At a writing conference, someone (probably not me) brought up Richard Osman. This was just before We Solve Murders was set to release, and someone (definitely me) mentioned that they were excited to read it. Another author had already read it and said they didn’t like it as much as The Thursday Murder Club series, and another said that they’d been hesitating to read it because they were worried it wouldn’t be as clean and cozy.
Well, folks, I’ve sacrificed and read (listened to) it. I’m here to tell you it is very in line with The Thursday Murder Club. I know we’re all scarred from JK Rowling’s adult mystery situation, but, in this case, history has not repeated itself. You may safely proceed.
We Solve Murders (affiliate link)
by Richard Osman
If you’ve been here long, you know I love The Thursday Murder Club and Richard Osman in general. (According to my British author friend, he’s basically a British Ryan Secrest. What’s not to love?) So when a new Osman Cozy came out I didn’t hesitate to put it on hold with Libby.
It didn’t disappoint.
I can’t say it’s better than The Thursday Murder Club, because it doesn’t get cozier than an idyllic retirement community in the English Countryside. But it was a fun story with a good mystery and charming new characters.
Content-wise, there are probably some soft swear words. Nothing that I remember, but the biblical ones in this context don’t shock me anymore. There’s a decent amount of innuendo and some off-page suggestions. Nothing graphic. Nothing out of character.
If you haven’t read it, or you have a bookworm on your gift list, check it out!
What I’m Reading
I’m in the middle of The Night We Lost Him by Laura Dave. I started it forever ago, but my hold ran out before I could finish it. Wish me luck this time, with Christmas around the corner it’s anyone’s guess if I’ll make it through this time. But I enjoyed the first half so I hope so.
What I’m Watching
ANYTHING fun. comedians on YouTube, Christmas classics, and all the new Christmas romances on Netflix. To check them out for you all. I live to serve. 😉
So far, I’m not mad about Hot Frosty and Haul Out the Holly. But Merry Gentlemen took it a little too far for me to feel comfortable watching in the middle of the day at my kitchen table. I’m not that desensitized, yet.
Our Little Secret and Meet Me Next Christmas were fine, perfectly cute Christmas fluff, but some of the plastic surgery on the actors was distracting for me.
I’m looking forward to watching Christmas in Notting Hill. And apparently, Haul Out the Holly has a sequel? Haul Out the Holly Lit Up? Maybe I’ll give that a try. Lacey Chabert came on the Christmas scene strong. I was on the fence, but now I’m into it. Go, Lacey!
Writing Update
I’m officially done with the draft. After a few mystery tweaks and a romance edit, I’ll be ready to send it to the publisher I’ve been talking to. Fingers Crossed.
What’s been your favorite book this year?
I’d love to hear from you!