The Thursday Murder Club - Richard Osman

"The sun is up, the skies are blue and murder is in the air"

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This is 100% an 'instagram made me do it' purchase, and one that I definitely do not regret! I love a crime novel and Osman offers a niche alternative to the Poirot type. This book is such an easy read and a great addition to any bookshelf! Simply written and highly engaging it is a perfect holiday read.

Coopers Chase is far from your stereotypical sleepy retirement village. While other residents make use of the swimming pool or attend Pilates class, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim gather in the jigsaw room for The Thursday Murder club. The friends are used to flicking through cold case files, but when a local property developer is found dead the spritely octogenarians find themselves investigating a live murder case. The police might not appreciate their unconventional methods, but can they help find the killer?

There are many things that make this book great in my eyes. Firstly there is Joyce, she is the only character through which we get a first-person account, her diary gives us direct access to aspects of the club's investigation. Even though her unreliable narration is essential to keeping the story moving, it is impossible not to be captivated by her and the respite from the ins and outs of the enquiry that she provides on interval throughout the book. In Joyce, Osman has succeeded in reminding you of your own loveable yet rambling Grandmother.

Secondly, I loved Osman's portrayal of the older generation that veers sharply away from stereotypes of them as doddery and incapable. Here is a group of sleuthing pensioners who are so wonderfully manipulative and cunning, who can use other people's expectations of the elderly against them. They have a beautiful indifference and a care-free attitude that only the old can get away with!

The last thing I will mention (because these are supposed to be short reviews) is how well Osman keeps you on your toes throughout. His writing provides ample twists and turns in the plot which allows the reader to be continually developing new theories - which I think is the backbone of good crime fiction - and the cherry on the cake is how satisfyingly he ties up all of the loose ends. (We all know there is nothing worse than being left with questions at the end of a book!)

To wrap up, this book was everything I wanted it to be; funny, engaging and entertaining. I cannot wait for the second instalment!

H x