Huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review!

Its suffice to say that I love this series and characters. Each instalment has me gripped and reading it non stop! The mystery in this one kept me on my toes and had some really good plot twists that had me gasping. I love Judith, Suzie and Becks. They are a great cast of characters who each complement each other so much. I could read loads more of these books and wouldn't get bored. I'm excited for the next instalment.

This was a great read and I can quite see why the series has already been adapted for TV. A great cast of characters and an interesting plot, read it before TV spoils it for you!

Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood offers an engaging blend of mystery, wit, and charm, set aboard a scenic riverboat journey. The novel introduces readers to the likable amateur sleuth, Solomon, whose sharp eye for detail and knack for solving puzzles make him an intriguing protagonist. The plot unfolds as a murder takes place on the luxurious Marlow Belle, and Solomon, along with a group of quirky characters, must uncover the truth.

Thorogood's writing is fast-paced and filled with clever twists, making it hard to put down. His ability to create vivid settings and develop characters with depth allows readers to immerse themselves in the story, while the dialogues remain sharp and humorous, providing a light-hearted undertone to the darker mystery at hand.

What truly stands out in this book is Thorogood’s skill in crafting a tightly wound narrative. Each clue is placed strategically, leading readers down one path only to be surprised by another revelation. While the book is undoubtedly a gripping whodunit, it also explores themes of human nature and the complexity of relationships, giving the story more substance.

Overall, Murder on the Marlow Belle is an enjoyable read for fans of cozy mysteries and suspenseful storytelling. Thorogood delivers a fresh take on the genre with a delightful blend of intrigue and humour, ensuring a satisfying conclusion that leaves readers eager for more.

The fourth offering in the highly enjoyable Marlow Murder Club series where our intrepid gaggle of amateur sleuths find themselves at the heart of another murder mystery this time involving the local am dram society. I love this easy reading whodunnit series.

My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

In the fourth book of The Marlow Murder Club, the trio of amateur detectives – Judith, Suzie, and Becks are back, and this time they are trying to solve the murder of Oliver Beresford, founder of the local Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS).

Oliver’s wife raised the alarm about her missing husband to Judith and asks for her help in finding him. Not long after, the call comes in that a body has been found in the river. Oliver had been shot and killed, and it looks like it happened whilst members of MADS were enjoying a pleasure cruise together.

However, the three women have to do their sleuthing in secret, as DS Tanika Malik, who they usually help out, is under scrutiny and can’t have the women involved this time.

Murder on the Marlow Belle is another tremendous book in an already fabulous series, which has now been turned into a TV drama. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are all at their best, and even though they have been told not to get involved, they just can’t help themselves, as solving murders is what they are good at.

The list of suspects is long and a good amount of red herrings have weaved into the story. Fingers are pointed aplenty, and nearly everyone had a motive for wanting Oliver dead, as he wasn’t a well-liked man.

The book is certainly a page-turner, and I didn’t want to put it down once I had begun. Judith’s sharp tongue and stubbornness were ever-present, which makes for entertaining reading. The plot thrilled me and had me eager to discover who the murderer was and why. I now can’t wait for book five in the series.

I love the Marlow Murder Club, and these books just keep getting better and better, this time the drama unfolds in the amateur dramatics society which culminates in death on the high seas, or in this case on the Thames River aboard the newly refurbished Marlow Belle. Fast and furious reading awaits all who climb aboard.

In "Murder on the Marlow Belle," the author, Robert Thorogood, does an excellent job of creating a classic mystery with a fun twist that makes the story even more exciting. The group of suspects in this tale is especially intriguing; each character has their own unique quirks, hidden secrets, and motives. This diverse cast of characters keeps readers guessing, as their true natures are revealed bit by bit, leading to a thrilling conclusion.

The plot is cleverly crafted, filled with misleading clues and surprising turns that keep you engaged throughout. What may seem simple at first often becomes much more complicated as the story unfolds. Thorogood's skillful pacing builds suspense, making it hard to put the book down.

What really makes this novel stand out is not only its complicated plot but also the colorful characters and the charming setting of Marlow. The three main characters—Judith, Suzie, and Becks—are relatable and endearing, each bringing their own experiences and charm to the investigation. Their friendship adds depth to the story, as they tackle the mystery together, mixing in humor and light moments that balance out the darker themes.

Marlow itself is depicted as a beautiful and quaint town, with its lovely streets and cozy spots creating a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. The town's inviting atmosphere contrasts nicely with the seriousness of the murder, making readers feel as if they're right there, wandering along the riverbanks and picking up on the neighborhood gossip that might uncover the truth.

"Murder on the Marlow Belle" is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries. It has a great mix of suspense, humor, and heartwarming interactions that create a delightful reading experience. With its smartly crafted story, engaging characters who feel like old friends, and the charming atmosphere of Marlow, this book is sure to resonate with readers and leave them excited for more adventures from the Marlow Murder Club.

Another solid episode in this series and with a cliffhanger ending! I love the ladies, they are all very believable characters. Judith didn’t rely quite so much on her past skills. The final chapters were a triumph - exactly what Judith would do. Looking forward to the next episode.

Fourth in the series and the fourth I’ve read. Like the previous three, this is an excellent whodunnit in the classic mould, albeit with a distinctly dramatic denouement! Our three musketeeresses (I’m sure at least two of them would approve of traditional feminine endings) battle through to the final solution via veritable creels of red herrings. Thoroughly entertaining as always. I’ll enjoy looking out for the likely TV version - there are lots of mouth-watering visual possibilities in the locations. And talk about a cliff-hanging ending…

Thanks to Netgalley and HQ books for a proof copy. Much appreciated and enjoyed.

This is the fourth book in the series, but worked well as a standalone book. I would have preferred to read the previous books as I would have had a better understanding of the main characters, but it was enjoyable nonetheless.
I am one of the few people who couldn’t even finish the first Richard Osman book as I thought it was so dire, and I was concerned this would be in the same vein but thankfully that was not the case.

A quick but entertaining read 4*

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy and return for an honest review.

Another great read in this wonderful series and such a cliff hanger at the end so, we know there's another one to come. Soon I hope. I love these women their friendship and ability to work out the clues before the police. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

A wonderful read! Another fabulous instalment in the Marlow Murder Club series. This one really gets the brain going with the ins and outs and topping and going around who did it. I have to say, it beat me, I didn’t guess who the murderer was. I can’t wait for the next book, quite a cliff hanger at the end.

Thank you Netgalley

Verity Beresford is worried about her husband, Oliver who didn’t come home last night so she goes to Judith Potts for help. Oliver, founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had hired The Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser, for an exclusive party with the MADS committee but no one remembers seeing him disembark. And then Oliver’s body washes up on the Thames with two bullet holes in him – it’s time for the Marlow Murder Club to leap into action...

Being back with my favourite characters from one of my favourite cosy crime series always makes me feel nostalgic because I love spending time with these iconic ladies and seeing what adventures they get up to. I love how even after four books in this series, I feel like I am still learning new things about the much loved characters - I really enjoy seeing their development and seeing their friendship blossom even further.

The constant misdirection had me constantly questioning everybody with their account of the murder and motives. Every time that I thought I had it all figured out, I found out that I was wrong so I was kept constantly on my toes, which I loved! I love how cosy and humorous this series is - it makes me feel like I'm visiting old friends for a catch up each time that we get a new The Marlow Murder Club book.

I felt so immersed in this book and truly struggled to put it down because I was dying to know how everything would play out. It's been the same with every installment of this series and I cannot see that changing any time soon. After that explosive cliffhanger ending, I cannot wait to see what is in store for the fifth book in this series - I need it in my hands asap!

I cannot recommend this series enough if you're looking for loveable old characters that has women front and centre (which we love to see!) in a gorgeous, cosy crime series.

Thank you to HQ and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book early, in exchange for an honest review.

⚠️ CWs: alcohol and drug use, murder, gun use, cancer, cheating; mentions blood, adult/minor relationship, person with substance use disorder, overdose, animal death ⚠️

Book Review: Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood

If you’re a fan of cozy crime, charming characters, and a healthy dose of humor, then Murder on the Marlow Belle is exactly what you need. This fourth book in the Marlow Murder Club series by Robert Thorogood is an absolute delight, filled with twists, laughter, and plenty of suspense.

The story kicks off with Verity Beresford, who is immediately concerned when her husband, Oliver, doesn't return home after a party on the Marlow Belle, a private pleasure cruiser. Oliver, who is the founder of the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, had been hosting an exclusive event with the committee members, but no one seems to remember seeing him leave. When Oliver’s body is found floating in the Thames with two bullet holes in him, it's clear that something sinister is at play, and of course, the Marlow Murder Club is called into action.

I’ve been a fan of this series since the first book, and Murder on the Marlow Belle only solidifies my love for these characters. Judith Potts, Suzie, and Becks make such a fantastic trio of amateur sleuths, and their dynamics are always a joy to read. I love how they bring different perspectives to the table, making their investigations both clever and fun. As they dive deeper into Oliver’s death, it quickly becomes clear that there are more than a few secrets hidden within the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and as always, the Marlow Murder Club is determined to uncover them.

What I really enjoy about Thorogood’s writing is how he blends humor with mystery. There’s a perfect balance here between the gripping whodunit and the lightheartedness that comes from the characters’ interactions and wit. The writing is sharp, and the story moves at a steady pace, making it impossible to put the book down. The twists and turns keep you on your toes, and just when you think you’ve figured it all out, Thorogood throws in another unexpected revelation.

As always, the setting in Marlow adds an extra layer of charm. The picturesque town, the quirky locals, and the ever-present sense of community make for the perfect backdrop for these mysteries. And of course, the Marlow Belle itself—how could you not love a murder mystery set on a pleasure cruiser? It adds just the right amount of atmosphere and intrigue to the plot.

Overall, Murder on the Marlow Belle is another stellar entry in the Marlow Murder Club series. It’s everything you want in a cozy crime novel—engaging, clever, funny, and full of heart. I couldn’t put it down, and I’m already looking forward to the next book in the series. If you haven’t read the Marlow Murder Club books yet, I highly recommend you start now. They’re the perfect blend of mystery and fun, and you won’t regret it!

Rating: 5/5
A brilliantly fun and fiendishly clever mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish.

Ooo girl! The amount of pearl clutching I did wile reading this one. Robert had me on EDGE. As always no spoilers here but vibes, I am seriously thinking about being a detective Queen of Poisons has me second guessing but this one I kept up with Judith as much as I could and Becks is now my favourite.

As late as it is thank you NetGalley & HQ for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy!

I'm usually a fan of really dark crime novels but there are some 'cosy crime' series that I really do love and this is one of them. I think the thing that makes this series stand out to me is that the characters are so believable. I do find that with 'cosy crime' the people can start to become
caricatures and go a bit silly, but with Judith, Suzie and Becks I actually recognise real people in my life in these three women.

I really enjoyed the setting and theme of this fourth mystery. Basing the story around the Marlowe Amateur Dramatics Society was such a great idea because the people involved in these groups tend to be quite dramatic. It allowed for some really fun exchanges and I loved the fact that Judith took it upon herself to join the production to gain inside information - these scenes were just brilliant!

Despite the fact that this is an easy read, the plot and the murder mystery were quite complex with lots of possible suspects, motives, outcomes, and plenty of clues and/or red herrings to keep the reader guessing. Very excited to find out exactly what kind of trouble Judith is in when we finally get Book 5, it looks like her past is catching up with her and I'm ready to find out what her big secret is!

The Marlowe Murder Club return, this time they have a boat, a missing director and a play that must go on!

I really enjoyed this book, it’s a fun cosy crime mystery set over a few weeks. Judith, Suzie and Becks must follow the clues to solve the murder without getting in the way of DI Tanika Malik and causing her anymore trouble.

I love the friendship between the 4 ladies and how they all work so seamlessly together to solve the mysteries. Thorogood writers so well that you really feel you are part of the group!

The ending was the best one yet and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

This is the 4th book in the Marlowe Murder series featuring Judith and her friends Suzie and Becks who solve murders. in their home town of Marlowe.. In this story, the local drama group take a boat ride down the Thames and one of their number, their director, dies. In this adventure, Judith is warned by Tanika, the police officer she has collaborated with before, that she must not investigate the case as he has her boss has forbidden it but Judith persists until the case is solved. This is a light-hearted cozy murder mystery which owes a lot to the Thursday Murder Club but lacks the same sharp humour and creative plotting. I enjoyed reading it as a gentle, bedtime book but wasn't clown away by it.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for a review.

The 4th book in the Marlow Murder Club series and one I enjoyed just as much as the others. Judith, Suzie and Becks are back in action "helping" DI Malik with her investigations into a murder where all the suspects have alibis......

Oh what a pleasure to read another of these glorious books. And since the first book has been on tv you can visualise the characters and even ‘hear’ them speaking.
Oliver Beresford had hired the Marlow Belle for a cruise with the MADS (Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society) but he can’t be found and his wife turns up on Judith’s doorstep saying he hadn’t come home. Then his body is found floating in the Thames with two bullet holes.
Judith, Becks and Suzie get on the case but nothing is what it seems. Even the painter on the river bank is not what she seems.
I love these books. More please, more