The Bullet That Missed: The third novel in the multi-million copy bestselling murder mystery series: 3 (The Thursday Murder Club, 3)

Richard, please hurry up and do number 4, as I can’t wait! I have devoured 1, 2 and now 3 and loved all of them. I think it is the characters you really get behind them and in number 3 we meet some new ones, who are equally as captivating and I doubt we have heard the last of them, also hope we get some clarity in book 4, as intrigued about Connie and what will happen to her going forward and even to find out what happens to the chief inspector and can Elizabeth and Viktor please take the trip to Dubai, they have to follow up. The characters all mesh together and create a page turning story. Humorous, interesting and some of it is very sad, you start to see deterioration of health for one and the realisation from some that they will not live forever. Joyce has some very good lines about living for today, as you might not be here tomorrow, so do the things you want to now before it is too late. Alan is a dark horse, well actually he’s a dog, but he is a highly intelligent dog and he reminds me of the dog from another book I’ve read this year, lessons in chemistry (try it couldn’t put it down.) dogs with their own minds and thoughts, which is now I like to think they are in real life as well. There is a good plot throughout the book and it sweeps you in, which is why I read it cover to cover in 3 sittings. Although you could read this as a stand alone, I would highly recommend that you don’t as otherwise you will miss out on the back history of the characters, which Richard has built in the previous 2 books. I love a good murder, not undertaking one personally, that would be against the law folks, but true crime, fiction, you name it, I love it and these books are some of the best I’ve read and if I can find a retirement complex that has it’s own murder club when I am a bit older, i’m in, put my name down at once. Tell my son please, in case I can’t decide myself, I only want a complex with a weekly murder club, not knitting or conversational French, murder. These books show so much of people’s nature, a theme throughout for me is Chris and Donna’s tolerance of what could be seen as interfering old people, putting their noses in where the police should be only. I also love Bogden who really grows as a character in number 3 and how he is with Stephen is how you hope others would be when confronted with a gentleman in decline. He has such a good heart and something really good happens for him in this novel. No spoilers, but it will make you take a deep sigh and say “you deserve this mate.” In this one there is television involved, so the author can talk about that I imagine without much research given his day job and I loved the line that the make up room is where you can catch up on all the gossip, as I imagine that is a fact. I recently read a book that was compared to these books, big splash on the advert about if you enjoyed Richard’s books, you’ll enjoy these. No, they were terrible, also I love Rev Richard Cole’s and they have compared his first novel to these, again, I read it based on that, again was so disappointed. Nothing compares to these (are you all humming the tune now, sorry,) they are brilliant, buy them, read them and I hope you enjoy them as much as I have.

I was hooked from the start. I’ve read the 1st and 2nd book of the series before this one and this is by far the best one yet (however all are extremely entertaining and joyful to read). I’ve become so attached to the characters and feel a sense of comfort and warmth when reading these books (despite the fact it’s about murders..) definitely recommend. Absolute pleasure!

Richard Osman is back with the third installment of the Thursday Murder Club series, The Bullet That Missed, and if you enjoyed the first two, you will almost certainly enjoy this one. It retains that distinct "cozy but deadly" charm that Osman has perfected. The Good: The Characters: As always, the quartet of Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim is the heart of the book. Osman manages to make them feel like real friends. Joyce’s diary entries remain a highlight—she is the perfect balance of innocent and incredibly sharp. The new additions, including a "frenemy" KGB agent named Viktor, add a fantastic dynamic to the group. The Humor: It is genuinely funny. The banter is witty, and the absurdity of octogenarians kidnapping people or dealing with money launderers is handled with such a light touch that you can’t help but smile. The Emotional Core: Beneath the jokes, there are touching moments about aging, friendship, and dementia that give the story real weight without being depressing. The Honest Critique: The Plot Complexity: While the characters are 5-star, the actual murder mystery plot is a little convoluted this time around. There are a lot of moving parts—cryptocurrency schemes, ex-KGB spies, VAT fraud, and a cold case involving a TV reporter. At times, it feels like the plot is just a loose excuse to get the characters in a room together. Suspension of Disbelief: You have to be willing to just go with it. The idea that these retirees can outsmart the MI5 and the KGB so easily is getting increasingly far-fetched. If you prefer gritty realism, this might be too silly for you. Verdict: It’s a comfort read in the best way possible. It might not be the tightest mystery ever written, but it is warm, clever, and hugely entertaining. It feels like catching up with old friends who just happen to attract trouble.

Interesting read

This book was so good! I think it might be the best so far. Not only do we have all the favorites from the first couple books, but there are a few new ones to liven things up. There are a couple of continued storylines that run throughout. Nothing that was seriously left open-ended, just continued. And we embark on a brand new mystery that the gang must solve. Yet again, the antics are priceless. The humor and light-natured fun, the great characters--it's all packed into this fast-paced book you don't want to stop reading; but you really don't want it to end. I would LOVE these people to be my grandparents and their friends! I can't wait to watch the new Netflix movie of the first book, cuz I can't wait to see how it compares--and how much is captured by the screen!! I also am so ready to read the next book, AND the 5th is coming soon! So much good on the way!

This is a great series with wonderful characters and a great story!

I’ve read 3 of Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books and just ordered his latest. I really enjoy reading these. He’s an excellent writer. His books are fun and with short chapters, they are easy to read. The plots flow well and there is evolving suspense making you wonder how the mystery will turn out right up to the end. With each book I have grown more fond of the characters and I don’t think I can pick my favourite as they all have their quirks which make them fun, memorable and interesting. I even enjoyed reading the acknowledgments at the end as they are written in a casual tone with some humour. I recommend any and all of the Thursday Murder Club books.

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