How Richard Osman's The Thursday Murder Club stole Britain’s heart

The Thursday Murder Club series is a 4-book saga from Richard Osman. You might have heard of it. After all, the novels have consistently topped the bestseller list month after month, as new people find this hilarious, tense and moving story for the first time. The Thursday Murder Club, for those who aren’t aware, revolves around a group of friends living in a retirement community who begin investigating cold cases to add new excitement to their golden years.

It’s a stellar premise and one that has grown so popular that Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment bought the rights to option a movie, starring the club’s beloved cast of characters. With a host of well-known names rumoured to be attached to the project, fans of the books will surely be keeping an eye on the production’s development. So, The Thursday Murder Club’s position in today’s publishing industry cannot be understated, with the record-breaking Sunday Times Number One Bestseller stealing Britain’s heart. But how did Osman’s unusual concept hit such lofty heights?

The first factor that has to be considered is the author himself. Writer, comedian, host, producer, podcaster and even Taskmaster contestant, Richard Osman has become a familiar face that audiences trust. From Pointless to The Rest Is Entertainment and House Of Games, Osman is a consistent fixture in our lives and someone who is known for his incredible intelligence and relatable humour.

Osman’s time on TV has meant that he has become a comforting character, with quizzes and game shows providing light entertainment throughout difficult times. As a voice, Osman is thus respected and sought after.

It’s no surprise that upon the release of his first novel, readers felt obliged to support this cultural mainstay and put faith in him that he can entertain once more, albeit in a slightly different way. With the very first Thursday Murder Club text surpassing expectations and each sequel matching or escalating the mystery and comedy of the original, Osman has raised his stock and become an even more trusted name in the publishing space.

Osman has somehow managed to take that authenticity, intellect and wittiness from the screen and imbue it in his books, creating a sense of continuity between him and his work. It’s doubtless that as he explores new characters, concepts and worlds after The Thursday Murder Club’s run, audiences will be very prepared to continue that ride with him. 

Although the author is vital for any novel’s success, the genre itself is also a huge reason as to why The Thursday Murder Club saga has captured Britain’s attention. As an audience, we have always been thrilled and drawn in by murder mysteries, with TV dramas and cosy crime novels continuing to feed that hunger for the narrative style.

Crime stories speak to a fundamental desire to see the fight between good and evil play out, but with a rough-around-the-edges quality that feels uniquely British. The heroes of these stories are so often imperfect, but their grounded quest to seek justice continues to compel us. 

Twists and turns are simply undeniable and with recent global crises complicating our world, the comfort of a thrilling read provides a sense of normality and control in trying times.

The Thursday Murder Club thus arrived at exactly the right period. It toes the line between danger and familiarity in equal measure, presenting those much-needed shocking reveals, accompanied by a setting and range of characters that exist right outside your window. The genre isn’t always an accessible one, but The Thursday Murder Club is a gentle step into a much darker landscape. Once it has taken hold of you, it’s hard to put down. 

Cosy crime is a genre on the rise, but anyone in any culture or country could craft a story that takes its reader through the whirlwind of surprising beats that The Thursday Murder Club offers. There’s another element here that makes the saga that much more captivating for the British audience: the Britishness of the text itself.

Richard Osman has created a series that is unapologetically of its era and location. The character archetypes are so recognisable that everyone likely has a Joyce, Ron, Donna or Chris in their lives. The use of a retirement home is a genius setting, as figures like Elizabeth and Ibrahim have become fixtures of our communities, perhaps without us taking enough notice. 

Sure, this is a story where known locations across Kent are mentioned, or jokes that play to the British sense of humour land with more impact. But it’s not just about the surface level connections that we make to the material that draws us in. It’s also a deeper familiarity with the mindset of the characters and the points of view they possess.

The Thursday Murder Club is somehow universal in its message, regardless of age or background. Yet, those in Britain feel a particular ownership over this tale, because regardless of the terrible crimes or unbelievable action set pieces, we can see a small part of our lives reflected in Osman’s words. 

Ultimately, thanks to Osman’s considerate work, the audience has responded with equal heart. Indeed, an analysis of platforms like Goodreads’ tells the full story. 

Reviewer Phrynne for example said: “I instantly felt at home in this book. The setting is perfect and it is beautifully written. The humour is often laugh aloud funny and there were many passages I wanted to read aloud and share with whoever was around. At the same time there were heart rending moments that brought tears to my eyes.”

Reviewer Jen echoes those sentiments saying: “As many times as I laughed, I also teared up, these characters were so human and lovely and well written that I felt I knew them, or wanted to! Everyone was just so real, even the 'bad' guys, no one was really good or bad, just human and it was wonderfully refreshing.”

If you haven’t already, it might be time to join the rest of Britain and check out The Thursday Murder Club and its sequels. Heartwarming and mysterious, Osman has clearly committed the ultimate heist in the theft of the nation’s hearts!