Dru’s Short Musing:
With an eclectic and eccentric cast of characters, this whodunit comes alive when a murder takes place, and the residents of the Marigold Cottages come together to solve the murder.

The author did a great job in delivering a solid story with a nicely executed mystery where nothing is left to chance. There were a few twists and turns that enhanced how well this book was being told. The setting felt comfortable, and I enjoyed the multiple points of view, especially when the truth began to disseminate in this drama, and it was enjoyable watching it all play out. Overall, this book was delightfully funny and at the same time warm and heartfelt.

Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: August 19, 2025
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

Book Synopsis:
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.

FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.