This fourth installment centers on the murder of Oliver Beresford, a man who was never exactly the most popular figure in town and had more than a touch of the bully about him. As a result, the list of people who might have wanted him gone feels almost endless, giving Judith Potts, Suzie Harris, and Becks Starling plenty of tangled motives and local secrets to untangle.
Thorogood keeps the tone light and engaging throughout, balancing sharp observations about small-town life and amateur dramatics with the steady pleasure of watching three very different women work together. The riverside setting and the closed circle of suspects provide a classic locked-room (or locked-boat) flavor without ever feeling overly familiar. The dialogue sparkles, the friendships among the central trio remain one of the series’ greatest strengths, and the mystery itself is paced with just the right mix of clues, red herrings, and quiet revelations.
If you’ve enjoyed the earlier books, this one will feel like a welcome return to Marlow—comforting, clever, and consistently entertaining. New readers can jump in without much difficulty, though longtime fans will appreciate the continued development of Judith, Suzie, and Becks. A solid, satisfying entry that leaves you looking forward to the next case. 4 / 5 stars.
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