A humorous whodunit that keeps you guessing right until the end.  This is the verdict of Richard Osman’s, The Thursday Murder Club.  As the novel states at the back this therefore is, ‘his first and, so far, best novel.’

How to write a murder mystery review without giving anything away of the vital plot?

Well, imagine a funnier version of Miss Marple, DCI Jane Tennison (out of Prime Suspect), Taggart, and Hercule Poirot, all working together to solve a murder, and that pretty much sums up our four main characters.  Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim are their names, and this group of septuagenarians each bring something different to this original narrative.

Set for the large part in an idyllic Kent retirement village called Coopers Chase, we soon learn about our four cape crusaders via them being members of a local community group called The Thursday Murder Club.  This is where our four amateur sleuths meet up once a week to try and crack unresolved historical murder cases.

Soon into the story the equilibrium is disrupted when a murder takes place within quiet Coopers Chase.  This is the opportunity our four elderly investigators have been waiting for.  What follows is a whole series of twists and turns as they try and get to the truth. 

This is a wonderful very English whodunit, that keeps on giving to the reader as the narrative unfolds.  It is funny throughout (I laughed out loud several times), poignant, and also thrilling. 

It does verge on the very unbelievable at times though, but not enough to ruin the original creative landscape created by the author.  If you commit yourself fully to the story, then you will be repaid fully and then some. 

Yes, the plot does get a tad tricky to fully comprehend towards the end, however it certainly is not impossible to grasp.  The short chapters featuring very accessible language, further enhance this being an enjoyable read. 

If you love your murder mysteries, then you really enjoy this well-crafted debut by Osman.  A great bit of escapism to enjoy during these harsh winter months.  A right page-turner that will have you laughing as well as guessing out loud. 4/5.