If you're one of the few people who have not read “The Thursday Murder Club” be prepared to meet a group of friends who could be your friends – provided the latter relish intellectual games spiced with murder and mayhem. The Club is led by Elizabeth, a retired SIS officer with a brain that could out-think DeepMind and the cunning and ruthlessness of a funnel web spider, and her moderating wing woman, Joyce, a retired nurse, as harmless and unassuming as a Venus Fly Trap, whose seemingly garrulous diary entries are interspersed throughout. The other two members, Ron (a chimaeric blend of guard dog and workhorse ) and Ibrahim (psychotherapist and shoulder-to-cry-on) feature strongly, together with the ‘support’ team of Bogdan, the mysterious Polish(?) fixer, and the amenable police officers, DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna De Freitas.
Once again they become involved and then embroiled in a complex series of events; mugging, entrapment, protective custody, missing diamonds, murders, major drug dealing, international money laundering, MI5/6, and the Mafia. You couldn't make it up – except, of course, that Richard Osmond has. His web is spun so expertly that the many separate threads come together to form a tapestry where many a lesser writer would have settled for a quilt. To attempt a precis of the opening events as a taster of what is to come seems to me to be pointless, because each sub-plot leaps so quickly from its initial appearance into spoiler territory.
Crime stories, of whatever flavour, must always have a problem to solve, and here there are at least three. To be good stories they must have main characters to whom the reader can relate sufficiently that they are prepared to invest time in them, and this crowd provide that in abundance. Excellent examples must also entertain because of the style and language used. Like its predecessor, this story is written in a uniquely entertaining way, touches of Waugh, Woodhouse, Mitford (perhaps), even a shade of Pratchett, but also like none of these. This makes the whole book a joy at all levels. In my review of TTMC, I said that some readers might feel it a bit too knowing, and I can sympathise with that, but I would urge you to keep reading, get into the rhythm, and enjoy. I would happily give it six stars, but the system, sadly, doesn't allow that.
I would like to thank NetGalley, the publishers and the author for providing me with a draft proof copy for the purpose of this review.

I’ll admit that I found the first “Thursday Murder Club” book a little of a slow burner to begin with, but by the end, I was absolutely enamoured with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim and was very much looking forward to their next chapter.

Wow, this did not disappoint. Having already been thoroughly introduced to these wonderful pensioners, this book really hit the ground running. Not only was there a detailed crime plot, but this was interspersed with moments of pure emotion (PC Donna’s informal therapy) and humour (Joyce’s inexperienced foray into Instagram) while more background into these fabulous characters was revealed and their friendships cemented.

Beautifully written and impossible to put down, I can’t wait to see what they get themselves into next! Big thank you to Netgalley, the author and publisher for the opportunity to read and review.

A terrific read that surpasses the first book, and I didn't think that was possible!
The Man Who Died Twice involves the Thursday Murder Club in murder, missing diamonds and the personal lives of our favourite characters. It is funny, heartbreaking and thought provoking whilst keeping the reader guessing right to the end.
I adore the main characters, but even the cast who don't have a major role are brought to life with deft skill from the strong but man of few words Bogden, to the local drug dealer with poor taste in perfume. This book is very British, I can't wait to see how the first one is adapted to the screen and I hope the humour translates.
A terrific read that I shall be recommending to our Staff book club and in our library. It will also find it's way to friends as presents.

What an joyous, thrilling and at times disturbing book. Full of wonderful characters who jumped off the page and became very real to me. Brilliant plot and story development and so enjoyable to read.

How nice it was to be back in the company of The Thursday Murder Club. I absolutely adore this gang of pensioners, they are a joy to read and Richard Osman's observations are both hilarious and scarily spot on.

I actually enjoyed this more than the first book, I think knowing the characters and their quirky traits helped with this, and it's a impossible to put down once you start.

I'm already looking forward to book three!

Thanks to Netgalley for the chance to read The Man Who Died Twice.

This is the second book in this series and it was a real cracker. I thoroughly enjoyed the first book which I believe set the groundwork for what I hope will be a real gem of a series. This second book took things to a whole new level. We are now familiar with the setting and more importantly the fabulous characters and the story had me hooked from the start.

I was surprised how quickly this had me reeled in as I thought the first book was more of a slow burner. There are moments of great amusement, especially with Joyce signing up for an Instagram account, that was genius writing.

I just love all the characters in this book, I usually have a favourite but here I think everyone brings their own unique individuality and fun. I love that Donna and Chris are back, trying to solve crime and keep the OAP gang out of mischief. I also find the relationship Bogdan has with them, and with Stephen, delightful. A real thought provoking moment happened near the end, where the title of the book had a whole new meaning to what I thought it was.

After reading this book it cements my belief that Richard Osman has created a truly wonderful and special series. Roll on book 3.

I loved the Thursday Murder Club.

How a novel from a first-time author could be THAT good was beyond me. Astonishing.

And now, the gang's all back. The same characters but even more real, if that's possible.

I love the fact that they're all septuagenarians, but you mess with them at your peril. And that's turned up a notch this time, due to the early events of the book.

So, what's it about?

True love, deep friendship, stolen diamonds, and of course, murder.

Lots of favourite bits, but no spoilers from me. Suffice to say it's clever, funny, charming, contains moments of punch-the-air elation, 'don't-you-dare do that to them' scares, and truly heart-warming scenes. (No, reading the last couple of pages, YOU were crying, not me).

I loved the format, again the story is punctuated with Joyce's diary entries, which are great, and so funny and real. I wonder if the author could sustain a whole novel or even a short story/novella, composed entirely of Joyce's diary. Go on Richard, you know you want to.

So, I know it's a cliche, but if I could give this book ten stars out of five, I would, and it would be no understatement.

'The Man Who Died Twice' is the second novel from Richard Osman about the residents of Cooper’s Chase. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron together with Donna and her boss Chris from the local police have formed the Thursday Murder Club. In ‘The Man Who Died Twice’, they are joined by MI5.

The characters established in book one means the second book got into their new mystery straight way. Elizabeth’s background was alluded to in book 1 and we learn a lot more about her past in this book. The other characters come alive more as the narrative probes not just their skills but their strengths and vulnerabilities. Their joint adventures mean they are more honest with each other and themselves. As before, Joyce provides background to events in her own inimitable way providing more than a few laugh out loud moments.

It’s an intriguing story that kept me guessing until near the end. Local criminals, international criminals, diamond thefts, mafia threats, drug dealing and muggings are all woven into an absorbing narrative.

The ‘Man Who Died Twice’ is well written and paced and I romped through it all too quickly. Its tense, funny in places, and poignant in others. The dementia storyline was told with sensitivity and insight. As was Ibrahim’s fears and insights.

The lovely thing about this group of characters is that they have heart. They care about each other and that’s as important as dashing to Antwerp on Eurostar to meet a diamond seller.

The Cooper’s Chase group gets better and I can’t wait for their next adventure.

Thank you to Penguin Books and NetGalley Uk for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
The Thursday Murder Club is alive and well !! How great it is to catch up with the Coopers Chase sleuths again. This time around it’s personal as one of their own is the victim of an assault. As if that wasn’t enough, Elizabeth receives a letter which sets off an intriguing series of events which includes the theft of twenty million pounds worth of diamonds, a few dead bodies and a lot of interaction with MI5.
The great thing about this book is, having read the Thursday Murder Club, we already know the background of all the main characters so it’s like catching up with old friends. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim are themselves, and along with the real detectives of Fairhaven Chris Hudson and Donna de Freitas they waste no time in getting to the bottom of this mystery.
Richard Osman has struck gold with this wonderful cast of characters and I look forward to further adventures with this troupe of senior citizens and their associates. It’s a 5⭐️ book for me. Many thanks to #NetGalley and #Penguin books for an advanced copy of this super story.

I hadn't read The Thursday Murder Club so came to the characters in this second novel by Richard Osman at somewhat of a disadvantage. However I was pleased to find that although there were a few references to the previous book it was not a requirement to have read it and this novel can stand alone.
The quirky and quintessentially English setting and characters are what makes this novel. Elizabeth, a septuagenarian former spy receives a note supposedly from a dead man and this sets up a trail of intrigue involving her former husband, stolen diamonds, the mafia and of course her friends, Ron, a football fan and union man, Ibrahim a former psychiatrist and Joyce, a nurse. Add to the mix an attack on Ibrahim which severely dents his confidence and which the Thursday Murder Club promise retribution on his attacker and the cast of characters expands to include the two police officers from the first novel as well. How the two things are connected and solved is clever and devious with several unexpected twists and turns along the way.
This novel is well written, humorous and highly enjoyable but it is hard to put a finger on exactly why. The characters are not particularly realistic, nor is the plot, and their adventure has the feel of a Famous Five romp rather than the average police crime, But perhaps it is the unique and unrealistic nature of it all that makes it pure escapism — and what more could you ask for.
With thanks to Netgalley and Penguin General UK - Fig Tree, Hamish Hamilton, Viking, Penguin Life, Penguin Business for the chance to read this advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Yay! An absolutely brilliant read! The first part felt like being reunited with old friends which was lovely but then! Boom! Right back into the story. Possibly even better than the first book - a must read!

RICHARD OSMAN – THE MAN WHO DIED TWICE *****

I read this novel in advance of publication through NetGalley in return for an honest review.

Judging by the astronomical sales of his first volume concerning the Thursday Murder Club I must be one of the few people who haven’t read it. So, I came to this knowing nothing. And can see why the first was a runaway success.

In a crowded market of detectives and amateur sleuths, Richard Osman has come up with a neat twist. The main characters are old, resourceful, individual and funny. And his prose is very easy to read, with mostly short sentences and short chapters, each with some sort of cliff-hanger.

They almost exist in an alternative world, where nasty things do happen, but seen through rose-tinted spectacles. There are deaths aplenty, but sanitised, and even the worst villains have a dry sense of humour as they promise death to their betrayers.

In a sense the story is unimportant, in that the journey is what matters and is what is so enjoyable. This adventure involves ex-spy Elizabeth’s ex-husband and £20M of diamonds, along with the New York mafia, a female drug baron, and a high body count. There are even more jokes than there are twists and turns, of which there are plenty. The wit for which the author is renowned on television shines through on every page. Anyone who has had dealings with Sky will love the comparison with the mafia in trying to cancel their subscription. In short this is a joy from first paragraph to last. Anyone who has read the first will surely enjoy the second, and anyone like me coming to it with no background knowledge will perhaps enjoy it even more as it is such a delight.

The second book in this series and it continued with the brilliance of the first. Great characters, great fun and great crime fighting. A real page turner of a book and a must read. Thank you for allowing me to read in advance of the release date I throughly enjoyed it.

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are back, with a second outing for the Thursday Murder Club, and what a great read again, with another intriguing mystery for the gang to solve, and plenty of twists and turns.

What I particularly liked about this second book is the character development that Richard Osman has grown - we get to learn a whole lot more about Elizabeth in particular, and this added more depth to the story.

I was absolutely delighted to get a copy of this book from NetGalley and it really didn’t disappoint.

The characters from The Thursday Murder Club return and are further fleshed out, making me love them even more. There are some lovely funny moments which genuinely made me laugh out loud. In addition to the previous characters we meet some new villains, as ever they’re extremely successful but completely haphazard. We also find out much more about Elizabeth and the fascinating background hinted at in the previous book.

This book was a wonderful comforting read, leaving a happy feeling and a desperation to read the next one before this one is even published.

I enjoyed the first Thursday Murder Club book so much that I didn’t think it could be bettered, but I was wrong. This follow up is absolutely superb and even funnier than the first and had me actually laughing out loud on numerous occasions. Richard Osman is an extremely clever writer and once more sends us off on an incredible journey with the foursome of OAP murder investigators led by the wonderful Elizabeth. Along with Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron she leads the gang along a winding road that sees graphic murders, stolen diamonds and altercations with the mafia to name just a few. All dealt with as if just everyday occurrences so wonderfully written that we believe it too.

The characters just get better and better and Joyce’s journal entries remain to be an absolute hilarious and clever inclusion in the book which are a pleasure to read. But the underlying strength is the camaraderie between the main four characters as well as Bogdan and the two trusty local police officers Donna and Chris. The trust they have for each other is immense and produces lots of banter between them that the author somehow manages to convey sometimes with just a simple described look, word or phrase but we interpret as a huge paragraph in our mind.

Faster paced, I thoroughly enjoyed this follow up even more than the first book and if you are a fan of The Thursday Murder Club then you will love this too. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to NetGalley for an ARC in return for an honest review.

I loved this book. So funny with many laugh out loud moments and a great story to boot. I loved the wonderful characters from the first book and also the new baddies in this one. I listened to The Thursday Murder Club on audiobook but much preferred actually reading this one. Richard Osman is a very talented writer. With thanks to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you for the opportunity to review this new novel.

I'm so thankful that I got to spend a couple of hours with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahaim again! I just love them all and the characters that surrounds them.

The characters are witty, smart and human :) I can't wait for the third book...

So nice to have the old gang back again! The story jumps straight into the main plot which was nice but I do think I preferred the first book if I'm honest!
I am looking forward to the third book though!

The most frequently-asked question I've received about 'The Man Who Died Twice' has been whether or not it's about Elizabeth and her gang of senior citizens. Yes it is! Our favourite cardigan-wearing crime-fighters are back, straight after their success in solving the murder case, and ready to battle with drug dealers, spies and the mafia! Fans of espionage will be delighted to find out more about Elizabeth's career and personal life in this second visit to Coopers Chase, and the novel is as much of a rollercoaster ride as the first.

Although Elizabeth and her past are central to much of this plot, I loved Ron's role in 'The Man Who Died Twice', and Joyce and Ibrahim are also given their turn in the limelight. There's something really funny about a murder investigation being interrupted by a boiled sweet or someone needing the toilet, and I really admire Osman for once again succeeding in presenting plot with all the twists and turns of an Agatha Christie novel, but somehow also finding space for lots of moments of joy and hilarity (mainly through Joyce's take on events in her diary).

Overall, I found 'The Man Who Died Twice' to be an absolute joy to read. I can't wait for the third instalment to find out what these senior sleuths get up to next! I don't always rate the novels I review, but this is getting a full five stars.