The first book in the new series from Richard Osman has similar vibes to the Thursday Murder Club – but takes the reader all around the world on the adventure.
We Solve Murders is a funny, well grounded read that entertains readers of Osman’s Thursday Murder Club as it treads a familiar thread in terms of the humour but takes the characters (particularly Steve) out of their comfort zone onto a bigger level.
The story follows a brand new crime fighting duo: private security officer Amy currently protecting Rosie D’Antonio (a world famous author) and her father-in-law Steve (former police officer) who is comfortable in his own with his cat Trouble and solving small scale village problems. This is until one day Amy is framed for a bunch of murders leading them to go on a world-wide adventure to solve the murders – taking along with them Rosie D’Antonio (who is a complete riot along the way).
What Osman does so well is create such a variety of characters and give them heart – in particular the relationship between Amy and Steve is wonderfully heart warming and you get a real insight into how their relationship can transcend into solving crime together. Every character feels well grounded and human with their quirks and flaws that will .But it does have to be said that there feels to be a few too many characters involved (particularly in terms of hitmen – who on more than one occasion a bit incompetent) who only appear for brief moments.
But this isn’t to say it isn’t half fun travelling around the world with the characters and seeing what antics they get up to next. The plot itself could have been tightened up a little as it seems to go on a bit of a tangent that is in danger of making you care less about who the real villain of the piece is – but the conversations and theories are entertaining as is the reliance of the British humour.
Every scene is vivid and detailed but sometimes the focus and tone can be a little bit all over the place switching from humour to danger with a little bit abruptness – at least with Thursday Murder Club there was a real consistency to it all.
Fans of Osman’s other work will appreciate the level of detail and the quirky characters but somehow the plot doesn’t feel quite as engaging as it could.
By Emma Clarendon
We Solve Murders is available to buy now.
Rating: ❤️❤️❤️