Name: The Thursday Murder Club
Rating: 3.891596958174905 (789 reviews)
ISBN: 9780593410257

Richard Osman

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.

Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it's too late?

Thursday Murder Club #1

The Thursday Murder Club

A New York Times bestseller! "Witty, endearing and greatly entertaining." --Wall Street Journal "Don't trust anyone, including the four septuagenarian sleuths in Osman's own laugh-out-loud whodunit." --Parade Four septuagenarians with a few tricks up their sleeves A female cop with her first big case A brutal murder Welcome to... THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case. As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?

ikkychan

In a society that often equates youth with vitality and aging with decline, the elderly are frequently subjected to pervasive stigmas that label them as incompetent, weak, and irrelevant. These stereotypes not only marginalize older adults but also foster a culture of ageism, where the younger generation views aging with fear and apprehension, dreading the loss of autonomy, relevance, and respect. Such societal attitudes overlook the wealth of experience, wisdom, and resilience that the elderly possess, reducing them to caricatures of frailty and dependence. Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club boldly challenges these stigmas, presenting a group of septuagenarian protagonists who defy stereotypes and reclaim their agency through wit, intelligence, and resourcefulness. Through the characters of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, Osman dismantles the myth of elderly incompetence, offering a refreshing and humorous counter-narrative that celebrates the enduring capabilities of older adults. The tranquility of Coopers Chase is shattered when Tony Curran is found bludgeoned to death, an event that sends shockwaves through the predominantly elderly community. With little confidence in the local police force, a group of retirement home residents calling themselves the Thursday Murder Club takes matters into their own hands, investigating the murder with methods that are as unconventional as they are effective. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron prove themselves to be far more adept than the official investigators, frequently outmaneuvering the younger officers, PC Donna De Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson. The dynamic between the elderly detectives and the younger police officers highlights generational assumptions and the undervaluing of the elderly's insights. Donna, for example, initially underestimates her audience during a talk on home security, assuming they are passive and in need of basic advice. Her detached attitude is evident as her mind drifts to tattoos and pub lunches, failing to take the engagement seriously. However, Elizabeth and the others quickly dismantle her assumptions, demonstrating sharp wit and an eagerness for more substantive discussions, challenging Donna’s perception of them as frail or out of touch. Similarly, Chris dismisses the Thursday Murder Club as irrelevant, claiming he won’t be “pushed around by four pensioners.” This patronizing attitude is soon subverted as he finds himself repeatedly bested by their intelligence and persistence, proving the folly of underestimating them based on age alone. Elizabeth, in particular, emerges as a compelling figure, consistently testing Donna and Chris’s assumptions. Her strategic thinking, ability to manipulate situations, and use of humor demonstrate that the elderly are far from passive. Even her use of modern slang, such as “LOL,” defies expectations, gradually earning Donna’s respect. Over time, Donna shifts from condescension to admiration, recognizing the value of Elizabeth’s insight and experience. Despite her initial disrespect, Donna finds herself drawn to Elizabeth’s intelligence and charm, even enjoying their exchanges. This shift suggests a recognition of the value the elderly bring to the table. Elizabeth’s direct questioning, her ability to extract information and her persistence and resourcefulness contrast with Chris’s dismissiveness, highlighting how the elderly’s life experience and insight can be invaluable in solving complex problems. One of the most fascinating aspects of the novel is how the elderly protagonists leverage societal perceptions of aging to their advantage. They manipulate situations with charm, wit, and strategic thinking, often leaving the younger characters flustered. A prime example occurs when Chris finds himself uncomfortably wedged between Ibrahim and Joyce on a small sofa. The seating arrangement is no accident; the elderly characters use physical proximity and social expectations to entrap Chris, making it difficult for him to leave without appearing rude. The offering of tea and cake further reinforces their dominance. Chris is unable to refuse Joyce’s lemon drizzle cake, even though he doesn’t want it, because her pride in baking it makes refusal socially unacceptable. Chris, despite being a seasoned police officer, is rendered powerless by their kindness and attentiveness. He recognizes the psychology behind the seating arrangement and the offer of the cake but is unable to extricate himself with ease. This psychological maneuvering underscores how they exploit societal norms—such as respect for elders and politeness—to control situations. This trait is also seen when Ian Ventham attempts to begin construction at the Garden of Eternal Rest, the elderly residents band together to block his diggers. Ron Ritchie takes center stage, using his age and the collective experience of the crowd to rally support. His speech emphasizes the residents’ shared history and accomplishments, framing them as a formidable force despite their age. Ron’s rhetorical question, “Am I right?” elicits cheers from the crowd, reinforcing the idea that the elderly are not to be underestimated. His mention of soldiers, teachers, doctors, and others who have “seen off better men” than Ventham underscores the depth of their collective experience and resilience. The elderly residents’ decision to set up chairs and tables in front of the gate, turning the confrontation into a social event, is a brilliant tactical move. It transforms a potentially tense situation into a communal gathering, making it difficult for Ventham to take aggressive action without appearing heartless. Their age and the perception of frailty become a shield, protecting them from immediate repercussions. When Chris and Donna confront the Thursday Murder Club about digging up a body, the elderly characters use their age and the stereotypes associated with it to deflect blame and avoid consequences. Elizabeth, in particular, is adept at turning the tables on Chris and Donna, framing their concerns as melodramatic and unnecessary. Elizabeth’s calm demeanor and logical arguments—coupled with her assertion that they were trying to help—make it difficult for Chris and Donna to maintain their anger. The elderly characters’ willingness to go to court and play the role of confused, harmless pensioners (“pretend to mistake the judge for their granddaughter”) highlights their understanding of how society views the elderly and their willingness to exploit those perceptions. The threat of a lengthy, costly legal process, combined with the likelihood that the elderly characters would be treated leniently due to their age, forces Chris and Donna to reconsider their approach. Elizabeth’s suggestion that they “forgive and move on” is both pragmatic and manipulative, ensuring that the Thursday Murder Club retains control of the situation. The elderly characters also master social manipulation in subtler ways. In one scene, they offer sherry to Chris and Donna while proposing an information exchange. Elizabeth’s assertion that “choice is overrated” and her insistence on moving forward without dwelling on past mistakes effectively silences Chris and Donna’s objections. The offer of sherry, coupled with Joyce’s cheerful demeanor, creates an atmosphere of camaraderie that makes it difficult for Chris and Donna to remain angry. The elderly characters’ ability to shift the tone of the conversation from confrontation to collaboration demonstrates their skill at navigating social dynamics. Elizabeth’s final remark—“You know how I used to make my living?”—hints at her mysterious past and reinforces her authority. It serves as a reminder that the elderly characters are not to be underestimated, and that their age and experience give them a unique advantage in manipulating situations to their benefit. Throughout The Thursday Murder Club, Osman subverts ageist stereotypes, portraying the elderly as savvy and capable individuals who use societal expectations to their advantage. They exploit politeness, respect for elders, and the perception of frailty to control situations and achieve their goals. This theme challenges the notion that aging diminishes one’s power or relevance, instead portraying the elderly as savvy, resourceful, and capable of outmaneuvering their younger counterparts. Osman’s portrayal of the elderly as strategic and empowered individuals subverts traditional narratives about aging, offering a refreshing and humorous perspective on the capabilities of older adults. The Thursday Murder Club’s ability to weaponize their age and seniority is not only a source of comedy but also a commentary on the value of experience and the importance of not underestimating others based on age. Ultimately, Osman’s novel is more than a murder mystery; it is a sharp commentary on the folly of underestimating older adults. By blending humor, mystery, and social critique, The Thursday Murder Club not only entertains but also prompts readers to reconsider their perceptions of aging. In doing so, it affirms the enduring relevance and strength of the elderly in a world that too often overlooks them. P.S. While enjoyable, this book is not my cup of tea as a murder mystery. I like Agatha Christie-type books more.

Good murder mystery, great characters, whitty writing. Enjoyed it!

Mate Fitus

Tim Pendry

It is not often that I read and so review that type of 'record-breaking million copy bestseller' which large retail outlets will offer to their customers. I will admit to a touch of literary snobbery and a low boredom threshold when faced by the merely 'entertaining'. In this case, however, I was more than surprised. I was, in fact, quite impressed, especially as I had decided to read the book following a watch of the so-so film on Netflix. It is often the case that films of books are less than their origins. This was no exception. Although national treasures Celia Imrie and Helen Mirren give great performances (and Pierce Brosnan was enjoyably miscast) and the film was entertaining enough, it simplified the book to the point where its darkness disappeared into the conventional 'feminism' of its target audience. Richard Osman gives us one thing - a 'cosy crime' drama set in 'familiar surroundings' with complex plotting and strong if stereotypical characters - only to underlay it with something else - not so much the darkness of crime but the imminence of natural death from the aging process. The story is set in a modern and clearly expensive retirement village that is situated in a very recognisable and non-fantastic milieu (which I know well) - the Susssex-Kent Weald where Tunbridge Wells and Robertsbridge get name-checked and Hastings becomes Newhaven. Throughout witty and maintaining the rules of 'cosy crime' fiction, what is new is that Osman has created an elder version of the child or adolescent gang that in earlier fiction would solve crimes and capture spies. It would (just) have been part of the culture of this generation moving into its sunset. An 'ex-spook', an ex-nurse with a hedge fund daughter (who is much nicer here than in the film), an ex-radical (with a wide boy son) and a quasi-autistic ex-psychiatrist link up with a couple of coppers to create the gang that investigates a network of events involving murder and gangster mayhem. But underlying the story is the recognition that their adventures are a last burst of energy before a natural death or the tragic onset of dementia. Dementia overhangs the story as an ever-present risk, wiping out identity. Their will to act in the world and solve problems is a form of defiance. Osman knows his territory - the portrayal of seaside low life is spot on (as someone born in one of those decaying towns that mix decay and gentrification in alternate decades) as is that of the English middle classes living off years of pensionable rights and savings. Osman (who was 50 when the book was published) may be channeling a common mid-life male fear of being past a prime but he has brilliantly and compassionately written a story that anyone much older can appreciate as a call to 'not go gentle into that good night'. Incidentally, although Daniel Mays does a superb job in the film as DCI Hudson, the character is far more interesting (and more representative of mid-life male anxiety) in the book. The black female sidekick is bigged up somewhat in the film for the liberal demographic.

JC M

It was a cute cozy Saturday afternoon read. Took a little bit to get into it but once it started coming together, it was worth it.

I was very surprised by how touched I was by this book. Yes it’s a murder mystery but it is also so heartfelt and emotional all at once 

Abbi Brown 

An easy read with short chapters and some humour - which was exactly what I needed. Disappointing, rushed ending, but I'll try another in the series.

Doug Belshaw

Rob Deakin

Was going to set this aside as a DNF after the first 100 or so pages but it picks up and turns into what happened to be a really good book, that in the end I thoroughly enjoyed.

I enjoyed reading this. Some mysteries tend to draw out the drama for so long that the reader gets lost in figuring out who dunnit. This book had the right pace -- fast-paced but done in a way that felt like a camera panning from one character's pov to another. I like that it didn't focus on one mystery. The more that the murder club got involved with the murder mystery, the more secrets they uncovered, and the more that they realized how connected they all were. How the events connected didn't feel forced. Am excited to read the second book!

Naomi P

Patrick Book

A solid 3.75, charming and lightly humorous old people solving mysteries will never go out of style.

Absolutely loved it. So well written, had me laughing and sobbing and then laughing again all within a few pages. A heartbreaking story of loneliness but also a heartwarming story on friendship and humanity. 

Alyssa deRaad

This was delightful. Basically a murder mystery being investigated by a bunch of oldies in a retirement home. They were witty, stubborn, funny, resourceful, charming and extremely lovable. It's the perfect book if you're looking for an escape. 

Saffia

loveable characters in a really vibrant setting. actually kept me guessing until the end. BUT could’ve done with way less fat jokes.

this felt like a “book” .. all loose ends wrapped up and cute but, kinda dragged a bit and took too many liberties and exactly what you expect to happen

Chit

Luke Harkness

What a fun and unique mystery book

Richard Osman's personality is oozing out of this book and you can sense his wit, intelligence and personality in all of the characters and the well-crafted plot.

This was incredibly enjoyable to read and I'd recommend to almost anyone.

The Thursday Murder Club Thursday Murder Club #1

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