I have not yet read The Thursday Murder Club, though it is on my list, but it made no difference to my enjoyment of the book. I very quickly got to know the characters. Richard Osman writes with an easy, offbeat style, and manages with seeming ease to paint a very loveable set of personalities - I even quite liked the Villains!
There are cryptic notes, twisty clues, and some murders, of course. There are the realities of dealing with getting older, and what friendship really means.. Several different storylines run through the book, all brought neatly and satisfyingly together at the end.
I’m not going to say more as I don’t want to slip in any spoilers, but this is well worth reading.

I absolutely loved it! i read the first book which was a great surprise and definitely something different in the world of books. The second one is even better, funnier, with more action and great multiples plots.
we got to discover more the past of the characters and this is delightful.

This book re-introduces the members of the Thursday Murder Club and learn more about the backgrounds of some of the participants. We know they live in a community of older people but don’t want to feel they are being treated as retired or useless. Joyce always speaks in the first person as if she is writing in her journal; her chapters are headed by her name. The other main characters are Ibrahim, Ron and Elizabeth.

Elizabeth is contacted out of the blue by someone from her past and Ibrahim is assaulted. What are the rest of the group going to do about the two incidents and are they connected?

I loved the series opener (and would recommend you do read it first) so I was very exited to get my hands on a copy of this, the follow-up. And I have to say that enjoyed it just as much.
Elizabeth receives a strange letter. It appears that her past is zooming head-long into her present. An old colleague (and more) needs her help. He's made a mistake and, well, is a bit in the do-do... Involving the mob, diamonds and a hit on his life.
Well... what is a girl to do other than offer the assistance that is required but also rope in her new chums, The Thursday Murder Club, to help her. But they also have another issue to contend with, that of a nasty assault on Ibrahaim by a wee scrote of a youth who really needs bring down a peg or two.
Meanwhile our detective duo, Chris and Donna, are surveilling another wrong un, and not really making much progress in the build up to a possible arrest.
What I think I like most about this and its predecessor is that they are quite cerebral in nature. We already know that the author is a pretty smart dude and this does show in his writing. He also has quite a dry wit and great sense of humour, often on the dark side. So when you put all that together with a twisty turny, well plotted narrative, acted out by some of the strangest bunch of characters I have met in time, you get yourself one heck of a wild ride. Even given their average age!
As well as our main cast of already mentioned, we also have a host of "extras" both series and episode. Special mention has to go to both Bogdan and Kendrick who just brought the book alive with their inclusions. Can't also fail to mention Joyce and her foray into the world of Instagram! Quality!
All in all, it was lovely reconnecting with the quirky bunch of misfits. So much so that I will miss them now I have finished the book. Until the next time, that is...
My thanks go to the Publisher and Netgalley for the chance to read this book.

He's done it again - Osman's second book in his series is as good as his first if not better, as we get to know more about our favourite characters. Highly recommended and will make a great Christmas gift.

I was lucky enough to receive a copy of The Man Who Died Twice via NetGalley. I had very high expectations of this book given the success of the author’s first novel and it didn’t disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed reading it; the witty writing is sharp and so natural. I adore the characters; it felt like revisiting old friends. I can’t WAIT for it to be made into a film - Dame Helen Mirren as Elizabeth would be fantastic! I can totally see this book becoming a book club favourite - thoroughly recommended read.

I loved this book!
Thursday Murder Club was very good but this one is excellent. I think this is partly to do with the introduction to the characters in the first book, as it feels like catching up with a group of friends now.
This book has a more dangerous case in store for the group of elderly friends to investigate, but that doesn’t put them off.
Elizabeth’s past comes back to haunt her in more ways than one, and the body count rises as the story progresses.
Chris and Donna are back too, and whilst they’re not part of the main investigation, they both have important roles to play.
I loved this book and can’t wait to see what they all get up to next.
Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

Loved this book. Follow up to Thursday Murder club. This time they have to solve a double murder and have the small problem of tracking down £20 Million worth a diamonds.

Osman’s witty writing style is a dream to read. I hope this isn’t the end for this crime solving foursome.

One of my fav books this year. Thank you penguin general, Richard Osman and NetGalley for giving me the chance to read this book.

I’ll be recommending this book to friends and family

Are you ready for round two of the comic crime capers that come courtesy of Coopers Chase retirement village’s most celebrated residents? Well I certainly was when I picked up the sequel to Richard Osman’s bestselling debut The Thursday Murder Club, having declared it one of my favourite reads of 2020. Exploding onto the amateur detective scene with as much vitality and enthusiasm as four old age pensioners can muster (and it’s a lot!) they won the hearts of readers up and down the country so the chance to catch up with the likes of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim as they wheedle, manipulate, confuse, connive and charm their way through another investigation is an opportunity too good to miss. I’m happy to report that this crime busting quartet led by ex spook Elizabeth are back with a vengeance, hogging the limelight as they engage in some lateral thinking and uproarious antics in order to outsmart the latest round of villains who threaten to darken their doorstep. Even though they are busy with their far from successful surveillance of local drug dealer Connie Johnson, Fairhaven’s finest cops DCI Chris Hudson and his partner PC Donna De Freitas are again on hand to assist our favourite senior citizens especially when Ibrahim becomes the victim of a vicious mugging. Polish builder Bogdan completes the eclectic band of justice seekers determined to solve the mystery behind a letter addressed to Elizabeth that appears to be written from the deceased Marcus Carmichael. A ghost from the past is all it takes to alert our fantastic four to skulduggery within the criminal fraternity in which the recovery of twenty million pounds worth of diamonds is of paramount importance. Move over the A team the OAP team are here to save the day!!

First off I have to comment on how wonderful it is to be reunited with all these familiar characters. I’ve missed their camaraderie, their hilarious conversations, their individual foibles and their ability to behave badly without arousing suspicion. It’s all this plus the friendships, the loyalty and support that exist between the gang of four and their growing band of associates that makes this such a delight to read. The dialogue is off the scale humorous so that from the opening discussion in which Joyce is deliberating with her fellow murder club members whether to join Instagram or get a dog for company you know there are going to be laughs aplenty. I don’t think I’ve read a crime novel where I’ve laughed so much. Thanks to these intrepid, smart, inventive, resourceful and energetic lot who prove age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying life to the max I had a permanent grin on my face as I followed their escapades. I could only marvel at the ingenious ways in which they disentangle themselves from sticky situations, somehow never the worse for wear!

There’s been a few developments in the lives of these characters since we were last in their company but they are all still game for a laugh and ready to rise to this latest crime solving challenge. Formerly unlucky in love DCI Chris is now on a strict diet thanks to his blossoming relationship with Patrice, who just happens to be Donna’s mum; Joyce appears to have swapped baking cakes for making sequin embellished friendship bracelets; Bogdan is happily keeping Stephen company challenging him to countless chess games whilst Elizabeth is outmanoeuvring criminal masterminds and Donna still hasn’t found a suitable boyfriend. It’s fair to say I don’t think I could ever tire of these characters who for all their lighthearted silly banter are superb friends to one another. Ron’s friendship with Ibrahim, becoming his constant companion whilst this quiet,careful and unadventurous man slowly heals is so heartwarming. So too is the new found friendship between Ron’s grandson Kendrick and the ex psychiatrist who needless to say both prove invaluable in the race to discover the missing diamonds.

Combining Elizabeth’s sharp mind,Joyce’s flirting, Ibrahim’s impressive observational skills and Ron’s use of disguise and underhand tactics you can be sure that retrieving the stolen diamonds is on the cards. However Elizabeth and her acolytes have a few obstacles to overcome on the way to success. Expect danger, devious tactics, double crossings and a few dead bodies! Richard Osman skilfully weaves each strand of the plot together, drawing every single character into the main arena so you’re never quite sure what to expect next. Literally anything can and does happen! All in all it’s riotous, rollicking great fun!

As for characters it’s pointless trying to pick a favourite when the author spoils you for choice but I’m going to anyway! Elizabeth as the brains behind the operation obviously stands out but once again it’s ex nurse Joyce who through her diary entries had me in stitches. I just love her voice with it’s mixture of naivety, flirtatiousness, kindness and eccentricity. Her heart is pure gold but she isn’t above a bit of gentle persuasion and coercion as Ibrahim knows only too well! The other three members of the murder club couldn’t wish for a better friend. If I’m honest I love them all!

I like how underneath all the comic capering Richard Osman isn’t afraid to touch on the type of problems associated with old age such as dementia (Stephen) and how easy it can be to lose one’s confidence following an unexpected turn of events (Ibrahim). Without being in the least bit patronising and keeping the tone lighthearted he manages to address these issues with both wit, compassion and respect so despite the obstacles they face their value as characters is not diminished and they are not overlooked.

If you loved The Thursday Murder Club then I think you’ll love the sequel even more. Richard Osman has triumphed once again with a novel that provides fantastic all round entertainment. Quintessentially English, the plot is pacy, the characters are divine and the humour contagious so it’s hardly surprising The Man Who Died Twice has shot to the top (again!) of my list of favourite 2021 reads.Super easy to devour in one sitting this is one of those highly anticipated novels you can’t wait to start yet you don’t want to finish simply because you’re in such splendid company. This is a book that keeps on giving right up until the very last word. Fingers crossed this isn’t the last we’ll hear of the fabulous four. First class and without hesitation a 5 ⭐️read.

My thanks as always to the publisher and Netgalley for giving me the opportunity to read in exchange for an honest review.

I had very high expectations going into this book having fallen in love with the members of the Thursday Murder Club in their first outing.

I was not disappointed in the slightest- I was hooked from the first page and couldn’t put my kindle down.

Richard Osman’s writing style is engaging and easy to read with many laugh out loud moments scattered throughout. The sorry gripped me from the outset and I was determined I was going to work out the mystery before the end (spoiler alert: I didn’t)!

I cannot wait to catch up with the club again in book three!

This book was fantastic. I can't get over how much I love Ibrahim & Bogdan. The writing was hilarious and in some ways cathartic. I enjoyed the introduction of the new characters and also clarification that Donna is black!!

Thoroughly enjoyable, potentially more so than his first! Wonderfully far-fetched and fantastic plot that keeps you turning those pages. Would recommend to anyone looking for an entertaining read.

I enjoyed this book, I haven;t read the first book with the shenanigans of the Thursday Murder Club so couldn't relate to some of the previous references but that did not stop me enjoying this book. Now to rush out and buy the first one.
Very cleverly written and loved the spy connections.

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin General UK for an ARC in return for an honest review.

Yet another brilliant offering from Richard Osman! The Thursday Murder Club is back with the usual eccentrics characters and intrigue. A thoroughly enjoyable read; a murder mystery with a very light and amusing touch and an ending you don’t see coming! Highly recommended.

I haven't read the first book of the series and I thoroughly enjoyed this one,so I can say it works very well as a stand-alone book. The only problem being that you would probably be completely hooked by it and would run to buy the first one as soon as you finished it, just like I did.
I loved, LOVED this book! To be honest, with these characters, I think the plot could have been implausible and more far fetched than it is, and the result would have been a great book nonetheless. Don't be mistaken though: the plot is still great and keeps you guessing all the time, but the characters make the difference here. They are superbly drawn, each with their idiosyncrasies, their own peculiar traits, funny and heartwarming. How can you not love Ibrahim, Stephen, Ron, Donna, Bogdan just to name a few. And also second characters like Patrice and Poppy are just great!
I laughed out loud and found it moving several times, it has been like an emotional roller-coaster.
5 full stars, i would have given more if possible!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Once again we’re back with The Thursday Murder club, a group of OAPs with a zest for life and a thirst for crime solving.
I absolutely adore these characters and their longing to solve the crimes around them.
This is a light hearted, entertaining book, which works great as a follow up but could also be read as a stand-alone
Highly recommend

After a thoroughly enjoyable Thursday Murder Club first book, this second in the series had a lot to live up to - and it does.

This story involves plenty of murders with some older and aged people being the targets. I wondered if the murderer would get to the members of the club before the club members solved this conflict and a race against time made me read quickly,

Because the murders involved high stakes, with diamonds and a real life mobster, it was clear that the club members had to help the man who presented the situation, before everything turned pear shaped.

The writing is a complete follow on from the first book, but I doubt it would matter if this is your first read. You’ll enjoy it so much you’ll want to go back to the first story if this is your first.

Having received a free copy of this book, it doesn’t change my thoughts that this is great entertainment which will probably move to a television series at some stage.

I’d like to thank Penguin UK, Viking and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read ‘The Man Who Died Twice’ by Richard Osman in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Things are a little quiet for the four members of The Thursday Murder Club at Coopers Chase and when a letter is put under Elizabeth’s door from a man who should have been dead she knows exactly who it’s from. Thus begins another adventure involving missing diamonds, the Mafia and MI5 that the four are determined to solve.

‘The Man Who Died Twice’ is a welcome sequel to ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and again involves Elizabeth, Joyce and Ron with Ibrahim who’s recovering after being mugged. All four are likeable characters that I greatly admire for their stamina and willingness to get involved with drugs barons, the Mafia, MI5, millions of pounds’ worth of missing diamonds and the resultant dead bodies, not to mention DCI Chris Hudson who’s in love with PC Donna De Freitas’s mother. Overall this is a very readable tongue-in-cheek thriller and although I didn’t enjoy it quite as much as the first it’s still a good solid read written in Mr Osman’s own inimitable fashion that had me chuckling quite a few times.

I hoarded this for as long as I could but finally had to rejoin the Glorious Four at Cooper's Chase for their adventure. I loved the first book, but would say this was even better. The plot's a bit tauter and they've really hit their stride. Non patronising, funny, empathetic and pacy - I am just sad to have finished it.

Although I haven't read the first book The Thursday Murder Club, I don't think think it was necessary. Stand alone, or as part of a trilogy, this is a fabulous book of murder and intrigue,
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are friends and fellow members of the Thursday Murder club, they enjoy nothing better in their retirement village than to solve some crimes and mystery, which they seem to attract and deal with brilliantly.
Loved reading this book and cannot wait for the next number 3!! This was a joy to read, full of intelligence, great characters and a brilliant story line that keeps you guessing to the end. Modern day English community with all its foibles and eccentricity.
Touching, funny and warm, loved it!!
Hugely recommended, a great read for anyone!!
Massive thanks to NetGalley for the early read.