The Thursday Murder Club

Title: The Thursday Murder Club

Author: Richard Osman

Genre: Murder Mystery

Series: The Thursday Murder Club

Publisher: Penguin

Published Date: 2020

Book Length: 390

Format Read: Paperback

Star Rating: 5***** I loved it and highly recommend

About Book: 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?

My Thoughts: The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is the first book in the series of the same name and a delightful start to the murder mystery genre. This easy-to-read novel introduces a cast of intriguing characters whose layers unfold as the story progresses. The phrase "Don’t judge a book by its cover" feels particularly apt—not for the book itself (though I was drawn in by the simplicity of the cover, which I loved), but for the members of the Thursday Murder Club.

Osman's writing is both humorous and addictive. His engaging style had me repeatedly promising myself, "just one more paragraph," only to find I’d read a load more chapters. The chapters are short though but they do heighten the tension, making it almost impossible to put the book down.

For me though it’s the characters are what truly bring this story to life. The members of the Thursday Murder Club are unorthodox yet inspiring, their quirks making them all the more believable and endearing. Osman has a remarkable way of drawing readers into the heart of their camaraderie, making you feel as if you're part of their gang or want to be.

The budding relationship between PC Donna De Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson is another highlight of the story. Their dynamic adds an additional layer of warmth and depth to the plot.

This book feels tailor-made for fans of cosy murder mysteries, blending humour, intrigue, and charm. It’s no surprise that I found myself imagining how well this story would translate to a TV series. Having enjoyed this first instalment immensely, I’m already eager to read the next book in the series.

In conclusion, The Thursday Murder Club is a witty, heart warming, and thoroughly entertaining mystery. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for an engaging read with a dose of humour and a great cast of characters. You won’t regret joining the Thursday Murder Club!