Can't wait to watch The Thursday Murder Club this summer? Join the club - but if that feels just a little too far away, we've found the perfect murder mystery series to scratch that itch with The Marlow Murder Club. A third series with a 'surprising twist' has been announced by UKTV, with the two previous series available to binge-watch back-to-back on BBC iPlayer and U in the meantime.
The crime drama is set in the sleepy town of Marlow and sees retired resident Judith Potts take murder investigations into her own hands, with the help of two friends. The mystery series is based on a book of the same name by Robert Thorogood, who's the creator behind Death in Paradise.
Here's everything you need to know to get up to speed if you're new to the show, including what we can expect from series 3...
What is The Marlow Murder Club about?
The Marlow Murder Club follows Judith Potts (Samantha Bond), a retired archaeologist and her friends Suzie, a local dog walker and Becks, the vicar's wife. Together, the unlikely trio investigate murders in the sleepy town of Marlow. Oscillating between being help and hindrance to the police, the women embark on increasingly daring escapades to track down witnesses, follow suspects and ultimately uncover the killer.
What has happened in The Marlow Murder Club so far?
*Spoilers follow*
In the first series of The Marlow Murder Club we meet retired archaeologist, Judith, living in the picturesque town of Marlow. One day while out swimming, Judith witnesses her neighbour's murder, but the police don't take her story seriously. Determined to investigate what happened and uncover the truth, she begins her own investigations and brings dog-walker Suzie and the vicar's wife Becks on board to help her solve the case.
While the original series was set in two 90 minute episodes, the second series was in six parts and saw the crime solving trio tasked with three baffling murders. First, a wealthy man dies the day before his wedding, then a man with no ID is found dead in the middle of a suburban street, before a member of the sailing club is bludgeoned to death. Initially, it seems that the three are unconnected, and that all the suspects appear to have solid alibis.
However, Judith, Suzie and Becks' detective work leads them to discover that there are in fact three killers who made a pact. Instead of killing their own victim, they murder each others', so that any motive can't be traced back to them and they can ensure they have a solid alibi in place.
While initially the police were exasperated with the womens' efforts, the murder club eventually win the officers round with their innovative way of thinking, keen eye and, of course, their results as the true culprits are uncovered.
What will happen in The Marlow Murder Club series 3?
By series three, which is now in production, Judith, Suzie and Becks are 'an established part of newly promoted DI Tanika Malik’s crime solving team' and 'are back and bringing their unconventional methods to a string of high-profile murders' explains the synopsis.
Once again, the residents of Marlow are in danger as three more deaths take place including 'the nicest man in Marlow', the town's 'beloved Mayor' and a celebrity chef who is 'found dead at the launch of his cookbook with half the town in attendance.'
Most excitingly, there's a 'surprising twist' at an 'eerie manor house' in store for Becks who 'finds herself amongst the suspects', which could threaten the sleuths' roles as crime advisors in the town...
Who is in The Marlow Murder Club cast?
Good news, all the main cast members of The Marlow Murder Club have been confirmed to return for series 3. The line up includes:
- Samantha Bond
- Jo Martin
- Cara Horgan
- Natalie Dew
- Holli Dempsey
- Phill Langhorne
- Tijan Sarr
How can I watch The Marlow Murder Club?
You can watch the first series of The Marlow Murder Club on BBC iPlayer and U. Both series one and two are also available to stream on U, while the third series is expected to air on U and U&Drama next year.
