My previous blog posts have more than highlighted my love of all things Richard Osman, so I was delighted he had a new book out – and even more delighted when my cousin-in-law let me have a proof copy before it was released! It came on holiday with me to Canada – but was never out of my sight – imagine if I’d left that on an open top bus. Although I’m wondering if that could be a location for the next book – as the first book in the We Solve Murders series had part of the storyline set in St Lucia (where we got married) and then this book the murder is in Lucca (where we holidayed as a family in 2022) so it does feel our holiday destinations are relevant (or perhaps just popular for murders / murderers?!)

Back to the book! Here is the blurb:

“At sunrise, high in the Italian hills, a body is found on the steps of a beautiful private villa. On the body is a threatening note, signed by a mystery man.
As Amy, Rosie and Steve get the ‘We Solve Murders’ business up and running, they leap at the chance to take on their first proper case. So what if their new client seems to have his own reasons for avoiding the police? All they need to do is uncover who left the note, and then find them. Simple.
But once they start digging, the suspects keep piling up. And as the trio chase a villain through the shadows, danger travels closer to home . . .
Between Italy and Palm Springs, via Barcelona and Steve’s village pub, can the team catch an elusive killer who knows EXACTLY where to hide?”

It was so nice to be back with the familiar gang again – now with their own ‘We Solve Murders’ detective agency – but unfortunately no murders to solve, as in most instances, the police have to deal with these. But a timely appearance on the Graham Norton show for Rosie, where she discusses her new business as well as her new book, means the team are approached with their first proper case!

There won’t be any spoilers here – but let’s just say, the main characters – and their supporting family and friends – manage to solve everything again, mostly!

Yet again Steve hates travelling, Amy and her husband don’t spend a lot of time together, and Rosie remains ageless. Older people’s obsession with the route being taken to drive everywhere features a lot – as do pub quizzes (who doesn’t love a pub quiz?!)

And I adored the final sentence of the book – and desperately want to tell you why – but you’ll just have to read it yourself!!

As part of the publicity for the book, Richard Osman came to Symphony Hall in Birmingham to be interviewed by fellow crime author (and Traitors star) Harriet Tyce – with some Q&A from the audience too. Obviously I had to go (paid for) all merched up (kindly gifted – thank you cousin in law!) and my non book reading husband came along too. It was a wonderful evening – and I was delighted to get my book signed (and not be issued with some kind of restraining order for being a Richard super fan!) I’m also proud to have shown slightly more restraint than when I met Stan Collymore in 1997 and just told him I loved him (pre Ulrika debacle)

I’m already eagerly awaiting the third book in the series!