Should You Try It: Marlow Murder Club on PBS

We’re into November and that means a slowing of the tide of new series but an uptick in the obligations and activities that eat into our free time. So, how do you decide if a new show is worth diving in? Let this space be your guide as we give you all the information needed to make an informed viewing decision. Today, it’s a new Masterpiece Mystery.

Series: Marlow Murder Club

Where to Find It: Episodes air Sunday nights on PBS and stream on the PBS App.

What’s It About: This new series is a Masterpiece Mystery. It’s based on the book from Robert Thorogood, who adapted the books to series. Here, we’re set near the small town of Marlow. We meet Judith (Samantha Bond), who writes the local crossword puzzle and enjoys days of leisure in a beautiful estate she inherited after spending a career as an archeologist. When her neighbor turns up murdered, Judith decides to get involved.

Soon, she comes across Suzie (Jo Martin), an empty nester who is a local dog walker. When Suzie’s client turns up murdered, too, she wants answers. Finally, the pair connect with Becks (Cara Horgan), a busy mother and the wife of the vicar who is looking for some adult adventure of her own. She uses her charm and connections to join with Suzie and Judith to dive into these crimes and trying to get at who committed the crimes.

All this makes things difficult for DS Tanika Malik (Natalie Dew), a young investigator who takes the lead for the police as she’s filling in for the boss. She is desperate to crack the case and prove her mettle, seeing the women at first as an obstruction. But could it really be their combined powers that are needed to solve the case?

You Should Try It If: You’re a fan of quick series, a good mystery, or shows that have a bit of fun and mystery.

One Man’s Opinion of Marlow Murder Club

This series is a short commitment. It’s just four episodes, each about 45 minutes. If you subscribe to PBS express, you can stream the whole thing right now. Otherwise, it makes for a pleasant weekly watch, especially if you’ve been a fan of the Masterpiece Mystery set up.

I thought the case here presented well. You get drawn into the crime, the town, and the characters right away. As the episodes go on you learn more about what’s going on and get drawn further into the mystery of what’s happening in this small town. I also enjoyed the characters here. The three amateur sleuths are fun. Judith is something of a mystery that will unfold, while Suzie and Becks are a fun pairing for this “murder club.” I also enjoyed the DS Malik character and the way she’s working to solve the case and show her skills.

The actors here work well, too. Bond is charismatic as the lead. Martin and Horgan are a lot of fun, too, while Dew does a nice job as the often-harried detective. There’s plenty to like about this quick little mystery that will be perfect for those who love a good puzzle to solve.