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Thursday Murder Club #4
The Last Devil To Die
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2023)Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
422 pages, Paperback
First published September 14, 2023
About the author
Richard Osman
26 books14.3k followersAn English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 15,417 reviews
December 5, 2024
"There's always something just out of reach. . . . Everyone chasing the thing they don't have. Going mad until they get it."
My favorite Thursday Murder Club to date, The Last Devil to Die gave me so many emotions and a riveting mystery to boot.
In this installment, murder hits close to home when a friend of Stephen's is killed. With their trademark forthrightness and humor, Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim stick their noses where they don't belong, and are soon caught up in the world of heroine dealers, antiques, and fake art.
I usually try to bam my way through murder mysteries like nobody's business. After all, I want to pick up clues as fast as I can, put it all together, and get to the whodunnit pronto. But this series feels like one to savor, and this installment is especially so. I read it slowly, immersing myself in these characters who over the course of four books now feel like friends rather than just characters on a page.
This was an entertaining mystery, with more chaos and mayhem (hehe) than you'd expect old people to get themselves into. We see Joyce really come into her own here, stepping in for Elizabeth who is otherwise indisposed. I feel like all the side characters were particularly charming, and I even started to like Connie if you can believe it. We also have a little side mystery going on to catch an online scammer, just to add a bit of extra zing to the whole thing.
I can't talk about the series without talking about its humor, and that's on full display here. Humor is subjective, and what one reader finds funny may not click with another. But for me, it completely works. Richard Osman has this gentle way of poking fun at the folly of human nature and growing old. It's cheeky and lighthearted, and it never comes at the expense of the characters' humanity.
I have to warn you though, this book feels like the series' most intimate and emotional one yet, so get the tissues ready. Osman doesn't shy away from talking about growing old and dying. In fact, couched in all that humor and sleuthing is the ever-present specter of death coming for everyone, especially when you are of a certain old age.
And yet, reading about these four friends who take life by the horns when it would've been much easier to just coast and fade out is so inspiring and invigorating. As Richard Osman puts it wisely via Joyce, "The urgency of old age. There's nothing that makes you feel more alive than the certainty of death."
I suspect I come back to this series again and again because it fills me with hope that I can still have a life worth living when I reach the twilight of my years. To have it be filled with friendship and intrigue and purpose, what more could I ask for?
I am a little bummed that Richard Osman is taking a break from this series to start another one (though I'm excited to see what he comes up with). Visiting these septuagenarians has become a highlight of my fall every year. But don't worry, for whenever the next book comes out, I'll be right here waiting to be reunited with my old friends.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Thursday Murder Club
#2. The Man Who Died Twice
#3. The Bullet That Missed
We Solve Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
December 14, 2024
I can't believe how hard this one hit me in the feels.
Driving down the road listening to the audiobook, tears streaming down my face, making gurgly choking noises, and just praying nobody was going to be home when I walked through the door. Because there's just no good way to explain that you look like a soppy fucking mess over a book without appearing like a slightly unhinged drama llama.
Honestly, this had one of the most touching scenes I've ever read in my life.
If you've read the book you know what I'm talking about.
And maybe part of that is because I've been wholly sucked into the world of Cooper's Chase and into the lives of these characters.
I love you so much Richard Osman but you're killing me!
So.
The mystery takes a back seat to the emotional journey the characters go on, but this still has all the fun of a Thursday Murder Club story. And even though I did "get" why everyone was after that box of heroin almost immediately, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all.
Because of course, there is always more than one mystery to solve in these, and the little reveals at the end are usually even more fun than the BIG REVEAL.
The very skinny gist is that you have four pensioners who take on some very dangerous people in order to solve the murder of a friend of Elizabeth's husband, Stephen.
And we know they're going to come out on top because that's what they do.
Yes, this group has insanely outlandish adventures. But the friendships ring true and the dialogue is hilarious. <--this is what we're all here for, right?
If you haven't started on your journey with Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, & Ibrahim, then I'd suggest you get a move on. Seriously. Go!
Highly Recommended.
PS - To whom it may concern,
Pleasepleaseplease cast Helen Mirren as Elizabeth when you bring these stories to the big (or small!) screen.
Driving down the road listening to the audiobook, tears streaming down my face, making gurgly choking noises, and just praying nobody was going to be home when I walked through the door. Because there's just no good way to explain that you look like a soppy fucking mess over a book without appearing like a slightly unhinged drama llama.
Honestly, this had one of the most touching scenes I've ever read in my life.
If you've read the book you know what I'm talking about.
And maybe part of that is because I've been wholly sucked into the world of Cooper's Chase and into the lives of these characters.
I love you so much Richard Osman but you're killing me!
So.
The mystery takes a back seat to the emotional journey the characters go on, but this still has all the fun of a Thursday Murder Club story. And even though I did "get" why everyone was after that box of heroin almost immediately, it didn't ruin my enjoyment of the book at all.
Because of course, there is always more than one mystery to solve in these, and the little reveals at the end are usually even more fun than the BIG REVEAL.
The very skinny gist is that you have four pensioners who take on some very dangerous people in order to solve the murder of a friend of Elizabeth's husband, Stephen.
And we know they're going to come out on top because that's what they do.
Yes, this group has insanely outlandish adventures. But the friendships ring true and the dialogue is hilarious. <--this is what we're all here for, right?
If you haven't started on your journey with Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, & Ibrahim, then I'd suggest you get a move on. Seriously. Go!
Highly Recommended.
PS - To whom it may concern,
Pleasepleaseplease cast Helen Mirren as Elizabeth when you bring these stories to the big (or small!) screen.
September 8, 2024
This latest installment of The Thursday Murder Club has everything die-hard fans love about the series. When antiques dealer Kuldesh Sharma, a friend of the group, is killed over a missing shipment of heroin, the gang is off on their next adventure. This time, there are more bodies than usual, and the group even sets a trap to see which criminal will be left standing—a surprising turn from their usual methods. However, despite Elizabeth’s absence for much of the story, they manage to crack the case in the end.
The audiobook brings this quirky, charming world to life with engaging narration that captures both the humor and heart of the story. Each character’s voice stands out, making the story easy to follow, especially as the group dives into subplots like the online romance of a newcomer to Cooper's Chase. Listening to the gang take over the account and send hilarious emails to "Tatiana" was an absolute treat.
What truly shines in this audiobook, though, are the deeper, more emotional moments. We learn secrets, such as Ibrahim’s lost love and Joyce’s deep longing for Gerald. But the heart of the story lies in Elizabeth and Stephen’s battle with dementia. Osman’s portrayal of their struggles is both heart-wrenching and beautifully reflective, exploring the impact of the illness on love and relationships. The audiobook format adds an extra layer of poignancy, with the narration drawing out the raw emotion of these moments.
Here you can find Audiobook format - The Last Devil to Die
While the murder plot might not be as strong as previous books, I’d listen to it again just for the tender writing about dementia and how Elizabeth and Stephen face it together. Even though Osman hints at a break in the series, it feels like a natural progression given the plot’s direction.
The audiobook brings this quirky, charming world to life with engaging narration that captures both the humor and heart of the story. Each character’s voice stands out, making the story easy to follow, especially as the group dives into subplots like the online romance of a newcomer to Cooper's Chase. Listening to the gang take over the account and send hilarious emails to "Tatiana" was an absolute treat.
What truly shines in this audiobook, though, are the deeper, more emotional moments. We learn secrets, such as Ibrahim’s lost love and Joyce’s deep longing for Gerald. But the heart of the story lies in Elizabeth and Stephen’s battle with dementia. Osman’s portrayal of their struggles is both heart-wrenching and beautifully reflective, exploring the impact of the illness on love and relationships. The audiobook format adds an extra layer of poignancy, with the narration drawing out the raw emotion of these moments.
Here you can find Audiobook format - The Last Devil to Die
While the murder plot might not be as strong as previous books, I’d listen to it again just for the tender writing about dementia and how Elizabeth and Stephen face it together. Even though Osman hints at a break in the series, it feels like a natural progression given the plot’s direction.
August 6, 2023
Emotional
4.25 stars
“Here’s to no murders next year.”
The Last Devil to Die is a mystery about a murdered friend connected to a drug deal gone wrong.
Our favorite septuagenarians/octogenarians are back! When one of their friends is murdered, it is up to The Thursday Murder Club to solve the crime--connecting them to the dark underworld of the drug trade and antiques fraud.
This is the fourth book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, the emotional aspects of the narrative might not resonate if you are not familiar with the characters or the series.
With Elizabeth preoccupied with Stephen’s care, Joyce takes the lead. Ron is Ron, while the reader finally learns more about Ibrahim’s past. A new friend comes into the fold, and some new residents of Coopers Chase find themselves in scandalous situations. Also, the criminal characters are entertaining, and I especially enjoyed Garth’s character. Donna, Chris, and Bogdan also play significant roles.
This is an emotional and heartbreaking read. Osman handles a delicate situation with care. He balances the hardship with love and support. He also weaves in a lot of fun and humor. This is one of the few series that makes me laugh out loud.
Osman shares in his author’s note that he is working on a new series, so it might be some time before we see our friends from Coopers Chase. I will miss them.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking in exchange for an honest review.
4.25 stars
“Here’s to no murders next year.”
The Last Devil to Die is a mystery about a murdered friend connected to a drug deal gone wrong.
Our favorite septuagenarians/octogenarians are back! When one of their friends is murdered, it is up to The Thursday Murder Club to solve the crime--connecting them to the dark underworld of the drug trade and antiques fraud.
This is the fourth book in the series, and while it can be read as a standalone, the emotional aspects of the narrative might not resonate if you are not familiar with the characters or the series.
With Elizabeth preoccupied with Stephen’s care, Joyce takes the lead. Ron is Ron, while the reader finally learns more about Ibrahim’s past. A new friend comes into the fold, and some new residents of Coopers Chase find themselves in scandalous situations. Also, the criminal characters are entertaining, and I especially enjoyed Garth’s character. Donna, Chris, and Bogdan also play significant roles.
This is an emotional and heartbreaking read. Osman handles a delicate situation with care. He balances the hardship with love and support. He also weaves in a lot of fun and humor. This is one of the few series that makes me laugh out loud.
Osman shares in his author’s note that he is working on a new series, so it might be some time before we see our friends from Coopers Chase. I will miss them.
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Penguin Group Viking in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2023
4.5 ⭐️
DEVILS WALK AMONG US
When an old friend in the antiques business is killed, and the dangerous package he was protecting goes missing, the Thursday Murder Club has their next case-despite the fact that heartache has hit close to home.
TW: Dementia
OMG! I want to get on the waitlist for an Apartment at Cooper’s Chase and join the Thursday Murder Club!
This series keeps getting BETTER and BETTER, and this time Richard Osman has combined a cozy mystery with some thoughtfully written sub plots which include the themes of “romance fraud” and “end of life decisions”.
Usually by the fourth book in a series, my interest starts to wane and I don’t continue on, but I have grown fond of this gang, and look forward to what’s next!
I am DEFINITELY continuing on!
Although the author has promised that Joyce, (and her wonderful diary entries) Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron will be sticking around for a long time to come, it may be a bit of a wait until we catch up with them again…
His next book will feature a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo, and I must admit-that sounds like FUN- I am looking forward to meeting them!
If you haven’t already-DO read this series IN ORDER, to appreciate how the characters and their relationships with one another build over time.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both the Audible and written copies of this title- AVAILABLE NOW!
DEVILS WALK AMONG US
When an old friend in the antiques business is killed, and the dangerous package he was protecting goes missing, the Thursday Murder Club has their next case-despite the fact that heartache has hit close to home.
TW: Dementia
OMG! I want to get on the waitlist for an Apartment at Cooper’s Chase and join the Thursday Murder Club!
This series keeps getting BETTER and BETTER, and this time Richard Osman has combined a cozy mystery with some thoughtfully written sub plots which include the themes of “romance fraud” and “end of life decisions”.
Usually by the fourth book in a series, my interest starts to wane and I don’t continue on, but I have grown fond of this gang, and look forward to what’s next!
I am DEFINITELY continuing on!
Although the author has promised that Joyce, (and her wonderful diary entries) Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron will be sticking around for a long time to come, it may be a bit of a wait until we catch up with them again…
His next book will feature a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo, and I must admit-that sounds like FUN- I am looking forward to meeting them!
If you haven’t already-DO read this series IN ORDER, to appreciate how the characters and their relationships with one another build over time.
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both the Audible and written copies of this title- AVAILABLE NOW!
October 3, 2023
SOBBING MY EYES OUT. A PUDDLE OF DESPAIR ON THE LIVING ROOM FLOOR. DRENCHED IN TEARS, SWEAT AND TEQUILA. FOREVER CHANGED. IN LOVE AND HEART BROKEN.
Be in a good head space when reading this. OR, if you need to cry, give this a go.
I can't tell you how 5 stars this was.
Be in a good head space when reading this. OR, if you need to cry, give this a go.
I can't tell you how 5 stars this was.
Want to read
February 25, 2023no because how many more of these books is he gonna write, those people are getting older with every case, what if they just drop dead one day
update: not everyone shares my sense of humour
update: not everyone shares my sense of humour
December 5, 2023
Honestly Richard... how dare you?
October 14, 2023
Fall is in the air and I was finally able to pull out all my coziest clothes again, so what better audiobook to match the mood of the season? The Last Devil to Die, book number four in the cozy crime series The Thursday Murder Club. While others celebrated autumn’s return of pumpkin spice in all its disturbingly copious forms … I enjoyed my annual visit to Coopers Chase Retirement Village and its clever septuagenarian sleuths: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibraham, Ron.
I won’t rehash the plot since it’s been thoroughly reviewed by others at this point, other than to say it involves a stolen box with a valuable stash inside, the darker side of the antiques trade and forgery, a side story about romance fraud and, of course, murder!
The cast was a bit smaller this time but still had diverse and fascinating characters including an art forger, her comically psychotic Canadian husband, some drug runners, a couple museum experts, a victim of romance fraud, a brief return of Stephen’s friend, antiques dealer Kuldesh Sharma, imprisoned drug maven Connie, and of course, the eminently lovable Bogdan, along with detectives Donna, Chris and others. Narrator Fiona Shaw did a stellar job once again of voicing them all.
As always, Joyce’s diary entries were hilarious, and it was nice to see her stepping out of Elizabeth’s shadow a bit this time around. She may seem a bit daft at times, but let me assure you, I’d trust her with my back any day! The camaraderie and support that this group show one another is always heart-warming, and we’d all be lucky to have such loyal friends.
I will say that while this entry was every bit as charming and full of life as its predecessors, it also had more emotional heft due to a loss that impacts all of the characters. As a reader of the series, it wasn’t necessarily unexpected, but the amount of tears I shed was! My apologies to the drivers in the cars next to me who surely thought I was having a breakdown of some sort. Kudos to Richard Osman for handling the potentially controversial topic sensitively, with room for opposing views.
I’ll miss my yearly September visit with the gang next year, as Osman is taking a break from the series to write a father-daughter mystery. Though I’m looking forward to seeing where his creative mind takes him with that story, I hope to see my Thursday Murder Club friends again soon. Fall just isn’t the same without them!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to my library and Libby for the audiobook.
I won’t rehash the plot since it’s been thoroughly reviewed by others at this point, other than to say it involves a stolen box with a valuable stash inside, the darker side of the antiques trade and forgery, a side story about romance fraud and, of course, murder!
The cast was a bit smaller this time but still had diverse and fascinating characters including an art forger, her comically psychotic Canadian husband, some drug runners, a couple museum experts, a victim of romance fraud, a brief return of Stephen’s friend, antiques dealer Kuldesh Sharma, imprisoned drug maven Connie, and of course, the eminently lovable Bogdan, along with detectives Donna, Chris and others. Narrator Fiona Shaw did a stellar job once again of voicing them all.
As always, Joyce’s diary entries were hilarious, and it was nice to see her stepping out of Elizabeth’s shadow a bit this time around. She may seem a bit daft at times, but let me assure you, I’d trust her with my back any day! The camaraderie and support that this group show one another is always heart-warming, and we’d all be lucky to have such loyal friends.
I will say that while this entry was every bit as charming and full of life as its predecessors, it also had more emotional heft due to a loss that impacts all of the characters. As a reader of the series, it wasn’t necessarily unexpected, but the amount of tears I shed was! My apologies to the drivers in the cars next to me who surely thought I was having a breakdown of some sort. Kudos to Richard Osman for handling the potentially controversial topic sensitively, with room for opposing views.
I’ll miss my yearly September visit with the gang next year, as Osman is taking a break from the series to write a father-daughter mystery. Though I’m looking forward to seeing where his creative mind takes him with that story, I hope to see my Thursday Murder Club friends again soon. Fall just isn’t the same without them!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to my library and Libby for the audiobook.
October 9, 2023
The Thursday Murder Club series is the perfect blend of humor, intelligence and emotion. The Last Devil to Die is the fourth in the series. (And the series should definitely be read in order.) While Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim continue to do well, Stephen continues his slide into dementia. And that part of the story was just heartbreaking. I was a sobbing mess.
The gang are investigating the death of an old friend of Stephen’s, an antique dealer. He had gotten mixed up in a drug import scheme through no fault of his own. As the story progresses, more folks end up dead. This, the title. As with the previous books, the plot is well thought out and I was caught flat footed trying to figure out who was behind the murders.
There’s also a subplot about a romance scam. As someone who dealt with a mother taken in by one, I loved how the team dealt with it.
This is a series where the characters have been drawn so deftly they seem real. These are people I wished they lived in my community!
The format continues to work well, combining “real time” events with Joyce’s journal recapping other scenes.
Fiona Shaw does a great job as the narrator. And make sure to listen to the interview with Richard Osman at the end.
The gang are investigating the death of an old friend of Stephen’s, an antique dealer. He had gotten mixed up in a drug import scheme through no fault of his own. As the story progresses, more folks end up dead. This, the title. As with the previous books, the plot is well thought out and I was caught flat footed trying to figure out who was behind the murders.
There’s also a subplot about a romance scam. As someone who dealt with a mother taken in by one, I loved how the team dealt with it.
This is a series where the characters have been drawn so deftly they seem real. These are people I wished they lived in my community!
The format continues to work well, combining “real time” events with Joyce’s journal recapping other scenes.
Fiona Shaw does a great job as the narrator. And make sure to listen to the interview with Richard Osman at the end.
September 30, 2023
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is Book #4 in this Cozy Mystery Series!
The Thursday Murder Club is back...
It's Boxing Day lunch at Cooper's Chase, a retirement village in South East England, where resident septuagenarians Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce learn about the murder of antiques dealer, Kuldesh Sharma, who also happens to be a friend of Stephen, Elizabeth's husband.
The pensioners take an immediate interest in the details of Sharma's execution-style murder and initiate an investigation of their own...
The Last Devil to Die is a Cozy Mystery I devoured in two big gulps. It's full of eye-opening perspectives into the antiques business, drug-smuggling, fine-art fraud, and on-line romance fraud. But who am I kidding? I'm here for the four main characters in this series, their comradery and banter, along with Joyce's journal entries that keep me listening time and time again. I did crave a bit more of Joyce's loyal pooch Alan, but that's just the dog-lover in me chiming in.
While previous books in the Thursday Murder Club series have been full of action and crowded with characters, it becomes noticeably apparent early on that this book feels different with its quieter, softer tone, fewer characters, and an unexpected emotional punch. With that said, it's a topic that's handled in a most thoughtful and compassionate way by the author.
When an emotional door opens up for one topic, it segues into another topic that sheds light on a key character in this series. Book #4 feels like an unanticipated shift in the Thursday Murder Club. It's evolving and surprising the reader yet keeping the core of the series fresh and ever-changing.
The Last Devil to Die audiobook narrator Fiona Shaw does another remarkable job with her voicing skills. She's one of the reasons I've made this format my preference for this series. Be sure to listen to the conversation between Osman and Shaw at the end of the audio for the author's thoughts about why he's planning to do less TV and more writing in the near future.
I'm always sad when I get to the end of another book in the Thursday Murder Club series but I know there's more to come from these septuagenarians. It may be a bit longer wait this time around for Book #5 but I'll be here for it when it's published.
I highly recommend The Last Devil to Die to those readers who enjoy a Cozy Mystery with a solid group of main characters!
5⭐
The Thursday Murder Club is back...
It's Boxing Day lunch at Cooper's Chase, a retirement village in South East England, where resident septuagenarians Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Joyce learn about the murder of antiques dealer, Kuldesh Sharma, who also happens to be a friend of Stephen, Elizabeth's husband.
The pensioners take an immediate interest in the details of Sharma's execution-style murder and initiate an investigation of their own...
The Last Devil to Die is a Cozy Mystery I devoured in two big gulps. It's full of eye-opening perspectives into the antiques business, drug-smuggling, fine-art fraud, and on-line romance fraud. But who am I kidding? I'm here for the four main characters in this series, their comradery and banter, along with Joyce's journal entries that keep me listening time and time again. I did crave a bit more of Joyce's loyal pooch Alan, but that's just the dog-lover in me chiming in.
While previous books in the Thursday Murder Club series have been full of action and crowded with characters, it becomes noticeably apparent early on that this book feels different with its quieter, softer tone, fewer characters, and an unexpected emotional punch. With that said, it's a topic that's handled in a most thoughtful and compassionate way by the author.
When an emotional door opens up for one topic, it segues into another topic that sheds light on a key character in this series. Book #4 feels like an unanticipated shift in the Thursday Murder Club. It's evolving and surprising the reader yet keeping the core of the series fresh and ever-changing.
The Last Devil to Die audiobook narrator Fiona Shaw does another remarkable job with her voicing skills. She's one of the reasons I've made this format my preference for this series. Be sure to listen to the conversation between Osman and Shaw at the end of the audio for the author's thoughts about why he's planning to do less TV and more writing in the near future.
I'm always sad when I get to the end of another book in the Thursday Murder Club series but I know there's more to come from these septuagenarians. It may be a bit longer wait this time around for Book #5 but I'll be here for it when it's published.
I highly recommend The Last Devil to Die to those readers who enjoy a Cozy Mystery with a solid group of main characters!
5⭐
July 13, 2024
4.5⭐️
A murdered antiques dealer and a mysterious package that has smugglers, drug dealers and art forgers racing to get their hand on it, online scammers targeting the elderly and their own life situations – the members of the Thursday Murder Club have a lot on their plate! DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna de Freitas would have preferred to keep our senior sleuths from getting involved in the murder investigation but when has anyone or anything ever stopped the very capable Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim from doing what they do best? When Donna and Chis are sidelined by the National Crime Agency who take over the case, guess who they team up with?
With Bogdan pitching in, the Thursday Murder Club, Chris and Donna leave no stone unturned as they try to figure out who murdered Kuldesh Sharma, the eighty-year-old antique dealer who was a friend of Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, try to locate the mysterious package that everyone suspects Kuldesh had received before his death, and also identify an online scammer who has targeted one of their fellow residents at Cooper’s Chase retirement community.
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a cleverly crafted cozy mystery that combines a suspenseful plot with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The author deftly weaves several subplots into the primary narrative without detracting from the murder mystery or adversely impacting the pace. The subplot revolving around Elizabeth and Stephen was deeply moving and I appreciated the insight and compassion with which the author has tackled several sensitive issues, including aging, age-related illness, loss and grief. I enjoyed Joyce’s journal entries, which are always a joy to read. I also liked how Joyce had a more active role to play in this installment. The author does justice to all of our main characters, each of whom has a distinct role to play. I particularly like how each story in this series not only revolves around new mysteries but also features supporting characters introduced in previous installments, which gives us a sense of continuity while also contributing to the character arcs of our main characters.
With its riveting plot with plenty of twists and turns, deeply moving depiction of sensitive themes and the author’s signature wit and humor, this installment ranks as one of my favorites in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable immersion reading experience.
Please note that this book does not work as a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading these books in series order.
The author has mentioned that we will have to wait for the next book in this series as he is currently developing a new series. I‘ll be eager to meet these characters again and also look forward to reading the author’s new series.
My reviews for the first three books in the series:
Book#1: The Thursday Murder Club
Book#2: The Man Who Died Twice
Book#3: The Bullet That Missed
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
A murdered antiques dealer and a mysterious package that has smugglers, drug dealers and art forgers racing to get their hand on it, online scammers targeting the elderly and their own life situations – the members of the Thursday Murder Club have a lot on their plate! DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna de Freitas would have preferred to keep our senior sleuths from getting involved in the murder investigation but when has anyone or anything ever stopped the very capable Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim from doing what they do best? When Donna and Chis are sidelined by the National Crime Agency who take over the case, guess who they team up with?
With Bogdan pitching in, the Thursday Murder Club, Chris and Donna leave no stone unturned as they try to figure out who murdered Kuldesh Sharma, the eighty-year-old antique dealer who was a friend of Elizabeth’s husband Stephen, try to locate the mysterious package that everyone suspects Kuldesh had received before his death, and also identify an online scammer who has targeted one of their fellow residents at Cooper’s Chase retirement community.
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is a cleverly crafted cozy mystery that combines a suspenseful plot with a perfect balance of humor and emotion. The author deftly weaves several subplots into the primary narrative without detracting from the murder mystery or adversely impacting the pace. The subplot revolving around Elizabeth and Stephen was deeply moving and I appreciated the insight and compassion with which the author has tackled several sensitive issues, including aging, age-related illness, loss and grief. I enjoyed Joyce’s journal entries, which are always a joy to read. I also liked how Joyce had a more active role to play in this installment. The author does justice to all of our main characters, each of whom has a distinct role to play. I particularly like how each story in this series not only revolves around new mysteries but also features supporting characters introduced in previous installments, which gives us a sense of continuity while also contributing to the character arcs of our main characters.
With its riveting plot with plenty of twists and turns, deeply moving depiction of sensitive themes and the author’s signature wit and humor, this installment ranks as one of my favorites in the series.
I paired my reading with the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, which made for a thoroughly enjoyable immersion reading experience.
Please note that this book does not work as a standalone. I would strongly recommend reading these books in series order.
The author has mentioned that we will have to wait for the next book in this series as he is currently developing a new series. I‘ll be eager to meet these characters again and also look forward to reading the author’s new series.
My reviews for the first three books in the series:
Book#1: The Thursday Murder Club
Book#2: The Man Who Died Twice
Book#3: The Bullet That Missed
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September 30, 2023
Well I wish I had friends like these at Coopers Chase!!!
BEWARE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW!!!!!
This time the four lovable sleuths are back the murder of their friend Kuldesh Sharma who works in the antique business was looking after a protecting a dangerous package, while the lovable sleuths are celebrating 🎅 Christmas this was the last thing they needed to hear.
TW Dementia
There was a moving part of the trope dealing with dementia the letters were hard to read was very touching, pulled at my heartstrings.
This was an enjoyable read but out of the 4 books this was my least favourite due to the trope of drug importing I may be an outlier on this subject but it didn’t interest me in the dialogue I only wanted to find out who the culprit was?
For me it was boring & tedious, take that away & I liked it so see what you think when you read this just my POV.
BEWARE THE DEVIL YOU KNOW!!!!!
This time the four lovable sleuths are back the murder of their friend Kuldesh Sharma who works in the antique business was looking after a protecting a dangerous package, while the lovable sleuths are celebrating 🎅 Christmas this was the last thing they needed to hear.
TW Dementia
There was a moving part of the trope dealing with dementia the letters were hard to read was very touching, pulled at my heartstrings.
This was an enjoyable read but out of the 4 books this was my least favourite due to the trope of drug importing I may be an outlier on this subject but it didn’t interest me in the dialogue I only wanted to find out who the culprit was?
For me it was boring & tedious, take that away & I liked it so see what you think when you read this just my POV.
November 25, 2024
The Last Devil to Die is the 4th-installment in Richard Osman's wildly-popular Cozy Mystery series, The Thursday Murder Club, following sleuthing retirees.
This is the most emotional installment yet, and I'm left wondering, if this is a Cozy Crime Mystery, why am I crying!?
The answer is simple. It's because of the way Osman writes his characters. I feel like it would be impossible to read this series, and not come to love Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, like they're your own grandparents.
I absolutely adore them. The humanity and humor that is brought to these stories brings them to life in a natural and engaging way. It's so enjoyable.
In this installment, one of Stephen's old friends, Kuldesh Sharma, an antiques dealer, is killed. Shot in what looks like a professional hit. Shocking to say the least.
Unable to let a good murder pass them by, the Thursday Murder Club decides to investigate. Who would want to kill dear old, Kuldesh? It doesn't make sense.
This multilayered mystery is fun and fast-paced. There's a lot of moving parts and a lot of characters. We're thrown into a world of oft-corrupt antiques dealers, art forgers, and most entertainingly, believe it or not, heroin dealers.
In addition to the mystery, I feel like with each installment we are given more info on the backgrounds of our MCs. We get to know them a little more with each mystery.
I loved seeing Joyce come into her own in this one, as Elizabeth is preoccupied with some personal issues. Joyce really stepped up to fill the void and it was nice to see how much her confidence has grown since the 1st-book.
We also learned more about Ibrahim and got some insight into his past. It was touching to see him feel comfortable enough to open up in the way he did here.
As you can tell from the above-statements alone, these books are about so much more than just the murder mystery. Small note of advice before you dive into this one, be sure you have some tissues handy.
I'm actually not sure what the plans are for this series. I'm hoping this isn't the last book. There were some aspects of this that felt conclusive, but there's still a lot of life left to live for these characters, nonetheless.
If you haven't started this series yet, let me assure you, the hype is real. You don't want to miss out on this!
I definitely recommend these to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries, character-driven stories, or stories following older characters. Just be prepared to feel things...
This is the most emotional installment yet, and I'm left wondering, if this is a Cozy Crime Mystery, why am I crying!?
The answer is simple. It's because of the way Osman writes his characters. I feel like it would be impossible to read this series, and not come to love Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim, like they're your own grandparents.
I absolutely adore them. The humanity and humor that is brought to these stories brings them to life in a natural and engaging way. It's so enjoyable.
In this installment, one of Stephen's old friends, Kuldesh Sharma, an antiques dealer, is killed. Shot in what looks like a professional hit. Shocking to say the least.
Unable to let a good murder pass them by, the Thursday Murder Club decides to investigate. Who would want to kill dear old, Kuldesh? It doesn't make sense.
This multilayered mystery is fun and fast-paced. There's a lot of moving parts and a lot of characters. We're thrown into a world of oft-corrupt antiques dealers, art forgers, and most entertainingly, believe it or not, heroin dealers.
In addition to the mystery, I feel like with each installment we are given more info on the backgrounds of our MCs. We get to know them a little more with each mystery.
I loved seeing Joyce come into her own in this one, as Elizabeth is preoccupied with some personal issues. Joyce really stepped up to fill the void and it was nice to see how much her confidence has grown since the 1st-book.
We also learned more about Ibrahim and got some insight into his past. It was touching to see him feel comfortable enough to open up in the way he did here.
As you can tell from the above-statements alone, these books are about so much more than just the murder mystery. Small note of advice before you dive into this one, be sure you have some tissues handy.
I'm actually not sure what the plans are for this series. I'm hoping this isn't the last book. There were some aspects of this that felt conclusive, but there's still a lot of life left to live for these characters, nonetheless.
If you haven't started this series yet, let me assure you, the hype is real. You don't want to miss out on this!
I definitely recommend these to anyone who enjoys Cozy Mysteries, character-driven stories, or stories following older characters. Just be prepared to feel things...
December 19, 2023
Richard Osman's latest addition to his popular crime series returns us to the Cooper's Chase retirement facility with its elderly but sharp sleuths, a tearful affair as Osman sensitively writes of the heartache, loss, and grief that hits former spy Elizabeth hard, necessitating ex-nurse, Joyce, to step up to fill her shoes in her absence in the Thursday Murder Club's (TMC) latest complex and multilayered murder case(s). Stephen's antique dealer friend, 80 year old Kuldesh Sharma has been shot dead in what looks like a professional hit, but DCI Chris Hudson and Donna are determined to shut them out of their investigation, and Bogdan is refusing to talk, although they themselves are edged out of the case as the National Crime Agency step in and take over.
As you can probably imagine, it is the TMC that make progress in this most complex of cases, as they try to locate the valuable but dangerous package that had been delivered to Sharma, which is now missing, and hunt his murderer. In a narrative where the bodies pile up, the TMC follow leads that take them to antique expert Nina Mishra, there are drug dealers, art forgers, an impatient Canadian, Garth, with a short fuse, and psychiatrist Ibrahim continues to provide therapy to imprisoned cocaine dealer, Connie, whilst opening up about his secret past to Computer Bob. Additionally, the TMC involve themselves in the private life of lonely fellow resident, Mervyn, the target of an online romance scam, who refuses to believe his Tatiana is fictitious.
It is always a joy to be reacquainted with the fabulous, if ageing, friends and members of the TMC as they break rules and recognise no boundaries that might constrain the police and the NCA, and come up with a number of devils. Osman does not shy away from depicting the challenging health issues that go hand in hand with getting older, plus the inevitable losses and grief, which include finding ways to continue to live on when the love of your life dies. I look forward to the next in this wonderful series, although this might take some time as the author embarks on a new series. I recommend this series to both fans and those who love the crime and mystery genre.
As you can probably imagine, it is the TMC that make progress in this most complex of cases, as they try to locate the valuable but dangerous package that had been delivered to Sharma, which is now missing, and hunt his murderer. In a narrative where the bodies pile up, the TMC follow leads that take them to antique expert Nina Mishra, there are drug dealers, art forgers, an impatient Canadian, Garth, with a short fuse, and psychiatrist Ibrahim continues to provide therapy to imprisoned cocaine dealer, Connie, whilst opening up about his secret past to Computer Bob. Additionally, the TMC involve themselves in the private life of lonely fellow resident, Mervyn, the target of an online romance scam, who refuses to believe his Tatiana is fictitious.
It is always a joy to be reacquainted with the fabulous, if ageing, friends and members of the TMC as they break rules and recognise no boundaries that might constrain the police and the NCA, and come up with a number of devils. Osman does not shy away from depicting the challenging health issues that go hand in hand with getting older, plus the inevitable losses and grief, which include finding ways to continue to live on when the love of your life dies. I look forward to the next in this wonderful series, although this might take some time as the author embarks on a new series. I recommend this series to both fans and those who love the crime and mystery genre.
Want to read
September 17, 2023my 2023 TBR pile just levelled up.
October 22, 2023
Book four in this excellent series and possibly the best one of all of them. As usual there are fun and games with the team - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. These people are growing old the way we all want to do it. Still using all their faculties and getting involved with life -or in this case death since there are several murders.
The amazing aspect of this particular book is that the author confronts the demon dementia head on, and he does it so well. Elizabeth and Stephen have been my favourite characters since book one and I have to admit to crying buckets.
I really enjoyed the role Joyce played, stepping up to replace Elizabeth while she is otherwise engaged. Bogdan plays a very sympathetic part and Ibrahim also has a vital part to play in the Murder Club's investigations.
Beautifully written, funny and sad - another great book from this author. I look forward to what he writes next.
The amazing aspect of this particular book is that the author confronts the demon dementia head on, and he does it so well. Elizabeth and Stephen have been my favourite characters since book one and I have to admit to crying buckets.
I really enjoyed the role Joyce played, stepping up to replace Elizabeth while she is otherwise engaged. Bogdan plays a very sympathetic part and Ibrahim also has a vital part to play in the Murder Club's investigations.
Beautifully written, funny and sad - another great book from this author. I look forward to what he writes next.
October 14, 2023
Now here is a series I have read in order.
And…
I recommend readers do the same. It makes it easier to keep up with the characters and their backgrounds.
Where do I begin?
At the end.
“That’s the thing about Coopers Chase. You’d imagine it was quiet and sedate, like a village pond on a summer’s day. But in truth it never stops moving, it’s always in motion. And that motion is aging, and death, and love, and grief, and final snatched moments and opportunities grasped. The urgency of old age. There’s nothing that makes you feel more alive than the certainty of death.”
So…
What could the Thursday Murder Mystery Club be up to now?
Let’s just say there are a lot of murders, convoluted mysteries and plenty of characters to put on a list to keep track of…
But…
It is a quick, warm-hearted, entertaining, fun, emotional read that will have readers guessing, laughing and crying at any point during the story.
And…
When a new resident comes in and asks Joyce, one of the regulars…
“Am I a member of any clubs at Coopers Chase?”
Her retort is perfectly fitting and definitely a sign that there will be more Thursday Murder Mystery Club meetings in readers futures…
“I think that’s probably a conversation for another day, don’t you?”
December 12, 2023
MY FAVOURITE BOOK OF 2023!! Goodreads Choice Awards vlog: https://youtu.be/orDJrxESZzs
January 26, 2024
4.5 shiny stars for book #4 in The Thursday Murder Club series. I have enjoyed all the books in this series so far and that includes the newest addition, The Last Devil to Die. The whole gang, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim, are back and ready to spring into action if they are needed. Each one of these characters have become like an old friend. Their life at Cooper’s Chase retirement community has been anything but mundane or dull. I look forward to each new book so I can catch up with all their new challenges, escapades and discoveries.
DCI Chris Hudson and Donna were determined to keep the members of the Thursday Murder Club out of their current murder investigation this time but that was easier said than done. When Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim learned about the murder of Stephan’s old friend, Kuldesh Sharma, eighty year old antique dealer, they plunged right into trying to find out who had murdered him and why. As they involved themselves in this murder mystery, they were drawn into the dangerous world of drug dealers, art forgery and antiques. In addition to their involvement in the murder of Kuldesh, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim were also trying to help a rather new member of their community who had been lured into an on-line romance scam. Their friend had been blindsided by the scam. He had been tricked into believing that the romance was real and into sending a significant amount of money to the woman involved. Working simultaneously on both cases, the puzzle pieces to both cases began to come together and slowly revealed the answers and solutions that Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim were trying to uncover.
The Last Devil to Die explored the effects of dementia on the person that was riddled with it, the family member who had to watch the disease as it progressed and stole the life of that person who was slipping away and on the friends that cared very much. This part of The Last Devil to Die broke my heart. It was done in a very realistic yet sensitive way.
There were many different elements that were included in The Last Devil to Die. It touched upon drugs, art forgery, scams on the elderly, loss, multiple deaths and antiques. I really enjoyed Joyce’s ability to rise to the occasion when her friends needed her to. Joyce’s journal entries continued to amuse me and even surprise me.
I listened to the audiobook of The Last Devil to Die that was narrated by Fiona Shaw. She did an incredible job distinguishing and alternating between characters. The interview at the end of the audiobook with Richard Osman and Fiona Shaw was well worth listening to. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Thursday Murder Club. Thankfully, there will be a next one, even if it may be a bit longer to wait for. I really enjoyed listening to The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman and highly recommend it.
DCI Chris Hudson and Donna were determined to keep the members of the Thursday Murder Club out of their current murder investigation this time but that was easier said than done. When Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim learned about the murder of Stephan’s old friend, Kuldesh Sharma, eighty year old antique dealer, they plunged right into trying to find out who had murdered him and why. As they involved themselves in this murder mystery, they were drawn into the dangerous world of drug dealers, art forgery and antiques. In addition to their involvement in the murder of Kuldesh, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim were also trying to help a rather new member of their community who had been lured into an on-line romance scam. Their friend had been blindsided by the scam. He had been tricked into believing that the romance was real and into sending a significant amount of money to the woman involved. Working simultaneously on both cases, the puzzle pieces to both cases began to come together and slowly revealed the answers and solutions that Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim were trying to uncover.
The Last Devil to Die explored the effects of dementia on the person that was riddled with it, the family member who had to watch the disease as it progressed and stole the life of that person who was slipping away and on the friends that cared very much. This part of The Last Devil to Die broke my heart. It was done in a very realistic yet sensitive way.
There were many different elements that were included in The Last Devil to Die. It touched upon drugs, art forgery, scams on the elderly, loss, multiple deaths and antiques. I really enjoyed Joyce’s ability to rise to the occasion when her friends needed her to. Joyce’s journal entries continued to amuse me and even surprise me.
I listened to the audiobook of The Last Devil to Die that was narrated by Fiona Shaw. She did an incredible job distinguishing and alternating between characters. The interview at the end of the audiobook with Richard Osman and Fiona Shaw was well worth listening to. I can’t wait to read the next installment of the Thursday Murder Club. Thankfully, there will be a next one, even if it may be a bit longer to wait for. I really enjoyed listening to The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman and highly recommend it.
November 4, 2023
EXCERPT: Mervyn is an unconventional guest, but Elizaeth is learning to float on the tides of life these days.
Turkey and stuffing, balloons and streamers, crackers and hats. A nice bottle of red, and what Elizabeth assumes are Christmas pop songs playing in the background. Friendship, and Joyce flirting with a Welshman who appears to be the victim of a fairly serious international fraud. Elizabeth could think of worse ways to spend the holidays.
ABOUT 'THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE': Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
MY THOUGHTS: I love this group of people and am still awaiting the call that there is an apartment/villa/dog kennel available for me at Coopers Chase.
The Last Devil to Die is the perfect blend of chaos, intrigue, investigation, manipulation, humor and pain. I laughed. I cried. Stephen's letter is absolutely heart-wrenching. I read it several times, wanting to burn the words into my brain, never to be forgotten.
There are some interesting new characters introduced - Mervyn, who is looking for love in all the wrong places; Jill Regan from the NCA; and assorted criminals, some obviously so, others not so obvious. Of all the criminals it was Garth who intrigued me the most, a great big Canadian bear of a man who loved very deeply.
I would love to see this made into a movie; the scene I would most relish is the criminals as guests in the side room of Coopers Chase dining hall, dining with Elizabeth and her gang. I cracked up reading it, and it's a scene I keep returning to in my mind.
Joyce plays a more major role in The Last Devil to Die and almost becomes more Elizabeth than Elizabeth herself. Ibrahim makes a quiet revelation to Computer Bob and I wonder whether he will ever make this revelation to the other members of the Thursday Murder Club.
The Last Devil to Die is the fourth book in the series and I have loved every one of them. It is a series that needs to be read in order.
In his acknowledgements, Osman has promised that this won't be the last book in the series, for which I am immensely grateful. But he also warns that he will be making us wait for a while as he is going to write something new next, about a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo. I, for one, can't wait; but neither do I want to wait for the next installment in the Thursday Murder Club series.
P.S. I do wish some of Joyce's recipes could be included.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheLastDeviltoDie #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: An English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
Turkey and stuffing, balloons and streamers, crackers and hats. A nice bottle of red, and what Elizabeth assumes are Christmas pop songs playing in the background. Friendship, and Joyce flirting with a Welshman who appears to be the victim of a fairly serious international fraud. Elizabeth could think of worse ways to spend the holidays.
ABOUT 'THE LAST DEVIL TO DIE': Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
MY THOUGHTS: I love this group of people and am still awaiting the call that there is an apartment/villa/dog kennel available for me at Coopers Chase.
The Last Devil to Die is the perfect blend of chaos, intrigue, investigation, manipulation, humor and pain. I laughed. I cried. Stephen's letter is absolutely heart-wrenching. I read it several times, wanting to burn the words into my brain, never to be forgotten.
There are some interesting new characters introduced - Mervyn, who is looking for love in all the wrong places; Jill Regan from the NCA; and assorted criminals, some obviously so, others not so obvious. Of all the criminals it was Garth who intrigued me the most, a great big Canadian bear of a man who loved very deeply.
I would love to see this made into a movie; the scene I would most relish is the criminals as guests in the side room of Coopers Chase dining hall, dining with Elizabeth and her gang. I cracked up reading it, and it's a scene I keep returning to in my mind.
Joyce plays a more major role in The Last Devil to Die and almost becomes more Elizabeth than Elizabeth herself. Ibrahim makes a quiet revelation to Computer Bob and I wonder whether he will ever make this revelation to the other members of the Thursday Murder Club.
The Last Devil to Die is the fourth book in the series and I have loved every one of them. It is a series that needs to be read in order.
In his acknowledgements, Osman has promised that this won't be the last book in the series, for which I am immensely grateful. But he also warns that he will be making us wait for a while as he is going to write something new next, about a father-in-law/daughter-in-law detective duo. I, for one, can't wait; but neither do I want to wait for the next installment in the Thursday Murder Club series.
P.S. I do wish some of Joyce's recipes could be included.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheLastDeviltoDie #WaitomoDistrictLibrary
THE AUTHOR: An English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
June 15, 2023
When I retire May I find a place like Cooper’s chase and a set of friends as wonderful as Ron, Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Joyce. May I get to be a part of a club as fabulous as the Thursday Murder Club. I loved this new story- it’s hilarious, but with somber bits thrown in to make it not overly sweet and perfectly balanced. Love love love
And @Richard Osman, please please write a novella with @Louise Penny so Elizabeth and Ruth can have a conversation at the Bistro. I need those two gangs to collide. I need Ron to be confused over Gamache’s poetry. Oh. That would be such a yes for me. I can picture it and the wit between all of them…. Joyce trying to compare Alan to Rosa.
And @Richard Osman, please please write a novella with @Louise Penny so Elizabeth and Ruth can have a conversation at the Bistro. I need those two gangs to collide. I need Ron to be confused over Gamache’s poetry. Oh. That would be such a yes for me. I can picture it and the wit between all of them…. Joyce trying to compare Alan to Rosa.
June 14, 2024
Christmas is over and done with for our pals at Coopers Chase. Turkey consumed (one goose ..), crackers pulled and gifts exchanged. M and S vouchers for all from Joyce. Well, you can’t go wrong can you? Percy Pig anyone?
Antique dealer Kuldesh Sharma, Stephen’s friend and a great help with the Murder Clubs last case, reopens his shop Kempton Curios on 27th December. He doesn’t expect to do much business but opens up any way. A customer arrives with a box to sell for £50 and won’t take no for an answer. On New Years Day his body is discovered and police officers Chris and Donna know it’s an impossibility to keep the Thursday Murder Club out of it.
Another triumph for the Big O mark 2. How he manages to balance a fast moving plot with laugh out loud funny and the deeply moving I’ll never know. Talent with a capital T that’s how. One aspect of the plot is so sensitively and beautifully described it brings tears to my eyes. The ever changing plot has numerous twists and turns and an ending to wholeheartedly approve of.
I love Joyce’s journal inserts as always. She’s so funny and entertaining and her dog Alan is a hoot.
I do hope he’s started number 5 though I think we’re in for a bit of a wait. Still, got the movie to anticipate with fantastic casting. Helen Mirren as Elizabeth is just perfect.
Ps. The reason I took so long to get to this is because I was being a cheapskate. Bargain from The Works. 😁
Antique dealer Kuldesh Sharma, Stephen’s friend and a great help with the Murder Clubs last case, reopens his shop Kempton Curios on 27th December. He doesn’t expect to do much business but opens up any way. A customer arrives with a box to sell for £50 and won’t take no for an answer. On New Years Day his body is discovered and police officers Chris and Donna know it’s an impossibility to keep the Thursday Murder Club out of it.
Another triumph for the Big O mark 2. How he manages to balance a fast moving plot with laugh out loud funny and the deeply moving I’ll never know. Talent with a capital T that’s how. One aspect of the plot is so sensitively and beautifully described it brings tears to my eyes. The ever changing plot has numerous twists and turns and an ending to wholeheartedly approve of.
I love Joyce’s journal inserts as always. She’s so funny and entertaining and her dog Alan is a hoot.
I do hope he’s started number 5 though I think we’re in for a bit of a wait. Still, got the movie to anticipate with fantastic casting. Helen Mirren as Elizabeth is just perfect.
Ps. The reason I took so long to get to this is because I was being a cheapskate. Bargain from The Works. 😁
September 6, 2023
4 solid stars - liked it about as much as any of the other's from this series. Yes, there's some sadness to this one, but still a good one. I also could have done w/o the fox's ending too. I hope the author doesn't take forever to come back to Cooper's Chase, I love these characters!
April 6, 2024
5★
“The Thursday Murder Club don’t have to wear uniforms, or salute buffoons, or worry about the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, do they? They get results, and Donna reasons that if she were allowed to plant drugs, point guns, fake deaths and poison suspects, she would probably get results too.”
The core group of four seniors who comprise the Thursday Murder Club (so-called because it schedules meetings in one of Cooper Chase Village’s rooms for Thursdays), but the club’s extended family includes cops (like Donna), a Polish strongman, and others.
Elizabeth is the acknowledged leader, being a retired spy, while Joyce is the diarist, who takes notes, chatters a lot, dithers, bakes, and shares diary entries with us in chapters of her own. She misses her late husband, and buries herself in daytime TV. She does love a handsome fellow.
“Elizabeth more and more is getting the hang of Joyce’s type, and ‘anyone plausibly handsome’ seems to cover it. ‘He looks like a soap-opera villain,’ was Ron’s take, and Elizabeth was happy to accept his word on the matter.”
Ron is a retired unionist and political animal. His son is a well-known boxer, and Ron still has a reputation as a fighter. He would know some real villains, and he likes to be prepared for the worst. After all, their old friend Kuldesh had just been murdered.
“The journey home from the funeral had been full of theories. Rival drugs gangs, blackmailers. Ron, as always, wondering if the Mafia might be involved.”
Ibrahim, the psychiatrist, is an intelligent educated man (who likes everyone to acknowledge that). A new man, Bob, is helping the group try to catch an internet romance scammer, but somehow, Ron has cornered Bob to rant about the evil of computers “‘and that’s even before I get started on Facebook’”
Ibrahim eventually steps in, and Ron realises he’s been rabbiting on to a man who looks both frightened and bored.
“ ‘Sorry, Bob,’ says Ron. ‘Wear my heart on my sleeve sometimes.’
‘Not at all,’ says Bob. ‘Plenty of food for thought. And I will certainly pass your feedback on to someone at IBM should that opportunity arise.’
‘You will learn fairly quickly, Bob, that you don’t need to be polite with Ron,’ says Ibrahim. ‘It took me around a week to figure that out.’
Bob nods.
‘Also, he is easy to distract. If you ever feel that Ron has gone off at a tangent, which on occasion he does, then a simple “Did you see the match?” or “Did you see the fight?” works as a reset button.’
‘How Chelsea won that one, I’ll never know,’ says Ron, shaking his head. ‘Daylight robbery.’
‘To work, then, gentlemen,’ says Ibrahim.”
Ron has been reset. Ibrahim’s particular role in this is as a conduit to Connie, a Crime Queen he visits in prison for therapy sessions. Hers or his? It isn’t always clear.
She runs much of the underworld from her cell, so Ibrahim takes advantage of their sessions to sound her out about their case. An antique box full of a kg of heroin has gone missing after being delivered to Kuldesh, the old antique dealer friend of the Club whose funeral they just attended.
They swap information, and as with the previous books in the series, they meet other players who seem to be connected, there are more murders, more people I think may have done it, and meanwhile, the romance scammer case gets interesting.
Joyce is coming up with some good schemes in this one, and Elizabeth seems proud of her pal’s rapid progress on becoming a sleuth. Joyce puts her natural cover as a silly, talkative old lady to good use, because who would suspect her capable of subterfuge?
It is not all fun and games, though, because our beloved characters are elderly, stiff and sore and becoming weaker. There is great affection and understanding between them all, so when one is having a hard time of things, the others pick up the slack.
Osman writes with wonderful sensitivity about these old people, who have already been through so much and have such loss in their lives. He never gets maudlin, but he can certainly tug the heartstrings when he lets us share their sadness.
I was so pleased to see at the end that he says he promises to return to the Club one day. I’m sure I’m not alone in looking forward to another visit. I think this is the best yet.
The series - I've enjoyed them all.
My review of The Thursday Murder Club
My review of The Man Who Died Twice (#2)
My review of The Bullet That Missed (#3)
My review of The Last Devil to Die (#4)
“The Thursday Murder Club don’t have to wear uniforms, or salute buffoons, or worry about the Police and Criminal Evidence Act, do they? They get results, and Donna reasons that if she were allowed to plant drugs, point guns, fake deaths and poison suspects, she would probably get results too.”
The core group of four seniors who comprise the Thursday Murder Club (so-called because it schedules meetings in one of Cooper Chase Village’s rooms for Thursdays), but the club’s extended family includes cops (like Donna), a Polish strongman, and others.
Elizabeth is the acknowledged leader, being a retired spy, while Joyce is the diarist, who takes notes, chatters a lot, dithers, bakes, and shares diary entries with us in chapters of her own. She misses her late husband, and buries herself in daytime TV. She does love a handsome fellow.
“Elizabeth more and more is getting the hang of Joyce’s type, and ‘anyone plausibly handsome’ seems to cover it. ‘He looks like a soap-opera villain,’ was Ron’s take, and Elizabeth was happy to accept his word on the matter.”
Ron is a retired unionist and political animal. His son is a well-known boxer, and Ron still has a reputation as a fighter. He would know some real villains, and he likes to be prepared for the worst. After all, their old friend Kuldesh had just been murdered.
“The journey home from the funeral had been full of theories. Rival drugs gangs, blackmailers. Ron, as always, wondering if the Mafia might be involved.”
Ibrahim, the psychiatrist, is an intelligent educated man (who likes everyone to acknowledge that). A new man, Bob, is helping the group try to catch an internet romance scammer, but somehow, Ron has cornered Bob to rant about the evil of computers “‘and that’s even before I get started on Facebook’”
Ibrahim eventually steps in, and Ron realises he’s been rabbiting on to a man who looks both frightened and bored.
“ ‘Sorry, Bob,’ says Ron. ‘Wear my heart on my sleeve sometimes.’
‘Not at all,’ says Bob. ‘Plenty of food for thought. And I will certainly pass your feedback on to someone at IBM should that opportunity arise.’
‘You will learn fairly quickly, Bob, that you don’t need to be polite with Ron,’ says Ibrahim. ‘It took me around a week to figure that out.’
Bob nods.
‘Also, he is easy to distract. If you ever feel that Ron has gone off at a tangent, which on occasion he does, then a simple “Did you see the match?” or “Did you see the fight?” works as a reset button.’
‘How Chelsea won that one, I’ll never know,’ says Ron, shaking his head. ‘Daylight robbery.’
‘To work, then, gentlemen,’ says Ibrahim.”
Ron has been reset. Ibrahim’s particular role in this is as a conduit to Connie, a Crime Queen he visits in prison for therapy sessions. Hers or his? It isn’t always clear.
She runs much of the underworld from her cell, so Ibrahim takes advantage of their sessions to sound her out about their case. An antique box full of a kg of heroin has gone missing after being delivered to Kuldesh, the old antique dealer friend of the Club whose funeral they just attended.
They swap information, and as with the previous books in the series, they meet other players who seem to be connected, there are more murders, more people I think may have done it, and meanwhile, the romance scammer case gets interesting.
Joyce is coming up with some good schemes in this one, and Elizabeth seems proud of her pal’s rapid progress on becoming a sleuth. Joyce puts her natural cover as a silly, talkative old lady to good use, because who would suspect her capable of subterfuge?
It is not all fun and games, though, because our beloved characters are elderly, stiff and sore and becoming weaker. There is great affection and understanding between them all, so when one is having a hard time of things, the others pick up the slack.
Osman writes with wonderful sensitivity about these old people, who have already been through so much and have such loss in their lives. He never gets maudlin, but he can certainly tug the heartstrings when he lets us share their sadness.
I was so pleased to see at the end that he says he promises to return to the Club one day. I’m sure I’m not alone in looking forward to another visit. I think this is the best yet.
The series - I've enjoyed them all.
My review of The Thursday Murder Club
My review of The Man Who Died Twice (#2)
My review of The Bullet That Missed (#3)
My review of The Last Devil to Die (#4)
May 22, 2024
This book made me cry!!! If you also read this series then I am sure you can guess why 😣. The fourth book involving my favorite ‘oldie but goodie’ gang was phenomenal! I laughed, I cried and I used my brain to try and solve the crimes 🤣. All while hoping it this isn’t the end for my favorite crime fighting crew. I don’t know what I would do if I can read about the shenanigans Joyce, Ron, Elizabeth, and Ibrahim get into!
Side note: After I finished I did some googling and there is hope for a fifth book coming out in 2025 🥰
Side note: After I finished I did some googling and there is hope for a fifth book coming out in 2025 🥰
September 25, 2023
The Last Devil to Die (Thursday Murder Club, #4) by Richard Osman
Synopsis /
Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
My Thoughts /
‘Is being a spy always this boring?’ he asks Elizabeth. She has been unusually quiet today. ‘It’s 90 per cent this, 5 per cent paperwork and 5 per cent killing people,’ says Elizabeth.
Game show host turned bestselling novelist, Richard Osman, is the author behind the mystery club phenomenon known as the Thursday Murder Club. A series of novels which feature Elizabeth (former MI6 spymaster), retired nurse Joyce, Ron, an opinionated ex-union activist, and mild-mannered psychiatrist Ibrahim - a septuagenarian quartet of retirement village dwelling residents who work together to solve murders.
The story opens with our sleuthing club pensioners getting ready to enjoy a Boxing Day lunch at the Coopers Chase restaurant, together with an array of colourful party hats and Christmas crackers. Sitting with them at the table is Mervyn, who has only been at Coopers Chase for the last couple of months and is still finding his way. ..if Coopers Chase was about anything, it was about ensuring that no one should feel lonely at Christmas.
During lunch the group learn that a friend of theirs, antiques dealer, Kuldesh Sharma, who had helped the group unravel their previous murder mystery, has been found dead, shot execution style. Kuldesh was a good friend of Elizabeth's husband, Stephen, so the group quickly launch themselves into investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, trying to find out how and why Kuldesh was murdered. And for the first time since this series started, Elizabeth takes a backseat to Joyce.
As we have come to expect from Osman's writing, there is more than one tightly plotted mystery to unravel.
Returning in The Last Devil to Die are DCI Chris Hudson, PC Donna De Freitas and the unflappable, Bogdan Jankowski.
Plenty of red herrings, drama and secrets, the body count rises while the clock ticks down. Can the quartet from Coopers Chase solve this mystery, and who will be the last devil to die?
In his author's note, Osman indicates that he is working on a new series, so it might be some time before we can visit with our good friends from Coopers Chase again. I'm glad to know that he has not retired them for good, because I'm invested in this friendship now and I look forward to seeing them again some Thursday in the future.
This story is a solid 4 star read, however, I'm adding 1 whole star for Stephen. IYKYK
Synopsis /
Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club.
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
My Thoughts /
‘Is being a spy always this boring?’ he asks Elizabeth. She has been unusually quiet today. ‘It’s 90 per cent this, 5 per cent paperwork and 5 per cent killing people,’ says Elizabeth.
Game show host turned bestselling novelist, Richard Osman, is the author behind the mystery club phenomenon known as the Thursday Murder Club. A series of novels which feature Elizabeth (former MI6 spymaster), retired nurse Joyce, Ron, an opinionated ex-union activist, and mild-mannered psychiatrist Ibrahim - a septuagenarian quartet of retirement village dwelling residents who work together to solve murders.
The story opens with our sleuthing club pensioners getting ready to enjoy a Boxing Day lunch at the Coopers Chase restaurant, together with an array of colourful party hats and Christmas crackers. Sitting with them at the table is Mervyn, who has only been at Coopers Chase for the last couple of months and is still finding his way. ..if Coopers Chase was about anything, it was about ensuring that no one should feel lonely at Christmas.
During lunch the group learn that a friend of theirs, antiques dealer, Kuldesh Sharma, who had helped the group unravel their previous murder mystery, has been found dead, shot execution style. Kuldesh was a good friend of Elizabeth's husband, Stephen, so the group quickly launch themselves into investigating the circumstances surrounding his death, trying to find out how and why Kuldesh was murdered. And for the first time since this series started, Elizabeth takes a backseat to Joyce.
As we have come to expect from Osman's writing, there is more than one tightly plotted mystery to unravel.
Returning in The Last Devil to Die are DCI Chris Hudson, PC Donna De Freitas and the unflappable, Bogdan Jankowski.
Plenty of red herrings, drama and secrets, the body count rises while the clock ticks down. Can the quartet from Coopers Chase solve this mystery, and who will be the last devil to die?
In his author's note, Osman indicates that he is working on a new series, so it might be some time before we can visit with our good friends from Coopers Chase again. I'm glad to know that he has not retired them for good, because I'm invested in this friendship now and I look forward to seeing them again some Thursday in the future.
This story is a solid 4 star read, however, I'm adding 1 whole star for Stephen. IYKYK
November 8, 2023
The 4th edition of the Thursday Murder Club series is filled with crimes, philosophy and a short goodbye.
Richard Osman has been an extremely productive and creative author for the past few years, so much so that there now seems to be a plethora of writers who try and duplicate his formula. Once again, Osman proves he is at the top of his game as he treats us to his usual assortment of seniors who assist the police in solving crimes. Elizabeth is the leader, Joyce her friend and diarist, Ron the former union leader and Ibrahim who is a psychogist. Here we have one of their friends, an antique dealer, who is murdered after he is given an old box filled with heroin. The dealer is dead, and the box with the heroin is missing. They care less about the heroin, but need to discover who killed their friend. We also are treated to a side issue of Romance Fraud on the internet as a new resident at their apartments has fallen for an internet romance and shipped a large amount of funds to Lithuania to help his "true love" pay her bills. Add to this, Elizabeth's husband Stephen is suffering from dementia and we have many segments of the book dealing with the condition, aging, death, etc. Finally we also have University professors, Afghan drug smugglers, a cocaine dealer who Ibrahim counsels at her prison cell, and a rival antique dealer and her male Canadian partner. I am telling you, the plot is interesting, we get to also meet Bob the Computer Guy who also has just moved into the complex, and we are treated to Joyce with her diary entries which also help tie things together, and who has surprisingly taken the lead when Elizabeth is indisposed.
As for the short goodbye, Osman relates that the group will be back for many more cases, but that his next book will deal with new characters, which might just turn into a new series. So, enjoy this book, and get ready for more from Osman while the members of the Thursday Murder Club get a well deserved rest! 4.5****
Richard Osman has been an extremely productive and creative author for the past few years, so much so that there now seems to be a plethora of writers who try and duplicate his formula. Once again, Osman proves he is at the top of his game as he treats us to his usual assortment of seniors who assist the police in solving crimes. Elizabeth is the leader, Joyce her friend and diarist, Ron the former union leader and Ibrahim who is a psychogist. Here we have one of their friends, an antique dealer, who is murdered after he is given an old box filled with heroin. The dealer is dead, and the box with the heroin is missing. They care less about the heroin, but need to discover who killed their friend. We also are treated to a side issue of Romance Fraud on the internet as a new resident at their apartments has fallen for an internet romance and shipped a large amount of funds to Lithuania to help his "true love" pay her bills. Add to this, Elizabeth's husband Stephen is suffering from dementia and we have many segments of the book dealing with the condition, aging, death, etc. Finally we also have University professors, Afghan drug smugglers, a cocaine dealer who Ibrahim counsels at her prison cell, and a rival antique dealer and her male Canadian partner. I am telling you, the plot is interesting, we get to also meet Bob the Computer Guy who also has just moved into the complex, and we are treated to Joyce with her diary entries which also help tie things together, and who has surprisingly taken the lead when Elizabeth is indisposed.
As for the short goodbye, Osman relates that the group will be back for many more cases, but that his next book will deal with new characters, which might just turn into a new series. So, enjoy this book, and get ready for more from Osman while the members of the Thursday Murder Club get a well deserved rest! 4.5****
October 14, 2023
Rating 3.75
Probably the outlier on this one....but a tad disappointed in it. The series is great, a fun read. Love all the characters and how they solve the murders that just seem to be piling up. The audio narrations are always great too. In this one, I thought it had numerous things going on and a few times for me it started to drag. I wanted more Ron, more Bogdan. Perhaps I was excited to read it and set such high expectations. I will read more in this series and hope that there are more soon. Just this one was not my favorite, but I see so many loved this one.
Probably the outlier on this one....but a tad disappointed in it. The series is great, a fun read. Love all the characters and how they solve the murders that just seem to be piling up. The audio narrations are always great too. In this one, I thought it had numerous things going on and a few times for me it started to drag. I wanted more Ron, more Bogdan. Perhaps I was excited to read it and set such high expectations. I will read more in this series and hope that there are more soon. Just this one was not my favorite, but I see so many loved this one.
December 4, 2023
Pretty much the only thing necessary for me to write here is that this is now BOOK FOUR in the series and I’m still putting my name on the library waiting list whenever a new one is announced. (If you aren’t familiar with me, I’m generally one and done when it comes to books in a series – even if I like them okay.) The people at Cooper’s Chase are indeed a rare exception to the rule and yesterday this was like catching up with some old friends.
This time around the Thursday Murder Club is tackling a case of a dead acquaintance, a handful of small-time crooks and some missing heroin. And thanks to the local cops being booted off the job when some higher-ups come to town, both Chris and Donna are sort of A-okay with Elizabeth and the gang helping to Nancy Drew this one.
I can’t imagine NOT wanting to continue reading these as long as Richard Osman keeps churning them out. And while I could maybe have done without the page count involving the “catfishing” subplot, at some point you have to introduce the next murder victim so maybe that was the entire point. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Ibrahim’s backstory and the potential for Joyce’s magical meringue to finally snag her a new fella in the future. But I should have known when dealing with octogenarians that eventually we would lose one and oh my god . . . .
My husband was ready to call 911 during the Sunday Funday football games when I started sobbing uncontrollably.
Maybe the best thing of all when it comes to these books is the timing. What a delightful Christmas gift to look forward to every year. Oh, and the fact that I have a little red fox who has come to visit in the woods behind our house since Thanksgiving. I've named him Stephen.
This time around the Thursday Murder Club is tackling a case of a dead acquaintance, a handful of small-time crooks and some missing heroin. And thanks to the local cops being booted off the job when some higher-ups come to town, both Chris and Donna are sort of A-okay with Elizabeth and the gang helping to Nancy Drew this one.
I can’t imagine NOT wanting to continue reading these as long as Richard Osman keeps churning them out. And while I could maybe have done without the page count involving the “catfishing” subplot, at some point you have to introduce the next murder victim so maybe that was the entire point. I enjoyed getting to know a little bit more about Ibrahim’s backstory and the potential for Joyce’s magical meringue to finally snag her a new fella in the future. But I should have known when dealing with octogenarians that eventually we would lose one and oh my god . . . .
My husband was ready to call 911 during the Sunday Funday football games when I started sobbing uncontrollably.
Maybe the best thing of all when it comes to these books is the timing. What a delightful Christmas gift to look forward to every year. Oh, and the fact that I have a little red fox who has come to visit in the woods behind our house since Thanksgiving. I've named him Stephen.
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