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Monday, March 29, 2021

"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman

"The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman came highly recommended by Lisa of the Gateway Women/NoMo book club as a fun read with few triggers (albeit it was not an "official" GW book club pick). (Mel also told me it was a great read.) I'd never heard of Osman, but apparently he's a well-known TV personality in Britain.

The Thursday Murder Club is a group of four septuagenarians -- two men, two women, all residents of an upscale retirement village outside of London with time on their hands -- who meet weekly to try solving cold cases.  

Then a murder happens close to home. 

I won't give away any more than that, except to say that I love, love, loved this book. It was just what I needed right now -- and while I suspect that's been a big part of its appeal ( = an escape from the pandemic), it also has wonderful (frequently hilarious) writing, memorable, well-drawn characters and a plot full of razor-sharp observations and unexpected twists (and turns, and twists again) going for it. Pure entertainment, and just lots and lots of fun. 

Five (5) stars on Goodreads 

There's already a sequel in the works, called The Man Who Died Twice, to be published in September (and I can't wait!) -- and Steven Spielberg's production company has bought the movie rights!  I'm picturing Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Penelope Wilton as Joyce, Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim. Maybe Michael Caine as Ron? (I'm still thinking about that one.)  Here's one site's suggestions -- all very good choices and they agree with me on one role!  ;)  If you've read the book, who would you cast? 

This was Book #16 read to date in 2021 (and Book #4 finished in March), bringing me to 44% of my 2021 Goodreads Reading Challenge goal of 36 books. I am (for the moment, anyway...!) 8 books ahead of schedule. :)  You can find reviews of all my books read to date in 2021 tagged as "2021 books." 

2 comments:

  1. I loved it too. Was actually going to review it on my blog, but you've beaten me to it! lol

    I love your suggestions of casting for the movie, especially Penelope Wilton and Michael Caine. I didn't agree with that site's suggestions, except for Julie Walters, who could fight with Penelope Wilton for the role of Joyce.

    I do hope though that Steven Spielberg's company doesn't make it a US-based movie. It will not surprise me if it does, and it infuriates me every time a story is Americanised. lol I would almost boycott the movie if they do.

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    1. Julie Walters would be good too. :) I hope they keep it set in Britain too! -- huge part of the charm. I thought the same thing when I read "Eleanor Oliphant" -- Reese Witherspoon bought it for her production company. I can't imagine it being set anywhere but Scotland/UK.

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