Skip to product information
1 of 1

Bust-Down Books

The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel | Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel | Richard Osman

Regular price $11.99 USD
Regular price Sale price $11.99 USD
Sale Sold out
Duties included. Shipping calculated at checkout.

Join four unlikely friends with a few tricks up their sleeves in Richard Osman's witty and endearing mystery, The Thursday Murder Club.

Narrative Overview

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved crimes; together they call themselves the Thursday Murder Club. The unorthodox investigative group consists of Elizabeth, a brilliant former intelligence agent; Joyce, a sweet, observant retired nurse whose diaries frame the story; Ibrahim, a meticulous psychiatrist; and Ron, a fierce former trade union leader.

When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph left next to the body, the Thursday Murder Club suddenly find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Alongside a female cop navigating her first big investigation, this brilliant gang must work quickly.

As the bodies begin to pile up, can our unorthodox sleuths catch the killer before it's too late? Brimming with sharp British humor, heart-wrenching explorations of aging, and enduring friendships, this debut novel turns the traditional murder mystery into an unforgettable ride.

Accolades & Awards

  • New York Times Bestseller: The phenomenal first installment that launched a multi-million-copy internationally bestselling series.
  • Critically Acclaimed: Praised as "witty, endearing and greatly entertaining" by the Wall Street Journal.

Core Audience

  • Fans of modern "cozy mysteries" featuring intricate puzzles without graphic violence.
  • Readers who appreciate sharp British humor, witty dialogue, and character-driven crime fiction.
  • Enthusiasts of stories centered around unconventional sleuths and strong, enduring friendships.

Author Biography

Richard Osman is a highly popular British television presenter, producer, and comedian. The Thursday Murder Club is his phenomenal debut novel, which utilized his sharp wit and clever narrative construction to instantly catapult him to international literary success.

Product Specifications

Full Title The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel
Author Richard Osman
Publisher & Imprint Penguin Books (An imprint of Penguin Publishing Group)
Publication Date August 3, 2021
Binding Format Trade Paperback (Reprint Edition)
Print Length 384 Pages
Language English
ISBN-13 9781984880987
ISBN-10 1984880985
Library of Congress (LCCN) 2020445412
Primary BISAC Genre FICTION / Mystery & Detective / Traditional
Product Dimensions 5.48 x 0.81 x 8.25 inches
Item Weight 10.6 oz (approx. 0.66 lbs)
Condition Pre-Owned / Very Good

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this book written by a seasoned crime fiction novelist?

No. The Thursday Murder Club is actually the phenomenal debut novel of Richard Osman, a highly popular British television presenter, producer, and comedian. Despite it being his first book, his sharp wit and clever construction instantly turned it into a multi-million-copy international bestseller.

What is the main narrative hook and setting driving the plot?

The story is set in Coopers Chase, a peaceful, luxury retirement village in the idyllic English countryside. The plot centers on four elderly residents who meet weekly in the Jigsaw Room to review old, unsolved police files. The game turns dangerous when a local property developer is brutally murdered right on their doorstep, pulling the club into their very first live investigation.

Who are the four main members that make up the club?

The unorthodox investigator group consists of: Elizabeth, a brilliant, analytical former intelligence agent; Joyce, a sweet, observant retired nurse whose diaries frame the story; Ibrahim, a highly meticulous and rational psychiatrist; and Ron, a fierce, hot-headed former trade union leader.

Is this a dark, graphic thriller, or does it fit a different sub-genre?

This book is celebrated as a premier modern "cozy mystery." While it features intricate plot twists and real danger, the overall tone avoids graphic violence in favor of laugh-out-loud British humor, heart-wrenching explorations of aging, and deep, enduring friendships.

Was this novel adapted into a television series or a feature film?

Yes, the text is the basis for a high-profile feature film adaptation. The star-studded adaptation features an elite ensemble cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Jonathan Pryce playing the iconic retirement sleuths.

View full details