by Richard Osman
Series: Thursday Murder Club #1
Narrator: Lesley Manville
Length: 12 hours and 24 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.4x
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved killings.
But when a local property developer shows up dead, 'The Thursday Murder Club' find themselves in the middle of their first live case.
The four friends, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron, might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer, before it's too late?
Come to Cooper Chase retirement village where every Thursday residences; Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron come together in the jigsaw room to solve cold cases that is until they find a fresh one.
British television presenter and producer Richard Osman wrote The Thursday Murder Club. He delivered a murder mystery that will delight cozy and crime readers alike.
Narrated by Lesley Manville, whose lyrical voice pulled me in from the opening scenes. The story begins when we meet newcomer and former nurse Joyce. She receives an invitation to join the Murder Club from retired DCI Elizabeth. Elizabeth provides the cold cases from her time in the field. It was fascinating seeing them go over files, hunt down leads, and call in favors.
From time to time, the group invite speakers to talk to the group from forensic scientist to the local police department. This is how they come to know PC Donna De Freitas, who is there to talk about scammers, locked windows and emails. She is taken by surprise when the group wants to talk about actual cases.
I loved the humor and diverse dynamics of the club. As we got to know them, the community and surrounds I began to feel like one of the group. Things heat up when the owner of their retirement development is found dead in his home with an old photo pinned to his chest.
This story was charming, and while it had a cozy vibe with its amateur sleuths and idyllic setting, things became more serious in tone when another murder occurs and they find human remains.
I must admit I became caught up in their lives and the investigation. PC Donna I think was taken aback by their investigative skills. Elizabeth was rather clever. The principal characters were quirky, unique and appealing.
Lesley Manville’s narration was delightful. I will continue this series on audio. Her voice and pacing enhanced an already charming tale, giving the characters’ voices that suited their personalities and amplifying the atmospheric and suspenseful undertones.
If you are looking for a murder-mystery with all the charm of a cozy and the bite of a crime thriller, grab The Thursday Murder Club.
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman, narrated by Lesley Manville, delivered a delightful amateur sleuth murder-mystery. #audiobook #cozy #mystery Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Carla
Fantastic review Kimberly. I really want to listen to this one, I have heard great things about the narration, including this review. This sounds like a lot of fun.
Anne - Books of My Heart
Yay! I knew you would love this as much as i did. It’s just fun with these characters.
Kimberly
Yes, I am thankful that Ethan put it on my radar.
Heather
I’ve got the paperback on order for next year of this one, I’m so pleased it’s getting great reviews and I see the next book is already for preorder on Amazon.
Kimberly
Yes, I am hoping the same narrator is used 🙂
Jen
This sounds right up my ally and I don’t have a cozy-esque audiobook on the TBR right now. It reminds me of the Cleo Mack Mysteries (narrated by Karen White). It takes place at a retirement community. I really enjoy that series for the same reasons you liked this one.
Kimberly
Good to know and I like Karen White 🙂
Rachel
I just started this audio book today so I’ll come back to your thoughts when I finish, but so far it’s been a hoot! I’ve laughed so many times! Glad to see your 4.5 stars. 🙂
Kimberly
That is awesome!
Greg
The Thursday Murder Club- love the sound of that! 🙂 The British setting sounds fun too.
Kimberly
It was a blast Greg.
Hena Tayeb
Ooh I have this on my TBR.. sounds great.
Kimberly
I look forward to hearing your thoughts 🙂
Ailyn Koay
oh so funny! Older and wiser solves the case!
Kimberly
Yes!
Nadene
This sounds fun and I can see you had a good time with it.
Kimberly
I enjoyed it Nadene. Thank you 🙂
Jonetta (Ejaygirl) | Blue Mood Café
Yet another friend who loved this book! I’m so glad I got it on audio, too. Great review, Kimberly?
Kimberly
I am glad you will be listening!
ShootingStarsMag
Great review. This is one that sounds really good to me, so I’m happy to see that you enjoyed it.
Kimberly
Thanks Lauren, I am looking forward to the next one.
kindlemom1
This definitely sounds fun and is completely new to me!
Kimberly
Glad I could put it on your radar Ali 🙂