Murder on Charity Lane

A Marigold Cottages Mystery
By Jo Nichols
** Publication Date 18 August 2026 **
​4 stars




Marigold Cottages is the place I wish I could have lived. A courtyard with cottages surrounding it. A wonderful but crazy landlady. A group of residents who truly care for one another. It’s a community.


This time around, Ocean is dating CJ. CJ is a young woman who is the house manager for a very wealthy, former music executive. His wife detests CJ. Most likely jealousy, because Frank treats CJ like his own child. Nothing more, nothing less. They are just the best of friends. CJ keeps Frank’s life in order and makes sure he’s happy. 


Sophie has taken on a new position at the theatre where she works. She is now the head of development, otherwise known as fundraising. Ocean was able to procure from CJ an invite to Frank’s house for a small party, so that Sophie could rub elbows with some of the more wealthy residents of Santa Barbara. 


Only the party doesn’t go as planned. Suddenly the Marigold Cottages residents find themselves in the midst of another murder mystery. Hopefully this time they will actually pin the murder on the correct person.


Definitely read book one before book two. I can’t stress that enough. While this book does give a bit of a look back to the first, you won’t really understand the wackiness of a mismatched group of cottage residents trying to solve a murder without having read the first book. That being said, definitely read it! You cannot help but love these people. While they are not above bending the truth a bit to serve the greater good, their hearts are completely in the right places. 


Jo Nichols is apparently a husband/wife writing team who churn out fabulous cozy mysteries. While the premise of these books is utterly far-fetched, they are completely enjoyable and fun. Some of us don’t read for realism, we read for escape, and this book satisfies that. I simply cannot wait for the next installment.


Pick up book number one and you’ll be ready for number two before you know it.