The Thursday Murder Club
By: Richard Osman
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 16 and up

You thought YOUR grandparents were cool…

Apparently, Richard Osman is a public personality in England. Who knew? In England, he’s on TV, he’s a producer, and he’s a comedian. But to American me? He’s an author. The Thursday Murder Club is his debut in the realm of British character-driven crime fiction, and it was such a pleasant surprise! Celebrities-turned-authors are kind of hit-and-miss, but Osman’s work stands out. Charm! Humor! Wit! I loved it!

The story Is set in an upscale country retirement village, where a group of clever and quirky septuagenarians exercise their decades of experience and considerable brainpower to solve cold case murders from old police files. The heart of this Thursday Murder Club is the formidable Elizabeth, whose mysterious background and extensive network make her the group’s natural leader. The Club also includes Joyce, an ex-nurse whose journal moves the plot along, Ibrahim, a retired psychiatrist who keeps the friends organized, and Ron, a former rough and tough union man who provides the spark.

It’s all fun and games over wine and baked goods for the friends—right up until an ACTUAL murder occurs in their community. Well, no. When the actual murder happens, it’s still fun and games over wine and baked goods, much to the chagrin of the local police. The Thursday Murder Club takes it upon themselves to solve the case—pushing boundaries, calling in favors, and role playing their old-person status with wonderful effectiveness to venture where the police cannot. The interactions between these grandma and grandpa sleuths and the police deliver some of my favorite scenes!

This might be a murder mystery with a twist, but the strength of this story isn’t in the mystery—although it’s a lot of fun. This story’s strength lies in its well-developed characters. So much so that the actual murder becomes sort of a character itself, more a vehicle the author uses to help us get to know these wonderful players. Their wit and charm kept me smiling, the humor kept me laughing, and the revelations kept me turning pages.

Some who try this story on discover too many characters to keep track of, and too much unrealistic reach for these geriatric PIs. I will admit, this one was a bit tough to follow via audio book as the perspective hops from character to character. But I enjoyed them all and found the variety of personalities part of the magic. Fans of murder mysteries and police procedurals might check their expectations at the door: this book is about the people, not the mystery.

As we get to know this cast of colorful seniors, the narrative becomes more poignant. They’re suffering from all the physical and emotional challenges you’d expect: declining mental and physical health, decreased mobility, memory loss, loneliness, saying goodbye to friends and loved ones. It adds a beautiful shade of tenderness to this otherwise fun and upbeat story. If a smart, fun, engaging, unique, and unexpectedly touching twist on your typical murder mystery is something you think you’d enjoy (which—should be everyone, shouldn’t it?), give The Thursday Murder Club a try.

No language concerns. No graphic violence, although there is murder. No sex. Depression, suicide, and assisted suicide are topics that you’ll find. It’s all treated with love and care, but mostly this story is just a whole lot of fun.

Best for 16 and up.

Happy Reading!