Murder on the Marlow Belle

The Marlow Murder Club, Book 4

By: Robert Thorogood

Narrated by: Nicolette McKenzie

The new cozy crime novel from the bestselling author of The Marlow Murder Club, soon to be a major TV series on PBS Masterpiece

Verity Beresford is worried about her husband. Oliver didn't come home last night, so of course Verity goes straight to Judith Potts, Marlow's resident amateur sleuth, 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.

Oliver was, by all accounts, a rather complicated chap with a reputation for bullying children during nativity play rehearsals, and he wasn't short of enemies. Judith, Suzie, and Becks are convinced they'll find his killer in no time. But things are not as they seem in the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, and this case is not so clear-cut after all. The gang will need to keep their wits about them to solve this case—otherwise a killer will walk free …

"Fans of the book series and the TV adaptation (The Marlow Murder Club) will enjoy this new adventure, which ends with a shocking accusation connected to Judith's past."—Booklist

©2025 Robert Thorogood (P)2025 HarperCollinsPublishers

Don't listen/read to negative reviews

I know I'm writing a review and I told you not to listen/read here's why: I had this pre-ordered on audible, before I listened I read a review and almost didn't listen to it based upon that review. I'm glad I trusted the author I have enjoyed and not the reviewer. This book is just as good as the others. The characters are just as fun and I love the relationship between them all. Easy to listen to and of course a twisty turn mystery. I'm now awaiting the next one. The moral of the story is trust your gut not what other people write or say.

Story got out of hand.

As always, Nicolette does an amazing job of reading the book, but the author got in over his head with the complexity of the story. The supper-sleuth Judy of the first 2 book ends up looking gullible and not as likable in this book because of it.

Fun, but a bit long

Despite being a bit drawn out, the story was quite good, characters familiar but no new info on any, but the mystery was very good, I have little respect for authors who weave intricate storylines about the mystery and pull out the murderer from a barely uncovered closet. Here we are formally introduced with all the associations during the story so how it is discovered, not just who, is very well done.

A tad unhinged

Big fan of the Marlow Murder Club. This was definitely a fun listen, but it wasn’t my favorite of the series for a few reasons: 1. The side plot around Becks’s daughter’s boyfriend could’ve been so integral to the story - but in the end, the connection was tenuous at best and just felt like a loose thread. 2. It seemed like there was less interplay between the three women than in previous installments. This one felt more like The Judith Show than a team effort to solve the case (plus, let’s be honest, we always want more Susie!). 3. The way the actual murder went down was extremely complicated and convoluted. I do appreciate the author’s ability to construct intricate and unexpected murders/solutions, but this one really pushed the bounds of believability. 4. (Spoiler alert!) In a locked room murder (or a boat murder in this case), you know there’s always an outside chance that someone outside the room committed the crime. But when that happens, it’s much more satisfying when it’s a central character! We met the murderer for all of 30 seconds prior to the denouement, and although they are referred to elsewhere in the story, it just felt rather unsatisfying. 4.5. Also, while i believe the killer would’ve felt guilty for what they did earlier in life, i find it highly implausible that they would’ve been willing to kill to right their mistake. Wouldn’t they have been more likely to seek medical attention for the victim and then testify that the incident was self defense..? The motivation just felt.. rather unlikely.
All that said, still a really fun installment in the series, and I’m definitely on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what happens next!!

The narrator is fabulous

The description of the setting and the character development in this series is wonderful. There’s a narrator’s voice is perfect for the characters.

Love it!!!

Love this series so much!!! It is absolutely a joy!!! Can’t wait for the next one!!

My three favorite friends do it again!

I think anyone would want a cadre of friends like Becks and Susie and Judith - except maybe with fewer dead bodies. But in this novel the dead guy was apparently asking for it so we’re hardly sorry as we romp through the town getting into trouble and solving crime. Great fun - and I usually abhor novels about stage actors because the writers get so precious about giving you all the ins and outs they discovered whilst researching. This one has very little to do with the stage but an awful lot to do with huge egos and small towns. Lovely, lovely reader who convinces you that she IS Judith. Don’t miss out!

Great As Always

The stories are always fun; the ending of this one really zigged zagged but was still very good!

Love this series!

Love this series! The author is excellent. The reader is excellent. The characters, plot & storyline are excellent too!

Book 4

This story like all the rest keeps you reeled in following along with what will these three ladies get in next. Great story and a lovely one to listen too!