This is the fifth title to feature the Marlow, amateur detectives Becks, Suzie and, of course, Judith. I have read all of them and also have watched the TV series. Now, I have just read book 5 which I enjoyed.
Book 5 picks up where book 4 ended. This means that there is a subplot about Judith and her ex husband who reportedly died from drowning. Judith’s husband had a daughter with someone else. This d.aughter is making accusations against Judith. Did Judith do something unforgivable? What did really happen? Those who have read the earlier books will want to know, as will some new to the series.
Around this, there are once again too many murders in Marlow. For a small, pretty place, it has an outsize number of crimes, maybe a bit like in Christie’s St. Mary Mead.
Celebrities have been killed. Why? Is there a common thread? Of course, the intrepid threesome will do their best to find out.
I look forward to a new book in this series and hope Thorogood will give this to readers.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
Pub date: 07 July 2026
Post first published on 22 May 2026
About the book:
from the publisher
Description
“Fiendishly clever!” – Kirkus reviews
The new cozy crime novel from the bestselling author of The Marlow Murder Club, now a major TV series on PBS Masterpiece!
Two dead celebrities. One village full of secrets.
Someone is killing celebrities in Marlow. First, it’s a famous soccer player. Then, a bestselling thriller writer. When two shocking deaths rock their quiet riverside town, Judith, Suzie, and Becks—the unstoppable Marlow Murder Club—must untangle a dangerous web of blackmail and scandal to catch a killer.
But with their trusted police ally DI Malik suddenly suspended, and Judith’s own past threatening to resurface, the women are on their own. Suspects are multiplying like tabloid headlines, secrets are stacking up, and time is running out.
Can the Marlow Murder Club crack the case before the killer strikes again—or will this be the end of their crime-solving adventures?
From the Publisher:
Joyce's mystery and fiction book reviews with some non-fiction too! 