The Thursday Murder Club Books in Order
Based on Richard Osman's internationally bestselling novels, the Thursday Murder Club series follows four unlikely amateur detectives who prove that retirement doesn't have to mean the end of adventure. Set in the picturesque Cooper's Chase retirement village in the English countryside, this delightfully British mystery series combines cozy crime with sharp wit, featuring Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron. What begins as a weekly hobby, discussing cold cases over tea and biscuits, becomes a thrilling second career when real murders start happening right on their doorstep. Armed with decades of life experience, professional skills from their varied backgrounds, and absolutely nothing left to lose, these septuagenarian sleuths tackle cases that would challenge detectives half their age.
From corrupt property developers and stolen diamonds in the first adventure to international art forgery and deadly family secrets in the latest installment, each book escalates the stakes while deepening the friendships between our beloved protagonists. The cases take them from luxury retirement villages to London penthouses, from high-security prisons to exclusive spas, proving that crime knows no boundaries and neither do they. What makes the Thursday Murder Club special isn't just their knack for solving seemingly impossible murders, it's their celebration of friendship, community, and the idea that the best chapters of life might still be unwritten.
Now adapted into a major Netflix film, this series offers the perfect blend of clever plotting, heartwarming relationships, and the revolutionary idea that the most dangerous detectives might just be the ones everyone underestimates.
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:
1. The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
2. The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
3. The Bullet That Missed (2022)
4. The Last Devil to Die (2023)
5. 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:
1. [The Thursday Murder Club (September 2020)](#book-1)
- Introduces the core four sleuths and their first live case
- Sets up the retirement village setting and key supporting characters
2. [The Man Who Died Twice (September 2021)](#book-2)
- Elizabeth's past comes back to haunt her
- Builds on relationships established in book one
3. [The Bullet That Missed (September 2022)](#book-3)
- A cold case from the past meets modern technology
- Features significant character development from previous books
4. [The Last Devil to Die (September 2023)](#book-4)
- The darkest entry yet, with major emotional stakes
- Heavily references events from all previous books
5. [The Impossible Fortune (September 2025)](#book-5)
- 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)](#book-1)
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)](#book-2)
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)](#book-3)
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)](#book-4)
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)](#book-5)
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!
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Ready to start? Grab [The Thursday Murder Club →](#book-1) and join millions of readers who've fallen in love with this charming, clever series. Just remember: always start with [book one](#book-1)!
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