A Fresh Take on the Detective Genre That’ll Keep You Guessing
There’s something irresistible about a good murder mystery, isn’t there? The thrill of piecing together clues, the satisfaction of outsmarting the killer (or thinking you have, at least), and the comfort of knowing that, by the last page, justice will prevail. Richard Osman, the mastermind behind the beloved Thursday Murder Club series, clearly understands this appeal. With “We Solve Murders,” he’s back at it again, serving up a delicious new concoction of crime, comedy, and heart that’ll have you turning pages faster than you can say “whodunit.”
From Cozy Village to Global Conspiracy
At first glance, you might think you’re in for another cozy village mystery. We meet Steve Wheeler, a contented retiree who’s more interested in his local pub quiz than high-stakes detective work. But don’t get too comfortable—Osman has some surprises up his sleeve. Enter Amy Wheeler, Steve’s daughter-in-law and a private security officer with a taste for danger. When a supposedly simple job protecting a famous author goes sideways, Amy and Steve find themselves caught in a whirlwind of international intrigue, dead bodies, and more plot twists than you can shake a magnifying glass at.
A Dynamic Duo for the Ages
The heart of “We Solve Murders” lies in the unlikely partnership between Steve and Amy. Their relationship crackles with wit, warmth, and just the right amount of generational tension. Steve, with his encyclopedic knowledge of local roads and penchant for recording voice memos to his late wife, is a lovable curmudgeon who discovers he’s not quite ready to hang up his detective hat. Amy, on the other hand, is all action and instinct, a force of nature who grudgingly realizes she could use some of Steve’s old-school wisdom.
Osman’s talent for creating memorable characters shines through in every interaction. Whether it’s Steve’s reluctant foray into the world of saunas or Amy’s exasperation at her father-in-law’s technology struggles, the dialogue feels genuine and often laugh-out-loud funny. You’ll find yourself rooting for this odd couple as they navigate everything from high-speed chases to awkward family dinners.
A Supporting Cast That Steals the Show
While Steve and Amy are the stars, the supporting characters in “We Solve Murders” are far from forgettable. There’s Rosie D’Antonio, the larger-than-life author who’s equal parts diva and unexpected ally. Jeff Nolan and Henk van Veen, Amy’s bosses at the security firm, add layers of intrigue and keep you guessing about their true motives. And let’s not forget the colorful locals of Steve’s village, who provide both comic relief and surprising insights.
Osman has a knack for creating fully realized characters with just a few deft strokes. Even minor players like Carlos Moss, the US Customs officer, or Ferdy, the St. Lucian taxi driver/politician, leave a lasting impression. It’s this attention to detail that makes the world of “We Solve Murders” feel so rich and lived-in.
A Globe-Trotting Adventure with Heart
One of the most refreshing aspects of “We Solve Murders” is its scope. While Osman’s previous works were firmly rooted in the English countryside, this new series takes readers on a whirlwind tour of exotic locales. From the sun-drenched beaches of St. Lucia to the glittering excess of Dubai, the settings are vividly realized and add an extra layer of excitement to the proceedings.
But even as the action spans continents, Osman never loses sight of the emotional core of his story. At its heart, “We Solve Murders” is about family, friendship, and finding purpose at any stage of life. Steve’s journey from contentment to rediscovering his passion is particularly poignant, and his relationship with his late wife Debbie (conveyed through one-sided conversations and cherished memories) adds unexpected depth to the story.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Of course, all the character development in the world wouldn’t matter if the central mystery fell flat. Thankfully, Osman delivers a twisty, turny plot that’ll keep even the most seasoned armchair detectives on their toes. The investigation into the murders of social media influencers is cleverly constructed, with red herrings and false leads aplenty.
The author does an excellent job of doling out information at just the right pace, allowing readers to feel like they’re solving the case alongside Steve and Amy. And when the final revelations come, they’re both satisfying and surprising—no small feat in a genre where it often feels like every plot twist has been done before.
Osman’s Signature Humor Shines Through
Fans of Osman’s previous work will be pleased to know that his trademark wit is on full display in “We Solve Murders.” The book is peppered with clever observations, running gags, and moments of laugh-out-loud absurdity. Whether it’s Steve’s obsession with proper sauna etiquette or Rosie’s outrageous flirting, the humor feels organic and never detracts from the tension of the main plot.
Osman has a particular talent for finding the comedy in everyday situations, and his ability to balance light-hearted moments with genuine suspense is impressive. It’s this blend of tones that makes “We Solve Murders” such a page-turner—you never know if the next scene will have you chuckling or gasping in shock.
A Few Minor Quibbles
While “We Solve Murders” is an undeniably enjoyable read, it’s not without its flaws. The pacing in the middle section can occasionally lag, and some readers might find the number of characters and subplots a bit overwhelming at times. Additionally, a few of the coincidences required to move the plot forward stretch credibility, even for a mystery novel.
These are minor complaints, however, and do little to detract from the overall enjoyment of the book. Osman’s strengths as a storyteller far outweigh any weaknesses, and most readers will be too caught up in the adventure to nitpick.
The Verdict: A Promising Start to a New Series
“We Solve Murders” is a delightful addition to the mystery genre and a worthy follow-up to Osman’s beloved Thursday Murder Club series. With its winning combination of memorable characters, globe-trotting adventure, and clever plotting, it’s sure to satisfy longtime fans and newcomers alike.
The book sets up an intriguing premise for future installments, leaving readers eager to see what cases Steve and Amy will tackle next. If this first outing is any indication, we’re in for a treat as the series develops.
Who Should Read This Book?
- Fans of Richard Osman’s previous work, especially the Thursday Murder Club series
- Mystery lovers who enjoy a blend of humor and suspense
- Readers who appreciate intergenerational relationships and character-driven stories
- Anyone looking for a fun, escapist read with a dash of international intrigue
Similar Books You Might Enjoy
- The Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman
- The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith
- The Vinyl Detective series by Andrew Cartmel
- The Bruno, Chief of Police series by Martin Walker
Final Thoughts
In a genre that can sometimes feel formulaic, “We Solve Murders” is a breath of fresh air. Richard Osman has once again proven his ability to craft engaging mysteries with heart, humor, and genuine surprises. Steve and Amy Wheeler are a detective duo you’ll want to spend more time with, and the world they inhabit is rich with possibilities for future adventures.
So, grab a cup of tea (or perhaps something stronger—Rosie D’Antonio would approve), settle into your favorite armchair, and prepare to be thoroughly entertained. Just don’t be surprised if you find yourself eyeing your neighbors suspiciously or contemplating a career change to international detective by the time you turn the last page. After all, as Steve and Amy would say, you never know when you might need to solve a murder or two.
