The Impossible Fortune (The Thursday Murder Club, #5)
By: Richard Osman
My Rating: FIVE out of FIVE Stars
Best For: 14 and up

The Impossible Fortune: Retirement Fun, Murder, and the Playing the Old Person Card!

I wasn’t expecting another Thursday Murder Club Mystery, so I was absolutely thrilled when this one arrived on my Kindle! This book actually might have been my favorite in the series yet. I love these octogenarian detectives. I love their personalities, I love their friendships, and I love their perspectives on finding joy and purpose, even through their loneliness or feeling useless in old age. The mysteries are so fun, but it’s the characters and their stories that win me over every time. Who knew that stories about grandmas and grandpas solving mysteries and thumbing their noses at the police, tradition, and society just because they can play the old person card would be so much fun!

What’s it about?

It’s been a quiet year for the members of the Thursday Murder Club at Cooper’s Chase. Joyce is busy with plans for her daughter’s wedding. Elizabeth is navigating grief. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal. But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who is clearly in deep trouble, the lull is over. Kidnap, death, and an uncrackable code are hot on their heels once more. Someone murderous wants access to Bitcoin and the code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action, the resourceful retirees must race against time to solve the puzzle and a murder, all while managing family drama and finding time to bake brownies.

What did I think?

This was a complete and utter home run! It’s a clever and compelling mystery, a cozy-ish whodunnit that had me grinning the entire time. Richard Osman is a masterful writer who makes the complex puzzle easy to follow—and the ending has a brilliant twist. While I loved the mystery involving codes and Bitcoin, the heartwarming characters are what make this book sing. The found family feel is strong, and the sarcastic banter and dry British humor are a delight. I was thrilled to see familiar characters return, especially Ron’s neurodivergent grandson, Kendrick, who always steels the show. This whole series is a wonderful testament to the transformative power of friendship, especially in later life.

Sensitive Content:

Murder and discussions of murder.
Drugs, armed robbery, domestic abuse, guns.
Suicide.
Death of a loved one.
Note: There are no graphic details, sexual content, or strong language.

Should you read it?

If you are looking for a clever, wholesome, and incredibly fun mystery filled with charming octogenarian detectives and heartwarming friendships, then absolutely. Settle in for a wonderful ride with this brilliant cast. If you are new to the series, do yourself a favor and start with The Thursday Murder Club first! This dad says The Impossible Fortune is best for 14 and up.

Happy Reading!