Fans of Thursday Murder Club should know that this isn't that. It's a much more chaotic, at times confusing romp that shares a sensibility and a spirit but may not satisfy everyone. To be honest, I really enjoyed it and am looking forward to spending more time with the odd trio of Steve, his daughter in law Amy, and Rosie, the famous crime novelist. Here, Amy has been sent to protect Rosie from a Russian oligarch but then becomes a target herself thanks to someone (but who?) who has been killing influencers who were unknowingly transporting large sums of money across borders. Luckily, Rosie has the resources and the smarts to get them going and turning the tables. Steve, whose world has shrunk to his pub pals (important to the story), his cat, and talks with his deceased wife, has mad detective skills even if he only wants to wear shorts. This hops between perspectives and continents. Arguably, there are too many characters and the plot is a little twisted (and twisty) but it kept me turning the pages. The tone is classic Osman- pointed and a little snarky but also generous-and the relationships are wonderful (especially between Amy and Steve). Thanks to Edelweiss for the ARC. No spoilers from me- it's fun.

n this debut of Osman’s new mystery series, Amy Wheeler is working as a close-security specialist for renowned mystery writer Rosie D’Antonio. Amy’s father-in-law, Steve—a retired cop and widower—leads a quiet life filled with pub lunches, quiz nights on Wednesdays, and dozing off with his cat, Trouble. But when several clients from Amy’s firm are murdered in spectacularly public ways, she begins to suspect that she can’t trust anyone at work. Desperate for help, she turns to Steve, the one person she knows she can rely on. Osman skillfully juggles multiple plotlines, using short chapters that alternate between characters' viewpoints while fairly distributing clues to the reader. The real charm of an Osman book, however, lies in his rapid-fire comedic dialogue, packed with laugh-out-loud moments. What sets his stories apart is his ability to create characters with rich backstories and deep inner lives. We come to understand their motivations, care about them, and wish we could spend time with them—at least when the bullets aren’t flying. If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club, you’ll definitely want to pick up We Solve Murders.

Before his debut novel The Thursday Murder Club came out a few years ago, Richard Osman was widely recognized mostly as a British TV presenter. That debut was a huge success, leading to three sequels and establishing Osman as a prominent crime fiction author. Now, he returns with a new novel, introducing a fresh set of characters, aiming to launch another successful series. We Solve Murders, generously provided to me by Osman's US publisher, showcases his trademark wit in a murder mystery that promises to be another impressive addition to his growing body of works. Steve Wheeler has settled comfortably into retirement in a quiet English village, content with the slower pace of life. Once a cop handling high-profile cases, he's now a widower who spends his days on small local investigations like insurance claims and lost pets. His life may be quieter now, but Steve finds solace in routine—attending weekly quiz nights at the pub, caring for his cat Trouble, and leaving messages for his late wife on his dictaphone, a ritual that helps him cope with her absence. Amy Wheeler, Steve’s daughter-in-law, shares a close bond with him, perhaps even closer than the one she shares with her husband, Adam. While Adam and Steve don’t communicate much beyond pleasantries, Amy tries to stay connected. Working as a personal bodyguard for a private security firm, Amy can relate to Steve's background, and they find common ground in their shared experiences. Amy’s current assignment is protecting Rosie D'Antonio, a top thriller author who has retreated to her private island off the coast of South Carolina after possibly angering a Russian oligarch with her latest book. What was supposed to be a straightforward assignment takes a dangerous turn when a series of crimes—including the murders of influencers, money laundering, and a mysterious figure using ChatGPT to hide their identity—put Amy in the crosshairs. Framed for the crimes, Amy turns to Steve, the only person she trusts, to help her untangle the web of deception. Together, they embark on a globe-trotting adventure, determined to outsmart the criminal masterminds and stay one step ahead in a deadly game of cat and mouse. I must admit, I approached We Solve Murders skeptically, unsure if Richard Osman could capture my attention as effectively as he did with his previous series. At first, my concerns seemed justified—I struggled to keep track of the new characters as Osman rapidly introduced them, bouncing from one to the next. The setup felt like a complex web of cast and plot, and I worried it might not all come together. But I should never have doubted him. Osman has once again delivered a stellar mystery filled with sharp social commentary, exhilarating twists, and his signature British wit. The story had the potential to veer into the outlandish, but Osman keeps it grounded through his protagonist, Steve. Steve serves as the everyman, guiding us through the proceedings with relatable bewilderment and providing the story with a solid emotional anchor. As I kept reading, I became increasingly captivated by Osman's writing, eager to solve the mystery and frequently laughing at his clever observations. We Solve Murders is a promising start to a new series, reaffirming Osman's talent for crafting compelling mysteries with charming characters and a delightful dose of humor.

This was somewhere between 4 and 5 stars for me, but I'll round it up for being such a fun read. Richard Osman is launching a new series he's calling We Solve Murders and here, he introduces us to some great new characters and an interesting scenario involving murder, mayhem and media influencers. Amy Wheeler works as a bodyguard for a personal security company called Maximum Impact Solutions. She is currently on a private island in South Carolina, guarding a famous mystery author named Rosie D'Antonio whose life has been threatened by a Russian mobster she included in her latest novel. When they are attacked, the two go on the run using Rosie's private jet. Meanwhile, three clients of Maximum Impact have been killed, always when Amy is somewhere in the vicinity, so it's becoming obvious that Amy is being set up to take the fall. She needs more help figuring this all out, so she calls on her father-in-law, retired cop Steven Wheeler of Axley, Hampshire, England, to work with her and Rosie. This team is very comical and refreshing. If you have enjoyed the high jinks of the Thursday Murder Club Series, I predict you'll enjoy this one too. Fun characters and murderous situations around the globe make for such entertaining reading. Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.

The only 'no' in this book is that no-one with money and of a certain age would stay in Temple Bar in Dublin! Wonderfully light and laugh out loud fun.