A review by serenityofbooks
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

3.0

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, the first instalment in his bestselling cozy crime series, was recommended to me after my recent enjoyment of The Tea Ladies by Amanda Hampson. With book #4 in the series having just hit shelves, it seemed like the perfect time to give it a go!

The story is set in an upscale English retirement village, where four residents, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, gather every Thursday to engage in the intriguing hobby of examining cold murder cases for amusement. However, when a murder occurs within the peaceful confines of their village, these sprightly octogenarians decide to apply their skills and experience to uncover the killer.

The book lived up to its reputation – it was indeed a fun, light-hearted, and entertaining read. I can see why it’s a number one bestseller. However, it's also understandable why some readers might not enjoy it. The standout element for me was the endearing main characters, who, owing to their age, added a touch of cheekiness that kept me amused. On the downside, the plot had its struggles – the pacing was slow, the crime's resolution felt convoluted and far-fetched, and the abundance of side characters made it challenging to keep track.

Despite these criticisms, the book provided was an enjoyable experience, primarily due to the delightful characters. I'm interested in continuing the series, although not in a massive hurry to do so. I'll likely pick up the next instalment when I'm in need of a light and easy read after binging on dark and creepy thrillers!