We Solve Murders - Richard Osman

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⭐9/10

Bit of a funny story with this one: my 85 year old client started reading this author for her book club, and told me that he was fantastic and that I should try his books. Okay granny! I'm sure it's a hit at your retirement home. But then I kept seeing his name come up, heaping praise on his humour and ability to engage an audience... 

So I owe her an apology. She was right. I hope she sees this, though I'm not sure she knows what the internet is. This book is truly hilarious and I fell in love instantly. 

I'm really not familiar with mystery novels at all. Honestly this might be my first true mystery read since the Hardy Boys. As far as the mystery elements go, I think they were good but what do I know. I didn't think the payoff was excellent or anything. I sure didn't know who did it, but I don't really read books trying to guess. 

I think the bigger, more important quality here was simply the characters and their interactions. I loved the way they were introduced, giving the reader a terrific sense of who they are and what's at stake. I particularly loved Steve, a super plain middle-aged widow, and his interactions with the literary superstar Rosie. Funny every time, and a genius pairing. There are a million funny side characters with great moments, and I found myself laughing out loud on several occasions. 

So that's it. A truly hilarious book with a pretty good mystery story attached. I think this is a great start for those wanting to get into this genre, and I'm glad I stepped out of my usual genres for it. I will definitely be looking for the Thursday Murder Club books in every thrift store I enter. 

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