Everyone in the UK loves Pointless - TV quiz show where you have to think of the most pointless information that no one else might know, to win some money but most importantly: the Pointless trophy. If you tell me you don't like it, I think I might judge you.
When I'd heard that one of the hosts had written a book, I'll be honest - I judged it before I'd even seen the cover. Out of principle I shun celebrity authors. They have easier access to publishers than the average Joe, because their name alone will sell books. It doesn't matter if the content is any good. From a publisher's perspective, it's a safe choice.
But then I started reading some of the Amazon Prime First Reads selections, and so far I'm yet to find a quality book in those lists. Maybe the average Joe shouldn't be published either.
Richard Osman's book was starting to get a lot of publicity, because people were surprised to find that he's actually pretty good at it. And, in true British fashion, he was so good natured about it all and humble. So I thought I'd jump on the bandwagon and give it a go. Afterall, it was my favourite genre.
The Thursday Murder club is very British. It's set in one of the UK's first retirement villages, that features it's own swimming pool and fitness suite, an upmarket self-contained restaurant and so many clubs and societies that there is literally something for everyone. That's where we find Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim and Ron. Joyce is joining the Thursday Murder Club because a seat has just been vacated. Penny is in the onsite hospital after suffering a series of mini strokes.
The story opens with a local police officer visiting to give a talk about security and we're treated to the scene of an older generation frustrated at being treated like children and demanding some respect, all delivered with a sense of amusement.
We follow the story of a murder - a person known to the Thursday Murder Club, and they just can't help themselves. A real life murder happening right on their doorsteps? It's too great of an opportunity to pass up. So they get to work solving it, helping the police along the way.
It honestly keeps twisting and turning all the way along. Just when you think you've got it solved, the story leaps out of your hands and your suspect is cleared... it's hardly an open and shut case.
You would never know that this is Osman's first novel - he's a natural story teller. He also has a deft touch tying up the ends. I find it quite grating when a novel ends and the author forces the loose ends to rather unnatural and unsatisfactory end. It happens far too often than I'd like, but Osman ties everything up into a beautiful and elegant bow. Not all the characters know the individual ends, but we the readers do.
I cannot recommend this enough, and I truly understand what the hype is about. This will meet your expectations and possibly even exceed them. Give it a try - you might just end up wanting to retire to Coopers Chase too. I know I've got my seat reserved in the Thursday Murder Club when my time comes!