The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 19
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 19
By: Jo Nichols
Narrators: Megan Price, Jim Meskimen
Macmillan Audio
ISBN: 9781250356543
Publisher: Minotaur Books
St. Martin's Press
Publication Date: 08/19/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars (ARC) (ALC)
The perfect summer read, full of charm and heart, written in the vein of The Thursday Murder Club or Only Murders in the Building but with a southern California twist.
Mrs. B, the landlady of The Marigold Cottages is a stubborn idealist who only rents to people she cares about: Sophie, an anxious young playwright with a dark past; Hamilton, an agoraphobe who likes to overshare; Ocean, a queer sculptor raising two kids alone; the perfectionist Lily-Ann; and Nicholas, a finance bro who’s hiding secrets.
The tenants live contentedly in their doll-house bungalows in Santa Barbara, just minutes from the beach, until their peace is shattered when Anthony, a quiet, hulking, but potentially violent ex-con moves in. Three weeks later, a dead body is discovered on the streets of the peaceful neighborhood. Anthony is arrested, and the tenants heave sighs of relief. Until Mrs. B, convinced that he's innocent, marches down to the police station and confesses to the crime herself. The tenants band together and form “The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective” to save their beloved landlady. As clues are unearthed and secrets are revealed, the community of misfits only grows more tight-knit...until a second body is found. Full of eccentricity, humor, community, The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective will keep you hooked until the last page.
My Review
Jo Nichols' enchanting new cozy mystery, THE MARIGOLD COTTAGES MURDER COLLECTIVE, is a delightful concoction of humor, intrigue, and eccentricity that immerses readers in a quirky murder mystery unlike any other.
Best New Cozy Mystery of 2025!
The story is populated by a vivid tapestry of colorful, misfit characters, each more charmingly peculiar than the last, creating a narrative that compels you to turn the pages—or listen intently—long into the night, all while eagerly anticipating a sequel.
Authors...
After a collaborative journey that has produced around thirty books for both children and adults, the dynamic duo of Lee and Joe finally joined forces to craft their very first mystery together with The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective. The result? An exhilarating literary triumph that has captivated readers and garnered rave reviews! More please.
About...
Nestled in the scenic charm of Santa Barbara, California, Mrs. B is the passionate and somewhat eccentric landlady of the picturesque Marigold Cottages by the sea. These delightful bungalows are more than just accommodations; they are a haven for the select few she allows to call them home.
A stubborn idealist at heart, Mrs. B only rents to individuals she believes in, creating a close-knit community among her tenants just minutes from the sun-kissed beaches.
Among her eclectic residents is Sophie, a talented but anxious young playwright haunted by a tumultuous past. Hamilton, an agoraphobe with a penchant for oversharing, frequently finds himself at the center of awkward, yet endearing, conversations. Then there's Ocean, a resilient queer sculptor balancing the challenges of single parenthood while raising two spirited children. Completing the group are the meticulous perfectionist Lily-Ann and Nicholas, a mysterious finance professional with a tangled web of secrets lurking beneath his polished exterior.
The tranquil lives of the tenants are shattered when Anthony, a quiet and brooding figure with an unsettling presence, moves into the community. Just three weeks later, the idyllic facade of their neighborhood is brutally ripped apart by the discovery of a dead body. Though Anthony is apprehended, the true shock arises when Mrs. B, steadfast in her belief of his innocence, bravely steps forward to the police station, confessing to a crime she did not commit.
As the investigation unfolds, the residents of the Marigold Cottages must rally together, forming the Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, to protect their beloved landlady. But as tensions rise and secrets are unearthed, a second body is discovered, deepening the mystery and raising a new question: Who is truly responsible, and why did they do it?
My thoughts...
I adored The Marigold Cottage Murder Collective! A delightful cozy murder mystery that transported me into its vivid world filled with quirky characters and a captivating setting. The tenants feel like family; what’s not to love about that?
The narrative is both smart and humorous, with each tenant bringing their unique flavor to the story. Every chapter is (clearly marked) and easy to follow, narrated by one of these endearing individuals, with a few interludes from the detective that add layers to the plot. Characters like Mrs. B, Sophie Lily-Ann, Ocean, Nicholas, Vernon, and Hamilton each have such distinct personalities, making it impossible not to become invested in their lives and adventures.
On a personal note
As a huge fan of Santa Barbara, I’ve spent a considerable amount of time soaking in its charms. I have also lived in a similar community of charming, quaint Spanish cottages, nestled amidst lush landscaping, koi ponds, vibrant water gardens, and inviting pools framed by wandering stone paths in West Palm Beach and another Art Deco Cabana suites project. Although my experiences there were devoid of actual murders, they were brimming with captivating drama.
Moreover, I managed another enchanting project in Georgia, featuring adorable shotgun-style historical cottages downtown, complete with a B&B and cozy café. There was a certain magic to that place, and I can't shake the feeling that I may have encountered a few friendly ghosts along the way! Each visitor brought their own stories, creating a lively tapestry of interactions that made each day a new adventure.
Captivating, charming, and utterly engaging.
THE MARIGOLD COTTAGE MURDER COLLECTIVE, is a prime example of storytelling at its finest. The authors did an outstanding job with the setting, character development, and weaving together the past and present through various points of view. And can we take a moment to appreciate the cover? It’s simply stunning!
Audiobook...
I had the delightful experience of immersing myself in both the e-book and the audiobook of this enchanting story. The audiobook, expertly narrated by the talented Megan Price and the versatile Jim Meskimen, truly elevated the narrative. Their performances were nothing short of captivating, brilliantly bringing to life a vibrant cast of characters, each with their distinct personality that leapt off the pages and into my imagination.
As much as I’ve enjoyed psychological thrillers in the past, I find myself increasingly charmed by these creative cozy mysteries instead. They offer a refreshing blend of suspense, wit, and humor, all woven together with captivating characters who leave a lasting impression. It’s a genre that exudes warmth and charm, making each page a joy to turn.
I wholeheartedly wish for more installments in this delightful series! The adventures are incredibly engaging, and I find myself deeply invested in the lives and journeys of these quirky characters. It’s pure fun, and I can’t wait to see what happens next!
Recs for Mystery & Cozy Mystery Enthusiasts...
If you enjoy engaging narratives and strong character development like this gem, check out authors who craft compelling mysteries like Tess Gerritsen's 'The Martini Club series,' known for its intricate plots, fun retiree characters, sleuthing, and suspenseful storytelling.
For a mix of humor and crime-solving, try the 'Finlay Donovan Series' by Elle Cosimano, which follows a writer caught up in real-life criminal adventures. Jesse Q. Sutanto's 'Vera Wong Series 'features an eccentric amateur detective, offering diverse perspectives in the mystery genre.
If you enjoy clever puzzles with a heartwarming touch, 'The Thursday Murder Club' by Richard Osman follows retirees as they solve cold cases, while Freya Sampson's 'The Busybody Book Club' showcases friends uncovering local mysteries amidst life's complexities.
These series provide a rich variety of storytelling for fans of mystery and cozy crime literature.
Special thanks to Minotaur Books, St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio, #MacAudio2025, and Netgalley for providing advanced reading and listening copies in exchange for my honest thoughts. I look forward to many more. Sign me up.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 19, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars
Best New Cozy Mystery Series
Praise
"Crisp dialogue, well-clued twists, and robustly drawn characters conspire to make this a memorable new entry in the cozy field. Readers will hope a sequel is on the way."
― Publisher's Weekly
"Told from the viewpoints of each of the main characters and written with a great deal of heart and a generous measure of wry wit, this thoughtful, nuanced mystery delivers the same feel-good vibe as Robert Thorogood’s “Marlow Murder Club” and Nita Prose’s “Molly the Maid” series."
- Library Journal (starred review)
"Superb characterizations and a denouement that leaves you still unsure who’s guilty make for a brilliantly quirky mystery." - Kirkus Reviews (starred review)
"The residents of Marigold Court have one, small problem―a dead body was found in a hedge and one of the residents is accused of killing him. Nothing brings a disparate group of people together like a murder! They decide to unite to solve the case and hopefully save the property from the shady land developer who wants to tear down their community. Not in their backyard! By turns funny, smart, and cozy, fans of Agatha Christie and Kat Ailes will whip through this one." ― Catherine Mack, USA Today bestselling author of Every Time I Go on Vacation Someone Dies
"Superlatives can’t do this delightful novel justice. Simply put, it’s the most charming, heartfelt, and funniest mystery I’ve ever read. Readers of Richard Osman rejoice―your new obsession has arrived! If I could live in the witty, just, and sundrenched world Jo Nichols has created, I wouldn’t hesitate to call the movers tomorrow." - Katy Hays, New York Times bestselling author of The Cloisters
"Wonderfully eccentric with deep dives into many of the characters’ lives, this quickly paced read provides the perfect summer mystery."
― Brian Kenney, FirstClue
About the Authors
JOEL ROSS is the author of an award-winning fogpunk adventure series that includes THE FOG DIVER and THE LOST COMPASS, the BEAST & CROWN series, and ALLEY & REX series. As Joel Naftali, he wrote a skunkpunk children’s series and co-wrote THE ARMY OF FROGS trilogy which became a Netflix animated series—for which he and Lee wrote the screenplays. He is also the author of two adult WWII thrillers. And as Joel Dane, he wrote the CRY PILOT science fiction series, along with the science fiction podcast, MARIGOLD BREACH that starred Jameela Jamil and Manny Jacinto.
LEE NICHOLS is the author of five chick lit novels including the bestselling TALES OF A DRAMA QUEEN and HAND-ME-DOWN. She’s written the HAUNTING EMMA series for young adults, which is currently optioned for TV and co-wrote the animated Netflix series, THE ARMY OF FROGS.
Lee and Joel met in college and have lived together more years than they have not. They currently reside in Santa Barbara with two cats named Earl and Betty and have one son who pretends to be learning something while away at college. After collaborating on roughly thirty books together for both children and adults, they finally sat down to write The Marigold Cottages Murder Collective, their first mystery.
