Thursday Murder Club Series Reading Order
All 5 Thursday Murder Club books by Richard Osman — warm, witty British cozy mysteries with four unforgettable retirees.
Four retirees in a luxury retirement village meet every Thursday to examine cold cases. When a real murder occurs nearby, they become investigators. Richard Osman's series is warm, witty British cozy mystery — Elizabeth is a former spy, Joyce is a retired nurse with a sharp eye, Ibrahim is a psychiatrist, and Ron is a retired union leader. The combination of funny character dynamics and genuinely clever plotting has made this one of the biggest mystery series of the decade.
Start with The Thursday Murder Club (2020) — the setup and character introductions are crucial to enjoying the later books.
The Thursday Murder Club
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron meet weekly to review unsolved cases. When a local property developer is murdered, they find themselves in the middle of a real investigation — and considerably better at it than the actual police.
The Man Who Died Twice
Elizabeth's ex-husband — a man with a history she's kept secret — turns up dead. Or rather, allegedly dead. The club is pulled into a case involving stolen diamonds, assassins, and a man who has apparently died twice.
The Bullet That Missed
The club investigates the cold case of a TV journalist who disappeared years ago. Meanwhile, a new threat emerges — one that has Elizabeth in its sights. The darkest and most personal book so far.
The Last Devil to Die
An antiques dealer and old friend of the club is murdered. The investigation leads into the world of drug trafficking and stolen art. The book also deals with one of the club members facing a health crisis, handled with both warmth and honesty.
We Solve Murders
A new adventure taking the characters beyond the village as a bodyguard assignment goes spectacularly wrong. Osman expands the scope while keeping the warmth and wit that defines the series.
FAQ
Is Thursday Murder Club a cozy mystery?
Yes — it's one of the defining cozy mysteries of the 2020s. No gore, no graphic violence, and a strong emphasis on character warmth and wit. The murders are treated seriously but the tone is consistently warm and often funny. It's also considerably smarter than the average cozy — Osman constructs genuinely clever plots.
Is the quality consistent throughout the series?
Yes — all five books maintain the same quality and tone. The Bullet That Missed is often cited as the best, but books 1 and 2 are equally loved. The Last Devil to Die handles some emotionally heavier material and is particularly praised for how it treats aging and illness with honesty rather than sentimentality.
How long are the books?
Each book is around 350–400 pages and reads quickly. Osman writes with a light touch — chapters are short and the pace is brisk. Most readers finish each book in two to three sittings.