This book is both heartfelt and funny! Golda--"Mrs. B" to her tenants--takes in boarders at her cottages. Each of them is quirky in their own way and once a dead body is found, everything becomes chaotic and hilarious as we "meet" each of them (their eccentricities, their humor, and their relationships). It's a laugh-out-loud novel that kept me in stitches for hours!
Thanks to NetGalley for this ARC !

4.5/5 stars, rounded up

Thank you Minotaur Books for the advanced reading copy!

Such a heartwarming book!!! I have not been getting into cozy mysteries this year, but this book totally shone through the haze. There were so many great, heartfelt and unique characters, and I loved all of their points of view. This was totally giving NOSY NEIGHBORS vibes if you enjoyed that one, like I did. Seeing essential strangers come together just tugs at my heart strings and this one had me. The narrators did a great job, as well, and kept me interested! This was a solid mystery with a fun twist and heavy in the found family themes. This was a joy!

Clever idea of a great California location, quirky characters centered around their little rental cottages with a whimsical landlady, with a blend of murders. As a book, there are very short chapters headlining the various occupants of the cottage: yet, for me, it took too long for me to get a feel for each character. It often reads like a play script but I would rather have watched this as a tv series, so read this and root for the author to have a hit tv series. Thanks to the publisher, Jo Nichols, and St. Martin’s Publishing for an ARC of this book; this is my honest review.

I wasn't expecting to love this book as much as I did! I'm a sucker for a multi-perspective murder mystery, and while this took me a few chapters to get into, I loved the dynamics. Mrs. B, the ever-generous landlady of Marigold Cottages, rents out cottages to a band of misfits, all with their own eccentricities. When a body turns up outside a tenant's window, the group must come together to keep the blame from landing on their newest neighbor, or worse, Mrs. B herself.

The pacing is fair and I liked the short chapters switching between characters. Each character's narrative is also quite unique, making it easier to keep them straight. Multiple elements help flesh out the story and its characters, including the neighborhood text chain and Sophie's diligent note-taking-turned-manuscript.

A very solid 4 stars!

Thank you to NetGalley, Minotaur, St Martins Press and the author for the arc!

This little cozy is meant to be lighthearted and quirky with a cast full of misfit characters all having some sort of shade in their past that they are trying to hide … making each one suspect in a whodunnit murder mystery in their small community of cottages. They all come together to form an amateur sleuthing collective to find the murderer … and from there the game is afoot.

There were A LOT of characters in this one, each with their own pov which could be confusing at times. I also felt that the whole thing seemed a bit forced with social issues & even the plot itself and maybe went on a little longer than necessary. I normally love me a fun cozy mystery and can overlook some silliness and unrealistic happenings … but unfortunately, this one missed the mark for me, the characters didn’t appeal to me and I just couldn’t get into it. Sigh.

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective is a quirky and entertaining mystery that balances small-town charm with a clever whodunit. The cast of characters is both funny and suspicious, keeping you guessing as the twists unfold. I especially loved the cozy setting, which felt like a character all its own and added warmth to the darker moments. While a few pacing spots dragged slightly, overall it was a delightful and engaging read that I thoroughly enjoyed.

I don’t know if I’d say the ending of The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective by Jo Nichols is ambiguous or sort of a “Choose Your Own Ending”. But, it’s an unusual cozy mystery of found family, a book filled with misfits and lost souls.

Mrs. B owns a small group of six Craftsman-style cottage in Santa Barbara, a collection built in a circle around a small courtyard. She’s collected an eccentric group of residents, flawed, broken people. They all have secrets. Nicholas is secretive and doesn’t interact with the others. Hamilton is agoraphobic. Lily-Ann is indomitable, but she’s been separated from her husband for four years. Sophie is a wounded woman, scared of her own shadow. Ocean has lived in the cottages since she was a kid, and she’s now raising her two children there. None of the people have much to do with each other, until Mrs. B rents to Anthony, an ex-con who scares others just by his presence.

When Sophie finds a body outside her window, all the renters and a police officer latch onto Anthony as the killer. It has to be him, right? There wasn’t a murder until he moved in. But, Mrs. B insists he didn’t do it, and she makes the other residents come together to investigate and find the true killer. They give their group a name, “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective”. Although none of them believe Anthony is innocent, they love Mrs. B, and they’re willing to bring together their skills and knowledge to help her. But, when the police keep Anthony in jail, Mrs. B confesses that she killed the victim.

Nichols’ format won’t be for every reader. The characters present their viewpoint, even Vernon, the cop. But, if you stick with it, it’s entertaining. I watched the characters change in the course of the book, going from fear of Anthony, to knowing he committed the murder, to wanting to help him because of Mrs. B, ,to wanting to help him because he’s now part of their little family. And, I changed my opinion of some of the characters as I read.

The format of The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective may be a little different. At times, Sophie’s viewpoint may be a little confusing. Is she writing the truth, or is she working on the play she hopes to write? It’s an enjoyable cozy mystery with an eccentric group of people that becomes a supportive family. You might want to give it a chance.

I love a cozy murder mystery. This is all about found family with a very eclectic group of people living in the Marigold Collages. They are all connected in some way, they all have secrets and then they find a dead body amongst their cottages.

This has the very best coming together of people for the greater good. It’s funny and sweet and kept me guessing how it would work out.

Pub date: August 19

Thank you @st Martin’s press for the earc 🤍🤍

This is a dynamic story told from all the different people who live within the Marigold Cottages. Everyone who lives there is different and has been brought together by the owner Mrs. B. They live a quite life until Mrs. B brings Anthony into their small community. Anthony looks like trouble follows him around, so when a body shows up everyone automatically deems him the culprit. Mrs. B doesn’t believe that Anthony is the killer and will do everything including asking her neighbors for help to find out what really happened that fateful night.
This is a fun read because of how different each tenant is. I think that readers who enjoy Murders in the Building might enjoy this quirky book.
Thank you to St. Martins Press and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy of this title.

this one was a slow starter for me because of the multiple points of view. But once I caught on to how it was written, I really enjoyed it. All of the characters had a distinct voice and the mystery was intriguing too.

Bursting with quirky characters you can’t help but love, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective will leave you charmed.

When I picked up this book, I was hoping for a cozy mystery with a fun cast of characters. I am delighted to report, that is exactly what I got. The book is billed as “Only Murders in the Building, but with a southern Californian Twist,” and I would say that is completely accurate.

The story features ten absolutely delightful characters. Nine of them live together at Marigold Cottages, a cluster of small cottages owned by Mrs. B. Chapters are told from the perspective of six characters (plus one chapter by Mrs. B) which really helps us get to understand the key players in more depth. I just loved all the characters. Except maybe the idiotic police detective Vernon that we aren’t really supposed to like. But from the rest it’s hard to pick a favourite because they all stole my heart. Mrs. B is beyond wonderful; she sees the good in people and loves them for who they are. Hamilton was a standout for me, the agoraphobic man who wears Hawaiian shirts, is obsessed with weird beverages (wasabi flavoured soda anyone?), and always has a random fact to share. There isn’t a bad one in the bunch. Even the characters we’re set up to dislike such as Nicholas, standoffish and seemingly rude at first, or Anthony, the tattooed ex-con, will grow on you.

There is a mystery to solve of course, and folks who like their mysteries on the lighter side will likely enjoy this book. There is nothing too gory that happens. I will say I found the mystery elements a little predictable, but I didn’t mind one bit because to me, they are pretty secondary. The real story here is about the community that is built amongst the residents of the cottages as they come together around the shared project of solving the mystery. The mystery is just the catalyst for the real story. As the residents get to know each other better and find friendship, they all grow in their own ways. Big time found family vibes going on here and I loved every minute.

The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective is an uplifting story, perfect for readers who love a cozy mystery.

I liked this!

This reminded me a lot of the Vera Wong books, with a sweet but meddlesome older lady who attracts quirky people into her little found family. Sub “Mrs. B”/ Golda into her role, though. In this case, the found family is all living next to each other in a row of cottages that Mrs. B owns. A murder on their premises, along with a possibly wrongful arrest of one of their new neighbors, brings all of them closer together.

Parts of this book were very funny. And it was also hard to put down, but not necessarily for the reason you’d think. It has super short chapters, but they don’t quite feel like chapters- just switches in POVs. I think some kind of breaks between the chapters/POVs them may have helpful because otherwise it felt like things kept running on. (I’m not sure how to describe this precisely, lol.)

I liked most of the characters, and liked how the FMC Sophie wrote some of the events as they happened as a play, which made a fun format to read. But the mystery itself was a little lacking, and I wasn’t actually a fan of the ending. Still an enjoyable book overall, though.

𝑾𝒉𝒐 𝑰'𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒐:
Cozy mystery lovers and fans of the found family trope

This did a lot of things well!! We have a very lovable cast of characters, who are the most part fully fleshed out and interesting. We really get to know the residents of this little community and see them come together to try to solve a murder that occurred.

This was a light read full of humor and heartwarming moments as these residents learn to look past each other’s flaws. The relationships that develop were my favorite part.

I wasn’t fully hooked by the mystery aspect, although the end reveal was fun.

I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

This book is in the running to be my favorite book of the year. The plot was PERFECT - a murder occurs and I was sufficiently blindsided by the "who done it". The characters were the star of the show - all so lovable (or not!) in all the right ways. I will miss them and really hope we get another story soon (please!). The setting was super cozy - a craftsman camp of sorts. I cannot say enough good things about this book. Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for providing me with an ARC of this fabulous book! All views are my own. 5 ⭐️

I always love a good group-based mystery. A group that is usually comprised of a rag-tag team of amateurs whose ages can range from teenagers to octogenarians; whose backgrounds are drastically varied; who, when putting their unique skills together, are able to solve a mystery before the authorities do.

Well since this is such a book, I greatly enjoyed this FOUR STAR book and audiobook. The voice actress Megan Price used various voices helping me track the multitude of characters, lifting their individual voice and personalities off the page.

This is the first book I’ve from the duo who make up Jo Nichols and it was a delightfully fun read.

This book just released yesterday, on August 20th, which means you can also lose yourself in this very enjoyable story now!

Thank you NetGalley, Jo Nichols, Macmillan Audio, and St. Martin’s Press for gifting me the ARC and ALC in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to read more from the authors!

This was both more and less than what I expected it to be. This was a cozy mystery with a wonderful cover. The premise was different and welcoming: a murder occurs in a small community, the Marigold Colleges, where everyone knows one another so that when a murder occurs, they band together to find the killer because the police arrested the wrong man. I did like the coming together, which, when one thinks about it, happens in many mystery books but in other ways. Often, it is out of self interest. In the Marigold Cottages people come together out of goodness, throwing themselves under the truck to save someone from going to jail. I liked that, as well as the characters who were all different from one another, yet they banded together because they saw themselves as part of a community. This is not something I see often in a work of fiction, no less a mystery.
What was a little underwhelming: cohesiveness. I did not realize that the book was written by two people coming together as one author. There were times that it did feel like two different voices (and I do not mean narrative because that, of course, can change). That was what kept it from being five stars. Nonetheless, it was a fun summer read and would definitely recommend to others.
Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press. I received an electronic copy from NetGalley and a hard cover copy from St. Martin's (I confess that the hard cover with a beautiful cover got me reading immediately) in exchange for my honest opinion.

This was a cute cozy mystery set in Southern California in a tiny development of cottages owned by the fun Mrs B. The mystery part was ok and I liked the setting. What didn’t work for me was the large number of characters and each chapter was from a different point of view. Most chapters were in the third person except for one characters which was in first person perspective. This was off putting to me. I’m giving this book 3 stars but I must clarify that I’m coming off a few 5 star reads. This one, for me, was not a 5 star read but still decent. If you love cozies definitely give it a shot.

**Thanks to the author and Minotaur Books for the e-arc I received via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion**

I want to express my gratitude to @marigoldmurder @minotaur_books and @stmartinspress for the #gifted e-book and @macmillan.audio #MacAudio2025 for the #gifted audiobook.

This enchanting murder mystery is a delightful blend of charm and intrigue, featuring a cast of relatable and engaging characters.

Set in The Marigold Cottages, landlady Mrs. B manages a vibrant community of tenants whose lives take a shocking turn when ex-convict Anthony moves in and a body is discovered. Although Anthony is quickly arrested, Mrs. B is steadfast in her belief in his innocence and unexpectedly confesses to the crime. In a show of solidarity, the tenants unite to form "The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective," determined to uncover the truth and save her. As they dig deeper, their camaraderie strengthens, but the plot thickens when another body is found.

Each chapter is narrated by a different tenant, along with the lead detective, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives that bring the story to life. The diverse personalities of the Marigold tenants complement each other beautifully, while Mrs. B’s vibrant character adds a unique spark to the narrative.

I thoroughly enjoyed this captivating story, and the final reveal was surprising. The growth of the characters and the evolution of their relationships felt authentic and well-crafted. Every loose end was neatly tied up, ensuring a satisfying conclusion.

The narrator deserves special mention for skillfully bringing each character to life, making them easily distinguishable amidst the differing points of view throughout the book.

If you're a fan of cozy mysteries filled with quirky characters and unexpected twists, then this book is a must-read.

This is a fun mystery with delightfully quirky characters and found family. I love the format with short chapters from each character’s POV. The short chapters make for a quicker read, and the multiple POVs bring the characters closer to the reader. The solution was fun, too.

Jo Nichols' enchanting new cozy mystery, THE MARIGOLD COTTAGES MURDER COLLECTIVE, is a delightful concoction of humor, intrigue, and eccentricity that immerses readers in a quirky murder mystery unlike any other.

Best New Cozy Mystery of 2025!

The story is populated by a vivid tapestry of colorful, misfit characters, each more charmingly peculiar than the last, creating a narrative that compels you to turn the pages—or listen intently—long into the night, all while eagerly anticipating a sequel.

Authors...

After a collaborative journey that has produced around thirty books for both children and adults, the dynamic duo of Lee and Joe finally joined forces to craft their very first mystery together with The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective. The result? An exhilarating literary triumph that has captivated readers and garnered rave reviews! More please.

About...

Nestled in the scenic charm of Santa Barbara, California, Mrs. B is the passionate and somewhat eccentric landlady of the picturesque Marigold Cottages by the sea. These delightful bungalows are more than just accommodations; they are a haven for the select few she allows to call them home.

A stubborn idealist at heart, Mrs. B only rents to individuals she believes in, creating a close-knit community among her tenants just minutes from the sun-kissed beaches.

Among her eclectic residents is Sophie, a talented but anxious young playwright haunted by a tumultuous past. Hamilton, an agoraphobe with a penchant for oversharing, frequently finds himself at the center of awkward, yet endearing, conversations. Then there's Ocean, a resilient queer sculptor balancing the challenges of single parenthood while raising two spirited children. Completing the group are the meticulous perfectionist Lily-Ann and Nicholas, a mysterious finance professional with a tangled web of secrets lurking beneath his polished exterior.

The tranquil lives of the tenants are shattered when Anthony, a quiet and brooding figure with an unsettling presence, moves into the community. Just three weeks later, the idyllic facade of their neighborhood is brutally ripped apart by the discovery of a dead body. Though Anthony is apprehended, the true shock arises when Mrs. B, steadfast in her belief of his innocence, bravely steps forward to the police station, confessing to a crime she did not commit.

As the investigation unfolds, the residents of the Marigold Cottages must rally together, forming the Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, to protect their beloved landlady. But as tensions rise and secrets are unearthed, a second body is discovered, deepening the mystery and raising a new question: Who is truly responsible, and why did they do it?

My thoughts...

I adored The Marigold Cottage Murder Collective! A delightful cozy murder mystery that transported me into its vivid world filled with quirky characters and a captivating setting. The tenants feel like family; what’s not to love about that?

The narrative is both smart and humorous, with each tenant bringing their unique flavor to the story. Every chapter is (clearly marked) and easy to follow, narrated by one of these endearing individuals, with a few interludes from the detective that add layers to the plot. Characters like Mrs. B, Sophie Lily-Ann, Ocean, Nicholas, Vernon, and Hamilton each have such distinct personalities, making it impossible not to become invested in their lives and adventures.

Captivating, charming, and utterly engaging, THE MARIGOLD COTTAGE MURDER COLLECTIVE is a prime example of storytelling at its finest. The authors did an outstanding job with the setting, character development, and weaving together the past and present through various points of view. And can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It’s simply stunning!

Audiobook...

I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in both the e-book and the audiobook of this enchanting story. The audiobook, expertly narrated by the talented Megan Price and the versatile Jim Meskimen, truly elevated the narrative. Their performances were nothing short of captivating, brilliantly bringing to life a vibrant cast of characters, each with their distinct personality that leapt off the pages and into my imagination.

As much as I’ve enjoyed psychological thrillers in the past, I find myself increasingly charmed by these creative cozy mysteries instead. They offer a refreshing blend of suspense, wit, and humor, all woven together with captivating characters who leave a lasting impression. It’s a genre that exudes warmth and charm, making each page a joy to turn.

I wholeheartedly wish for more installments in this delightful series! The adventures are incredibly engaging, and I find myself deeply invested in the lives and journeys of these quirky characters. It’s pure fun, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!

Recs for Mystery & Cozy Mystery Enthusiasts...

If you enjoy engaging narratives and strong character development like this gem, check out authors who craft compelling mysteries like Tess Gerritsen's 'The Martini Club series,' known for its intricate plots, fun retiree characters, sleuthing, and suspenseful storytelling.

For a mix of humor and crime-solving, try the 'Finlay Donovan Series' by Elle Cosimano, which follows a writer caught up in real-life criminal adventures. Jesse Q. Sutanto's 'Vera Wong Series 'features an eccentric amateur detective, offering diverse perspectives in the mystery genre.

If you enjoy clever puzzles with a heartwarming touch, 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman follows retirees as they solve cold cases, while Freya Sampson's 'The Busybody Book Club' showcases friends uncovering local mysteries amidst life's complexities.

These series provide a rich variety of storytelling for fans of mystery and cozy crime literature.

Special thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2025, and Netgalley for providing advanced reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest thoughts. I look forward to many more. Sign me up.

blog review posted @
JudithDCollins.com
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
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On a personal note

As a huge fan of Santa Barbara, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time soaking in its charms. I have also lived in a similar community of charming, quaint Spanish cottages, nestled amidst lush landscaping, koi ponds, vibrant water gardens, and inviting pools framed by wandering stone paths in West Palm Beach and another Art Deco Cabana suites project. Although my experiences there were devoid of actual murders, they were brimming with captivating drama.

Moreover, I managed another enchanting project in Georgia, featuring adorable shotgun-style historical cottages downtown, complete with a B&B and cozy café. There was a certain magic to that place, and I can't shake the feeling that I may have encountered a few friendly ghosts along the way! Each visitor brought their own stories, creating a lively tapestry of interactions that made each day a new adventure.