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Thursday Murder Club #5
The Impossible Fortune
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2025)Who's got time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
429 pages, Hardcover
First published September 30, 2025
11154 people are currently reading
107904 people want to read
About the author
Richard Osman
28 books19.7k followersAn English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 6,555 reviews
December 23, 2025
Thursday Murder Club is the series that just keeps giving and giving, and The Impossible Fortune is yet another marvelous installment.
This time, our gang is celebrating the wedding of Joyce's daughter. With so much grief in their lives recently, it's nice to see our septuagenarians come together for something joyful instead. Soon enough though, the groom's best man has disappeared, and that's just the beginning of the chaos and mayhem that awaits our group.
This was a fun little mystery, with enough components and moving parts in it to feel like a jigsaw puzzle. Steadily, the pieces come together and slot in, and it's satisfying to follow along and see how it all plays out.
But let's be real. I don't read this series for its mysteries (delightful though they may be), and neither do you. We all read it for the characters, who have slowly but surely worked their way into our hearts over the course of five wonderful books. I count Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim as old friends now, and the feeling of warmth and affection rushes back in every time I open one of these books.
Richard Osman has taken something we fear, something that's coming for us all—growing old and feeble—and written it with such sensitivity and sly humor, we have no choice but to love it. I can only hope, when I've reached this age, that I can still live with the sort of dignity and purpose and joy that Osman has so carefully sketched out for his endearing characters.
At this point, Richard Osman should be considered a national treasure, and he must never ever stop writing. Even though I've just finished this book, I'm already waiting with bated breath for the next one. It cannot come soon enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Thursday Murder Club
#2. The Man Who Died Twice
#3. The Bullet That Missed
#4. The Last Devil to Die
We Solve Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
This time, our gang is celebrating the wedding of Joyce's daughter. With so much grief in their lives recently, it's nice to see our septuagenarians come together for something joyful instead. Soon enough though, the groom's best man has disappeared, and that's just the beginning of the chaos and mayhem that awaits our group.
This was a fun little mystery, with enough components and moving parts in it to feel like a jigsaw puzzle. Steadily, the pieces come together and slot in, and it's satisfying to follow along and see how it all plays out.
But let's be real. I don't read this series for its mysteries (delightful though they may be), and neither do you. We all read it for the characters, who have slowly but surely worked their way into our hearts over the course of five wonderful books. I count Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim as old friends now, and the feeling of warmth and affection rushes back in every time I open one of these books.
Richard Osman has taken something we fear, something that's coming for us all—growing old and feeble—and written it with such sensitivity and sly humor, we have no choice but to love it. I can only hope, when I've reached this age, that I can still live with the sort of dignity and purpose and joy that Osman has so carefully sketched out for his endearing characters.
At this point, Richard Osman should be considered a national treasure, and he must never ever stop writing. Even though I've just finished this book, I'm already waiting with bated breath for the next one. It cannot come soon enough.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Thursday Murder Club
#2. The Man Who Died Twice
#3. The Bullet That Missed
#4. The Last Devil to Die
We Solve Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
December 8, 2025
Our Oldsters are back!
And better than ever.
I was afraid that after the emotional roller coaster of The Last Devil to Die, the humor and charm of our little gang of senior citizen sleuths might be forever dimmed. But honestly, this might be my favorite book in the series.
While Joyce's daughter has always been an adjacent character in these books, popping in and out of the narrative to shake her head at Joyce or to step in and save a retirement village, she's never been front and center in the way Donna, Chris, or Bogdan have.
Well, this is Joanna's time to shine.
It opens with Joyce telling us about the argument she and Joanna had over the size of her wedding. Joyce wants the grand wedding of her dreams, while Joanna wants something more "intimate".
Of course, the conclusions they are both drawing about what the other thinks is big versus small, and the ultimate resolution to the mother-daughter stand-off, are part of why Obsorn shines as a writer.
I really loved being able to finally see what was going on behind the scenes with these two and their sticky but lovable relationship. Again, I could feel that tug for Joyce as she continually managed to say the eversoslightly wrong thing to her daughter.
I hear myself doing that with my girls now that they are grown. And internally, I'm screaming at myself to shutupshutupshutup, Anne! as I listen to myself spiral further and further down the unwanted advice hole. There are just all of these little things about them that I want to "fix" or "save them" from, and if they'd just let me...
I know how it sounds, but it's so hard to stop running someone's life for them. And maybe even harder is to stop self-inserting and making their choices into a reflection of yours.
Letting go of your children, really letting go and remembering that while you raised them, they are not yours to define, is...
Well, it sucks.
And that's my long way around to say that I just feel Joyce in my bones.
Another breakout character that I loved in this book was Connie Johnson.
Our drug Queenpin is out of jail on a technicality and yet still voluntarily attending therapy sessions with Ibrahim, while mentoring a little queenpin in the making. <--not sure this is what Ibrahim meant about helping out troubled teens, but it all works out.
So the very skinny gist is that Joyce's son-in-law's best man has disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
And by suspicious circumstances, I mean that he asked Elizabeth for help after telling her that someone had planted a bomb under his car. Then disappeared.
Well, the gang certainly isn't going to stand for that, are they?
Like every other Thursday Murder Club book, this one has multiple storylines running through it. And while Osborn has you looking one way to find a killer, the real plot of the book is quietly unfolding on the sidelines.
Lots of suspects, lots of secrets, and lots of moments that made me laugh or tear up.
Mostly, at the same time.
Also, loved that Ron was willing to die on the hill that Pierce Brosnan was the best Bond.
Highly Recommended.
And better than ever.
I was afraid that after the emotional roller coaster of The Last Devil to Die, the humor and charm of our little gang of senior citizen sleuths might be forever dimmed. But honestly, this might be my favorite book in the series.
While Joyce's daughter has always been an adjacent character in these books, popping in and out of the narrative to shake her head at Joyce or to step in and save a retirement village, she's never been front and center in the way Donna, Chris, or Bogdan have.
Well, this is Joanna's time to shine.
It opens with Joyce telling us about the argument she and Joanna had over the size of her wedding. Joyce wants the grand wedding of her dreams, while Joanna wants something more "intimate".
Of course, the conclusions they are both drawing about what the other thinks is big versus small, and the ultimate resolution to the mother-daughter stand-off, are part of why Obsorn shines as a writer.
I really loved being able to finally see what was going on behind the scenes with these two and their sticky but lovable relationship. Again, I could feel that tug for Joyce as she continually managed to say the eversoslightly wrong thing to her daughter.
I hear myself doing that with my girls now that they are grown. And internally, I'm screaming at myself to shutupshutupshutup, Anne! as I listen to myself spiral further and further down the unwanted advice hole. There are just all of these little things about them that I want to "fix" or "save them" from, and if they'd just let me...
I know how it sounds, but it's so hard to stop running someone's life for them. And maybe even harder is to stop self-inserting and making their choices into a reflection of yours.
Letting go of your children, really letting go and remembering that while you raised them, they are not yours to define, is...
Well, it sucks.
And that's my long way around to say that I just feel Joyce in my bones.
Another breakout character that I loved in this book was Connie Johnson.
Our drug Queenpin is out of jail on a technicality and yet still voluntarily attending therapy sessions with Ibrahim, while mentoring a little queenpin in the making. <--not sure this is what Ibrahim meant about helping out troubled teens, but it all works out.
So the very skinny gist is that Joyce's son-in-law's best man has disappeared under suspicious circumstances.
And by suspicious circumstances, I mean that he asked Elizabeth for help after telling her that someone had planted a bomb under his car. Then disappeared.
Well, the gang certainly isn't going to stand for that, are they?
Like every other Thursday Murder Club book, this one has multiple storylines running through it. And while Osborn has you looking one way to find a killer, the real plot of the book is quietly unfolding on the sidelines.
Lots of suspects, lots of secrets, and lots of moments that made me laugh or tear up.
Mostly, at the same time.
Also, loved that Ron was willing to die on the hill that Pierce Brosnan was the best Bond.
Highly Recommended.
September 30, 2025
Favorite passage from book *subject to change by publication date:
“Elizabeth sits completely still, and waits. It can take awhile, but if you are still long enough, they come to you. Fitful babies, zooming kittens, men with secrets….”
It’s been about a year since the Thursday Murder Club solved its last case, as events from the fourth book have put things on PAUSE.
The group is instead focused on some of the other people in their lives whom we’ve met before:
-For Ron- it’s his daughter Suzi, grandson Kendrick and son Jason
-For Ibrahim-it’s his client, Connie
-And, for Joyce-it is her daughter Joanna who is now engaged and planning a wedding.
And, it’s at this wedding, held on a THURSDAY, our friends from Cooper’s Chase find a reason to start meeting in the Jigsaw room again..
The groom’s best man, Nick-a man with a secret-seeks out Elizabeth and asks for her help.
Apparently there is an UNBREAKABLE CODE, a BOMB, and BITCOIN involved and just like that-the gang has its NEXT CLEVER CASE.
The subplots focus on the other personal connections which have kept our favorite retirees busy this past year.
My favorite way to enjoy this series is by listening to the audiobook and I couldn’t wait to watch the movie adaptation of on Netflix. Haven’t you always pictured Dame Hellen Mirren playing Elizabeth?
I’m not sure if he can ever top the 4th book in this series, but I’m happy to report that this is another solid installment to the series-and I enjoyed catching up with our friends from Cooper’s Chase.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Pamela Dorman books for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
“Elizabeth sits completely still, and waits. It can take awhile, but if you are still long enough, they come to you. Fitful babies, zooming kittens, men with secrets….”
It’s been about a year since the Thursday Murder Club solved its last case, as events from the fourth book have put things on PAUSE.
The group is instead focused on some of the other people in their lives whom we’ve met before:
-For Ron- it’s his daughter Suzi, grandson Kendrick and son Jason
-For Ibrahim-it’s his client, Connie
-And, for Joyce-it is her daughter Joanna who is now engaged and planning a wedding.
And, it’s at this wedding, held on a THURSDAY, our friends from Cooper’s Chase find a reason to start meeting in the Jigsaw room again..
The groom’s best man, Nick-a man with a secret-seeks out Elizabeth and asks for her help.
Apparently there is an UNBREAKABLE CODE, a BOMB, and BITCOIN involved and just like that-the gang has its NEXT CLEVER CASE.
The subplots focus on the other personal connections which have kept our favorite retirees busy this past year.
My favorite way to enjoy this series is by listening to the audiobook and I couldn’t wait to watch the movie adaptation of on Netflix. Haven’t you always pictured Dame Hellen Mirren playing Elizabeth?
I’m not sure if he can ever top the 4th book in this series, but I’m happy to report that this is another solid installment to the series-and I enjoyed catching up with our friends from Cooper’s Chase.
NOW AVAILABLE!
Thank You to Pamela Dorman books for the gifted ARC provided by NetGalley. As always, these are my candid thoughts!
September 27, 2025
3.5⭐
I finished this last night and I have some thoughts. I adored some of this book and some of it was just okay for me.
Firstly what I loved -
Being back with these characters felt like catching up with old friends.
Richard Osman's humour - I laughed out loud many times reading this.
The reference to David Tennant which made me squeal and THEN a reference to Pierce Brosnan with Ron saying Pierce Brosnan was his favourite Bond! (Both David Tennant and Pierce Brosnan were in the Thursday Murder Club movie and Pierce Brosnan plays Ron so this just made my little heart very happy).
The exploration of grief. I'm so glad he didn't just sweep Elizabeth's grief under the rug.
Now, what I didn't love -
I guess the main thing was that the story and the mystery just didn't capture my attention at all. In fact the mystery was very basic, and we've been conditioned by the previous books to expect a very complicated but tight story. This just wasn't it. I saw the "reveal" coming a mile off and even when it happened it was just so anticlimactic.
The "heart of the story" was missing. Let me explain - what I love most about these books is that there is always a deeper story underneath the mystery, that delves into love and grief and compassion and morality. This always adds the heart. Without spoiling it, in this book that story was supposed to be about Ron's daughter. But she was barely in it. The book explicitly tells you that this story wasn't about the mystery, it was about that story but I felt no connection to it because we never got to really get to know Ron's daughter. If she was in it more and we maybe had her POV this could have been really impactful - imagine writing an anti domestic violence plot whilst never actually looking at the perspective of the abused person. It made no sense to me that we got so much from Joyce's daughter's POV but not Ron's daughter.
The side characters weren't very interesting either. I love how Richard Osman writes his suspects and villains and their characterisation seemed lacking in this book.
Not enough Bogdan and Joyce - seriously my two favourite characters didn't even need to be in this book for all they contributed. There is at least some self awareness here with Joyce noting that she hasn't been much help but I thought she would turn it around at the end, and she didn't. Bogdan was wasted in this book. He was basically just Donna's boyfriend and I just missed him.
I guess in summary this felt rushed, not well thought out and perhaps a little bit short for what Richard was trying to say, but I still love these characters and his writing so I still had a good time reading it.
I finished this last night and I have some thoughts. I adored some of this book and some of it was just okay for me.
Firstly what I loved -
Being back with these characters felt like catching up with old friends.
Richard Osman's humour - I laughed out loud many times reading this.
The reference to David Tennant which made me squeal and THEN a reference to Pierce Brosnan with Ron saying Pierce Brosnan was his favourite Bond! (Both David Tennant and Pierce Brosnan were in the Thursday Murder Club movie and Pierce Brosnan plays Ron so this just made my little heart very happy).
The exploration of grief. I'm so glad he didn't just sweep Elizabeth's grief under the rug.
Now, what I didn't love -
I guess the main thing was that the story and the mystery just didn't capture my attention at all. In fact the mystery was very basic, and we've been conditioned by the previous books to expect a very complicated but tight story. This just wasn't it. I saw the "reveal" coming a mile off and even when it happened it was just so anticlimactic.
The "heart of the story" was missing. Let me explain - what I love most about these books is that there is always a deeper story underneath the mystery, that delves into love and grief and compassion and morality. This always adds the heart. Without spoiling it, in this book that story was supposed to be about Ron's daughter. But she was barely in it. The book explicitly tells you that this story wasn't about the mystery, it was about that story but I felt no connection to it because we never got to really get to know Ron's daughter. If she was in it more and we maybe had her POV this could have been really impactful - imagine writing an anti domestic violence plot whilst never actually looking at the perspective of the abused person. It made no sense to me that we got so much from Joyce's daughter's POV but not Ron's daughter.
The side characters weren't very interesting either. I love how Richard Osman writes his suspects and villains and their characterisation seemed lacking in this book.
Not enough Bogdan and Joyce - seriously my two favourite characters didn't even need to be in this book for all they contributed. There is at least some self awareness here with Joyce noting that she hasn't been much help but I thought she would turn it around at the end, and she didn't. Bogdan was wasted in this book. He was basically just Donna's boyfriend and I just missed him.
I guess in summary this felt rushed, not well thought out and perhaps a little bit short for what Richard was trying to say, but I still love these characters and his writing so I still had a good time reading it.
October 11, 2025
Our favorite Cooper’s Chase residents Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are back and once again a mystery has found them. Only these four could take something as simple as the wedding of Joyce’s daughter and end up embroiled in a situation involving 350 million pounds in Bitcoin, a missing groomsman, a car bomb, an ex-con and her teenage protege and a cokehead with murderous intentions!
Being with these four, despite the crazy circumstance, always feels like being back with friends, and now that Richard Osman has started writing a new series We Solve Murders, the wait to see them again was even longer!
Elizabeth went through a huge life change in the last book and seeing her find her way through it and back to the joy of using her unique investigative skill set was fun. She’s a formidable woman and you just know she’ll land on her feet, regardless of the circumstances.
Joyce, bless her, is still her own special brand of human. I love her! She acts kind of ditzy with her free flowing, hilarious train of thought diary entries, yet under that daffy veneer is a deceptively strong and wise woman who always seems to cut right to the simple truth of things!
Ron’s past dealing with labor unions and a rougher set have given him a more, shall we say, “flexible” view of how to deal with complicated situations, but under that occasionally salty exterior, he’s a man who’d go to any length for his friends and family - something that’s put to the test in this book.
Ibrahim is such a gentle, lovely soul. He’s loved greatly and lost and now feels the pain of loneliness, but he’s the voice of wisdom when cooler heads need to prevail and his willingness to see the good in people who others might dismiss is touching. His continuing interactions with ex-con Connie and a new teenage character Tia were one of the highlights of this book.
Once again Osman’s humor and warmth shine bright. Our main four, along with returning characters Bogdan, Connie, PC Donna De Freitas, DCI Chris Hudson, Ron’s girlfriend Pauline and a slew of colorful new characters made this fifth book in the series another stellar entry to an already amazing series. The audio narrated by Fiona Shaw is the ONLY way I can imagine doing this series. It’s excellent in print, but it’s even MORE phenomenal on audio, and if you can do both like I did … well, I’ve run out of superlative adjectives, but you get the idea!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley and author Richard Osman for this digital ARC to honestly review and to Audible for the audio. It’s out now.
Being with these four, despite the crazy circumstance, always feels like being back with friends, and now that Richard Osman has started writing a new series We Solve Murders, the wait to see them again was even longer!
Elizabeth went through a huge life change in the last book and seeing her find her way through it and back to the joy of using her unique investigative skill set was fun. She’s a formidable woman and you just know she’ll land on her feet, regardless of the circumstances.
Joyce, bless her, is still her own special brand of human. I love her! She acts kind of ditzy with her free flowing, hilarious train of thought diary entries, yet under that daffy veneer is a deceptively strong and wise woman who always seems to cut right to the simple truth of things!
Ron’s past dealing with labor unions and a rougher set have given him a more, shall we say, “flexible” view of how to deal with complicated situations, but under that occasionally salty exterior, he’s a man who’d go to any length for his friends and family - something that’s put to the test in this book.
Ibrahim is such a gentle, lovely soul. He’s loved greatly and lost and now feels the pain of loneliness, but he’s the voice of wisdom when cooler heads need to prevail and his willingness to see the good in people who others might dismiss is touching. His continuing interactions with ex-con Connie and a new teenage character Tia were one of the highlights of this book.
Once again Osman’s humor and warmth shine bright. Our main four, along with returning characters Bogdan, Connie, PC Donna De Freitas, DCI Chris Hudson, Ron’s girlfriend Pauline and a slew of colorful new characters made this fifth book in the series another stellar entry to an already amazing series. The audio narrated by Fiona Shaw is the ONLY way I can imagine doing this series. It’s excellent in print, but it’s even MORE phenomenal on audio, and if you can do both like I did … well, I’ve run out of superlative adjectives, but you get the idea!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Viking Penguin | Pamela Dorman Books, NetGalley and author Richard Osman for this digital ARC to honestly review and to Audible for the audio. It’s out now.
October 14, 2025
It has been a relatively quiet year at Cooper's Chase for the Thursday Murder Club...
Elizabeth has been grieving. Ron has been sifting through family matters. Ibrahim has continued to help his special client. Joyce has been busy planning a special event. At the reception, the troubled best man approaches Elizabeth, desperate for help. Without delay, the Thursday Murder Club starts investigating a case involving kidnapping, cracking a code, murder, and more...
The Impossible Fortune was worth the two year wait. The author's humorous writing style felt familiar, the short chapters kept the pages flipping quickly, and each character's subplot added texture to the story without feeling too busy or overwhelming. It was nearly perfect!
I wanted to hug Elizabeth, but she would have hated that. I loved Joyce's journal entries, which are always a highlight for me. I'm slightly worried about Ron, but seeing him with his grandson warmed my heart. That leaves Ibrahim, whom I adore—enough said.
This was an immersive reading experience; the audiobook is narrated by Fiona Shaw, who does it again. I've missed Fiona as much as Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim. I can't just read the book. Listening to the audiobook, too, is a must for this series.
The Impossible Fortune has themes of friendship, family dynamics, grief, and aging. I'm looking forward to Book #6, and I hope the wait won't be as long!
4.25⭐
Elizabeth has been grieving. Ron has been sifting through family matters. Ibrahim has continued to help his special client. Joyce has been busy planning a special event. At the reception, the troubled best man approaches Elizabeth, desperate for help. Without delay, the Thursday Murder Club starts investigating a case involving kidnapping, cracking a code, murder, and more...
The Impossible Fortune was worth the two year wait. The author's humorous writing style felt familiar, the short chapters kept the pages flipping quickly, and each character's subplot added texture to the story without feeling too busy or overwhelming. It was nearly perfect!
I wanted to hug Elizabeth, but she would have hated that. I loved Joyce's journal entries, which are always a highlight for me. I'm slightly worried about Ron, but seeing him with his grandson warmed my heart. That leaves Ibrahim, whom I adore—enough said.
This was an immersive reading experience; the audiobook is narrated by Fiona Shaw, who does it again. I've missed Fiona as much as Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim. I can't just read the book. Listening to the audiobook, too, is a must for this series.
The Impossible Fortune has themes of friendship, family dynamics, grief, and aging. I'm looking forward to Book #6, and I hope the wait won't be as long!
4.25⭐
November 25, 2025
There are some mystery series that are fun to follow, just because. Either we grow to love the continuing characters, or value the storytelling of the author, or the creative premise. Which would leave readers with one specific question…
Where will the adventure take us in this book?
With the Thursday Murder Club (TMC) mystery series, readers follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. Elizabeth, an ex-spy and TMC club leader; Joyce, a former nurse; Ibrahim, a retired psychiatrist; and, Ron a former union activist all happen to live at the Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Which leads readers to the next question…
Who will ask for their help and what rabbit hole will they end up traversing to provide it?
For anyone who hasn’t read the series, it is always best to start at the beginning. But even after saying that, this can still be read as a stand-alone with its own mystery to solve. Still, when you start at the beginning of a series, you have a better sense of the characters and their journey from book to book.
Another way to ‘meet’ and enjoy these characters is through the recent Netflix movie just released this summer. “The Thursday Murder Club” Official Trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50DYg...
So, why am I reading this one, after recently making the decision to only follow a few mystery series? And, the fact that this particular series was eliminated from my ‘continued reading’ list that would have me choose to pursue it?
Well…what do you think happened to this Little Free Library (LFL) Steward? The book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. A sign I should reconsider? Or just an opportunity to read this particular book?
This is the 5th book in the series. It still carries the same wily wittiness we have come to expect of our characters, especially as they navigate their daily lives. Along with their commitment to amateur sleuthing when a ‘situation’ is before them.
Yet, it also includes a few more ‘family’ characters brought in to the story who play a stronger role in what happens throughout and with the TMC members. Which makes the heart of this story seemingly less about solving the crime, and more about the characters – where readers can revel in their quirkiness and relationships and reflections. Especially as it relates to aging.
And, with aging, this is where the author also does a good job of being realistic, by showcasing the common issues that befall one that is aging – including challenges of family dynamics, issues of grief or loss and friendship.
Still, we can’t ignore that this is also a twisted, cozy, engaging, fast-paced, intergenerational mystery that makes us readers question who to trust. Which leads me to…
That ending. Hmmm…what shall we make of that? 🤨 (No spoilers from me.)
And, finally, in answer to my two questions above about this series, ‘a sign I should reconsider? – or just an opportunity to read this particular book?’, what do you think?
Where will the adventure take us in this book?
With the Thursday Murder Club (TMC) mystery series, readers follow Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron. Elizabeth, an ex-spy and TMC club leader; Joyce, a former nurse; Ibrahim, a retired psychiatrist; and, Ron a former union activist all happen to live at the Coopers Chase Retirement Village. Which leads readers to the next question…
Who will ask for their help and what rabbit hole will they end up traversing to provide it?
For anyone who hasn’t read the series, it is always best to start at the beginning. But even after saying that, this can still be read as a stand-alone with its own mystery to solve. Still, when you start at the beginning of a series, you have a better sense of the characters and their journey from book to book.
Another way to ‘meet’ and enjoy these characters is through the recent Netflix movie just released this summer. “The Thursday Murder Club” Official Trailer is here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=50DYg...
So, why am I reading this one, after recently making the decision to only follow a few mystery series? And, the fact that this particular series was eliminated from my ‘continued reading’ list that would have me choose to pursue it?
Well…what do you think happened to this Little Free Library (LFL) Steward? The book was donated to my Little Free Library Shed. A sign I should reconsider? Or just an opportunity to read this particular book?
This is the 5th book in the series. It still carries the same wily wittiness we have come to expect of our characters, especially as they navigate their daily lives. Along with their commitment to amateur sleuthing when a ‘situation’ is before them.
Yet, it also includes a few more ‘family’ characters brought in to the story who play a stronger role in what happens throughout and with the TMC members. Which makes the heart of this story seemingly less about solving the crime, and more about the characters – where readers can revel in their quirkiness and relationships and reflections. Especially as it relates to aging.
And, with aging, this is where the author also does a good job of being realistic, by showcasing the common issues that befall one that is aging – including challenges of family dynamics, issues of grief or loss and friendship.
Still, we can’t ignore that this is also a twisted, cozy, engaging, fast-paced, intergenerational mystery that makes us readers question who to trust. Which leads me to…
That ending. Hmmm…what shall we make of that? 🤨 (No spoilers from me.)
And, finally, in answer to my two questions above about this series, ‘a sign I should reconsider? – or just an opportunity to read this particular book?’, what do you think?
Currently reading
November 17, 2024Oh I am SO ready
September 19, 2025
4 solid stars - Classic "TMC" installment - really happy to have the Coopers Chase gang back again!! Elizabeth is coming back from losing Stephen, and she's trying to get her groove back. Joyce's daughter is getting married, Ron's family has other domestic issues & Ib is still Ib the sweet shrink. At first the mystery seemed a bit disconnected & it did take a back-seat to the gang and their families TBH, but that's the point. Not to worry, it all came together nicely in the end & finished strong & was quite heart-warming too! I'm def down for more!!
EDIT - I'm still playing catch-up a bit from my recent vacay - so last night we finally watched the movie. What a complete bummer to the book fans!! ??? Bogdan - and arrested by Donna???? And Cooper's Chase is actually Downton Abbey - WTAF??? Good casting, but what a mess of an adaptation!
EDIT - I'm still playing catch-up a bit from my recent vacay - so last night we finally watched the movie. What a complete bummer to the book fans!! ??? Bogdan - and arrested by Donna???? And Cooper's Chase is actually Downton Abbey - WTAF??? Good casting, but what a mess of an adaptation!
October 17, 2025
Full of clever mysteries, diabolical villains, and quirky amateur sleuths, The Impossible Fortune was everything you could want in a cozy-ish whodunnit. Book five in the must-read Thursday Murder Club series, the old foursome is back together again, only this time they’re dealing with hard-to-crack codes and unpredictable bombs. After reinvigorating the much loved found family feel, these resourceful retirees got to work on dueling problems as quick as could be. And while I loved the puzzle-like mysteries and unfolding secrets, the heartwarming characters were what made this book sing. After all, you could feel their love for one another rising off of the page—despite the delicious sarcastic banter and dry British humor that they exchanged. To be frank, I couldn’t get the big, giant grin off of my face the entire time I was reading.
All said and done, it’s clear as can be that Richard Osman has done it yet again. With short, addictive chapters, poignant revelations, and smart twists and turns, this newest addition to the series was a complete and utter home run. After all, there were moral lessons and hard truths that got me thinking all while I was beyond entertained. On top of a memorable cast of characters that only seems to get better and better with each additional novel, the plot was an absolute mind-twister and I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. Wholesome and lighthearted but also with just a touch of danger in the wings, it was the perfect palate cleanser between my harder-hitting thrillers and tales of spine-tingling fear. So come on down and visit this motley crew of seniors. I guarantee you’ll love your time with them as much as I did. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets Nick, a wedding guest asking for her help, she finds the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. And when Nick disappears without a trace, his cagey business partner becomes the gang’s next stop. It seems the duo have something valuable—something worth killing for.
Joyce’s daughter, Joanna, jumps into the fray to help the gang as they seek answers: Has someone kidnapped Nick? And what’s this uncrackable code they keep hearing about? Plunged back into action once more, can the four friends solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
Thank you to Richard Osman and Pamela Dorman Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 30, 2025
Content warning: domestic abuse, car bomb, robbery, gun violence, suicide, mention of: drug use
All said and done, it’s clear as can be that Richard Osman has done it yet again. With short, addictive chapters, poignant revelations, and smart twists and turns, this newest addition to the series was a complete and utter home run. After all, there were moral lessons and hard truths that got me thinking all while I was beyond entertained. On top of a memorable cast of characters that only seems to get better and better with each additional novel, the plot was an absolute mind-twister and I found that I just couldn’t put the book down. Wholesome and lighthearted but also with just a touch of danger in the wings, it was the perfect palate cleanser between my harder-hitting thrillers and tales of spine-tingling fear. So come on down and visit this motley crew of seniors. I guarantee you’ll love your time with them as much as I did. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favorite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets Nick, a wedding guest asking for her help, she finds the thrill of the chase is ignited once again. And when Nick disappears without a trace, his cagey business partner becomes the gang’s next stop. It seems the duo have something valuable—something worth killing for.
Joyce’s daughter, Joanna, jumps into the fray to help the gang as they seek answers: Has someone kidnapped Nick? And what’s this uncrackable code they keep hearing about? Plunged back into action once more, can the four friends solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
Thank you to Richard Osman and Pamela Dorman Books for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: September 30, 2025
Content warning: domestic abuse, car bomb, robbery, gun violence, suicide, mention of: drug use
October 23, 2025
EXCERPT: As he starts walking up the stone steps onto the terrace, the now familiar figure of Nick Silver, the best man, comes into the light. He nods at the chair next to Elizabeth.
'D'you mind?'
'Of course,' says Elizabeth. She hears whooping from inside the house. That will be Ibraham dancing, no doubt. Nick sits.
'You're Elizabeth,' says Nick. 'I know you know that.'
'Afraid so,' says Elizabeth. She notices, with relief, that Nick has changed his shirt. 'Do you have something on your mind, Mr Silver?'
Nick nods. He looks up at the sky, and then back at Elizabeth. 'Thing is, somebody tried to kill me this morning.'
'I see,' says Elizabeth. Something jump-starts inside her. For the last year her heartbeat has felt like a machine, a mechanical pump keeping her alive against her will, but now it feels flesh. 'You're sure?'
'Certain,' says Nick. 'When you know, you know, right?'
'And you have proof?' Elizabeth asks. 'A lot of your generation can be overdramatic.'
Nick holds up his phone. 'I've got proof.'
Elizabeth feels a familiar gravity begin to pull her in. Should she leap clear while she still can?
'Does someone have a good reason to kill you?' asks Elizabeth. She is not leaping clear. Of course she is not leaping clear. Where on earth would she leap to? She is all out of solid ground.
Nick nods. 'Yep. A very good reason. To be fair.'
A path clears in Elizabeth's mind: it's an old track overgrown with weeds, but there it is. 'And do you know who?'
'This is just between you and me?' says Nick. 'I can trust you?'
'That's a question for you, Mr Silver,' says Elizabeth. 'Not for me.'
The man is shaking, on a warm evening. 'I can give you some names, yep.'
'More than one person wants to kill you?' says Elizabeth, eyebrow raised. 'And yet you seem fairly harmless.'
'Thank you,' says Nick.
'Why have you come to me?' Elizabeth asks. 'And not, say, our good friends in the police force?'
'I just . . .' Nick starts. 'I don't want to tell the police, for all sorts of reasons, and I'd heard about you from Paul. Your reputation.'
'I'm sure he has exaggerated it,' says Elizabeth. One can forget that one has a reputation.
'I just wondered,' says Nick, looking at her with a fear she has seen so many times over the years. The fear of a man with a single foot over a cliff edge. 'If I tell you everything, do you know someone who could help me?'
Elizabeth had been ready to say no to this wedding. To stay at home and read. To look over at Stephen's chair. To punish herself. But she'd said yes instead. Something told her it was time to start again. She thought perhaps it was the prospect of seeing love at first hand, but, no, it was far better than that. It was a best man with a death threat.
ABOUT 'THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE': Who's got time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
MY THOUGHTS: This series is impossible to resist. I love the characters. I love spending time with them. The plot is secondary for me, but amazingly brilliant all the same. And very clever. And enjoyable. I've waited two years for this, #5 in the series, and it was worth the wait.
Joyce's daughter Joanna and her new husband Paul, play a larger part in the solving of this mystery. Joyce and Joanna have a somewhat fraught relationship. Joanna is very clever. Joyce is too, in her own kind way. She is a nurturer and inclined to go off on totally unrelated tangents. She often wonders just what she is doing with such clever friends, but then she supposes someone has to make the tea. I love her. Perhaps love her most of all.
Kendrick, Ron's grandson, and Tia (I am not even going to attempt to explain just who she is and what she is doing there) also play an important role. Kendrick is very savvy for his age and loves his Granddad Ron. He also knows he has to watch what he says about everything. He's very good at compartmentalizing his life.
Elizabeth is starting to emerge from the fog of grief she has been living in since Stephen's death, and Ibraham is beginning to realize the true value of his friends.
There is somewhat of a thriller element to The Impossible Fortune with unbreakable codes, Bitcoin fortunes, bombs and a missing person.
I loved every word. I still want to move to Cooper's Chase and make these people my friends. Oh, and Mr. Osman, please don't make us wait two years for the next book.
My favorite quotes: When old friends die, you're furious, because you've never quite finished what you were saying to them. And,
'What happened' is never what defines you in life; 'What you did next' is what defines you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheImpossibleFortune @waitomodistrictlibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: RICHARD OSMAN is an English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
'D'you mind?'
'Of course,' says Elizabeth. She hears whooping from inside the house. That will be Ibraham dancing, no doubt. Nick sits.
'You're Elizabeth,' says Nick. 'I know you know that.'
'Afraid so,' says Elizabeth. She notices, with relief, that Nick has changed his shirt. 'Do you have something on your mind, Mr Silver?'
Nick nods. He looks up at the sky, and then back at Elizabeth. 'Thing is, somebody tried to kill me this morning.'
'I see,' says Elizabeth. Something jump-starts inside her. For the last year her heartbeat has felt like a machine, a mechanical pump keeping her alive against her will, but now it feels flesh. 'You're sure?'
'Certain,' says Nick. 'When you know, you know, right?'
'And you have proof?' Elizabeth asks. 'A lot of your generation can be overdramatic.'
Nick holds up his phone. 'I've got proof.'
Elizabeth feels a familiar gravity begin to pull her in. Should she leap clear while she still can?
'Does someone have a good reason to kill you?' asks Elizabeth. She is not leaping clear. Of course she is not leaping clear. Where on earth would she leap to? She is all out of solid ground.
Nick nods. 'Yep. A very good reason. To be fair.'
A path clears in Elizabeth's mind: it's an old track overgrown with weeds, but there it is. 'And do you know who?'
'This is just between you and me?' says Nick. 'I can trust you?'
'That's a question for you, Mr Silver,' says Elizabeth. 'Not for me.'
The man is shaking, on a warm evening. 'I can give you some names, yep.'
'More than one person wants to kill you?' says Elizabeth, eyebrow raised. 'And yet you seem fairly harmless.'
'Thank you,' says Nick.
'Why have you come to me?' Elizabeth asks. 'And not, say, our good friends in the police force?'
'I just . . .' Nick starts. 'I don't want to tell the police, for all sorts of reasons, and I'd heard about you from Paul. Your reputation.'
'I'm sure he has exaggerated it,' says Elizabeth. One can forget that one has a reputation.
'I just wondered,' says Nick, looking at her with a fear she has seen so many times over the years. The fear of a man with a single foot over a cliff edge. 'If I tell you everything, do you know someone who could help me?'
Elizabeth had been ready to say no to this wedding. To stay at home and read. To look over at Stephen's chair. To punish herself. But she'd said yes instead. Something told her it was time to start again. She thought perhaps it was the prospect of seeing love at first hand, but, no, it was far better than that. It was a best man with a death threat.
ABOUT 'THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE': Who's got time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
MY THOUGHTS: This series is impossible to resist. I love the characters. I love spending time with them. The plot is secondary for me, but amazingly brilliant all the same. And very clever. And enjoyable. I've waited two years for this, #5 in the series, and it was worth the wait.
Joyce's daughter Joanna and her new husband Paul, play a larger part in the solving of this mystery. Joyce and Joanna have a somewhat fraught relationship. Joanna is very clever. Joyce is too, in her own kind way. She is a nurturer and inclined to go off on totally unrelated tangents. She often wonders just what she is doing with such clever friends, but then she supposes someone has to make the tea. I love her. Perhaps love her most of all.
Kendrick, Ron's grandson, and Tia (I am not even going to attempt to explain just who she is and what she is doing there) also play an important role. Kendrick is very savvy for his age and loves his Granddad Ron. He also knows he has to watch what he says about everything. He's very good at compartmentalizing his life.
Elizabeth is starting to emerge from the fog of grief she has been living in since Stephen's death, and Ibraham is beginning to realize the true value of his friends.
There is somewhat of a thriller element to The Impossible Fortune with unbreakable codes, Bitcoin fortunes, bombs and a missing person.
I loved every word. I still want to move to Cooper's Chase and make these people my friends. Oh, and Mr. Osman, please don't make us wait two years for the next book.
My favorite quotes: When old friends die, you're furious, because you've never quite finished what you were saying to them. And,
'What happened' is never what defines you in life; 'What you did next' is what defines you.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheImpossibleFortune @waitomodistrictlibrary
MEET THE AUTHOR: RICHARD OSMAN is an English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
September 30, 2025
‘Trouble is much like love: when the time is ready, it will find you.’
I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back with the Thursday murder club gang. They warm my heart and soul 😌
4 unlikely friends.
A wedding. A cryptic code.
And a ruthless villain…
Welcome back to the TMC! 🐒
Who's got time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan? The gang have had a low-key year. Joyce has been busy planning her daughter’s wedding. Elizabeth has been deep in grief over her husband. Ron’s family is falling apart, and Ibrahim is providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
As the wedding comes to a close, Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who's in trouble - kidnap or death are coming for them…A villain wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing.
ENTER: The TMC gang, once more 🙊🙉🙈
Can they solve the puzzle in time?
This really was a very clever and compelling mystery. It was complex without being difficult to follow. I often find myself getting a bit lost in mysteries about codes and money, but I should know by now to trust Osman’s masterful writing skills.
Furthermore, his writing abilities shine through not just in the storyline but even more so through his memorable characters. I have grown to love the TMC gang over the previous 4 books and I was thrilled to see that their characters held strong once again. In fact, I think I loved them even more so now 🥰
We also met some new characters in this book including my new favourite character: Kendrick. He is Ron’s neurodivergent grandson and he is a blast! He brings a new and refreshing perspective, as well as a lot of charm.
Overall, I can safely say that this was another solid instalment from Osman; maybe even my favourite book in the series yet! It was packed full of everything I love about the TMC, including charming characters, clever mysteries, and a touch of worldly insight. Oh yes, and you can’t forget about that good old fashioned British humour 😅
‘Here’s to chaos and love, and to life and books. Until next time!’ 🙌🏽
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
I can’t tell you how happy I am to be back with the Thursday murder club gang. They warm my heart and soul 😌
4 unlikely friends.
A wedding. A cryptic code.
And a ruthless villain…
Welcome back to the TMC! 🐒
Who's got time to think about murder when there's a wedding to plan? The gang have had a low-key year. Joyce has been busy planning her daughter’s wedding. Elizabeth has been deep in grief over her husband. Ron’s family is falling apart, and Ibrahim is providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
As the wedding comes to a close, Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who's in trouble - kidnap or death are coming for them…A villain wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing.
ENTER: The TMC gang, once more 🙊🙉🙈
Can they solve the puzzle in time?
This really was a very clever and compelling mystery. It was complex without being difficult to follow. I often find myself getting a bit lost in mysteries about codes and money, but I should know by now to trust Osman’s masterful writing skills.
Furthermore, his writing abilities shine through not just in the storyline but even more so through his memorable characters. I have grown to love the TMC gang over the previous 4 books and I was thrilled to see that their characters held strong once again. In fact, I think I loved them even more so now 🥰
We also met some new characters in this book including my new favourite character: Kendrick. He is Ron’s neurodivergent grandson and he is a blast! He brings a new and refreshing perspective, as well as a lot of charm.
Overall, I can safely say that this was another solid instalment from Osman; maybe even my favourite book in the series yet! It was packed full of everything I love about the TMC, including charming characters, clever mysteries, and a touch of worldly insight. Oh yes, and you can’t forget about that good old fashioned British humour 😅
‘Here’s to chaos and love, and to life and books. Until next time!’ 🙌🏽
5🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
September 27, 2025
When I retire I want to live at Coppers Chase and join the Thursday Murder Club.
I am so happy that we are back with this group of crazy retirees again after a break last year.always such a joy to catch up with them all. Poor Elizabeth is grieving the death of her husband Stephen and life has been pretty quiet up until now. Joyce has wedding fever with her daughter Joanna getting married at long last. Ibrahim is still counseling Connie, who has now taken a young girl under her wing. And Ron has family dramas that are keeping him up at night.
The fun begins when a wedding guest seeks Elizabeth out at the wedding and asks for help feeling that his life is in danger. She starts to feel a it of that old spark again and of course gathers the others for help. There is the usual antics, danger and of course tea and cake.
These books are just so much fun to read and lose yourself in. I did have to fight the husband who tried to claim this one as soon as it landed on the doorstep. It made me smile and laugh, and it made me sad in places as well. Always a guaranteed winner in my eyes. Bring on book 6 already.
Thanks so much to Penguin Books Australia for my early copy of this book to read and review. There were squeals of excitement when I opened it.
Publishes on September 26th, series fans are going to love it ❤️
I am so happy that we are back with this group of crazy retirees again after a break last year.always such a joy to catch up with them all. Poor Elizabeth is grieving the death of her husband Stephen and life has been pretty quiet up until now. Joyce has wedding fever with her daughter Joanna getting married at long last. Ibrahim is still counseling Connie, who has now taken a young girl under her wing. And Ron has family dramas that are keeping him up at night.
The fun begins when a wedding guest seeks Elizabeth out at the wedding and asks for help feeling that his life is in danger. She starts to feel a it of that old spark again and of course gathers the others for help. There is the usual antics, danger and of course tea and cake.
These books are just so much fun to read and lose yourself in. I did have to fight the husband who tried to claim this one as soon as it landed on the doorstep. It made me smile and laugh, and it made me sad in places as well. Always a guaranteed winner in my eyes. Bring on book 6 already.
Thanks so much to Penguin Books Australia for my early copy of this book to read and review. There were squeals of excitement when I opened it.
Publishes on September 26th, series fans are going to love it ❤️
October 15, 2025
Well. I did not anticipate this, but this was a 3-star read for me. Osman is totally allowed a miss with me, so this has not diminished my desire to read further books.
So what I loved: Joyce being so kind to Jasper. I love that she sees people. Elizabeth coming a bit back from the most intense levels of grieving Stephen. All things Ibrahim are good things for me, and so too are all things Bogdan. I felt I hadn't enough of either. And Ron's grandson, Kendrick, is just the best. Ron himself had his biggest standout moment for me when he told Ibrahim that he was Ron's best friend and loved. I even really adored Chris venting his spleen over the club sort of running roughshod over him as a professional (because seriously, even in a cozy-ish story, actual law enforcement should care about... procedure).
What I didn't love: Well, I have to admit that I started off not caring about reading about a Bitcoin caper, and Osman did not change my mind. Sorry. It's a hard sell. And given how it all ends up... nah. There's a bit near the end that Joyce recounts that what the events had really been about was never about the titular "impossible fortune" and I have to be honest, it got on my nerves. It was accurate but as a reader, I felt like I came to the series for an actual clever crime that's to be solved in a clever way by four characters I love, not to be told with a handwave when I don't actually get that "Of course, not you silly! It was obviously about all these other things because reasons!" I have to call shenanigans.
Also, as much as I love Joyce and have enjoyed the asides about daughter Joanna over the books, I really didn't care about or for so much of this story to revolve around her and Joyce's "son-in-law Paul". If they are never mentioned again or said to be off in wedded bliss, it would be fine with me. On the flip side, the other daughter-in-peril, Ron's Suzi, hardly had her POV featured. I found it odd given her actual problem. I didn't mind the other tertiary characters, but I felt they were taking time from the quad I showed up for. I'm hoping for a return to concentration on the core four in the future. Except for Jasper. I hope he returns and becomes a pivotal secondary player.
So my recommendation? If you've read the series, you could likely skip this one and be just fine. If you must, absolutely must read this one... borrow from the library.
So what I loved: Joyce being so kind to Jasper. I love that she sees people. Elizabeth coming a bit back from the most intense levels of grieving Stephen. All things Ibrahim are good things for me, and so too are all things Bogdan. I felt I hadn't enough of either. And Ron's grandson, Kendrick, is just the best. Ron himself had his biggest standout moment for me when he told Ibrahim that he was Ron's best friend and loved. I even really adored Chris venting his spleen over the club sort of running roughshod over him as a professional (because seriously, even in a cozy-ish story, actual law enforcement should care about... procedure).
What I didn't love: Well, I have to admit that I started off not caring about reading about a Bitcoin caper, and Osman did not change my mind. Sorry. It's a hard sell. And given how it all ends up... nah. There's a bit near the end that Joyce recounts that what the events had really been about was never about the titular "impossible fortune" and I have to be honest, it got on my nerves. It was accurate but as a reader, I felt like I came to the series for an actual clever crime that's to be solved in a clever way by four characters I love, not to be told with a handwave when I don't actually get that "Of course, not you silly! It was obviously about all these other things because reasons!" I have to call shenanigans.
Also, as much as I love Joyce and have enjoyed the asides about daughter Joanna over the books, I really didn't care about or for so much of this story to revolve around her and Joyce's "son-in-law Paul". If they are never mentioned again or said to be off in wedded bliss, it would be fine with me. On the flip side, the other daughter-in-peril, Ron's Suzi, hardly had her POV featured. I found it odd given her actual problem. I didn't mind the other tertiary characters, but I felt they were taking time from the quad I showed up for. I'm hoping for a return to concentration on the core four in the future. Except for Jasper. I hope he returns and becomes a pivotal secondary player.
So my recommendation? If you've read the series, you could likely skip this one and be just fine. If you must, absolutely must read this one... borrow from the library.
Want to read
April 2, 2025if richard osman writes it i read it
Want to read
March 22, 2025OH RICHARD PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE GIVE US THE UK PAPERBACK IN SETPEMBER AND NOT NOT APRIL 2026 PLEASE IM BEGGING I NEED THIS ASAP🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
August 25, 2025
Another fine effort by Richard Osman. Not only have we the fans missed a new book in the series, but Osman also has the main characters having missed out on the fun and excitement, as they all went into sleep mode due to their leader (Elizabeth) mourning the loss of her husband. But after being approached at a wedding Elizabeth starts to kick into gear! A bomb is planted under someones car and they approach her for help. And now we enter the world of Bitcoins, robberies and new people coming into the story. The gang is getting older, Elizabeth is not as sharp as she used to be, and while the gang ages, the plot does not. Very well done and a super ending. My biggest criticism is that Osman has gotten to the point where he could use an introductory cast of characters because it is hard to keep up with everyone. After 5 books I can see a few more. The premise of the series has changed but the characters are well developed, and he is definitely setting up a time when more of the original Thursday Murder Club are no longer with us. But until then just go along for one heck of a fun ride!!!
December 14, 2025
These are my friends, y'all. You mess with them, you mess with me.
P.S. I have an undiagnosed obsession with Connie and am not seeking help at this time.
P.S. I have an undiagnosed obsession with Connie and am not seeking help at this time.
October 21, 2025
I always love spending time with these characters! Not the strongest of the series, and I do think the number of characters we're meant to be invested in is ballooning to a potentially unsustainable number, but still fun and fast paced.
September 28, 2025
I’ve been waiting to join up with the Thursday murder club for ages.
I haven’t been disappointed a great new murder and a puzzle to solve.
The gang has got older and have life has given them the problems to overcome.
Joyce is still Joyce so funny and so ditsy says exactly what is in her mind at the time even if it has nothing to do with the conversation at hand! Reminds me of my late grandmother.
Elizabeth has things to cope with, she’s gone into herself.. a meeting at Joyce’s daughters wedding starts to get her excited again to start Thursday murder club up with a new case just the thing they need.
Ron has family trouble her must sort out..
Ibraham is feeling lonely,but he has his TMC friends.
Also helping his favourite criminal onto the straight and narrow he hopes..
Can’t wait to hear from the TMC soon and the new gang from we solve murders.
This is so good and funny at least for me.
Hope others enjoy this book the way I did.
Happy reading
I haven’t been disappointed a great new murder and a puzzle to solve.
The gang has got older and have life has given them the problems to overcome.
Joyce is still Joyce so funny and so ditsy says exactly what is in her mind at the time even if it has nothing to do with the conversation at hand! Reminds me of my late grandmother.
Elizabeth has things to cope with, she’s gone into herself.. a meeting at Joyce’s daughters wedding starts to get her excited again to start Thursday murder club up with a new case just the thing they need.
Ron has family trouble her must sort out..
Ibraham is feeling lonely,but he has his TMC friends.
Also helping his favourite criminal onto the straight and narrow he hopes..
Can’t wait to hear from the TMC soon and the new gang from we solve murders.
This is so good and funny at least for me.
Hope others enjoy this book the way I did.
Happy reading
October 7, 2025
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman
Synopsis /
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
My Thoughts /
[Joyce] It’s been a while since I wrote, I know that. I’m ever so sorry.
After a long-awaited hiatus, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club team are back and this time the septuagenarian quartet of retirement village dwelling residents find themselves up to their necks in bombs, bitcoin and the requirement to crack an unbreakable code.
Tomorrow is the day. A Thursday wedding? I know. What is it with us and Thursdays?
For those not familiar with the phenomenon that is the Thursday Murder Club, it's a series of novels which feature Elizabeth Best (former MI6 spymaster), retired nurse Joyce Meadowcroft, ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim Arif and, former long-time union activist Ron Ritchie. Together, these amateur sleuths form The Thursday Murder Club – meeting every Thursday in an upscale British retirement community (plagued by an unusually high degree of criminality) known as Coopers Chase to discuss all things mystery and murder.
Osman does an outstanding job of humanising his characters. The recurring group of four are all aging in real time, and in between solving murders, Osman interposes the group to experiences such as grief, loss, friendship and the ever-changing relationships between parents and their adult children.
In this instalment, Elizabeth is gradually re-engaging with the world after Stephen's passing (handled brilliantly by Osman in The Last Devil to Die) and with an upcoming wedding, there's no better way to do it - Joyce's daughter, Joanna is all set to marry her partner, Paul.
While at the wedding, the Best Man, Nick Silver approaches Elizabeth with concerns that someone is trying to kill him. Telling her that he found a bomb under his car just a few hours earlier.
Elizabeth shrugs. ‘An awful lot of murders start at weddings, Joyce.’ ‘I did think you perked up a bit during the reception,’ says Joyce. ‘I should have known killing was involved.’
Arranging to meet the following day, Elizabeth arrives at his office only to discover it's been trashed and Nick Silver is missing. Moreover, when Nick's business partner, Holly, dies in a car explosion, Elizabeth realises Nick's concerns were warranted.
In an effort to locate Nick, Elizabeth digs deeper into the business dealings held by both Nick and Holly, only to discover that the pair held millions of dollars worth of bitcoin in cold storage. The bitcoin could only be accessed at the storage facility by punching in the correct code – half of which was held by Nick and the other half, Holly. The business partners had only recently decided they were going to cash in the bitcoin. So who knew about the decision to sell? Who knew about the codes? Had Holly been murdered for hers? And where is Nick Silver?
As we have come to expect from Osman's writing, there is more than one tightly plotted mystery to unravel. Both Ibrahim and Ron have side plots brewing, with Ibrahim still meeting with drug-lord Connie Johnson, and Ron is dealing with the breakdown of his daughter's marriage. There are some new characters introduced, as well as return appearances by PC Donna De Freitas, DCI Chris Hudson, and Bogdan Jankowski.
Osman has created a wonderfully colourful cast of characters, each with their own quirky mannerisms, they all prove endearing. What I love about his writing is that it’s inclusive. Everyone plays some role in resolving the mystery. They have each other’s back.
[Joyce] It’s been a while since I wrote, I know that. I’m ever so sorry.
PS: Oh, and Joyce? I'm so glad you're back. 🥰
Synopsis /
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
My Thoughts /
[Joyce] It’s been a while since I wrote, I know that. I’m ever so sorry.
After a long-awaited hiatus, Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club team are back and this time the septuagenarian quartet of retirement village dwelling residents find themselves up to their necks in bombs, bitcoin and the requirement to crack an unbreakable code.
Tomorrow is the day. A Thursday wedding? I know. What is it with us and Thursdays?
For those not familiar with the phenomenon that is the Thursday Murder Club, it's a series of novels which feature Elizabeth Best (former MI6 spymaster), retired nurse Joyce Meadowcroft, ex-psychiatrist Ibrahim Arif and, former long-time union activist Ron Ritchie. Together, these amateur sleuths form The Thursday Murder Club – meeting every Thursday in an upscale British retirement community (plagued by an unusually high degree of criminality) known as Coopers Chase to discuss all things mystery and murder.
Osman does an outstanding job of humanising his characters. The recurring group of four are all aging in real time, and in between solving murders, Osman interposes the group to experiences such as grief, loss, friendship and the ever-changing relationships between parents and their adult children.
In this instalment, Elizabeth is gradually re-engaging with the world after Stephen's passing (handled brilliantly by Osman in The Last Devil to Die) and with an upcoming wedding, there's no better way to do it - Joyce's daughter, Joanna is all set to marry her partner, Paul.
While at the wedding, the Best Man, Nick Silver approaches Elizabeth with concerns that someone is trying to kill him. Telling her that he found a bomb under his car just a few hours earlier.
Elizabeth shrugs. ‘An awful lot of murders start at weddings, Joyce.’ ‘I did think you perked up a bit during the reception,’ says Joyce. ‘I should have known killing was involved.’
Arranging to meet the following day, Elizabeth arrives at his office only to discover it's been trashed and Nick Silver is missing. Moreover, when Nick's business partner, Holly, dies in a car explosion, Elizabeth realises Nick's concerns were warranted.
In an effort to locate Nick, Elizabeth digs deeper into the business dealings held by both Nick and Holly, only to discover that the pair held millions of dollars worth of bitcoin in cold storage. The bitcoin could only be accessed at the storage facility by punching in the correct code – half of which was held by Nick and the other half, Holly. The business partners had only recently decided they were going to cash in the bitcoin. So who knew about the decision to sell? Who knew about the codes? Had Holly been murdered for hers? And where is Nick Silver?
As we have come to expect from Osman's writing, there is more than one tightly plotted mystery to unravel. Both Ibrahim and Ron have side plots brewing, with Ibrahim still meeting with drug-lord Connie Johnson, and Ron is dealing with the breakdown of his daughter's marriage. There are some new characters introduced, as well as return appearances by PC Donna De Freitas, DCI Chris Hudson, and Bogdan Jankowski.
Osman has created a wonderfully colourful cast of characters, each with their own quirky mannerisms, they all prove endearing. What I love about his writing is that it’s inclusive. Everyone plays some role in resolving the mystery. They have each other’s back.
[Joyce] It’s been a while since I wrote, I know that. I’m ever so sorry.
PS: Oh, and Joyce? I'm so glad you're back. 🥰
November 5, 2025
This book is just as good and full of heart as the previous ones.
I love this series.
I love this series.
November 16, 2025
This is arguably one of the weakest plots but idk and will read anything with these characters
July 31, 2025
not the best thursday murder adventure i have to admit!! it felt far too busy with so many characters, i just wanted some more time for my core four
November 6, 2025
One of those books where it's a five because of how much I enjoyed reading it more than it being a perfect book. For me, much like the others in the series I just can't get enough of these characters, they aren't just complex and well developed but flawed and still learning even at their age. The focus was taken off Elizabeth in this book a little, even though she is still a main aspect of the plot I felt like Ron in particular was having his moment and of course Joyce.
I didn't find the main mystery that interesting, so it's surprising I still loved this book so much, but it's how the main characters interact with each other and the insights into their lives. I honestly feel like I could go a meet these exact people because they are written so beautifully. I have never read an author who can do dialogue like this, it's just so realistic. Like all of the books in the series so far this book had me smiling, laughing and welling up. There is a moment between Elizabeth and Bogdan which almost had me and the moment right need the end with Ron and Ibrahim.
The Thursday Murder Club is a series that will always have a place in my heart and I hope there are still many more adventures to come. I will be going back a re-reading them all at some point just because I will miss these characters so much. I wish I could go and have a cake with Joyce and meet the whole gang. Ron reminds me so much of my grandad sometimes it hurts a little, and that is what Richard Osman is able to do give the reader some real emotion and feeling. Perfection.
I didn't find the main mystery that interesting, so it's surprising I still loved this book so much, but it's how the main characters interact with each other and the insights into their lives. I honestly feel like I could go a meet these exact people because they are written so beautifully. I have never read an author who can do dialogue like this, it's just so realistic. Like all of the books in the series so far this book had me smiling, laughing and welling up. There is a moment between Elizabeth and Bogdan which almost had me and the moment right need the end with Ron and Ibrahim.
The Thursday Murder Club is a series that will always have a place in my heart and I hope there are still many more adventures to come. I will be going back a re-reading them all at some point just because I will miss these characters so much. I wish I could go and have a cake with Joyce and meet the whole gang. Ron reminds me so much of my grandad sometimes it hurts a little, and that is what Richard Osman is able to do give the reader some real emotion and feeling. Perfection.
November 8, 2025
Thank you Viking Books for sending me a free copy!
The fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club series was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I held off on reading it though. That sounds weird but hear me out. I sometimes save books written by my favorite authors for a time when I can sit down and truly savor every moment of the reading experience. So I waited until life was a little less hectic and I had a weekend free to relax and read. Great decision on my part because I thoroughly enjoyed THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE. It was everything I wanted it to be and more.
So wonderful to see the gang back together and attempting to solve yet another mystery. Friendship and the love that comes with it was an ongoing theme. Such a heartwarming read but one full of humorous moments as well.
Highly recommend checking out this series but keep in mind most of us believe the first one is a decent read but also the weakest of the 5 novels. It’s truly a series that gets better and better with each book. The second book is where everything fell into place for me and I became a big fan.
The fifth book in the Thursday Murder Club series was one of my most anticipated reads this year. I held off on reading it though. That sounds weird but hear me out. I sometimes save books written by my favorite authors for a time when I can sit down and truly savor every moment of the reading experience. So I waited until life was a little less hectic and I had a weekend free to relax and read. Great decision on my part because I thoroughly enjoyed THE IMPOSSIBLE FORTUNE. It was everything I wanted it to be and more.
So wonderful to see the gang back together and attempting to solve yet another mystery. Friendship and the love that comes with it was an ongoing theme. Such a heartwarming read but one full of humorous moments as well.
Highly recommend checking out this series but keep in mind most of us believe the first one is a decent read but also the weakest of the 5 novels. It’s truly a series that gets better and better with each book. The second book is where everything fell into place for me and I became a big fan.
October 29, 2025
*** 10/29/25 *** Fantastic 5th book in the Thursday Murder Club series! This time Richard Osman inserts more storylines from the next generation - Joyce's daughter & new husband, and Ron's son & daughter, son-in-law, and grandson. But Osman's characteristic insightful personal reflections by the Murder Club members hit as strongly as ever, delightfully melding mystery and warmth.
My favorite parts were the "Easter Egg" references to "Who's your favorite James Bond character?" discussed with Ron (played by Pierce Brosnan in the recently released Thursday Murder Club movie, of course) - made me smile!
I'm so glad we have writers that realistically portray people in their "third act" of life, who are smart, witty, engaged, and entertaining. Keep em coming!
Full 5-stars and I'll basically read anything Osman writes.
My favorite parts were the "Easter Egg" references to "Who's your favorite James Bond character?" discussed with Ron (played by Pierce Brosnan in the recently released Thursday Murder Club movie, of course) - made me smile!
I'm so glad we have writers that realistically portray people in their "third act" of life, who are smart, witty, engaged, and entertaining. Keep em coming!
Full 5-stars and I'll basically read anything Osman writes.
September 9, 2025
This whole series feels like being reunited with friends 🥹
Thank you, Viking Books, for the gifted copy of The Impossible Fortune {partner}
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.25.2025
Pages: 368
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Every time I finish a book in the Thursday Murder Club series, I feel like they take a little piece of my heart with them.
It's no surprise that the fifth book in the series, The Impossible Fortune, gets five glowing stars from me. I loved this book, with its diverse characters, engaging side characters, thrilling adventures, and thought-provoking insights into aging.
The last book ended with a loss, and The Impossible Fortune picks up after some time has passed. I loved the care that Richard Osman took while writing this book and how it was reflected in each of the characters as they still processed their grief. We saw characters who weren't quite themselves, characters stepping up and taking charge when they hadn't done so before, and characters sharing their thoughts and feelings, because, after all, we don't know how much time we have left. The whole story was just perfectly done.
And for all of you who love this story, but get overwhelmed by all the supporting characters — I really didn't feel like there were that many. I typically write them down as I encounter each new person, but this book only introduced a handful of new people to the mix. Some we likely won't see again, and some I really hope find their way into the next book. 🩷
Read if you enjoy:
🫶🏼 Found family
🔍 Crime solving
🔀 Interconnected stories
🥹 Emotional reads
If you didn't already know this, the TMC books are my comfort reads. They bring me immense joy and often cause me to shed several tears. I highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already.
______
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Thank you, Viking Books, for the gifted copy of The Impossible Fortune {partner}
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.25.2025
Pages: 368
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
Every time I finish a book in the Thursday Murder Club series, I feel like they take a little piece of my heart with them.
It's no surprise that the fifth book in the series, The Impossible Fortune, gets five glowing stars from me. I loved this book, with its diverse characters, engaging side characters, thrilling adventures, and thought-provoking insights into aging.
The last book ended with a loss, and The Impossible Fortune picks up after some time has passed. I loved the care that Richard Osman took while writing this book and how it was reflected in each of the characters as they still processed their grief. We saw characters who weren't quite themselves, characters stepping up and taking charge when they hadn't done so before, and characters sharing their thoughts and feelings, because, after all, we don't know how much time we have left. The whole story was just perfectly done.
And for all of you who love this story, but get overwhelmed by all the supporting characters — I really didn't feel like there were that many. I typically write them down as I encounter each new person, but this book only introduced a handful of new people to the mix. Some we likely won't see again, and some I really hope find their way into the next book. 🩷
Read if you enjoy:
🫶🏼 Found family
🔍 Crime solving
🔀 Interconnected stories
🥹 Emotional reads
If you didn't already know this, the TMC books are my comfort reads. They bring me immense joy and often cause me to shed several tears. I highly recommend reading this series if you haven't already.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
October 5, 2025
What fun it is to visit the the Thursday Murder Club again. Catch up on what’s happening, see how their lives are going, and hear their stories about the latest exciting exploits they’ve been up to. It’s the type of visit you want to draw out as long as possible because you know when you leave it’s going to be another year or two before you’re able to return.
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