The Thursday Murder Club Books in Order
Reading Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series in order is recommended for several reasons:
1. Character Development: The series revolves around a group of elderly friends who solve mysteries together. The main characters - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim - develop and grow over the course of the books. Reading them in order allows you to see these characters' personal journeys, relationships, and backstories unfold naturally.
2. Ongoing Plot Threads: While each book has a self-contained mystery, there are overarching plotlines and recurring themes that span across the series. Subplots, character arcs, and references to past events are woven throughout the books, so reading them out of order might result in spoilers or confusion.
3. Emotional Impact: The emotional stakes increase as the series progresses, particularly because you become more attached to the characters over time. Reading the books in order ensures that you fully experience the impact of these developments.
4. World-Building: The setting of the series, Coopers Chase, becomes more familiar and richly detailed as the series progresses. The sense of place and community deepens with each book, making the experience richer if you follow the order.
5. Consistent Tone and Style: Richard Osman has a distinctive style that blends humour with mystery and heartwarming moments. Reading the series in order allows you to appreciate how his style evolves and how he balances these elements from book to book.
#1 The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
Why we love it:
- We’re introduced to four fun protagonists who are relatable, funny, and embody a strong sense of community, making them unforgettable.
- It’s full of sharp wit and clever observations about life, ageing, and human nature, adding a note of levity to the murder mystery.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a cosy mystery set in peaceful retirement village, Coopers Chase. Four residents - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim - form a club that meet every Thursday to investigate cold cases. However, their hobby takes a serious turn when a local developer is found murdered. Richard Osman’s first novel combines humour, suspense, and heartwarming moments, as we follow the four amateur sleuths investigating the case. It’s an absolute must-read for fans of Agatha Christie and Alexander McCall Smith and ends with a satisfying and unexpected conclusion.
#2 The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
Why we love it:
- A well-paced story with enough suspense to maintain interest without feeling rushed.
- The juxtaposition of the peaceful retirement village with the excitement of crime-solving adds to the book’s appeal.
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman is the second book in the Thursday Murder Club series. The story picks up with the same group of elderly amateur detectives as they’re drawn into a new mystery when Elizabeth’s former husband - an ex-MI5 agent - asks for help after stealing £20 million in diamonds from a dangerous criminal. He hides out in Coopers Chase, but soon after is found murdered. The group must solve the crime while navigating a complex web of espionage, betrayal, and organised crime. Full of twists and plenty of humour, the second Thursday Murder Club mystery is the perfect cosy escape.
#3 The Bullet that Missed (2022)
Why we love it:
- The warmth and camaraderie among the characters create a comforting atmosphere.
- Osman skillfully weaves together multiple plotlines, with twists and red herrings that keep you guessing until the end.
In The Bullet That Missed, book three in the Thursday Murder Club series, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim investigate a cold case involving a missing TV journalist who disappeared a decade earlier. As they dig into the mystery, they uncover connections to a huge financial fraud, a local news anchor, and a dangerous criminal with a personal vendetta against Elizabeth. Meanwhile, Elizabeth faces a life-threatening situation that tests the group's loyalty and ingenuity, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful ending.
#4 The Last Devil to Die (2023)
Why we love it:
- Explores deeper themes of mortality, loss, and the legacies we leave behind.
- A brilliant conclusion to a twist-filled, humourous cosy mystery series.
Our favourite cosy mystery series concludes with The Last Devil to Die. The elderly sleuths find themselves investigating the murder of an antiques dealer and the disappearance of a valuable package. As they dig deeper into the case, they uncover connections to organised crime, international smuggling, and hidden secrets within their own community. The Last Devil to Die wraps up The Thursday Murder Club series beautifully with a mix of the usual humour, little mysteries, and big reveal, combined with the emotional journey the characters go on that may just leave you sobbing uncontrollably.
Ultimately, reading the Thursday Murder Club series in order makes the experience more engrossing by providing a deeper connection to the characters, a better understanding of ongoing plotlines, and a more immersive reading journey.
We Solve Murders Series
#1 We Solve Murders (2024)
Why we love it:
- Has the perfect amount of humour whilst still being an action-packed thriller.
- Two words: Rosie D’Antonio.
Richard Osman's latest book, We Solve Murders, introduces a fresh detective duo: Steve Wheeler, a retired investigator who enjoys a quiet life, and his daughter-in-law Amy Wheeler, a private security officer who thrives on adrenaline. Amy’s latest assignment on a remote island takes a deadly turn when a body and a bag of money complicate her mission. In response, she calls Steve for help, leading them on a high-stakes, globe-trotting adventure to outsmart a relentless killer. This book combines cosy mystery elements with action-packed sequences, highlighting the dynamic between the two protagonists.
Happy Reading!
Now you know what order to read Richard Osman’s murder mystery books in, grab a cuppa, get cosy, and immerse yourself into whodunnit plots and meet heartwarming characters along the way. For more thriller inspiration, check out our guide on Freida McFadden’s books in order or find out what the best crime books for your next read.
