The Bullet that Missed centers on a group of retirees residing in Kent who take on the challenge of solving murders: Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce. Osman drew inspiration for this ensemble from the classic television series The A-Team, which he fondly remembered from his youth. Elizabeth Best, the group’s leader, boasts a past in MI5; Ron Ritchie brings his experience as a former trade union leader; Ibrahim Arif contributes his insights as a retired Egyptian psychiatrist, while Joyce Meadowcroft rounds out the team with her background as a retired nurse.
The tale unfolds as Elizabeth’s ex-husband, Douglas Middlemiss, a former secret service agent, breaks into the residence of a criminal banker named Martin Lomax. Subsequently, £20 million worth of diamonds vanish from Lomax’s abode, leading to suspicion falling on Middlemiss. In response, Lomax threatens to expose Middlemiss to the diamonds’ owners—mobsters from New York and members of a Colombian cartel—unless the diamonds are promptly returned. Meanwhile, Ibrahim becomes the victim of a violent street robbery, which leaves him grappling with depression and withdrawal from society. With law enforcement unable to act due to insufficient evidence, the trio of Elizabeth, Ron, and Joyce are left with no choice but to pursue justice on their own terms.
The Review
The Bullet That Missed has something to offer every reader. Elizabeth reconnects with a former KGB contact, Joyce indulges in a flirtation with a charming television personality, Ron unwittingly ventures into new territory, and Ibrahim engages in fruitful brainstorming sessions with his most reliable confidant. The story brims with humor as we delve into the inner workings of each character’s mind, eliciting laughter with their candid thoughts. From the inaugural book, I’ve developed a fondness for the supporting cast of Donna, Chris, and Bogdan, who return with their own existential musings. A dedicated spin-off featuring these three would undoubtedly be a riot, given their endearing quirks and yearning for authentic connection.
I did find the plot to be a bit overstuffed; it’s about finding out what happened to Bethany Waites, who disappeared ten years ago, and tracking down an old flame of Elizabeth’s, who may or may not have stolen some diamonds. It’s also about a ruthless assassin named the “The Viking.” A hate crime against Ibrahim and Bogdan’s romance, and oh yeah, Stephen’s dementia is getting so severe that he can’t function. About fourteen other subplots I don’t have time to mention. Nothing really breathes or settles in before we’re off again on a grand adventure, which does a disservice to some of the heavy thematic elements.
Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen’s dementia is becoming too difficult for her to hide or take care of alone. Witnessing her deep sadness and desperation to hold on to their last moments together is heartbreaking and beautiful. I think this book contemplates aging, death and what makes a well- lived life more deeply than the previous books.
Everyone is trying hard to live a good, happy life with an entire purpose. In The Bullet that Missed, Bethany Waites attempts to investigate a deadly story and gets killed, and her friend tries to be a reporter who helps the world in her wake.
Despite their very different backgrounds and personalities, Bogdan and Donna desperately try to make their relationship work. Both are settling into their careers and trying to stabilize their lives after several years of heartache and turmoil.
Ibrahim is trying to reconceptualize how his life can move forward without crippling anxiety after he is attacked on the street. Ron, Ibrahim’s protector, makes it his personal mission to avenge and punish Ibrahim’s attackers. It seems like everyone is trying to make sense of the world and live a good life.
…and Joyce is making a killing at cryptocurrency and dealing with crushes so….
The Bullet That Missed has romance, espionage, friendship, healing from past traumas, and cryptocurrency. It’s a heady book with lots to unpack beyond a rather complicated mystery, which definitely makes it a book you can read again and again and find something meaningful to ponder. A good mystery, a great read, and I can’t wait to join the gang on their next adventure.
The Bullet that Missed Reviews
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