By Book Club Team 
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is a witty and heartwarming mystery set in a quiet retirement village where four elderly friends—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—meet weekly to solve cold cases. Their sleuthing takes a thrilling turn when a murder happens right on their doorstep, pulling them into a real investigation. Full of clever twists, sharp humor, and endearing characters, this cozy whodunit is a delightful mix of intrigue and charm.
| Author | Richard Osman |
| Publication date | September 3, 2020 |
| Goodreads Rating | 3,88 |
| Page count | 382 pages |
| Genres | Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Contemporary, Murder Mystery, Humor, Cozy Mystery |
The Thursday Murder Club Summary
The Thursday Murder Club is a charming, ingeniously plotted mystery set in the Coopers Chase retirement village. The story revolves around four spirited retirees named Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron who have formed a club to investigate cold cases. What started off as a quirky hobby takes a serious turn when two murders occur in their community.
The first victim is a shady builder and one-time drug dealer named Tony Curran. Later, the unscrupulous owner of Coopers Chase, Ian Ventham, is killed. Ian had been planning a new development, “The Woodlands,” which would disrupt the village’s cemetery, much to the dismay of residents and Father Mackie, a man claiming to be a priest. As the Thursday Murder Club investigates, they uncover a web of secrets stretching back decades.
Their sleuthing leads them to realize that Tony’s murder was linked to his history as a drug dealer. The killing is thus claimed by Bogdan, a local handyman and secretive vigilante, in revenge against Tony for a murder he had arranged some years ago. Meanwhile, Ian’s death is related to a decades-old skeleton found in the cemetery: the remains of Peter Mercer, a man who got away with murdering his girlfriend. One member of the group, Penny was there, founding member of Thursday Murder Club; former police offer and suffering dementia got in some vigilante justice and tucked his body into the graveyard.
Smaller mysteries unravel: the identity of Father Mackie, who long ago had an affair with a nun buried in the cemetery; the role of Gianni, a missing gang member. The police are often one step behind the retirees, who devise ingenious schemes and make use of insider knowledge to stay ahead of official investigations led by Chris Hudson and Donna De Freitas.
At the end of the story, Penny’s husband, John, confesses to Ian’s murder to save Penny’s secret. He then kills himself and Penny, giving her an easy death before he is arrested. The remaining members of the Thursday Murder Club ruminate on their friendships and the trials they have been through. Though these crimes have been solved, Elizabeth hints that their adventures are far from over.
With its cast of engaging characters, cutting wit, and unforeseen twists, The Thursday Murder Club is both a heartwarming and suspenseful tale celebrating the ingenuity and resilience of its senior sleuths.
The Thursday Murder Club Characters
Here’s a breakdown of the main characters in The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman:
The Thursday Murder Club Members
- Elizabeth Best: A sharp and enigmatic former intelligence operative with a knack for uncovering secrets and manipulating situations. Elizabeth is the unofficial leader of the club, resourceful and always a few steps ahead of everyone else.
- Joyce Meadowcroft: A retired nurse and the newest member of the club. Joyce narrates parts of the story through her diary entries, offering warmth, humor, and unique insights. She’s sweet but often underestimated.
- Ibrahim Arif: A retired psychiatrist with a meticulous mind and an analytical approach to solving mysteries. Ibrahim is calm, logical, and provides a grounding presence for the group.
- Ron Ritchie: A former trade union leader with a bold and brash personality. Known for his fiery speeches and larger-than-life attitude, Ron adds a dose of passion and stubbornness to the club.
Coopers Chase Residents
- Penny Gray: A former police detective and one of the club’s founders. Penny’s declining health due to dementia has sidelined her from active participation, but her past work and connections are integral to the story.
- John Gray: Penny’s devoted husband, who holds his own secrets. His actions play a crucial role in the resolution of the mystery.
- Bernard Cottle: A quiet and melancholic resident who frequents the cemetery. Bernard’s subplot is a poignant exploration of grief and love.
The Police
- PC Donna De Freitas: A young and ambitious police officer eager to prove herself. Donna becomes an ally of the Thursday Murder Club and is often roped into their schemes.
- DCI Chris Hudson: Donna’s boss, a middle-aged detective with a dry sense of humor. Chris forms an unlikely friendship with the club members and is surprisingly open to their unconventional methods.
Other Key Characters
- Tony Curran: A former builder and ex-drug dealer who is murdered early in the story. Tony’s past and connections are central to the mystery.
- Ian Ventham: The owner of Coopers Chase and a greedy, manipulative businessman. Ian’s murder is another major puzzle for the club to solve.
- Bogdan Jankowski: A handyman at Coopers Chase with a mysterious past and surprising skills. Bogdan plays a significant role in both the murders and their resolution.
- Father Matthew Mackie: A man posing as a priest, with a tragic backstory tied to the convent that once stood on the Coopers Chase grounds.
- Jason Ritchie: Ron’s son and a famous ex-boxer. Jason has ties to Tony’s criminal past and becomes a person of interest in the investigation.
- Karen Playfair: The daughter of Gordon Playfair, the previous owner of the land. Karen’s motivations and actions come under scrutiny as the mystery unfolds.
Each character brings a unique perspective, personality, or skill to the story, making The Thursday Murder Club a richly woven tapestry of humor, intrigue, and humanity.
The Thursday Murder Club Review
Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club is a clever, cozy mystery that offers a refreshing twist on the whodunit genre. Set in a charming English retirement village, the book’s heart lies in its quirky cast of characters and the surprising depth it brings to themes of aging, friendship, and justice. Here’s a breakdown of the pros and cons based on the reading experience:
Pros
- Unique Premise: The idea of retirees solving crimes is both original and engaging. It’s delightful to see older characters in the spotlight, showcasing wit, intelligence, and resourcefulness.
- Quirky Characters: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron are wonderfully distinct, and their dynamics make the story shine. Joyce’s diary entries add a charming layer of humor and intimacy.
- Humor and Warmth: Osman’s sharp wit and lighthearted tone keep the story entertaining, balancing the darker elements of murder with humor and heart.
- Intriguing Mystery: The dual murders and the discovery of long-buried bones create a layered plot filled with twists, red herrings, and satisfying reveals. The mix of present-day crimes and past secrets adds depth.
- Realistic Themes: The book touches on poignant issues like aging, loss, and the value of community, giving the story emotional weight without detracting from its fun.
- Engaging Writing Style: Osman’s conversational prose is easy to read and feels like a chat with a clever friend. The pacing keeps readers hooked without rushing through the details.
Cons
- Overstuffed Plot: With multiple murders, subplots, and character backstories, the story can feel a bit crowded. Some threads might leave readers wishing for more resolution or clarity.
- Convenient Resolutions: While entertaining, some plot points rely heavily on coincidences or Elizabeth’s near-omniscient abilities, which might strain believability for some readers.
- Slow Start: The first few chapters are more focused on character introductions and setting the scene, which may feel slow to readers expecting immediate action.
- Side Characters Lacking Depth: While the main characters are well-developed, some supporting roles, like Karen or Jason, feel underexplored given their importance to the plot.
- Predictability in Parts: Although the twists are enjoyable, seasoned mystery readers might anticipate some of the reveals before they happen.
Overall Impression
The Thursday Murder Club is a delightful and heartwarming read, blending humor, intrigue, and human connection. While the plot occasionally feels overpacked, the charming characters and clever writing more than make up for it. It’s perfect for fans of cozy mysteries or those looking for a lighthearted but thoughtful book.
Who It’s For: Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, ensemble casts, and stories with a mix of humor and heart. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie with a modern twist!