Murder is Dramatic
It wasn’t conscious at the beginning of the year, but I seem to be focusing on reading series I’ve already started this year instead of being distracted by every shiny new book that comes along. That’s one reason why I returned to Robert Thorogood’s Marlow Murder Club for their fourth case - Murder on the Marlow Belle.
The first book showed us how these three women formed an unlikely friendship over a string of murders in the town of Marlow. There’s Judith Potts, an older woman who generally likes to be alone constructing crossword puzzles. There’s Becks Starling, the vicar’s wife. And there’s Susie Harris, dog walker and host of a local radio program. This is now the fourth time they’ve found themselves looking into a suspicious death in their community.
This time, Verity Beresford seeks out Judith. Verity’s husband, Oliver, never returned from the maiden voyage of the Marlow Belle. The boat had been rented by the Marlow Amateur Dramatic Society, which Oliver heads. But then Oliver’s body turns up, and Judith can’t help but wonder if Verity was trying to divert suspicion from herself by asking for help. Can Judith and her friends figure out what really happened?
Yes, Judith is the real star of the books, although each of the ladies contribute a little toward the solution, as always. I did feel that Susie took more of a back seat in this book, while Becks does get a subplot that allows her to shine. Still, their personalities come through the page, and I can’t help but laugh at their antics and conversations.
On the other hand, I am bugged by some of the comments that seemed to lean toward male bashing. I’m not sure if they were intended as a joke or not, but they certainly didn’t come across that way.
The mystery was good. The suspects were strong and there were enough twists to keep me guessing. However, I found the climax a bit of a stretch. It does makes sense, at least.
Since the victim was part of the local drama society, we spent some time behind the scenes at their current production. As a fan of the stage, I had a lot of fun reading about that.
And that ending? I’m glad the next is due here in the states in a couple of months.
Murder on the Marlow Belle might not be the strongest mystery in the series, but it is still fun. Fans of these ladies will still be glad they read it.
Enjoy the rest of the Marlow Murder Club novels.
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