Here is another case for the Marlowe Murder Club, Local theater director, Oliver Beresford, doesn't come home after a boating excursion with a celebrated actress and theater group members. The actress was a former player in the local theater group. Oliver's wife, Verity, enlists the aid of Judith Potts and her friends to find out what has happened to the missing Oliver. Let the investigative fun begin.

I discovered the Marlow series last year, after having surgery. I couldn't do much, so I downloaded a bunch of cozy mysteries and read a book a day.

In Murder on the Marlow Belle, Judith is called up on my Verity Beresford to help locate her missing husband Oliver. When Oliver is found dead, Judith, Suzie, and Becks investigate his murder, and they are warned to stay out of the way of the police, as DI Tanika Malik's job could be on the line.

The writing is a little basic, and there was very little said about the three main characters and their lives outside of the mystery at hand. (There was a little bit about Becks' family, but I found that part of the story to be pretty cliche and predicable.) I found it a little hard to believe that anyone would bother answering questions from three random ladies who have nothing to do with the police. I did enjoy the mystery though, and it kept me guessing right up until the end. This was a quick, pleasant read, and I look forward to the next installment.

Thank you netgalley and publisher for this arc.

Back in Marlow with Judith, Becks, and Suzie. Judith ends up joining a play to keep an eye on the suspects this time. As always this is an enjoyable read and it's fun to sluth with the trio. Looking forward to the next one!

Three local amateur sleuths - Judith who still swims naked in the Thames at 79, Suzie, a middle aged dog walker and part time DJ, and Becks, the local vicar’s wife, plus DI Tanika Malik who is still in hot water after the last time, are again warned to keep their nosiness away from the police investigation into the murder of the director of the local theatrical society. The victim had been on the Marlow Belle but was found in the water after having been shot twice. And so the fun and sleuthing begins again! Laughed my sox off!
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected egalley from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley. Pub Date Sep 16, 2025 ****review @bookbub @goodreads #LibraryThing #NetGalley #storygraph
#MurderontheMarlowBelle by @robertthorogoodwriter #MarlowMurderClubBk4 @poisonedpenpress
#closedcirclemystery #actors #cozymystery #amateursleuths #seniorsleuths #situationalhumor
#friends #secrets #lies #murder

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Murder on the Marlow Belle", the latest Marlow Murder Club mystery by Robert Thorogood. Having read all of the other books in the series, I was happy to receive a pre-publication copy to review.
Who killed Oliver Beresford, one of the founding members of MADS (the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society), and why did they do it while he was on a cruise with other members of the Society, and a former member, now a Hollywood star? Judith Potts, along with her friends Suzie and Becks are on the case, but they've been officially notified not to investigate by Detective Inspector Tanika (due to a complaint regarding their previous investigation - somebody want to undermine the DI from within her own team).
Of course, the trio cannot let it be. So they set out to investigate, while attempting (sometimes sloppily) to avoid running into the police team. And what they discover only leads to more confusion. Nobody heard the two gunshots. Nobody saw Oliver's body go into the river. And everybody, it seems has a motive of some kind: his wife, who seems positively giddy now that she's taken over his director's role; his former best friend, with whom he has a love-hate-relationship (and who seems to be stalking him from his boat, anchored across from the house); other members of MADS, and Lizzie, the famous actress (but she couldn't have set the whole thing up, having arrived only that day, could she?)
Red herrings abound, and not everyone is telling the truth - as Judith, Suzie and Becks are soon to discover.
Following in the tradition of the previous books, all will be revealed. But not until the very end, and even after an arrest is made.
Recommended.

Okay, I’ll admit it—I’m a total Robert Thorogood fangirl. From his “Death in Paradise”days to every single Marlow Murder Club book, I’m hooked on his knack for spinning cozy mysteries that feel like a warm hug and a brain teaser all at once. So, when I cracked open Murder on the Marlow Belle, the fourth book in the Marlow Murder Club series, I was practically buzzing with excitement. Spoiler alert: it did not disappoint! This book is like hopping back into a group chat with your favorite quirky pals—Judith, Suzie, and Becks—who are back to solve a juicy murder on a riverboat. It’s got all the Thorogood magic: twists that keep you guessing, a setting that’s practically a character itself, and a story so fun you’ll forget to check your phone.

This time, our crime-busting trio is diving into a murder aboard the Marlow Belle, where the local amateur theater group’s drama (and secrets) takes center stage. Judith, the feisty, gin-loving granny detective, is as sharp and prickly as ever, and I love how Thorogood lets her shine while showing her softer side with Suzie and Becks. Their chemistry is pure gold—think late-night gossip sessions mixed with sleuthing genius. The riverboat vibe, plus the theater group’s petty squabbles and hidden grudges, makes for a perfect puzzle that had me pointing at every character going, “You’re the killer! No, wait, you are!” Thorogood’s so good at throwing curveballs, and the big reveal? Chef’s kiss.

If you’re into cozy mysteries with heart, humor, and a side of clever, this book is for you. Thorogood’s storytelling is like catching up with old friends over a pint, except someone’s been murdered and you’re loving every minute of figuring out whodunit. I could read his books forever, and this one’s another gem in the Marlow series. Grab it, clear your day, and maybe keep some snacks handy—you’re not putting this down till the last page.

Many thanks to NetGalley, Poison Pen Press, and Robert Thorogood for providing me with an advanced digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

This whodunnit had me up all night, trying to guess who the killer was. Loved the setting of the Drama Society in the small town with all the curious onlooker and mini politics! The amateur detectives were a delight, as was the harassed police detective. The author has crafted the mystery very skilfully. The multiple suspects, motives, red herrings - I had great fun reading. Will go back and read the earlier ones too!

Thanks for the ARC Poisoned Pen Press!! I have enjoyed every book in this series so far, and the Marlow Belle did not disappoint. Overall this book had less thinking whiskey, and more amateur actors than the previous books, but I like amateur actors, and have my own whiskey, so kind of a non-issue. I'm not sure what else to say about the book without risking spoilers, so if you want to know what's up in Morlow, you're just going to have to read it. Really, I think you should.

This series is great. I loved having a new installment to relax into like a cozy couch in a cafe. Judith, Becks, and Suzie are such distinct people, and I enjoy spending time with them. In this book, I especially loved how there was assigned reading, and Judith had read the material twice, Becks had read and highlighted and annotated, and Suzie hadn't gotten to chapter 3. I knew this about them already, yet it felt so satisfying to have it confirmed that these women would be the different readers in a book club just like the rest of us.

This book's mystery is better than that of Queen of Poisons, but not quite as good as that of Marlow Murder Club or Death Comes to Marlow. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey regardless. I will continue to recommend this series for its coziness and clever characters. I am so glad I got to read this one early - I have been checking back for more from this series every month! The length of these books is perfect. The mysteries compel readers to keep turning pages. And these three amateur detectives and DI Malik are the cream of the crop.

I will definitely preorder the next book!

I absolutely love sitting down in the summer and reading a Marlow Murder Club book. This book was another fun mystery and I had a hard time figuring out who done it. Please continue writing more, I will always recommend.

It would appear I am in "cliff-hanger-summer" as this is the 3rd or 4th book that has been a tad open ended - which is not something I was expecting from Murder on the Marlow Belle, as the other entries into this series have had a solid beginning-middle-end storyline. Not that this didn't, the mystery wraps up rather nicely, but now I'm itching to read the next installment.

You can tell that Thorogood has a good time with these characters and a group of actors was a good choice for the whodunnit this time around. Very appropriate for the drama of it all, and I can say I didn't see the reveal coming (in fact, my guess was dead wrong).

I do wish Thorogood could find a way for Judith, Suzie & Becks to work WITH Tanika rather than around her. Sometimes they're in sometimes they're out, personally the former works better for me, and I hope that book 5 has them back in the fold with Tanika - it solidifies the story a bit more, at least for me.

This is book 4 of the Marlow Murder Club Series. Judith, Becks, and Suzie are back solving crimes. Book has the same vibes and the previous one, old friends, classic whodunit, and a good twist you expect but still don't see coming.

Definitely missed these characters and helped cure my "Thursday Murder Club" hangover! We get more depth of character as this series goes on and I love the cozy mystery vibe! Another well done installment in this series!

Murder on the Marlow Belle, the fourth installment in the Marlow Murder Club series, brings back the brilliant Judith Potts alongside her crime-solving partners, Suzie and Becks. When a murder occurs on a pleasure cruise on The Marlow Belle, Judith finds herself diving into the secrets of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society to unravel the mystery. This time, the trio tries to avoid interfering with the police as they dig into the case.

With an engaging cast of background characters and a cleverly woven plot, this installment keeps readers guessing at every turn. The mystery unfolds with plenty of twists, constantly challenging perceptions of guilt. Judith’s signature grand reveal ties everything together in a satisfying and entertaining conclusion.

A fun, easy read and a fantastic addition to the series, Murder on the Marlow Belle delivers all the charm, intrigue, and suspense fans have come to love.

Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the advanced reader copy. This is my honest review.

*Murder on the Marlow Belle* was pure cozy crime bliss—clever, charming, and filled with just enough twists to keep me happily guessing from start to finish. From the moment the riverboat set off, I knew I was in for a classic mystery with a fresh and witty spin, and Robert Thorogood didn’t disappoint.

The return of the Marlow Murder Club felt like catching up with old friends. Their chemistry, banter, and unrelenting curiosity made the investigation feel fun, even when things turned dark. Each of the amateur sleuths brought something unique to the table, and their teamwork was just as entertaining as the case itself.

The setting—a murder aboard the Marlow Belle—was deliciously atmospheric. The confined space, the cast of suspicious passengers, and the steady churn of secrets beneath the surface created the perfect backdrop for a whodunnit. I thought I had the culprit pegged more than once, only to be gleefully proven wrong.

*Murder on the Marlow Belle* is a delightful mix of classic detective storytelling and modern character-driven charm. If you love mysteries with sharp wit, heart, and plenty of red herrings, this is a river cruise worth taking.

It is rare for a series to be as good in its fourth installment as it was in its first, but this was truly a perfect addition to the series! Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read and review an advanced copy of the book!

My favorite summertime type of book is a cozy mystery with equal parts heart and un-put-down-able-ness and this book hit the nail on the head. I hope to see another book in the series this time next year.

3.25 Stars

I have been reading quite a few of these "elderly detective" cozy mysteries and it's been a fun ride. I've always enjoyed reading from perspectives that are different from mine. That's why I enjoy, for example, historical fiction from the English Victorian era. So much propriety! Reading about elderly detectives is the flip side of that coin. No propriety whatsoever. It's delightful and hilarious. Judith (retired widow), Suzie (dog walker) and Becks (vicar's wife) have very little hesitation about diving right into an active murder mystery and poke their amateur noses everywhere. They are surprisingly adept at ferreting out secrets and connecting the dots. This fourth installment has a larger than life thespian Oliver who died on a boat that only had a handful of passengers. Thus, the suspect pool is narrow. But as the three ladies learn more about Oliver, the more secrets unravel about each passenger.

It's definitely a fun cozy mystery. It is, of course, difficult to read this and not compare it to other books in the genre, such as the Thursday Murder Club. That said, I think this series stands on its own. It is a very, very breezy and readable book. No flowery language or intricate descriptions. Plain, simple, and fun. The dialogue is also straight forward but not stilted. My criticisms of the book include: all men in this book seem to be pretty lame. They are either criminals, deadbeat, or straight up jerks. Reducing all of the male characters to negative stereotypes is very one-note. Secondly, for a mystery novel, there isn't really very much tension. The cast seem to go from person to person, each one looking suspicious, but somehow the stakes feel so far removed. Lastly, the detective of the case and her relationship with the amateur sleuths is rather unrealistic, but I can suspend disbelief for a fun novel, and make no mistake, this murder mystery is a pretty good time.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press.

I enjoy the work of Robert Thorogood--his television show, Murder in Paradise as well as the Marlowe series. This book was on my must read list before I saw it on NetGalley and I'm very grateful to have received it.

We are back again in the company of septuagenarian Judith Potts, instigator and chief investigator of the informal murder detective squad which includes Becks (the local vicar's wife) and Suzie (a dogwalker with an interesting past). This time, we begin with a frantic wife coming to Judith about her husband's apparent disappearance. Of course, this turns into a murder case. Lead detective (official--as in actually working for the police department) Tanika Malik is in trouble with the department for using the help of amateurs in her investigation. However, Tanika recognizes how helpful this somewhat wacky and unconventional group of women are.

Oliver Beresford is larger than life (that is, until he's dead). He runs the village's local amateur theater company (which like all such groups is riddled with politics and strife). He is directing their upcoming production of The Importance of Being Earnest when he disappears after a party aboard a boat (the Marlow Belle) welcoming a former member and now famous celebrity Lizzie Jenkins.

Oliver has many enemies--including his wife--but everyone has an alibi. It's up to our crime-busting trio to uncover the truth. In the pursuit of the killer, Judith joins the theater group run by Oliver in their production of The Importance of Being Earnest. The look into the world of amateur theater is enjoyable.

I was left a little unsettled by the ending and am looking forward to the next installment. There are mysteries within mysteries in this story!

I greatly enjoy this lighthearted series in which three unglamorous, older women bond with each other. Although I usually prefer stories a little (although not a lot) harder hitting, I find these books, soothing, relaxing, and entertaining. I especially like Judith, although likability is not a quality she leads with! Feisty, thorny, bright--she generally rejects the company of others but in the course of the series has become more open and very attached to her sisters in crime (including Tanika).

In this book, Judith joins a theater company to help in her pursuit of the killer. So we also get a fun look at the amateur theater world

And I didn't guess the murderer--which (having read so many books in this genre) I often do so I very much appreciated this!

Murder on the Marlow Belle will be published on September 16 2025 by Poisoned Pen Press. I'm grateful to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for sending me a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood is book 4 in the utterly delightful Marlow Murder Club series, and this time, the sleuthing trio sets sail!

When Oliver Beresford is found dead during the maiden voyage of the refurbished Marlow Belle, the suspects are limited to an elite and eccentric circle: members of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS). Judith Potts, ever the fearless puzzle-solver, infiltrates the society by taking a role in their play, while her partners-in-crime-solving run down leads.

As egos clash and secrets unravel in the cutthroat world of community theater, everyone seems to have a motive, and the police would really prefer the trio butt out. Thorogood blends sharp wit, quirky British charm, and satisfying clues into another well-paced whodunnit. This one brings the same Golden Age flair fans love, with the added thrill of backstage drama and riverboat ambiance.

🎭 If you adore clever cozies with a side of amateur sleuth mischief, you’ll want front-row seats for this one.

#MarlowMurderClub #MurderOnTheMarlowBelle #RobertThorogood #CozyMystery #PoisonedPenPress #SleuthingSisters #WhodunnitWithTea

Thorogood has done it again. The Marlow Murder trio is just as nuanced and insightful as the last 3 books. Thorogood manages to weave a story that is suspenseful while staying (relatively) light-hearted and humorous. I truly enjoy seeing how these ladies grow and are able to solve cases with as limited "official" resources as they have.