The Thursday Murder Club series is a best-selling cozy mystery franchise by Richard Osman, featuring four sharp, elderly sleuths living in a retirement village and solving cold cases—and soaring in global popularity thanks to its wit, charm, and relatability.
Why This Cozy Mystery Stands Out
The unusually lovable premise is part of its success: four pensioners—Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce, and Ibrahim—meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes, only to find themselves embroiled in real investigations. It’s cozy, yes, but with clever twists and warmth.
From the start, it became a publishing sensation. The debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club (2020), sold over 45,000 copies in its first three days. By Christmas that year, it achieved debut-novel Christmas No. 1 status in the UK, marking a publishing milestone.
Later installments kept the momentum going. The fourth book, The Last Devil to Die (2023), not only hit No. 1 on the New York Times Best Sellers list, but also became the fastest-selling hardback by a British author. The fifth, The Impossible Fortune (2025), led the UK bestsellers chart, moving nearly 400,000 hardback copies.
Sales have been staggering—not exact but undeniably massive. In just the UK, the fourth book sold over a million copies, earning a platinum Bestseller Award, while the series overall has surpassed millions globally.
The Man Behind the Mystery
Richard Osman, known for hosting quiz shows like Pointless, brings both creative storytelling and a deep appreciation for character voices. He drew inspiration from hearing stories in his mother’s retirement community. That firsthand insight helped shape his central characters—the underestimated but extraordinary sleuths of the Thursday Murder Club.
His writing approach is grounded in cozy-crime tradition with a modern edge. He combined classic influences like Agatha Christie with a playful twist: the retired, the wise, the overlooked taking center stage.
Beyond the Page: Adaptations and Cultural Impact
The series’ reach expanded even more with Hollywood’s interest. A film adaptation premiered in August 2025—directed by Chris Columbus and featuring a stellar cast including Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie. It debuted on Netflix after a limited UK theatrical release.
Director Columbus and the lead actors are already keen on sequels, with Columbus saying he’d love to spend the next few years making at least two more films, if audiences embrace the characters.
The film’s UK premiere and the choice to film at locations like Englefield Estate—standing in for the fictional Coopers Chase Retirement Village—amplified its visual appeal and connection to real life.
What Makes It So Compelling?
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Fresh spins on a cozy framework
Four retirees solving murder—unexpected yet grounded in real voices and humor—makes for an unforgettable combination. -
Authentic, relatable characters
The group reflects lived experience, strengths that come with age, and heart. Osman’s own visits to a retirement community fuel the authenticity. -
Consistent release schedule + expanding universe
Annual book releases between 2020 and 2023, a break for a new series in 2024 (We Solve Murders), then back to the franchise in 2025, sustained momentum. -
Cross-media expansion
Film, potential sequels, and strong sales—books flourish, streaming buzz, and awards pile up.
“You hear these amazing stories and gossip and wisdom… These people with their wisdom and their invisibility would be the perfect people to solve [a crime].”
– Richard Osman explains the emotional core of his characters.
A Quick Look: Book by Book
| Title | Year | Highlights |
|—————————|——|————|
| The Thursday Murder Club | 2020 | Debut; Christmas No. 1; debut-novel record. |
| The Man Who Died Twice | 2021 | Sequel; continued acclaim. |
| The Bullet That Missed | 2022 | Expanded fan base. |
| The Last Devil to Die | 2023 | NYT No. 1; fastest-selling British hardback. |
| The Impossible Fortune | 2025 | UK bestsellers No. 1; massive hardback sales. |
The Wider Picture: Longevity and Legacy
The Thursday Murder Club is more than a cozy mystery series. It’s a celebration of age, wisdom, community, and humor. Osman’s empathy for his characters adds an emotional weight while still delivering sharp plots.
With film adaptations and talk of sequels, the franchise is set to reach even wider audiences. If the chemistry between cast and story continues to resonate, this might just become a long-running mystery universe.
Conclusion
This series became a global phenomenon through its clever premise, engaging characters, and smart pacing. Richard Osman turned a cozy mystery into a cross-generational hit with heart. Now, with cinematic success and future projects in view, the Thursday Murder Club is solving more than murder—it’s cracking through barriers of expectation.
FAQs
What is The Thursday Murder Club about?
A group of four charming retirees gather weekly to talk about unsolved cases but end up investigating real murders in their retirement village. It blends wit with mystery and warmth.
How popular is the series?
Extremely. The debut novel broke records in the UK and Christmas. As of 2025, the series has sold millions worldwide, and individual books–like The Last Devil to Die–have hit No. 1 on prestigious bestseller lists.
Who writes the series?
Richard Osman, a former TV quiz-show host turned novelist, penned the series. He drew inspiration from stories he heard at his mother’s retirement community, blending real-world insight with cozy-fiction charm.
Has the series been adapted?
Yes—a film adaptation directed by Chris Columbus was released in August 2025 on Netflix and in UK theaters. The ensemble cast includes Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie.
Will there be more films?
Director Chris Columbus and the main cast have expressed strong interest in multiple sequels, though none are officially confirmed yet. Sets are preserved, and the enthusiasm is high.
Where can I start reading?
Start with The Thursday Murder Club (2020), then follow through the sequels: The Man Who Died Twice (2021), The Bullet That Missed (2022), The Last Devil to Die (2023), and The Impossible Fortune (2025).
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