The Queen of Poisons

Marlow Murder Club, Book 3

De: Robert Thorogood

Narrado por: Nicolette McKenzie

The top 10 Sunday Times bestseller
NOW A MAJOR TV SERIES

Who killed the Mayor? It’s up to the Marlow Murder Club to find out …

Geoffrey Lushington, Mayor of Marlow, dies suddenly during a Town Council meeting. When traces of aconite—also known as the queen of poisons—are found in his coffee cup, the police realize he was murdered. But who did it? And why?

The police bring Judith, Suzie and Becks in to investigate as Civilian Advisors right from the start, so they have free rein to interview suspects and follow the evidence to their heart’s content, which is perfect because Judith has no time for rules and standard procedure.

But this case has the Marlow Murder Club stumped. Who would want to kill the affable Mayor? How did they even get the poison into his coffee? And is anyone else in danger? The Marlow Murder Club are about to face their most difficult case yet …

©2024 Robert Thorogood (P)2024 HarperCollins UK

Wonderful in many ways

This book was an intricate, thought-provoking who-done-it. But the extraordinary charm coming from our sleuths was due to their individual definitions and discoveries of personal happiness was the real star of the book for me.

Brilliant!

Really love this series and this one was the best so far,can’t wait till the next one is available.
The characters are really quirky and funny and the narrator does a great job of bringing them to life.

Amusing romp

Again the trio figures it out! It is totally improbable that any such folks could run around confronting possible murderers with various accusations, provoking them, and otherwise putting themselves at risk of life and limb. But they do. It is tedious somewhat and very repetitious, most obviously when Judith explains things in infinite detail, but if you last until the end, you’ll have the most delightful surprise twist. Worth the wait. A skimpy plot but performed with lovely enthusiasm and gusto. Enough to take your mind off your troubles. So worth it.

Enjoyed the outcome

Thought the storyline dragged on a bit so sped it up. Otherwise, always enjoy this author and reader.

Fresh take on murder mysteries.

I absolutely love this series. I've already pre ordered book 4. it's refreshing to hear that "ordinary" people, (and I used ordinary loosely since these ladies are all but) can help to solve murder cases. Too many books out there where the authorities have to go "by the book." I love how unconventional Judith and her pals are. Their eccentric behaviors just add to the fun.

Continues the Series Well

If you are ready for another murder mystery with the three amigos you will probably like this book. It is definitely more of the same quality storytelling. I did not like the character development in this book quite as much as the earlier works; I felt like there were some contradictions in their behavior, but maybe that's what it takes to keep a story flowing. The mystery itself was not as strong as the last two, but it was good for a series. The narration is good: I enjoyed that as well.

Enjoyable but…

This one was not as good as the first two. I wish the characters would be a little less 2 d this time.

Endearing characters

Thoroughly enjoyed this 3rd book in the Marlowe Murder series. Robert Thorogood spins a convoluted plot that keeps you guessing.

Good narration but fluffy story

Thorogood has pretty good plot ideas and I like the 3 main characters that have been in the series, female characters that could be interestingly developed. But I think he may have exhausted this idea-- the characters have little personality in this book especially, and the book ends with the assurance that these characters will never grow or change. The story itself did not leave me hungering for more.

This is a familiar kind of cozy mystery with civilian "detective", e.g. Poirot stories. Civilian Judith works out the case in her own way independent of the proper police procedure-- here with interesting sidekicks Becks and Susie. Then in the denouement, she meets with the murderer and explains to them everything that happened and how every detail of the crime came to pass. But somehow it doesn't work as well as say, Christies' Poirot stories. Maybe the Marlow books are just too long. The last couple had characters and crimes that are so didn't grab me. You don't really see Judith discovering relevant truths, and there are always so many suspects. I disliked the multiple long chapters at the end with Judith in monologue triumphantly explaining so much heretofore unknown background , murderer's thought, intent, and motivation, and every minuscule action --explaining to the totally passive murderer! These details of were so involved and complex (or unlikely), it was hard to keep listening. As with author's other stories, some of the crucial details that Judith endlessly explains have been obvious throughout the entire book.

Great plot twist!!

Liked that I didn’t know who or why until the unbelievable very last moment!! Great listen!