★★★★☆ (Story) | 🎧★★★★★ (Audiobook Performance)
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the advanced listening copy. Murder on Charity Lane publishes August 18, 2026.
I made one unfortunate mistake before starting this book: I didn’t realize it was the second installment in the Marigold Cottages Mysteries. While it does spoil the outcome of the first book, that didn’t diminish my enjoyment nearly as much as I expected. In fact, I loved this cast so much that I’m already planning to go back and listen to book one anyway.
This series captures exactly what I want from a cozy mystery. The mystery itself has enough weight to keep me invested, but it never loses the warmth, humor, and sense of community that make the genre so comforting. Striking that balance isn’t easy, but Jo Nichols absolutely nails it.
The residents of Marigold Cottages are the true stars of the story. There are plenty of characters to keep track of—sometimes almost too many—but somehow that’s part of the charm. The cottages feel like the kind of place you’d actually want to live, surrounded by neighbors who genuinely care about one another. My favorite was Mrs. B, who completely stole every scene she appeared in.
I also have to rave about the audiobook. The narration is phenomenal. Every character has a distinct voice and personality, making such a large ensemble surprisingly easy to follow. If you’re an audiobook listener, I can’t recommend this format highly enough. It’s one of those performances that elevates an already enjoyable story into something even more memorable.
Maybe I was simply in the perfect mood for a cozy mystery, but this one absolutely hit the spot. It’s charming, funny, heartfelt, and delivers a mystery that kept me engaged from beginning to end.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with lovable characters, an inviting village setting, and an exceptional audiobook performance, this series is well worth picking up. Just do yourself a favor and start with book one!
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