The Marlow Murder Club

This is an interesting and greatly enjoyable effort. There are features reminiscent of other who dunnits - forcexmple the inquisitive outsider and the police officer too dense to accept their input (Father Brown) - but the writer(s) have done a great job bringing some credibility to the outsiders (more than one, hence the 'club'). The way in which the 'club' emerges is believable, and the individuals each bring something to the table to make the story work. The actors work well to make each of their characters engaging. The police do not come out well (so far) and unfortunately their negligence and incompetence is also not beyond belief. The location is wonderful (oh for a lottery win) and I liked the way in which real local celebs are used to add gravitas to rhexstory (for example. Sir Stanley Spencer, who lived and worked in nearby Cookhan). Looking forward to more from the club. Soon.

I confess I haven't read the books. I am though a big fan of Death In Paradise from the same writer once it clicked with me early on that it is basically Scooby Doo for grown ups.

This drama immediately felt more Agatha Christie in its setting and set up but didn't take long to struggle with its identity. It felt the cast would be struggling with the script which lacked conviction. I can suspend belief to enjoy a storyline, but this veered into scenarios I just found irritably daft more than anything. A shame as the main characters (the 3 amateur sleuths and the contrasting police detective) looked set to make it enjoyable but it never really kicked into gear.

All in all it just felt diluted not knowing whether to go murder mystery suspense or comedic. Somehow Death In Paradise manages to stay true to its identity - there's conviction in the characters whether long term or cameo and no matter how ridiculous it gets. This however somewhat dragged its feet. I'd give a second outing a go but hope it just really goes for it more.

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.

I knew nothing of the books so had no expectations at all.

Samantha Bond is pretty much always an actor worth watching and that led me to give it a go. Jo Martin I only knew from Dr Who, so not much to go on there.

The show is very much in the British groove of slower paced, gentle murder. It's a style that I enjoy very much for relatively unchallenging and 'pretty' crime.

I thoroughly enjoyed both parts, the acting was, I thought, very good, the plot was strong enough and it did of course look suitably 'British' - or to be more precise, 'English'. Nothing wrong with that, England does have some very picturesque towns and villages.

Less comedic than Father Brown and Sister Boniface, perhaps a little lighter than Midsomer Murders, I would happily watch more if they choose to make it.

Good, watchable and enjoyable, but maybe never going to be amongst the greats, it's still miles better than so many other shows.

If you're not sure, I'd certainly advise you to give it a go.

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.....