Before his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club came out a few years ago, Richard Osman was widely recognized mostly as a British TV presenter. That debut was a huge success, leading to three sequels and establishing Osman as a prominent crime fiction author. Now, he returns with a new novel, introducing a fresh set of characters, aiming to launch another successful series. We Solve Murders, generously provided to me by Osman's US publisher, showcases his trademark wit in a murder mystery that promises to be another impressive addition to his growing body of works.
Steve Wheeler has settled comfortably into retirement in a quiet English village, content with the slower pace of life. Once a cop handling high-profile cases, he's now a widower who spends his days on small local investigations like insurance claims and lost pets. His life may be quieter now, but Steve finds solace in routine—attending weekly quiz nights at the pub, caring for his cat Trouble, and leaving messages for his late wife on his dictaphone, a ritual that helps him cope with her absence.
Amy Wheeler, Steve’s daughter-in-law, shares a close bond with him, perhaps even closer than the one she shares with her husband, Adam. While Adam and Steve don’t communicate much beyond pleasantries, Amy tries to stay connected. Working as a personal bodyguard for a private security firm, Amy can relate to Steve's background, and they find common ground in their shared experiences. Amy’s current assignment is protecting Rosie D'Antonio, a top thriller author who has retreated to her private island off the coast of South Carolina after possibly angering a Russian oligarch with her latest book.
What was supposed to be a straightforward assignment takes a dangerous turn when a series of crimes—including the murders of influencers, money laundering, and a mysterious figure using ChatGPT to hide their identity—put Amy in the crosshairs. Framed for the crimes, Amy turns to Steve, the only person she trusts, to help her untangle the web of deception. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure, determined to outsmart the criminal masterminds and stay one step ahead in a deadly game of cat and mouse.
I must admit, I approached We Solve Murders skeptically, unsure if Richard Osman could capture my attention as effectively as he did with his previous series. At first, my concerns seemed justified—I struggled to keep track of the new characters as Osman rapidly introduced them, bouncing from one to the next. The setup felt like a complex web of cast and plot, and I worried it might not all come together. But I should never have doubted him. Osman has once again delivered a stellar mystery filled with sharp social commentary, exhilarating twists, and his signature British wit. The story had the potential to veer into the outlandish, but Osman keeps it grounded through his protagonist, Steve. Steve serves as the everyman, guiding us through the proceedings with relatable bewilderment and providing the story with a solid emotional anchor. As I kept reading, I became increasingly captivated by Osman's writing, eager to solve the mystery and frequently laughing at his clever observations. We Solve Murders is a promising start to a new series, reaffirming Osman's talent for crafting compelling mysteries with charming characters and a delightful dose of humor.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 68)
Yay...I loved this one and the audio helped with characters. I am excited to see this will come to Netflix as well.
ReplyDeleteHave you seen the cast they lined up for Thursday Murder Club? I'm excited that this one is getting adapted too!
DeleteThis sounds great. Always nice to find a new series to love.
ReplyDeleteI agree. The only problem is now I have another series to try to keep up with!
DeleteIt sounds like a nice twist on your average retired-cop trope, especially since he's paired with his daughter-in-law. Also, sometimes the tone and the writing make all the difference!
ReplyDeleteThis ended up being a really fun one. Familiar and fresh at the same time
DeleteThis sounds so good. It's nice to find a mystery that can make you laugh too.
ReplyDeleteI've come to really appreciate a bit of humor in my thrillers. This one more than delivered in that regard!
DeleteBefore you even talked about the complexity, I thought there was a lot going on. It's great that the author was able to make it all work in a great way.
ReplyDeleteIt veers on the overstuffed, but completely works for this story.
DeleteI put a hold on the audio at my library. I can't wait! I also saw the actors they have slated for The Thursday Murder Club and I'm so excited! Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan are wonderful!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll really enjoy this one. I can't wait to read your thoughts on it!
DeleteYou remind me that I really need to get on the stick and read Thursday Murder Club series so I can watch the TV adaption. I'm so glad this one got past the intro and into the story for you after a bit and you could love it.
ReplyDeleteSophia Rose
I need to continue that series, too! The casting for the adaptation looks spot on!
DeleteI have seen his book around but never read one. I really should one day
ReplyDeleteThey're worth a read if you like a fun mystery!
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