Author: Richard Osman
Publisher: Pamela Dorman Books
Publication Date: September 30, 2025
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
There's something deeply comforting about settling in with the Thursday Murder Club gang again. Like visiting old friends who always have a new story to tell over tea.
The setup finds our beloved quartet in a quieter moment—Joyce is consumed with wedding planning, Elizabeth is mourning, Ron is wrestling with family issues, and Ibrahim continues his unlikely therapeutic relationship with a criminal. But when Elizabeth encounters Nick, a wedding guest seeking help who then vanishes without a trace, the gang is pulled back into action. The mystery centers on something valuable that Nick and his evasive business partner possess—valuable enough to kill for. Joyce's daughter Joanna joins the investigation as they untangle questions of kidnapping and an uncrackable code.
What makes this series special isn't just the mystery plotting, though Osman handles that well. It's the way these stories celebrate friendship, loyalty, and the idea that growing older doesn't mean you stop having complicated relationships or taking chances. The characters feel lived-in and real, each dealing with very human struggles while solving crimes that would challenge people half their age. Of the four, Ron remains my favorite—the gruff, loyal West Ham supporter and former union leader reminds me so much of my own mate Ron, a retired plumber who fills his days with endless hobbies and opinions.
The mystery itself delivers the twists and turns you'd expect, involving drug dealers, murderers, and police investigations, but Osman never loses sight of the emotional core. This book deepens our understanding of each character, revealing both vulnerabilities and unexpected strengths. The interplay between the original four and Joanna adds fresh energy without overshadowing what makes the series work.
Fair warning: jump in with book one if you haven't already. These characters have history together, and you'll want to know them properly before this adventure.
No comments:
Post a Comment