Robert Thorogood, creator of the hit BBC series Death in Paradise, brings his signature blend of wit, charm, and intricate plotting to the quaint town of Marlow in his delightful novel The Marlow Murder Club. This first installment in what has become a beloved series introduces readers to an unforgettable trio of amateur sleuths led by the indomitable Judith Potts, a 77-year-old crossword puzzle creator with a penchant for nude swimming and solving murders.
The Series: A Growing Collection of Marlow Mysteries
The success of The Marlow Murder Club has spawned an engaging series that continues to follow the adventures of Judith and her unlikely friends:
- Death Comes to Marlow (Book 2)
- The Queen of Poisons (Book 3)
- Murder on the Marlow Belle (Book 4)
Each subsequent book builds upon the strong foundation established in this first novel, deepening the relationships between the main characters while presenting them with increasingly complex mysteries to solve.
Setting: The Heart of Thames Valley
Thorogood’s portrayal of Marlow, a picturesque town along the River Thames, serves as more than mere backdrop. The author brings the location to vivid life, from its Victorian suspension bridge to its Georgian High Street, creating an almost characters in itself. The setting perfectly balances the traditional elements of a cozy mystery with modern sensibilities, much like the protagonist herself.
Character Analysis: An Unconventional Detecting Trio
Judith Potts
The heart of the novel is Judith Potts, a thoroughly modern septuagenarian who defies stereotypes at every turn. Living alone in her mansion by the Thames, Judith combines sharp intelligence with refreshing eccentricity. Her habit of swimming nude in the river and her liberal approach to whisky consumption make her both endearing and authentic. Thorogood has created a character who feels genuinely original while still fitting within the tradition of amateur sleuths.
Supporting Cast
The author demonstrates particular skill in developing the supporting characters:
- Suzie Harris: A down-to-earth dog walker whose practical nature complements Judith’s intellectual approach
- Becks Starling: The vicar’s wife whose proper exterior masks an adventurous spirit
- DS Tanika Malik: A competent police officer who must balance procedure with the reality of working with civilian investigators
Plot and Pacing: A Well-Crafted Mystery
The story begins with Judith witnessing a murder while swimming in the Thames, setting off a chain of events that leads to the formation of the Marlow Murder Club. Thorogood expertly weaves together multiple plot threads, maintaining tension while allowing space for character development and humor.
Strengths
- Complex yet followable mystery
- Well-placed clues and red herrings
- Satisfying resolution that doesn’t feel contrived
- Balanced pacing that keeps readers engaged
Areas for Improvement
- Some plot points rely heavily on coincidence
- Certain secondary character motivations could be better developed
- The initial setup takes slightly longer than necessary
Writing Style: Engaging and Atmospheric
Thorogood’s prose strikes an effective balance between description and action. His background in television writing shows in the visual quality of his scenes and sharp dialogue. The author excels at creating atmosphere without sacrificing pacing.
Themes and Subtext
The novel explores several compelling themes:
- The value and capabilities of older individuals in society
- Female friendship and solidarity
- The contrast between appearance and reality in small-town life
- The power of unconventional thinking in solving problems
Critical Analysis
What Works Well
- Character development, particularly of the three main women
- Rich sense of place and atmosphere
- Clever puzzle plotting
- Humor that enhances rather than detracts from the mystery
- Strong dialogue that reveals character
Room for Improvement
- Some secondary plot threads could be more fully resolved
- Occasional reliance on convenient timing
- A few character decisions strain credibility
- The pacing in the middle section could be tighter
Comparison to Similar Works
The novel sits comfortably alongside other contemporary British mysteries while maintaining its own identity. Fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series will find familiar elements here, though Thorogood’s approach is distinctly his own. The book also shares DNA with classic detective fiction while updating the formula for modern readers.
Target Audience
This book will particularly appeal to:
- Mystery lovers who enjoy character-driven stories
- Readers who appreciate British humor and setting
- Fans of unconventional protagonists
- Those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a contemporary edge
Final Verdict
Despite some minor flaws, it succeeds admirably in what it sets out to do: entertain while delivering a satisfying mystery with memorable characters. The book establishes a strong foundation for the series while working perfectly well as a standalone novel.
Recommendations for Reading
The book is best enjoyed:
- When you’re in the mood for a clever mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously
- If you appreciate strong female characters of various ages
- When you want a mystery that balances humor with genuine suspense
Author Background
Robert Thorogood brings considerable experience from his work on Death in Paradise to this novel. His previous books include several tie-in novels for that series, but The Marlow Murder Club represents a successful venture into original territory.
Conclusion
The Marlow Murder Club is a charming addition to the contemporary British mystery scene. While it may not revolutionize the genre, it refreshes familiar elements with strong characterization and clever plotting. The book’s greatest strength lies in its protagonist and her unlikely friends, creating a foundation strong enough to support multiple sequels. Despite minor flaws, it provides engaging entertainment while setting up what promises to be an enjoyable series.
