About this book
(blurb from Penguin Random House SA)
Combining the heart and humour of The Thursday Murder Club with a puzzling international mystery, welcome to the blockbusting new series from the biggest new fiction author of the decade, Richard Osman.
Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favourite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job . . .
Then a dead body, a bag of money and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a deadly enemy?
My Thoughts
My Thoughts“If you have any sort of personality, someone will eventually want to kill you.”
Richard Osman continues his reign as the master of cosy crime with his latest novel, We Solve Murders. While this book deviates slightly from the traditional murder mystery format with its spy thriller elements, it retains all the humour, wit, and charm that Osman fans have come to love.
“Everyone is vulnerable. For some people, for Steve, it comes out as fear, avoiding situations where the vulnerability is exposed. For others, for an awful lot of people these days, vulnerability comes out as anger, pushing away anything that feels like it might pierce their shell.”
In this new series, we’re introduced to the Wheelers. Steve Wheeler, a retired police officer who enjoys a quiet life of routine, and his daughter-in-law, Amy Wheeler, a professional bodyguard with a penchant for adrenaline. Amy’s current assignment involves protecting celebrity author Rosie D’Antonio, but things take a dangerous turn when a dead body and a bag of money appear, putting Amy in the crosshairs of a killer.
“Steve is grateful that at least he feels loved. Because if you don’t feel loved, it’s difficult to feel anything at all.”
The narrative is filled with Osman’s signature humour and engaging characters. Steve’s quirks and his endearing habit of updating his late wife about his life, along with his relationship with Amy, are highlights of the story. Rosie D’Antonio, who adores a good murder mystery and can easily bankroll their adventures, adds an intriguing dynamic to the plot.
“There are friendships forged in fire, which end up disappearing like smoke, and other casual, nodding friendships, which will stay with you for the rest of your life.”
The book’s pacing is steady, with short chapters that build tension. The red herrings and unexpected twists ensure that the mystery remains engaging until the end.
“He’s gone from being a man who was scared to turn his phone on in mid-air a week ago to a man now using a burner phone with Wi-Fi at 25,000 feet.”
We Solve Murders is an excellent start to what promises to be a fun and exciting series. It balances suspense and laughter perfectly, making it a must-read for fans of the Thursday Murder Club and new readers alike. While it may not be as tightly woven as Osman’s previous works, the characters and plot twists make it a rollercoaster ride worth taking.
“Have you ever shot anyone before?’ Rosie asks Steve, while snapping through Amy’s cable ties. ‘No,’ says Steve. ‘But the Coldplay T-shirt made it easier.”
Richard Osman proves once again that he can create charming, intriguing worlds filled with characters you want to spend time with. If you’re looking for a cosy mystery with a touch of action and plenty of humour, We Solve Murders should be on your reading list. Looking forward to the next installment and hoping for another Thursday Murder Club book soon!
“You can live with unhappiness, but bitterness will kill you.”
Thank you to Penguin Random House for the opportunity to read this book.
Read an extract here: Extract: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Penguin Random House South Africa
About the author:
@roelia_reads I am ridiculously excited about this #bookmail from @Penguin Random House SA My most anticipated book of the year – Richard Osman’s “We Solve Murders”! It is the first book in a brand new #cozymystery series Get ready to get hooked! #roeliareads #richardosman #wesolvemurders #newrelease #murdermystery #penguinrandomhouse ♬ Epic Music(863502) – Draganov89
