SEPTEMBER BOOK CLUB: RICHARD OSMAN’S ‘THE THURSDAY MURDER CLUB’

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Image: Penguin Books Australia

Our September Book Club pick Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman is something I had been looking forward to reading and I’m glad to say I really enjoyed it.

From the start you’re gripped; the setting is established, you’re part of the club. We find ourselves joining four residents of Cooper Chase Retirement Village, Elizabeth Best, Joyce Meadowcroft, Ibrahim Arif and Ron Ritchie, who up until recently worked on cold cases. They find themselves joining forces with the local police force to solve a murder that lands right on their doorstep.

I really loved the dominant voices within the text. What intrigued me most was the use of the third person present tense narration entwined with first person diary entries by one of our leading characters, Joyce. Offering a reflective perspective on the events that have transpired, it was a nice touch as I do think Joyce represents us; the reader. In the sense that we are also the newbies joining the group, and we are gaining the same insight she receives. It’s lovely having Joyce’s insight as she offers a different perspective and comments on what transpired in the scene that we either just read, or one that will further be explored. Other fun moments occurred within the text, like chapter 97, where we were presented the dialogue but the character divulging these details wasn’t revealed until later.

I also really loved the symbolism behind the meetings occurring in the jigsaw room, that being piecing things together to create a complete picture. Much like a jigsaw, solving it. 

So yes, my foray into the mystery genre continues. There was the perfect combination of mystery, humour, compassion and kindness. There were so many twists and turns, stories capturing the essence of each character. 

Osman has previously stated that the inspiration for the book came from a visit to a retirement village and in the acknowledgements he encapsulates the feel of the book perfectly, that, much like the actual retirement village, yes it is “full of extraordinary people with extraordinary stories.”

I’m looking forward to continuing the series, catching up with the gang and enjoying some tea and lemon drizzle cake.

Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club is available through Hachette Australia.