I’m not sure if there is a collective noun for Richard Osman appreciators – like ‘Swifties’ for Taylor’s fans – but if so, I would definitely be in that gang. We would all do the equivalent of swapping friendship bracelets and sporting glitter on our faces – I’m not entirely sure on what these ‘equivalents’ would be – but I suspect a nice cup of tea would be involved. I’ve loved Richard’s Thursday Murder Club series, and so was prepared to part with cash (which I don’t often do!) to read the first instalment of his new series ‘We Solve Murders’. Having been educated about the world of publishing by the brilliant podcast that Richard presents with the marvellous Marina Hyde, ‘The Rest Is Entertainment’ I did pre order the book, as obviously Mr Osman needs all of the advanced sales he can get!! (If there was an ‘ironic’ font, I would have used that for the preceding sentence given the very large number of books he has shifted in the past. In fact Richard and his wife Ingrid know a German font designer, so perhaps they could get him to create one. I appreciate I am now verging into slightly deranged, potential stalker territory………)

Anyway – back to the book – here is the blurb for anyone who doesn’t just buy a book because Richard Osman wrote it:

“Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favourite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job . . .
Then a dead body, a bag of money and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a deadly enemy?”

Whilst this is a new team of crime fighters – the Osman style of writing runs strong through Amy, Steve and the extended cast. Greggs and a Boots Meal Deal are mentioned early on – so what’s not to love?

I won’t ruin any storylines – but the different settings are great – I particularly loved St Lucia (I’m biased because we got married there, and I’ve also been travel sick on those horrific roads, and the bar at the airport is RUBBISH – we spent a 5 hour delay in the BA lounge and there is not much to keep you entertained – but it’s still a wonderful holiday destination – although perhaps a little risky in this book!)

The supporting cast are great – such an eclectic mix – and there’s definitely scope for fleshing some of those out in future books (I felt Adam – Amy’s husband / Steve’s son was a much less used character than I’d expected)

Whilst there are gruesome elements – it’s all done in a very ‘cosy crime’ way – and the humour throughout is as fabulous as I expected (so much funnier than The Bear – another podcast reference – sorry!)

My only quibble with the whole book is that Richard and Ingrid’s lovely new kitten Lottie doesn’t get a mention – whereas Liesl the cat is discussed both in the ‘about the author’ and the acknowledgment sections! I suspect this is purely a matter of timing, and that Lottie will have a starring role in Richard’s next book. #justiceforLottie

As I had hoped – this is a wonderful new book, and I look forward to seeing what Amy, Steve – and Rosie – get up to in the future (with or without visiting Coopers Chase – crossover incoming?)

I have to confess (we’re off on a TRIE tangent again!) that I bought it from ‘friend of the podcast’ Lauren’s boyfriend’s website so I could have it on my electronic reading device – but I do plan to source a copy from an independent bookshop for my mother’s Christmas present!