If you're a fan of cosy crime and you've not yet watched The Marlow Murder Club, you're missing out. The hit mystery drama, returning to US TV screens with its third season on 6 September, comes from Death in Paradise creator Robert Thorogood and is adapted from his bestselling novel series.
Set in the idyllic Buckinghamshire town of Marlow (which, coincidentally, is my hometown!), the series stars Samantha Bond as retired archaeologist turned amateur sleuth Judith Potts, who, along with vicar's wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) and dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin), solves complex and intriguing murders.
© UKTV/Robbie GrayThe series is a love letter to Miss Marple. Creator Robert Thorogood told RadioTimes.com in 2024: "After I came up with Death in Paradise, which was always sort of a Hercule Poirot, Richard Pool, I love Agatha Christie, I wanted to do what would be my Miss Marple. Because all I do is try and write Agatha Christie style stories."
A huge hit among fans, the series was renewed for a fourth season back in June and frequently attracts huge guest stars. With compelling mysteries and stunning scenery, The Marlow Murder Club is a must-watch for any cosy crime fan. And no, I'm not just saying that because I’m from Marlow!
What is the Marlow Murder Club about?
The series follows retired archaeologist Judith Potts, dog walker Suzie Harris and vicar's wife Becks Starling as they bring their unconventional crime-solving methods to a string of murder scenes.
In season three, the unlikely trio are now an established part of newly promoted DI Tanika Malik's (Natalie Dew) crime-solving team.
© UKTVThe synopsis reads: "From the sudden death of the town's beloved mayor – the nicest man in Marlow – to a celebrity chef found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance, the team will be working under the watchful eye of the Marlow community.
"They'll also be called to action at a university reunion in an eerie manor house where, in a surprising twist, Becks finds herself amongst the suspects. Could this case threaten our amateur sleuths' roles as civilian advisors?"
© UKTV/Robbie GrayPeter Davison (The Gold, Gentleman Jack), Tony Gardner (The Larkins, Last Tango in Halifax) and comedy legend Harry Enfield are among season three's guest stars.
What to expect from season 4?
Back in June, it was announced that the series would return with six new episodes in 2027.
The fourth outing opens with the "discovery of a body in the river that is soon linked to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society and a homegrown Hollywood star."
© UKTV / Robbie GrayThe synopsis continues: "The team must also unravel the truth behind a man's sudden death at his mother's wake. He appears to have died from an allergic reaction, but is there more to it than that? And when the co-owner of a vineyard is found dead, drowned in his own wine, the women work to make sense of this seemingly unmotivated murder. Can our amateur sleuths navigate the family scandals and personal betrayals to unmask the killers in their close-knit community."
The Marlow Murder Club is available to stream on U in the UK. Season three premieres on Sunday, September 6, 2026, at 8/7c on MASTERPIECE on PBS in the US.
