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.

Sorry, but I just didn't fall in love with the dynamics of Steve and Amy. Maybe they were just a bit too well adjusted. The Thursday gang really did have their faults. Elizabeth was quite removed from daily humdrum, belonging too completely to M16 work. Joyce really was too chatty. Ron was quite the blowhard. Ibraham balanced precariously between vanity and uncertainty. And all set in the comforting world of their retirement community and small town. Steve and Amy and Rosie are just all over the place, almost caricatures instead of characters. The plot is quite ornate. Perhaps too ornate, perhaps the characters are simply lost in the action. I should add that I don't usually read murder mysteries or action adventure. Thursday Murder Club books were an exception for me.

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.

Interesting plots good characters. Not at all believable, but once the reader realizes that, it's a good story . Thanks, Mr. Osman

Such a great story. I have read and loved The Thursday Murder Club and was disappointed not to get a new one but this was worth it.

Fans of the Thursday Murder Club will thoroughly enjoy this new series, which is only very nearly almost not quite as perfect as TMC is. Another round of Steve and Amy and Rosie might make them as beloved as Elizabeth and Joyce and Ibrahim and Ron.

It was lovely to meet the new people in Richard Osman's life and a joy to read a superbly crafted story. It really does not get much better than this. Highly recommended for people that enjoy a character driven and creative story. Impatiently awaiting the next one.

If you love The Thursday Murder Club you will love this book. Lots of really, really great wit. As I am not British I am sure a few quips went over my head, but there are so many, it just didn’t matter. Great murder mystery, great characters, wonderful human insight and an all around fun read. I read a book a day - well written prose and a compelling story are hard to find. And, it makes you laugh and keeps you on your toes. Please write ten more quickly - as Rosie would say “chop, chop”, hmmm, that would be a great name of a book.