How could we review mystery novels without mentioning the sensational The Thursday Murder Club series? The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman follows a group of retirees living in the peaceful Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Each week, the unlikely sleuths – Elizabeth, a former MI5 agent; Joyce, a retired nurse; Ibrahim, a former psychiatrist; and Ron, an ex-union leader – meet to investigate unsolved cold cases. Their club starts as a hobby, but soon they find themselves embroiled in real-life mysteries. With wit, charm, and a knack of uncovering secrets, the Thursday Murder Club brings justice to the community. Apparently, age is just a number when it comes to solving crimes. Let’s dive into each of the books:
The Thursday Murder Club
In the debut novel, the Thursday Murder Club members find themselves investigating their first real case when a local property developer is found dead. As they dig deeper, they uncover a complex web of secrets involving the developer’s shady past, dubious business deals, and hidden motives. With their combined expertise, they outwit the local police and bring the true culprit to justice, all while forming deeper bonds with each other.
Instantly, I fell in love with the characters. In their own charming way, they can solve not one but three murders! The book is full of humour. It will hook you into each of the character’s life. At first, the Thursday Murder Club reminded me of Miss Marple. But then, the characters in this book has more action than the renown Miss Marple. The only thing that I don’t like is how it is too convenient in the end. It seems like a lite read or cozy mystery with a fantastic characters. The ending wrapped everything up in a too satisfying way.
Rating: 4 muse points, apparently, solving multiple murders is just another day at the retirement village.
Grab your copy of Thursday Murder Club here:
The Man Who Died Twice
The second instalment sees Elizabeth receiving a letter from an old colleague that fears for his life. When the colleague turns up dead, the club members are plunged into a dangerous world of stolen diamonds, mobsters, and international intrigue. As they navigate this perilous case, they must use all their wits and resources to stay one step ahead of the killers and solve the mystery.
In the second book, we get to know more about each of the main sleuths’ past lives, especially Elizabeth. Former spy with links to international agents—what’s not to love about her? She is also the only one who lives with her husband, Stephen, in Coopers Chase, unlike the widow Joyce, and singles Ibrahim and Ron. We also learn that Stephen has dementia, adding another layer of complexity to Elizabeth’s character. This book’s case is more personal for Elizabeth. It’s only fair since she was the most mysterious one in the first book, and now gets the spotlight. You can see the growth in each character from this book onward. It was fun trying to keep up with this quick-witted group. If I thought the first book was a cozy mystery, I take that back now. The second book has puzzles, mysteries, and non-stop action.
Rating: 5 muse points, more actions than a James Bond movie, and with better tea breaks.
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The Bullet That Missed
In the third book, The Thursday Murder Club investigates a cold case involving a journalist who disappeared under suspicious circumstances. As they dig into the journalist’s last story, they uncover a scandal involving corruption, betrayal, and a powerful enemy who will stop at nothing to keep their secrets hidden. The club members must use their unique skills to piece together the truth and bring the culprits to justice.
The third book has it all! It is witty and funny. It has murder, friendship, and mystery—what else could you hope for? Like the last book, this one is packed with action from the very first page. Every chapter gave me new insights, and it was hard to put down. The main characters are featured equally, and some have even found love. I love how Joyce writes her diary and addresses the readers. The gang has grown in numbers now, even including Alan! There are mentions of the previous book’s mystery, so I recommend reading the books in order to avoid confusion.
Rating: 5 muse points
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The Last Devil to Die
In the latest instalment, the Thursday Murder Club faces their most personal case yet when a close friend is found dead under mysterious circumstances. As they delve into their friend’s past, they uncover long-buried secrets and a dangerous adversary who will do anything to protect their interests. With time running out, the club must solve the case before it’s too late.
While I had fun with the first three books, this one gave me all the feels and emotions. This book is a testament to the fact that when you have septuagenarians as your main characters, you need to discuss heavy things like loss, loneliness, and sadness. And this book covers all of them beautifully. The mystery seems to take a backseat to the emotional journey of the characters. Don’t get me wrong, it still has funny elements, but it will also make you cry in the middle of the plot. Through all of that emotional journey, Joyce took the lead and the spotlight here, and I love that for her.
“There is nothing that makes you feel more alive than the certainty of death” Joyce
Rating: 5 Muse points. Don’t forget the tissues.
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About the Author
Richard Osman is an author and television presenter. His novels, The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, and The Last Devil to Die, were number one, million-copy international bestsellers as well as New York Times bestsellers. He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and Liesl the cat. We Solve Murders is his fifth novel.
