The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (The Thursday Murder Club, #1)

by Richard Osman

Soon to be a Major Motion Picture

The first installment in the beloved and New York Times bestselling series from Richard Osman, also author of We Solve Murders

Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves
A female cop with her first big case
A brutal murder
Welcome to...
THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case.

As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?

“Witty, endearing and greatly entertaining.” —Wall Street Journal

• ISBN10: 0593410254
• ISBN13: 9780593410257
• Publish Date: 24 November 2020 (first published 3 September 2020)
• Publish Status: Active
• Publish Country: US
• Publisher: Diversified Publishing
• Imprint: Random House Large Print
• Edition: Large type / large print edition
• Format: Paperback (US Trade)
• Pages: 480
• Language: English
• URL: https://penguinrandomhouse.com/books/isbn/9780593410257

Reviews

I will admit that this book started a bit slow for me and between Joyce's diary and the other characters perspective it was a bit convoluted but then at some point, I just let that go and found it to be charming, funny and enjoyable. It is a bit far fetched that collectively they are smarter than the detectives and that the detectives would really be sharing evidence and exchange notes with them but once I let go of that, I enjoyed it for the characters. In the end, I found it to be a cozy, fun mystery and I wish Elizabeth, Joyce, Rob and Ibrahim were real people. I'd love to read more of their adventures.

[kimbacaffeinate]

British television presenter and producer Richard Osman wrote The Thursday Murder Club. He delivered a murder mystery that will delight cozy and crime readers alike.

Narrated by Lesley Manville, whose lyrical voice pulled me in from the opening scenes. The story begins when we meet newcomer and former nurse Joyce. She receives an invitation to join the Murder Club from retired DCI Elizabeth. Elizabeth provides the cold cases from her time in the field. It was fascinating seeing them go over files, hunt down leads, and call in favors.

From time to time, the group invite speakers to talk to the group from forensic scientist to the local police department. This is how they come to know PC Donna De Freitas, who is there to talk about scammers, locked windows and emails. She is taken by surprise when the group wants to talk about actual cases.

I loved the humor and diverse dynamics of the club. As we got to know them, the community and surrounds I began to feel like one of the group. Things heat up when the owner of their retirement development is found dead in his home with an old photo pinned to his chest.

This story was charming, and while it had a cozy vibe with its amateur sleuths and idyllic setting, things became more serious in tone when another murder occurs and they find human remains.

I must admit I became caught up in their lives and the investigation. PC Donna I think was taken aback by their investigative skills. Elizabeth was rather clever. The principal characters were quirky, unique and appealing.

Lesley Manville’s narration was delightful. I will continue this series on audio. Her voice and pacing enhanced an already charming tale, giving the characters’ voices that suited their personalities and amplifying the atmospheric and suspenseful undertones. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer