The Man Who Died Twice – Book Synopsis
|
Title |
The Man Who Died Twice |
|
Author |
Richard Osman |
|
Genre |
Thriller Mystery, Cozy Mistery |
|
Format |
432 pages, Hardcover |
|
Published |
16 Sept. 2021, Viking |
|
ISBN-10 |
0241425425 |
|
ISBN-13 |
978-0241425428 |
|
Language |
English |
The Man Who Died Twice – Quick Summary
The Man Who Died Twice Review – Trigger Warnings, Sensitive Topics and Age Rating
Before we go any further, I always like to include a quick note on sensitive content. Every reader is different, and some themes in this book might be difficult for certain people.
If you prefer to check content warnings before reading, just click below to reveal the list of trigger warnings, sensitive topics and age ratting.
Plot Overview
Okay, so this time our little gang of clever retirees is back in action. As usual, they try to stay out of trouble—but trouble clearly hasn’t had enough of them. Things kick off when someone from Elizabeth’s past shows up unexpectedly. What begins as a small favor quickly turns into a much bigger mystery, with stolen diamonds, long-buried secrets, and plenty of unexpected twists along the way.
This book focuses a lot more on Elizabeth and her backstory. It feels a little different from the first one—less of a classic whodunit and more like a cozy spy mystery. We get to dig deeper into who Elizabeth really is, beyond just the sharp, fearless leader of the group. I loved learning more about her, and it adds a whole new layer to her character.
But don’t worry, the rest of the gang is still very much around. Joyce is as delightful as ever, Ron brings his usual charm, and Ibrahim adds his thoughtful touch. Their friendship is still at the heart of the story, and their dynamic is just as fun and warm as before.
What I Loved
It’s honestly hard to say what I loved most about The Man Who Died Twice. I’ll admit I’m a bit biased, I’m a big fan of this series, but I truly think this book stands out beautifully. The shift from a classic whodunit to something more like a cozy spy mystery was such a smart move. The storyline involving the stolen diamonds, Elizabeth’s past, MI5, and the mafia was just so entertaining. It gave the book a fresh twist without losing the charm that made the first one so special.
I also really enjoyed the addition of new characters like Connie Johnson, Douglas, and Poppy. They each bring something unique to the story and somehow fit in perfectly with the rest of the cast. Nothing about their presence feels forced, they just click.
And of course, I can’t forget Joyce’s journal entries. This time around, they’re even bigger, funnier, and full of her usual charm. Honestly, I could read a whole book from her perspective alone. She’s so random, but in the most clever and delightful way. Every time her voice came in, I couldn’t stop smiling.
What Surprised Me
I really loved how Bogdan has a bigger role in this book. His character has a lot of more page time since last one, and it was such a nice surprise. On the surface, he still seems a bit dodgy and dangerous, but the more we see of him, the more you realize how loyal, thoughtful, and gentle he can be. He’s full of surprises, and honestly, some of my favorite moments in the book involve him. He adds a quiet strength to the group, and I’m so glad he got more time to shine.
What Didn’t Work for Me
I loved spending more time with the main cast in this book. The group dynamic is one of the best things about this series, and it’s always a joy to see how they play off each other.
That said, one thing that didn’t quite work for me was how little time we got with Ibrahim. Something happens early in the book that pulls him back a bit, and even though he’s still involved and helping the team, he’s more in the background than before. I really missed his quiet logic and thoughtful perspective. He brings a unique energy to the group, and I found myself wishing he had more page time.
Vibe Check
Okay, so this one definitely leans more into a spy/heist vibe, and I really enjoyed that shift. There’s more action this time, not in a high-speed-chase kind of way, but in the sense that the stakes feel higher, the tension is sharper, and the plot has more layers. We’ve got stolen diamonds, secret identities, and some very shady characters, which gives the story a fresh, lively energy.
It still keeps the cozy feel and clever humour that made the first book so charming, but now it feels like it’s operating on a slightly bigger stage. There’s a subtle sense of adventure running through the story, and that adds a fun twist to the usual mystery format.
About The Plot Twist
This one doesn’t offer a big plot twist, at least not in the traditional sense. You kind of see things coming and start to piece it all together alongside the characters. But honestly, that’s not a bad thing. Like I mentioned earlier, this book has a different vibe from the first one. It’s less about the big reveal and more about the journey, following the clues and watching the layers unfold.
You get a clear sense of where the story is heading, and that actually works in its favour. And while there aren’t any huge shocks, there are still a few fun surprises tucked in at the end to keep things interesting.
Conclusion
The Man Who Died Twice is definitely worth the read. It’s smart, funny, and full of heart, just like the first book, but with a fresh new take that keeps things interesting. The mix of cozy mystery and light spy drama works so well, and the characters are as lovable and clever as ever. Even with less time with some favourites, it still delivers everything I love about this series. If you enjoy character-driven stories with charm, wit, and just enough mystery to keep you guessing, this one absolutely deserves a spot on your TBR.
Add The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman to your Goodreads TBR!
Some Book Quotes
“Some people can’t cope with retirement. Not me. I can cope with not working very easily indeed.”
“If you can’t find the answer, have a biscuit. If the answer’s still not there, have another one.“
“If you can’t trust a woman with a knitting bag, then who can you trust?“
Let’s Chat!
Have you read The Man Who Died Twice? Who’s your favorite character? Did you enjoy the cozy spy/heist plot? Are you just starting the series, or rereading it like I am?
I’d love to hear your thoughts, drop a comment below, let’s chat!
