We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

Review Of We Solve Murders

“We Solve Murders” is the first book in The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman, and it’s a delightfully clever and witty take on the classic whodunnit. The novel follows four retirees living in a peaceful retirement village in England. Despite their advanced years, the group is far from ready to spend their days knitting or playing bingo. Instead, they meet every week to discuss unsolved murders, piecing together the mysteries from the past with remarkable intelligence and charm.

When a real murder occurs in their neighborhood, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly finds itself solving a case that’s far more dangerous—and personal—than anything they’ve faced before. With sharp dialogue, quirky characters, and plenty of twists, Osman weaves a story that is as heartwarming as it is thrilling. The mix of humor, suspense, and heartfelt moments makes this a standout novel in the cozy mystery genre.

“We Solve Murders” is more than just a murder mystery; it’s an exploration of aging, friendship, and the power of community. The unique premise of a group of seniors solving crimes against the backdrop of a retirement village creates a refreshing contrast to the typical detective archetypes.

Summary Of We Solve Murders

In a peaceful retirement village tucked away in the English countryside, four elderly friends—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim—form the Thursday Murder Club. Each week, they meet to investigate unsolved murder cases, piecing together clues and working from the comfort of their armchairs. But their tranquil routine is thrown into chaos when a local developer is found dead, and the four amateurs find themselves in the middle of a very real murder investigation.

As the bodies begin to pile up, Elizabeth’s brilliant mind and Joyce’s unsuspecting observations take center stage. Together, they begin to unravel a complex web of secrets, lies, and betrayals, all while contending with their own aging bodies and personal histories. What started as a hobby has quickly turned into a race to solve a case that could change their lives forever.

Filled with dark humor, surprising twists, and an unexpected emotional depth, We Solve Murders is more than just a traditional mystery novel. It’s a heartwarming tribute to the power of friendship, the wit of older generations, and the idea that it’s never too late to solve a mystery—or have an adventure.

Book Details

• Title: We Solve Murders
• Author: Richard Osman
• Genre: Cozy Mystery, Thriller, Crime Fiction
• Publisher: Viking (UK) / Pamela Dorman Books (US)
• Publication Date: September 3, 2020
• Page Count: 368 pages
• ISBN-13: 978-0593458340
• Language: English
• Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Audiobook, eBook

Rating

Goodreads: 4.13/5 (91,666 ratings) |
Amazon: 4.5/5 (mixed reviews)

About the Author

Richard Osman is a bestselling author and television presenter, best known for his work on the UK’s Pointless quiz show. With a unique blend of wit and insight, Osman’s foray into writing has been met with critical acclaim. His debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, became an instant bestseller, and he has since written additional books in the series. Osman’s love for puzzles, mysteries, and human connections shines through in his writing, making his novels both entertaining and deeply reflective.

Why You’ll Love It

• Clever Plot: The twists and turns in the mystery will keep you guessing.
• Quirky Characters: The elderly sleuths are not just solving crimes, they’re redefining what it means to age with vigor.
• Heartfelt Moments: It’s a perfect balance of humor and genuine emotion.
• Easy to Read, Hard to Forget: Richard Osman’s writing is smooth, engaging, and hard to put down.
• A Perfect Blend of Mystery & Humor: Osman’s sharp wit ensures that you’re entertained, even during the darkest moments.

Who is Recommended to Read This Book

• Mystery Lovers: If you love a good puzzle, this book is perfect.
• Fans of Cozy Mysteries: People who enjoy mysteries with a bit of humor and light suspense will find this a great fit.
• Readers Who Enjoy Character-Driven Stories: This book is about more than just the murder—it’s about aging, relationships, and friendship.
• Fans of British Fiction: If you’re a fan of British wit and charm, this will resonate.

Author Interviews and Spotlights

In several interviews, Richard Osman has revealed that he was inspired by his own experiences with aging and his love for classic murder mysteries. He’s said that writing about older characters gave him the opportunity to explore what it means to be overlooked and underestimated by society.

Feedbacks

• Reader A: “A perfect blend of mystery, humor, and heart. Richard Osman has created characters I’ll think about for a long time.”
• Reader B: “It’s funny, it’s clever, and it’s full of heart. I couldn’t put it down.”
• Reader C: “I loved the mystery, but what I loved even more was the way Osman wrote about the friendships between the characters. So touching.”

Book vs. Adaptation Comparisons

The Book:We Solve Murders is filled with rich details and subtle character development. The humor is often dry and delivered with perfect timing.

The TV Series (Adaptation): The adaptation, produced by Netflix, is a faithful yet slightly more dramatic retelling of the novel. The character of Elizabeth is given a bit more intrigue, and the murder investigation feels even more urgent in the visual format.

Similar Books & Movies

Books:

• The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
• The Lying Game by Ruth Ware
• Big Little Lies by Liane Moriarty

Movies/TV:

• Murder on the Orient Express (2017)
• The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel (2011) – similar vibe with a focus on older characters
• Only Murders in the Building (Hulu series) – another mystery with quirky older characters