Marble Hall Murders - Susan Ryland #3

 

Marble Hall Murders is the third book in the bookish Susan Ryland mystery series by Anthony Horowitz. Released 13th May 2025 by HarperCollins on their Harper imprint, it's 582 pages and available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.  

The author writes entertainingly and so very well. All the parts (and they are varied and numerous) fit together and do precisely what they're meant to do. The characters are believable and well rendered. The dialogue works and is never clunky or awkward. Although this series isn't fluffy enough to fit firmly into the cozy mold, it's not at all gritty, either. In short, it's a modern British murder mystery with a well plotted story arc, some not-too-graphic crimes, some humour, and a satisfying denouement and resolution. For readers who enjoy modern amateur sleuths without paranormal aspects, talking cats, telepathy, and crystals, this series is blessedly free of them. He uses the "book within a book" trope to full effect, and the shifting back and forth is clearly delineated in the chapter headers and not confusing in the slightest.

It's a delightful read and despite the potentially serious subplot elements (terminal illness, breakups), Mr. Horowitz manages to imbue the whole with enough humour to make it an entertaining and quick read, despite the rather prodigious length. North American readers should be aware that it's written in British vernacular (crisps, lift, flat, tyres, etc), but this shouldn't pose any problems in context.

The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 17 hours 38 minutes and is capably read by series narrators Leslie Manville and Tim McMullen reprising their roles from the TV productions. Sound and production quality is high throughout the read. 

Four and a half stars. Really well done. With three books currently extant in the series and with such a prolific author, this would make a good choice for a binge/buddy read. Recommended for fans of not-terribly-fluffy modern cozies. Fans of M.C. Beaton, G.M. Malliet, and Simon Brett will likely enjoy these also.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.