Stephanie Anze's Reviews > The Thursday Murder Club

Cooper's Chase Retirement Village is in a quiet English town but for four of its residents life continues with excitement. Every thursday Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron meet in the Jigsaw room to discuss old murder cases. Their former careers gives them a different insight. They call themselves The Thursday Murder Club. When a recent murder of a local developer takes place, the group puts aside old cases and begin to disect the new one. Finding their way into the police investigation, this group of septuagenarians prove as formidable as the police.

First book of the year and I love it! The Thursday Murder Club is a witty and humorous whodonit with standout characters. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron meet every thursday to discuss old murder cases that Elizabeth has kept from her past career. They call hemselves The Thursday Murder Club. When a local developer is found dead in his home, they switch gears. They talk themselves into the police investigation, befriending the leads of the case. They learn information about the case through their contacts and past careers (they have a former nurse, psychiatrist, union representative and police member among the four of them). They even get information the police can not get. As the case unravels, their personal connections deepen.

The character development in this book is outstanding. While the murder investigation is an important part of the plot, this is a character driven book. Quirky and off-beat, these characters are a memorable and unique group. The plot moves along a good pace and the reveal of the murder(s) is definitely satisfying. This is a fun and entertaining book to read that also has heart. There is a sequel coming that I will be reading. As for this book, I would definitely recommend. A great start for this year's reading challenge.