Author:Richard Osman
Richard Osman returns with the first in a new series of novels. The overarching themes of the story are money laundering and the world of social media influencers, with plenty of murder and mayhem thrown in for good measure. The two main characters are Steve, a retired widowed ex copper living a solitary existence in a small village, and his go-getting daughter in law Amy, who is a bodyguard for the rich and famous. This is a fast paced but somehow quite cosy thriller, where the action in the short punchy chapters is recounted from the viewpoints of the numerous different characters as the action moves across the globe at almost breakneck speed. The plot gets a little complicated at times so you need to keep your wits about you as you try to identify the villain in chief, but Osman writes with a light and humorous touch and keeps the pace and excitement up pretty much non stop all the way to the final page. Although it gets quite bloodthirsty at times, you somehow know it’s all going to turn out alright in the end and, as with The Thursday Murder Club novels, the underlying message is that we all need friends and loneliness is something that can be cured. A very enjoyable light read, and a promising beginning for some new and endearing characters – if you enjoyed his previous novels then you’ll certainly find plenty to like here.
Length of Read:Long
Might appeal to people who enjoyed…
Thrillers with a humorous and reassuringly cosy feel to them – Osman has the knack of creating characters and day to day situations that you can identify with from everyday life.
One thing you’ve learned
Although this is the first instalment in this series, Osman’s next book will see a return to the familiar faces at Coopers Chase with another Thursday Murder Club mystery, so perhaps the plan is to alternate the two.
How come TV stars can write successful books? Is there any literary merit in stuff like this which he seems to be churning out at a great rate. I have zero interest in reading it, but wonder about those who do. “Oh it’s that nice man from the telly, I must get this”
I’m generally very sceptical about this (TV personalities writing books) but in this case he clearly can write (himself) books that a great deal of people want to read. He writes one a year so not sure that qualifies as “churning them out at a great rate”.
“Literary merit” – depends what you judge that on, but Osman does have a knack for writing believable and likeable characters and giving them decent plots to exist around, with some genuinely touching moments and without being too taxing. I’ve enjoyed them all so far.
If you have “zero interest in reading it”, why would you care about “literary merit”?
Dunno. Just wondered.
I’ve read and enjoyed the Thursday Murder Club books and while they might not be classics for the ages they’re engaging and very entertaining. All 3 were sent to the local charity shop almost as soon as they were finished, but I’m I’ll carry on reading and enjoying his future books.
I have yet to ‘read’ any of his books. However, I have heard the first two Thursday Murder Club books on audio cd whilst holidaying across Western Europe in the motorhome. I was convinced I would find them naff, but within minutes was hooked. Not only are the plots well-thought out and the characters beautifully drawn, but they are funny as well. This is helped, of course, by the superb narration by the great Lesley Manville, who imbues each character with a voice and mannerisms of their own.
I have the next two on CD and will be listening to them on the next long trip later this year. I will also be interested in reading/hearing this new one.
Are they great literature though? Who knows! I don’t even know what that means. Do they bring great pleasure to a lot of people? Err, yes, I suspect. So thanks to Mr O!
I think we’ve probably now reached the point where “reading” means whatever format you use as long as it includes all the words, i.e. it’s not a separate dramatisation
That’s a good point. I hadn’t thought of it that way before. Thank you.
Osman seems a top notch, erudite, funny and intelligent bloke, not just “Some guy off the telly”.
Tried twice to read a book of his, IMHO pretty dire stuff …
Like the simmo kid, I’ve listened to them. All, in fact and I have pre-ordered the We Solve Murders on my Audible account. The books are excellent examples of popular fiction and I have enjoyed all of them.
I do find literary snobbishness on a website that exists largely around a shared love of popular music to be slightly ironic. But then, I suppose Richard Osman books may be the fiction equivilant of Coldplay albums and they get some loathing around here.
Not liking something because it is too inconsiquential but then taking the time to write about its inconsequentialness is pretty much a theme for Alanis Morrisette to write about.
Arf!