We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

BOOK REVIEW

Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders introduces readers to a new cast and series headlined by a dynamic crime-solving duo; a mystery that claims to stand with this year’s very best.

I thought with this book I would give you a look into what goes on at our monthly Beach Reads Book Club.

The October read featured this new release, influenced by the hype the author’s other books attracted and the acceptance that even before its release that it will be a best seller.

I share the opinion of my book club members instead of just mine – 42 members over four groups which were established over 15 years ago.

Book reading, book reviewing and book loving is very subjective, so don’t be put off by opinion.

We follow authors and genres based on previous successes or social media influences and sometimes we can be dissatisfied.

We Solve Murders sees a bestselling author producing a prime product aimed at engaging with an already sold audience and social media has been convincing them that they need this book,

So let’s look at what the book clubbers thought.

The cover is cleverly marketed and reminiscent of Osman’s previous series The Thursday Murder Club – a great trick.

The book introduces father-in-law and daughter-in-law pair, Steve and Amy Wheeler, who set up a detective agency when a dead body, along with a bag of money, turns up on the remote tropical island where she’s working in private security.

Steve is a likable guy in his 50s.

Members found the character developed and believable; the poignant moments when he talks to his dead wife are the most remarkable in the novel.

But our group felt the character of Rosie was reminiscent of a Jilly Cooper or Jackie Collins creation and not believable.

It was an effort to get though the book as members struggled to keep up with the who’s who of too many characters with no overall purpose.

They felt there was not much substance to the book, with no real back story, and it was obvious that it is the prelude to another book.

Members thought the book was an exaggerated attempt at doing something new and didn’t live up to its promise.

There is no real weight to the actual story, but it is a light and airy pleasant read which is largely enjoyable.

Overall members gave the book a score of six but please judge for yourself.

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Julie Chessman