The Marlow Murder Club

Having waded through too many sub-standard and lacklustre murder mystery dramas in recent times I was not optimistic that this would mount to much. How pleasantly surprised my wife and I were. Beautifully presented and shot along the River Thames and the small town of Marlow, this is well acted (on the whole), likeable and enjoyable. Don't expect this to be Morse or Lewis standard, it isn't as predictable as Death in Paradise and the acting, script and production is better than Sister Boniface, Madame Blanc and numerous other low key murder mystery farces. And don't get me started on the dreadful Johnny Vegas Murder series.....

A new British TV series premiered in March 2024. It follows a group of older women who form a club to investigate a series of murders in the picturesque town of Marlow, Buckinghamshire. While the premise is intriguing and the cast is talented, the show ultimately falls short of its potential.

The series stars Judith Potts, a retired archaeologist who becomes convinced that a murder has taken place in her neighbour's garden. When the police dismiss her claims, Judith enlists the help of local dog walker Suzie (Jo Martin), vicar's wife Becks (Cara Horgan), and DS Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew) to investigate the crime.

One of the show's strengths is its charming setting. Marlow, a real town along the River Thames, provides a picturesque backdrop for the mystery. The series was filmed on location, showcasing the town's historic streets, boutique shops, and lovely stretches of the river.

The cast delivers mixed performances, with bad the dog walker Suzie and somewhat DS Tanika Malik.

The show's writing and pacing leave something to be desired. The plot, while engaging at first, becomes convoluted and relies heavily on coincidence, especially in boring episode two. The reveal of the killer feels rushed and somewhat unsatisfying. Additionally, the characters, while likeable, lack depth and development throughout the series.

The show also struggles to find its tone, oscillating between cosy mystery and dark crime drama without fully committing to either. The attempts at humour sometimes fall flat, and the darker elements feel out of place in the otherwise lighthearted series.

Despite these shortcomings, The Marlow Murder Club has potential; with some refinement in the writing and a clearer sense of tone, the series could develop into a more compelling and cohesive mystery.

In conclusion, The Marlow Murder Club is a mildly entertaining, cosy mystery series that benefits from its picturesque setting. However, the show's writing and pacing issues prevent it from fully capitalising on its potential. While it may appeal to fans of lighthearted mysteries, it fails to stand out in a crowded genre. With some improvements, the series could become a more engaging and satisfying watch, but for now, it earns a respectable but unremarkable.

Rating: 6.25 out of 10 IMDb stars.

Whilst out swimming in the waters by her house, former archaeologist Judith Potts hears a commotion at her neighbour's house, convinced he's been murdered, she begins an investigation of her own.

I had high expectations for this, and it did not disappear, Robert Thorogood has a good pedigree, and has given us Death in Paradise and Beyond Paradise, this is similar in tone, lighter, easy viewing.

Comedic in parts, but the balance of mystery and humour is spot on, they got it just right.

Each of the trio offers something, but it's Samantha Bond's Judith who gets the greatest focus, we learn a good deal about her, the other two will hopefully be explored in the future.

Well acted by all involved, it features a really nice cast, all play their parts well. Lots of well known faces.

Wonderful locations, definitely one of those where you get an insight into how the other half live.

All I can say, I only hope they make more of them, there's definitely scope for more episodes.

9/10.

A nice mystery with an unexpected ending (but aren't they always?). Good acting, good direction, lovely scenes, and classic English small-town setting.

The plot involves three women, ages around 40 - 65, who become involved as amateur sleuths in a series of murders. The leader is Judith, a retired archaeologist who lives in a classic old mansion bequeathed to her by her great aunt. The other two are a vicar's wife and a dog walker.

The police officer in charge of the investigation is also a women, due to a recent retirement or similar change of personnel (frankly I forget exactly). That opens up the well-used plot twist of the new "guy" trying to prove herself. It also makes it slightly more probable that the police would actively enlist the services of the three amateurs. Slightly. But in real life? It's not going to happen. This is one weakness of the plot.

Another is the basic improbability of it all. I won't go into any more detail, as I don't want to reveal any spoilers.

The other big weakness is the heavy-handed "women in charge" aspect. It becomes almost a political tract.

Too bad. The basic idea could have been handled a lot better with these good actors and lovely sets.

I've read and really enjoy the books this series is based on, but I feel like the characters have been ruined in the series. Judith job has changed, and this I feel has changed her character, her background is different and she doesn't feel like she fits her character. Suzi is great, but I just feel she was a bit rougher around the edges, but barely got to know her as a character. Her relationship was changed with her daughter which I didn't like. Becks was just completely off! In the books she much more devoted to her family and husband. She's also incredibly timid, but gets pushed by Judith to do things, which really brings out a better side of her character.

Overall I feel like they changed all the best parts of the book, and made a bit of a wishy washy series.

Not a bad watch, but it's nowhere near as good as it should been.