Following the delightful twists and turns of How Not To Murder Your Ex, the first installment in Katie Marsh’s Bad Girls Detective Agency series, I eagerly anticipated the release of the second book, Murder on the Dance Floor. Thanks to an advance review copy, I dove straight into this new mystery and was not disappointed.
Book cover for Murder on the Dance Floor by Katie Marsh
Murder on the Dance Floor throws us back into the lives of Jeanie and her friends, six months after their previous amateur sleuthing adventures. This time, the chaos unfolds during Jeanie’s hen weekend, a bachelorette celebration meant to be filled with fun and friendship before her wedding to Tan, the father of her twins. Despite the best efforts of her best friends, Clio and Amber, and despite the comical presence of her “completely impossible” four sisters, the weekend takes a dark turn. Amidst the pink t-shirts and flowing drinks, a young woman is found dead on the dance floor. The shocking twist? She’s wearing one of Jeanie’s hen party t-shirts.
This unexpected death plunges the celebratory weekend into a perplexing mystery. Who is this stranger, and why is she wearing their shirt? More importantly, why do the police suspect Jeanie and her hens are involved? The newly formed Bad Girls Detective Agency, born from their success in solving the previous murder, springs back into action. Can Clio, Amber, and Jeanie unravel this dance floor death in time to ensure Jeanie makes it to the altar?
Marsh expertly weaves a compelling mystery against the backdrop of hen weekend hilarity and family dynamics. Fans of the first book will appreciate the return of familiar faces like Marg, the unforgettable septuagenarian drug dealer, and the numerous references to their prior case. While Murder on the Dance Floor is enriched by knowing the characters’ history, new readers can easily jump in. Sufficient backstory is provided to understand the core relationships and the agency’s origins, making it enjoyable as a standalone novel. However, starting with How Not To Murder Your Ex is recommended, especially as it is often available at a promotional price.
Beyond the central whodunit, the book delves into relatable themes of family relationships, hidden secrets, and the strength of female friendships. Jeanie’s complicated dynamic with her sisters and her evolving relationship with her mother add layers of emotional depth to the lighthearted mystery. The camaraderie between Jeanie, Clio, and Amber remains a highlight, showcasing the power of friendship in the face of unexpected challenges.
One minor, albeit noticeable, detail for eagle-eyed readers is the shared surname between the murder victim in Murder on the Dance Floor and the crime family from How Not To Murder Your Ex. It’s a distinctive surname, making its lack of acknowledgment within the narrative a curious oversight. This could be a point of revision before final publication, but for now, it stands as a slight niggle in an otherwise tightly plotted story.
Overall, Murder on the Dance Floor is another highly entertaining and escapist read from Katie Marsh. It successfully blends the intrigue of a cozy mystery with humor and heart. If you’re a fan of books like The Thursday Murder Club or TV shows like Bad Sisters, and enjoy a dash of Sophie Ellis-Bextor inspired drama, this book is sure to get your feet tapping and your mind guessing until the very last page. I eagerly await the next case for the Bad Girls Detective Agency!
