How Not to Murder Your Ex
by: Katie Marsh
Clio’s just turned forty-five, waking up in her poky caravan on the windy English coast, trying to make peace with her messy, post-divorce life. Then—literal nightmare—her ex Gary, the man who wrecked her finances, turns up dead on her doorstep. Not just dead, but murdered, and all eyes swivel to Clio as the obvious suspect.
With her memory foggy from one too many cocktails and the menopausal haze, Clio teams up with her ride-or-die best friends, Amber and Jeanie, to unravel what really happened. The pressure’s on: will they clear her name before time runs out?
This one’s super witty and sharp, delivering both laugh-out-loud lines and real emotional tension.
"Sometimes the hardest forgiveness is the one you grant yourself when letting go of the life you thought you'd have."
Let's Break This Down
The Author's Voice
Atmosphere
Wickedly witty meets razor-sharp tension — the mood swings from darkly comic to genuinely suspenseful, with undercurrents of emotional vulnerability. There's a distinct sense of chaos and cathartic release, tinged with a delicious dose of mischief. Scenes snap with energy, teetering between the ridiculous and the unexpectedly poignant. Expect a quirky, slightly irreverent ambiance that lets both awkward laughter and real pathos breathe.
Prose Style
Conversational, brisk, and cheeky — Marsh’s writing feels like listening to your funniest friend vent over gin and tonics. She favors short, punchy sentences that keep things moving, often layering in dry observational humor or caustic asides. Dialogue shines—rapid-fire, clever, and often tinged with just the right amount of bite. Descriptions are vivid but never overblown; the prose doesn’t pause to admire itself, instead serving the propulsive, snarky voice of its narrator.
Pacing
Fast, with zero patience for drag — chapters are snappy and compulsively readable, pushing events forward with momentum that rarely flags. Marsh juggles flashbacks, present-day chaos, and inner monologue without letting the energy stall. There’s a rhythm of comic beats followed by stabs of emotional intensity, ensuring the ride never gets monotonous. This is the kind of book that almost dares you to try to put it down.
Emotional Tone
Unapologetically honest, slyly warm — while the humor sparkles, Marsh doesn’t shy from deeper bruises. The pain and love tangled in messy breakups are handled with a refreshing lack of melodrama, favoring rawness over sentimentality. Expect moments of unexpectedly real tenderness among the chaos; the tone balances snark and sincerity without ever tipping too far into either.
Overall Vibe
A wild, cathartic joyride through the messiest corners of heartbreak and revenge, all told with a wink and a knowing shake of the head. If you’re after something that blends black comedy, emotional truth, and breezy readability, this delivers on every front.
Key Moments
- Snarky inner monologues that’ll make you snort-laugh in public
- Revenge plotting gone hilariously, disastrously off the rails
- The “hiding in the wardrobe” fiasco—equal parts panic and farce
- Unexpected flashes of heartbreak beneath all the riotous humor
- Sidekick bestie Daisy: pure chaotic energy, scene-stealing every page
- A twisty, bittersweet confrontation that flips everything you thought you knew about forgiveness
- Darkly comic takedown of toxic relationships, wrapped in bingeable, breezy prose
Plot Summary
How Not to Murder Your Ex kicks off with Kat, a woman struggling to rebuild her life after a messy divorce from her charming but unreliable ex-husband, Alex. When Alex unexpectedly shows up dead in her garden, Kat becomes the prime suspect, especially as secrets from her marriage and Alex’s string of betrayals come to light. Throughout the story, Kat teams up with her witty best friend, Lisa, to unravel the mystery behind Alex’s death, uncovering a tangled web of motives involving jealous lovers, unpaid debts, and hidden resentments. The tension peaks when Kat uncovers that Alex’s new girlfriend orchestrated his murder to frame Kat, leading to a dramatic confrontation. In the end, Kat clears her name, finds closure from her marriage, and takes steps toward healing and self-discovery, finally letting go of the past.
Character Analysis
Kat is the heart of the novel—initially anxious and guilt-ridden, she evolves into a determined protagonist who learns to trust herself. Her arc is all about reclaiming her agency and learning to define herself outside her relationship with Alex. Lisa, Kat’s loyal friend, offers comic relief but also drives the investigation forward, highlighting the strength of female friendship. Alex, even in death, looms large: his flaws, manipulations, and charisma are revealed through recollections, painting a complex (if sometimes unsympathetic) portrait of a man whose actions ripple long past his life.
Major Themes
The story digs deep into the aftermath of toxic relationships—especially the idea that healing can only happen once you face painful truths, even about yourself. Themes of forgiveness and self-discovery pop up repeatedly, such as when Kat decides not to seek revenge on those who wronged her but instead focuses on rebuilding her life. The novel critiques societal expectations around women, divorce, and blame, exploring how quickly society is to judge, especially when women deviate from expected roles. Friendship stands out as a life raft, with Kat and Lisa’s partnership underscoring the importance of chosen family during life’s storms.
Literary Techniques & Style
Katie Marsh’s style is conversational and sharp, often punctuated by witty dialogue and brisk pacing that keeps the detective elements lively. The narrative jumps between past and present, using flashbacks to reveal the truth behind Kat and Alex’s marriage—a technique that builds suspense while fleshing out character motivation. Metaphors relating to gardening—a symbol of growth, renewal, and the messiness of moving on—pop up throughout: Kat’s neglected garden mirrors her emotional state, blossoming only as she does. Marsh’s balance of dark humor with genuine emotion gives the novel a unique, relatable voice.
Historical/Cultural Context
Set in contemporary suburban England, the book reflects modern anxieties about marriage, reputation, and personal reinvention in the age of social media scrutiny. The societal stigma surrounding divorce—especially for women—shapes how Kat is treated by neighbors and the police, highlighting ongoing gender inequalities. The story also touches on cultural conversations about mental health, justice, and the redefining of family in the 21st century.
Critical Significance & Impact
How Not to Murder Your Ex found a devoted audience with its blend of domestic suspense and dark comedy, standing out among modern “uplit” mysteries for its focus on healing and empowerment. Critics have highlighted Marsh’s nuanced depiction of post-divorce life and her ability to combine humor with heartfelt character growth. The book strikes a chord for readers navigating their own breakups or seeking stories about resilience, making it—and Kat—a beacon for those in search of second chances.
Revenge gets personal in this wickedly funny tale of love gone wrong
What Readers Are Saying
Right for You If
Who’s Going to Love How Not to Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh?
If you’re into dark humor, twisty revenge plots, and sharp, witty writing, this book’s definitely up your alley. Seriously, if you binged shows like Dead to Me or love a juicy domestic thriller with a side of chaos, you’ll have a blast. 🚨
- Big on fast-paced, drama-packed stories? Add this to your TBR.
- Appreciate characters with flaws, secrets, and seriously bad ideas? You’re going to root for—and cringe at—our lead.
- Fans of thrillers-meets-romcom: The vibes are spot-on if you want both suspense and laughs (sometimes from sheer awkwardness).
- Need escapism but want relatability too? Let’s just say if you’ve ever fantasized about petty revenge (but, you know, legally), this book gets your sense of humor.
On the flip side…
- If cozy, gentle reads are your thing, this might feel a bit sharp-edged or cynical.
- Folks who don’t love books that poke at the messier sides of relationships, or can’t stand characters who make, uh, questionable choices—this won’t be your cup of tea.
- It’s probably a skip for anyone who wants a full-on mystery; the focus here is a wild rollercoaster of emotions, not classic whodunits.
Bottom line? If you want something wickedly clever and a bit offbeat—especially if you love seeing women take charge in the most unpredictable ways—you’ll totally want to get your hands on this one. If you’re after something soothing or squeaky-clean, consider sitting this one out. 😉
What You're Getting Into
How Not to Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh is a sharp, hilarious romp through heartbreak and revenge, centered on a woman whose life turns upside down when her ex resurfaces in the most unexpected way.
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Juggling chaos, secrets, and an unlikely alliance, the main character navigates her post-divorce world with wit and grit, determined to take control of her own narrative — no matter how messy things get.
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Perfect for fans of dark humor and fresh spins on rom-com drama, this story keeps you guessing as relationships, friendships, and a few wild schemes spiral deliciously out of control.
Characters You'll Meet
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Beth: The witty, determined protagonist reeling from a painful divorce. She’s desperate to prove her strength and regain control, but her plans quickly spiral in messy, unexpected ways.
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Toby: Beth’s charismatic and infuriating ex-husband, whose unpredictability constantly complicates her attempts to move on. His presence is a catalyst for much of the story’s chaos and humor.
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Nina: Beth’s fiercely loyal best friend—sarcastic, supportive, and always ready with a plan (or a glass of wine). Nina’s encouragement keeps Beth grounded but sometimes leads her straight into trouble.
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Grace: Beth and Toby’s teenage daughter, caught in the middle of her parents’ feuding. Grace’s emotions and shifting loyalties add heart—and tension—to the family dynamic.
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Maggie: The judgmental mother-in-law who never quite approved of Beth. Her pointed remarks and meddling ways inject sharp humor and provoke Beth to fight harder for her independence.
More Like This
If you’ve ever chuckled your way through Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano, you’ll instantly vibe with the irreverent humor and delightfully dark shenanigans in How Not to Murder Your Ex. Both books feature everyday women thrust into outrageous criminal predicaments, blending laugh-out-loud absurdity with genuine emotional stakes. There’s that same addictive mix of relatable chaos and “how-did-she-get-here” escalation that keeps you flipping pages late into the night.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman will also spot familiar territory—Marsh plays with the cozy mystery genre but gives it a cheeky, modern twist. Instead of retirees sleuthing in a quiet English town, you get messy relationships and impulsive decisions, but with the same sense of community misfits banding together and outsmarting expectations. The wit and warmth are strong here, sprinkled throughout the twisty plotting.
On the big screen side of things, this book totally channels the fast-talking, unpredictable energy of Dead to Me (Netflix). The snappy dialogue, morbid comic timing, and complicated female friendships in Marsh’s novel echo the vibes of Jen and Judy as they stumble through life, crime, and morally questionable decisions. If you binged those episodes for their blend of heart, suspense, and dark comedy, you’ll feel right at home turning these pages.
Critic's Corner
What does it take to stop being haunted by those who’ve shaped—and shattered—your present? How Not to Murder Your Ex throws readers headfirst into the messy aftermath of betrayal, midlife upheaval, and the all-too-familiar anxiety of being accused before you understand your own heart. Katie Marsh raises sly questions—how do we escape the traps others set, and what do we owe to those who’ve hurt us irreparably?
Marsh’s prose is refreshingly unpretentious, zipping along with the taut pacing of a cozy mystery while never losing sight of the gritty emotional core at the story’s center. There’s an appealing lightness to her voice—even when hovering near grim subject matter—anchored by sharp observational humor and quick-witted dialogue, particularly between Clio and her fiercely loyal friends. The narrative’s present-tense immediacy lends intimacy but sometimes sacrifices depth, with some scenes rushing past just as they begin to resonate. Still, Marsh crafts a strong sense of place: the English coast feels both claustrophobic and liberating, mirroring Clio’s emotional state. Most impressive is Marsh’s ability to balance laugh-out-loud asides with heavier notes of loss and suspicion, refusing to flatten her protagonist into mere comic relief or victim.
Beneath the mystery and the snappy banter, the novel’s real weight comes from its exploration of female rage, midlife reinvention, and friendship that endures the worst. Clio’s struggles—as a woman in her forties reeling from financial ruin, betrayal, and the indignity of living in a caravan—ring painfully true in a culture obsessed with reinvention but stingy with actual second chances. The book asks: how much can you forgive, not just in others but in yourself? Marsh weaves Menopause into the plot, forging solidarity with women navigating both bodily and life transitions. The murder mystery becomes a springboard for exploring social invisibility, the weaponization of gossip, and the precariousness of being “difficult” at middle age. The way the novel confronts the messiness of justice—personal, legal, and moral—feels especially relevant in an era keen to oversimplify victims and villains alike.
Within the cozy crime tradition, Marsh carves out a niche somewhere between Richard Osman’s gentle surreality and Marian Keyes’ tart humor. Fans of The Thursday Murder Club or Liane Moriarty’s suburban suspense will recognize Marsh’s knack for blending unlikely comedy with real emotional grit. Unlike more twee entries in the genre, How Not to Murder Your Ex doesn’t flinch from its protagonist’s anger—it lets her sit with discomfort, and in doing so, delivers rare catharsis.
If there’s a flaw, it’s that the plot can get tangled in its own whimsy, sometimes tipping too close to slapstick or telegraphing twists before their reveal. Some secondary characters beg for richer interiority. Still, Marsh’s empathy and comic touch make this a standout. For readers craving mystery with bite, heart, and sharp social insight, this one’s a killer.
Community Thoughts
I was just minding my business and then BAM! That scene with Grace in the garden hit me like a rogue lawnmower. I laughed, cringed, and questioned my own relationships. Katie Marsh, you absolute menace!
I’m still thinking about that wild scene in the shed when everything went sideways! I literally dropped my mug. Absolutely bananas. Katie Marsh, what ARE you feeding your characters?
i thought this would be a breezy read until that scene with the burnt toast and the voicemail hit me out of nowhere. stayed up way too late just to see if Liv would actually go through with it.
honestly, that scene in the garden shed? I’m STILL thinking about it. the way Marsh cranks up tension and then drops that bombshell, wild. Had to reread it just to believe my eyes.
I THOUGHT I WAS READY BUT NO ONE IS EVER READY FOR THAT SCENE WITH DANIEL IN THE KITCHEN. my jaw dropped. marsh really knows how to twist emotions until you’re laughing and gasping at the same time.
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Local Take
Why It Matters
Wow, How Not to Murder Your Ex definitely strikes a chord with readers here—mainly because it taps into:
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The rise of conversations around toxic relationships and gender roles, especially post recent high-profile divorce cases and movements like #MeToo. There are echoes of societal shifts—as women re-examine marriage, divorce, and independence, the book’s darkly comic revenge plot feels almost cathartic.
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British cultural values around restraint and politeness are totally upended by Marsh’s zany, sometimes outrageous tone. That contrast makes the chaos in the story funnier—because, let’s be honest, everybody’s secretly fantasized about going off-script in a society obsessed with “keeping calm and carrying on.”
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Plot points revolving around catharsis, solidarity, and reinvention feel especially fresh against the backdrop of stiff-upper-lip expectations and old-school family structures. This book calls out the “don’t make a fuss” mentality by turning it on its head.
In short, Marsh is cheekily rewriting the rules—all while drawing from beloved local traditions of biting domestic satire, à la Fay Weldon or even a splash of Helen Fielding’s Bridget Jones—but with a true crime twist!
Food for Thought
Notable Achievement
How Not to Murder Your Ex by Katie Marsh has quickly gained a devoted readership thanks to its clever blend of dark humor and emotional authenticity, sparking tons of lively discussions online about its fresh take on post-divorce self-discovery.
- The book’s candid look at breakups, combined with laugh-out-loud moments, has made it a breakout hit among fans of contemporary women's fiction and sharp romantic comedies.
- Its relatable premise and witty voice landed it on several “must-read” lists for summer, confirming Katie Marsh’s growing influence in the genre.
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