I’m often wary of celebrity debut novels but I thought I’d give this a go. It takes place largely in a retirement village where several non-clichéd elderly people set out to solve a murder in their midst. The village is set on the site of an old convent with its peaceful Garden of Eternal Rest which is earmarked for development. There are secrets, sins and even crime hidden there amongst the sisterly gravestones, and someone has killed to prevent the truth from coming out.
The characters are well-drawn, affectionately so in some cases. From the team of two police investigators to the gang of friends in the village, we have some memorable and different people to contend with. There was plenty of mystery and, to be honest, in the case of the second murder, anyone could have done it. He wasn’t a popular man!
This is a lovely example of British Cosy Crime and I enjoyed it very much. I particularly enjoyed the sections written in the form of a diary by one of the residents, chatty, a little scatty but with the ability to notice what was going on. It’s an utterly entertaining read.

Richard Osman's first novel, as one would expect, is a bit of a puzzle. It's a gentle, old-fashioned whodunnit, with not one but two murders to solve and many intricate twists and turns before revelations are made, right at the end.

Set in a fictional southern seaside town (Worthing or Frinton come to mind), the biggest twist is that the team setting out to solve the mysteries is a group of 70 and 80-somethings living in an upmarket retirement village. This is where most of the comedy comes from. There's the requisite slow detective, his much smarter (younger, female) sidekick, and a lovely cast of motley characters from the criminal class.

Chapters alternate between one of the team's diary and a general narrator. It's well done, with a huge amount of love and nostalgia for years gone by and forensic detail on the differences between UK supermarket brands.

I really enjoyed reading it. Great summertime reading.

I wished for this book and I got it so thanks to NetGalley for an ARC.
The blurb people can read for themselves so I won't state the obvious. Calling this book a "cosy" I can see why but it's not a term I appreciate. This book (and other so called cosies too) are often a mixture of lightweight and darkness. Whilst there are no graphic and gory descriptions of corpses and brutal violence is kept to the fact that a murder has happened and the mechanism of same, darkness arises from the human emotions from injustice and heart break that cause catastrophic events. Calling books "cosies" often underestimates strength of character writing and plot devices
If you know Richard Osman you will hear his voice as you read the book. The language, the writing structure are very much "him" This does actually enhance rather than detract from the book. It's not what you call "fast paced" but then it would be wrong if it were. The characters are formed with skill and a gentleness that belies their inner steel. They should never be underestimated!. The writing style I enjoyed very much, pathos and humour combined and at times I could hear a touch of Alan Bennett. . Elizabeth is a real power house and I hope we learn more about her background in subsequent books, There are some quite dark areas that could be explored here I feel I loved the interactions between the 4 main characters and the DCI and PC. There was banter but also a respect.
My one gripe? This is an ARC so I am sure will be sorted out prior to publication date- there needed to be breaks in the narrative at appropriate points. In some instances we were with the 4 residents and then the next sentence we were in the police station with the DCI and PC- this made for slightly confusing reading as you did a double take and realised that you were in a different location- so less stream of consciousness please.
The part that takes place in Cyprus didn't seem to fit at first but on finishing the book I can see why it actually does work.
A very entertaining read that I really enjoyed and hope it becomes the first in a series 4.5 stars

This book was brilliant. Funny, smart, intriguing (insert superlatives here). I thought it was just excellent basically.
The plotting was clever, the characters very enjoyable, all the little side narratives added and not subtracted from the main plot, building a more complete world.
I really hope this is the start of a series with the Thursday Murder Club solving as many crimes as possible.

I really wasn’t sure about this book to begin with but couldn’t easily work out why I was dissatisfied. In time I realised that it was simply my own dislike of books written in the present tense, although the first chapter being a little obscure didn’t help, but it does eventually become clear. As I gradually got drawn deeper into the story, I began to enjoy it more and had my own theories at various points throughout, only to see the author demolish them one after the other!

Anyone familiar with Richard Osman's television persona will hear his voice and inflections in this book which only adds to its charm. If it ever becomes an audio book he MUST record it himself.

The story is quirky and has elements of mystery, the only one of which remaining a mystery by the end is, precisely what was Elizabeth’s background? I enjoyed the way in which the author created doubt about so many characters, even to the point that I was suspecting ALL the members of the Thursday Murder Club even the mildest and most unassuming of them, although I couldn’t quite work out how or why.

By the end I had moved from mild dissatisfaction to a fondness for the book and its characters and if it is the first in a series, I would read a subsequent book.

This was such a sweet read, I loved that it cantered around an old people’s’ care home and the ladies especially were very funny and devious in their methods for getting information out of people and even the police.
It was an easy book to read, although at times I got confused with all the different characters. Mr Osman’s way of writing took a bit of getting used to but, I got into the rhythm of this book quite quickly. I do hope that he writes more books as I would definitely read them!!!
My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

I was snobbishly expecting to hate this book, but I loved it. It's a light-hearted murder mystery, but the entertaining characters, and rollicking story make this a real page-turner. just the sort of story to while away a quiet afternoon, and it would make a great television series.

4 friends in a residential home have a ‘Thursday Murder Club’ to discuss cold cases. Now a murder in their sleepy village brings their clubs skills closer to home.
A light hearted, gentle paced read.

It was hilarious. I particularly laughed at the Japanese opera joke, and the bit about Chris, crammed in on the sofa, unable to think straight after a while. So he lets something slip that he is not supposed to, professionally. Very sad in parts, as well, but more than made up for by the comedy. A sparkling tale, full of fun.

As a huge fan of RIchard Osman, I was so excited to be able to read this novel via NetGalley. It started off quite slowly, and I began to worry that I was not going to enjoy it. However, I quickly got caught up in the stories of the four friends living in the Coopers Chase retirement village who have formed the Thursday Murder Club. Enjoying trying to solve cold cases, their lives are enlivened somewhat by a real life murder in their vicinity. Whilst a very British and gentle crime story, there are also moments of true pathos in the novel which, alongside an engrossing tale of murders, is also a sensitive and empathetic look at getting old. Can’t wait to read the group’s next adventure.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for this review copy of this book. As a fan of crime fiction I was curious about this novel. Given the author’s background, I wondered whether his writing would meet my expectations as a few crime novels I have read written by television celebrities have been disappointing. However, within the first few pages I realised my fears were groundless. As no point throughout this novel would you ever realise it is a first novel. Unlike a previous crime novel I had recently read, nothing in this book was over plotted, there was no massive explosion heaped on top of us, no “here’s everything you ever need to know about the characters, including their favourite colour” wasting the narrative. Instead, there is a confidence and joviality in the writing style. We are told what we need to know when we need to know it -discovering who the characters are and what makes them unique as we read. I didn’t have a clue how it would all end and that was refreshing. Overall, an excellent novel from a witty, clever and skilful writer. Can’t wait to read book 2.

With thanks to Netgalley, Penguin General U.K.- Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business for a digital copy of this book.
‘It is hard work writing a novel’, writes Richard Osman in his acknowledgments. It is probably even harder if your fame lies elsewhere and you carry a huge weight of readers’ expectation based on that other fame. Undoubtedly I chose this book in part because of its author, although I’m a huge fan of ‘gentler’ crime/detective fiction. So did my expectations colour my reading -inevitably! The Thursday Murder Club is a group of older residents of a residential complex who meet up on a Thursday -because that’s when the room is available - to try and solve old murder cases. They are an unlikely group who base their friendship on a mutual talent for forensic detection. Then a real murder happens nearby and, being bored in God’s waiting room, they pool their talents to ‘assist’ the police with frequently comic results. The book started a little slowly but as the writing gained confidence the comedy was tighter - laugh out loud moments as the club gain the upper hand over the police, - and the plotting sharper. In his acknowledgments Osman refers to two ‘great rules’ of crime writing but does not divulge what these are. For me one rule is that unraveling the crime should be as satisfying as setting it up and not lead to a damp squib at the end. One murder follows another but then there are other bodies - this is a multifaceted, multilayered crime which requires considerable and satisfying unraveling and real storytelling at its heart. Osman writes that he hopes that ‘amongst other things, there is a sense of kindness and justice running through The Thursday Murder Club’ and I think it is these qualities that set the writing apart from other novels. Frequently the humour is directed at the oldies but the laughter feels with them rather than at their expense -at the airport Chris remarks on Ron carrying a stick for the first time, Ron replies, ‘If you’ve got a stick they let you on the plane first’. I greatly look forward to a further outing for the Murder Club

The Thursday murder club in the past has discussed old cases from perloined files (we won’t ask how) but now has a real murder to deal with. The members Ibrahim, Joyce, Elizabeth and Ron all live in a retirement community and secretly meet under the guise of “Japanese opera- a discussion” to ward off any unwanted attention. Each has their own life story and interesting background- “Everyone has a story to tell” and tellit they do. Cooper's chase has been built by a partnership where one partner is using the business as a front for other things and one knows he is in danger from the other. Ian Ventham is the main man and is very much disliked by the residents as he only has his pockets to watch caring very little about anything or anyone else. Tony Curren is the one Ian is worried about as he is about to sack him and there may be consequences. This is a cozy mystery with a difference. Richard's sense of humour is wonderful “ Not a single person was ever late for the bus journey home, only Malcolm as he had died in the light bulb aisle of Robert Dyas”. Setting this in a retirement home is genius as there is the devil-may-care attitude of octogenarians who really don;t care what others think of them or even what they do - in some cases only just this side of the law. It also means that there are life experiences and wonderful well rounded characters with a zest for life and caring for others. A wonderful uplifting tonic of a book- loved it!
(rest of links on publication)

ARC copy via Netgalley (out in the UK in September)

Brilliantly entertaining crime fiction set in a luxury retirement village, where you don't mess with the parking committee, and you underestimate the murder club at your own risk! This reminded me of Agatha Raisin, Mick Herron and Fredrik Backman, but the best thing about it is that it's unique to itself. Hoping the author finds time to write another amongst his many irons in the fire!

I wasn't sure initially that I was going to enjoy this book because of the writing style. It is written partly in the first person as a diary written by Joyce, one of the residents of an upmarket retirement complex, and partly as a narrative. However, as the story developed I was hooked. There are some really profound pieces within it, making you think about aging, and life, and priorities.

The story hinges around the twee premise of a group of these oldies who meet once a week and look over old crimes and try to solve them. One of them, Elizabeth, seems to have a shady past and infinite resources.

However, crime comes to the retirement home when the owner's business partner is killed in suspicious circumstances. The group set out to find the killer, but events have repercussions for them all.

Sensitively told, with a real eye for the human condition, I enjoyed it very much.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Books (UK) and Viking for allowing me access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I just LOVED this book, from the very first page it was funny, observant, utterly entertaining, original and delightful characters. I can't praise this highly enough. SO well written which is not surprising seeing as the author is Richard Osman, a man of many words. Please let there be a sequel or at least another book by this wonderful author very soon.

That was a good read! I'd love to know what the Club investigates next and hope that The Thursday Murder Club is the first in a series featuring this unusual Wealden retirement village setting and these most engaging characters. 

The plot has numerous twists, turns and, of course, a fair number of red herrings which all keeps the reader interested and very keen not to put the book down. Characterisation is good, with some perceptive and amusing asides which had me laughing out loud.

Many thanks to the publisher and to Netgalley for giving me a copy of the book in exchange for this honest review.

A charming romp into old age. Octogenarians Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron, are all residents of Cooper Chase, an upscale retirement community for the wealthy elderly. The gang of four have a weekly club where they examine cold cases, and pit their collective wits against the initial investigators. When, much to their delight, they have an actual murder in their midst. Then, their prime suspect gets killed right before their eyes. Deep joy, they are on a roll.
Likable characters, evil protagonists, competent and somewhat cooperative police, with a twisty plot that entertains, satisfies, and challenges. Highly recommend.
Many thanks to Netgalley, Viking, and Richard Osman for an advance copy. I do hope this is the first in a long series.

I love Richard Osman on TV and was curious when I heard he had written a crime novel. Let's face it, celebrity books can be a bit hit and miss but I felt Richard was clever enough to pull this off. And he did!! This is a delightful cosy crime novel. Look elsewhere if you want blood and guts all over the place, but if you like a well written, entertaining, fun crime caper then I urge you to give this a try.

It is well written and very witty. The four main characters, residents of a retirement village, are all fantastically portrayed.. There's Elizabeth who is an enigmatic former spy with friends in high places who owe her favours. Then there's Ron, a bolshie ex Trade Union official with a heart of gold and a famous son. Ibrahim is a former psychiatrist who still has the odd client. Lastly there is newcomer, Joyce, a former nurse. It's great to read a book with quirky, non-stereotypical older characters. I also loved both of the police characters and the way the pensioners ran rings around the poor DI was hilarious.

The plot is fairly complex, and there are plenty of red herrings and misdirection which fooled me completely. I laughed at some of it, and at other times I shed a few tears, and I loved all the cake references!

I really hope this is the start of a series as I'd love to meet the residents of Coopers Chase again. And I think it would make a wonderful TV series.

Mr Osman's reputation as affable and charming precedes him. There has been a lot of advance publicity for this book. I'd seen Mark Billingham interview him at Bloody Scotland 2019, which was a delight from start to finish, despite being a year off publication date.

The premise, of a group of retired individuals from disparate backgrounds who meet each week to discuss old police cases, is excellent. When a fresh police case lands at their gate, naturally these seasoned amateur sleuths want to assist in the investigation.
The world was fully realised and entirely plausible if you accept that all the residents have had the wherewithal to buy into the idyllic-sounding retirement complex, which of course has a murky underbelly.

I expected the charm and the gentle humour, occasionally sharp but never cruel. The plot keeps thickening nicely, and there is cake. Nigella's orange drizzle gets a mention.
There will be comparisons of this debut and golden age village mysteries, for good reason.

What I didn't expect was to cry quite so freely toward the end as the many strands come together, realising I'd been utterly beguiled by this very accomplished debut.

Thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for a copy of this book to review.