Described as being Richard Osman’s first, and best novel, The Thursday Murder Club (2020) is a tale of unlikely acquaintances. The story teaches us that getting older is not necessarily a bad thing, and life begins at retirement.
Set in the village of Coopers Chase, we are introduced to Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce. Once a week, the four retirees meet in the Jigsaw Room to host The Thursday Murder Club. Rather than take up a hobby like birdwatching or watercolours, the pensioners have crime on their minds, discussing unsolved murders. Following a brutal killing on their own doorstep, their hobby becomes more prominent, and they take it upon themselves to assist in the investigation.
Osman’s eloquence keeps you reading throughout the chapters, with the story shared between a first-person perspective, Joyce’s diary, and third-person account. Her diary is an expression of her intricate and inquisitive thoughts, deeming questions about recycling as important as their murder suspects. In an almost nonchalant way, her insider perspective provides a comedic and interesting dynamic to the story, allowing the reader to truly empathise with each character.
“If today was anything to go by, this whole murder investigation is going to be the most enormous fun.”
Despite some believing that the book’s high sales rate was due to the author being ‘that tall bloke from Pointless,’ Osman has illustrated that his quick-witted sense of humour is perfect for writing fiction. An in-depth read discovers a story of twists and turns, making The Thursday Murder Club a classic whodunit novel. Do not be fooled by the idea that so-called ‘celebrity authors’ are poor writers, as Osman is a perfect example of a man who just happens to wear many hats.
“We all have a sob story, but we don’t all go around killing people.”
Upon delving in, every reader will relate deeply to one of the characters. Are you quiet and content like Joyce, secretive and bold like Elizabeth? Are you wild like Ron, or wise like Ibrahim?
On the surface, The Thursday Murder Club is a novel about pensioners in a retirement village, dreaming of their past, desperate to hold onto their youth. The soul of the book reflects the concepts of isolation, camaraderie, and most importantly, that you’re only as old as you feel.
The Thursday Murder Club is published by Penguin.
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