2025.

NETGALLEY REVIEW: 4.5 stars for me! Wow oh wow, LOVED this book. A good light hearted murder mystery that kept you guessing who did it! Good pacing and writing style. Get to experience all the neighbors POV, which is cool for a murder mystery. Gives murder she wrote meets Gilmore girls vibes. Would definitely recommend

The author did a great job in delivering a solid story with a nicely executed mystery where nothing is left to chance. There were a few twists and turns that enhanced how well this book was being told. The setting felt comfortable, and I enjoyed the multiple points of view, especially when the truth began to disseminate in this drama, and it was enjoyable watching it all play out. Overall, this book was delightfully funny and at the same time warm and heartfelt.

This was a fun ensemble cast mystery as we follow the residents of Marigold Cottages as they navigate life and the aftermath of a Murder on their property. With the many different resident POVs, plus the Detective, it can take a while to settle into the dynamics of this eclectic group of people. In the end though, we see them pull together to support not only their beloved landlady, Mrs B, but also integrating their lives together into a community. Both mysterious and heartfelt, this was a nice cozy mystery to unravel along with them.

Thanks to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC for my review.

I. AM. OBSESSED.

this was everything i could have hoped for in a cozy mystery novel. the romance! the suspense! the DRAMA! i want a series. i want to know every mundane detail about these character's lives because i loved every single on of them. i need more. i didn't want to put it down. i read it in one sitting because i was so invested in the drama!

it was pretty predictable but it was FUN and i laughed out loud multiple times and honestly what more could i ask for?? i recommend this to everyone who needs a break from the awful realities of life. take a few hours to get lost in the Marigold Cottages world. you won't regret it.


thank you minotaur (sara my bestie) and netgalley for gifting me an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review and opinions.

Reading The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols was an incredibly enjoyable experience. The novel takes place in the charming community of Marigold Cottages in Santa Barbara, where a diverse group of residents call home. At the heart of it all is Mrs. B, a landlady with a strong sense of idealism, who has cultivated a close-knit and welcoming environment.

That sense of peace is shattered when a murder occurs, leading to the shocking arrest of one of the newer tenants, Anthony. Though many doubt his innocence, Mrs. B is so convinced of it that she takes matters into her own hands by claiming responsibility for the crime. This unexpected move inspires the other residents to band together, forming an unlikely investigative group with the goal of uncovering the truth and clearing Mrs. B’s name.

One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the depth of its characters. The group of amateur sleuths—Sophie, Hamilton, Ocean, Lily-Ann, and Nicholas—each bring their own personalities, experiences, and motivations to the table. Their interactions provide both humor and heart, making them feel real and endearing. There’s a wonderful balance between lighthearted moments and genuine emotional depth, as the story delves into themes of trust, redemption, and the power of community.

The mystery itself is well-paced and full of surprises. Just when it feels like the truth is within reach, new twists emerge, keeping the tension high. The discovery of a second body adds even more complexity, ensuring the suspense never lets up. The novel carries the same cozy yet intriguing energy as The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building, but with its own unique Southern California charm.

This book was so much fun to read. It's a cozy mystery with interesting and varied characters with unique personalities sharing a space and forming a community. It had more twists and turns than expected, the relationships ebbed and flowed and felt realistic. The dialogue all worked for me and felt true to each character. I would read 20 more of these. It really was so charming.

What a fun, quirky cast of characters. I really enjoyed The Marigolds Cottages Murder Collective. Fun character development and great story.

Loved, loved, loved it!! The characters, the setting, the relationships-everything about this was perfect! This cozy mystery was a page turner that kept me reading even when I should have been doing something else! I was surprised at the end but completely satisfied with how it finished. Found families, real estate woes, unsympathetic police, pleasant setting, and burgeoning love plus the multiple viewpoints and the ‘writing a play’ action made this so interesting. If there is a sequel (yes, please) with these characters I will definitely want to read it.

Thanks to Netgalley, Minotaur Books and the author, Jo Nichols for this ebook arc to read. All opinions are my

A quirky set of characters live in the Marigold Cottages. When a dead body is found outside one of the cottages and one of the residents is arrested., the group bands together to prove his innocence and to solve the murder. But then a second dead body is found. Will they be able to solve the murder and go back to their happy existence? A fun read with twists and turns and secrets to be revealed.

I had a hard time getting into the story because of the short chapters, rapidly changing points of view, and writing styles. Unfortunately, I DNF.

I loved the story, the world building and meeting the different characters. I felt completely immersed in the story and couldn't stop reading it.

I love a good cozy mystery and this one was very much like a village mystery. All the homes are situated in a ring and the neighbors are all connected to Mrs. B (who owns all the houses). I won't spoil but there's a real estate deal looking to go through that needs the property to move forward (because housing density is needed, which I am a complete fan of!) and some shady dealings related to it. A dead body or two. A shady ex. And a lot of general drama as everyone has a secret and most are looking to protect them while also trying to protect others. It came together nicely and was told in several POVs (my favourites were Lily-Ann, Vernon and Ocean). While the murder mystery is the main thing here, I very much liked how much of a cohesive community the Marigold Cottages turned out to be. So many "found family" vibes. It definitely had a cozy, quirky vibe that I enjoyed. It felt like something I'd choose to watch on Hallmark Mystery channel (I make no apologies, I take my mysteries in many forms).

I would recommend this and if there were another book to drop in on the denizens of the Marigold Cottages, I'd opt to read it.

Many thanks to the publisher & Netgalley for the Advance Reader's Copy.

This book is a cozy mystery about a small group of cottages and their occupants owned by eccentric Mrs. B. The characters are charming and wonderfully flawed but that’s what makes this book so likable. Such a great read!

4.5 stars

This was a delightful murder mystery filled with quirky and likeable characters. I was intrigued by the comparison to Only Murders In The Building and The Thursday Murder Club and in this case I think the book lived up to the promise.

I really hope this becomes a series. I would read future books in a heartbeat.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this arc. I really enjoyed it.
The quirkiest group of characters living in a cottage community in Santa Barbara, where real estate might be worth more than life, get to know one another after a murder. Everything from the Santa Barbara setting, the offbeat humor and the intriguing mystery had me reading all night. I will look forward to more from this author.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an ARC.

This was a delightful and charming mystery I read in less than a day.

I was a little skeptical of it being hailed as similar to The Thursday Murder Club (of which I am a huge fan) just California style but to be honest that’s pretty spot on!

I was instantly in love with the quirky characters. I love a book with a great group of lovable weirdos. I was absolutely invested in each of them.

The actually mystery was also done well and had some nice twists and turns.

This was a perfect read on a stormy spring day. I look forward to more from this author.