The Man Who Died Twice: (The Thursday Murder Club 2)
£4.50£9.99 (-55%)
THE SECOND NOVEL IN THE RECORD-BREAKING, MILLION-COPY BESTSELLING THURSDAY MURDER CLUB SERIES BY RICHARD OSMAN
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‘Moving, hilarious, brilliantly suspenseful’ Jeffery Deaver
‘A thing of joy’ Kate Atkinson
‘The tonic we all need’ Shari Lapena
It’s the following Thursday.
Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He’s made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.
As bodies start piling up, Elizabeth enlists Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron in the hunt for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn’t that be a bonus?
But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at knocking off four septuagenarians.
Can the Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?
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‘It’s like reading ice cream… a pure pleasure’ Linwood Barclay
‘A properly funny mystery steeped in Agatha Christie’ Araminta Hall
‘Full of humour and heart. I loved it’ Harlan Coben
‘He’s not only done it again, but he’s done it even better’ Philippa Perry
‘They’ll cradle you through any winter of discontent’ Richard and Judy, Daily Express
‘Superbly entertaining’ Guardian
‘As gripping as it is funny’ Evening Standard
‘This slick sequel will leave you buzzing’ The Times
‘Osman’s world is a soothing place to be’ Sunday Telegraph
‘Pure pleasure to read’ Observer
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Additional information
| Publisher | Penguin, Heruitgave edition (12 May 2022) |
|---|---|
| Language | English |
| Paperback | 448 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0241988241 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0241988244 |
| Dimensions | 19.7 x 12.9 x 2.03 cm |
by Janjo
His characters are so ‘normal’ and recognisable, everyone has an aunt like Joyce, an uncle like Ron, a friend like Elizabeth, to be admired but a little afraid of. The humour against the background of murder and mayhem is sublime. I’d recommend to anyone who needs cheering up.
by Caz
Are you ready for round two of the comic crime capers that come courtesy of Coopers Chase retirement village’s most celebrated residents? Well I certainly was when I picked up the sequel to Richard Osman’s bestselling debut The Thursday Murder Club, having declared it one of my favourite reads of 2020. Exploding onto the amateur detective scene with as much vitality and enthusiasm as four old age pensioners can muster (and it’s a lot!) they won the hearts of readers up and down the country so the chance to catch up with the likes of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim as they wheedle, manipulate, confuse, connive and charm their way through another investigation is an opportunity too good to miss. I’m happy to report that this crime busting quartet led by ex spook Elizabeth are back with a vengeance, hogging the limelight as they engage in some lateral thinking and uproarious antics in order to outsmart the latest round of villains who threaten to darken their doorstep. Even though they are busy with their far from successful surveillance of local drug dealer Connie Johnson, Fairhaven’s finest cops DCI Chris Hudson and his partner PC Donna De Freitas are again on hand to assist our favourite senior citizens especially when Ibrahim becomes the victim of a vicious mugging. Polish builder Bogdan completes the eclectic band of justice seekers determined to solve the mystery behind a letter addressed to Elizabeth that appears to be written from the deceased Marcus Carmichael. A ghost from the past is all it takes to alert our fantastic four to skulduggery within the criminal fraternity in which the recovery of twenty million pounds worth of diamonds is of paramount importance. Move over the A team the OAP team are here to save the day!!
First off I have to comment on how wonderful it is to be reunited with all these familiar characters. I’ve missed their camaraderie, their hilarious conversations, their individual foibles and their ability to behave badly without arousing suspicion. It’s all this plus the friendships, the loyalty and support that exist between the gang of four and their growing band of associates that makes this such a delight to read. The dialogue is off the scale humorous so that from the opening discussion in which Joyce is deliberating with her fellow murder club members whether to join Instagram or get a dog for company you know there are going to be laughs aplenty. I don’t think I’ve read a crime novel where I’ve laughed so much. Thanks to these intrepid, smart, inventive, resourceful and energetic lot who prove age is no barrier when it comes to enjoying life to the max I had a permanent grin on my face as I followed their escapades. I could only marvel at the ingenious ways in which they disentangle themselves from sticky situations, somehow never the worse for wear!
There’s been a few developments in the lives of these characters since we were last in their company but they are all still game for a laugh and ready to rise to this latest crime solving challenge. Formerly unlucky in love DCI Chris is now on a strict diet thanks to his blossoming relationship with Patrice, who just happens to be Donna’s mum; Joyce appears to have swapped baking cakes for making sequin embellished friendship bracelets; Bogdan is happily keeping Stephen company challenging him to countless chess games whilst Elizabeth is outmanoeuvring criminal masterminds and Donna still hasn’t found a suitable boyfriend. It’s fair to say I don’t think I could ever tire of these characters who for all their lighthearted silly banter are superb friends to one another. Ron’s friendship with Ibrahim, becoming his constant companion whilst this quiet,careful and unadventurous man slowly heals is so heartwarming. So too is the new found friendship between Ron’s grandson Kendrick and the ex psychiatrist who needless to say both prove invaluable in the race to discover the missing diamonds.
Combining Elizabeth’s sharp mind,Joyce’s flirting, Ibrahim’s impressive observational skills and Ron’s use of disguise and underhand tactics you can be sure that retrieving the stolen diamonds is on the cards. However Elizabeth and her acolytes have a few obstacles to overcome on the way to success. Expect danger, devious tactics, double crossings and a few dead bodies! Richard Osman skilfully weaves each strand of the plot together, drawing every single character into the main arena so you’re never quite sure what to expect next. Literally anything can and does happen! All in all it’s riotous, rollicking great fun!
As for characters it’s pointless trying to pick a favourite when the author spoils you for choice but I’m going to anyway! Elizabeth as the brains behind the operation obviously stands out but once again it’s ex nurse Joyce who through her diary entries had me in stitches. I just love her voice with it’s mixture of naivety, flirtatiousness, kindness and eccentricity. Her heart is pure gold but she isn’t above a bit of gentle persuasion and coercion as Ibrahim knows only too well! The other three members of the murder club couldn’t wish for a better friend. If I’m honest I love them all!
I like how underneath all the comic capering Richard Osman isn’t afraid to touch on the type of problems associated with old age such as dementia (Stephen) and how easy it can be to lose one’s confidence following an unexpected turn of events (Ibrahim). Without being in the least bit patronising and keeping the tone lighthearted he manages to address these issues with both wit, compassion and respect so despite the obstacles they face their value as characters is not diminished and they are not overlooked.
If you loved The Thursday Murder Club then I think you’ll love the sequel even more. Richard Osman has triumphed once again with a novel that provides fantastic all round entertainment. Quintessentially English, the plot is pacy, the characters are divine and the humour contagious so it’s hardly surprising The Man Who Died Twice has shot to the top (again!) of my list of favourite 2021 reads.Super easy to devour in one sitting this is one of those highly anticipated novels you can’t wait to start yet you don’t want to finish simply because you’re in such splendid company. This is a book that keeps on giving right up until the very last word. Fingers crossed this isn’t the last we’ll hear of the fabulous four. First class and without hesitation a 5 ⭐️read.
by Amazon Customer
Seriously good books. There are many great reviews for these Richard Osman books however I was nearly put off by quite a negative one along with a comment by a well read aquaintance who thought the first book a bit boring – BUT thankfully I went ahead and ordered the first (very good), then the second (excellent) and third (excellent again). Having now read three books from ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ series I can say ignore any negative reviews. These are brilliantly written books. Read two this weekend, I couldn’t put them down. I had been finding lately that I felt dissatisfied after reading many crime/mystery fiction books that there were always plot holes that niggled at the end. It seemed that the reader was just meant to forget about them as the books went on, but I can think of no plot holes in these. They are extremely well written with great characters you care about and the complexities of the plots do not overwhelm as everything is eventually explained satisfactorily and wrapped up neatly. They are extremely satisfying. Can’t wait to get my hands on the fourth in this series and I hope this elderly club of slueths live many more years to entertain us. Richard Osman, if you read Amazon reviews: I have never watched you on TV and was unsure I would like these books but you have found your calling. Exceptional, Fantastic, Love Them.
by Babs
I enjoyed the book.I thought there were too many characters involved and found it a little confusing. There were quite a few humorous moments and that was nice.
by Mrs M C Roach
The book was funny, clever and competely un put downable, highly recommended
by Mulvy
Firstly I chose the rating because I couldn’t put the book down, well maybe to make lunch etc. Characters are so likeable and at my age
of 74 yrs. have met a few similar ones. Only the older generation get away with the language and quips like those in the book. Just wish I had their social life. Looking forward to book 3.So
by Martin
A very good read BUT you must have read the first one to get the best from the story
by Luke Taylor
A clever, twisty plot, but more than that, characters that you love spending time with.