I absolutely loved The Man Who Died Twice, which is just as good as the utterly brilliant The Thursday Murder Club.

There have been some condescending reviews of Richard Osman’s novels by intellectual elitists who think that books that appeal to so many people can’t possibly be good. They think that Richard Osman is wasting his intellect devising game shows and writing novels that give pleasure to millions of ordinary people. I know book group members who won’t read these novels because they’re too popular. They won’t watch Strictly for the same reason. Well more fool them because they’re missing out on a great deal of fun. And these books are in any case written by someone who is highly intelligent but who wears his knowledge lightly, writing books that are easy to read, well plotted, but which deal at the same time with serious matters such as bereavement, dementia and infirmity with Dickensian humanity and deceptive simplicity.

Here is an author who believes that ‘the brain of a 75-year old is identical to the brain of a 50-year-old … What changes is more grief, more experience, more insight’. So is it a surprise that The Thursday Murder Club was the fastest-selling crime debut of all time, when Richard Osman portrays us as we want to be portrayed: as people with ‘talent, wit, wisdom and sense of mischief’? And would it be too much to expect that younger readers might also enjoy his subversion of society’s expectations of older people? This could be a game-changer for the representation of older people; TV might even consider re-employing the older women it has got rid of. Authors might think twice about depicting anyone over the age of 70 as a senile dodderer.

Osman’s four main characters are developed further in the second novel and I like them so much I play a kind of ‘fantasy football team’ game of who should play them on screen. I would love to see Dennis Waterman as the tattooed trades unionist Ron, Joanna Lumley as the highly intelligent but slightly too straight-laced Elizabeth, Celia Imrie as naughty romantic Joyce, Timothy Spall as Gerry (in flashbacks), Sanjeev Bhaskar as the pensive and humane Ibrahim, Bill Nighy as Elizabeth’s devoted but increasingly, tragically, confused partner Stephen, Toby Jones as the lovelorn Chris, Kate Henshaw as the lovely Patrice, Wunmi Mosaku as lonely Donna, and Rad Kaim as the mysterious Bogdan. With guest appearances from Pierce Brosnan as Douglas Middlemiss, Joanna Scanlan as the local drug dealer Connie Johnson and Daisy Haggard as Poppy. Apparently the film is already in production so I look forward to seeing which lucky mature actors have secured these (rare) plum roles.

Osman’s tongue-in-cheek combination of authentic, believable characters and the unbelievable plots they become involved in will make a great film. He combines the dramatic and the mundane throughout: Elizabeth: ‘Could you buy me ten thousand pounds’ worth of cocaine? … I’ll flick the kettle on’; ‘Elizabeth will use the stairs while she still can. Stairs are good for hip and knee flexibility. Also, it is very easy to kill someone in a lift when the doors open’.

I also like Osman’s technique of giving us access to each of his characters’ thoughts in turn, so the reader can enjoy both empathetic and humorous insights into the way the character sees the world. The first book showed us DCI Chris Hudson’s struggles to eat healthily; in this book, a loving relationship makes him into a man who shops with his girlfriend for bean sprouts ‘like they were a couple from an advert’. When he and his girlfriend cook a stir-fry together, he cries: ‘Chris hadn’t looked after anyone in a long time, and that included himself. He let the tears run down through the steam and into the pan’.

Richard Osman writes women as well as he writes men. I love PC Donna de Freitas’s futile search for a decent man. She looks at a solicitor’s tide mark on his collar and his dirty suit, thinking: ‘He even has a wedding ring. How did that happen? Being a man was such an easy gig. The work Donna puts into herself and she’s still single’. Donna approves of DCI Chris’s improved appearance since he started dating: ‘There were certain men you could allow to dress themselves and certain men you couldn’t. Chris was on the cusp. Soon he would be able to run free’.

Joyce’s diary continues to give the reader a humorous commentary on the action and the characters she meets, such as the ruthless killer Martin Lomax, a middleman for arms dealers and terrorists, to whom she tries to sell a friendship bracelet for charity. Joyce often thinks about her deceased husband, Gerry, whom she compares favourably to the handsome killer Lomax: ‘This is my point about boring men and exciting men. Gerry would never be driven out to sea and shot, but he was a hundred times more exciting than this Lomax… Gerry didn’t look like Blake Carrington, but … in certain lights he looked like Richard Briers’. Joyce is dealing with bereavement, but she also has a sense of the ridiculous - ‘people seem to get allergic to all sorts as soon as they move to London’ - and an eye for handsome men.

Even after two novels, I’m still interested to find out more about the amateur detectives and their lives in the third. There’s definitely more to discover about naughty ex-nurse Joyce and the gorgeous insomniac, Bogdan. And will Ibrahim and Elizabeth learn how to have fun? Will kind-hearted Ron find a left-wing lady friend who still supports the miners’ strike?

I love all the references to popular culture which place the novel in a recognisable Britain of today: the Netflix series Succession, Instagram, McDonald’s, the Tetris app, Call of Duty, Domino’s pizza, The Psychopath Test (read by a psychopath who wants to avoid looking like one). Some of Osman’s older characters embrace technology; others don’t, but Osman never patronises them.

So Osman’s novels aren’t just ‘crime capers’ featuring The Famous Four (soon to be joined by Alan the dog). The title ‘The Man Who Died Twice’ is extremely poignant and I defy anyone not to be moved when the significance of the title is revealed at the end. There is comedy, but there are also moving discussions about death and the best way to live your life. Are you weather, or a weather forecaster? Read, contemplate, and, if you aren’t an intellectual snob, enjoy.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Books for the opportunity to read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Richard Osman has successfully avoided the curse of the boyfriend sweater, the saga of the second sock and the dreaded second novel.
This is a great read! Probably better than the first, as now we are in the comfortable company of Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim, in the Coopers Chase retirement community.
Elizabeth is still busy being clever, and worrying about her husband Stephen, who has Dementia. Joyce continues to waffle about, but has the occasional burst of clarity, Ron is Ron, but he now introduces his grandson, Kendrick, new blood always welcomed!! Ibrahim is somewhat incapacitated in this novel, after being attacked by a local thug. Donna and Chris, have a continuing Police presence, I thoroughly expect a police box to be set up in the next book.
This is a lovely tale of cheating husbands, missing jewellery, drugs, friendships and loyalty all coming together in a satisfying way. The next book may well include a dog, no doubt he will excavate a few bones, guns or whatever else springs into the author’s fertile mind.
Only one concern, if you set novels with characters in their seventies, how many books or murders do we get before people fall off their perches?! Give me the average please, or is that a different venture from Richard Osman?!!
I was given a copy of the first book as a Mother’s Day present, it has gone around the family and even those who haven’t read fiction for years, have all begged to borrow that book, so I expect the same results again. I am already looking forward to book three, if all else fails, we have an excellent ambassador for Retirement Homes in development with this so clever brain box.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the Publishers Penguin UK and Viking publishers for my ARC in return for my honest and unbiased review, freely given. A five star read. I will leave reviews to other outlets later. This book will fly, I have no doubts of that.

Loved the first one so really pleased to get the opportunity to review this one. Once again the pensioners of the Thursday Murder Club are investigating a case involving murder, missing jewels and betrayal in their own way. The characters are more developed this time round and they are really supported by a great range of characters (everyone needs a Bogdan in their life). Still lots of humour and action but this time there’s more poignancy in the frailties of the main characters, especially Ismail. Really enjoyed this one more than the first and can hardly wait for the third instalment.

An absolute joy! Getting another visit to the Thursday Murder Club is like meeting up with old friends.
I loved the first book in this series by Richard Osman, and this second one is just as good, if not better. This time, missing diamonds are at the heart of the story and there are some new characters. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim & Ron are on form just like last time. Happily Bogdan is back as well.
This book made me laugh out loud several times, there's a wonderfully British sense of humour about it - Victoria Wood would be proud of some of the observations.
Put it on your reading list, settle back with tea and cake and immerse yourself in the Thursday Murder Club once again.

Someone should tell Richard Osman that the second book is supposed to be a difficult one. If anything I enjoyed The Man Who Died Twice more than the Thursday Murder Club once started I couldn’t put it down so great to be back with the gang. Joyce’s foray into Instagram has hilarious results and we are slowly finding out about Elizabeth’s past life as a spook. I shall be recommending this book to everyone and will wait and see how many records this beats

Full disclosure - I was a huge fan of the first book in The Thursday Murder Club series and so was busting to read The Man Who Died Twice and my goodness me it did not disappoint,

#NoSpoilers but the gang are all back and all on form in this next episode and the story is an absolute joy to read. It is so easy to become completely lost in their world and - murder aside - to find yourself reading and grinning like a loon throughout. Joyce's diary is just fabulous.

The Man Who Died Twice is pure comfort food for the soul.

Highly recommend.

I absolutely loved this book! I wasn't a huge fan of the first book in the series but liked the characters and the concept a lot. But 'The Man who Died Twice' exceeded my expectations in every way.

My problems with the first book was that it had way too many characters, that it didn't' give importance to the murder mystery and that it had too much going on in it. In this book, we have one main story with maybe a side story or two, all of which are compelling. But what I loved more than that is the dialogue and story arcs which very nicely fleshes out our beloved characters.

I cannot wait for book 3! Highly recommend this one!

4.5/5

I hadn't read the first book in this series ' The Thursday Murder Club' but had heard a lot about it so was eager to read 'The Man who died twice' and wasn't disappointed.
The Man who died twice was like the book version of coming home and putting on your favourite old pair of slippers, it was cosy, full of warmth and a meandering read for those nights drawing in. I enjoyed the mystery and the characters, I loved how the main four interacted with each other and with the police, I would have loved to see Elizabeth in her hey day I imagine she was a force to be reckoned with but her redeeming feature was the way she cared about her friends and husband and you couldn't help but be drawn in to their gang.
I enjoyed this book so much that I went out and got the first book, I must say that even though I enjoyed that as well I thought that the second book really came into it's own and I can't wait for the third installment!!

This book was a delight to read.

A great mix of characters, a plot with many twists and turns, and a style of writing that keeps the reader amused and captivated right to the end.

I do hope that Richard Osman will keep the series going at this very high standard.

Thanks to NetGalley and Orion Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this book.

I enjoyed the first book but absolutely loved this one! It was compulsive and exciting reading. The four main characters were even more developed and we also learned a lot more about Bogdan. Joyce came into her own becoming more than just a sidekick to Elizabeth, she even solved a couple of the clues before Elizabeth! We were also "introduced" to Ron's grandson, Kendrick, who brings a youthful element into the story. I just can't wait for book 3 to be released.

If you enjoyed first outing of The Thursday Murder Club, then chances are you will really enjoy this second outing! It's great to be back with the four main characters, of whom we learn much more. This book manages to have the cosy mystery feel, even if it includes the mafia, spies, hitmen and seveal brutal deaths. There is a warmth and humour running through it, Joyce's diary entries are hilarious and really, one should never, ever underestimate the over 70's. The clues are there and if you are keen, you may be able to work it out but the reveals and red herrings are excellent and make this a thoroughly enjoyable book! I would definitely recommend and will be looking forward to future outings with the Coopers Chase crew.

Crazy, unbelievable plot, funny - absolute brilliant read. I thought Carry on Sleuthing might have been a better title. I enjoyed Thursday Murder Club but was not impressed by the writing. This is much better if crazier. It could be read as a stand alone but, apart from missing a good book, you need to know the characters.
I know Thursday Murder Club is being made into a film but both would make great sunday evening escapism. My only complaint is that, being in my seventies, I know we are all pretty feisty not the exception.
This is an honest review of a complementary ARC.

Humorous, fun follow-up to The Thursday Murder Club, this easy-read cosy crime is fun and light, with plenty of intrigue and an interesting, twisty murder mystery to follow.

I haven’t read the first book in this series but it didn’t take away my enjoyment of this one!

I loved the characters, all of the twists and it really did have me guessing until the end!

I highly recommend it.

Such a delightful read, and my first by Richard Osman. Wonderful, quirky, likeable characters, lots of twists, and many chuckles. I am not surprised his Thursday Murder Club is so loved. A major plus to have a good year about we oldies. It gives me all sorts of plans for when I am even oder than I am now. I hope there will be many more in this series. Thankyou to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an advanced review copy.

I have this one a go because I thought I deserved a chance. Although there’s nothing wrong with it, ultimately I this the style of crime writing isn’t for me. It translates much better in TV that in books. All the favourite characters are back and I thought it was relatively funny and I’m sure it will be a mass market hit…but it’s not for me.

Loved this return to Cooper's Chase. A super cosy read, full of characters that are packed with like and personality. I would read so many more in this series.

Enjoy revisiting the characters in the first book. I had not read the first book before reading this one. I liked all the characters and their interactions.
A book to sit down with and escape from the norm. It will make you smile and laugh. You will recognise older members of your family.
Enjoy I did

Well, this was certainly a change of pace. Espionage, diamond theft, drug deals and murder ... All in a day's work for the Thursday Murder Club it appears. What I really enjoy about this series is that you never know quite what to expect, and whilst Richard Osman may have been finding his feet with book one, getting to know the characters of Elizabeth, Joybe, Ron and Ibrahim, there is no doubting he has the measure of them this time around and truly brings them all to life. They may all be in their seventies, but they show no sign of slowing up, no matter what challenges are set before them. And this case is a challenging one for sure.

What I liked most about this book, was getting to know more about Elizabeth's past. Although she is still somewhat secretive - her career as one of the countries top spies proving a hard habit to break - the introduction of a face from her past, Marcus Carmichael, forcing her back into the world of spies and secrets, gives us a much broader idea of the tour-de-force behind the TMC. We're able to contrast that history against her current situation and her love for her husband, Stephen, who is slowly succumbing to dementia. I humanises her, expanding upon the few moments of emotion that we saw in book one, but it made me like her all the more.

As for the wider team, it's fun having the chapters which are told in Joyce's voice, the entries from her journal. They really are like a stream of consciousness, an amusing interlude which make seem to take us a step away from the case, but really feed us more information than we realise in Joyce's happy-go-lucky way. Joyce is one of the types of people you really can't help but like. Seemingly clueless about so many things of modern life, (especially social media usernames ...) and yet far more astute and intelligent than her sunny nature may indicate. Then you have Ron, whose priority this time around is less on the main case and more on getting justice for Ibrahim after he suffers a personal setback. I like the pairing of the two men in this book. Chalk and cheese, and yet absolutely dedicated to each other. They way in which the friendship and what happens is portrayed is both touching and authentic, and really pulled me into their particular thread of the story.

There is a big mystery at the heart of this book - a million or two (or twenty) pounds worth of diamonds stolen and a suspect with a target firmly on their back. It falls to the Thursday Murder Club to unofficially solve the case of theft as well as try to recover the missing loot. Richard Osman really keeps the suspense, the laughs and the mystery going throughout, drip feeding in the clues and casting doubt over a number of the central players so you never quite know who to trust. When the case turns deadly, the pace picks up, and with DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna De Freitas trying to catch a major player in the drug scene, there is more threat and tension than you might imagine from what is essentially a cosy crime caper. How the two cases intersect ... well you need to read to find out, but I will admit that it made me smile. Very clever writing and a healthy portion of just desserts served.

I really enjoyed this book. I liked book one, but for me this just steps it up a notch. It has all the fun of the first book but perhaps feels a little more lighthearted in tone and quicker in pace. The characters are really coming into their own and, as crazy as it may seem, their intervention in such high profile cases does just seem to make sense. The growing friendship between the police team and the TMC just adds to the fun, the central characters playing off each other perfectly and I love the dynamic. And it's a timely reminder not to write people off, just because they've moved past retirement age. I think there is a lot of life left in these old dogs yet (and hopefully newcomer, Alan, too) and I can't wait to see what Richard Osman serves up next.

The Thursday Murder Club introduced us to Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. Four pensioner's living in a retirement village where they set up a club to solving old crimes. After their adventures in the first novel, Elizabeth receives a letter from an old colleague. Soon the gang are thrown into a world of spies, the New York mafia and missing diamonds!

Richard Osman once again delivers a gem! This book is even better than the first one. It was lovely to be reunited with The Thursday Murder Club (and their friends), read about their newest exploits and discover more about Elizabeth's past.

Like the first book, the sequel contains lots of funny anecdotes and English pop culture references. Especially when Joyce joins Instagram. (F.Y.I. I checked they have set up a @GreatJoy69 account 😉). If you liked the first book, you will love the sequel. Osman continues to provide a clever, witty murder mystery filled with twists and turns.