I've never been someone who has enjoyed reading murder mystery or detective novels, but “The Thursday Murder Club” surprised and delighted me as it was such a pleasurable and rewarding experience. Four charismatic individuals who are in their seventies live in a retirement village where once a week they gather together to mull over old police cases that have gone cold to see if they can solve them. But one day when someone is murdered in their own back yard they plunge into vigorously investigating this new case. Between them they have a wealth of experience, knowledge and connections – especially the high-spirited and persistent character of Elizabeth. They've also each lived distinct and fascinating lives. What's so compelling about this novel is that on top of the mystery surrounding the murders which occur in the story the reader is led to wonder about the mystery of these characters' pasts. Many of the younger people around them including police officers and characters from the local community overlook and dismiss them. Richard Osman shows there is much more to these septuagenarians than meets the eye.
Usually when I read a novel that's divided into different characters' perspectives I tend to prefer one point of view over another so find myself almost racing through the pages to get back to the character whose story I prefer. But Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are all such endearing and funny characters that I never tired of being dropped into one of their perspectives. Their conversations pleasingly flip between speculations concerning the murder cases, trivial matters like homemade vs supermarket cake and reflections about larger life issues. In a way, this novel reminded me of Muriel Spark's novel “Momento Mori” in its humorously rich portrayal of a series of characters in their later years. But even though I found the characters so engaging and fun, I did get somewhat weary from waiting to find out how these murders would be solved. I know it's in the nature of a whodunit for information to be withheld and slowly parcelled out to draw the reader along but I find this structure so self-conscious I'm not really interested in who did it or how.
What I loved most about this story was how Osman captures the idiosyncrasies and strengths of his characters as well as their faults. He sympathetically describes the longing, regrets, petty grievances and resentments which they've clearly held onto for so many years as well as their infinite sense of curiosity and fun to want to pursue the mystery of these murders. But I was also moved by the heartbreaking decisions they have to make as they lose loved ones and find their options limited because of their circumstances. It's a wonderfully cozy read, but one which also has some bite and conveys a heartfelt sympathy for the struggles of its characters.