Murder on the Marlow Belle by Robert Thorogood

Marlow’s local Amateur Dramatics group (MADS) are cast as the closed circle of suspects in the fourth instalment of the Marlow Mysteries. Director and leading man, Oliver Beresford has vanished; he didn’t return home after the group took a celebratory trip on the River Thames, and his wife is worried ... could it be murder? Enter Judith, Suzie and Becks stage right.

Opening the page to the familiar scenes of Marlow and its inhabitants is, for me, like reconnecting with an old friend. While the puzzle itself is intriguing and the new array of characters fresh for dissection, it is a delight to rejoin the trio of amateur sleuths and witness their triumphs, squabbles and deepening friendship. Sparkling dialogue dances across the page as the banter bounces back and forth, and the depiction of MADs resident diva Mary Eddington (Lady Bracknell) is a tour de force.

Yet, cosy crime is not always all that cosy. The follies of youth and age take centre stage as the Amateur Dramatic Society’s dirty laundry is brought out into the limelight. And how long will Judith be able to keep her own secrets hidden? We’ll have to wait till next year to find out.

A highly anticipated New Year’s treat in the Lawrence household; a Marlow Mystery is a perfect cosy mystery to brighten up those gloomy January nights.

Sarah, Adult Librarian

Whoever You Are, Honey by Olivia Gatwood

In Santa Cruz, Mitty and Bethel are trying to live a quiet life away from the world. The world is coming to them, however, as Silicon Valley tech bros hoping to inject ‘authenticity’ into their lives are moving in in droves. In the process they are bulldozing comfortable homes in favour of Instagram-perfect glass houses in which to showcase their carefully curated realities.
 
New neighbours Sebastian and Lena typify the tech elite, but Mitty sees opportunity for friendship with Lena, whose life may not be as polished as it seems.
 
This compelling debut was definitely my favourite fiction book of the year. It examines the conflict between the false perfections of the technologies bulldozing their way into our lives and the wonderful messiness of humanity. Like a feminised Philip K Dick novel for the social media age. I’m really looking forward to what this author will do next.

Helen, Senior Adult Librarian