We Solve Murders
By: Richard Osman
My Rating: FIVE OUT OF FIVE STARS
Best for: 16 and up

Richard Osman wins again!

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 was his debut in the realm of British character-driven crime fiction, and it was such a pleasant surprise! I was excited to try We Solve Murders as soon as it was published, and guess what! His second series is as charming as his first! Celebrities-turned-authors are kind of hit-and-miss, but Richard Osman is the real deal. Humor! Wit! Murder! Mystery! I loved it!

Exactly like The Thursday Murder Club, We Solve Murders works because of its characters. Don’t get me wrong–the plot is engaging and moves the story alone wonderfully. But the characters! They’re so easy to love!

Someone is murdering easy-to-manipulate, no-one’s-going-to-miss, wannabe influencers! Why?! Who?! How?!

Amy is a kick butt (or shoot someone in the leg) and ask questions later body guard for hire. She finds herself in the crosshairs of both the police and the bad guys when it’s discovered she’s been in the right place at the wrong time. She’s a professional good guy who’s got to unmask the killers before the professional bad guys mask her! If only she had some clever and connected friends to help…

Steve is Amy’s father-in-law, an ex-cop who’s retired to smalltownville where he can relax with Trouble (his cat), solve the small town’s smaller crimes, mourn the death of his wife, and spend his golden years wondering why he’s so lonely. He refuses to wear flip flops, refuses to travel, and refuses to miss the weekly quiz night down at the local pub. At least, until Amy tells him she needs help solving a murder…

Rosie is the person who’s hired Amy to protect her. She’s the glammed up, private island living, private jet flying, man eating, 2nd most popular author in the world who can’t stop chasing thrills. Naturally, when Amy runs, she runs along with her. I mean, who’s going to protect her from the angry Russian mob boss who wants her dead? And how’s she going to meet husband number 6 stuck on a boring private island? Doesn’t matter that she’s in her 50s. Or is it 60s? 70s? Doesn’t matter, clearly…

That’s the trio of spunky, mismatched sleuths thrown together who must get the bottom of this extra clever and loads of fun murder mystery! There are plenty of other outstanding characters too, along with all the twists, turns, red herrings, jet setting, and character building you’d expect from an outstanding whodunit!

I also loved that there were zero content concerns. No language concerns, no violence (well, I mean a little bit of violence–it is a murder mystery), and no other flags to throw. This dad says We Solve Murders is best for 16 and up.

I can’t wait for the next one!

Happy reading!