After thoroughly enjoying the Netflix production of The Thursday Murder Club movie, which I highly recommend, I am delighted to inform you that Osman is back with the fifth book in the series, The Impossible Fortune. If you wish to read a more detailed discussion on the series, see my review here (https://www.margueritereads.com/home/the-thursday-murder-club-mysteries-by-richard-osman?rq=richard%20osman).

Our beloved foursome returns, including Joyce, Elizabeth, Ibrahim, and Ron. Police officers Donna and Chris play a small part in this mystery, while other secondary characters receive more attention. Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, died in the last book (you must read it to get the complete circumstances), and she is barely coming back to life from her handicapping grief. This mystery is brought to her at the wedding of Joyce’s daughter Johanna to Paul. Paul’s best man, Nick Silver, implores Elizabeth to meet him the next day to discuss a recent attempt on his life. When he fails to appear at the appointed time, his office torn apart, and remains missing, Elizabeth musters the group with the few facts left behind to find Nick and discover who wants him dead, and why.

We learn a great deal more about Johanna and her relationship with her mother, Joyce. We also go deeper into Ron’s family, his son, Jason, daughter, Suzy, her marriage to an abusing drug dealer, and their endearing son, Kendrick, who becomes a key figure in solving part of the mystery. Also receiving more attention is returning character Connie Johnson, a female criminal whom Ibrahim is counseling, trying to help Connie see the error of her ways, and turn her considerable abilities to the good. She brings her talent and connections to bear at a critical moment in the story.

Osman creates four of perhaps the most endearing characters I have had the pleasure to come to know. His pacing is brisk and engaging, his humor coy and delightful. While the plots follow several threads that weave and converge, he keeps the reader engaged and never leaves you behind. After watching the movie, watch for a hilarious Easter egg in this book, regarding actor Pierce Brosnan, who plays Ron. Mr. Osman, you are the best! Highest recommendation for the book, and the entire series.