【 THE BULLET THAT MISSED 】

book #3 in the Thursday Murder Club series

Genre: Cosy Crime
Audience: Adult
Author: Richard Osman
Published: September 2022
Publisher: Viking
Pages: 413 (hardback)

Naturally, this was every bit as enjoyable as its predecessors. I’ve started really looking forward to the interview at the end of the audiobook between Richard Osman and a special guest. It’s a very fun way to reflect on the book right as you’ve finished it (though I must admit, having just said that, this was my least favourite interview – the interviewer covered a lot of the same ground as from book one’s interview #awks and the audio quality was lowkey terrible? But I shall forgive).

I don’t think anyone can resist the charms of these characters, and they only get better as the series continues. I really enjoyed some of the extra ‘cast members’ (as I feel obliged to call them) in this book. The strength of the main crew’s friendship was really proven throughout the events of this book. And, without any spoilers, I have to say that Joyce had some really great scenes where she totally proves her mettle (you’ll know the ones I mean when you read it). She’s just the best character – Osman writes her ridiculously well. Her diary entries are beyond hilarious.

And I feel a honourable mention to the unexpected job that Ibrahim takes on with great enjoyment was very entertaining.

There was actually so much going on in the book. It seems straightforward, but what starts as a missing person’s case (plus some extra trouble they’re always getting into) turns into something far more elaborate. And with the epic cast of characters that Osman has created (I mean, come on, it’s so epic and huge now!) he can really pull off the convoluted aspects and keep you on your toes as you try to keep up with all the POVs. One of my favourite sub-stories is the banter between Donna and Chris. They are just absolutely the best.

ALSO, can we mention the incredibly stressful scene that is from Chris’s POV?! It seems minor in the big picture, but I was ready to pass out from concern for a hot second.

What more is there to say, really? I didn’t guess it, and I loved it. Osman has a way with these characters and this world, and I sure hope he keeps pumping them out. The fact that we can have so many mysteries and cases back-to-back without it feeling forced is a credit to him, for sure. My obsession grows ever stronger.

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Title: The Bullet That Missed
Series: Thursday Murder Club
Author: Richard Osman
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It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club are concerned. A decade-old cold case—their favorite kind—leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers.

Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill or be killed. Suddenly the cold case has become red hot.

While Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim chase down the clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?

From an upmarket spa to a prison cell complete with espresso machine to a luxury penthouse high in the sky, this third adventure of the Thursday Murder Club is full of the cleverness, intrigue, and irresistible charm that readers have come to expect from Richard Osman’s bestselling series.