The charming cover art and intriguing premise of a 77-year-old amateur sleuth caught my eye. I’ve always been drawn to unconventional detective stories, so I eagerly dove right in, not quite knowing what to expect.
From the very first page, I was captivated by the witty and spirited voice of Judith Potts, the septuagenarian protagonist who takes it upon herself to investigate a murder she overhears while swimming in the Thames. Judith is no Miss Marple – she’s feisty, sarcastic, and unapologetically herself. I instantly connected with her tenacity and humor in the face of the dismissive police. When she teams up with the unlikely duo of Suzie the dog walker and Becks the vicar’s wife, I knew I was in for a wild ride.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is the portrayal of the three main characters and their blossoming friendship. Despite their differences in age and background, Judith, Suzie and Becks form a formidable crime-solving team. Their banter and evolving dynamic were an absolute joy to read. Thorogood does a brilliant job fleshing out each woman, giving them distinct personalities, quirks and emotional depth. I found myself genuinely caring about this oddball trio and cheering them on as they pieced together the clues.
The plot itself unfolds like a classic whodunit, with plenty of red herrings, shocking revelations and nail-biting moments. While it requires a bit of suspension of disbelief at times regarding police procedure, I was more than willing to go along for the ride. I was kept guessing until the very end, which is a testament to Thorogood’s skill at crafting a satisfying mystery. The charming riverside town of Marlow also comes alive on the page, adding to the cozy atmosphere.
One of my favorite scenes is when Judith first meets Suzie over the murder victim’s pet rabbit. The ensuing conversation is laugh-out-loud funny and showcases the author’s talent for snappy dialogue:
“I don’t know why I’m trusting you with Hephzibah,” Judith said as she reluctantly handed over the rabbit. “You’re clearly insane.”
“Best kind of person to trust then,” said Suzie with a wink. “Us mad people have to stick together.”
This exchange perfectly encapsulates the offbeat tone of the book and the delightful dynamic between the characters. I found myself grinning ear to ear at several of their interactions.
In terms of critiques, the pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with some sections feeling slower than others. There are a few subplots that I felt didn’t quite earn their page time. However, these are relatively minor quibbles in what was overall a highly entertaining read.
Thorogood’s writing style is warm, witty and effortlessly readable. He has a gift for turning a phrase and injecting humor into even the darkest moments. As someone who appreciates clever wordplay, I found myself jotting down some choice quotes to chuckle at later.
On a personal note, this book came into my life at just the right time. I had been going through a stressful period at work and was in desperate need of an escapist, feel-good read. “The Marlow Murder Club” more than delivered. It reminded me of the importance of friendship, laughter and chasing your curiosity, no matter your age. If a 77-year-old woman can solve murders in her spare time, surely I can handle my own comparatively mundane challenges.
I would wholeheartedly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good cozy mystery, especially those who appreciate British humor and young-at-heart characters. It would make a fantastic vacation read or a pick-me-up on a dreary day. I’ve already pressed copies into the hands of several friends and family members, who I know will delight in the hijinks of the Marlow Murder Club as much as I did.
I’m thrilled that this is set to be the first in a series, as I’m not at all ready to say goodbye to Judith, Suzie and Becks. I will be eagerly awaiting their next crime-solving adventure and look forward to seeing how their friendship continues to grow. If you’re in the mood for a fun, fresh take on the amateur sleuth tale, look no further than “The Marlow Murder Club.” Just be warned: you may find yourself wanting to take up wild swimming and form your own merry band of mystery solvers by the end!