The Mad, Mad Murders of Marigold Way

A Novel

By: Raymond Benson

Narrated by: Joe Barrett

For Scott Hatcher, a former television writer turned struggling novelist with a failing marriage to boot, social-distancing and mask-wearing feel like fitting additions to his already surreal life.

When his wife Marie and neighbor John Bergman disappear in the middle of the raging COVID-19 pandemic, Scott is naturally mystified and disturbed, but he is also about to learn that his picturesque neighborhood hides more than just the mundane routines of suburban life.

When a fire claims the empty house for sale next door, the entire community is shocked when the charred remains of Marie and John are found inside. Stranger still, stockpiles of valuable personal protection equipment, clearly stolen, were destroyed in the blaze alongside them.

As the neighborhood reels from the loss, Scott and Bergman’s earthy and enticing widow, Rachel, find themselves not only under investigation for the crime but also inexorably drawn to one another.

As tensions reach a fever pitch, the tale—which is at once familiar and ordinary, yet bizarre and eerie—shows that, just like life in 2020’s uncertain times, dread and danger lurk below the hidden underside of everyday suburbia.

©2022 Raymond Benson (P)2022 Blackstone Publishing

Clever and fun

I enjoyed the sense of humor throughout. A fun read and clever mystery. I liked having COVID as almost a character and the background of the story. Lockdown was very stressful and unusual for most of us. The way the characters felt about it and it’s influence on their behavior made sense and added to the atmosphere.

The twists and turns of the story.

I never enjoy the back and forth of the time element in the telling. If you can’t listen without interruptions, too hard to follow where you are in the telling.

Beware, If You Can’t Stand More Covid Dialogue

Oh goodness, I love narrator, Joe Barrett, and went looking for more of his work. Author had no reviews on this audio, but had a few Amazon reviews. The sample is good, but I am struggling to finish. This was a full credit which I know audible is gracious enough to return. I listen to the sample a few times and thought I can’t go wrong with this as the humor was good, but!!! Author said that he wrote this during Covid, which many people did work during that time, publisher summary is not accurate. This is the authors Covid diary converted to a mystery. I have to admit the end revealed mystery was very very clever. But it did not make up for the tedium of listening to all the chapters leading up to the finale.
Were my comments of help?