Murder mysteries, retirement-village gossip, friendship and generous servings of tea and cake don’t often go hand in hand, but it is that unusual combination that has made Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series a success.
​The books follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, four unlikely friends who all live at the peaceful retirement village of Coopers Chase. Every Thursday, they get together to look into unsolved crimes just for fun. But when a murder happens nearby, these amateur detectives suddenly have a real case to solve.
​Each novel brings a new mystery, but the relationships and personal stories carry on throughout the series.
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Why is the Thursday Murder Club series so popular?
One reason the Thursday Murder Club series is so charming is that it flips many typical crime fiction expectations. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron might live in a retirement village, but they are sharp, resourceful, and often outwit the police, suspects, and criminals they meet.
​These books are more than just clever murder mysteries. Richard Osman creates characters with full lives, including family issues, old secrets, regrets, and new friendships. Joyce’s diary entries add warmth and humour, while Elizabeth’s mysterious past keeps things interesting.
​Most importantly, the series mixes comedy with real emotion. Osman writes honestly about aging, grief, illness, and loneliness, but these topics never take over the mysteries.
​The combination of cosy crime, sharp humour, and emotional depth makes these novels appealing even to readers who might not usually pick up a murder mystery.
The Thursday Murder Club books in order
There are five novels in the main series so far, and it’s best to read them in the order they were published:​
- The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
- The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
- The Bullet That Missed (2022)
- The Last Devil to Die (2023)
- The Impossible Fortune (2025)
The Thursday Murder Club
​The first novel introduces readers to Coopers Chase and its four most curious residents. Elizabeth, who has a secretive past, teams up with former nurse Joyce, retired psychiatrist Ibrahim, and outspoken trade unionist Ron. Together, they look through old police files and discuss who might have committed each crime.
​Their weekly hobby quickly turns serious when a local property developer is murdered. With a real case right in front of them, the four friends start gathering evidence, questioning suspects, and devising creative ways to gather information.
​The Man Who Died Twice
​The next Thursday, Elizabeth gets a letter from someone from her past career. He’s made a big mistake with stolen diamonds and a dangerous criminal, and now he needs Elizabeth’s help to survive.
​Of course, she brings Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron into the investigation. Soon, the group is caught up in a dangerous hunt for a killer and for millions of pounds’ worth of missing diamonds. The stakes are higher this time, but the Thursday Murder Club is more confident than ever.
​The Bullet That Missed
​In the third book, the Thursday Murder Club looks into an old case about TV journalist Bethany Waites. Ten years ago, her car was found at the bottom of a cliff, but her body was never recovered.
​The group revisits the people and events linked to her disappearance. Their investigation takes them into the world of television news, where appearances often hide secrets, grudges, and crimes.
​At the same time, Elizabeth faces a threat of her own. A dangerous stranger gives her a deadly task, forcing her to make a tough choice. While Joyce, Rob, and Ibrahim work on Bethany’s case, they must also find a way to keep Elizabeth safe.
​The Last Devil to Die
​As Christmas gets closer at Coopers Chase, the group hears some terrible news. An old friend who worked in antiques has been murdered, and a mysterious package he was protecting has gone missing.
​Looking for the package pulls the friends into a shady world of art forgery, drugs, online scams, and dangerous people. As more bodies turn up, the group has to move fast to figure out what was in the package and who has it now.
​The Impossible Fortune
​After two years away, the Coopers Chase sleuths return. Life has been mostly quiet: Joyce is busy planning a wedding, Elizabeth is grieving, Rob is dealing with family issues, and Ibrahim is still giving therapy to a familiar criminal.
​Their hopes for a quiet year vanish when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who thinks their life is in danger. Soon, an unbreakable code, a hidden fortune, and a determined villain give the Thursday Murder Club a new mystery to crack.
Do you need to read the Thursday Murder Club books in order?
Each book has its own main mystery, so you could start with any of the later novels and still follow the story. However, it’s best to read the series in publication order to fully understand the relationships, losses, and character growth that continue from book to book.
​Starting with The Thursday Murder Club lets you get to know the unique personalities of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron. The mysteries are a big draw, but it’s the characters’ lives and friendships that give the series its emotional core.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many books are in the Thursday Murder Club series?
There are currently five Thursday Murder Club books. There are hints the series might continue, but nothing definite has been announced.
What order are the Thursday Murder Club books?
The Thursday Murder Club books, in order, are: The Thursday Murder Club (2020), The Man Who Died Twice (2021), The Bullet That Missed (2022), The Last Devil to Die (2023), and The Impossible Fortune (2025). This is both the order they were published and the best way to read them.
Who narrates the Thursday Murder Club audiobooks?
Two narrators have recorded the Thursday Murder Club audiobooks. Lesley Manville reads The Thursday Murder Club and The Man Who Died Twice, while Fiona Shaw narrates The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and The Impossible Fortune. Both bring the main characters to life and capture the series’ mix of comedy, suspense, and emotion.
Which is the best Thursday Murder Club book?
The best book depends on what you like most about the series. The first book, The Thursday Murder Club, is perfect for getting to know the characters and exploring Coopers Chase. If you want a faster-paced, more dangerous mystery, try The Man Who Died Twice. The Last Devil to Die is widely praised for its emotional depth.