How to Read the Thursday Murder Club Series
If you are looking to dive into the charming, witty, and surprisingly emotional world of Coopers Chase retirement village, the recommended path is simple: read the books in order of publication. Because the series relies heavily on character development, evolving relationships, long-term story arcs, and recurring jokes, jumping in mid-series will spoil major plot points and lessen the emotional impact of the characters' journeys.
Thursday Murder Club Books in Order
Here is the complete list of the Thursday Murder Club novels in their recommended reading order:
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The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
This is where the adventure begins. Readers are introduced to the quiet luxury of Coopers Chase retirement village in Kent, where four septuagenarian residents—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim—meet every Thursday in the Jigsaw Room to discuss unsolved cold cases. When a local property developer is found dead next to a mysterious photograph, the club finds themselves investigating their first live case. Armed with Elizabeth's shadowy past, Joyce's observant nature, Ron's fiery determination, and Ibrahim's analytical mind, the quartet sets out to catch a killer before it's too late.
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The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
Picking up shortly after the events of the first book, the second installment raises the stakes. Elizabeth receives a letter from an old colleague—a man who has made a critical mistake and needs her help. He is being hunted by international criminals after stealing a cache of diamonds worth millions. When bodies start piling up, the Thursday Murder Club must pit their wits against ruthless drug dealers, MI5 agents, and art thieves. This novel balances high-octane suspense with the cozy charm of retirement community life.
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The Bullet That Missed (2022)
In the third book, the club tackles a decade-old cold case involving a local television news reporter who went missing, whose body was never found. As Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim pull on the threads of the mystery, Elizabeth is suddenly kidnapped by a mysterious figure who demands she kill an old foe—or risk the lives of her closest friends. The investigation leads them into the worlds of money laundering, international espionage, and makeup counters, showcasing Osman's signature blend of humor and intricate plotting.
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The Last Devil to Die (2023)
The fourth book takes a more emotional turn, exploring themes of grief, aging, and loyalty. It begins on Boxing Day when an old friend of the club is murdered, and a dangerous package containing valuable heroin goes missing. The search for the killer leads the group into the dark underbelly of the antiques trade, drug smuggling, and internet romance scams. As they face their most dangerous foes yet, the members of the club must also support each other through heartbreaking personal losses, making this one of the most poignant entries in the series.
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The Impossible Fortune (2025)
Published in September 2025, the fifth installment reunites readers with the beloved retiree detectives. After a brief hiatus where Osman focused on launching his new mystery series, the quartet returns to solve a baffling new crime. As Coopers Chase is once again thrown into chaos, the group must rely on their unique skillsets, deep bond, and sharp minds to unravel a puzzle that threatens their peaceful retirement.
Publication Order vs. Chronological Order
Unlike many long-running detective series where the chronology is loose or non-linear, the Thursday Murder Club series follows a strict, linear chronological timeline. The events of each book take place just weeks or months after the previous one, and the characters age in real-time. Because of this, the publication order and chronological order are identical. Reading the books out of order will disrupt the narrative timeline and spoil the ongoing personal arcs of the characters, particularly regarding Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, and the romance between the local police officers, Donna and Chris.
Meet the Sleuths of Coopers Chase
The true heart of the series is its characters, each bringing a distinct personality and set of skills to the investigations:
- Elizabeth Best: The de facto leader of the club. Elizabeth is a former intelligence agent (presumably MI6) with a formidable intellect, a vast network of international contacts, and a practical, no-nonsense approach to breaking the rules when necessary.
- Joyce Meadowcroft: A retired nurse who acts as the primary narrator through her diary entries. While Joyce appears sweet, chatty, and harmless, she is exceptionally observant, socially sharp, and often notices the crucial details that others overlook.
- Ron Ritchie: A fiery, retired trade union leader who provides the muscle and passion of the group. Ron is fiercely loyal to his friends, loves a confrontation, and is always ready to stand up to authority.
- Ibrahim Arif: A retired psychiatrist whose analytical, detail-oriented approach helps organize the group's chaotic investigations. Ibrahim is logical, cautious, and deeply empathetic.
They are joined by a colorful supporting cast, including police officers Donna De Freitas and Chris Hudson—who are frequently roped into helping the club—and Bogdan Jankowski, a multitalented Polish builder who becomes a trusted ally and close friend to the residents.
What to Know Before You Start
While the Thursday Murder Club is categorised as a cozy mystery series, it does not shy away from the real-life struggles of aging. Alongside the humor, tea, and cake, Richard Osman writes with deep sensitivity about dementia, loneliness, physical decline, and the inevitability of death. The emotional depth of these elements elevates the books from simple whodunits to heartwarming celebrations of life and friendship. Readers should be prepared for moments of genuine heartbreak, balanced beautifully by the characters' resilient joy.
Adaptations and Related Works
In August 2025, Netflix released a highly anticipated feature film adaptation of the first book, directed by Chris Columbus. The movie features an all-star British cast, starring Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Celia Imrie as Joyce, Pierce Brosnan as Ron, and Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim. The film's success has introduced a whole new audience to the characters of Coopers Chase.
Additionally, while Richard Osman launched a new mystery series in 2024 titled We Solve Murders, it is entirely separate from the Thursday Murder Club. We Solve Murders features a different cast of characters, Steve and Amy Wheeler, and focuses on global, high-stakes investigations. Osman intends to alternate between the two series moving forward, giving readers plenty of cozy mysteries to look forward to in the coming years.