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We Solve Murders #1
We Solve Murders
A brand new series. An iconic new detective duo. And a puzzling new murder to solve...
Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job...
Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?
Steve Wheeler is enjoying retired life. He does the odd bit of investigation work, but he prefers his familiar habits and routines: the pub quiz, his favorite bench, his cat waiting for him when he comes home. His days of adventure are over: adrenaline is daughter-in-law Amy’s business now.
Amy Wheeler thinks adrenaline is good for the soul. As a private security officer, she doesn’t stay still long enough for habits or routines. She’s currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. Which was meant to be an easy job...
Then a dead body, a bag of money, and a killer with their sights on Amy have her sending an SOS to the only person she trusts. A breakneck race around the world begins, but can Amy and Steve stay one step ahead of a lethal enemy?
400 pages, Hardcover
First published September 17, 2024
About the author
Richard Osman
24 books13k followersAn English television presenter, producer, director, and novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,335 reviews
September 29, 2024
OMG! Osman has brought back the big guns and released a brand-new addictive series that I highly enjoyed. At first, I had slight doubts if I could love it as much as the Thursday Murder Club series, but my prayers were answered, and yes, I absolutely adored this new book and its new characters:
Steve Wheeler: a retired cop, local investigator, pub quiz and puzzle expert, pint lover, stray cat cuddler, and a man still grieving his wife, Debbie, as he talks to her about his day. He also has a unique bond with his daughter-in-law, Amy Wheeler.
Amy Wheeler: works in private security as an experienced bodyguard, protecting highly important people. She is calm, calculating, motivated by adrenaline rushes, and always keeps her emotions at bay. Interestingly, she has a successful marriage with her husband, despite rarely seeing each other, and has a closer relationship with her father-in-law than with his son, talking to him every day.
What if fate brings them together to unite their powers and skills to outsmart a very dangerous man named François Loubet? Disguising himself behind emails written in a British gentleman’s tone, Loubet is a powerful money smuggler who uses micro-influencers for fake advertisement jobs to carry his money across oceans, aided by a smoke screen agent company whose owner is oblivious to the scheme.
Loubet targets influencers protected by Maximum Impact Solutions, where Amy works. Coincidentally, an influencer is found dead each time they unknowingly smuggle money near Amy while she is protecting another client.
Amy’s latest job is protecting the second most popular eccentric thriller author( Lee Child is still number one), Rosie D’Antonio, who might be in her eighties (her age is still unknown, but she has the spirit of a 20-year-old). Rosie included a character in her latest book clearly based on Russian chemical oligarch Vasiliy Karpin, making her a target and forcing her to hide on her private island in South Carolina with Amy and former Navy Seal Kevin, who also serves as their private chef.
When another influencer, Andrew Fairbanks, is found dead on a yacht near their location, Amy realizes it’s no coincidence that each time she is assigned to a client, someone nearby gets killed. Could someone be trying to frame her for the murders and ultimately target her to finish the job? When she gets attacked by an unexpected person, she realizes there’s a target on her back. She must escape, dragging Rosie with her, who is delighted to have a heart-throbbing adventure as hitmen chase after them.
To protect Rosie and herself, Amy needs someone she can fully trust. Her father-in-law, Steve, is the only man who fits the description. Initially, Steve has no intention of leaving his house, missing the pub quiz, or chatting with his friends over a few pints. And who would take care of his cat, Trouble? But when duty calls and his daughter-in-law’s life is at stake, he must push himself out of his comfort zone, finding himself in a whirlwind adventure: traveling on private jets, experiencing gourmet food, getting drunk with the mischievous thriller author, vomiting all over the Dublin countryside before helicoptering, shooting at hitmen, befriending new people, and having the time of his life.
Would Steve’s wits and Amy’s skills outsmart the army of men sent by François Loubet? And will they be able to identify who he really is, as anyone in their close circle could be working for him?
The clock is ticking. The evidence against Amy piles up! They have to find this mysterious man before he beats them in their own game.
Overall: I had an amazing time and laughed so hard! Rosie D’Antonio is a legendary character who stole the chapters and made me guffaw several times. I even fell off the couch, laughing so hard my stomach hurt. I wish there were more books, and I could read them for weeks! It is a true mood healer!
I cannot wait to read more adventures of this team! I am looking forward to catching up on more "We Solve Murders" agency’s adventures!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this amazing cozy mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. And thank you so much to Richard Osman for introducing these amazing characters and writing this fabulous book!
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Steve Wheeler: a retired cop, local investigator, pub quiz and puzzle expert, pint lover, stray cat cuddler, and a man still grieving his wife, Debbie, as he talks to her about his day. He also has a unique bond with his daughter-in-law, Amy Wheeler.
Amy Wheeler: works in private security as an experienced bodyguard, protecting highly important people. She is calm, calculating, motivated by adrenaline rushes, and always keeps her emotions at bay. Interestingly, she has a successful marriage with her husband, despite rarely seeing each other, and has a closer relationship with her father-in-law than with his son, talking to him every day.
What if fate brings them together to unite their powers and skills to outsmart a very dangerous man named François Loubet? Disguising himself behind emails written in a British gentleman’s tone, Loubet is a powerful money smuggler who uses micro-influencers for fake advertisement jobs to carry his money across oceans, aided by a smoke screen agent company whose owner is oblivious to the scheme.
Loubet targets influencers protected by Maximum Impact Solutions, where Amy works. Coincidentally, an influencer is found dead each time they unknowingly smuggle money near Amy while she is protecting another client.
Amy’s latest job is protecting the second most popular eccentric thriller author( Lee Child is still number one), Rosie D’Antonio, who might be in her eighties (her age is still unknown, but she has the spirit of a 20-year-old). Rosie included a character in her latest book clearly based on Russian chemical oligarch Vasiliy Karpin, making her a target and forcing her to hide on her private island in South Carolina with Amy and former Navy Seal Kevin, who also serves as their private chef.
When another influencer, Andrew Fairbanks, is found dead on a yacht near their location, Amy realizes it’s no coincidence that each time she is assigned to a client, someone nearby gets killed. Could someone be trying to frame her for the murders and ultimately target her to finish the job? When she gets attacked by an unexpected person, she realizes there’s a target on her back. She must escape, dragging Rosie with her, who is delighted to have a heart-throbbing adventure as hitmen chase after them.
To protect Rosie and herself, Amy needs someone she can fully trust. Her father-in-law, Steve, is the only man who fits the description. Initially, Steve has no intention of leaving his house, missing the pub quiz, or chatting with his friends over a few pints. And who would take care of his cat, Trouble? But when duty calls and his daughter-in-law’s life is at stake, he must push himself out of his comfort zone, finding himself in a whirlwind adventure: traveling on private jets, experiencing gourmet food, getting drunk with the mischievous thriller author, vomiting all over the Dublin countryside before helicoptering, shooting at hitmen, befriending new people, and having the time of his life.
Would Steve’s wits and Amy’s skills outsmart the army of men sent by François Loubet? And will they be able to identify who he really is, as anyone in their close circle could be working for him?
The clock is ticking. The evidence against Amy piles up! They have to find this mysterious man before he beats them in their own game.
Overall: I had an amazing time and laughed so hard! Rosie D’Antonio is a legendary character who stole the chapters and made me guffaw several times. I even fell off the couch, laughing so hard my stomach hurt. I wish there were more books, and I could read them for weeks! It is a true mood healer!
I cannot wait to read more adventures of this team! I am looking forward to catching up on more "We Solve Murders" agency’s adventures!
Many thanks to NetGalley and PENGUIN GROUP Viking/Pamela Dorman Books for sharing this amazing cozy mystery’s digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest thoughts. And thank you so much to Richard Osman for introducing these amazing characters and writing this fabulous book!
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September 14, 2024
I don’t even need to read it
Edit: I have since read it and it is in fact a 5 star
Edit: I have since read it and it is in fact a 5 star
September 28, 2024
Who else hit the pre-order button like this?
It opens in South Carolina, I couldn't resist.
Steve and Amy Wheeler make one of the most charming crime-solving duos I've read.
A father-in-law and his daughter-in-law?
That is a bit different.
And while over the course of the novel, you learn a lot about each of them, you can tell that this is just the tip of the personality iceberg with both.
Amy is a badass who loves her work as a bodyguard. Who doesn't want to go to exotic locations and throw grenades out of helicopters?
She's also a very compartmentalized person.
And so is her husband's dad, Steve, a widowed ex-London cop turned village detective.
Steve is owned by a cat named Trouble who has allowed Steve to believe the relationship was his choice.
Amy and Steve have both been through things that have required them to shove their emotions into a tiny little box and suck it up, so they've formed this close bond through daily phone calls where they absolutely do not talk about their feelings. And they will both die on that hill.
But they'll also both die on a hill protecting each other if necessary.
So when Amy is targeted by a (dare I say?) supervillain and set up for a string of murders that she didn't commit, there is only one person in the world she would trust to help her save her life. I mean, she adores her husband, but he's in finance...
I really liked her husband, though. They have their own strange, special relationship with each other. And they’re both so confident in it that instead of being weird, it’s just…adorable.
Another character I loved was Amy's body-to-guard, Rosie, who has been threatened by a Russian mobster that she carelessly lampooned and wrote into one of her books. Oops.
Rosie D’Antonio is a best-selling novelist who is sort of putting off this vibrant faux Jackie Collins vibe that I just loved.
How old is she? Who knows? Anywhere from 65-85, she ain't telling, that's for sure. Age is just a number, and that number is directly related to how much booze you can still drink and whether or not you can crash at your good friend Barb's (that Barb for barbiturates, not Barbara, btw) shamanic therapy resort when things get hot. Full of life, full of energy, and I'm sure full of Botox, she’s still rocking her best life.
Ok, so if you're like me, and already a huge fan of Osman's Thursday Murder Club Series, you'll definitely want to check this out.
HOWEVER.
This isn't exactly another cozy mystery series. But it does sort of come off like a cozy thriller.
Is that a thing? I feel like it should be a thing.
It's fun. <--that's what I'm trying to say.
I think you'll like it. I did.
Highly Recommended.
It opens in South Carolina, I couldn't resist.
Steve and Amy Wheeler make one of the most charming crime-solving duos I've read.
A father-in-law and his daughter-in-law?
That is a bit different.
And while over the course of the novel, you learn a lot about each of them, you can tell that this is just the tip of the personality iceberg with both.
Amy is a badass who loves her work as a bodyguard. Who doesn't want to go to exotic locations and throw grenades out of helicopters?
She's also a very compartmentalized person.
And so is her husband's dad, Steve, a widowed ex-London cop turned village detective.
Steve is owned by a cat named Trouble who has allowed Steve to believe the relationship was his choice.
Amy and Steve have both been through things that have required them to shove their emotions into a tiny little box and suck it up, so they've formed this close bond through daily phone calls where they absolutely do not talk about their feelings. And they will both die on that hill.
But they'll also both die on a hill protecting each other if necessary.
So when Amy is targeted by a (dare I say?) supervillain and set up for a string of murders that she didn't commit, there is only one person in the world she would trust to help her save her life. I mean, she adores her husband, but he's in finance...
I really liked her husband, though. They have their own strange, special relationship with each other. And they’re both so confident in it that instead of being weird, it’s just…adorable.
Another character I loved was Amy's body-to-guard, Rosie, who has been threatened by a Russian mobster that she carelessly lampooned and wrote into one of her books. Oops.
Rosie D’Antonio is a best-selling novelist who is sort of putting off this vibrant faux Jackie Collins vibe that I just loved.
How old is she? Who knows? Anywhere from 65-85, she ain't telling, that's for sure. Age is just a number, and that number is directly related to how much booze you can still drink and whether or not you can crash at your good friend Barb's (that Barb for barbiturates, not Barbara, btw) shamanic therapy resort when things get hot. Full of life, full of energy, and I'm sure full of Botox, she’s still rocking her best life.
Ok, so if you're like me, and already a huge fan of Osman's Thursday Murder Club Series, you'll definitely want to check this out.
HOWEVER.
This isn't exactly another cozy mystery series. But it does sort of come off like a cozy thriller.
Is that a thing? I feel like it should be a thing.
It's fun. <--that's what I'm trying to say.
I think you'll like it. I did.
Highly Recommended.
August 30, 2024
Richard Osman introduces fans to a new detective duo in
We Solve Murders,
the first book in a new mystery series. Amy Wheeler works in private security. She’s currently on a private island off the coast of South Carolina guarding bestselling author Rosie D’Antonio. In the nearby waters, a dead body and a bag of money are found on a yacht. Amy calls her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, for help.
All of the primary and main secondary characters are well-drawn. Amy loves adrenaline and hates relaxing. She’s loyal, good at fighting, strong, and fast, but lacks experience with murder investigations. She’s married to Steve’s son, Adam. They love each other, but spend most of their time apart as they both travel extensively for their jobs. It seems to work for them at this point in their lives. Steve is a retired police officer who is enjoying his familiar routines including the weekly pub quiz, sitting on his favorite bench, and spending time with his cat, Trouble. His relationship with Adam is somewhat strained, but he talks almost daily with Amy. He handles the occasional local investigation. He helps people when he can and is steadfast and resilient. Rosie is an extremely successful author who loves adventure and is brash and funny.
What a whirlwind of a book! Readers are taken on a trip around the world as Amy and Steve, with help from Rosie, work to solve various murders. From South Carolina to England to St. Lucia to Ireland and Dubai, this duo is joined by Rosie and others as they try to unravel the mystery.
Blended with humor, the twisty plot has several puzzles to be resolved before the criminal mastermind can be unveiled. My biggest quibble is that the story switches points of view frequently which adversely affected the pacing of the story for me. These transitions weren’t as smooth as I expected. Despite this, the dialogue, relationships, great characterization, and humor, as well as the mystery, kept me fully engaged in the story. Readers get insight into the lives of several of the criminals in this novel which adds another layer of context and interest. Threads of family, friendship, connections, loss of a loved one, communication, social media influencers, corruption, justice, and criminal organizations add depth to the novel.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fun, and delightful novel with some tense moments that kept me engaged throughout. It’s a good start to a new series. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this dynamic trio on their next adventure.
PENGUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Richard Osman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 17, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
All of the primary and main secondary characters are well-drawn. Amy loves adrenaline and hates relaxing. She’s loyal, good at fighting, strong, and fast, but lacks experience with murder investigations. She’s married to Steve’s son, Adam. They love each other, but spend most of their time apart as they both travel extensively for their jobs. It seems to work for them at this point in their lives. Steve is a retired police officer who is enjoying his familiar routines including the weekly pub quiz, sitting on his favorite bench, and spending time with his cat, Trouble. His relationship with Adam is somewhat strained, but he talks almost daily with Amy. He handles the occasional local investigation. He helps people when he can and is steadfast and resilient. Rosie is an extremely successful author who loves adventure and is brash and funny.
What a whirlwind of a book! Readers are taken on a trip around the world as Amy and Steve, with help from Rosie, work to solve various murders. From South Carolina to England to St. Lucia to Ireland and Dubai, this duo is joined by Rosie and others as they try to unravel the mystery.
Blended with humor, the twisty plot has several puzzles to be resolved before the criminal mastermind can be unveiled. My biggest quibble is that the story switches points of view frequently which adversely affected the pacing of the story for me. These transitions weren’t as smooth as I expected. Despite this, the dialogue, relationships, great characterization, and humor, as well as the mystery, kept me fully engaged in the story. Readers get insight into the lives of several of the criminals in this novel which adds another layer of context and interest. Threads of family, friendship, connections, loss of a loved one, communication, social media influencers, corruption, justice, and criminal organizations add depth to the novel.
Overall, this was an entertaining, fun, and delightful novel with some tense moments that kept me engaged throughout. It’s a good start to a new series. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes this dynamic trio on their next adventure.
PENGUIN GROUP Viking – Pamela Dorman Books and Richard Osman provided a complimentary digital ARC of this novel via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for September 17, 2024. This review was originally posted at Mystery and Suspense Magazine.
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My 4.25 rounded to 4 stars review is coming soon.
September 22, 2024
He sends emails in the tone of a British Gentleman using ChatGPT to disguise his real identity…
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smuggler and he is using unsuspecting “Influencers” being protected by Maximum Impact Solutions to move his money.
Amy Wheeler is a private security officer, for Maximum Impact Solutions and she is currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. (think an older Samantha from Sex in the City or even Blanche from the Golden Girls)
It was supposed to be an EASY job.
But dead bodies and bags of money, keep showing up with Amy’s blood always found nearby. She is being set up.
Amy will have to turn to the ONLY person she feels she can trust for help-a retired cop and “sometimes” local investigator who just happens to be her father-in-law-Steve Wheeler.
Steve has recently lost his beloved wife Debbie, and he talks to her from a bench near his home, finds comfort from a stray cat named Trouble, which he recently adopted, and enjoys pints and Pub quizzes with his neighbors.
He has no desire to travel the World only one step ahead of the several would-be assassins who are tracking both Rosie and (now) Amy.
But, he loves Amy, so he won’t say no.
The result? Another fast paced, mystery filled with a new cast of likable characters and the same trademark HUMOR we have come to expect from the talented Richard Osman.
YES- he has another HIT on his hands!
I have LOVED his Thursday Murder Club series ( and am glad there will be more) but I am now ALSO looking forward to more cases for the “ We Solve Murders” agency. If you enjoyed TMC-I do believe that you will enjoy this series too!
The acknowledgments chapter at the end of the book hints at which characters will be back and I am glad to see that the hilarious and IRRESISTIBLE Rosie D’Antonio will be one of them. Hopefully we will get to know Amy’s husband Adam a bit better in the next installment.
A buddy read with Mary Beth-Did she enjoy her first by Osman?
AVAILABLE NOW!
I paired my reading with the fantastic Audible narrated by Nicola Walker. I wish to thank the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both formats!
But WHO is François Loubet?
He is a powerful money smuggler and he is using unsuspecting “Influencers” being protected by Maximum Impact Solutions to move his money.
Amy Wheeler is a private security officer, for Maximum Impact Solutions and she is currently on a remote island keeping world-famous author Rosie D’Antonio alive. (think an older Samantha from Sex in the City or even Blanche from the Golden Girls)
It was supposed to be an EASY job.
But dead bodies and bags of money, keep showing up with Amy’s blood always found nearby. She is being set up.
Amy will have to turn to the ONLY person she feels she can trust for help-a retired cop and “sometimes” local investigator who just happens to be her father-in-law-Steve Wheeler.
Steve has recently lost his beloved wife Debbie, and he talks to her from a bench near his home, finds comfort from a stray cat named Trouble, which he recently adopted, and enjoys pints and Pub quizzes with his neighbors.
He has no desire to travel the World only one step ahead of the several would-be assassins who are tracking both Rosie and (now) Amy.
But, he loves Amy, so he won’t say no.
The result? Another fast paced, mystery filled with a new cast of likable characters and the same trademark HUMOR we have come to expect from the talented Richard Osman.
YES- he has another HIT on his hands!
I have LOVED his Thursday Murder Club series ( and am glad there will be more) but I am now ALSO looking forward to more cases for the “ We Solve Murders” agency. If you enjoyed TMC-I do believe that you will enjoy this series too!
The acknowledgments chapter at the end of the book hints at which characters will be back and I am glad to see that the hilarious and IRRESISTIBLE Rosie D’Antonio will be one of them. Hopefully we will get to know Amy’s husband Adam a bit better in the next installment.
A buddy read with Mary Beth-Did she enjoy her first by Osman?
AVAILABLE NOW!
I paired my reading with the fantastic Audible narrated by Nicola Walker. I wish to thank the Chandler Public Library for the loan of both formats!
July 18, 2024
Damn you, Richard Osman. I was not planning on starting another series seeing as how I'm perpetually behind on the ones I'm already reading, but I suppose I'll add We Solve Murders to my list. Throw some humor into a thriller and it gets me every time.
But, seriously, how have I not read anything by Osman before? I loved this book. It's brilliant. It's action-packed. It's hilarious. I want Rosie D'Antonio to be my new best friend.
It's a little weird at first. I mean, Amy and Steve are very, very close for being in-laws. I've been married for over fifteen years now and I've never once called my father-in-law on the phone just to chat, much less teamed up for … *gesticulates wildly* … all of the shenanigans that Amy and Steve manage to get into in this novel. They're really a fantastic pair, though, and their obvious affection for each other really makes the story. Well, that and Rosie D'Antonio.
Rosie is witty and hilarious and the the type of old woman that I aspire to be someday (complete with private island). And, really, all of the characters are a lot of fun, from mysterious bad guy (and ChatGPT-enthusiast) François Loubet to Eddie, the hitman with a creative side hobby.
The mystery itself is solid. I figured out the identity of “Joe Blow” pretty early on, but otherwise it was all a complete surprise. I really liked how low-key the climax was considering the frenetic pace of the rest of the story. Nothing got blown up, nothing too outrageous happened, it was just “oh, hey, we've figured this out …” and then everyone goes on with their lives.
The last chapter is obviously a set up for the books to follow, and I am totally here for it. And it goes without saying that I need to pick up some more Richard Osman books in the meantime.
My overall rating: 4.7 stars, rounded up. If you like witty thrillers with humor and heart, definitely consider giving this one a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is September 17, 2024.
But, seriously, how have I not read anything by Osman before? I loved this book. It's brilliant. It's action-packed. It's hilarious. I want Rosie D'Antonio to be my new best friend.
It's a little weird at first. I mean, Amy and Steve are very, very close for being in-laws. I've been married for over fifteen years now and I've never once called my father-in-law on the phone just to chat, much less teamed up for … *gesticulates wildly* … all of the shenanigans that Amy and Steve manage to get into in this novel. They're really a fantastic pair, though, and their obvious affection for each other really makes the story. Well, that and Rosie D'Antonio.
Rosie is witty and hilarious and the the type of old woman that I aspire to be someday (complete with private island). And, really, all of the characters are a lot of fun, from mysterious bad guy (and ChatGPT-enthusiast) François Loubet to Eddie, the hitman with a creative side hobby.
The mystery itself is solid. I figured out the identity of “Joe Blow” pretty early on, but otherwise it was all a complete surprise. I really liked how low-key the climax was considering the frenetic pace of the rest of the story. Nothing got blown up, nothing too outrageous happened, it was just “oh, hey, we've figured this out …” and then everyone goes on with their lives.
The last chapter is obviously a set up for the books to follow, and I am totally here for it. And it goes without saying that I need to pick up some more Richard Osman books in the meantime.
My overall rating: 4.7 stars, rounded up. If you like witty thrillers with humor and heart, definitely consider giving this one a read.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is September 17, 2024.
September 18, 2024
A fun read with likeable characters (Rosie was my favorite !).Perhaps a bit too much going on at times, but overall, an engaging and entertaining read! Will definitely be following this series!
Detailed review to follow.
Detailed review to follow.
February 25, 2024
If Richard Osman writes it, I read it 🤝
September 29, 2024
If Richard Osman had any reason to take a break from the beloved Thursday Murder Club series that many of us have come to love to start a new one, at least he made it a good one!
Amy Wheeler works in the close protection business for a company called Maximum Impact Solutions. Her latest client is feisty and fun long-time author Rosie D’Antonio, who’s had a hit placed on her by a powerful Russian mogul, Vasiliy Karpin, who didn’t appreciate being outed by her in her latest book. Amy is a force to be reckoned with - don’t let that calm exterior fool you.
Meet Francois Loubet (pronounced loo-bay). Well … that’s the name he uses. In a fascinating plot device that never would’ve occurred to me before this book, whoever this mysterious individual is, he communicates via email AFTER he’s run what he wants to say through the AI program ChatGPT, telling it to rewrite it “in the style of a friendly English gentleman, please.” Brilliant move to conceal his identity, but scary in its real-world applications!
Loubet is a powerful money smuggler who’s using unsuspecting low-level social media influencers protected by Maximum Impact to move large quantities of money. When they start meeting unfortunate ends, Amy’s boss and trusted friend, Jeff Nolan, threatens Loubet, putting a target on both his own and Amy’s backs. Luckily, this chess match is a little more evenly matched since both sides know how to play the game!
Part of Amy’s strategy? Bring in her recently widowed retired-cop/part-time investigator father-in-law Steve to help. He doesn’t really want to. He’s comfortable with his pub trivia nights, his small group of friends and taking care of his cat, Trouble, but Amy needs him and he’d do anything to help her.
So what happens when you combine an adrenaline junkie daughter-in-law, a savvy, but reluctant father-in-law, and a thrill-seeking, fearless author in various life-threatening scenarios? It’s Richard Osman … you get FUN, of course!
True to style, Osman’s strength is his characters. He knows how to write a diverse, richly imagined cast who always embody so much personality that you love them whether they’re friend or foe. There’s not a single character I didn’t like, and his ability to find humor and lightness in the darkest of scenarios is what makes his books a magnet for me. Another big draw? The narrators for his audiobooks are always stellar. In this case, Nicola Walker bats it out of the park.
The only ding to my rating is simply that I wasn’t as enamored of the mystery itself as I was the characters. It’s a large cast, so keeping up with all the names and connections was sometimes challenging, and I don’t love social media influencers as a device in stories, though they played a very small part. That’s a me thing. What I do love is the main three characters - particularly Rosie, who is SO much fun and will be back for the next book. It’s a great start to the series, and thankfully, will coexist with The Thursday Murder Club series, as that gang gets a return visit in Osman’s next book. I can’t wait!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to my library/Libby for the Kindle copy and audio. This book is out now!
Amy Wheeler works in the close protection business for a company called Maximum Impact Solutions. Her latest client is feisty and fun long-time author Rosie D’Antonio, who’s had a hit placed on her by a powerful Russian mogul, Vasiliy Karpin, who didn’t appreciate being outed by her in her latest book. Amy is a force to be reckoned with - don’t let that calm exterior fool you.
Meet Francois Loubet (pronounced loo-bay). Well … that’s the name he uses. In a fascinating plot device that never would’ve occurred to me before this book, whoever this mysterious individual is, he communicates via email AFTER he’s run what he wants to say through the AI program ChatGPT, telling it to rewrite it “in the style of a friendly English gentleman, please.” Brilliant move to conceal his identity, but scary in its real-world applications!
Loubet is a powerful money smuggler who’s using unsuspecting low-level social media influencers protected by Maximum Impact to move large quantities of money. When they start meeting unfortunate ends, Amy’s boss and trusted friend, Jeff Nolan, threatens Loubet, putting a target on both his own and Amy’s backs. Luckily, this chess match is a little more evenly matched since both sides know how to play the game!
Part of Amy’s strategy? Bring in her recently widowed retired-cop/part-time investigator father-in-law Steve to help. He doesn’t really want to. He’s comfortable with his pub trivia nights, his small group of friends and taking care of his cat, Trouble, but Amy needs him and he’d do anything to help her.
So what happens when you combine an adrenaline junkie daughter-in-law, a savvy, but reluctant father-in-law, and a thrill-seeking, fearless author in various life-threatening scenarios? It’s Richard Osman … you get FUN, of course!
True to style, Osman’s strength is his characters. He knows how to write a diverse, richly imagined cast who always embody so much personality that you love them whether they’re friend or foe. There’s not a single character I didn’t like, and his ability to find humor and lightness in the darkest of scenarios is what makes his books a magnet for me. Another big draw? The narrators for his audiobooks are always stellar. In this case, Nicola Walker bats it out of the park.
The only ding to my rating is simply that I wasn’t as enamored of the mystery itself as I was the characters. It’s a large cast, so keeping up with all the names and connections was sometimes challenging, and I don’t love social media influencers as a device in stories, though they played a very small part. That’s a me thing. What I do love is the main three characters - particularly Rosie, who is SO much fun and will be back for the next book. It’s a great start to the series, and thankfully, will coexist with The Thursday Murder Club series, as that gang gets a return visit in Osman’s next book. I can’t wait!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to my library/Libby for the Kindle copy and audio. This book is out now!
September 29, 2024
“We Solve Murders. Great name for a book.”
It would be so easy if it was just Amy and Steve Wheeler as characters. Maybe just Rosie, too. But then there is someone named Francois Loubet? And Joe Blow. Who are these people? And why does Francois Loubet insist on wanting to kill Amy and all these other people?
But that isn’t enough. There are so many other characters that I find I am having to make a list. Can I keep track of who is who? And how they relate to whom? Am I getting confused? Yes, I am. But let me try and get on track here.
So, let’s just say we have main characters Steve and Amy. Steve is a retired cop who is a widower who enjoys talking to his late wife Debbie on her memorial bench, while he keeps busy with freelance work. He enjoys the weekly pub quiz and conversing with his daughter-in-law, Amy who works in private security, currently on a job watching Rosie, an author. But Amy is being framed for murders, and this doesn’t sit well for Amy, Rosie or Steve. And, now they need to find out why this is happening. And, this is where all these characters come in. And, a lot of globetrotting, which takes Steve out of his comfort zone.
Rosie is a hoot, and Steve is full of grief, and Amy is fearless. All the other characters are just extended to the list. And, did I say that Amy is married to Adam, Steve’s son, but he barely makes an entrance to the book?
Still, eventually, the plot all comes together, making it a fun, light read, but…
And, yes there is a but…for this to be a good series, a little more time needs to be provided to flesh out our main characters, and a little less time to creating a slew of so many other side characters.
But having said that…speaking of characters… it is nice to have a cat named Trouble. Let’s have more page time for Trouble.
It would be so easy if it was just Amy and Steve Wheeler as characters. Maybe just Rosie, too. But then there is someone named Francois Loubet? And Joe Blow. Who are these people? And why does Francois Loubet insist on wanting to kill Amy and all these other people?
But that isn’t enough. There are so many other characters that I find I am having to make a list. Can I keep track of who is who? And how they relate to whom? Am I getting confused? Yes, I am. But let me try and get on track here.
So, let’s just say we have main characters Steve and Amy. Steve is a retired cop who is a widower who enjoys talking to his late wife Debbie on her memorial bench, while he keeps busy with freelance work. He enjoys the weekly pub quiz and conversing with his daughter-in-law, Amy who works in private security, currently on a job watching Rosie, an author. But Amy is being framed for murders, and this doesn’t sit well for Amy, Rosie or Steve. And, now they need to find out why this is happening. And, this is where all these characters come in. And, a lot of globetrotting, which takes Steve out of his comfort zone.
Rosie is a hoot, and Steve is full of grief, and Amy is fearless. All the other characters are just extended to the list. And, did I say that Amy is married to Adam, Steve’s son, but he barely makes an entrance to the book?
Still, eventually, the plot all comes together, making it a fun, light read, but…
And, yes there is a but…for this to be a good series, a little more time needs to be provided to flesh out our main characters, and a little less time to creating a slew of so many other side characters.
But having said that…speaking of characters… it is nice to have a cat named Trouble. Let’s have more page time for Trouble.
September 21, 2024
3.5 stars, rounded up. Like many I am a big fan of the "Thursday Murder Club" but I can appreciate an author doing more/different too, so I was happy to try this one. But, I just didn't enjoy iy quite as much. The two main things that didn't work for me are: I really disliked a MC - Amy, who I never felt like I knew or cared about & also just way, way too many secondary characters (Like why did we even need Bonnie??- there was nothing she really added at all). I often had to go back a page or two to get the next character & action, it was just too much at times. I did however, really appreciate all the exotic locals & private planes, etc. - big change from Cooper's Chase! And Rosie was a hoot! Still I enjoyed it overall, and will happily read another if/when published
September 21, 2024
I adored Osman's Thursday Murder Club series, though it has recently occurred to me that I can't remember a single crime those four "detectives" solved. All that mattered to me was the camaraderie between the friends and their witty repartee. I was hoping the author could capture the same magic with a different set of characters, and he mostly has, particularly with Steve, a retired detective who just wants to stay home, have conversations with his late wife, and head down to the pub for quiz night. Suddenly, like Bilbo Baggins, he has adventure thrust upon him by his beloved daughter-in-law who needs help discovering just who's trying to kill her . . . and why.
This was pure fun, and proves to be a fine start to a new series. The snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and lovable characters that made his first four books so enjoyable are there. Don't worry - Osman promises in the afterward that he'll be returning to his Thursday folk with the next book. It seems the man can do no wrong.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the read.
This was pure fun, and proves to be a fine start to a new series. The snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud moments, and lovable characters that made his first four books so enjoyable are there. Don't worry - Osman promises in the afterward that he'll be returning to his Thursday folk with the next book. It seems the man can do no wrong.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pamela Dorman Books for the read.
September 23, 2024
"“Steve, I need someone I can trust,” says Amy…”There are murders to be solved, and I can’t do it by myself. It’s you and me.” “But we don’t solve murders,” says Steve. He can hear Amy smiling down the phone. “Then we’re going to have to start.”"
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club will likely scoop this start of a new series like a plate of chocolate biscuits.
Amy, Adam and Steve are a family. Adam is Steve’s son and Amy is Adam’s spouse. But their relationships are a little unconventional. For purposes of illustration, imagine that Steve is the sun; Amy is the Earth: and Adam is the Moon. That is how they orbit each other.
Steve and Amy chat every day. Adam-not so much.
"What do we talk about?” “Dogs. Scotch eggs. Oxygen tents. My failings as a human being?” “You could talk to him about that?” “With Adam? Come on, Ames. Those are our things.”"
Amy works for Jeff’s protection agency and is currently on an island with a famous author whose latest book may have been too descriptive of a Russian who has made it clear that he wants her dead. Someone else might want Amy dead. The plot spreads out from there and misdirection is rampant, as usual.
"“I’m not an assassin,” says Nelson, his tone very reasonable. “I’m just, you know, a regular criminal and politician.”"
Similarly to Carl Hiaasen, Osman is at his best with odd characters and sparkling dialogue. This book won’t disappoint if that’s what you enjoy. There is, of course, send ups of British life and culture.
"“I’m English,” says Amy. “I don’t like anything about myself.” “Yawn,” says Rosie. “I used to be English too, and I got over it..”"
Yet, Osman, has some serious observations about the human condition.
Everyone is vulnerable. “For some people, for Steve, it comes out as fear, avoiding situations where the vulnerability is exposed. For others, for an awful lot of people these days, vulnerability comes out as anger, pushing away anything that feels like it might pierce their shell."
This may be the start of another enjoyable series.
Fans of The Thursday Murder Club will likely scoop this start of a new series like a plate of chocolate biscuits.
Amy, Adam and Steve are a family. Adam is Steve’s son and Amy is Adam’s spouse. But their relationships are a little unconventional. For purposes of illustration, imagine that Steve is the sun; Amy is the Earth: and Adam is the Moon. That is how they orbit each other.
Steve and Amy chat every day. Adam-not so much.
"What do we talk about?” “Dogs. Scotch eggs. Oxygen tents. My failings as a human being?” “You could talk to him about that?” “With Adam? Come on, Ames. Those are our things.”"
Amy works for Jeff’s protection agency and is currently on an island with a famous author whose latest book may have been too descriptive of a Russian who has made it clear that he wants her dead. Someone else might want Amy dead. The plot spreads out from there and misdirection is rampant, as usual.
"“I’m not an assassin,” says Nelson, his tone very reasonable. “I’m just, you know, a regular criminal and politician.”"
Similarly to Carl Hiaasen, Osman is at his best with odd characters and sparkling dialogue. This book won’t disappoint if that’s what you enjoy. There is, of course, send ups of British life and culture.
"“I’m English,” says Amy. “I don’t like anything about myself.” “Yawn,” says Rosie. “I used to be English too, and I got over it..”"
Yet, Osman, has some serious observations about the human condition.
Everyone is vulnerable. “For some people, for Steve, it comes out as fear, avoiding situations where the vulnerability is exposed. For others, for an awful lot of people these days, vulnerability comes out as anger, pushing away anything that feels like it might pierce their shell."
This may be the start of another enjoyable series.
September 17, 2024
**Happy Publication Day!!**
This was somewhere between 4 and 5 stars for me, but I'll round it up for being such a fun read. Richard Osman is launching a new series he's calling We Solve Murders and here, he introduces us to some great new characters and an interesting scenario involving murder, mayhem and media influencers.
Amy Wheeler works as a bodyguard for a personal security company called Maximum Impact Solutions. She is currently on a private island in South Carolina, guarding a famous mystery author named Rosie D'Antonio whose life has been threatened by a Russian mobster she included in her latest novel. When they are attacked, the two go on the run using Rosie's private jet.
Meanwhile, three clients of Maximum Impact have been killed, always when Amy is somewhere in the vicinity, so it's becoming obvious that Amy is being set up to take the fall. She needs more help figuring this all out, so she calls on her father-in-law, retired cop Steven Wheeler of Axley, Hampshire, England, to work with her and Rosie.
This team is very comical and refreshing. If you have enjoyed the high jinks of the Thursday Murder Club Series, I predict you'll enjoy this one too. Fun characters and murderous situations around the globe make for such entertaining reading.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
This was somewhere between 4 and 5 stars for me, but I'll round it up for being such a fun read. Richard Osman is launching a new series he's calling We Solve Murders and here, he introduces us to some great new characters and an interesting scenario involving murder, mayhem and media influencers.
Amy Wheeler works as a bodyguard for a personal security company called Maximum Impact Solutions. She is currently on a private island in South Carolina, guarding a famous mystery author named Rosie D'Antonio whose life has been threatened by a Russian mobster she included in her latest novel. When they are attacked, the two go on the run using Rosie's private jet.
Meanwhile, three clients of Maximum Impact have been killed, always when Amy is somewhere in the vicinity, so it's becoming obvious that Amy is being set up to take the fall. She needs more help figuring this all out, so she calls on her father-in-law, retired cop Steven Wheeler of Axley, Hampshire, England, to work with her and Rosie.
This team is very comical and refreshing. If you have enjoyed the high jinks of the Thursday Murder Club Series, I predict you'll enjoy this one too. Fun characters and murderous situations around the globe make for such entertaining reading.
Many thanks to the author and publisher for providing me with an arc of this new mystery. My review is voluntary and the opinions expressed are my own.
September 19, 2024
I know it says 5 🌟 but I’m giving it 4.75 🌟 that’s because I didn’t want it to finish!!!
I LOVED LOVED this book, thankyou Richard, it was funny, exciting and I just fell into this world.
New characters (Amy , Steve and Rosie) and others , Rosie has to be my favourite character she was just great made me smile with every sentence,just waiting to see what she’s going to do or say next.
I’m not going to tell you the story of the book as I so want people to read this and figure out for themselves, so might love some might love that’s books and life.
We think Thursday murder club has finished… but has it!!!
Obviously this is a new branch of Richard Osman to go down, he now has 2 Avenues.
Now it goes to waiting around for the next one… next year?
I hope so. 🤞
WHAT NEXT! ?
I LOVED LOVED this book, thankyou Richard, it was funny, exciting and I just fell into this world.
New characters (Amy , Steve and Rosie) and others , Rosie has to be my favourite character she was just great made me smile with every sentence,just waiting to see what she’s going to do or say next.
I’m not going to tell you the story of the book as I so want people to read this and figure out for themselves, so might love some might love that’s books and life.
We think Thursday murder club has finished… but has it!!!
Obviously this is a new branch of Richard Osman to go down, he now has 2 Avenues.
Now it goes to waiting around for the next one… next year?
I hope so. 🤞
WHAT NEXT! ?
August 14, 2024
I'm not the usual audience for the Thursday Murder Club books, but I picked the first one up and so enjoyed the setting and the characters, their friendship, their retirement community, the crimes they solve, how they solve them, their backstories, and more, that I read them one after the other. I respect the author for branching out from what has become a very successful book series, and apparently a coming TV series, but, for me, though this one is clearly intended to be a new series, these characters lacked the depth and bit of bite the murder club and the cops had, and the writing in those books isn't matched here. I'll read another TMC book, but alas Amy and Steve don't intrigue me. And I'm sad about that because I can always use another guilty pleasure.
Thanks to Penguin Group Viking and Netgalley for the arc.
Thanks to Penguin Group Viking and Netgalley for the arc.
Want to read
June 1, 2024an all-new murder mystery series from Richard Osman??? consider me sat and seated
September 24, 2024
actual review: richard osman writes characters and relationships SO well. every character in this book feels so real and the familial relationships in we solve murders were written so lovely.
speaking of characters, the main reason we solve murders is getting a 4 is because of the sheer amount of them and i struggled to remember who everyone was. tbh i could have helped myself by writing out a character guide, but lesson learnt for next time.
i really enjoyed the reveals too - at least two of them made my jaw drop.
pre-release date review: WE WILL BE SEATED!!!!
speaking of characters, the main reason we solve murders is getting a 4 is because of the sheer amount of them and i struggled to remember who everyone was. tbh i could have helped myself by writing out a character guide, but lesson learnt for next time.
i really enjoyed the reveals too - at least two of them made my jaw drop.
pre-release date review: WE WILL BE SEATED!!!!
September 26, 2024
Richard Osman's new series doesn't disappoint.
Amy Wheeler is a young woman working as a private security officer, currently protecting a famous mystery writer. Discovering that Amy herself is a target, she takes her protege, Rosio D'Antonio and they flee. Their adventures are only beginning.
The other main character is Steve Wheeler, Amy's father-in-law, a retired widowed policeman.
Amy enlists his help as things become more complex.
While this new novel didn't make me guffaw like the first two in the Thursday Murder Club, I enjoyed the ride to different locations around the world and learnt a bit more about the world of money launderers.
The wonderful Nicola Walker narrated this audiobook. Truthfully, having a male voice narrating the male characters would have been nice, nevertheless, listening to this audiobook was quite enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one.
Amy Wheeler is a young woman working as a private security officer, currently protecting a famous mystery writer. Discovering that Amy herself is a target, she takes her protege, Rosio D'Antonio and they flee. Their adventures are only beginning.
The other main character is Steve Wheeler, Amy's father-in-law, a retired widowed policeman.
Amy enlists his help as things become more complex.
While this new novel didn't make me guffaw like the first two in the Thursday Murder Club, I enjoyed the ride to different locations around the world and learnt a bit more about the world of money launderers.
The wonderful Nicola Walker narrated this audiobook. Truthfully, having a male voice narrating the male characters would have been nice, nevertheless, listening to this audiobook was quite enjoyable. Looking forward to the next one.
August 24, 2024
I'm glad we'll be going back to Cooper's Chase next year...
August 20, 2024
This was such a great book! Already a big fan of the Thursday Murder Club series, this novel has all the elements I love best about the author: deadpan humor and a plot that is a little difficult to believe in, but with a whole new group of characters embarking on exciting new adventures.
This story centers on Steve Wheeler, a retired and widower former investigator, and his daughter-in-law Amy, a private security specialist who protects the rich and famous. They are joined by Rosie, a romance author who is more adventurous and charming than any other character she has written.
I could not put it down and ended myself turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what will happen next. The way that the characters came together in various ways was wonderful, as always, and the relationship between Steve and Amy was so masterfully written. The backstories of the characters really catch my interest, and I look forward to reading more about them and their adventures in the next novels in this series.
Fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club will undoubtedly enjoy his newest series. This is a great book to curl up with on a weekend or in the evening that will have you eager for more.
This story centers on Steve Wheeler, a retired and widower former investigator, and his daughter-in-law Amy, a private security specialist who protects the rich and famous. They are joined by Rosie, a romance author who is more adventurous and charming than any other character she has written.
I could not put it down and ended myself turning the pages as fast as I could to find out what will happen next. The way that the characters came together in various ways was wonderful, as always, and the relationship between Steve and Amy was so masterfully written. The backstories of the characters really catch my interest, and I look forward to reading more about them and their adventures in the next novels in this series.
Fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club will undoubtedly enjoy his newest series. This is a great book to curl up with on a weekend or in the evening that will have you eager for more.
September 19, 2024
I miss Bogdan but Rosie might be a new favorite
EDIT to add my full review:
I’d label WE SOLVE MURDERS as a “cozy thriller.” Hear me out:
🐈⬛ Father-daughter (in law) sleuth duo;
🐈⬛ Action, assassins, and plenty of illicit activity;
🐈⬛ International intrigue in South Carolina, St Lucia, Dubai, and elsewhere;
🐈⬛ Protagonists AND antagonists you’ll love to root for.
While I found the main culprit easy to guess, I still enjoyed the mystery. There is plenty of heart and humor, in typical Osman fashion, and I loved this cast of characters. (I would like to be Rosie D’Antonio, please.)
If you love the Thursday Murder Club series, especially for the way it’s written, you’ll love this, too. It’s a little edgier, with international thrills, but very much the same vibe. I look forward to more books in the series.
Thank you to Viking Books for the ARC plus finished copy of my most highly anticipated release of the year. 😇
EDIT to add my full review:
I’d label WE SOLVE MURDERS as a “cozy thriller.” Hear me out:
🐈⬛ Father-daughter (in law) sleuth duo;
🐈⬛ Action, assassins, and plenty of illicit activity;
🐈⬛ International intrigue in South Carolina, St Lucia, Dubai, and elsewhere;
🐈⬛ Protagonists AND antagonists you’ll love to root for.
While I found the main culprit easy to guess, I still enjoyed the mystery. There is plenty of heart and humor, in typical Osman fashion, and I loved this cast of characters. (I would like to be Rosie D’Antonio, please.)
If you love the Thursday Murder Club series, especially for the way it’s written, you’ll love this, too. It’s a little edgier, with international thrills, but very much the same vibe. I look forward to more books in the series.
Thank you to Viking Books for the ARC plus finished copy of my most highly anticipated release of the year. 😇
September 17, 2024
3.5 stars
'We Solve Murders' turned out to be an entertaining read but, if it had been written by an author I didn't know, I'd have been thinking about setting it aside after the first hour. The start of the book put me off. The situations felt forced, the humour was brittle in a wannabe Carl Haaisen way, the people felt shallow and their world felt plastic. I was not engaged.
Because this was a Richard Osman book and the start of a new series trying something more plot-driven than 'The Thursday Murder Club' novels, I stuck with it.
Things changed, slowly. By the end of the second hour, I'd been pulled into the story by Nicola Walker's narration and I was starting to become interested in Amy, the bodyguard, and Steve, her ex-police detective father-in-law but I was still struggling with a plot that, while clever, had all the charm of a fake Doric portico stuck onto the front of an 'Executive Home'.
In the third hour, I settled into the story, which I'd now understood was a sort of fairytale with slightly subversive humour that reminded me of David Lodge. I began to enjoy the way the heist-movie-slick plot and the glitzy settings were constantly being undercut by a type of English humour that sees bling as essentially childish, and by characters whose curiosity was of the kind that would find the service tunnels in Disneyland more interesting than the rides. The plot was generating an enjoyable 'root for the underdog' vibe but the character development was still patchy.
By the halfway point, I was being swept along by the clever, original, fast-paced plot which kept me entertained until the end.
One of the things that I've enjoyed most about Richard Osman's other books is how relatable and well-observed and real his characters are. I felt this was missing for the first half of the book. Perhaps this is because I don't know any international criminals or people who choose to work in the close personal protection business and becuase many of the settings were a long way from home.
By the end of the book,, I had become engaged with most of the main characters. I thought that Steve, the widowed ex-police officer and Rosie, the top-selling thriller writer were well-drawn and easy to engage with. Amy, the bodyguard was a little different. Her character felt functional rather than engaging, like a knife or a gun or a good piece of code. Still, the three of them together had an attractive dynamic.
The humour lifts the book and often made me smile but it was the small moments of intimacy that I liked most, especially those grounded in Steve's New Forest village.
I'd like to see what Steve, Amy and Rosie do next, so I'll be back for the next 'We Solve Murders' novel.
'We Solve Murders' turned out to be an entertaining read but, if it had been written by an author I didn't know, I'd have been thinking about setting it aside after the first hour. The start of the book put me off. The situations felt forced, the humour was brittle in a wannabe Carl Haaisen way, the people felt shallow and their world felt plastic. I was not engaged.
Because this was a Richard Osman book and the start of a new series trying something more plot-driven than 'The Thursday Murder Club' novels, I stuck with it.
Things changed, slowly. By the end of the second hour, I'd been pulled into the story by Nicola Walker's narration and I was starting to become interested in Amy, the bodyguard, and Steve, her ex-police detective father-in-law but I was still struggling with a plot that, while clever, had all the charm of a fake Doric portico stuck onto the front of an 'Executive Home'.
In the third hour, I settled into the story, which I'd now understood was a sort of fairytale with slightly subversive humour that reminded me of David Lodge. I began to enjoy the way the heist-movie-slick plot and the glitzy settings were constantly being undercut by a type of English humour that sees bling as essentially childish, and by characters whose curiosity was of the kind that would find the service tunnels in Disneyland more interesting than the rides. The plot was generating an enjoyable 'root for the underdog' vibe but the character development was still patchy.
By the halfway point, I was being swept along by the clever, original, fast-paced plot which kept me entertained until the end.
One of the things that I've enjoyed most about Richard Osman's other books is how relatable and well-observed and real his characters are. I felt this was missing for the first half of the book. Perhaps this is because I don't know any international criminals or people who choose to work in the close personal protection business and becuase many of the settings were a long way from home.
By the end of the book,, I had become engaged with most of the main characters. I thought that Steve, the widowed ex-police officer and Rosie, the top-selling thriller writer were well-drawn and easy to engage with. Amy, the bodyguard was a little different. Her character felt functional rather than engaging, like a knife or a gun or a good piece of code. Still, the three of them together had an attractive dynamic.
The humour lifts the book and often made me smile but it was the small moments of intimacy that I liked most, especially those grounded in Steve's New Forest village.
I'd like to see what Steve, Amy and Rosie do next, so I'll be back for the next 'We Solve Murders' novel.
July 28, 2024
bad news is this was not good, good news is that we are getting thursday murder club 5 next year and hopefully peace will be restored
September 22, 2024
This is a brand new series.
As I enjoyed the previous one (especially book #4, as the author put his heart into it), I had high expectations.
I must confess that I had a hard time feeling motivated to finish it, because I was not captivated by the story or its development.
It’s too cutesy and too shallow for me, and there are too many characters (and I didn’t care for a single one).
It is a fast read and the writing is simple and clear. Despite the number of characters, I did not find confusing. It’s definitely not boring.
I really think I’m not the right audience for this book, so please don’t let my opinion influence you negatively.
ebook (Kobo): 301 pages (default), 93k words (101 chapters).
As I enjoyed the previous one (especially book #4, as the author put his heart into it), I had high expectations.
I must confess that I had a hard time feeling motivated to finish it, because I was not captivated by the story or its development.
It’s too cutesy and too shallow for me, and there are too many characters (and I didn’t care for a single one).
It is a fast read and the writing is simple and clear. Despite the number of characters, I did not find confusing. It’s definitely not boring.
I really think I’m not the right audience for this book, so please don’t let my opinion influence you negatively.
ebook (Kobo): 301 pages (default), 93k words (101 chapters).
September 28, 2024
A zany adventure mystery, with Osman's signature humor. Might have more thoughts later, might not.
September 29, 2024
When I heard that the next Richard Osman book would not be a Thursday Murder Club book I was sad. I cannot get enough of that fun series. But I am bit of a Richard Osman fan so of course I was going to read We Solve Murders. A big thanks to Penguin Books Australia for sending me a copy and cute cookie to match!
Don’t go into this expecting Thursday Murder Club because it is very different. It still has that humour and loveable characters, although there is no Bogden. We do have Rosie, a super famous author who I liked to a Jackie Collins style writer. She is currently on a remote island with her private security guard, Amy. There is a hit out in Rosie, and it soon becomes clear, on Amy too. They flee, and call in Amy’s father in law, former police officer, now pub quizzer and grieving widow, Steve Wheeler. Together, the 3 of them travel the world to avoid being murdered and to find out who is trying to kill them and why.
It is high stakes, high adrenaline stuff. Full of action, gunfire and private jets, this is an absolute joy to read. Funny as you would expect, with characters to cheer on and those that you can’t wait to get their punishment. Another winner from Richard Osman.
Don’t go into this expecting Thursday Murder Club because it is very different. It still has that humour and loveable characters, although there is no Bogden. We do have Rosie, a super famous author who I liked to a Jackie Collins style writer. She is currently on a remote island with her private security guard, Amy. There is a hit out in Rosie, and it soon becomes clear, on Amy too. They flee, and call in Amy’s father in law, former police officer, now pub quizzer and grieving widow, Steve Wheeler. Together, the 3 of them travel the world to avoid being murdered and to find out who is trying to kill them and why.
It is high stakes, high adrenaline stuff. Full of action, gunfire and private jets, this is an absolute joy to read. Funny as you would expect, with characters to cheer on and those that you can’t wait to get their punishment. Another winner from Richard Osman.
September 15, 2024
If you write it, Mister Osman, I'll read it! 🤍
Thank you, Viking & Pamela Dorman, for the gifted copy of my most anticipated read for 2024 - We Solve Murders {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.17.2024
Pages: 400
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"This beautiful, brave woman scared of dying, and this silly, cowardly man afraid of living."
I thought it would be near impossible to top my love for my friends with the Thursday Murder Club, but I've found a new crew in We Solve Murders to keep me company until I can return to Coopers Chase.
The dynamic between Amy and Steve was so fun, and I wish I had a FIL to travel around the world solving mysteries with. But that would probably also mean I need a Rosie D'Antonio to fund those travels.
This book has it all: international travel, murder, mystery, wit, and a whole lot of heart. I'm always surprised when Osman can bring me to tears in a cozy mystery, but it always happens, making my heart grow 10 times bigger.
Now, before you say anything, I know there’s a lot of characters nestled within the 400 pages of this book, but what I have learned from Osman's books is that the best way to keep track of everyone is with a piece of paper and a pencil. I wrote down all the characters' names to keep them straight (message me for a non-spoiler cheat sheet). The best part is that many of those characters will appear again in future novels. I also wouldn't be surprised if, somewhere down the line, there was a bit of a TMC X WSM crossover 👀
Read if you enjoy:
🔍 Crime-solving
🫶🏼 Elements of Found family
✈️ Globetrotting
👏🏼 Perfectly time humor
💗 A cast of characters to love
I honestly cannot wait to see where We Solve Murders goes next! Also, don't forget to read the author's note at the end of this book for a fun announcement for Thursday Murder Club fans.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
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Thank you, Viking & Pamela Dorman, for the gifted copy of my most anticipated read for 2024 - We Solve Murders {partner}
Genre: Mystery
Format: 🎧📖
Pub Date: 9.17.2024
Pages: 400
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆
"This beautiful, brave woman scared of dying, and this silly, cowardly man afraid of living."
I thought it would be near impossible to top my love for my friends with the Thursday Murder Club, but I've found a new crew in We Solve Murders to keep me company until I can return to Coopers Chase.
The dynamic between Amy and Steve was so fun, and I wish I had a FIL to travel around the world solving mysteries with. But that would probably also mean I need a Rosie D'Antonio to fund those travels.
This book has it all: international travel, murder, mystery, wit, and a whole lot of heart. I'm always surprised when Osman can bring me to tears in a cozy mystery, but it always happens, making my heart grow 10 times bigger.
Now, before you say anything, I know there’s a lot of characters nestled within the 400 pages of this book, but what I have learned from Osman's books is that the best way to keep track of everyone is with a piece of paper and a pencil. I wrote down all the characters' names to keep them straight (message me for a non-spoiler cheat sheet). The best part is that many of those characters will appear again in future novels. I also wouldn't be surprised if, somewhere down the line, there was a bit of a TMC X WSM crossover 👀
Read if you enjoy:
🔍 Crime-solving
🫶🏼 Elements of Found family
✈️ Globetrotting
👏🏼 Perfectly time humor
💗 A cast of characters to love
I honestly cannot wait to see where We Solve Murders goes next! Also, don't forget to read the author's note at the end of this book for a fun announcement for Thursday Murder Club fans.
______
Follow me on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on Goodreads:https://www.goodreads.com/chaptersofc...
Follow me on StoryGraph:https://www.instagram.com/chaptersofc...
September 19, 2024
I still haven't read The Thursday Murder Club series but have been wanting to. Then I saw this new one by Osman coming out and was so excited to get to it. I've heard his books are so good. This was really entertaining. It's the first in his new series. Amy Wheeler works in private security (bodyguard). She currently is hired to protect a bestselling author, Rosie, on an island off the coast of South Carolina. Her husband's father, Steve Wheeler, is a retired investigator. When a dead body shows up on the island, Amy calls Steve to help her solve the murder. This one has some humor, and I loved the characters. Definitely a cozy, fast paced murder mystery. There's a lot going on and I found it engaging and entertaining. I really loved the writing and wit in this one. I will have to try to get to The Thursday Murder Club soon now.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
September 12, 2024
I received an advanced copy of “We Solve Murders” in a Goodreads giveaway. I’ve read all other Osman’s Thursday Murder Club books and really enjoyed them and was eager to try out this first book in his new series. I found that the dry, snarky humor was there as before. This is a considerable amount of what makes his books enjoyable and it kept me reading at a quick pace. The larger part of what kept me coming back to the Thursday Murder Club books was the characters. Unfortunately right now, I’m not really that sold on Steve, Amy and Rosie. The plot was a confusing in the end, but plot was never really the selling point of the other books, it was the heart and individual quirks of the people trying to solve the murders. So right now, I’m feeling that is missing. There are hints of it, but nothing that really made me connect with this group of characters. I’m sure it was even harder for Osman to start a new series, then it is for me to see the previous one come to an end. So I will probably check back in on the next installment of We Solve Murders to see how it evolves.
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