Member Reviews

When a first novel becomes such an overnight sensation as Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club has been, you can’t help but fear that the follow-up will let you down. IT DOESN’T! The Man Who Died Twice is as good as, perhaps even better than, its predecessor, and that’s saying a lot!

Elisabeth, Joyce, Ron, Ibraham and the rest are back and in flying form. I love the quirky humor, surprising plot twists and the all-round lovableness of the characters.

Osman is a very good, very funny writer. But he also seems to have hit on something that the public were crying out for.

And that is, good books for older readers who are not the typical ‘old folks’ so often portrayed in novels. I’m not in my seventies (yet) but some of my best friends are. The over-60s today are not the doddery old ladies and tottering old men they used to be. We have solid careers (quite recently) behind us, we are often tech savvy, and (most of the time) we have all our wits about us. How deeply satisfying to finally find an author who is writing – and writing well – for this demographic.

Not to say that there aren’t others; of course there are (MC Beaton’s Agatha Raisin books spring to mind, but these are rather too pastiche…). And none that I can think of are as much fun, as entertaining as Osman.

There are few authors that have me practically crying with laughter as I did several times reading this. Maybe it’s lacking the gravitas that makes the best murder mysteries so good. But these books are not trying to be great murder mysteries. They are really, really good comic novels about older people. The murders are just part of the entertainment.

<i>My thanks to Netgalley for giving me a free copy of this book. All my reviews are 100% honest and unbiased, regardless of how I acquire the book.</i>

<b><i>Like this review? Why not check out my book review site: <a href="https://books.beledit.com">BelEdit Book Reviews</a>?</i></b>

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Well, this blows the “difficult second book” concept out of the water, from a reader’s perspective. The first book was a rip-roaring chuckle-fest and this second offering in the series is absolutely fantastic. It isn’t just more of the same, it is better. Each of the characters’ traits and personalities is built upon and we meet some new folks who will hopefully reappear in the following books. I feel as if I know The Thursday Murder Club members in real life as they are written so completely. All the boxes were ticked off – mystery, murder, heist, humour and friendship. I can’t wait to be grown up enough to move to a retirement village if it’s as enjoyable as Cooper’s Chase. And for all of those Instagram users, you’ll be gifted a wonderful new person to follow ;)
Brilliant stuff that had me chortling all the way through.

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How lovely to be back with the Thursday Murder Club mob!! It’s difficult to mention too much without giving the story away but Elizabeth’s ex husband returns as it seems he’s got something that he shouldn’t have. And even though he’s in a ‘safe’ house bad things happen to him and Poppy. No one is who they seem to be. Even Elizabeth doesn’t seem to be able to work it out. Joyce is a really great help. And I love her special chapters where we hear the story from her point of view
Ibrahim gets set upon. But even that becomes linked in the story. Loved it

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Having read Richard Osman’s ‘Thursday Murder Club’, I was looking forward to meeting the characters again in the second book of the series. It was fascinating re-visiting Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron, an inspirational group of irrepressible, inspirational pensioners. If you haven’t read the first book in the series, this book stands alone in its own right, and you’re in for a treat!
The skillfully developed complex plot involves missing diamonds, a couple of murders, along with a craftily well thought out revenge. Don’t mess with any of the ‘Thursday Murder Club members! With crisp dialogue and witty, dry humour, Richard Osman brings the characters to life, and their outrageous exploits a joy to read. Teaming up with the police and helping to solve crimes, they are always one step ahead. Even MI5 become involved at one point.
Richard Osman gives a new positive slant on the older generation, who can be written about in a negative way. Hope there are other books in the series, the characters are so outrageously funny, they need to keep solving crimes and giving warm, generous support to their members. And giving us all lots of laughter in the process.

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I adored this book. Much as I loved the first book I had a few reservations regarding the slightly stilted writing style during conversations but this time round the writing has matured into much more natural and believable chat. All the old faces are back and this time we get to know more about them. Joyce is as naive as ever and her instagram account will have you grinning but at times she proves wiser than the others. Elizabeth's mysterious background comes to the foreground and the men are involved far more than before with their characters no longer feel like a supporting cast. The tension is ramped up with plenty of twists I didn't see coming and the ending will leave you both smiling and sobbing. Thoroughly recommended. I cannot wait for book 3

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Thanks Netgalley and Penguin UK for the advanced copy!

Those cunning, endlessly resourceful and cheerful septuagenarian's of Cooper's Chase retirement community, and proud members of the Thursday Murder Club, are back!
A former colleague of Elizabeth's has surfaced after stealing £20 million worth of diamonds, and needless to say people are looking for the diamonds and him. The Club's favourite police officers, Chris and Donna, are drafted in to not only find the thug who attacked and robbed Ibrahim, but also to help recover the diamonds and solve the case 💎💰💰

4⭐- Another rollicking adventure which reminds us that elderly people quite often have led very interesting lives and have unique talents, (maybe not crime busting though!), that should not be taken for granted. If you liked 'The Thursday Murder Club' then you'll really like this! I loved the ending, very well written and I'm looking forward to the next installment 😁

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I loved this 2nd book in this series by Richard Osman. It had all the characteristics as the first and I read this book quickly. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

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I enjoyed this, the second of Richard Osmans books even more than the first! The characters are developed more fully and the camaraderie has moved beyond being mere acquaintances to real friends bound by affection and trust. Thrust into the former world that Elizabeth thought she had left behind, the reappearance of her former husband brings with it a mix of complications and danger. The little band of octogenarians pull their resources to get to the bottom of the mystery they are faced with and with the help of Elizabeth's genius and Joyce's gentle charm come to a resolution that solves the mystery.
An easy read, but compelling and as satisfying as any high octane thriller I will be recommending thus to all and sundry.

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I really enjoyed this second book by Richard Osman. It was good to catch up with the characters from the Thursday Murder Club again.
Elizabeth has been contacted by an ex colleague who has moved to the area. When she goes to meet him we discover that he was also an ex husband of hers. He’s in trouble as he’s stolen some diamonds from the mafia.
This isn’t the only plotline as Ibrahim is attacked at the start of the book and the story runs alongside with the stolen diamonds.
They solve both crimes along with help from Bogdan the builder.

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If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club - the first of Richard Osman’s novels about the indomitable Elizabeth and her pals, you will love the sequel.

There’s a blast from the past for Elizabeth and an unfortunate incident for Ibrahim which kick start a rip-roaring plot involving spies, drugs and super-rich crime lords. I mean, would you expect anything less?

Of course, it’s the details that add the charm. Joyce’s character does not disappoint. The subtleties of her character provide some light relief - her glee at seeing the multiple bodies as they pile up is contrasted with the calm practicality she shows when her nursing talents are required.

Bogdan’s dark but trusted character lurks on the edge of the plot. Elizabeth’s unrelenting trust in him means the reader trusts him too - but should we? After all, he has no qualms in trifling in drugs and money laundering. Could he be a bad guy after all?

Osman’s books have provided me with escapism at times when I have needed it most over the last two years. I have found the characters so refreshing and engaging, and the plot does not disappoint. I hope you will enjoy the book just as much as I did!

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A quintessentially British, humorous and entertaining sequel to The Thursday Murder Club. If you like cosy crime stories with plenty of twists and turns then this series is for you. Transport yourself to a sleepy idyllic retirement village in Kent with four seemingly charming and harmless friends who like to solve crimes. Suspend your disbelief and enjoy a madcap caper served up with several offbeat murders. Elizabeth is the leader and she is quite the character who should not be underestimated. Looking forward to the third instalment and also to the Spielberg film of the first. To quote the author, “Bad stuff happens to them and they do bad stuff, but it’s very funny." Sounds about right. Many thanks to Penguin and Netgalley for the ARC.

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Harnessing on the success of the author’s first novel, comes the second one and the characters are eager to continue their Thursday Murder Club, that it is simply the following Thursday.

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are reconvened in the Jigsaw Room and the next case seems to relate to Elizabeth and all seems a bit too close to home.

Elizabeth gets a letter from her past – and it turns out her past is ex-husband, Douglas and he has turned up at Cooper’s Chase. He needs help with a few sparkly stones. And it seems lessons of Elizabeth and Douglas’s past are going to be needed to crack this particular case.

Meanwhile Ibrahim, the quieter of the four, is mugged for his phone and suddenly the world gets smaller for him, How can he possibly help when he can’t leave his home? Enter Chris and Donna, the Fairhaven police who are determined to get the young lad, Ryan for what he did to Ibrahim.

Add in some mafia, a local drug baron, a money launderer and the promise of twenty million pounds and you have a book which twist and turns as the pages do.

Throughout the book we are treated to Joyce’s journal entries as she not only giver take on events but other miscellany that seem to enter her head in stream of conscious. This is wonderfully insightful and funny and Joyce comes across as one of those dotty old ladies who knows exactly what is happening! Her and Elizabeth make a great team.

What I did like was the introduction of Ron’s grandson, Kendrick who brings that juxtaposition between the old and the young and his work with Ibrahim was key into finding out the truth with one of the plotlines. I hope we get to see more of this.

For the supposed notorious difficult second book, this was better than the first, in my opinion. Tightly potted, wonderfully engaging and had me hooked right to the end. The right about of gruesomeness and humour.

A quintessential British crime novel, with quintessential British references which the whole world is clearly loving. No pressure Richard Osman, but more please.

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I have read and enjoyed the first in this series which introduced us to the members of The Thursday Murder Club and what a surprising and enjoyable read it was; this second instalment is, in my opinion, even better. You don't have to have read the first as The Man Who Died Twice can be read as a standalone but it will certainly help to have a knowledge of the main characters.

I am loving being back amongst the members of the Thursday Murder Club - Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and the additional, but definitely not superfluous, characters of Chris, Donna, Stephen, Bogdan, Patrice and Kendrick ... I love them all and really enjoyed getting to more about them which was skilfully woven within the story. The relationships they have with each other is special and really shows the value of friendship, trust and loyalty.

Reading The Man Who Died Twice is like putting on a pair of comfy slippers, a fluffy dressing gown, cosying up on the sofa in front of a real fire with the rain pouring down outside - perfect. Do not, however, be mistaken - this is not a cosy mystery, it is so much more than that - it has action, humour (lots of it), violence (although not a lot and not gratuitous) and tender moments all wrapped up in an excellent plot which is addictive and enthralling.

Is it plausible? Not really but its one heck of a hoot and I love it and cannot wait for the next .. there'd better be one Mr Osman!

Many thanks to Penguin General UK via NetGalley for providing me with an advance copy in return for an unbiased and unedited review.

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I only got around to reading The Thursday Murder Club earlier this year but I immediately fell in love with it and totally get the hype. So it goes without saying that The Man Who Died Twice was one of my most anticipated releases for the second half of 2021. And it DELIVERED.

With its strong humour, fantastic cast and masterful use of mystery literary devices, Osman manages to provide another book that is not only thrilling and suspenseful but somehow also a real feel-good cosy mystery. There are so many red herrings involved that I had no idea where it was going at all. As such, I was pleasantly surprised by all the twists and reveals.

While we still get Joyce’s diary entries throughout which is one of the things I loved most about the first book in the series, we also get a lot more depth and insight into the other members of the Thursday Murder Club. (Both old and young members alike!) I especially loved getting to see more of Elizabeth’s backstory in this one. She certainly is one intriguing heroine but Joyce will always be my favourite – she’s so funny!

Overall, this was a fun mystery and I can’t wait for the third book in the series! I’ll continue to recommend and praise this series for a very long time. And if you’re still on the fence but love mysteries infused with humour and wit, you need to meet The Thursday Murder Club ASAP.

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I enjoyed this second book of the series more than I did the first one probably because I have become used to Richard's witty writing style and the foibles of his characters. Such a fast paced story this time with so many twists and turns I almost felt I was on a rollercoaster and I'm sure I should be able to qualify as a detective myself as the clues are scattered around every chapter if you fancy yourself as a Holmes or Poirot. Well written, funny and enjoyable with a turbulent plot.

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The Man Who Died Twice is the hugely anticipated follow up novel from Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club.

The novel jumps straight back into the lives of the Murder Club members. Who, as we know from the first novel, meet up and try to solve cold case murders whilst enjoying their retirement in a somewhat affluent retirement community. This time around however, one of the club's members past life as a international spy catches up with her, bringing the whole group into the foray.

Osman brings his quick sharp humour to the novel very well, as he did with his original novel, but this time we also see the more human and vulnerable side of the characters this time around, which is dealt with in a very loving manner.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a murder mystery, crime novel but with a twist. As someone who loved the first novel, I was not at all disappointed with this second, and I would hope there would be more adventures from the Thursday Murder Club.

Thank you to Penguin for the copy of the book to review.

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I'll admit to being a little bit apprehensive, but this was actually even better than the first one. I enjoyed the mix of humour, intrigue and murder. There was some witty dialogue, a twisty mystery, and the characters were great. We learned more about our main players and met some interesting new players. The whole thing was a pleasure to read.
I would love to see Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, and think that the screen adaptation could be an opportunity for casting gold.

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Another fun,hilarious caper from the new master of fiction. Thoroughly enjoyed this book,can't wait for the next one!

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The Man Who Died Twice is another great story.

In The Man Who Died Twice delves more into Elizabeth life, as someone from her past comes back into her life. Which added a lot of drama to The Thursday Murder Club life. I really enjoyed learning more about Elizabeth and seeing her spycraft at work.

Joyce is still one of my favourite characters, as she has this ability to just go with the flow. She is also more confident, with going on her own and figuring things out on her own. She also makes me laugh. I would also like to try her cooking/baking.

There is another plot element regarding Ibrahim, al;l I will say is that the little d**k that hurt involved got what he deserved. Also, a great reminder not to mess with any member of The Thursday Murder Club.

One of my favourite aspects is that they all become true friends even Donna and Chris have bonded with the group. I was also glad to see Bogdan is still around and helping out the gang especial Elizabeth.

Overall I enjoyed the mystery, humour and friendship in The Man Who Died Twice.

My rating for The Man Who Died Twice is 5 out of 5.

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10/10 for Richard Osmans second book.it made me chuckle so many times. The story contains so many twists and turns featuring each of the TMC group.
Plot 10/10
Characters 10/10
Amusement 10/10
Unputdownable 10/10
I read the book in two sittings - it’s glorious.
Read and enjoy 😊

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