The Marlow Murder Club

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. The novel is described as a modern “cozy mystery” in the tradition of Agatha Christie. How well do you think it fits this genre? Did it remind you of classic mysteries you’ve read, like those featuring Miss Marple, or did it feel entirely new to you?

2. What was your first impression of Judith Potts, with her nude swimming and crossword puzzles?

3. What did you think of the way the three central women, Judith, Suzie, and Becks, came together to form their club? Did their partnership feel believable to you, and which of the three did you find most compelling?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. The story explores how Judith, Becks, and Suzie are often underestimated because of their age or social roles. Think about a time you may have felt overlooked or misjudged. How did that experience shape your actions or perspective?

2. Have you ever formed an unlikely friendship based on a shared experience or goal? What was it about that shared purpose that brought you together, and how does it compare to the bond between the women of the Marlow Murder Club?

3. Judith immediately challenges the police investigation when she feels her report isn’t taken seriously. Can you recall a time when your intuition told you something was wrong, even when others disagreed? How did your actions compare or contrast with those of Judith?

4. Have you ever been to a place that, like Marlow, presents an idyllic image that hides more complex realities?

Examine the book’s relevance to societal issues, historical events, or cultural themes.

1. What do you think the novel suggests about the relationship between official law enforcement, represented by the under-resourced DS Malik, and community-based justice?

2. Why do you think the cozy mystery genre continues to be so popular today? How does the genre reflect contemporary ideas and anxieties about community and identity? 

3. How do others view Judith, and how does she challenge those perceptions? What does this reveal about how older women are seen in contemporary British society?

Dive into the book’s structure, characters, themes, and symbolism.

1. Robert Thorogood sets the story in the real town of Marlow, using actual landmarks like All Saints Church and the Marlow Suspension Bridge. How does grounding the fictional mystery in a real-world setting contribute to the theme of The Deceptiveness of Appearances?

2. How did the slow reveal of Judith’s past with her husband, Philippos, and the ambiguous final scene affect your overall impression of her character? What theme is conveyed by the moral ambiguity of her character?

3. How did the novel’s use of red herrings, like Andy Bishop’s perfect motive or the “Faith, Hope, and Charity” medallions, impact your reading experience?

4. The motif of rowing is subtly woven throughout the narrative before becoming the key to the entire conspiracy. What were some of the early clues related to rowing that you noticed, and how did they mislead or guide you?

Encourage imaginative and creative connections to the book.

1. The book has been adapted for television, but if you were in charge of casting a brand-new film version, who would you choose to play Judith, Becks, and Suzie? Explain your reasoning. Then, choose one important scene for this character. Discuss how you would portray this scene in film, touching on key components like music, camera angle, mise en scène, and dialogue to convey the scene’s importance to the story.

2. Imagine you are tasked with creating the next case for the Marlow Murder Club. What kind of mystery would you invent for them to solve, and how would it challenge each woman’s particular skills and personality?

3. If you could read a chapter from the perspective of one of the killers, Elliot, Danny, or Andy, which one would you choose? What moment in the story would you want to see through their eyes, and what do you think it would reveal about their motivations?