The THURSDAY MURDER CLUB is one in a series of mysteries by British writer, comedian and TV producer, Richard Osman. Four octogenarians residing in a somnolent retirement home in the British countryside occupy their time by reviewing unsolved mysteries weekly in the jigsaw puzzle room. Incredibly, they prove adept at gaining inside information. Their conniving, unofficial leader Elizabeth, garners the reluctant cooperation from local, police officials. The other three self-appointed sleuths consist of new resident Joyce, and dapper gents Ron and Ibrahim. Joyce fills the vacancy left by Elizabeth's close friend Penny since being in a coma has put a pall on her participation. Joyce is happy to fill the void in the group and the void left by the passing of her beloved husband. Joyce keeps a diary that serves to keep the reader apprised on the foursome's escapades in her jaunty style. The mystery oozes coziness over macabre murders. What fortuitous luck though, a timely murder falls in their lap. Recently there's been a tumult over plans to build a development on the open terrain surrounding the peaceful retirement villa which includes an old cemetery. This first dead body (there are more to follow) was Tony, the nefarious handyman found bludgeoned, Tony did odd jobs around the villa and worked for the duplicitous, developer, Ian. Ian had just fired Tony to shave expenses and the two were spotted by arguing earlier the day he was killed by Ron and his son, Jason. Ian is the likely suspect until he becomes the second stiff murdered. A major clue found next to Tony's remains was of an old photo of Tony with a young Jason and a third, mystery man called Bobby. The crime solving becomes convoluted but secondary to the resourcefulness of the omnipotent Elizabeth whose able to pull several aces from her sleeve. It's delightful seeing seniors learning to adapt to new technologies The hesitant but symbiotic relationship Elizabeth developed is with female officer Donna and her chief, Chris. Chris is the stodgy but endearing veteran and Donna a young, savvy officer. One red herring is whether Chris and Donna will move pass their professional working relationship. A trajectory that should've stay buried is Father Matthew who has his own reasons for objecting to exhuming the cemetery coffins. Seniors finding fulfilment actings as sleuths over tea (or sherry) fireside is pleasantly amusing albeit, plot confusing. Ron and Ibrahim serve as ornamentation or to serve the two ladies. Loose ends are tied up near the end past the point where The Who Done becomes besides the point. The THURSDAY MURDER CLUB would entice me as a viewer on the BBC mystery channel given a captivating cast. As a mystery novel I fail to become indoctrinated. Although, it's nice to know there's plenty of life kicking for those close to kicking up their heels.
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