Introduction: A New Chapter in Cozy Crime
Is it possible to capture lightning in a bottle twice? That is the question fans of Richard Osman’s phenomenally successful Thursday Murder Club series were asking the moment he announced his new mystery, We Solve Murders. The title itself is a bold declaration, and it promises a fresh, witty take on the cozy crime genre that Osman has practically made his own.
This new novel marks the beginning of a separate series, moving the action away from the quiet retirement village of Coopers Chase and onto a much larger, more international stage. The shift is significant, but the core elements that make Osman’s writing so beloved—warmth, wit, and an affection for eccentric characters—remain firmly in place.
This new book introduces a completely unconventional pair of detectives, immediately setting the tone for a series that is as much a thrilling, global chase as it is a charming, deeply human character study. It promises a mystery that is as much about the journey and the people encountered as it is about the final reveal of the killer.
Meet the Detectives: Amy and Steve Wheeler
Amy: The Tough-as-Nails Security Expert
Amy Wheeler is the novel’s anchor in the world of high-stakes security and international intrigue. She is a private security officer, tough, capable, and accustomed to handling dangerous situations with a cool head.
Her current assignment is protecting Rosie D’Antonio, a world-famous novelist, which places her in the exclusive, often absurd, circles of the global elite. Amy’s professional life is a stark contrast to the quiet domesticity she often discusses with her father-in-law, Steve.
She is the one who finds herself suddenly on the run, framed for a string of murders she is absolutely determined to solve to clear her name. Her resourcefulness and grit drive the plot forward at a breakneck pace.
Steve: The Retired Cop with a Sharp Eye
Steve Wheeler, Amy’s father-in-law, is the series’ gentle, yet surprisingly astute, heart. A retired police officer, he lives a quiet life in the New Forest, observing the seemingly peaceful secrets of his village.
Steve’s strength lies not in physical action but in his keen observational skills and his deep understanding of human nature. He is a man of routine and no-nonsense principles, famously disdaining sunglasses because he is “not a male model.”
His bond with Amy is the emotional core of the novel, a deep and understated love that motivates him to step out of his comfortable retirement. He reluctantly joins the investigation, bringing his old-school detective instincts to the modern, global case.
The Global Hunt: Plot and Pacing
A String of Murders and a Run for Their Lives
The plot of We Solve Murders is triggered when Amy is implicated in a string of mysterious deaths. This forces her and Rosie, the novelist, to become fugitives, pursued by a shadowy killer across the world.
The narrative is a globe-trotting adventure, moving from exclusive islands to the more mundane, yet equally intriguing, setting of Letchworth Garden City. The scope is ambitious, offering a wider canvas than the confined setting of Coopers Chase.
The mystery is intricate, filled with red herrings and a wonderfully large cast of suspects, which keeps the reader guessing right up until the final pages. The pacing is lively, balancing moments of high tension with the author’s characteristic comedic relief.
The Signature Osman Touch
What truly elevates the book is Richard Osman’s unique ability to create characters who are both exquisitely ridiculous and deeply human. Even the minor players, such as a wannabe “paint influencer” named Bonnie, are given memorable, eccentric personalities.
The dialogue is sharp, the observations about modern life are witty, and the overall tone is one of gentle, affectionate satire. This focus on the foibles and eccentricities of people is what shines through, making the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
The author’s genuine affection for his characters, flaws and all, infuses the story with a warmth that is a rare and welcome quality in the crime genre. It ensures that even when the plot meanders, the reader is happy to simply travel along with the delightful cast.
The Legacy of The Thursday Murder Club
Similarities and Departures
While We Solve Murders introduces a new world, it retains the DNA of The Thursday Murder Club. Both series feature unconventional, highly intelligent protagonists who are underestimated by the official authorities.
The main departure is the shift in setting and scale. Where the first series was intimate and focused on the quiet subversion of retirement, the new series is expansive, dealing with global conspiracies and high-tech crime.
However, the underlying theme of found family and the power of unlikely partnerships remains central. The relationship between Amy and Steve, a father-in-law and daughter-in-law team, replaces the quartet of elderly friends, providing a new, yet equally compelling, emotional dynamic.
Final Verdict: A Delightful Addition to the Genre
We Solve Murders is a triumphant start to Richard Osman’s new series. It successfully blends a complex, fast-paced mystery with the author’s signature humor and heart.
The novel is a delightful read, offering a fresh take on the crime genre while delivering the comfort and joy that fans have come to expect from the master storyteller. It confirms Osman’s status as a master storyteller who can make even the darkest of crimes feel like a warm, engaging adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About We Solve Murders
Is We Solve Murders part of The Thursday Murder Club series?
No, We Solve Murders is the first novel in a brand-new mystery series by Richard Osman. It introduces a completely new set of characters and a different narrative world, separate from the adventures of Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, and Ibrahim.
Who are the main characters in We Solve Murders?
The primary detective duo is Amy Wheeler, a private security officer, and her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, a retired police officer. They are joined by Rosie D’Antonio, a bestselling novelist under Amy’s protection.
What is the genre of the book?
The book falls into the “cozy crime” or “mystery” genre. It is characterized by a light, humorous tone, a focus on character development, and a less graphic depiction of violence compared to hard-boiled crime fiction.
