If you’re taking part in my #SolveItBeforeSept Reading Challenge, this guide is for you! In this post, we’re looking at The Thursday Murder Club books in order, with a quick, spoiler-free overview of each one to help you follow the series from the very beginning.
Whether you’re brand new to the mysteries at Coopers Chase or just brushing up before the new release, this is the perfect place to start (or restart!).
Don’t forget to use #SolveItBeforeSept if you’re reading along or sharing your thoughts, I’ll be right there with you, one case at a time.
The Thursday Murder Club: About the Author
Richard Osman
Richard Osman is a British author and television presenter, best known for his record-breaking Thursday Murder Club series. His novels — The Thursday Murder Club, The Man Who Died Twice, The Bullet That Missed, The Last Devil to Die, and We Solve Murders — have all become international and New York Times bestsellers.
Osman’s novels are celebrated for their blend of humor, warmth, and intricate plotting. He has cited Agatha Christie as a significant influence, aiming to craft mysteries that are both engaging and character-driven.
He lives in London with his wife, Ingrid, and their two cats, Liesl and Lottie. A film adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club is set to hit theaters in 2025, produced by Amblin Entertainment. The fifth book in the series, The Impossible Fortune, is on the way.
The Thursday Murder Club is the bestselling cozy mystery series by British author Richard Osman. Since the release of the first book in 2020, the series has become a global sensation, with millions of copies sold, translations in over 40 languages, and loads of awards and nominations.
Loved for its sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and heartwarming twists, the series has quickly become a favourite among readers of all ages, and it’s only getting better with each book.
This post is a quick and spoiler-free guide to the Thursday Murder Club books in order, just the basics to help you follow the series and know what each book is about.
If you’re looking for more detail, don’t worry, I’ll be sharing full review posts for each book soon! And leading up to the launch of the new book in October, there will be a full range of posts to explore — from character guides to favourite quotes and more.
The Thursday Murder Club – Book 1
Published September 22, 2020
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.
But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Can our unorthodox but brilliant gang catch the killer before it’s too late?
Barry Award Nominee for Best First Novel (2021), Anthony Award Nominee for Best First Novel (2021), ITW Thriller Award Nominee for Hardcover Novel (2021), Edgar Award Nominee for Best Novel (2021)
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?
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?
Anthony Award Nominee for Best Hardcover Novel (2023), British Book Award Nominee for Crime and Thriller and for Audiobook: Fiction (2023), Australian Book Industry Award (ABIA) Nominee for International Book (2023), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Mystery & Thriller (2022)
An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing.
As the gang springs into action they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home.
With the body count rising, the package still missing and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
Anthony Award Nominee for Best Hardcover Novel (2024), British Book Award Nominee for Crime and Thriller (2024), Goodreads Choice Award Nominee for Mystery/Thriller (2023), Libby Award Nominee for Best Mystery (2024)
To Be Published on September 25 (UK Release), 2025 To Be Published on September 30 (US and Canada), 2025
Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan?
It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnap and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code, and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
Now that you’ve got the reading order, it’s time to pick a cozy reading spot, grab your first book, and settle in, preferably with something warm to sip and no distractions (except maybe snacks… snacks are always allowed).
Join me for the #SolveItBeforeSept Reading Challenge, whether you’re diving in for the first time or rereading, this is the perfect place to find everything you need about the series and share your thoughts along the way (no spoilers, please — let’s keep it fun for everyone!).
Leave a comment and let me know where you’re starting, how you’re feeling about the challenge, or if your TBR pile just sighed dramatically. I’d love to hear from you!
