The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a charming and witty debut novel that follows a group of retirees who solve cold cases for fun, until they become entangled in a real-life murder investigation.

The story is set in a retirement village called Coopers Chase, where four residents – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron – meet every Thursday to discuss unsolved murder cases. They are all retired professionals who bring their unique skills to the group, from a former spy to a retired nurse.

When a developer is found dead in his luxury apartment in the village, the Thursday Murder Club finds themselves in the middle of a real-life investigation. As they work to uncover the killer’s identity, they must navigate corrupt police officers, greedy developers, and long-held secrets.

One of the book’s strengths is its characters. Each member of the Thursday Murder Club is well-developed, with their own quirks and strengths. Elizabeth, the group’s leader, is a former intelligence agent with a sharp mind and quick wit. Joyce, a former nurse, has a keen eye for detail and is always ready with a cup of tea. Ibrahim, a former psychiatrist, brings a level of insight and empathy to the group, while Ron, a former union boss, is the group’s muscle.

The secondary characters are also well-drawn, from the police officers investigating the case to the residents of Coopers Chase. The book explores the relationships between these characters, adding depth and complexity to the story.

The book’s humor is another strength. Richard Osman has a sharp wit and a talent for wordplay, and the book is full of clever one-liners and puns. However, the humor never feels forced or over-the-top, and it adds a lightheartedness to the story that is refreshing.

The mystery itself is also well-plotted. Osman keeps the reader guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists and turns along the way. The book is fast-paced, with plenty of action and suspense to keep the reader engaged.

One of the book’s few weaknesses is its pacing. At times, the story can feel a bit rushed, especially in the later chapters when the action picks up. Some of the plot points could have been explored in more depth, but overall, this is a minor flaw.

The Thursday Murder Club is an enjoyable and engaging debut novel. It is a great choice for fans of cozy mysteries or anyone looking for a lighthearted read with plenty of humor and heart. The characters are memorable, the mystery is well-plotted, and the humor is delightful. I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun and engaging read. You can get your copy of The Thursday Murder Club from Amazon here.