by Richard Osman
Here’s the thing about “cozy” mysteries: If they are too cozy, they lose their edge. And then you have a bland reading experience.
The Thursday Murder Club walks the fine line between warm and fuzzy — with a few dark passages — and watching an episode of, oh, I don’t know, The Golden Girls, perhaps? There are some chuckles to be had, but not much depth to the characters.
The plot follows four lovable senior citizens living in a retirement village who attempt to solve crimes. For fun. To me, the elderly sleuths were pleasant enough, but not terribly interesting. The mystery is likewise underwhelming.
I notice that they are making a movie out of this novel (the first in a series by Osman), starring Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. Judging from that cast, I’m thinking this might be one time when the movie could be better than the book.
© 2010-2025 grouchyeditor.com (text only)
