I love people lending me books, which I might not otherwise read, with words like “You need to read this,” or “I know you’ll love it.”

So, when a friend recommended that I read Richard Osman’s debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, with the words “I need to marry him,” I thought ok, if its good enough to make my friend fancy the bespectacled giant from Pointless, then give it a go I will!

What the press release says:
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.

What I say:
The Thursday Murder Club is an entertaining read. Some people gobble it up in one sitting, declaring it to be a masterpiece, I did not. For me it was a bit like a witty episode of Murder She Wrote. That may be be a bit harsh, but if it was a television programme, it would definitely be on a Sunday evening, post Antiques Roadshow and would star Joanna Lumley.

The plot is well thought out and there is no doubt that Osman is a funny fella, as there are some great lines in there. I found it refreshing that all the characters are in the latter years of their lives, in the what can be categorised as, ‘not giving a shit’ years. Particularly Elizabeth, the main character, who is a star turn and would be a welcome addition to any dinner party or just for a gossip over a cheeky glass of sherry.

My advice is try it, you’ll read it easily enough, maybe even with a smirk. There’s no ‘wading through’ or ‘sticking with it’ required for this book, although I wouldn’t splurge on the hardback, better to wait for the paperback or when it’s on discount.