Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series has become an instant hit with readers, who delight in its mixture of lighthearted humour, endearing characters, and deviously clever plots. The books revolve around a group of four 70-ish-year-old friends living at a retirement village in Kent, England who work together to solve murders.

Fans of the series have a hard time picking their favourite among the four main characters, noting that they are all “quirky and lovable.” Secretive and resourceful Elizabeth, clever and kind Joyce, logical and brilliant Ibrahim, and tough but loyal Ron may tease and argue with each other, but they also genuinely care for one another—a sentiment that resonates strongly with readers who end up caring for these characters as well.

Many readers have commented that Osman’s fast-paced, hilarious writing makes them happy to stay up all night reading. The books are as poignant as they are funny, which results in stories that not only evoke laughter but also a tear or two.

Although each book contains a standalone mystery, there are continuing plotlines and relationships that become more comical and touching as the series progresses. Readers get a deeper glimpse into the lives of the quartet of amateur sleuths and the cast of equally entertaining supporting characters from book to book. For these reasons, the Thursday Murder Club books are best read in order.