It is 5:30 am on Clio’s forty-fifth birthday and her hated ex is lying dead on her doorstep. Even worse, this is no accident. Someone’s killed him…
When single mum Clio’s ex Gary turns up dead on the doorstep of her caravan – the one she’s been forced to live in ever since he stole every penny she had – there’s only one suspect. Her.
What’s more, she doesn’t remember much about the night he was killed – not just because of the forgetfulness that’s been plaguing her along with the hot flushes – but because she definitely had one too many cocktails with her two best friends Amber and Jeanie.
Clio does remember them talking about how much they all hated him though. And, in the frame for murder, she has to ask herself – if she didn’t kill Gary, who did? One of his many enemies? Or someone a little closer to home? And can she and her friends find the real killer before it’s too late?
Unputdownable mystery set on the English coast – perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club, Bad Sisters, and How to Kill Your Family.
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/murderexsocial
Author Bio
Katie Marsh wrote five bestselling, uplifting women’s fiction novels before turning to cosy crime for Boldwood. Previously published by Hodder, the first in her new crime series How Not To Murder Your Ex, following the fortunes of the Bad Girls Detective Agency, will be published in December 2023.
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Why Should You Read This?
Katie Marsh’s “How Not To Murder Your Ex” offers readers a mix of mystery and humor, creating an unputdownable tale set against the English coast. While the story brings an entertaining twist to the classic whodunit, it falls short of reaching its full potential, earning a three-star rating.
The narrative kicks off with a bang, quite literally, as Clio, a single mum living in a caravan, discovers her ex-husband Gary dead on her doorstep. The circumstances surrounding his demise suggest foul play, and Clio becomes the prime suspect. The plot takes an intriguing turn as Clio, grappling with memory lapses and fueled by the disdain she and her friends feel towards Gary, embarks on a quest to clear her name.
One of the strengths of the novel lies in its quirky characters, particularly Clio and her two best friends, Amber and Jeanie. The dynamics between the trio add a layer of humor to the story, and Marsh successfully infuses warmth and camaraderie into their friendship. The English coast setting is vividly portrayed, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the book.
However, where the story falters is in its predictability. The plot follows a somewhat formulaic structure, and the mystery lacks the depth and complexity needed to keep readers consistently engaged. The forgetfulness and hot flushes that plague Clio, while intended to add an element of intrigue, sometimes feel forced and distract from the core mystery.
Additionally, the humor, while present, occasionally borders on the overly exaggerated, undermining the tension necessary for a compelling mystery. The narrative struggles to balance the light-hearted moments with the gravity of a murder investigation, leaving some readers wishing for a more nuanced approach.
In conclusion, “How Not To Murder Your Ex” is a light and entertaining read that successfully blends mystery and humor. However, its predictable plot and occasional tonal inconsistencies prevent it from reaching the heights of other novels in the genre. While it may not be a groundbreaking addition to the mystery genre, readers seeking a quick and amusing diversion may find enjoyment in the eccentric world created by Katie Marsh.
