I was very excited to read this having read the Thursday Murder Club last year and loved the characters in it. This is Richard Osman's second in the series, and it was lovely to "see" all the club members again.

Osman's writing is great - very funny with a lot of warmth towards his characters. The "Thursday Murder Club" is made up of former spy Elizabeth and a group of her friends who live in the same retirement village, Cooper's Chase - Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim.

Part of the charm is this place. Far from the stereotype of "old people's homes" Cooper's Chase sounds like heaven on earth - residents enjoy a lovely picturesque setting, they all have their own homes and seem to spend most lunchtimes guzzling wine.

But Osman isn't creating a completely unbelievable scenario where older people live in some kind of idyllic bubble. He does take care to include issues that will no doubt be familiar to lots of older people, such as increasing ailments, dealing with senility, and vulnerability to violence.

In this installment, the club finds itself embroiled in a surreal tangle involving stolen diamonds and death threats. It's a hilarious plot that brings in many new characters that helps to keep the book feeling fresh and also adds something to the longer-standing characters. We learn a bit more about Elizabeth, for instance, as a blast from her past shows up.

Along with the "main" plot of actual crimes and murders, the book is packed with several sub-plots - including budding romances, battles with mental health problems, strains with family members and more. Ibrahim suffers a particularly nasty incident, that the others quickly rush to resolve, along the way tying it in with the existing, eccentric plot.

I think for the next one, it would be great to give Ron a bit more of a storyline, as he seemed to take a bit of a back seat in this book.

For people who are new to Richard Osman, I would recommend reading The Thursday Murder Club before this one, but it doesn't really matter if you don't. I do think, however, that this is a series that is very easy to get into, and hope there will be many more books to come.

My day was made when I discovered I had the chance to read an early copy of 'The Man Who Died Twice' in exchange for an honest review. Having loved its predecessor, 'The Thursday Murder Club', I hoped I was in for a treat. Of course, that came with a bit of nervousness about this potentially being the "difficult second book" and not living up to the first. I needn't have worried – I adored it!

The book takes us back to Coopers Chase retirement home and our favourite quirky characters. I particularly appreciated how each character's personality was given more of an opportunity to shine through in this book. Although these people find themselves in such unusual circumstances, they are so real and down-to-earth. They could be anyone's grandparents! There was also a generous dose of Richard Osman's inimitably wry writing style which made me laugh out loud so many times.

The book is a page-turner and kept me guessing all the way through. Above all, though, it was a book with huge heart about intergenerational love and friendship, teamwork and how we should never underestimate anyone (particularly our elders!).

I haven't done any reviewing this year. This was by choice - finish up all outstanding reviews and then stay strong and don't request anything. Don't even look at NetGalley or Edelweiss. And I was going okay, until Ellie sent out an auto-approved link and I simply couldn't resist the next Thursday Murder Club Mystery.

Straight off the first page we're back with the disjointed but witty banter between Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim. They're discussing everything that needs to be discussed - most interestingly whether Joyce should get a dog (yes) and if so, what kind (medium, not a puppy).

Everyone's back, in fact. Chris and Donna, even Ron's taxi guy, faithful Bogdan, and we're also joined by MI5, MI6, a cast of new criminals and even Elizabeth's ex-husband. Who may or may not have lifted 20 million pounds' worth of diamonds from a rather stuffy man who acts as the middle-man between the various mafias around the world, who won't hesitate to kill him or anyone to get their property back - not that they need it, just the principle of the thing, you know. Little old ladies included.

So it's with this at stake that the Thursday Murder Club trot along on their merry way to be underestimated here, there, and everywhere. They are all in their element, whether it's Ron playing the tough man or Joyce being sweet, or Elizabeth being Elizabeth.

Importantly, Ibrahim plays a quieter role in this book which only makes it more believable and drives the others to fight harder.

I love that the spotlight is on the older generation here and that they accomplish what others probably can't, thanks to their decades of experience and connections. But that also they still make mistakes sometimes, or that they don't always make the choices that you or I might make.

This was a second book just as good as the first, which we don't always get to experience. I hope there'll be a lot more in the series to come yet.

I received an advance copy of #TheManWhoDiedTwice from Penguin & #NetGalley – and how lucky was I?!
When I received the email that Osman was releasing a 2nd novel I was really excited to read it because I had loved his debut, The Thursday Murder Club so much; but I was also concerned how the new one would live up to the last – I needn’t have worried. The same main characters are here ( so yes, it will help if you’ve read #ThursdayMurderClub ) including my particular favourites: Joyce and her wonderful chatty diary entries, Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim plus of course Chris & Donna.
The story is fantastical enough to be just on the edge of believability and I read the book in 2 sittings, including a 2am finish because I just couldn’t put it down.
One of my favourite things about Osman’s writing style is that one moment you can be laughing, one moment you are on the edge of your seat reading quicker & quicker to get to the next chapter, and the next there is a sentimental quote or thought that takes your breath away. A true rollercoaster of emotions. I rarely give 5 star reviews, but I did for Thursday Murder Club and this new release matches up & even, perhaps, surpasses expectations for that “difficult” second novel – of course we should have known that Osman wouldn’t make this difficult to read. Excellent escapism in the South East of England, where OAPs, MI5, diamonds & love combine wonderfully! 5*

Even better than The Thursday Murder Club!

Each character has developed further and our main protagonists are now fully fledged people that you wish were your own friends. It’s so refreshing to read a book with characters that you actually like - I oscillate between having Joyce, Bogdan and Elizabeth as my favourite!

Osman adds deft touches of both poignancy and humour throughout in such a balanced way. I laughed out loud when Joyce was doing word searches on her phone whilst being held at gun point!! Friendship, decency and justice are the watchwords of the team with a dash of mischief for good measure.

The plot is full of twists and turns and the bad guys do get punished in the end.

I am very impressed by this writer and eagerly await the next instalment in the series.

Richard Osman's debut novel, "Thursday Murder Club" was deservedly a smash hit in 2020 and certainly a hard act to follow. The sequel ,"The Man Who Died Twice", thankfully keeps up the high standards of that book . There's a touch of "Mick Herron" in this tale as Elizabeth's murky past as a "spook" is the core of this story with characters like the ones in the "Slough House" strongly suggesting that "British Intelligence" is a bit of a misnomer.

Like the previous book The Man Who Died Twice severely stretches credulity and a team of elderly retirees being involved in stolen diamonds,drug deals,ambushes ,murder ,the Mafia and so much more would be farcical in less skilled hands than Richard Osmans. This time around not only do 4 pensioners,and (a very) assorted group of friends, take on various violent criminals and solve a crime that has baffled the forces of law and order but this time they're aided and abetted by an 8 year-old boy..

What I really love about both books is that older people are shown not as stereo-typically amiable old duffers blundering there way to an eventual conclusion. These are people in later years who have lived full lives and have the skills,and often knowledge of the dark side of life ,to take anyone on. Really good to see Elizabeth's dementic husband Stephen playing a full part in the story as well .

I'd advise anyone who hasn't read The Thursday Murder Club to read that one first to get a better insight into the back stories of the various characters,it's not essential but you'll get so much more out of this book if you do.

A great read,there's murder,a clever mystery,humour and even a touch of romance.
Another smash hit for Richard Osman.

An excellent sequel to his debut 'The Thursday Murder Club'. All the characters from the previous novel have their parts to play, together with some new ones, in a plot surrounding Elizabeth's ex-husband from MI5 and some diamonds. Suffice to say that the residents are underestimated, but prove how wrong that assumption is.

Richard Osman has discovered a winning formula that will appeal to a wide readership; and I would recommend it to anyone.

With thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for an ARC.

From the first page or two I was already properly laughing at this book. I just love the four central characters and their relationships and, revisiting them after The Thursday Murder Club, this book felt like reuniting with old friends. I actually thought the murder story itself was more intriguing in this story than in the first in the series and, much as I loved The Thursday Murder Club, I actually found this one even funnier.

Having loved The Thursday Murder Club, I was VERY excited to read this. I immediately felt surrounded by old friends, with their endearing, humourous quirks

Joyce's desire for excitement and chatty diary entries, strewn with irrelevances, plus her obsession with refreshments.
Elizabeth's sarcasm and complete disregard for rules.
Ibrahim's fear of taking risks and exquisite attention to detail.
Rob's stubbornness and straightforwardness.

A letter bringing a blast from Elizabeth's colourful, intrigue-filled past kicks the friends off on a new adventure, ably assisted once more by police officers Chris and Donna. Murder, drugs, diamonds. What more do you want?

Dare I say I enjoyed it even more than The Thursday Murder Club and sincerely hope Richard Osman is working on another volume.

I absolutely loved Thursday Murder Club, so I was delighted to receive an advance copy of the next book in the series, The Man Who Died Twice.
Thanks to Ellie Hudson at Penguin Books and NetGalley for my copy.

The gang at Coopers Chase retirement village are back with a bang!

Elizabeth receives a mysterious letter from a man she knows to be dead, so who is she really going to meet? This meeting sets in motion a chain of events involving stolen diamonds, murder, the NY mafia and a Colombian drug cartel! Who said being a pensioner was boring 😂 Elizabeth enlists the help of her trusted friends and The Thursday Murder Club is back in action.

As I expected, the characters are still as hilarious as ever and so well done you can just picture them. Their personalities shine through, and despite everyone being different, they get on well and support each other.

It’s such a readable book, there’s plenty going on to keep you turning the pages and trying to work out what will happen.
It’s funny yet poignant in places too and so bittersweet at times.

I found the ending fitting and really lovely.

I adored the story and the characters and despite trying to ration myself I whizzed through it as I was so absorbed in it.

Another brilliant book in the series and I can’t wait for the next one!

I loved the Thursday Murder Club but this is even better. We really get to know all our protagonists and they are all great. I especially like the background we are getting to the 2 police, Chris and Donna and their relationship with the retirees.
The whole thing is funny, clever, tightly plotted, left me guessing and gasping at the right moments and concludes very satisfactorily.
Can't wait for the next one.

The Thursday Murder Club was such a joy to read that I jumped at the chance to read The Man Who Died Twice. I wasn't disappointed. The beauty of a sequel is that we already know the characters so it's much easier and quicker to become immersed in the story. Once again, my husband had to put up with me giggling as I read the book, reading out the funniest lines to him. I don't want to spoil it for anyone but I'm so glad I wasn't born in 1969!

However, there are some more serious plotlines going on. Something happens to Ibrahim that shocks him (and the others) to the core. Richard Osman handles this with great sensitivity. Likewise, the storyline with Elizabeth's husband, Stephen, and his dementia. There was a bit in the final pages that made me cry.

These things are threaded through the main plot. Elizabeth's past life crashes into the present in the form of an old colleague who needs her help. Initially she isn't minded to help him but the mention of diamonds and possible threat to life is enough to reel her in, the others too.

Overall, The Man Who Died Twice is superb. The writing is sublime - funny, touching, but taut when it needs to be. I've no doubt that this will be a huge hit, and rightly so.

The second book in the Thursday murder club series does not disappoint.

More adventures for the residents of the retirement village when Elizabeth's ex-husband turns up unexpectedly. We learn more of her past and follow her and her fellow 'murder clubbers' on an adventure that has many twists and turns. Despite the relatively high body count, this is a light-hearted and thoroughly engaging book.

Great fun!

Absolutely loved this second book by Richard Osman. Such a refreshing, cheeky, funny writing style he has to tell an interesting crime story. Love the characters he has created, think Joyce is my favourite as she comes up with some of the best ideas and crocheting her friendship bracelets in the meantime! The crime itself is intriguing and I didn’t get the ‘who dun it’ until almost the end. Look forward to the third book very quickly following on from this, hopefully.

Richard Osman has done it again!

I love TTMC and The Man Who Died Twice simply got better and better. The characters are brilliant, nuanced, funny, clever, and I love them all. The story kept me gripped, lots of clues and red herrings along the way. The perfect Christie style mystery that I love. It's funny, I was laughing out loud in places, and quick witted and I can't wait for the next one.

Thanks to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review.

As usual in my reviews, I will not rehash the plot (plenty of reviews like that out there already!)

I thoroughly enjoyed Richard Osman's first novel in this series, so was delighted to be invited to read the next exciting installment in the lives of "The Thursday Murder Club"!

The writing is spot on, descriptive, warm, wry and funny at times, poignant at others. The plot is very engaging - although we have to to suspend our disbelief slightly at times! This is an engaging tale involving diamond theft, MI5, international criminals, drug dealers and several murders!

It was great to spend time with our trusty band of detectives again and find out more about their characters (particularly enjoyed hearing details of Elisabeth's shadowy past!). The supporting crew of Chris, Donna, Stephen and Bogdan return (again, their characters are fleshed out more) and are joined by new characters - Donna's Mum Patrice, an interesting villain, more MI5 operatives, and of course the mysterious first husband (who knew?) of Elisabeth.

Parts of the book made me laugh out loud - Joyce's foray into Instagram in particular, she's such a sweet and funny character!

I really enjoyed this book and cannot wait for the next! I have heard a rumour that Richard Osman has only planned 4 books in this series - that is not enough IMHO, but maybe if we beg he'll write some more (pretty please Mr Osman!).

My thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for an ARC. All opinions my own.

"The Thursday Murder Club" is back again with the formidable gang of four Elisabeth, Joyce, Ron, Ibrahim and their younger side kicks Chris, Donna and Bogdan.. In " The Man who died twice" Elisabeth's first husband, like her a former intelligence pro, makes a sudden appearance needing her help involving stolen diamonds, the mob and a serious death thread. Richard Osman writes with the same humourous, funny tone I enjoyed so much in the first novel but perhaps the novelty has worn off with the second, did not quite enjoy this sequel as much as the first book. Still an entertaining, funny novel if you want to escape reality...

Really enjoyed book 2 in the series. I really don't want to give too much away in the review as so many people are desperately waiting to be able to read it. Joyce annoed me a little but maybe becuase if there was every a quiz of which Thursday Marder Club Character are you, I'd definetely be Joyce, even though we'd all love to be Elizabeth! Anyway the pace was great and I loved the wiritng style. It's a great continuation from the first book and I adored being able to learn more about each character as the story developed. It's a great book club read becuase it ignites conversations in people and I cant wait until more of my friends and family have read it so we can discuss the plot. Looking forward to book 3!

I was so pleased to be approved for this arc, and I loved falling back in with the characters at Cooper's Chase Retirement Village, and the Thursday Murder Club gang. I'm a sucker for anything with any hint of espionage, so the idea of these brilliant pensioners outwitting the secret services, while taking down a local crime boss and a mafia kingpin at the same time, was a total winner. Richard does it again - smart, funny and as brilliant as The Thursday Murder Club, but with added backstory.

With thanks to NetGalley & Penguin General UK for the ARC.

The Thursday Murder Club exploded on the scene last year and became the biggest selling book in the UK.
The gang, Elizabeth, Joyce Ron and Ibrahim are back for the second instalment and they don't disappoint.

The character are fleshed out more from the first book which allows us to get to know them and their background better. They really are growing into one of fictions finest gangs. Not bad considering they're all in their 80's.

It starts with Ibrahim being mugged and an old colleague seeking out Elizabeth.

Before long they are on the trail of the muggers and Elizabeth is not greatly surprised at who she meets and the fact that he is involved with £20 Million of diamonds stolen from the mafia which were being held by a middleman.

So now, the middleman, an extremely wealthy and dangerous criminal, the mafia and a local drug bigwig are all out for the four old friends.

The local police and even MI6 get involved along the way but the gang need all their wits and knowledge to stay ahead of the advancing threats from all angles.

Hugely entertaining, poignant, very funny and just a right good romp.

Roll on the third Thursday.