Why The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman Stole My (Bookish) Heart
A Cozy Murder Mystery That’s Anything But Boring
As someone who has always gravitated towards crime thrillers with grim detectives and fast-paced plots, I didn’t expect to fall so deeply in love with a book featuring four pensioners solving cold cases in a quiet retirement village. But that’s exactly what happened when I picked up “The Thursday Murder Club” by Richard Osman.
This isn’t just a murder mystery. It’s a clever, warm, and surprisingly touching story that had me both laughing and tearing up — sometimes on the same page. So let me take you on a little journey into why this book made such a big impact on me — and why it might just become your next favorite read.
📖 What Is The Thursday Murder Club About?
Set in the fictional Coopers Chase Retirement Village in Kent, The Thursday Murder Club follows four unlikely friends — Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron — who meet weekly to investigate old, unsolved crimes. When a real murder occurs close to home, they suddenly find themselves in the middle of a live case — and prove to be surprisingly good at solving it.
This unique blend of cozy crime, humor, and heartfelt storytelling is a welcome change from the usual dark, gritty whodunits I usually read. It reminded me that a book can be fun and profound at the same time.
🔍 Why This Book Resonated With Me
1. Unexpected Depth
I started reading it expecting a quirky, lighthearted mystery — and while it is that, it’s also so much more. There’s an undercurrent of aging, grief, friendship, and purpose that adds genuine emotional depth. As someone with aging parents and grandparents, the themes hit close to home. It made me think about the wisdom, stories, and quiet strength that older generations hold — something we often overlook.
2. Incredible Characters
Each character feels fully fleshed out, but Joyce stole the show for me. Her diary entries are hilarious and relatable in a way I didn’t anticipate. I found myself highlighting her lines just for how effortlessly funny and insightful they were.
3. British Charm + Clever Plot
The setting is quintessentially British — and I loved that. From the village gossip to the garden parties to the sly jokes about Waitrose, it had the perfect amount of charm. But don’t let the cozy setting fool you — the plot twists kept me guessing till the end.
✍️ Writing Style That Hooks You
Richard Osman’s writing style is conversational and witty, almost like you’re having a cup of tea with him. He balances humor and emotion in a way that few debut novelists manage. If you’re a fan of authors like Agatha Christie or Alexander McCall Smith, you’ll feel right at home — but Osman brings a modern flair that feels fresh and original.
🕵️♀️ Best Part? It’s a Series!
Here’s the best part: The Thursday Murder Club is just the beginning. There are more books in the Thursday Murder Club series, and if you’re anything like me, you’ll be diving into the next one as soon as you finish this.
📘 Reading order of the Thursday Murder Club series:
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The Thursday Murder Club (Book 1)
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The Man Who Died Twice (Book 2)
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The Bullet That Missed (Book 3)
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The Last Devil to Die (Book 4)
🎯 Final Thoughts: Is The Thursday Murder Club Worth Reading?
Absolutely. Whether you’re a seasoned crime reader or just dipping your toes into the genre, The Thursday Murder Club offers something truly unique. It’s a reminder that it’s never too late to find adventure, friendship — or even solve a murder.
And honestly? It left me with a full heart and a huge smile.
