Read The Thursday Murders Club Books In Order : Every Fan MUST Know!

By Kathy | Last Updated on May 23, 2026

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Few modern mystery series have captured such a wide and devoted readership as The Thursday Murders Club by Richard Osman. Blending classic whodunit structures with contemporary humor, emotional depth, and an unexpectedly sharp social commentary, the series has carved out a distinctive place in crime fiction. What initially appears to be a lighthearted concept-four retirees solving murders from the comfort of a peaceful retirement village-quickly reveals itself to be far more layered, intelligent, and heartfelt. These books are not merely about crime; they are about aging, memory, friendship, loss, and the quiet heroism found in ordinary lives.

In this article, we will explore the background of The Thursday Murders Club series, explain the recommended reading order, examine what makes the books so compelling, and address whether reading them in order is truly necessary. Together, these sections will provide a comprehensive look at why this series has resonated so strongly with readers around the world.

List Of The Thursday Murders Club Books In Order

More On The Thursday Murders Club Books In Chronological Order

1. The Thursday Murder Club (2020)

So, here we are, meeting four retirees living in a cozy retirement village who decide to form a murder club. They’re not your typical senior citizens – they’re witty, curious, and secretly sharp as a tack. What starts as a hobby of solving cold cases soon turns into an actual, real-life murder mystery when a local developer turns up dead. It’s full of twists, laughs, and a whole lot of unexpected cleverness. And honestly, you’re going to fall for these lovable, offbeat characters who are just as much about friendship as they are about cracking cases. It’s charming, funny, and absolutely delightful!

2. The Man Who Died Twice (2021)

The gang’s back at it in this sequel, and things are getting more thrilling (and a bit more dangerous)! This time, one of the club members receives a letter from an old flame who’s mixed up in a dangerous criminal plot. The letter contains a surprising confession: he has a secret, and someone wants him dead. So, naturally, our unlikely detectives get involved to uncover the truth. It’s packed with more quirky humor, fresh mysteries, and unexpected alliances. If you thought the first book was fun, this one’s got even more heart, drama, and puzzle-solving fun.

3. The Bullet That Missed (2022)

Third time’s a charm! In *The Bullet That Missed*, the Thursday Murder Club faces yet another whirlwind mystery. This time, it revolves around a cold case involving a missing local woman and a long-forgotten crime from years ago. As the team digs deeper, they find themselves entangled in even more twisted secrets, complicated motives, and of course, plenty of twists. As usual, Richard Osman’s knack for blending humor with suspense really shines here. The characters are as witty and lovable as ever, and the plot keeps you hooked with plenty of drama and intrigue.

4. The Last Devil to Die (2023)

Here we are with the latest installment, and I’ve got to say, it doesn’t disappoint! In *The Last Devil to Die*, the Thursday Murder Club faces an especially creepy mystery, with something or someone turning up dead in a way that hits close to home for our crew. The murder takes place in a place they know all too well, and as they dig through the clues, it becomes a race against time to solve the case before it gets even messier. This one’s got everything you loved from the previous books – clever twists, intriguing characters, and of course, that quirky mix of dark humor that Osman does so well.

Background On The Thursday Murders Club Books

The Thursday Murders Club series debuted in 2020 with the publication of its first novel, The Thursday Murders Club. Written by Richard Osman-best known at the time as a television presenter and producer-the book quickly became a bestseller, surprising many critics with its sophistication and emotional intelligence. Rather than relying solely on clever plotting, Osman grounded his mysteries in richly drawn characters and a setting that feels vividly alive.

The series is set primarily in Coopers Chase, a luxury retirement village in the English countryside. At the heart of the story are four unlikely detectives: Elizabeth Best, a former intelligence operative; Joyce Meadowcroft, a warm, observant former nurse; Ibrahim Arif, a meticulous retired psychiatrist; and Ron Ritchie, a fiery former union leader. Each brings a distinct personality, skill set, and worldview to the group, allowing the investigations to unfold through multiple lenses.

What distinguishes the series from many other contemporary mysteries is its treatment of age. Instead of portraying older characters as peripheral or comic relief, Osman places them firmly at the center of the narrative. Their past experiences-professional, emotional, and moral-are not just background details but integral tools in solving crimes. As the series progresses, it also broadens its scope, introducing recurring characters, ongoing relationships, and thematic continuity that rewards attentive readers.

As of now, the core books in the series include:

1. The Thursday Murders Club
2. The Man Who Died Twice
3. The Bullet That Missed
4. The Last Devil to Die

Each installment builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessors while presenting a fresh mystery.

Reading Order Explained

The reading order for The Thursday Murders Club series is straightforward and chronological, following the order of publication. While each book presents a self-contained mystery with its own central crime, the overarching character development and emotional arcs unfold across the series.

1. The Thursday Murders Club

   This first book introduces the core characters, the setting of Coopers Chase, and the tone of the series. It establishes the group’s dynamic and their methods of investigation. Reading this book first is essential for understanding who these characters are and why their partnership works so well.

2. The Man Who Died Twice

   The second novel deepens the personal histories of the main characters, particularly Elizabeth, while expanding the scale of the mystery. It introduces returning characters and consequences from the first book, making it a natural continuation rather than a standalone sequel.

3. The Bullet That Missed

   In the third installment, the narrative structure becomes more ambitious, weaving together multiple timelines and perspectives. Character relationships are more nuanced by this point, and the emotional stakes are higher, especially as the group grapples with aging, vulnerability, and unresolved pasts.

4. The Last Devil To Die

   The fourth book is the most emotionally resonant of the series so far. While still delivering a clever mystery, it places a strong emphasis on grief, loyalty, and the inevitability of change. The accumulated weight of previous books makes this installment particularly powerful.

Reading the books in this order allows the reader to fully appreciate the gradual evolution of the characters and the subtle callbacks that enrich the later novels.

What I Like About The Series?

One of the most compelling aspects of The Thursday Murders Club series is its character-driven storytelling. The mysteries themselves are intricately plotted, but they never overshadow the people at the center of the story. Elizabeth’s calm authority, Joyce’s deceptively sharp observations, Ibrahim’s precision, and Ron’s passionate defiance form a balanced and believable team. Their friendship feels earned, shaped by mutual respect and shared purpose rather than convenience.

Another strength of the series is its tone. Osman manages to strike a delicate balance between humor and seriousness. The books are often genuinely funny, filled with dry wit and observational comedy, yet they never trivialize death or suffering. When the narrative turns somber, it does so with restraint and empathy, allowing emotional moments to land with real impact.

The series also excels in its portrayal of aging. Rather than presenting old age as a period of decline alone, the books emphasize competence, relevance, and accumulated wisdom. At the same time, they do not shy away from the physical and emotional challenges that come with growing older. This honesty gives the series a depth that elevates it beyond conventional cozy mysteries.

Finally, the writing itself is clear, confident, and accessible without being simplistic. Osman trusts his readers, offering complex plots and moral ambiguity while maintaining a brisk, engaging pace.

Should You Read The Thursday Murders Club Books In Order?

While it is technically possible to read each book as a standalone mystery, reading the series in order is strongly recommended. The central crimes may be resolved within each novel, but the emotional journey of the characters unfolds gradually across the series. Relationships evolve, past events are referenced, and character growth accumulates in ways that are far more rewarding when experienced sequentially.

Later books assume a familiarity with the characters’ histories and personalities. Without that context, certain moments-particularly those involving loss, memory, or long-standing relationships-may lose much of their emotional resonance. Reading in order also allows readers to notice subtle thematic developments and recurring motifs that enrich the overall experience.

In short, while you could enjoy an individual book on its own, reading the series in order provides a deeper, more cohesive, and ultimately more satisfying journey.