The Mad, Mad Murders of Marigold Way: A Novel

Raymond Benson

Oct 2022 · Blackstone Publishing · Narrated by Joe Barrett

About this audiobook

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.

Ratings and reviews

This is a very enjoyable and easy to listen and entertaining crime story. It has a twisted but logical plot and the characters are interesting. Moreover Joe Barrett is an excellent narrator who makes every book to come alive.

About the author

Raymond Benson is the author of over forty books. He is primarily known for the five novels in his bestselling serial The Black Stiletto, as well as for being the third—and first American—author of continuation James Bond novels between 1996 and 2002, penning six worldwide bestselling original 007 thrillers. Benson has taught courses in film history in New York and Illinois, and he currently presents ongoing lectures about movies with Chicago film critic Dann Gire. He is also an active member of International Thriller Writers Inc., Mystery Writers of America, the International Association of Media Tie-In Writers, and ASCAP. He is based in the Chicago area.

Joe Barrett, an actor and Audie Award and Earphones Award–winning narrator, has appeared both on and off Broadway as well as in hundreds of radio and television commercials.