“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?”

I am lucky enough to be given loads of advance review copies of books to read – so I don’t often have to part with hard cash for them – however, when certain books aren’t on Net Galley, I am prepared to put my hand in my pocket. I love Richard Osman (even more after seeing him on the Parenting Hell Live tour and then on last week’s Friday episode) and have adored the first three books in the Thursday Murder Club series – so this new book hit my Kindle the day of release.

It was wonderful to be reunited with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and the supporting cast of friends, fellow Coopers Chase residents, local law enforcement and drug dealers from the previous three books! Now this book would stand alone – but I think you’d enjoy it much more if you’ve read the back stories for everyone (and given the sales figures, chances are you already have anyway!)

Yet again, the Thursday Murder Club are investigating a murder – which soon turns into quite a few murders! However, entwined within that is the story of Elizabeth’s husband Stephen and his failing health as he suffers with dementia.

Lots of new characters are also introduced – and I did feel I needed my wits about me to remember who was who – but that didn’t detract from the story. The style is so similar to the previous books, and so ‘Richard Osman’ (which is compliment!) and Joyce’s diary extracts are my absolute favourites, as always.

It was such a lovely book (which does seem a bit odd to say about a book concerning murder) but the whole series is witty, clever and life affirming (just not for the victims I guess!)

Richard Osman has said the Thursday Murder Club are taking a pause whilst he writes another series – and I’m a little bit sad about that – but will be delighted to read Book 5 at some point in the future. The acknowledgements at the end of the book were also a lovely read and I have to confess I cried!

Until next time, stay safe Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim.