If you’ve already have gained honorary citizenship of Marlow, Buckinghamshire, and worked your way through the first three series of The Marlow Murder Club, you’ll know it’s a true crime drama for the ages. And the good news is, it’s won’t be disappearing from our screens any time soon. The amateur sleuthing is officially back on as the beloved series is returning for what’s set to be a “personal” fourth series with the dream cast fans have come to love and know.
Our favourite trio of amateur sleuths, Judith Potts (Samantha Bond), Becks Starling (Cara Horgan) and Suzie Harris (Jo Martin) are returning for an instalment full of family scandals, personal betrayals and plenty more killers to catch. Six new episodes will bring us three more murder mysteries, starting with the discovery of a body in the river, which is soon linked to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society. So, what exactly happened?
Before we find out, here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming fourth series of The Marlow Murder Club, including the plot, cast and how to watch it.
What is The Marlow Murder Club about?
UKTV
The light-hearted crime drama is set in the sleepy town of Marlow and sees retired resident Judith Potts (Samantha Bond) take murder investigations into her own hands, with the help of two friends. It all begins when the avid crossword-setter and retired archaeologist takes a swim in the River Thames. Her peace is quickly shattered when she hears a gunshot next door, in the garden of Stefan Dunwoody, an art dealer.
When she’s met with scepticism from the police, she embarks on her own private investigation and joins forces with dog walker Suzie Harris (Jo Martin) and vicar’s wife Becks Starling (Cara Horgan). The new club realise that another death, of Suzie’s friend and client Iqbal Kassam, is likely linked. Together they work alongside the police (who are not always best pleased with their presence) to solve the murder mysteries of the idyllic riverside town.
UKTV
Over the course of two further series, we see the trio tasked with a whole new catalogue of mysteries. They help crack the murder case of wealthy baronet Sir Peter Bailey, investigate a stabbing in a planned housing redevelopment, and uncover the hidden identity of a disgraced investment banker after a mysterious sailing club death. There’s also the fatal poisoning of a councillor, a deadly university reunion and the murder of a celebrity chef.
What will happen in The Marlow Murder Club series 4?
UKTV
The latest series will feature an adaptation of Sunday Times bestselling author Robert Thorogood’s novel Murder on the Marlow Belle, alongside brand-new mysteries. DC Alice Hackett (Holli Dempsey), DS Brendan Perry (Phill Langhorne, DC Jason Kennedy (Tijan Sarr) and Natalie Dew (DI Tanika Malik) will all return as well as our dream sleuthing trio.
The six new episodes will kick off with the the discovery of a body in the river that’s soon linked to the Marlow Amateur Dramatics Society and a homegrown Hollywood star. The team must also unravel the truth behind a man’s sudden death at his mother’s wake. While he appears to have died from an allergic reaction, it seems there might well be more to it.
The third and final murder involves the co-owner of a vineyard, who’s found dead, drowned in his own wine. The women must work to make sense of the seemingly unmotivated murder, but can they navigate the family scandals and personal betrayals to unmask the killers in their close-knit community? We hope so!
UKTV
Executive producers Alison Owen and Debra Hayward told UKTV: “We’re delighted to be back in Marlow for a fourth time, bringing three more murder mysteries to one of the most picturesque towns in England. Robert and Amy have expertly crafted yet another deliciously twisty set of crimes to be solved. Packed with intrigue, wit and heart, we can’t wait to bring these new adventures to the screen.”
Masterpiece Head of Scripted Content and Executive Producer Susanne Simpson added: “The Marlow Murder Club has quickly become one of our most popular Mystery! series. The strong female characters with unique skills and a special bond that resonates with our audience. And who doesn’t like to solve a good puzzle?! The fourth season is sure to deliver on everything the fans have come to love about the show.”
Who’s in the cast of The Marlow Murder Club series 4?
UKTV
So far, the confirmed cast of The Marlow Murder Club series 4 includes:
- Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) as Judith Potts
- Jo Martin (Doctor Who) as Suzie Harris
- Cara Horgan (The Sandman) as Becks Starling
- Natalie Dew (The Capture) as DI Tanika Malik
- Holli Dempsey (Harlots) as DC Alice Hackett
- Phill Langhorne (Call the Midwife) as DS Brendan Perry
- Tijan Sarr (Shadow and Bone) as DC Jason Kennedy
We’re expecting more casting news, including guest stars, to be announced soon, so watch this space for more details as we have them.
Is The Marlow Murder Club any good?
UKTV
Yes – it’s been going for three series (and counting!) for good reason. The picturesque town of Marlow provides the perfect backdrop for a series with fantastic female leads, compelling mysteries and characters you can’t help but feel invested in. If you’re a fan of shows like The Madame Blanc Mysteries and Grantchester, it’s well worth adding to your watchlist.
How can I watch The Marlow Murder Club series 4?
The Marlow Murder Club series 4 will air on U and U&Drama in 2027. In the meantime, you can catch up on series 1-3 on U.
What other cosy crime dramas can I watch now?
BBC
If you’re a fan of Death in Paradise, we’d recommend one of its many spin-offs Return to Paradise. The series follows DI Mackenzie “Mack” Clarke, who begrudgingly has to stay in her Australian hometown of Dolphin Bay having previously worked for the Met Police. Not only does she have a series of puzzling crimes to solve, she has plenty of personal issues, too. Return to Paradise is available to watch now on BBC iPlayer. For a real comfort watch, we’d suggest Hudson & Rex. Detective Charlie Hudson (John Reardon) of the St. John’s Major Crimes unit and his impressive K9 German Shepherd, Rex, team up to solve crimes and they make quite the formidable duo. Hudson & Rex is available to stream on U now.