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Thursday Murder Club #3
Hutiluoti
Goodreads Choice Award
Nominee for Readers' Favorite Mystery & Thriller (2022)On tavallinen torstai, ja asioiden pitäisi olla viimein palaamassa taas raiteilleen.
Mutta kyseessä on Torstain murhakerho, joten nurkan takana odottelee jo uusia vaikeuksia. Vanha ratkaisematon rikostapaus johtaa eläkeläisetsivänelikkoa kohti paikallista uutislegendaa ja murhatapausta vailla ruumista ja vastauksia.
Sitten uusi vihollinen vierailee Elizabethin luona. Mitä tehdä? Tappaa... tai tulla tapetuksi.
Kun kylmä tapaus muuttuu korventavan kuumaksi, Elizabeth kamppailee omantuntonsa (ja aseen) kanssa, kun taas Joyce, Ron ja Ibrahim jahtaavat johtolankoja apunaan vanhat ja uudet ystävät. Mutta onnistuvatko he ratkaisemaan mysteerin ja pelastamaan Elizabethin, ennen kuin murhaaja iskee jälleen?
Mutta kyseessä on Torstain murhakerho, joten nurkan takana odottelee jo uusia vaikeuksia. Vanha ratkaisematon rikostapaus johtaa eläkeläisetsivänelikkoa kohti paikallista uutislegendaa ja murhatapausta vailla ruumista ja vastauksia.
Sitten uusi vihollinen vierailee Elizabethin luona. Mitä tehdä? Tappaa... tai tulla tapetuksi.
Kun kylmä tapaus muuttuu korventavan kuumaksi, Elizabeth kamppailee omantuntonsa (ja aseen) kanssa, kun taas Joyce, Ron ja Ibrahim jahtaavat johtolankoja apunaan vanhat ja uudet ystävät. Mutta onnistuvatko he ratkaisemaan mysteerin ja pelastamaan Elizabethin, ennen kuin murhaaja iskee jälleen?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 15, 2022
About the author
Richard Osman
27 books21.6k followersRichard Osman is an author and television presenter. His novels, The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, and The Last Devil to Die, were number one, million-copy international bestsellers as well as New York Times bestsellers. He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and Liesl the cat. We Solve Murders is his fifth novel.
source: Amazon
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 22,426 reviews
September 13, 2025
There will be no cavalry to save her this time. She has got herself into this mess, and she will have to get herself out of it.
I've forgotten how much I enjoy this series. Cracking open that first page felt like saying hello to an old friend, albeit one that is quirky, funny, and definitely murderous.
In this installment, our four pensioners are at it again, trying to solve a decade-old murder that never quite made sense. For one, where is the body? And since the victim was chasing down a money-laundering scheme right before her death, what happened to all of that money? It certainly takes a special group of friends to see things that the police missed on the first go-around.
Sometimes with cozy mysteries, they can feel a bit dull and lacking in excitement with everything happening slowly and clues unearthed at a snail's pace. But not here. I can honestly say that it was packed with action from the first page to the last. Every chapter was a new revelation and I couldn't turn the pages fast enough.
I feel like this series just keeps getting better and better. The mystery was a little weak in the first book, but it has improved so much over book 2 and this one. And through it all, it has retained its wonderful characters and that tongue-in-cheek British humor I love so much, with its quirkiness and gentle poking fun at the absurdity of life and growing old.
What a delightful series! It's one of my favorites, and I can't wait for more.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
#1. The Thursday Murder Club
#2. The Man Who Died Twice
#4. The Last Devil to Die
We Solve Murders
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
February 4, 2023
***NOW AVAILABLE -- DON'T MISS THIS ONE***
Each book in the Thursday Murder Club series gets better and better. The mysteries are more intricately plotted and there are more interesting characters introduced.
The Club is back together, they all live in Cooper’s Chase, an upscale retirement complex:
Elizabeth, a former M15 operative with a slew of “great connections”
Joyce a former nurse and woman of many skills, she loves solving puzzles
Ibrahim is a retired psychiatrist who has a keen eye for reading body language
Ron is a retired union leader and a man known for getting things done
In this novel the gang is trying to solve a 10 year old cold case. A journalist, Bethany Waite, was said to have committed suicide by driving her car off a cliff, however her body has never been found.
Bethany had been a co-anchor with a local TV personality Mike Waghorn. Mike is introduced to the gang and becomes a key player in solving the mystery. (I can't help but wonder if this character is loosely based on the author himself?)
Besides this mystery, Elizabeth has had an “encounter” with a man they are calling “The Viking”. He has a proposition for Elizabeth, he wants a certain person killed or else he will kill her and one of her friends.
There is lots going on in this book but the story flows wonderfully. As in the other novels there is some great humor and I can’t help but love this group of characters, including the new additions.
I can find no “cons” for this book because the writing is great, the characters well described and interesting and the mystery was not an easy one to solve. I was completely stumped – in a good way!!
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery.
You really do need to read the books beginning with The Thursday Murder Club in order to understand the characters' connections, etc.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
Each book in the Thursday Murder Club series gets better and better. The mysteries are more intricately plotted and there are more interesting characters introduced.
The Club is back together, they all live in Cooper’s Chase, an upscale retirement complex:
Elizabeth, a former M15 operative with a slew of “great connections”
Joyce a former nurse and woman of many skills, she loves solving puzzles
Ibrahim is a retired psychiatrist who has a keen eye for reading body language
Ron is a retired union leader and a man known for getting things done
In this novel the gang is trying to solve a 10 year old cold case. A journalist, Bethany Waite, was said to have committed suicide by driving her car off a cliff, however her body has never been found.
Bethany had been a co-anchor with a local TV personality Mike Waghorn. Mike is introduced to the gang and becomes a key player in solving the mystery. (I can't help but wonder if this character is loosely based on the author himself?)
Besides this mystery, Elizabeth has had an “encounter” with a man they are calling “The Viking”. He has a proposition for Elizabeth, he wants a certain person killed or else he will kill her and one of her friends.
There is lots going on in this book but the story flows wonderfully. As in the other novels there is some great humor and I can’t help but love this group of characters, including the new additions.
I can find no “cons” for this book because the writing is great, the characters well described and interesting and the mystery was not an easy one to solve. I was completely stumped – in a good way!!
I can highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great mystery.
You really do need to read the books beginning with The Thursday Murder Club in order to understand the characters' connections, etc.
I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through Edelweiss. It was my pleasure to read and review this novel.
October 21, 2022
The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman
(Thursday Murder Club #3)
Narrated by Fiona Shaw
I just love this series. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are preparing to solve their next case. On top of that, Elizabeth has been ordered to murder someone or else one of her friends will die. Her past always seems to be catching up to her, but at the same time, being an ex spy means she has a lot of resources to call on, so there is that.
There is something for everyone here. Elizabeth gets to see spend time with an ex-KGB acquaintance. Joyce gets to flirt with a handsome (if he does say so himself) TV personality, Ron spreads his wings whether he meant to or not, and Ibrahim gets to brainstorm with the one who helps him brainstorm the best. The story is very funny, we spend time in just about everyone's head and their thoughts always give me a laugh. From the very first book, I became fond of side characters Donna, Chris, and Bogdan and they are back, each with their own doubts about life. I could read a book just about those three, they are always making me laugh, with their quirks and desire to just be loved for themselves.
I read book one and listened to book two. The narrator for book two was so good and I was looking forward to her narration of book three. But instead we got another awesome narrator who made this story even better. I just cannot get enough of these characters and this series!
Published September 20, 2022 by Penguin Audio
(Thursday Murder Club #3)
Narrated by Fiona Shaw
I just love this series. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are preparing to solve their next case. On top of that, Elizabeth has been ordered to murder someone or else one of her friends will die. Her past always seems to be catching up to her, but at the same time, being an ex spy means she has a lot of resources to call on, so there is that.
There is something for everyone here. Elizabeth gets to see spend time with an ex-KGB acquaintance. Joyce gets to flirt with a handsome (if he does say so himself) TV personality, Ron spreads his wings whether he meant to or not, and Ibrahim gets to brainstorm with the one who helps him brainstorm the best. The story is very funny, we spend time in just about everyone's head and their thoughts always give me a laugh. From the very first book, I became fond of side characters Donna, Chris, and Bogdan and they are back, each with their own doubts about life. I could read a book just about those three, they are always making me laugh, with their quirks and desire to just be loved for themselves.
I read book one and listened to book two. The narrator for book two was so good and I was looking forward to her narration of book three. But instead we got another awesome narrator who made this story even better. I just cannot get enough of these characters and this series!
Published September 20, 2022 by Penguin Audio
June 23, 2025
I have been Googling but there's not much there. I got so desperate I even used Bing but the results were the same if a bit slower. - Joyce
I'd forgotten Bing was even a browser, so this made me laugh a bit more than maybe it should have.
The Bullet That Missed was another fantastic installment to the Thursday Murder Club series and (dare I say it?) even better than the first two. These books really do keep getting better and better.
I love the 4 main characters and their voices. I love that they're old but instead of sitting around talking about the good old days, they're still out there squeezing every last drop out of life.
In fact, I love this one so much that I'm finding it hard to give it a proper review. I just want to squeal READIT!READIT!READIT!
But that's kind of stupid. You know it and I know it.
Anyway.
If you're already a fan of this series, you know what I'm trying to say.
If you're not a fan...well, that's ok, too. We can still be friends.
But you're probably a serial killer, so I'll be keeping an eye on you from here on out.
Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
I'd forgotten Bing was even a browser, so this made me laugh a bit more than maybe it should have.
The Bullet That Missed was another fantastic installment to the Thursday Murder Club series and (dare I say it?) even better than the first two. These books really do keep getting better and better.
I love the 4 main characters and their voices. I love that they're old but instead of sitting around talking about the good old days, they're still out there squeezing every last drop out of life.
In fact, I love this one so much that I'm finding it hard to give it a proper review. I just want to squeal READIT!READIT!READIT!
But that's kind of stupid. You know it and I know it.
Anyway.
If you're already a fan of this series, you know what I'm trying to say.
If you're not a fan...well, that's ok, too. We can still be friends.
But you're probably a serial killer, so I'll be keeping an eye on you from here on out.
Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
October 10, 2022
“Beware the bullet with your name on it.”
The Bullet That Missed is a mystery about two murders: one in the past and one that hasn’t yet taken place. The residents of Cooper’s Chase Retirement Village are on the case, creating chaos and drama in their attempt to solve the crimes.
The Bullet That Missed is book #3 in the Thursday Murder club series. The unique, eccentric characters make this series a must-read, and this installment is no exception.
The original four spunky septuagenarians, aka The Thursday Murder Club, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, are at the center of the action. In addition, other favorites are featured, including Chris, Donna, and Bogdan, and Alan, the dog, has a large role.
Love is in the air for some characters, while others are facing heartache. Of the main characters, all were featured equally, although I could have done with more of Bogdan and Joyce, as they both make me laugh. The characters are as quick-witted and surly as ever; however, Elizabeth wasn’t quite as sharp as in the previous books and missed some obvious clues, which had me scratching my head a bit.
The pacing is fast and furious--a lot is going on. The plot isn’t as tight as the other books in the series, and I found the mysteries a bit more contrived than usual, especially the one that takes place in the present involving a man nicknamed The Viking.
However, I chose to ignore my qualms with this book and enjoy it for what it is--a fun escape. This series is full of heart and brings tons of feel-good vibes. It left me smiling, and I can’t wait to see what’s up next for my favorite seniors.
The Bullet That Missed is a mystery about two murders: one in the past and one that hasn’t yet taken place. The residents of Cooper’s Chase Retirement Village are on the case, creating chaos and drama in their attempt to solve the crimes.
The Bullet That Missed is book #3 in the Thursday Murder club series. The unique, eccentric characters make this series a must-read, and this installment is no exception.
The original four spunky septuagenarians, aka The Thursday Murder Club, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron, are at the center of the action. In addition, other favorites are featured, including Chris, Donna, and Bogdan, and Alan, the dog, has a large role.
Love is in the air for some characters, while others are facing heartache. Of the main characters, all were featured equally, although I could have done with more of Bogdan and Joyce, as they both make me laugh. The characters are as quick-witted and surly as ever; however, Elizabeth wasn’t quite as sharp as in the previous books and missed some obvious clues, which had me scratching my head a bit.
The pacing is fast and furious--a lot is going on. The plot isn’t as tight as the other books in the series, and I found the mysteries a bit more contrived than usual, especially the one that takes place in the present involving a man nicknamed The Viking.
However, I chose to ignore my qualms with this book and enjoy it for what it is--a fun escape. This series is full of heart and brings tons of feel-good vibes. It left me smiling, and I can’t wait to see what’s up next for my favorite seniors.
October 8, 2025
That's it. It's official. I am a full-on fangirl of the Thursday Murder Club. They can do no wrong in my eyes.
No matter the case, no matter the silly hijinks, I'm here for it. Intriguing as heck, super fun, 1000% engaging.
This was the perfect audiobook for my solo-road trip for Christmas holiday. It kept me fully entertained and I was legitimately laughing out loud.
Ron's inner-dialogue during the couple's massage scene...I almost went off the road.
I will continue reading this series for as long as they keep being released. Addictive and heart-warming, a must-read for Murder Mystery Lovers!!
No matter the case, no matter the silly hijinks, I'm here for it. Intriguing as heck, super fun, 1000% engaging.
This was the perfect audiobook for my solo-road trip for Christmas holiday. It kept me fully entertained and I was legitimately laughing out loud.
Ron's inner-dialogue during the couple's massage scene...I almost went off the road.
I will continue reading this series for as long as they keep being released. Addictive and heart-warming, a must-read for Murder Mystery Lovers!!
October 2, 2022
Another day, another murder for the Thursday Murder Club to solve, and I’m so excited the Coopers Chase Retirement Village gang is all back! This time it’s the suspicious death ten years prior of TV journalist Bethany Waites.
If you’ve met septuagenarians Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim in the first two books, you know there’s no question they’ll get the job done - even if a few rules get bent here and there! Along for the ride are DCI Donna deFreitas and DCI Chris Hudson, lovable Bogdan, and an ever-growing cast of old and new characters.
It was fun to see love in the air for a few of these characters interspersed with the more dramatic scenarios some of them found themselves in. I’m not going to deep-dive into the plot since so many reviews have already been written, but the plot included a TV show, a conspiracy involving cryptocurrency, a shady character named “The Viking”, an old KGB colonel from Elizabeth’s past, missing money, the hilarious drug-dealing menace, Connie, from the last book, murder, and more of the general twisty-turny mayhem you’ve come to expect from this bunch.
It’s cozy, it’s fun, it’s charming, and it’s positive age representation at its best! I love that this series celebrates the intelligence, ingenuity, resourcefulness and savvy that only comes with a life fully lived!
Elizabeth, once again, draws on her considerable talents as a former spy, good-natured Joyce continues to show she’s MUCH smarter than people take her for, Ron’s tough, street-smart ways are still on display, though softer this time around, and Ibrahim’s wisdom and intelligence work their magic. Each are a unique part of the puzzle that makes them such a formidable team, and I know I wouldn’t want to try to outsmart any of them!
I read on my Kindle while listening to the audiobook, and at first was sad that Lesley Manville, who narrated the first two so brilliantly, didn’t narrate this one, because for me she IS these characters. It only took a couple chapters to discover that Fiona Shaw was more than up to the task of filling her shoes. Yes, some of the voices I know and love were different, but she quickly made them her own, and I enjoyed it immensely. While I still hope Manville returns for Book #4, I’ll be just as happy if Shaw returns!
The chapters are short, smart and full of wit, and every character brings flavor to the story. My one and only issue with the book, and the reason for 4 stars rather than 5, is that there was almost TOO much going on, and it created some confusion at times trying to keep all the characters and their connections straight. I’m not sure I’d try this on audio alone, because I found myself needing to look up names and situations a few times, but if you pay close attention you should be fine.
Now the only mystery I need to solve is how to get Richard Osman to write Book # 4 faster!
★★★★
If you’ve met septuagenarians Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim in the first two books, you know there’s no question they’ll get the job done - even if a few rules get bent here and there! Along for the ride are DCI Donna deFreitas and DCI Chris Hudson, lovable Bogdan, and an ever-growing cast of old and new characters.
It was fun to see love in the air for a few of these characters interspersed with the more dramatic scenarios some of them found themselves in. I’m not going to deep-dive into the plot since so many reviews have already been written, but the plot included a TV show, a conspiracy involving cryptocurrency, a shady character named “The Viking”, an old KGB colonel from Elizabeth’s past, missing money, the hilarious drug-dealing menace, Connie, from the last book, murder, and more of the general twisty-turny mayhem you’ve come to expect from this bunch.
It’s cozy, it’s fun, it’s charming, and it’s positive age representation at its best! I love that this series celebrates the intelligence, ingenuity, resourcefulness and savvy that only comes with a life fully lived!
Elizabeth, once again, draws on her considerable talents as a former spy, good-natured Joyce continues to show she’s MUCH smarter than people take her for, Ron’s tough, street-smart ways are still on display, though softer this time around, and Ibrahim’s wisdom and intelligence work their magic. Each are a unique part of the puzzle that makes them such a formidable team, and I know I wouldn’t want to try to outsmart any of them!
I read on my Kindle while listening to the audiobook, and at first was sad that Lesley Manville, who narrated the first two so brilliantly, didn’t narrate this one, because for me she IS these characters. It only took a couple chapters to discover that Fiona Shaw was more than up to the task of filling her shoes. Yes, some of the voices I know and love were different, but she quickly made them her own, and I enjoyed it immensely. While I still hope Manville returns for Book #4, I’ll be just as happy if Shaw returns!
The chapters are short, smart and full of wit, and every character brings flavor to the story. My one and only issue with the book, and the reason for 4 stars rather than 5, is that there was almost TOO much going on, and it created some confusion at times trying to keep all the characters and their connections straight. I’m not sure I’d try this on audio alone, because I found myself needing to look up names and situations a few times, but if you pay close attention you should be fine.
Now the only mystery I need to solve is how to get Richard Osman to write Book # 4 faster!
★★★★
June 6, 2026
"Very few things are so important you would risk your life for them, but all sorts of things are important enough to risk somebody else’s life."After the chaos of the most recent string of murders, friends Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron are ready to settle in and do what they do best - pour over cold case files and cross their fingers that they get lucky.
Joyce, being a fan of gameshows and television hosts, steers the group towards the murder of Bethany Waites - a once promising journalist on the cusp of revealing a multi-million dollar scheme right before she disappeared.
“If murder were easy, none of us would survive Christmas.”
But then Elizabeth gets "assigned" a mission - to kill an old friend or risk losing her best friend. And the drug dealer kingpin, Connie Johnson, swears her revenge on Ron but also seems to be enjoying her therapy sessions with Ibrahim.
The closer they come to solving the murder, the more dangerous things become - and for once in her life, Elizabeth cannot bear to lose it all.
Whew. I took a gamble on this series.
"Life is about understanding opportunities. Understanding how rarely they come along, and then rising to meet them when they do."
I dedicated all five open slots on my Libby app to this series. I waited MONTHS for all the books to align so I could jump from one to the next without any wait.
I couldn't be happier with that decision. I am burning through these books and loving every minute.
As always, the four friends are absolutely fantastic. I particularly LOVED Ibrahim's therapy sessions with Connie - the way he reached out time and time again, and the way she reacted got to me every time.
I also really enjoyed Joyce's joy at being part of the television set - her excitement at meeting the various stars and piecing together this case really made me excited.
Of course, Osman doesn't just deliver happiness and fun times - the books are always paired with the realities of getting older. The good times, the bad times, and the really bad times.
Yes the books are silly, goofy, and full of incredible coincidences but they are so fleshed out when it comes to the humanity of the characters. I can see Stephen's condition, Ron's decline, Ibrahim's loneliness...and it really gets to me at times. It makes the books feel so much more real.
Also - Bogdan. Gosh dang. Of all the characters, I want him to be real the most. Not to date him, but to have someone who can help bury a body, pick me up cross-country in the middle of the night, and hang drywall like a pro. The perfect being.
September 22, 2022
Got my copy on publication day (U.S.) and I’ve been glued to it all day! It was certainly worth the wait!
In the third installment of the Thursday Murder Club series, a ten-year-old unsolved murder (assumed suicide by driving her car over a cliff) of a journalist/co-host of a television news show, has our favorite residents of Coopers Chase Retirement Village- Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron- going all out in their search for old facts, discovering new leads, meeting new people (and reconnecting with old acquaintances) and trying to keep from getting into trouble. Helping them are their friends PC Donna de Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson. To complicate matters for Elizabeth, she is receiving anonymous texts and threats from an unknown nemesis who orders her to kill a former KGB colonel she had connections with during her old days as an MI5 agent, failing which would endanger not only her life but also the life of one of her friends.
What follows is an exciting sequence of events involving a multitude of suspects (old and new), the world of television journalism, financial fraud, kidnapping, murder, blackmail and much more. People are killed, graves are dug, unlikely alliances and friendships are formed, romance blossoms for some of the characters and while some mysteries are solved, there is much more to the story than what everyone assumes.
I love how the author not only entertains us with riveting mysteries but also pays attention to character development as the series progresses. Each of the characters has an important role to play in these stories. Elizabeth is a very interesting character and we get to know more about her past while also witnessing the love and tenderness she feels for her husband Stephen and her concern for her friends. Joyce is definitely coming into her own as the series progresses and I loved how she uses her presence of mind to get out of the sticky situations. Her journal entries/notes make for some entertaining reading. In addition to the third-person narrative and Joyce’s notes, I liked we also get chapters from the perspectives of Elizabeth, Bogdan, Ibrahim and other characters. I’m loving how Bogdan is becoming an integral part of the series. Alan, the dog, is also a welcome addition to the club!
With its intricately plotted mystery, quirky characters, engaging narrative (short chapters and sharp writing!) and laugh-out-loud humor, The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman is a fun read and a worthy addition to the series. While I’ve enjoyed all three books in this series, the second book remains my favorite to date. I would strongly recommend that you read the books in series order to fully enjoy the characters and the stories. It was great to catch up with the Thursday Murder Club and their friends (both old and new). I can’t wait for Book #4!
My reviews for the other books in the series:
Book#1: The Thursday Murder Club
Book#2: The Man Who Died Twice
In the third installment of the Thursday Murder Club series, a ten-year-old unsolved murder (assumed suicide by driving her car over a cliff) of a journalist/co-host of a television news show, has our favorite residents of Coopers Chase Retirement Village- Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron- going all out in their search for old facts, discovering new leads, meeting new people (and reconnecting with old acquaintances) and trying to keep from getting into trouble. Helping them are their friends PC Donna de Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson. To complicate matters for Elizabeth, she is receiving anonymous texts and threats from an unknown nemesis who orders her to kill a former KGB colonel she had connections with during her old days as an MI5 agent, failing which would endanger not only her life but also the life of one of her friends.
What follows is an exciting sequence of events involving a multitude of suspects (old and new), the world of television journalism, financial fraud, kidnapping, murder, blackmail and much more. People are killed, graves are dug, unlikely alliances and friendships are formed, romance blossoms for some of the characters and while some mysteries are solved, there is much more to the story than what everyone assumes.
I love how the author not only entertains us with riveting mysteries but also pays attention to character development as the series progresses. Each of the characters has an important role to play in these stories. Elizabeth is a very interesting character and we get to know more about her past while also witnessing the love and tenderness she feels for her husband Stephen and her concern for her friends. Joyce is definitely coming into her own as the series progresses and I loved how she uses her presence of mind to get out of the sticky situations. Her journal entries/notes make for some entertaining reading. In addition to the third-person narrative and Joyce’s notes, I liked we also get chapters from the perspectives of Elizabeth, Bogdan, Ibrahim and other characters. I’m loving how Bogdan is becoming an integral part of the series. Alan, the dog, is also a welcome addition to the club!
With its intricately plotted mystery, quirky characters, engaging narrative (short chapters and sharp writing!) and laugh-out-loud humor, The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman is a fun read and a worthy addition to the series. While I’ve enjoyed all three books in this series, the second book remains my favorite to date. I would strongly recommend that you read the books in series order to fully enjoy the characters and the stories. It was great to catch up with the Thursday Murder Club and their friends (both old and new). I can’t wait for Book #4!
My reviews for the other books in the series:
Book#1: The Thursday Murder Club
Book#2: The Man Who Died Twice
August 31, 2022
My favorite septuagenarians are back in book #3 of The Thursday Murder Club series, and this is the BEST ONE YET!
Another Thursday…another crime to solve.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim find an old cold case that interests them, and they’d like to solve it. When they’re on the prowl, they’re going to get their way. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, she’s also dealing with a personal issue when someone from her past threatens her future. She’s reluctant to share this with her friends, but by keeping it to herself…is she putting them in danger?
I cannot get enough of this series, and I can honestly say that each book gets better and better! I loved learning more about the characters we’ve come to love. There are some new dynamics that keep things really exciting…and put a big ‘ol smile on my face. There are also new characters who are highly interesting. And let’s not forget about the crime(s) and case(s) that the Thursday Murder Club is determined to solve. It’s highly intriguing, and I think fans of the series will really be impressed with the direction it’s going.
There are plenty of laughs to be had, and I am already eagerly awaiting the next installment. If you haven’t started this series yet, DO IT NOW!
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books for a widget of the ARC through NetGalley. Expected Publication Date: 9/20/22.
Another Thursday…another crime to solve.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim find an old cold case that interests them, and they’d like to solve it. When they’re on the prowl, they’re going to get their way. Unfortunately for Elizabeth, she’s also dealing with a personal issue when someone from her past threatens her future. She’s reluctant to share this with her friends, but by keeping it to herself…is she putting them in danger?
I cannot get enough of this series, and I can honestly say that each book gets better and better! I loved learning more about the characters we’ve come to love. There are some new dynamics that keep things really exciting…and put a big ‘ol smile on my face. There are also new characters who are highly interesting. And let’s not forget about the crime(s) and case(s) that the Thursday Murder Club is determined to solve. It’s highly intriguing, and I think fans of the series will really be impressed with the direction it’s going.
There are plenty of laughs to be had, and I am already eagerly awaiting the next installment. If you haven’t started this series yet, DO IT NOW!
Thank you to Pamela Dorman Books for a widget of the ARC through NetGalley. Expected Publication Date: 9/20/22.
October 29, 2022
I had a hankering for a cozy mystery, now that I’m on that bandwagon, and what better than one of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club sleuths? I haven’t had the pleasure of being with the four septuagenarian sleuths in a long time.
Everyone has their favorite character, and mine is retired MI6 Agent Elizabeth Best. The woman is a hoot. Joyce Meadowcroft is a retired nurse, and Ibrahim Arif a renown psychiatrist. The fourth member is Ron Ritchie, a union organizer. The four get themselves involved in a cold case, money laundering, tax evasion scheme that resulted in an unsolved murder. An ex-KGB spy and an eccentric, jailed, drug dealer round out the band of major characters.
The joy of reading Osman’s novel is being immersed in the antics the characters get themselves into. Osman’s prose is clever and hysterically funny. Yes, it’s fun to try and solve the mysteries, but the true delight is being a part of their inner musings, the hijinks they get themselves into.
I listened to the audio, narrated by Fiona Shaw. She is fantastic. The audio has a bonus section at the end in which Steph McGovern interviews Richard Osman about the series. It’s very interesting. I highly recommend the audio.
Everyone has their favorite character, and mine is retired MI6 Agent Elizabeth Best. The woman is a hoot. Joyce Meadowcroft is a retired nurse, and Ibrahim Arif a renown psychiatrist. The fourth member is Ron Ritchie, a union organizer. The four get themselves involved in a cold case, money laundering, tax evasion scheme that resulted in an unsolved murder. An ex-KGB spy and an eccentric, jailed, drug dealer round out the band of major characters.
The joy of reading Osman’s novel is being immersed in the antics the characters get themselves into. Osman’s prose is clever and hysterically funny. Yes, it’s fun to try and solve the mysteries, but the true delight is being a part of their inner musings, the hijinks they get themselves into.
I listened to the audio, narrated by Fiona Shaw. She is fantastic. The audio has a bonus section at the end in which Steph McGovern interviews Richard Osman about the series. It’s very interesting. I highly recommend the audio.
July 7, 2023
This third book was not, in my opinion, as entertaining as the previous two books.
This time the author added too many characters.
There are good and funny moments and great dialogues, but the development of the storyline was not that gripping or thrilling.
I do recommend the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, Richard Osman and Steph McGovern, although I would have loved more if it was narrated by Leslie Manville (like in the first two books).
I think that I will re-read this book before the next instalment, just to see if I will feel different.
At this time I feel very disappointed.
PS: original post dated September 24, 2022 and edited on July 6, 2023 to correct repeated words.
This time the author added too many characters.
There are good and funny moments and great dialogues, but the development of the storyline was not that gripping or thrilling.
I do recommend the audiobook narrated by Fiona Shaw, Richard Osman and Steph McGovern, although I would have loved more if it was narrated by Leslie Manville (like in the first two books).
I think that I will re-read this book before the next instalment, just to see if I will feel different.
At this time I feel very disappointed.
PS: original post dated September 24, 2022 and edited on July 6, 2023 to correct repeated words.
September 25, 2022
The Thursday Murder Club has selected its next case…the murder of Bethany Waites.
So, they have set up an interview with her former co-host from “South East Tonight” as a ruse to see if Mike Waghorn, might have some inside information that would help them solve the case. Ron will be interviewed for a piece on “retirement living” and then the gang will invite Mike to join them for dinner and serve him enough red wine to hopefully loosen his tongue.
Bethany had been investigating a huge VAT fraud involving mobile phones that had made millions for Heather Garbutt and Jack Mason. Heather went to jail, and Bethany went off a cliff in her car but her body was never found.
Jack somehow remains a very rich, free man.
In a sub plot, someone new isn’t happy with Elizabeth and she is warned that she must KILL or BE KILLED. And, “The Viking” is threatening her friend’s lives as well.
But, you know Elizabeth-she doesn’t even flinch as she takes care of the threat with a little help from her friends.
This is a COZY series that has improved with each installment!
Not only do the mysteries keep on getting better but the character development has me feeling like these are friends of mine who I am catching up with whenever a new book gets released!
Joyce (and her humorous journal entries) continue to fill us in on the details, and she has definitely earned her spot in the Club as she “googles” for answers.
Elizabeth continues to show us not only her grit but also her softer side, as she grapples with her beloved husband’s dementia, and realizes that she now considers Joyce to be her best friend!
And, Ibrahim and Ron continue to become more vulnerable as they grow confident by the loyal friendship that this Club has given to all four members.
All of your favorite supporting characters are back, along with some new faces who may be sticking around, but we have gotten to know everyone so well, that it isn’t hard at all to keep up with the growing cast.
A Book #4 has been announced but as of yet, it is untitled, and with a only a tentative publication date of September 2023, but you can be sure that I will ready to rejoin my friends at Cooper’s Chase for their next case, whenever that may be!
This installment is available now!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the book and the delightful AUDIBLE, as I enjoyed toggling between the two as I read the story!
So, they have set up an interview with her former co-host from “South East Tonight” as a ruse to see if Mike Waghorn, might have some inside information that would help them solve the case. Ron will be interviewed for a piece on “retirement living” and then the gang will invite Mike to join them for dinner and serve him enough red wine to hopefully loosen his tongue.
Bethany had been investigating a huge VAT fraud involving mobile phones that had made millions for Heather Garbutt and Jack Mason. Heather went to jail, and Bethany went off a cliff in her car but her body was never found.
Jack somehow remains a very rich, free man.
In a sub plot, someone new isn’t happy with Elizabeth and she is warned that she must KILL or BE KILLED. And, “The Viking” is threatening her friend’s lives as well.
But, you know Elizabeth-she doesn’t even flinch as she takes care of the threat with a little help from her friends.
This is a COZY series that has improved with each installment!
Not only do the mysteries keep on getting better but the character development has me feeling like these are friends of mine who I am catching up with whenever a new book gets released!
Joyce (and her humorous journal entries) continue to fill us in on the details, and she has definitely earned her spot in the Club as she “googles” for answers.
Elizabeth continues to show us not only her grit but also her softer side, as she grapples with her beloved husband’s dementia, and realizes that she now considers Joyce to be her best friend!
And, Ibrahim and Ron continue to become more vulnerable as they grow confident by the loyal friendship that this Club has given to all four members.
All of your favorite supporting characters are back, along with some new faces who may be sticking around, but we have gotten to know everyone so well, that it isn’t hard at all to keep up with the growing cast.
A Book #4 has been announced but as of yet, it is untitled, and with a only a tentative publication date of September 2023, but you can be sure that I will ready to rejoin my friends at Cooper’s Chase for their next case, whenever that may be!
This installment is available now!
Thank You to the Chandler Public Library for the loan of the book and the delightful AUDIBLE, as I enjoyed toggling between the two as I read the story!
September 12, 2022
The Bullet that Missed by Richard Osman is a 2022 Viking publication.
The Thursday Murder Club is back and better than ever!
A cold case involving a missing journalist, garners the attention of the Murder Club this time around, while Elizabeth gets tangled up in her own side drama.
As always, each member of the group gets their own little piece of the spotlight, and the dialogue is snappy and often laugh out loud funny.
But the best part is how layered these mysteries are. It’s obvious a lot of thought goes into these plots, and the intrigue is always absorbing.
The one small gripe I have is that this one might have run a little too long, and occasionally the pacing lagged, just a tiny bit- but of course, there is always something going on and my attention was never divided- it just felt like it took me a while to finish the book, this time around. But that’s a very small quibble.
Other than that, this series shows no signs of slowing down. The characters are still sharp, the poignancy is still a big undercurrent that offsets the zaniness, and the plots get better and stronger as the series progresses.
Once again, I feel it should be stressed that while this series often lands in the cozy category, anyone who loves mysteries or crime fiction will like this series. It’s smart, clever and oh so entertaining!
4+
The Thursday Murder Club is back and better than ever!
A cold case involving a missing journalist, garners the attention of the Murder Club this time around, while Elizabeth gets tangled up in her own side drama.
As always, each member of the group gets their own little piece of the spotlight, and the dialogue is snappy and often laugh out loud funny.
But the best part is how layered these mysteries are. It’s obvious a lot of thought goes into these plots, and the intrigue is always absorbing.
The one small gripe I have is that this one might have run a little too long, and occasionally the pacing lagged, just a tiny bit- but of course, there is always something going on and my attention was never divided- it just felt like it took me a while to finish the book, this time around. But that’s a very small quibble.
Other than that, this series shows no signs of slowing down. The characters are still sharp, the poignancy is still a big undercurrent that offsets the zaniness, and the plots get better and stronger as the series progresses.
Once again, I feel it should be stressed that while this series often lands in the cozy category, anyone who loves mysteries or crime fiction will like this series. It’s smart, clever and oh so entertaining!
4+
July 15, 2023
The ensemble of the Thursday Murder Club is at it again, only this time they are attempting to solve the murder/disappearance of a tv journalist. It isn't the story that caught Joyce's eye as much as the opportunity to meet the local newscaster and former co-anchor, Mike Waghorn, but he plays right into their soft and veiny hands.
“Will you come to dinner afterward, Mr. Waghorn?” asks Joyce. “We’ve got a table for five thirty. After the rush.” “Please, call me Mike,” says Mike. “And, no, I’m afraid. I try not to mix with people. You know, privacy, germs, whatnot. You understand, I’m certain.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is receiving anonymous texts that culminate in a threat: kill a former love and KGB agent or face deathly consequences.
"'I’m sure,' says Elizabeth. 'If murder were easy, none of us would survive Christmas.'"
It's a typically convoluted story that eventually has people happily pairing off, working together, and generally becoming best versions of themselves. (Or are they?)
"Pauline puts a finger to Ron’s lips to help him out of his cul-de-sac of a sentence. He nods gratefully."
I thought it was a lot of fun, but I mostly just treat it like an amuse-bouche; something to enjoy and feel good about, without putting a great deal of thought into its components. I'm not going to be a downer and point them out; besides, Osman kind of does that for us:
"At one point they walked past a house on Trafalgar Street that Bogdan told her was a crack den, and then past an old forge on London Road where a Lithuanian was buried. Bogdan would make a very good tour guide for a very specific type of tourist."
There's actually no shortage of the finely aged sleuth in mysteries. Jane Marple (1927-1976) was one of the most famous, of course. Mrs. Polifax came along later, (1966-2000) bringing the international spy angle, only obviously elderly and prone to kindness instead of athleticism. Osman does a nice job maintaining bemusement at the age incongruity of the team, but on the sliding scale of 'realistic,' I'd move it away from Marple and push it towards the adventuresome Polifax: unlikely but engaging.
“Will you come to dinner afterward, Mr. Waghorn?” asks Joyce. “We’ve got a table for five thirty. After the rush.” “Please, call me Mike,” says Mike. “And, no, I’m afraid. I try not to mix with people. You know, privacy, germs, whatnot. You understand, I’m certain.”
Meanwhile, Elizabeth is receiving anonymous texts that culminate in a threat: kill a former love and KGB agent or face deathly consequences.
"'I’m sure,' says Elizabeth. 'If murder were easy, none of us would survive Christmas.'"
It's a typically convoluted story that eventually has people happily pairing off, working together, and generally becoming best versions of themselves. (Or are they?)
"Pauline puts a finger to Ron’s lips to help him out of his cul-de-sac of a sentence. He nods gratefully."
I thought it was a lot of fun, but I mostly just treat it like an amuse-bouche; something to enjoy and feel good about, without putting a great deal of thought into its components. I'm not going to be a downer and point them out; besides, Osman kind of does that for us:
"At one point they walked past a house on Trafalgar Street that Bogdan told her was a crack den, and then past an old forge on London Road where a Lithuanian was buried. Bogdan would make a very good tour guide for a very specific type of tourist."
There's actually no shortage of the finely aged sleuth in mysteries. Jane Marple (1927-1976) was one of the most famous, of course. Mrs. Polifax came along later, (1966-2000) bringing the international spy angle, only obviously elderly and prone to kindness instead of athleticism. Osman does a nice job maintaining bemusement at the age incongruity of the team, but on the sliding scale of 'realistic,' I'd move it away from Marple and push it towards the adventuresome Polifax: unlikely but engaging.
November 15, 2022
Thursday Murder Club Series #3
Another day at Cooper Chase Retirement Village, solving another murder or two!
The team is working on a cold case from almost ten years ago.
Elizabeth takes the lead and at one point, I was very worried about her!
The clock is ticking as the gang tries to find the smoking gun. A car, a cliff, a missing body!
I enjoyed every second reading + listening.
Elizabeth is fearless as usual, Joyce is such a hoot with her nonchalent ways and always offering up a cup of tea to anyone, including murder suspects! Like that would prevent the next murder! Ron uses his psychiatrist skills to outwit a prison inmate, and Ibrahim makes himself mad with anagrams.
This fun series is on the cozy side with lovable and engaging characters. Enjoyable narration too!
Audible ~ Narrated by: Fiona Shaw, Richard Osman, and Steph McGovern / 11 hours
Another day at Cooper Chase Retirement Village, solving another murder or two!
The team is working on a cold case from almost ten years ago.
Elizabeth takes the lead and at one point, I was very worried about her!
The clock is ticking as the gang tries to find the smoking gun. A car, a cliff, a missing body!
I enjoyed every second reading + listening.
Elizabeth is fearless as usual, Joyce is such a hoot with her nonchalent ways and always offering up a cup of tea to anyone, including murder suspects! Like that would prevent the next murder! Ron uses his psychiatrist skills to outwit a prison inmate, and Ibrahim makes himself mad with anagrams.
This fun series is on the cozy side with lovable and engaging characters. Enjoyable narration too!
Audible ~ Narrated by: Fiona Shaw, Richard Osman, and Steph McGovern / 11 hours
November 7, 2022
This was so good and who could have guessed it was over 400 pages long. As far as I am concerned it was much too short! At least we know that there is a #4 in the works for next year.
The regulars are all back investigating the death of television presenter Bethany Waites, whose car went over a cliff, but whose body has never been found. This apparently normal research turns into a maelstrom of death threats, murders both real and pretend, money laundering and suicide. Elizabeth gets to fire her gun and Joyce demonstrates remarkable cool in a very dangerous encounter.
I loved the development of all the characters and especially enjoyed the pairing of Bogdan and Donna. There are many humorous moments between and about all of the characters, but there are sad moments too. The progress of Stephen's dementia is very realistic and is especially heart breaking now that he is beginning to be more aware that something is wrong.
Never forget that the members of the Thursday Murder Club are all over seventy and retired. Their optimism and zest for life is inspiring. If you have not read this series yet grab book one and get started. It is outstandingly good.
The regulars are all back investigating the death of television presenter Bethany Waites, whose car went over a cliff, but whose body has never been found. This apparently normal research turns into a maelstrom of death threats, murders both real and pretend, money laundering and suicide. Elizabeth gets to fire her gun and Joyce demonstrates remarkable cool in a very dangerous encounter.
I loved the development of all the characters and especially enjoyed the pairing of Bogdan and Donna. There are many humorous moments between and about all of the characters, but there are sad moments too. The progress of Stephen's dementia is very realistic and is especially heart breaking now that he is beginning to be more aware that something is wrong.
Never forget that the members of the Thursday Murder Club are all over seventy and retired. Their optimism and zest for life is inspiring. If you have not read this series yet grab book one and get started. It is outstandingly good.
February 16, 2026
The third novel in Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series, and by now we can safely say that this is no longer just a crime series, but a cozy world readers return to for the people, not so much for the crime itself.
Here the mystery is more scattered and at times even deliberately confusing. There are several plotlines, a crime from the past, a new murder, and many questions that are in no hurry to be answered. This may be a drawback for readers looking for a tight and clearly structured puzzle, but for me it is part of the book’s charm. Osman is not trying to impress with a brilliant riddle, but to keep us in the company of his characters.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are once again the heart of the story. They are likable, human, and surprisingly deep. In this book, the themes of age, loneliness, and the fear of becoming invisible are especially strong. Beneath the humor and lightness, there is a quiet sadness that makes the novel feel more mature than the previous installments.
The humor is once again distinctly British: dry, gently ironic, and never overbearing. Joyce continues to be the voice that brings warmth and innocence, while Elizabeth remains mysterious and unsettlingly calm. The balance between these personalities is what makes the book so readable, even when the plot occasionally feels overcrowded.
If I had to be critical, I would say that the tension is weaker compared to a classic thriller. There is no real sense of danger, no “just one more chapter before bed” feeling. Instead, there is something else: comfort, intelligence, and the sense that you are among friends who happen to be investigating a murder between tea and dinner.
It almost makes you tempted to start such a club yourself.
Pre_read:
I got them up to the fourth book from the library, I’m continuing the thriller and mystery series.
Here the mystery is more scattered and at times even deliberately confusing. There are several plotlines, a crime from the past, a new murder, and many questions that are in no hurry to be answered. This may be a drawback for readers looking for a tight and clearly structured puzzle, but for me it is part of the book’s charm. Osman is not trying to impress with a brilliant riddle, but to keep us in the company of his characters.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim are once again the heart of the story. They are likable, human, and surprisingly deep. In this book, the themes of age, loneliness, and the fear of becoming invisible are especially strong. Beneath the humor and lightness, there is a quiet sadness that makes the novel feel more mature than the previous installments.
The humor is once again distinctly British: dry, gently ironic, and never overbearing. Joyce continues to be the voice that brings warmth and innocence, while Elizabeth remains mysterious and unsettlingly calm. The balance between these personalities is what makes the book so readable, even when the plot occasionally feels overcrowded.
If I had to be critical, I would say that the tension is weaker compared to a classic thriller. There is no real sense of danger, no “just one more chapter before bed” feeling. Instead, there is something else: comfort, intelligence, and the sense that you are among friends who happen to be investigating a murder between tea and dinner.
It almost makes you tempted to start such a club yourself.
Pre_read:
I got them up to the fourth book from the library, I’m continuing the thriller and mystery series.
January 27, 2023
EXCERPT: Bethany Waites understands that there is no going back now. Time to be brave, and to see how this all plays out.
She weighs the bullet in her hand.
Life is about understanding opportunities. Understanding how rarely they come along, and then rising to meet them when they do.
'Come and meet me. I just want to talk.' That's what the email had said. She has been playing it over in her mind ever since. Should she?
One last thing to do before she decides: send Mike a message.
Mike knows the story she is working on. He doesn't know the details - a reporter has to keep her secrets - but he knows it's a risky one. He's there if she needs him, but there are some things you have to do alone.
Whatever happens tonight, she would be sad to leave Mike Waghorn behind. He is a good friend. A kind and funny man. That's why the viewers love him.
But Bethany dreams of more, and maybe this is her chance. A dangerous chance, but a chance all the same.
She writes her message and presses send. He won't reply tonight; it's late. That's probably for the best. She can hear his voice now: 'Who texts at ten p.m.? Millennials and sex pests, that's who.'
Here we go then. Time for Bethany to spin the wheel of fortune. Will she live or will she die?
She pours herself a drink, and takes one final look at the bullet. Really, she has no choice at all.
To opportunities.
ABOUT 'THE BULLET THAT MISSED': It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal.
Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.
To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed...
While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
MY THOUGHTS: I'm putting my name down for the next vacancy at Coopers Chase!
The Bullet That Missed is a fun, clever piece of escapism featuring an ex-spy, an ex-boxer, a perfectly ordinary but extremely clever woman called Joyce who likes to write in her diaries, an EX-FBI agent, a money-launderer, and a television news reader amongst others. Yes, the whole gang is back along with a few new faces.
The Thursday Murder Club meets every Thursday at 11am in the jigsaw room - except for one notable Thursday when they met at 8am, much to Ibrahim's consternation - to solve murders. They manage to do this rather well, although they usually manage to produce a few more bodies along the way. And it doesn't hurt that they have a couple of tame police officers in their outer circle.
I love these characters: Elizabeth whose husband Stephen is slowly succumbing to dementia; Joyce and her dog Alan; Bogdan who provides muscle when needed and unobtrusively babysits Stephen when Elizabeth is otherwise occupied.
I haven't had so much fun since I read the last book in this series! It's a book that I read with a smile on my face, although I admit to holding my breath a couple of times when the situation got more than a little sticky, and to having a tear in my eye when Stephen confided his fears to Bogdan, and again when . . . well, when you get there, you'll know.
The Thursday Murder Club #4 is due for publication this time next year. I can't wait!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheBulletThatMissed
I: @misterosman @penguinrandomhouse
T: @richardosman @PenguinUKBooks
THE AUTHOR: Richard Thomas Osman is an English comedian, producer, television presenter, writer, and the creator and co-presenter of the BBC One television quiz show Pointless.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Waitomo District Library for the loan of The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
She weighs the bullet in her hand.
Life is about understanding opportunities. Understanding how rarely they come along, and then rising to meet them when they do.
'Come and meet me. I just want to talk.' That's what the email had said. She has been playing it over in her mind ever since. Should she?
One last thing to do before she decides: send Mike a message.
Mike knows the story she is working on. He doesn't know the details - a reporter has to keep her secrets - but he knows it's a risky one. He's there if she needs him, but there are some things you have to do alone.
Whatever happens tonight, she would be sad to leave Mike Waghorn behind. He is a good friend. A kind and funny man. That's why the viewers love him.
But Bethany dreams of more, and maybe this is her chance. A dangerous chance, but a chance all the same.
She writes her message and presses send. He won't reply tonight; it's late. That's probably for the best. She can hear his voice now: 'Who texts at ten p.m.? Millennials and sex pests, that's who.'
Here we go then. Time for Bethany to spin the wheel of fortune. Will she live or will she die?
She pours herself a drink, and takes one final look at the bullet. Really, she has no choice at all.
To opportunities.
ABOUT 'THE BULLET THAT MISSED': It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal.
Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A local news legend is on the hunt for a sensational headline, and soon the gang are hot on the trail of two murders, ten years apart.
To make matters worse, a new nemesis pays Elizabeth a visit, presenting her with a deadly mission: kill or be killed...
While Elizabeth grapples with her conscience (and a gun), the gang and their unlikely new friends (including TV stars, money launderers and ex-KGB colonels) unravel a new mystery. But can they catch the culprit and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
MY THOUGHTS: I'm putting my name down for the next vacancy at Coopers Chase!
The Bullet That Missed is a fun, clever piece of escapism featuring an ex-spy, an ex-boxer, a perfectly ordinary but extremely clever woman called Joyce who likes to write in her diaries, an EX-FBI agent, a money-launderer, and a television news reader amongst others. Yes, the whole gang is back along with a few new faces.
The Thursday Murder Club meets every Thursday at 11am in the jigsaw room - except for one notable Thursday when they met at 8am, much to Ibrahim's consternation - to solve murders. They manage to do this rather well, although they usually manage to produce a few more bodies along the way. And it doesn't hurt that they have a couple of tame police officers in their outer circle.
I love these characters: Elizabeth whose husband Stephen is slowly succumbing to dementia; Joyce and her dog Alan; Bogdan who provides muscle when needed and unobtrusively babysits Stephen when Elizabeth is otherwise occupied.
I haven't had so much fun since I read the last book in this series! It's a book that I read with a smile on my face, although I admit to holding my breath a couple of times when the situation got more than a little sticky, and to having a tear in my eye when Stephen confided his fears to Bogdan, and again when . . . well, when you get there, you'll know.
The Thursday Murder Club #4 is due for publication this time next year. I can't wait!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
#TheBulletThatMissed
I: @misterosman @penguinrandomhouse
T: @richardosman @PenguinUKBooks
THE AUTHOR: Richard Thomas Osman is an English comedian, producer, television presenter, writer, and the creator and co-presenter of the BBC One television quiz show Pointless.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Waitomo District Library for the loan of The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
For an explanation of my rating system please refer to my Goodreads.com profile page or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com
This review is also published on Twitter, Amazon, Instagram and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
November 10, 2022
"The Bullet That Missed" by Richard Osman is Book #3 in this Cozy Mystery Series!
I always feel so much safer when the 'Thursday Murder Club' is back! Don't you?
Septuagenarians Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are investigating the decade old unsolved murder of TV news show co-host and journalist Bethany Waites where things seem...well, suspicious. The victim's body was never found and all the cash, from a money laundering scheme Bethany was hotly researching for a story, has never been located. A bit fishy, wouldn't you say?
If you're looking for a quiet cozy mystery, this wouldn't be it. It's full of action, mystery, suspects, and questionable acquaintances from Elizabeth's past, beginning to end. There's no shortage of characters, some have been around for a while in the series, others are new, and it does get a little crowded and creates a bit of a muddle to the audiobook voicing. Such a shame!
There's romance in the air for a few of our characters and the humor is at its best. Joyce is still writing in her diary, with her loyal pooch Alan by her side, which is always a highlight in this series for me. She certainly showed skills in this book we didn't know she had, didn't she? I do believe Joyce and Ibrahim are my favorites and I love how Bogdan always takes such good care of Elizabeth's husband Stephen. He's such a fine chap!
The audiobook narrator Fiona Shaw makes a wonderful effort with gender voicing and delivering the appropriate voice inflections with the dialog to ensure a consistent listening experience, especially when it comes to the hints of humor. I do miss narrator Lesley Manville from book 2, but both ladies have done a remarkable job and have made my preference of the audiobook format for this series an easy win!
At the end of the audiobook there is a 'bonus chapter' 30-minute interview of the author by English Journalist Steph McGovern. You hear the authors' passion for this series, crime fiction, his main characters, and loves what their experience, wisdom, and eclectic friendships offer to the books and the readers experience. It was fun to hear him admittedly talk about his characters as if they are real!
I'm absolutely looking forward to book #4 in this series and I will definitely be choosing the audiobook format once again!
I always feel so much safer when the 'Thursday Murder Club' is back! Don't you?
Septuagenarians Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are investigating the decade old unsolved murder of TV news show co-host and journalist Bethany Waites where things seem...well, suspicious. The victim's body was never found and all the cash, from a money laundering scheme Bethany was hotly researching for a story, has never been located. A bit fishy, wouldn't you say?
If you're looking for a quiet cozy mystery, this wouldn't be it. It's full of action, mystery, suspects, and questionable acquaintances from Elizabeth's past, beginning to end. There's no shortage of characters, some have been around for a while in the series, others are new, and it does get a little crowded and creates a bit of a muddle to the audiobook voicing. Such a shame!
There's romance in the air for a few of our characters and the humor is at its best. Joyce is still writing in her diary, with her loyal pooch Alan by her side, which is always a highlight in this series for me. She certainly showed skills in this book we didn't know she had, didn't she? I do believe Joyce and Ibrahim are my favorites and I love how Bogdan always takes such good care of Elizabeth's husband Stephen. He's such a fine chap!
The audiobook narrator Fiona Shaw makes a wonderful effort with gender voicing and delivering the appropriate voice inflections with the dialog to ensure a consistent listening experience, especially when it comes to the hints of humor. I do miss narrator Lesley Manville from book 2, but both ladies have done a remarkable job and have made my preference of the audiobook format for this series an easy win!
At the end of the audiobook there is a 'bonus chapter' 30-minute interview of the author by English Journalist Steph McGovern. You hear the authors' passion for this series, crime fiction, his main characters, and loves what their experience, wisdom, and eclectic friendships offer to the books and the readers experience. It was fun to hear him admittedly talk about his characters as if they are real!
I'm absolutely looking forward to book #4 in this series and I will definitely be choosing the audiobook format once again!
May 17, 2023
I think this missed the mark for me as well. It's time to move on from this series!☹️
November 12, 2022
WELL THE FAB FOUR ARE BACK!!!!!
A reporter by the name of Mike Waghorn comes to Coopers Chase to as if the Fab Four could help him on a cold case dating back to 2013, but the problem is that there is no body as the victim Bethany waite car was thrown over a cliff.
Meanwhile ConnieJohnson runs a multi million dollar drugs gang from prison she finds it easy as guards are paid handsomely for their help. Bethany Waites was a brilliant young reporter who was investigating a big story on VAT fraud.
Well the Fab Four can’t wait to get to work on this case Ibrahim goes to the prison to ask Connie Johnson some questions but is not speaking to anyone.
We’re the two connected to each other at some point or was it a coincidence?
One of the members makes a enemy of someone they should steer clear of!!
with help from Donna & Chris will they get to the bottom of the case?
I found this another enjoyable fun ride following Ibrahim, Ron , Joyce & Elizabeth they make me laugh Elizabeth AKA Miss Marple as I call her is always right on the front line I can’t wait for the next instalment in this awesome series.
A reporter by the name of Mike Waghorn comes to Coopers Chase to as if the Fab Four could help him on a cold case dating back to 2013, but the problem is that there is no body as the victim Bethany waite car was thrown over a cliff.
Meanwhile ConnieJohnson runs a multi million dollar drugs gang from prison she finds it easy as guards are paid handsomely for their help. Bethany Waites was a brilliant young reporter who was investigating a big story on VAT fraud.
Well the Fab Four can’t wait to get to work on this case Ibrahim goes to the prison to ask Connie Johnson some questions but is not speaking to anyone.
We’re the two connected to each other at some point or was it a coincidence?
One of the members makes a enemy of someone they should steer clear of!!
with help from Donna & Chris will they get to the bottom of the case?
I found this another enjoyable fun ride following Ibrahim, Ron , Joyce & Elizabeth they make me laugh Elizabeth AKA Miss Marple as I call her is always right on the front line I can’t wait for the next instalment in this awesome series.
May 29, 2026
Reading Thursday Murder Club books at this point feels like visiting old friends. Come in, get comfortable in a recliner, enjoy some tea and cake, talk about family and TV and solve a murder or two by sunset, and leave content but with the undercurrent of slight sadness about the fleeting fragility of life and happiness.
Septuagenarians solving murders in their spare time seemed like a fun and goofy premise at the start, but now, although still wildly unbelievably improbable, this cast feels like family, and the crazier it gets the better it is. And it’s not only the formidable ex-spy Elizabeth who is a professional (retired) badass but all the old folks have discovered that inner badassery as well. Even sweet Joyce who in between of tea and puppies and flirting with every available gentleman of a certain age can (politely) kick some serious posterior.
As always, we have a convoluted yet satisfying tangle of a few storylines. Our septuagenarian members of Thursday Murder Club are looking into a suspicious apparent suicide of a journalist from a decade ago, with connections to a money laundering case, and team up with a TV presenter on whom our tireless romantic Joyce may have set sights upon.
Not to mention a certain criminal trying to force Elizabeth to murder another crook who’s not only an ex-KGB agent but also Elizabeth’s old flame. And Bogdan (Thursday Murder Club “enforcer” who also knows where all the bodies are buried) and Donna (a cop whose mother sweetly dates Donna’s boss Chris who now discovered broccoli in lieu of crisps) starting the most satisfying relationship. And feisty brash Ron finding his love match. And our favorite drug dealer Connie Johnson somehow acquiring Ibrahim as her prison therapist while still firm in her openly stated resolution to murder his friends Ron and Bogdan — because friendship and business do not always mix.
And Elizabeth’s husband Stephen sliding further into dementia which is heartbreaking.
————
By now Osman has developed these characters enough for them to feel like real friends, and he has a surprisingly light touch when it comes to gently balancing comedy and sadness which gives these books a very special feel. And I plan to be back for every one of these.
4.5 stars.
“People drift in and out of your life, and, when you are younger, you know you will see them again. But now every old friend is a miracle.”
Septuagenarians solving murders in their spare time seemed like a fun and goofy premise at the start, but now, although still wildly unbelievably improbable, this cast feels like family, and the crazier it gets the better it is. And it’s not only the formidable ex-spy Elizabeth who is a professional (retired) badass but all the old folks have discovered that inner badassery as well. Even sweet Joyce who in between of tea and puppies and flirting with every available gentleman of a certain age can (politely) kick some serious posterior.
“Nothing like lying in your grave with a bullet hole through your head to make you think about your life.”
As always, we have a convoluted yet satisfying tangle of a few storylines. Our septuagenarian members of Thursday Murder Club are looking into a suspicious apparent suicide of a journalist from a decade ago, with connections to a money laundering case, and team up with a TV presenter on whom our tireless romantic Joyce may have set sights upon.
“At one point he brushed my hand and there was electricity, but I think that was the combination of the deep carpet outside the restaurant and my new cardigan.”
Not to mention a certain criminal trying to force Elizabeth to murder another crook who’s not only an ex-KGB agent but also Elizabeth’s old flame. And Bogdan (Thursday Murder Club “enforcer” who also knows where all the bodies are buried) and Donna (a cop whose mother sweetly dates Donna’s boss Chris who now discovered broccoli in lieu of crisps) starting the most satisfying relationship. And feisty brash Ron finding his love match. And our favorite drug dealer Connie Johnson somehow acquiring Ibrahim as her prison therapist while still firm in her openly stated resolution to murder his friends Ron and Bogdan — because friendship and business do not always mix.
And Elizabeth’s husband Stephen sliding further into dementia which is heartbreaking.
————
“That’s all it was in the end. People were always trying to tell you something, and all you really had to do was let them.”
By now Osman has developed these characters enough for them to feel like real friends, and he has a surprisingly light touch when it comes to gently balancing comedy and sadness which gives these books a very special feel. And I plan to be back for every one of these.
4.5 stars.
“At one point they walked past a house on Trafalgar Street that Bogdan told her was a crack den, and then past an old forge on London Road where a Lithuanian was buried. Bogdan would make a very good tour guide for a very specific type of tourist.”
August 11, 2022
The 3rd installment of this popular cozy mystery series does not disappoint as the entire gang (Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron & Ibrahim) are back as they try and solve a 10-year old death of a TV news reporter whose car went over a cliff into the sea. No body was ever found but this does not discourage the group, who is now aided by a Polish construction worker, a TV news presenter, a TV makeup artist, the former head of the Leningrad KGB, a cryptocurrency money launder, and members of the police department, and even a criminal who they put behind bars in Book 2. Whew! But each brings different strengths to the investigation. And, as with most of these books, one murder leads to more murders and attempted murders, as the plot thickens and the gang gets closer to finding out the truth. Fast paced, action packed (especially since the Thursday Murder Club members are all in their 80's), and is a very good addition to this series. Negatives: I thought the author got so caught up in the ending of the book that he left some loose ends to a few of the plot lines. Other than that, this is a wonderful read and perfectly sets up the next book in the series.
See my full review of this and other books at www.ViewsonBooks.com
See my full review of this and other books at www.ViewsonBooks.com
September 10, 2025
This is my fourth Richard Osman book. I've read The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Last Devil to Die and The Bullet That Missed.
I got the order of these books mixed up. I thought The Bullet That Missed was the fourth book in the series, but it was actually the third book in the series. The Last Devil to Die is the fourth one.
I love this series because it is a genre I am calling "thriller-lite." There are plenty of murders, but without the gruesome, gory details and there aren't a lot of psychological thriller elements. There are four retirees who help solve the murders. So there are diversions about dementia, what to eat, jigsaw puzzles, etc.
I also love deep, dark, twisty thrillers, but this series helps lift my spirits when I want a softer approach to mysteries.
I got the order of these books mixed up. I thought The Bullet That Missed was the fourth book in the series, but it was actually the third book in the series. The Last Devil to Die is the fourth one.
I love this series because it is a genre I am calling "thriller-lite." There are plenty of murders, but without the gruesome, gory details and there aren't a lot of psychological thriller elements. There are four retirees who help solve the murders. So there are diversions about dementia, what to eat, jigsaw puzzles, etc.
I also love deep, dark, twisty thrillers, but this series helps lift my spirits when I want a softer approach to mysteries.
October 11, 2022
My people are back! Time with the Thursday Murder Club is always well spent. I savoured this one and I can't wait for the next.
I loved everything about this third installment! Joyce's journal entries are always excellent. Elzabeth's plans keep me on the edge of my seat. Ron's got a little romance going on (though I did miss his son this time out). And my fave, Ibrahim is doing therapy for an incarcerated drug queenpin who straight up plans on murdering some of our main crime fighters. There were some wonderful new additions to the investigations and I loved that. The puzzle was a very good one and didn't completely resolve by the end but set up great things for the next book. I'm looking forward to it al. As before, there was much with, pathos and emotion (mostly provided by Stephen, who was key in helping solve things) and love (I see you Donna and Bogdan! and also, Chris and Patrice (and she came through with a key solution to solve something as well!). My only regret is that there wasn't enough Kendrick. Ibrahim and Kendrick time is just my favourite!
I've already added the next to my TBR for 2023.
Recommended.
I loved everything about this third installment! Joyce's journal entries are always excellent. Elzabeth's plans keep me on the edge of my seat. Ron's got a little romance going on (though I did miss his son this time out). And my fave, Ibrahim is doing therapy for an incarcerated drug queenpin who straight up plans on murdering some of our main crime fighters. There were some wonderful new additions to the investigations and I loved that. The puzzle was a very good one and didn't completely resolve by the end but set up great things for the next book. I'm looking forward to it al. As before, there was much with, pathos and emotion (mostly provided by Stephen, who was key in helping solve things) and love (I see you Donna and Bogdan! and also, Chris and Patrice (and she came through with a key solution to solve something as well!). My only regret is that there wasn't enough Kendrick. Ibrahim and Kendrick time is just my favourite!
I've already added the next to my TBR for 2023.
Recommended.
Want to Read
March 21, 2022Can September come sooner??
March 11, 2023
Another fun instalment to this series!
A reporters car is driven off a cliff, no body is found but she is presumed dead. The case has grown cold - time for the Thursday Murder Club to step in.
Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim along with a few helping hands put their heads together to solve the unsolvable.
Throw in fraud, KGB spies, corruption and much more.
As usual, the clues are everywhere and the reveals are super slick. I was able to follow the story and even make a few educated guesses for the reveals!
Keep em coming Richard!
************************
library copy available for pick up
Finally! I’ve been waiting ages for this one. Such an enjoyable series.
A reporters car is driven off a cliff, no body is found but she is presumed dead. The case has grown cold - time for the Thursday Murder Club to step in.
Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron and Ibrahim along with a few helping hands put their heads together to solve the unsolvable.
Throw in fraud, KGB spies, corruption and much more.
As usual, the clues are everywhere and the reveals are super slick. I was able to follow the story and even make a few educated guesses for the reveals!
Keep em coming Richard!
************************
library copy available for pick up
Finally! I’ve been waiting ages for this one. Such an enjoyable series.
April 6, 2024
5★
“The simple life is all well and good, but, in this moment, with a murder to investigate, and threatening texts arriving daily, Elizabeth realizes that she has missed trouble.”
Has Elizabeth ever led a simple life? She was previously a spook with Britain’s MI5, and when she was looking into a cold case recently, she called on three friends from her retirement village for help. Together, they are the Thursday Murder Club.
Ibrahim Arif is a psychiatrist, still analysing everyone. Ron Ritchie is an old union organiser, always on the lookout for trouble and not afraid of finding it. Joyce Meadowcroft – gentle, naïve, Joyce – is their secretary and diarist.
Joyce’s diary ‘narrates’ some chapters, where she expresses joy at the surprising things she’s learning how to do (like how to post photos on Instagram), and where she summarises the action so far. Some readers find her voice annoying.
I think she is a hoot, plus – as Elizabeth notes – she may be naïve, but that isn’t the same as stupid She is smart and has great instincts for ferreting things out.
In this adventure, she gets to meet celebrities, about which she is over the moon. The group is looking into the death of an attractive TV co-host ten years ago, when her car was found at the bottom of a cliff near Dover. The show is still running with the same main host, so Elizabeth and Joyce decide to attend as guests and sit in the front row.
“ ‘Isn’t this something? Have you ever been on television, Elizabeth?’
‘I was once called to give evidence to the Defence Select Committee,’ says Elizabeth. ‘But, legally, they had to blur my face. And I was once in a hostage video.’”
While the show investigation goes on, Ibrahim has been sent to interview a prisoner, Connie, who is a fearsome character.
“It can be hard to run a multimillion-pound drugs gang from a prison cell. But it is not, as Connie Johnson is discovering, impossible.
. . .
Above all it’s good to keep busy. Routine is important in prison. Also, it is important to have things to look forward to, and Connie is looking forward to killing Bogdan.”
Bogdan? Not our Bogdan Jankowski? He’s a regular friend of the group, a slightly younger Polish ‘associate’, you might say, who has been very helpful at digging up graves and such in the past. A handy chap, to say the least. Why does Connie want to kill him?
Other ‘associates’ we’ve met before are Elizabeth’s beloved husband, Stephen, who has dementia but who can still win a mean game of chess against Bogdan – when he remembers he knows how to play. His now-and-then memory is useful, but Elizabeth despairs about his future.
The police, Chris and Donna, are regulars, as is Patrice, Donna’s mother. But I digress. Elizabeth has a job to do, and she has to find a way to do it – murder an old Russian foe. Excellent story.
This series is a delight to read, with appealing characters and murders new and old to solve. It’s hard to see some of the people struggling because of age or frailty, but the depth of camaraderie and support they offer each other is wonderful. I particularly enjoy the outlook each character has, courtesy of their own experiences over the decades.
I hope they live forever!
The series - I've enjoyed them all.
My review of The Thursday Murder Club
My review of The Man Who Died Twice (#2)
My review of The Bullet That Missed (#3)
My review of The Last Devil to Die (#4)
“The simple life is all well and good, but, in this moment, with a murder to investigate, and threatening texts arriving daily, Elizabeth realizes that she has missed trouble.”
Has Elizabeth ever led a simple life? She was previously a spook with Britain’s MI5, and when she was looking into a cold case recently, she called on three friends from her retirement village for help. Together, they are the Thursday Murder Club.
Ibrahim Arif is a psychiatrist, still analysing everyone. Ron Ritchie is an old union organiser, always on the lookout for trouble and not afraid of finding it. Joyce Meadowcroft – gentle, naïve, Joyce – is their secretary and diarist.
Joyce’s diary ‘narrates’ some chapters, where she expresses joy at the surprising things she’s learning how to do (like how to post photos on Instagram), and where she summarises the action so far. Some readers find her voice annoying.
I think she is a hoot, plus – as Elizabeth notes – she may be naïve, but that isn’t the same as stupid She is smart and has great instincts for ferreting things out.
In this adventure, she gets to meet celebrities, about which she is over the moon. The group is looking into the death of an attractive TV co-host ten years ago, when her car was found at the bottom of a cliff near Dover. The show is still running with the same main host, so Elizabeth and Joyce decide to attend as guests and sit in the front row.
“ ‘Isn’t this something? Have you ever been on television, Elizabeth?’
‘I was once called to give evidence to the Defence Select Committee,’ says Elizabeth. ‘But, legally, they had to blur my face. And I was once in a hostage video.’”
While the show investigation goes on, Ibrahim has been sent to interview a prisoner, Connie, who is a fearsome character.
“It can be hard to run a multimillion-pound drugs gang from a prison cell. But it is not, as Connie Johnson is discovering, impossible.
. . .
Above all it’s good to keep busy. Routine is important in prison. Also, it is important to have things to look forward to, and Connie is looking forward to killing Bogdan.”
Bogdan? Not our Bogdan Jankowski? He’s a regular friend of the group, a slightly younger Polish ‘associate’, you might say, who has been very helpful at digging up graves and such in the past. A handy chap, to say the least. Why does Connie want to kill him?
Other ‘associates’ we’ve met before are Elizabeth’s beloved husband, Stephen, who has dementia but who can still win a mean game of chess against Bogdan – when he remembers he knows how to play. His now-and-then memory is useful, but Elizabeth despairs about his future.
The police, Chris and Donna, are regulars, as is Patrice, Donna’s mother. But I digress. Elizabeth has a job to do, and she has to find a way to do it – murder an old Russian foe. Excellent story.
This series is a delight to read, with appealing characters and murders new and old to solve. It’s hard to see some of the people struggling because of age or frailty, but the depth of camaraderie and support they offer each other is wonderful. I particularly enjoy the outlook each character has, courtesy of their own experiences over the decades.
I hope they live forever!
The series - I've enjoyed them all.
My review of The Thursday Murder Club
My review of The Man Who Died Twice (#2)
My review of The Bullet That Missed (#3)
My review of The Last Devil to Die (#4)
February 24, 2025
It's full of fun, heart and the mystery is great.
I should not have wait so long to pick it up after book 2.
This one might be my favourite yet.
I should not have wait so long to pick it up after book 2.
This one might be my favourite yet.
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