Admittedly, I grabbed Murder on Friday Street by Russell Cooper because it was recommended for fans of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series. I was NOT disappointed. Narrated by Bronwen Price, I instantly fell in love with brothers Cedric and Ambrose, retired MI6 agents, and Charlie, their dead friend’s daughter. You’ll want to grab your earbuds for this gem!
by Russell Cooper
Series: Friday Street Murder Mysteries #1
Narrator: Bronwen Price
Length: 11 hours
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups Speed: 1.35x
If you love Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series, you'll love this.
Eccentric twin brothers Cedric and Ambrose retire from MI6 to make honey and tackle crosswords at Tanglefoot Farm in England's Surrey Hills.
The unsolved brutal murder of their long-lost friend drags them back into the secret life they left behind.
Can Cedric and Ambrose, along with Charlie, their dead friend's daughter, and the seventy-five-year-old mystery woman who lives in a campervan, unravel the clues and crack the cold case before the killer strikes again?
The chase is on to solve the mystery and catch the murderer.
Murder on Friday Street was an absolute delight. We’ve got a group of retired MI6 agents living in the quiet little Friday Street village. After Charlie’s dad died, Cedric and Ambrose (brothers) took her in. The three live together at Tanglefoot Farm on Friday Street. Charlie’s Dad’s murder was never solved, although police believe it was a mugging.
When Charlie sets about discovering who killed her father, Cedric, Ambrose and other former agents step in to assist. The tale was filled with humor, suspense and wonderfully charming characters whom I fell in love with.
We’ve got Russian spies, crossword book clues, undercover ops and more. The story itself was well-paced, and the change of POVs kept me listening into the wee hours. While the audio certainly helped with keeping track of characters, each character was unique enough that I imagine readers will appreciate the author’s writing style.
I laughed aloud at some of the characters’ quirks and antics. Time spent with them offered a delightful trip to England’s Surrey Hills from the comfort of my couch. It reminded me again why I enjoy English mysteries.
While this mystery wrapped up, I cannot wait to revisit these characters in Easier Dead Than Done, coming to audio in December 2025. Bronwen Price absolutely nailed the narration, from the unique voices to setting the tone. I highly recommend grabbing Murder on Friday Street on audio.
Perfect for fans of Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and cozy murder-mysteries.
About Russell Cooper
Russell Cooper grew up on a rich diet of spy novels and Sunday afternoon television dramas. Following a hectic career in the restaurant business, he did a couple of undisclosed stints (nothing dangerous) with NATO & GCHQ. Today he lives in Surrey, UK and when he's not writing, editing or reading, he supports the demands of Winnie, his toy poodle.
About Bronwen Price
Bronwen Price trained at the Oxford School of Drama and spent many years as a professional actor in theater, TV, and film, before finding her home in the world of audiobooks. She was recently nominated for Best Performance in Audiobooks at the 2022 One Voice Awards.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2025 Audiobook Challenge
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
Lisa Mandina (Lisa Loves Literature)
While it’s not my type of read, it sounds like it was a winner for you! Great review!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
After reading your review I went and requested at my library! Love The Thursday Murder Club series!
Sophie
As I am a fan of Thursday Murder Club too I will add that one to my TBR!
Katherine
This one interests me more than Thursday Murder Club. I will definitely have to give it a try.
ShootingStarsMag
I do love a good cozy mystery. This sounds really good – glad to hear it was a hit!
Lauren
Mary Kirkland
This sounds really good. I think I would like this one.
Sophia Rose
This looks like just the thing. Thanks for putting it on my radar, Kimberly!
Anne - Books of My Heart
I’ll have to check this one out. Super review!
Bree
I love the idea of retirees being dragged out of retirement to solve the murder of their friend.