The Thursday Murder Club
Richard Osman's charming cozy mystery series features four septuagenarian amateur sleuths solving murders from their luxury retirement village in Kent. This British mystery phenomenon has become a global bestseller, combining wit, warmth, and genuinely puzzling whodunits that have captured readers worldwide.
The Thursday Murder Club
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it's too late?
Published: 2020
The Man Who Died Twice
When an old friend, who has been accused of stealing millions of dollars' worth of diamonds, desperately needs her help, Elizabeth and her friends go up against a ruthless murderer who wouldn't bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians.
Published: 2021
The Bullet That Missed
It is an ordinary Thursday and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club is concerned. A decade-old cold case leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Then, a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill . . . or be killed. As the cold case turns white hot, Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), while Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim chase down clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
Published: 2022
The Last Devil to Die
Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club. An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home. With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
Published: 2023
The Impossible Fortune
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron return in the brilliant new book by #1 bestseller Richard Osman in his record-breaking series The Thursday Murder Club
Published: 2025
Reading Guide
The Thursday Murder Club Reading Order: A Complete Guide
Last updated: July 2025
Series Overview
The Thursday Murder Club has 5 books in the main series (with the fifth releasing September 2025)
Richard Osman's charming cozy mystery series features four septuagenarian amateur sleuths solving murders from their luxury retirement village in Kent. This British mystery phenomenon has become a global bestseller, combining wit, warmth, and genuinely puzzling whodunits that have captured readers worldwide.
The main reading order challenge is simple: there isn't one! Unlike many mystery series with complex timelines or standalone entries, The Thursday Murder Club follows a strictly linear narrative. Each book builds directly on the previous one, with ongoing character development and references to past cases that make starting anywhere but the beginning a poor choice.
The series is ongoing, with book 5, The Impossible Fortune, set to release on September 30, 2025 (US) and September 25, 2025 (UK). A Netflix movie adaptation of the first book premieres August 28, 2025.
Reading Order Complexity Level: SIMPLE - Must read in publication order
Quick Answer (The Reading Order at a Glance)
For those in a hurry, here's the Thursday Murder Club reading order you need:
- The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
- The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
- The Bullet That Missed (2022)
- The Last Devil to Die (2023)
- The Impossible Fortune (September 2025)
Bottom line: You absolutely must read these books in order—starting anywhere else will spoil major plot points and character developments from previous books.
Why Reading Order Matters
Reading The Thursday Murder Club books in order is essential for several reasons that go beyond simple plot continuity.
First, the character relationships evolve significantly throughout the series. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim don't just solve crimes together—they develop deep friendships, face personal challenges, and experience losses that profoundly impact later books. Starting with book three, for instance, would rob you of understanding the emotional weight behind certain character interactions.
Second, Osman plants seeds for future mysteries in earlier books. Characters introduced as minor players in one novel often become central to later investigations. The series also features recurring villains and ongoing storylines that span multiple books, making the publication order crucial for avoiding spoilers.
Finally, Joyce's diary entries—a beloved feature of the series—reference previous adventures and build upon established in-jokes that won't land properly if you've skipped ahead.
Complete Reading Order Options
Publication Order (Recommended)
This is the only way to read The Thursday Murder Club series:
The Thursday Murder Club (September 2020)
- Introduces the core four sleuths and their first live case
- Sets up the retirement village setting and key supporting characters
The Man Who Died Twice (September 2021)
- Elizabeth's past comes back to haunt her
- Builds on relationships established in book one
The Bullet That Missed (September 2022)
- A cold case from the past meets modern technology
- Features significant character development from previous books
The Last Devil to Die (September 2023)
- The darkest entry yet, with major emotional stakes
- Heavily references events from all previous books
The Impossible Fortune (September 2025)
- Joyce plans a wedding while the gang tackles cryptocurrency crime
- Promises to address ongoing character arcs from book four
Alternative Reading Paths
There are no recommended alternative reading paths. Unlike series such as Discworld or Jack Reacher, The Thursday Murder Club tells one continuous story. Even readers who typically enjoy jumping into series mid-stream should start at the beginning.
The only exception might be reading Richard Osman's separate series We Solve Murders (2024), which features entirely different characters and can be enjoyed independently.
Individual Book Summaries
1. The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
The series opener introduces us to Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim—four friends who meet weekly to investigate cold cases for fun. When a real murder occurs at their Coopers Chase retirement village, they can't resist getting involved. This book establishes the group's dynamic, with Elizabeth's mysterious spy past, Joyce's endearing diary entries, Ron's union connections, and Ibrahim's psychiatric expertise all playing crucial roles.
2. The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
Elizabeth receives a letter from an ex-colleague (and former flame) who needs help with stolen diamonds and violent mobsters. This sequel deepens our understanding of Elizabeth's shadowy past while giving each club member moments to shine. The stakes are higher, the villains more dangerous, and the emotional connections between our heroes grow stronger. You'll miss crucial backstory about Elizabeth if you skip the first book.
3. The Bullet That Missed (2022)
A decade-old cold case involving a missing journalist pulls the club into the world of television, technology, and international intrigue. This third installment introduces fan-favorite new characters while advancing ongoing storylines, particularly regarding Joyce's newfound confidence and Ron's family situation. The book also features the series' most ambitious plot yet, with multiple mysteries converging.
4. The Last Devil to Die (2023)
When an old friend is murdered and a dangerous package goes missing, the Thursday Murder Club faces their most personal case yet. This emotionally powerful fourth book deals with themes of mortality and friendship while delivering a complex mystery involving the antiques trade. Many consider this the series' best, but its impact relies heavily on three books' worth of character development.
5. The Impossible Fortune (Coming September 2025)
Joyce is planning a wedding, but when Elizabeth meets a guest who fears for their life, the club is pulled into a mystery involving cryptocurrency and uncrackable codes. Early reviews suggest this fifth installment balances the emotional weight of book four with the series' signature humor, while introducing modern elements like Bitcoin to keep our septuagenarian sleuths current.
Common Questions FAQ
Can I skip any books in The Thursday Murder Club series? No. Each book builds directly on the previous ones, with ongoing character arcs, recurring villains, and references to past cases. Skipping books will result in confusion and major spoilers.
Do I need to read the short stories or companion books? Currently, there are no official short stories or companion books. Osman has written a separate mystery series starting with We Solve Murders, but it's completely unrelated to The Thursday Murder Club.
Should I read the books before watching the Netflix movie? The movie (releasing August 28, 2025) adapts only the first book. Reading at least The Thursday Murder Club before watching will enhance your enjoyment, though the adaptation may differ from the source material.
Is The Thursday Murder Club appropriate for all ages? While cozier than many crime novels, the series does feature murders, some violence, and occasional strong language. Most readers find it appropriate for teens and up, though younger mystery fans might prefer truly all-ages series.
How long should I wait between books? Read at your own pace! Some fans binge the entire series, while others savor one book at a time. Just remember that details from earlier books remain important, so don't wait too long between installments.
Will there be a book 6? While not officially confirmed, Osman has hinted at continuing the series beyond The Impossible Fortune, and the books' massive success makes further installments likely.
Reading Tips
New readers should prepare for a uniquely British humor that balances perfectly with genuinely touching moments about aging, friendship, and purpose in later life. The books average 350-400 pages but read quickly thanks to Osman's engaging style and short, punchy chapters.
What to expect: Witty dialogue, creative murders, surprising plot twists, and characters you'll want to befriend. The mysteries are fair-play whodunits where observant readers can spot clues, though Osman excels at misdirection.
Avoiding spoilers: Be cautious with online discussions, as fans love debating plot points from across the series. Stick to reviews of the specific book you're reading, and avoid the Thursday Murder Club subreddit until you're caught up.
For the best experience, have a cup of tea and perhaps some biscuits ready—Joyce would approve. And don't be surprised if you find yourself looking at retirement villages in a whole new light!
Ready to start? Grab The Thursday Murder Club → and join millions of readers who've fallen in love with this charming, clever series. Just remember: always start with book one!