In this episode of Being Bookish, I am heading to the tranquil banks of the Thames to visit with Judith, Becks and Suzie as they investigate two unfortunate deaths in Marlow while dealing with personal issues in The Mysterious Affair of Judith Potts by Robert Thorogood.

As the creator of the hit TV show Death in Paradise, Thorogood knows exactly how to craft a brilliant mystery. This latest release, which hit shelves on January 15th, 2026, marks the fifth book in the popular Marlow Murder Club series.

As always, I will be sharing my personal thoughts as well as looking at other reviews to provide a balanced perspective because we cannot all like everything. I will also be keeping it completely spoiler-free because you may want to visit Marlow for yourselves at some point, and you know I don't like to spoil books for anyone!

If you enjoy a classic cosy mystery with a sharp-witted protagonist, a touch of eccentricity, and a puzzling case that keeps you guessing, this episode is definitely for you. It is the perfect recommendation for fans of cosy crime and amateur sleuths looking for their next favourite read. Can you solve the mystery before the trio of friends does?

To round things off, my second, shorter review is for Esther is Now Following You by Tanya Sweeney. This is a far more unsettling and contemporary read that not only explores the dark side of social media obsession and parasocial relationships but also tackles deeper, moving themes of mental health issues and grief. It offers a sharp contrast to the charming, community-driven sleuthing in Marlow and is a must-read for fans of character-driven stories with real heart.

So pop the kettle on, get comfy, and let’s talk books.

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