You know that feeling when you curl up with a good book and a cup of tea, ready to lose yourself in a world of charming characters and delightful hijinks? Well, buckle up, buttercup, because Richard Osman’s latest installment in the Thursday Murder Club series is here to sweep you off your feet and maybe break your heart a little along the way.
A Bittersweet Return to Coopers Chase
“The Last Devil to Die” picks up with our favorite gang of septuagenarian sleuths tackling their most personal case yet. When an old friend in the antiques business is murdered and a mysterious package goes missing, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron find themselves neck-deep in a twisty tale of drug dealers, art forgers, and online fraudsters. But this time, the stakes feel higher, the shadows a bit darker, as our heroes grapple with loss and the realities of aging.
Osman’s prose sparkles with his trademark wit and warmth, but there’s a new depth here, a poignancy that’ll catch you off guard and maybe leave you a bit misty-eyed. It’s like catching up with old friends, only to realize they’ve been through some stuff while you were away.
The Gang’s All Here (And Then Some)
Our core quartet is back in fine form, each bringing their unique flavor to the mystery-solving pot:
Elizabeth: Sharp as a Tack, Soft as a Marshmallow
The former spy is still running circles around everyone, but we see cracks in her armor as she faces a devastating personal loss. It’s a testament to Osman’s skill that he can make this formidable woman so achingly human.
Joyce: The Heart and Soul (and Stomach) of the Operation
Our favorite diarist continues to delight with her stream-of-consciousness musings and culinary adventures. Her attempts at being “more Elizabeth” provide some of the book’s biggest laughs.
Ibrahim: The Voice of Reason (Most of the Time)
The retired therapist gets to flex his psychological muscles, all while navigating his own emotional journey. His friendship with Ron remains a highlight.
Ron: Gruff on the Outside, Marshmallow on the Inside
The ex-union man is still throwing verbal punches, but we see a softer side as he supports his friends through tough times. His relationship with Pauline adds a sweet touch of romance.
But it’s not just our fab four carrying the story. Osman has populated Coopers Chase with a rich tapestry of supporting characters, each feeling fully realized and essential to the world he’s created. From DCI Chris Hudson and PC Donna De Freitas to the enigmatic Bogdan, these characters have become as dear to readers as the main gang.
A Mystery That’ll Keep You Guessing (and Googling)
At its core, “The Last Devil to Die” is still a cracking good mystery. Osman weaves a complex web of clues, red herrings, and surprising twists that’ll have you furiously turning pages (or tapping your e-reader, no judgment here). The central plot involving a missing package of heroin and a priceless ancient artifact is clever and engaging, with enough layers to keep even the most seasoned mystery buff on their toes.
But what sets this series apart is how Osman seamlessly blends the cozy mystery elements with deeper themes. This isn’t just about solving a puzzle; it’s about friendship, loyalty, and facing mortality with grace and humor. The way our heroes rally around Elizabeth in her grief is genuinely touching, a reminder that family isn’t always about blood.
Laughter Through Tears (and Vice Versa)
One of Osman’s greatest strengths is his ability to balance humor and pathos. One moment you’ll be chuckling at Joyce’s latest culinary experiment, the next you might find yourself reaching for a tissue. It’s this emotional whiplash that makes the book feel so… well, human.
Take the scene where the gang attends a funeral for a beloved fox. It’s absurd and hilarious, but also strangely moving. Or Elizabeth’s quiet moments of grief, punctuated by flashes of her trademark wit. Osman never lets us wallow, always finding the light in even the darkest moments.
A Love Letter to Getting Older
While the mystery is compelling, the real heart of “The Last Devil to Die” (and the series as a whole) is its celebration of aging. In a culture that often pushes older people to the sidelines, Osman gives us vibrant, complex characters who are living life to the fullest well into their seventies and eighties.
There’s a refreshing lack of “old people” stereotypes here. Yes, our heroes might need the occasional nap or struggle with technology, but they’re also sharp, funny, and deeply engaged with the world around them. It’s a portrayal that feels both honest and aspirational.
Not Just for Grannies (But They’ll Love It Too)
Don’t let the geriatric protagonists fool you – this book has cross-generational appeal. Younger readers will find plenty to relate to in the themes of friendship and finding purpose. Plus, let’s be honest, we could all use some life advice from Elizabeth and co.
That said, older readers will likely find a special resonance in the way Osman tackles issues of aging, loss, and reinvention. It’s rare to see these topics handled with such humor and grace in popular fiction.
A Series That Keeps Getting Better
If you’re new to the Thursday Murder Club, fear not! While “The Last Devil to Die” builds on relationships and events from previous books, Osman provides enough context that you can jump in here and still enjoy the ride. That said, why deprive yourself? Start from the beginning and thank me later.
For longtime fans, this fourth installment feels like a natural evolution of the series. The characters we’ve grown to love continue to develop in surprising and satisfying ways. And while there’s a bittersweet undercurrent to this book, it never loses the warmth and charm that made us fall in love with Coopers Chase in the first place.
The Verdict: A Must-Read for Mystery Lovers (and, well, Everyone)
“The Last Devil to Die” is a triumph, cementing Richard Osman’s place as a master of the modern cozy mystery. It’s funny, it’s clever, it’s heartwarming, and yes, it might make you cry a little. But mostly, it’ll remind you of the power of friendship and the importance of living life to the fullest, no matter your age.
So brew yourself a cup of tea, settle into your favorite chair, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Just maybe keep a box of tissues handy, just in case.
What’s Next for the Thursday Murder Club?
While Osman has hinted that he’s taking a break from the series to work on a new project, he’s assured fans that Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron will be back for more adventures. Personally, I can’t wait to see what trouble they get into next. Maybe a nice, relaxing cruise? (Who am I kidding – there’d be a body in the pool by chapter three.)
If You Loved This, Try These:
- The Thursday Murder Club
- The Man Who Died Twice
- The Bullet That Missed
- The Marlow Murder Club by Robert Thorogood
- The Postscript Murders by Elly Griffiths
- A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (for more heartwarming tales of seniors behaving badly)
Final Thoughts
“The Last Devil to Die” is like a warm hug from an old friend—comforting, familiar, but with the ability to surprise you. It’s a book that’ll make you laugh, make you think, and maybe make you call your grandma. In a world that can often feel chaotic and cold, Osman’s Thursday Murder Club is a reminder of the power of community, the importance of friendship, and the simple joy of a good mystery well told.
So here’s to Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—may they keep solving crimes and stealing our hearts for many books to come. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have a sudden urge to bake a Victoria sponge and plot the perfect murder. (Kidding! …mostly.)
