Rating: ★★★★☆
Genre: Mystery, Cosy Mystery
Available On: Amazon
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman brings us back to Coopers Chase for another delightful adventure with our favourite group of elderly sleuths. For those who haven’t read the first book, I do recommend you start there, although this is a standalone novel that can be read without knowledge of the first, they do happen chronologically. If you’re unfamiliar with the premise, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron all live in the same retirement village and, to keep their minds sharp and wits attentive, not to mention pass the time, meet every Thursday to see if their combined talents can solve cold cases.
This book sees them back at puzzling out a very much current case, and this time they’re dealing with diamonds, danger, and a whole lot of double-crossing. The Thursday Murder Club‘s second outing is every bit as charming, clever, and heartwarming as their first, but with even higher stakes and plenty of twists to keep readers turning the pages.
The story kicks off when Elizabeth receives a letter from an old acquaintance who’s found himself in a world of trouble. Before long, the Thursday Murder Club finds itself mixed up in a dangerous game involving stolen diamonds, a ruthless mobster, and a mysterious double murder. Despite the chaos, Osman still manages to capture the everyday humour and poignancy that made the first book such a delight, reminding us that there’s more to life in a retirement village than meets the eye.
Diamonds, Intrigue, and the Club’s Unique Charm
The novel shines in its ability to seamlessly blend humour, suspense, and character-driven storytelling. Elizabeth, as always, is one step ahead, with her past life as a spy coming to the forefront more than ever before. Joyce continues to charm readers with her diary entries, which offer a personal and often amusing perspective on the unfolding drama. Ron remains as brash and fiercely loyal as ever, while Ibrahim faces challenges that bring a more vulnerable side of him to light, adding depth to his character.
The gang’s amateur sleuthing takes them to unexpected places—including a thrilling encounter with a dangerous criminal. As they dive deeper into the world of crime and deception, they also uncover more about each other, strengthening their bond as a found family. The stakes are higher this time, but Osman balances the tension with his signature wit, making sure that readers are smiling even when the plot takes darker turns.
The Verdict on The Man Who Died Twice
The Man Who Died Twice delivers everything you’d expect from a sequel to The Thursday Murder Club: it’s funny, clever, and full of heart. Richard Osman has once again crafted a story that isn’t just about solving a mystery but also about friendship, ageing, and finding purpose. The addition of new characters, including a figure from Elizabeth’s past, adds layers of intrigue and emotional resonance, giving readers even more to enjoy.
For fans of the cosy mystery genre, this book is a must-read. Its blend of humour, suspense, and heartfelt moments ensures that it will appeal not only to mystery lovers but also to anyone who enjoys character-driven fiction with a light yet thought-provoking tone. And if you loved the first book, you’re in for a treat—the stakes are higher, the laughs are louder, and the twists are even more unexpected.
What Genre Is The Man Who Died Twice?
The Man Who Died Twice comfortably sits within the cosy mystery genre, much like its predecessor. It has all the elements that define the genre: an amateur group of detectives, a small community setting, and a light-hearted tone despite its murderous plot. The return to the peaceful Coopers Chase retirement village, contrasted with the increasingly dangerous escapades of the Thursday Murder Club, makes for a perfect cosy mystery setting.
In addition to the cosy mystery feel, the book also features elements of crime fiction, with a storyline that includes mobsters, stolen diamonds, and international intrigue. This blend of cosy, crime, and character-driven storytelling creates a rich reading experience that is both entertaining and comforting.
Key Themes and Tropes in The Novel
Trope Count: 🔥🔥🔥🔥
Richard Osman delivers another round of familiar and well-loved themes, while adding new layers to the characters and their relationships. Here are some of the key themes and tropes that make this book a standout:
Amateur Sleuths, Round Two
The amateur sleuthing of Thursday Murder Club is as delightful as ever. The group’s combination of wit, resourcefulness, and sheer determination once again outshines the official investigation. The dynamic between the elderly sleuths and the local police is a highlight of the novel, with PC Donna De Freitas and DCI Chris Hudson returning to provide both support and comic relief.
Found Family
The bond between Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron continues to be at the heart of the story. As they face new dangers and challenges, their friendship grows even stronger. The theme of found family is deeply touching, as each member of the club provides something unique and essential to the group, proving that life can still be full of adventure and companionship in retirement.
Humour and Wit
Richard Osman’s dry British humour is once again on full display, making this a light-hearted read despite the high stakes and dangerous situations. Joyce’s diary entries in particular are a delight, offering candid insights into the events of the story as well as plenty of humorous observations about life at Coopers Chase.
Ageing and Resilience
Ageing is a theme that is once again explored with both honesty and humour. In this book, Ibrahim’s storyline provides a more serious exploration of the vulnerabilities that come with ageing, but also the resilience and strength that can be found in the face of adversity. The characters’ determination to live fully and embrace adventure, despite the challenges that come with growing older, is both inspiring and heartwarming.
If you enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club (which I did, immensely), you’ll definitely want to pick up The Man Who Died Twice. It’s a perfect blend of mystery, humour, and heartfelt moments that will leave you eagerly awaiting the next instalment in the series. And if you’re searching for more cosy mysteries to keep you occupied, I highly recommend my current obsession, The Lady Eleanor Swift mysteres…