Prompt 27 – A book where someone dies in the first chapter

What it’s about?

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 realise 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 of Marlow? 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 . . .

What I think:

This is the third book in the Marlow Mystery series and I think it has really hit its stride. The characters and the dynamics between them are fully established so it felt like there was more focus on the mystery.

This starts fast! Suzie is attending a local council meeting and before you know it, the mayor is dead. Poisoned coffee seems to be the culprit but how and why remain a mystery.

The mayor, Geoffrey Lushington, seems to be an upstanding citizen and well-loved, so finding a motive could be a stumbling block.

Becks, Judith and Suzie are soon uncovering more of Marlow’s secrets and solving different elements of an increasingly complex puzzle.

There are lots of twists and turns to keep the reader guessing, and good humour along the way. The characters continue to grow and I especially enjoyed Becks as she has grown in so much confidence since the first book.

The TV series hits the UK screens in March, and I will definitely be watching.

Thank you to HQ for my gifted proof copy of the book which is out now.