I'm a massive fan of Richard Osman, so I was really looking forward to reading his first novel. I thoroughly enjoyed it, The setting is somewhat unusual, in an upmarket retirement village, we meet 4 very different characters who have formed the Thursday Murder Club. Their usual research into old murder cases, is put on the back burner, when the owner of the retirement complex is murdered,
I loved the relationship between the somewhat unlikely mixture of friends and the police officers who are officially investigating.
A gentle writing gives you an easy read, but the plot and its' twists keep you thoroughly engaged.
I am very much looking forward to the next one in the series

The Thursday Murder Club is a cosy crime mystery set in Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Led by the inimitable Elizabeth, the group of four octagenarians spend their Thursday evenings keeping their brains active by going through cold murder cases to see if they can solve them. When a real murder happens on their doorstep, they are right in the middle of solving what happened and by who.
This book feels ripe for at least a book series, but I would love to see it televised. Brilliantly British, laugh-out-loud funny and with some of the most likeable characters I have read for a while, I can't wait to go back to Coopers Chase!

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a slow burner, I nearly put it down after the first few chapters but I soldiered on and it improved a bit.

Four friends living in a retirement community meet once a week to discuss unsolved murder cases (one never quite finds out why or how). Then a brutal murder takes place on their doorsteps and they manage to insert themselves into the case gradually unpicking the threads which go back almost 50 years.

The narrator is one of the 4 pensioner detectives and her voice is droll rather than funny. There are a couple of twists as the plot draws to a close but you are left with the feeling of clumsily strewn red herrings rather than gasping in surprise.

Maybe if I you like the Miss Marple series or watch Midsomer Murders you will enjoy this, but I thought it was a bit meh!

I absolutely loved this book! It’s a murder mystery, but it’s funny. More than once I laughed out loud. A joy to read, I was honestly sad when it was over. Very well written with lovable believable characters. I am hoping this is the first of many, it really is that good. Highly recommended! Thank you #netgalley

This book was a real treat. I find that I enjoy the various TV shows that Richard Osman presents, so it wasn’t surprising to hear his voice, in my head, as I read.
Our four heroes are just perfect, each with their own idiosyncrasies. I particularly enjoyed Ibrahim and his attention to detail and knowledge of facts.
The action is set in the lovely retirement village of Coopers Chase. Built by Ian Ventham and Tony Curran, there is talk of expansion which includes relocating a graveyard. Things turn sinister when a murder happens on the doorstep and local police officers, Chris Hudson and Donna De Freitas are tasked with investigating. Well, Donna is not automatically involved, she’s brought in after interference from The Thursday Murder Club. As you can imagine, our septuagenarian quartet are determined to solve the case themselves.
The ensuing story is at times both hilarious and poignant as friendships and relationships are scrutinised by Elizabeth and team.
I wanted to read this book as I think that Richard Osman is great and, as a result, I was nervous that I wouldn’t like it. Happily, I can say that I thoroughly enjoyed it. The pace is slow, in parts, but as each element unfolds and secrets are uncovered, I realised that the slower parts are simply building blocks to ensure that the story completes with no loose ends.
Apparently, there is talk of this being the first in a series; I do hope so.

What an absolute gem of a book!

I will admit that it was curiosity that led me to read The Thursday Murder Club. I love Richard Osman on his various television shows and I wondered if he would be as brilliant on page as he is on TV.

The short answer is yes. More so.

The story centres on four residents of sheltered accommodation who attend a club every Thursday to discuss unsolved crime case files but when a real life crime happens on their doorstep they set about trying to solve it.

The Thursday Murder Club is joyous. I wanted to be old and part of their gang of crime fighters. This novel helps to remind us that we should never underestimate pensioners. They have lived longer and know more so let’s give them a fair chance.

What is marvellous about this story is that Osman has you guessing to the very last page. I genuinely didn’t see it coming and made various guesses with very sound arguments for all of my suspects throughout. I didn’t even come close.

The Thursday Murder Club has a lot of heart, humour and page turning cliffhangers. I bloody loved it and I hope it gets commissioned to become a TV drama so those who are not readers get to enjoy the story as well.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is available now.

For more information regarding Richard Osman (@richardosman) please visit his Twitter page.

For more information regarding Penguin (@PenguinUKBooks) please visit www.penguin.co.uk.

"There was a jolly atmosphere, and I can understand the reasons why. We each of us understand we're in a gang and we understand we are in the middle of something unusual we understand also, I think, that we are doing something illegal, but we are past the age of caring. Perhaps we are raging against the dying of the light, but that is poetry, not life. There will be other reasons I have missed out, but I know on the walk back down the hill we felt giddy. Like teenagers out too late."

In wealthy retirement village, Cooper's Chase in Kent, active retirees Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim and newcomer Joyce (following Penny's stroke) are members of The Thursday Murder Club. Penny is a retired inspector from Kent police and she started the club with friend Elizabeth; they meet weekly to investigate cold cases with Ron and Ibrahim. When the retirement village's builder is found murdered at home shortly before he is due to start work on expanding the development, the gang get involved, much to the annoyance of the police: DCI Chris Hudson and new DC, up from London, Donna De Freitas, soon find out that The Thursday Murder Club are actually rather effective.

This is charming, funny and written with affection for the plucky band of senior sleuths, all endearing characters. Current events are portrayed alongside Joyce's diary entries chronicling their progress. So middle class, quirky and British, Joyce's, Elizabeth's, Ron's and Ibrahim's views and experiences (and those of their fellow retires) are often laugh-out-loud funny, particularly when combining the mundane with the exciting. Conveying genuine emotion, this is unexpectedly bittersweet in places. If you're a fan of other cosy crime fiction such as Miss Marple, Agatha Raisin and Mma Ramotswe, this will be your cup of tea. Wonderful escapism, a delightful mystery and a joy to read!

I'm always sceptical about celebrities writing books, so I was very much gearing up to finding fault with this book by Richard Osman. Imagine my surprise when I found myself actually enjoying it and in the end, unable to put the book down. It's a fast-paced story set in a retirement village. Osman has a witty style of writing that is light and enjoyable. At first the characters seemed rather flat but they soon became well-rounded individuals, each endearing in their own personal quirkiness. The plot had several strands and lots of twists. Highly recommended.

Richard Osman the presenter of game shows and guest on comedy panel shows is known for his dry wit and easy going manner. If his humour appeals to you then The Thursday Murder Club wont disappoint. However, there is not just humour to enjoy; there is also a well plotted and well paced murder mystery that will keep lovers of crime novels satisfied. A whodunnit in a cosy Agatha Christie sort of way (those wanting a gritty, violent novel should look elsewhere).

The novel is set in a luxury retirement village in Kent where Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron meet up every week to tackle cold crime cases. When a murder takes place close to home the four set about helping the police solving the murder. The police in charge of the operation, Chris and Donna, soon realise the members of Thursday Night Murder Club May be in their 80’s but they knew a thing or two about getting to the truth.

I’m glad to report this is not some celebrity novel dashed off for a quick buck. It is an excellent crime novel and the plot with all its twists and turns will keep you engrossed until all the loose ends are neatly tied up in a most satisfying conclusion. Fingers crossed that Richard Osman finds time in his busy schedule to produce a sequel.

My first thought was witty, engaging TV presenter has written a book should be good and I am glad to say I was correct.
Coopers Chase seems like a nice, peaceful retirement village but beneath the surface are lies and intrigue. The murder club originally met to look at cold cases but soon find themselves involved in a current murder.
The 4 main characters each have something different to bring to the situation and there interactions are part of the charm of the novel. Over time we learn the answer to many of the secrets and a few mirders are solved too, although we don't learn the truth about Elizabeth's past.
This is an Agatha Christie type murder mystery which i think will appeal to fans of her great detectives.

To say a book is charming is a belittling term...... however, I was charmed by this story. The characters have stayed with me, I enjoyed their voices, spirit and the loving depiction of who they had been and still were.
I want to read more about these people.
Not what I was expecting.

I found the first few pages a bit clunky but I quickly got used to the writing style. I loved the characters and thoroughly enjoyed this murder mystery. I would love to read more. Simple but enjoyable style of writing and I would recommend this as light escapism.

Richard Osman's debut novel is a fun cosy crime murder mystery set in the retirement community of Cooper's Chase and populated by an octagenarian quartet of pet detectives: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. The 'Marple-esque' style of the story has a British feel to it and is both entertaining and enjoyable, encompassing overarching themes of love, death and friendship. The four friends defy the stereotypes imposed on them by society as they work together to outwit the plodding police investigation. Although this was a light, escapist read, it is thoroughly enjoyable and is tinged with moments of pathos and poignancy. A great standalone read but there are little hints that this could also be the first in a series of cases for 'The Thursday Murder Club'. Thank you very much to Netgalley for the advance review copy.

On a Thursday the Murder Club meet because it is up to the residents of this up market old people's home to investigate cold cases.
This comes from Penny an ex police officer who can no longer be involved in the Murder Club due to her health but her friends are determined to carry it on with the help of a 'new girl'. Led by the indomintable Elizabeth and revealing that age is not a barrier to adventure, his is a story about ignoring stereotypes, about love and its ace!

Now, when older folk are in their dotage, they don't necessarily lose their faculties. Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Ron are in their 80s and Richard Osman has plucked them from anonymity in the luxury retirement enclave of Coopers Chase, to be put to work on solving the riddle of a murder which happens right under their noses.

Each character brings a wealth of experience and lives fully lived to the Thursday Murder Club, an informal group that meets (obviously) on a Thursday, to investigate cold cases. They use their wiles to obtain police files for investigation. Naughty! Elizabeth is clearly the leader and she has a very shadowy background - intelligence work and such like! As a group, they use their expertise and brains to try and work out what really happened in any given case, ably abetted by their pet police officer, Donna de Freitas who has been transferred from London, and is, quite frankly, bored in this bucolic haven. She is easily led astray. Are the seniors manipulative? Well, of course, they are old dears and use their status with ruthless determination!

Ian Ventham is clearly a rogue and villain, a developer who, after building the swanky residences at Coopers Chase, is looking for more land to turn into a lucrative deal. His business partner, Tony Curran, owns 25% of the business but Ventham has decided the time has come to move him on. Eagle eyes spot the two of them having a set-to in public and then Curran is found murdered, in his kitchen with the spanner (hello Cluedo...😉). Elizabeth just knows that Tony Curran was absolutely the type to have enemies, with his sleeveless vest, big house.... Now they have a real murder to investigate, right on their doorstep and boy, is their interest piqued!

The author is a TV personality in the UK, who always comes across as witty, thoughtful and well educated... and kind. And all these qualities shine through the prose, a story told with wit and wisdom. He delights in the mundane but doesn't shy away from the inevitable difficulties and trauma (death and disability) that are part of this stage of older life. This debut is a great addition to the cozy murder mystery genre.

Sit down with a Twix or a lush piece of Lemon Drizzle Cake and let the characters entertain you. I am sure there must be another book on the horizon featuring these charming and determined characters, mark my words.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a brilliant “cosy” murder mystery featuring the elderly. Set in a retirement community this book is well paced and has some wonderful and interesting characters.

What a debut! Congratulations Mr Osman! I can’t believe how good this book was. Firstly I want to say how fantastic and novel the idea and concept of the book is. As the name suggests, it’s a weekly meeting of a club to discuss murder. Oh, but this murder Club isn’t just any group, this is a Club in a retirement village. Yes you heard right, a retirement village. The Murder Club is made up of 4 people set in a luxury retirement village. When the owner of the village gets murdered, the club take it upon themselves to try and solve the murder! Then other things happen...

I really enjoyed this book, mainly because the concept was so different, but the characters were so likeable and intriguing. I like how it was written and I liked how a group of pensioners are full blown Agatha Christie’s!

At the end of the book it says a 2nd one is on its way and I can’t be more thrilled!

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC for this review. Please buy this folks when it is released in September!

An absolutely delightful debut novel by Richard Osman. A cozy crime mystery set in the retirement village Coopers Chase, with a brilliant group of residents who hold the Thursday Murder Club for two hours every Thursday. Elizabeth and Penny had started the club, Penny a retired Detective Inspector had kept some cold case files which is what the club worked on, but Penny is no longer able to take part as her health has declined now a resident in the attached Willows Care Home. Joyce is a relatively new member but being part of the club has given her a new lease on life. Ibrahim a retired Psychiatrist and Ron Ritchie a former Trade Union Leader.. Elizabeth and friends have numerous contacts in numerous places and Elizabeth is definitely a force to be reckoned with. As Detective Inspector Chris Hudson is to find out along with Constable Donna DeFreitas who gets assigned to the DI through Elizabeth’s powers of persuasion.

When a murder happens close by, to someone linked to the Village the Murder Club are determined to solve the crime before the police, but can they do that? I thoroughly enjoyed this read full of some great relatable, believable and likeable characters, the story flows well, will have you chuckling at some of the antics these characters get up to. Definitely a read for anyone who is looking for a cozy crime, an entertaining read, with a few laughs thrown in. What’s not to like?

Told in fairly short chapters, some of the main Murder club and the police, but interspersed with chapters from Joyce as she is writing a diary. The retirement village has everything the residents could want, a restaurant, swimming pool, sauna, along with with the now defunct Knit and natter club where too much nattering happened and not enough knitting, to the now Chat and crochet club. Mr Osman shows a caring side to the characters as some of them miss their lost loved ones and others try to protect the time they have left with theirs. As well as showing that despite growing old it doesn’t mean you are ready for the scrap heap, the characters are all keen to use their wit and wisdom whilst they still have it, as they realise they’re bodies may not be as fast as they used to be. Along with the pride in children and joy experienced in different parts of life.

I look forward to seeing more of the Thursday Murder Club along with the DI and Constable.

I would like to thank #Viking #penguinbooks(UK).and #netgalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for a fair, honest and unbiased review.

Set in a retirement home, the Thursday Murder Club meet to look at cold cases, until a murder happens on their doorstep and they start investigating closer to home. This novel was funny, poignantly sad in places with lots of red herrings. The characterisation was entirely believable, full of humour and reality. I didn’t work out the killer of Tony Curran, so think it was very cleverly written. A good debut for this television presenter. I could definitely hear his voice narrating the story.

Thanks to Penguin UK for a review copy.
The self styled Thursday Murder Club are a group of four elderly residents of a retirement village in Kent who take it upon themselves to peruse old case files to try and solve as yet unsolved crimes for their own satisfaction. Before the novel opens one of their number, Penny, a retired detective succumbs at last to dementia and is moved to the medical wing so the others recruit Joyce, a former nurse to fill the space.
They meet each Thursday as that is the only time that the room they use is available as it has to be shared among all the many clubs and activities available to the residents.
Joyce has no sooner been recruited when a murder occurs on their doorstep and the indefatigable foursome set out to find the killer. Before they can get to grips with the crime however a second murder occurs and events start to spiral.
Elizabeth is the leader of the club. Although her past is somewhat murky it is clear that she has worked for (at least) one of the intelligence agencies, most probably MI6 as she has operated abroad on occasion. She has contacts all over the place and is an expert at manipulating people to achieve her (probably) laudable ends.
Ron is an ex union leader and firebrand who misses the limelight of the picket line and being on the news. Deep down he is a sensitive man though and cares deeply about his ex-boxer son who has known the victims and was on the scene around the time of the killings.
The final member of the fabulous four is Ibrahim, retired psychologist and logician of the group. He is their go to man for working out journey times and routes though the others are only ever interested in his solutions and not his working much to his dismay! He is also Ron’s best friend and confidant as well as deeply thoughtful and sympathetic character.
And so the local detective chief inspector, Chris Hudson, and PC Donna de Freitas soon find themselves ‘aided’ by the Thursday Murder Club as they investigate the dastardly goings on.
Aside from being an interesting crime story in itself the true delight of this book are the pensioners. Of course the members of the club take centre stage but many of the other residents pop up from time to time and are all beautifully written individuals whose characters leap from the page.
The story is told in the present tense with extracts from Joyce’s diary punctuating the main text from time to time. It is almost impossible not to fall in love with the characters as they enjoy their sunset years in expensive luxury whilst mayhem ensues around them.
The little asides are so lovely, is it ok, someone muses, to have some ingredients for a meal from Lidl if the meat is from Waitrose? The wine is from Sainsburys but that’s allowed because it is ‘Taste The Difference,’ we discover. The whole book is full of these little witty and yet so true observations which are laugh out loud funny at some points.
And yet, being set in a retirement village, there is, of course, a certain poignancy and tragedy which creeps in from time to time as residents who are no longer there are remembered and some of the characters realise that they are slowing down. The most tear inducing times are when Elizabeth goes to the medical wing to tell Penny, now tube ridden and kept alive by machine, unable to hear (as far as we know) or respond, about the latest developments.
Comedy and tragedy however often make well suited companions and this book nails their relationship to a tee. There is no sex or explicit violence and yet the horror of dementia and the finality of death are not disguised or sanitised.
The story itself almost takes centre stage and yet it is an enjoyable crime romp in itself. Who could resist the image of one of the club claiming to be a nun who has been robbed in order to speak to the police lady of their choice or Ron taking his never used walking stick on a plane as it will allow him to board first?
The crimes are all tidily solved by the end though even in their solution the author’s deft hand allows past tragedy to influence the events of the story and reminds us that things from long ago can cast a very, very long shadow.
If I had any criticism of the book it is that the ending felt a little rushed to me with all the many threads of the tale being tied up in record time. I would have liked to spend a little longer in the company of the characters as they reflected, each in their own way, on the investigation of which they had been part.
I look forward very much to Mr Osman’s next novel and getting back into the world of Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim where no doubt more devilry will be afoot in the green lands of Kent.