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Friday Street Murder Mysteries #1
Murder On Friday Street
If you love Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, you’ll love this.
Eccentric twin brothers, Cedric and Ambrose, retire from MI6 to make honey and tackle crosswords at Tanglefoot Farm in England’s Surrey Hills.
The unsolved brutal murder of their long-lost friend drags them back into the secret life they left behind.
Can Cedric and Ambrose, along with Charlie, their dead friend’s daughter and the seventy-five year old mystery woman who lives in a campervan, unravel the clues and crack the cold case before the killer strikes again?
The chase is on to solve the mystery and catch the murderer.
Murder on Friday Street is the highly entertaining first book in the Friday Street Murder Mystery series. If you like witty, feisty women, a tangle of clever clues, and hilarious adventures, then you’ll love Russell Cooper’s gripping murder mystery.
Eccentric twin brothers, Cedric and Ambrose, retire from MI6 to make honey and tackle crosswords at Tanglefoot Farm in England’s Surrey Hills.
The unsolved brutal murder of their long-lost friend drags them back into the secret life they left behind.
Can Cedric and Ambrose, along with Charlie, their dead friend’s daughter and the seventy-five year old mystery woman who lives in a campervan, unravel the clues and crack the cold case before the killer strikes again?
The chase is on to solve the mystery and catch the murderer.
Murder on Friday Street is the highly entertaining first book in the Friday Street Murder Mystery series. If you like witty, feisty women, a tangle of clever clues, and hilarious adventures, then you’ll love Russell Cooper’s gripping murder mystery.
394 pages, Paperback
Published September 19, 2023
961 people are currently reading
623 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews
July 30, 2025
For all my fellow Agatha Christie lovers who over the years might have grown discouraged thinking you'd never find a similar author, this one's for us!
Now, we all know darn well that's a comparison that's not to be made lightly.
But this book really has the right formula. Super engrossing and addicting mystery mixed with a Little of that British humor we all love..
Although I will say this was a lot funnier than any Christie book I have personally ever read.
lol I LOVEEEE British humor & this book has me cackling!
Oh, OH! AND THERES SPIES!?!?..yes PLEASE.
This book is seriously a classic mystery lovers MUST!!!!!!
Now, we all know darn well that's a comparison that's not to be made lightly.
But this book really has the right formula. Super engrossing and addicting mystery mixed with a Little of that British humor we all love..
Although I will say this was a lot funnier than any Christie book I have personally ever read.
lol I LOVEEEE British humor & this book has me cackling!
Oh, OH! AND THERES SPIES!?!?..yes PLEASE.
This book is seriously a classic mystery lovers MUST!!!!!!
July 29, 2025
My favorite book of 2025. I loved the characters, the setting and the plot. Outstanding performance by the narrator. My favorite characters were Cedric and Ambrose, with Charlie being a close second. I was fully engaged from the first moment I started listening to this book. I’m eagerly anticipating the second in the series. Highly recommend.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I loved this story so much I plan to purchase the audio version when it is released.
I was blessed with an audio ARC. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased. I loved this story so much I plan to purchase the audio version when it is released.
December 9, 2023
Fun story
The plot was moderately silly, the characters were crazy and charming. I would have given this four stars, but the English teacher in me was driven to distraction by the misused homophones. Horses neigh; they don’t nay. You can bear (hold or carry) something, but when you bare it, you uncover it. A bicycle has pedals, so when riding, you are pedaling, instead of peddling, which means door-to-door selling.
The plot was moderately silly, the characters were crazy and charming. I would have given this four stars, but the English teacher in me was driven to distraction by the misused homophones. Horses neigh; they don’t nay. You can bear (hold or carry) something, but when you bare it, you uncover it. A bicycle has pedals, so when riding, you are pedaling, instead of peddling, which means door-to-door selling.
July 30, 2025
Murder on Friday Street was an absolute delight. We’ve got a group of retired MI6 agents living in the quiet little Friday Street village. After Charlie’s dad died, Cedric and Ambrose (brothers) took her in. The three live together at Tanglefoot Farm on Friday Street. Charlie’s Dad’s murder was never solved, although police believe it was a mugging.
When Charlie sets about discovering who killed her father, Cedric, Ambrose and other former agents step in to assist. The tale was filled with humor, suspense and wonderfully charming characters whom I fell in love with.
We’ve got Russian spies, crossword book clues, undercover ops and more. The story itself was well-paced, and the change of POVs kept me listening into the wee hours. While the audio certainly helped with keeping track of characters, each character was unique enough that I imagine readers will appreciate the author’s writing style.
I laughed aloud at some of the characters’ quirks and antics. Time spent with them offered a delightful trip to England’s Surrey Hills from the comfort of my couch. It reminded me again why I enjoy English mysteries.
While this mystery wrapped up, I cannot wait to revisit these characters in Easier Dead Than Done, coming to audio in December 2025. Bronwen Price absolutely nailed the narration, from the unique voices to setting the tone. I highly recommend grabbing Murder on Friday Street on audio.
Perfect for fans of Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and cozy murder-mysteries. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
When Charlie sets about discovering who killed her father, Cedric, Ambrose and other former agents step in to assist. The tale was filled with humor, suspense and wonderfully charming characters whom I fell in love with.
We’ve got Russian spies, crossword book clues, undercover ops and more. The story itself was well-paced, and the change of POVs kept me listening into the wee hours. While the audio certainly helped with keeping track of characters, each character was unique enough that I imagine readers will appreciate the author’s writing style.
I laughed aloud at some of the characters’ quirks and antics. Time spent with them offered a delightful trip to England’s Surrey Hills from the comfort of my couch. It reminded me again why I enjoy English mysteries.
While this mystery wrapped up, I cannot wait to revisit these characters in Easier Dead Than Done, coming to audio in December 2025. Bronwen Price absolutely nailed the narration, from the unique voices to setting the tone. I highly recommend grabbing Murder on Friday Street on audio.
Perfect for fans of Thursday Murder Club, Agatha Christie and cozy murder-mysteries. This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Reviewer
August 19, 2025
Cracking first in a new cozy mystery series that has christie vibes. It was full of everything, romance, espionage, death, humor and most of all friendship and sticking together. Trying to solve a 10 year old mystery of who killed Charlies dad had me listening and following the same clues and red herrings. It felt long in places especially as new characters were introduced. There were a lovable bunch each with their own quirks which were skillfully narrated. It felt real and mixed in there were moments of love and understanding between characters who seemed totally inapproprite together. This is a real gem perfect for both cozy mystery lovers and also for anyone who like a story about underdogs and how you should trust in those who stand with you no matter how hard life gets. So look forward to book 2 i think this series have great longetivity. Thank you so much netgallery, publisher, author and narration. Highly recommended
January 11, 2024
What fun!
I read a lot of books and this is by far the funniest one I've read in a long time. Great characters and a number of plot twists. Can't wait for the next one.
I read a lot of books and this is by far the funniest one I've read in a long time. Great characters and a number of plot twists. Can't wait for the next one.
July 17, 2025
Such a fun murder mystery with great characters! Charlie’s father’s murder was never solved, but now she has a few new clues, time off, and the assistance of her guardians - two bachelor twin brothers, Cedric and Ambrose, with a penchant for cheese and sartorial aptness. They just happen to be retired MI-6 officers specializing in the I (for intelligence). They are founts of knowledge but not cut out for field work. Fortunately, Charlie takes after he father, a former MI-6 field operative, and there are others on Friday Street (and in the same-named village) who worked with her father and who have the M (for Military training) she can rely on as they pursue clues and uncover long-held secrets. I hope this will become a series, as I would very much like to read more of the brothers, Verity, and the Russians in the future. The narration is very good and it was easy to follow, even when switching narratives (from Charlie’s to Verity’s POV, for example). 4.5 stars rounded up.
While it has been compared to Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, I enjoyed this book and its characters even more.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @TantorAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #MurderonFridayStreet for review purposes. Publication date: 29 July 2025.
While it has been compared to Osman’s Thursday Murder Club, I enjoyed this book and its characters even more.
My thanks to the author, publisher, @TantorAudio, and #NetGalley for early access to the audiobook of #MurderonFridayStreet for review purposes. Publication date: 29 July 2025.
August 2, 2025
I had high hopes for this book, as I love a quirky murder mystery, but this one might just have been a little too quirky for even me!
The characters just didn’t feel real – all of them were so very enthusiastically unusual, quirky, wacky or zany, so that what would be endearing in one or two characters for comic relief became overwhelming in the whole lot.
Charlie, one of the main group of unofficial espionagers – the only one not retired from it as a profession – seemed to hover in age anywhere between 8 and 28 year old, as she skips ahead down the lane with her dog one minute, stages petty teenage rebellions and then focuses on information-gathering like the competent young adult she is supposed to be.
The other central characters – fussy twins, Ambrose and Cedric; the disliked-for-no-apparent-reason Linus Pope; wildcard Verity Fanthorpe – come out of their separate retirements to help Charlie get closure on her dad’s death years earlier and all bicker, demand and fuss their way through various cups of tea and obscure clues in their attempt to rouse some sleeping dogs related to the cold case. It was all a little bit more British romp/farce than murder mystery!
In many ways this was a fun read though, and I really did want to love the characters and the humour. I just felt that the plot was spread a little too thin and everything else was layered on very thickly indeed.
The characters just didn’t feel real – all of them were so very enthusiastically unusual, quirky, wacky or zany, so that what would be endearing in one or two characters for comic relief became overwhelming in the whole lot.
Charlie, one of the main group of unofficial espionagers – the only one not retired from it as a profession – seemed to hover in age anywhere between 8 and 28 year old, as she skips ahead down the lane with her dog one minute, stages petty teenage rebellions and then focuses on information-gathering like the competent young adult she is supposed to be.
The other central characters – fussy twins, Ambrose and Cedric; the disliked-for-no-apparent-reason Linus Pope; wildcard Verity Fanthorpe – come out of their separate retirements to help Charlie get closure on her dad’s death years earlier and all bicker, demand and fuss their way through various cups of tea and obscure clues in their attempt to rouse some sleeping dogs related to the cold case. It was all a little bit more British romp/farce than murder mystery!
In many ways this was a fun read though, and I really did want to love the characters and the humour. I just felt that the plot was spread a little too thin and everything else was layered on very thickly indeed.
November 17, 2023
I do love cozy mysteries set in England, filled with quirky characters. A few spies never hurt either.
This is all of that, and I seriously fell in love with Charlie, a 28-year-old woman who sets out to solve her dad's unsolved murder from ten years ago. Cecil and Ambrose are adorable as the twins who gave her a home after her dad's death. There is a full cast of current or former MI-6 employees and Russians.
I really am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
This is all of that, and I seriously fell in love with Charlie, a 28-year-old woman who sets out to solve her dad's unsolved murder from ten years ago. Cecil and Ambrose are adorable as the twins who gave her a home after her dad's death. There is a full cast of current or former MI-6 employees and Russians.
I really am looking forward to the next installment of this series.
January 15, 2024
The book started a little slow, but definitely gained momentum. The characters are quirky and maybe even a little ridiculous and I found myself laughing out loud at their antics and reactions to various events. I'll be looking for the second one when it's published.
December 26, 2023
Much too silly for my tastes. Unrealistic characters and plot.
August 17, 2025
Murder On Friday Street is the first book in the murder on Friday mystery series by Russell Cooper, there is a lot to love about this book. I read part on kindle but once I heard the narrator I finished it on audio and let me just say I loved everything about it. Charlie’s dad was part of an MI6 secret group and when he was murdered she went to live with two of his fellow military guys Ambrose and Cedric the most persnickety obtuse lovable brothers ever written into a story. something else I loved is she solves the case with her two persnickety uncles with only two clues left to her by her father with the exception of the Jaguar and Elsie. This had a very historical fiction field to it and I found it hard to place what date it took place but they do have cell phone so I’m thinking it’s current day maybe either way when it is is irrelevant this is a fun funny outstanding mystery series and I’ve already downloaded book 2. I listened to the audio narrated by Bronwyn Price who I thought did a wonderful job she had the perfect voice for the story I just loved it if you love intelligently done cozy mysteries the you’ll absolutely love this book especially if you’re in to Agatha Christie follow the clue type mysteries. #NetGalley, #TheBlindReviewer, #MyHonestReview,#murderOnFridayStreet, #RussellCooper,
July 19, 2025
I enjoyed this book. The is an old fashion story, with a very English feel to it. I must admit it did start out very confusing jumping around in time and to different characters and I wasn't sure if was for me but it was just introducing you to some very quirky characters and setting the scene for the investigation. I was soon hooked and found myself enjoying it. The story revolves around Charlie who at a young age loses both her mother in a car accident and her father in a mugging. Her father's death is never solved and she joined by her eccentric uncle's set out to find out what happen. But of course it's not as simple as that. Her uncle's were analyst for MI6 and her father was a spy in Berlin. Cue.... well dead bodies, coded messages, suspects, high speeds and you get an entertaining and an extremely eccentric mystery. The characters were unique is the only other word I can up with to explain them and it wasn't just the uncle's that fit that description. The mystery was good and all the clues are there in amongst the chaos and hilarity for you to solve it yourself. I look forward to the next adventure.
After ten years the secrets are being declassified and Charlie hopes to find out what really happened to her father. A mugging leaves Charlie an orphan and going to live with her fathers bachelor best friends. They might be twin genius but they weren't prepared to raise a child. Now older and armed with questions, Charlie wants answers. Can they work out who killed her father?
I liked the narrator. She played the parts to a tea and made the characters easy to imagine, as they ran around getting into trouble.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
After ten years the secrets are being declassified and Charlie hopes to find out what really happened to her father. A mugging leaves Charlie an orphan and going to live with her fathers bachelor best friends. They might be twin genius but they weren't prepared to raise a child. Now older and armed with questions, Charlie wants answers. Can they work out who killed her father?
I liked the narrator. She played the parts to a tea and made the characters easy to imagine, as they ran around getting into trouble.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
July 17, 2025
Thanks to NetGalley and RBMedia for providing me with an ALC.
This was a fun cozy mystery, although it's really more about the characters than the plot itself. I really liked the characters, especially Cedric, Ambrose and Verity. Their conversations were very enjoyable. The plot requires the reader to accept a lot of unrealistic things, which I couldn't. I personally felt like there was barely an investigation, especially given that most of them are retired MI6 officers. It felt a bit too juvenile to me. But, I'll still be picking up the rest of the series when it comes out because I like the characters and I would like to see more of them. The ending was quite wholesome as well. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes cozy mysteries with elderly people as the protagonists.
The narrator did a great job of making the story come to life. One issue I did have was that Charlie's voice was too shrill which made it difficult for me to picture her as an adult.
This was a fun cozy mystery, although it's really more about the characters than the plot itself. I really liked the characters, especially Cedric, Ambrose and Verity. Their conversations were very enjoyable. The plot requires the reader to accept a lot of unrealistic things, which I couldn't. I personally felt like there was barely an investigation, especially given that most of them are retired MI6 officers. It felt a bit too juvenile to me. But, I'll still be picking up the rest of the series when it comes out because I like the characters and I would like to see more of them. The ending was quite wholesome as well. Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes cozy mysteries with elderly people as the protagonists.
The narrator did a great job of making the story come to life. One issue I did have was that Charlie's voice was too shrill which made it difficult for me to picture her as an adult.
August 26, 2025
I was a bit skeptical of this one coming in, as I’m generally not a huge fan of the Osman-style mystery. But this was a delight to read.
This is cleverly-conceived and a fun way to mix up retirement and murder that doesn’t feel nearly as shopworn as most of the novels we get that use that as a jumping off point/central character bio.
The story is also strangely atmospheric, especially for a sub-sub genre that typically forgets that atmosphere exists.
It’s also deeply funny without feeling like slapstick or trying too hard. I laughed every time somebody referred to “Wrong Kevin.”
I also think this works as something that can be expanded into a series, and am eager to read the next installment.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
This is cleverly-conceived and a fun way to mix up retirement and murder that doesn’t feel nearly as shopworn as most of the novels we get that use that as a jumping off point/central character bio.
The story is also strangely atmospheric, especially for a sub-sub genre that typically forgets that atmosphere exists.
It’s also deeply funny without feeling like slapstick or trying too hard. I laughed every time somebody referred to “Wrong Kevin.”
I also think this works as something that can be expanded into a series, and am eager to read the next installment.
*I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.*
September 22, 2025
I selected this book because the description stated that "if you love Robert Osman, you will love this." Well, I certainly do and I certainly did! Russell Cooper is now on my pathetically short list of great modern murder mystery writers, coming in alongside Osman and P J Fitzsimmons. The list of mediocre to painfully bad is sadly quite extensive.
I fell in love with every one of the main characters-and a number of the minor ones too. And I loved the rollicking romp of a storyline with its constant twists, turns and surprises. How everything comes together is genius!
I have only one complaint and that involves a curiosity never explained: who was Yuri's mother? Inquiring minds want to know these things...
I fell in love with every one of the main characters-and a number of the minor ones too. And I loved the rollicking romp of a storyline with its constant twists, turns and surprises. How everything comes together is genius!
I have only one complaint and that involves a curiosity never explained: who was Yuri's mother? Inquiring minds want to know these things...
September 29, 2025
This book was a wonderful surprise.
I absolutely loved this book and plan to read everything that I can find by this author. The storyline had some lovely twists and I the characters are perfect!
What made it such a surprise, and the reason that I almost didn’t read it was the cover. Really, the publisher needs to do better. I’m sure they were trying to attract Horowitz fans, but a poorly put together, weak, two-color copy-cover isn’t the way to do it. I was afraid the book would be a weak copy also, and almost stayed away.
Please try this book, it’s so much fun! I can’t recommend it enough.
I absolutely loved this book and plan to read everything that I can find by this author. The storyline had some lovely twists and I the characters are perfect!
What made it such a surprise, and the reason that I almost didn’t read it was the cover. Really, the publisher needs to do better. I’m sure they were trying to attract Horowitz fans, but a poorly put together, weak, two-color copy-cover isn’t the way to do it. I was afraid the book would be a weak copy also, and almost stayed away.
Please try this book, it’s so much fun! I can’t recommend it enough.
September 6, 2025
Contemporary mix of former spies solving a cold case. Quite the mix of genres, but kinda works. I'm always a sucker for a spy book, but we had a lot of telling and not showing. Also, the writing style would jump ahead a bit. Go from eating to running around. Solid mystery tho.
Charlie was fun, fast paced kick butt and following her dad's footsteps. Cedric and Ambrose are odd ducks, but they are brilliant at puzzles. I wanted to like these characters, but just wasn't draw into their lives.
Probably just a me issue. Not bad.
Charlie was fun, fast paced kick butt and following her dad's footsteps. Cedric and Ambrose are odd ducks, but they are brilliant at puzzles. I wanted to like these characters, but just wasn't draw into their lives.
Probably just a me issue. Not bad.
January 11, 2024
A Perfect Troop of Characters
I could live in this world, Friday Street. The author has a beautiful way with words and descriptions that pull you into vibrant scenes without realizing the magic behind the art. "The embers of the sun melt slowly across the wildflower garden of Tanglefoot Farm."
Puzzle lovers and foodies and gardeners - like me - will love all the quirky things that come together in perfect harmony in Friday Street. Plus there are two fabulous females leading the charge, one with much experience, and the other with much bravado and youth trying to keep up. Then we have Winnie, who is mostly silent but definitely warms the soul. If you love clunky motors and dream of escape, take a ride down the lane with us.
I could live in this world, Friday Street. The author has a beautiful way with words and descriptions that pull you into vibrant scenes without realizing the magic behind the art. "The embers of the sun melt slowly across the wildflower garden of Tanglefoot Farm."
Puzzle lovers and foodies and gardeners - like me - will love all the quirky things that come together in perfect harmony in Friday Street. Plus there are two fabulous females leading the charge, one with much experience, and the other with much bravado and youth trying to keep up. Then we have Winnie, who is mostly silent but definitely warms the soul. If you love clunky motors and dream of escape, take a ride down the lane with us.
December 28, 2023
simply delightful
What a treat murder on Friday street was. The characters are charming and lovable. Even the ones who think are bad guys who turn out to be helpful. I would have everyone over for cheese and crackers and wine, but only if Ambrose and Cedric were cooking I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
What a treat murder on Friday street was. The characters are charming and lovable. Even the ones who think are bad guys who turn out to be helpful. I would have everyone over for cheese and crackers and wine, but only if Ambrose and Cedric were cooking I can’t wait to read the second book in the series.
January 16, 2024
Awesome book
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are so much fun. The stories were very interesting and the mystery had lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed reading about the cold war and spies. I hope the author continues the series with many more books.
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters are so much fun. The stories were very interesting and the mystery had lots of twists and turns. I enjoyed reading about the cold war and spies. I hope the author continues the series with many more books.
February 15, 2024
Wonderful
One of the most interesting of reads. Witty, well written dialogue, fascinating plot, and lots of humour, who could ask for more? It brings George Smiley together with Bryant and May. I wait impatiently for the next in the series
One of the most interesting of reads. Witty, well written dialogue, fascinating plot, and lots of humour, who could ask for more? It brings George Smiley together with Bryant and May. I wait impatiently for the next in the series
November 12, 2024
A madcap mystery with comedic touches!
The characters are so well thought out. It was like being introduced to a cozy family and feeling right at home. I did not know until near the end " who done it". Good writing for fans of the "Traveling Cook".
The characters are so well thought out. It was like being introduced to a cozy family and feeling right at home. I did not know until near the end " who done it". Good writing for fans of the "Traveling Cook".
January 14, 2024
Good, modern English mystery
I liked the fast pace of the story using multiple characters brought in during the progression of the plot. The ending leads the way for further Friday Street Mysteries.
I liked the fast pace of the story using multiple characters brought in during the progression of the plot. The ending leads the way for further Friday Street Mysteries.
February 13, 2024
Murders, spies, mistaken identity, revenge! An interesting group of characters with a well-written mystery. I prefer the Thursday Murder Club, but this group is very entertaining.
September 15, 2024
So good!
This book was very well written and so enjoyable. I hope the rest of the series is this good. I will be back for sure!
This book was very well written and so enjoyable. I hope the rest of the series is this good. I will be back for sure!
November 24, 2024
Fabulous fun
I enjoyed the story from start to finish. The characters are wonderful and grew as the book progressed. Can't wait to see what happens next.
I enjoyed the story from start to finish. The characters are wonderful and grew as the book progressed. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 2, 2025
Wonderful
Love the characters! Fun, quirky and interesting. Thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Mr. Cooper.
Love the characters! Fun, quirky and interesting. Thoroughly enjoyable. I can't wait to read the next book. Thank you Mr. Cooper.
February 8, 2025
Crazy
I really enjoyed this book, loved Ambrose and Cedric, admired Verity and Charlie, read it overnight, just couldn't put it down.
I really enjoyed this book, loved Ambrose and Cedric, admired Verity and Charlie, read it overnight, just couldn't put it down.
February 9, 2025
Started kind of slow with the introduction of the characters, but then picked up once the story actually started. Looking forward to reading the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 167 reviews