Title: THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB
Author: Richard Osman
ISBN: 978 0241 9882 68
Publisher: Penguin Random House UK
Pages: 377
Source: Private Copy
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.
But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it’s too late?
Official Summary
26 September 2023
Yes, I know just for a change I am a little behind with this book. Social media has been raving about this book series for ages and I have had a copy sitting on my TBR for almost a year. I finally got to read this one and it was not what I expected.
For starters – this was not the laugh-out-loud book everyone said it was. Do not allow that statement to deter you – this is a good book and I enjoyed it – but I was not laughing out loud – not even once.
The author put together a brilliant bunch of old people and set the story in a retirement village. But he added a lot of colour to his characters and made them a lively bunch. If you are used to visiting old people in a retirement village and you are familiar with the sadness that surrounds old people – rest assured – you will not find any of that in this book. These characters might understand that they are running out of time as they see their friends departing – but the Thursday Murder Club is not ready to call it a day just yet. These folks are determined to make the most of the time they have left.
The residents of Coopers Chase Retirement Village have their pick of clubs and activities to keep themselves entertained. However, a small group within the community chose to spend their time working through unsolved police files. They keep their mind sharp by solving cold cases – even if only unofficially. However, when there is murder on their doorstep they are determined to solve the case before local police. Putting their skills and resources to the test, they make themselves a part of the investigation and finally will see justice served.
I have heard a lot about this book and was expecting to laugh while turning these pages. Unfortunately, that was not the case. Don’t get me wrong, despite not laughing, I enjoyed this book. This is a light-hearted easy read; the story will keep you curious while the lighter moments will leave a smile on your face. All the while reminding you that time is precious and that it will eventually run out. The author did manage to show how you have the choice to make the most of every day, no matter how old you are.
I loved Joyce, this quirky lady will have you eating out of her palm without you even noticing. As for Elizabeth, she is a mysterious lady that is guaranteed to keep you guessing. The author did a great job with his characters, He did not have the characters performing unrealistic physical activities which made the story realistic and enjoyable. Ibrahim and Ron complimented the ladies. Each character had some experience and knowledge that complimented the group.
This story is warm and compassionate. The author shows that life does not have to end just because you are old. If anything, this book highlights that people should not be underestimated just because they are old.
If you are looking for a cosy crime read that will keep you guessing, then you do not want to miss this one. I have the next book in the series waiting on my TBR shelf and I look forward to digging into that one soon.
Also By Richard Osman
The Man Who Dies Twice
It’s the following Thursday.
Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He’s made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.
As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn’t that be a bonus?
But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians. Can The Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?
Richard Osman is an author, producer and television presenter. Each of his novels, The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice and The Bullet That Missed were number one, million-copy international bestsellers as well as New York Times Bestsellers. He lives in London with his wife Ingris and Liesl the cat.
This is not what you normally find on the blog, but Alicia has introduced me to lighter crime fiction and I have been enjoying the change. I am working hard to expand my reading experiences and this book was part of that for me. Are you reading this series? Which is your favourite book so far? Leave a comment below.
