“You always know when it’s your first time, don’t you? But you rarely know when it’s your final time.”
If you’ve been swept up in Richard Osman’s cosy crime phenomenon, you may be wondering how to read The Thursday Murder Club books in order. This bestselling series has become a favourite among mystery lovers, blending sharp wit, heartwarming friendships, and twisty murder plots. But with multiple titles already released – and plenty more on the horizon – it can be tough to know the best order to read the Thursday Murder Club series. Today at What We Reading, we’re going through the complete Thursday Murder Club reading order, from the very first book through the newest release. Whether you’re just beginning or catching up before the latest instalment, we’ll walk you through the full Thursday Murder Club series list in chronological order of publication. That way, you won’t miss a single clue, character moment, or laugh along the way.
The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
Where else to start our list of Thursday Murder Club books in order than with the first entry in the series, and the one that launched Richard Osman’s series into the streaming world? In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But, when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their very first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron may all be pushing eighty, but they all still have a few tricks up their sleeves. Can our unorthodox but undeniably brilliant gang catch their killer before it’s too late?
The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
It’s the following Thursday. Elizabeth has received a letter from an old colleague, a man with whom she has a long history. He’s made a big mistake, and he needs her help. His story involves stolen diamonds, a violent mobster, and a very real threat to his life.
As the bodies begin piling up, Elizabeth enlists the help of Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron in the search for a ruthless murderer. And if they find the diamonds too? Well, wouldn’t that be a bonus? But this time they are up against an enemy who wouldn’t bat an eyelid at bumping off four septuagenarians. Can the Thursday Murder Club find the killer (and the diamonds) before the killer finds them?
The Bullet That Missed (2022)
It is an ordinary Thursday, and things should finally be returning to normal. Except trouble is never far away where the Thursday Murder Club is concerned. A decade-old cold case – their favourite kind – leads them to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. Then a new foe pays Elizabeth a visit. Her mission? Kill or be killed. Suddenly, the cold case has become red hot.
While Elizabeth wrestles with her conscience (and a gun), Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim chase down the clues with help from old friends and new. But can the gang solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before a murderer strikes again? From an upmarket spa to a prison cell, complete with an espresso machine, to a luxury penthouse high in the sky, this third adventure of the Thursday Murder Club is full of the cleverness, intrigue, and irresistible charm that readers have come to expect from Richard Osman’s global bestselling series.
The Last Devil To Die (2023)
Shocking news reaches the Thursday Murder Club. An old friend in the antiques business has been killed, and a dangerous package he was protecting has gone missing. As the gang springs into action, they encounter art forgers, online fraudsters, and drug dealers, as well as heartache close to home. With the body count rising, the package still missing, and trouble firmly on their tail, has their luck finally run out? And who will be the last devil to die?
The Impossible Fortune (2025)
Who’s got time to think about murder when there’s a wedding to plan? It’s been a quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is busy with table plans and first dances. Elizabeth is grieving. Ron is dealing with family troubles, and Ibrahim is still providing therapy to his favourite criminal.
But when Elizabeth meets a wedding guest who’s in trouble, kidnapping, and death are hot on their heels once more. A villain wants access to an uncrackable code and will stop at nothing to get it. Plunged back into action once more, can the gang solve the puzzle and a murder in time?
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FAQs
Do You Need to Read The Thursday Murder Club Books in Order?
It’s best to read the series in publication order. While each mystery is technically standalone, the characters’ relationships and personal stories develop across the books, making it more rewarding to follow them in sequence.
How Many Thursday Murder Club Books Are There?
As of now, there are five books in the series by Richard Osman, with more expected in the future.
What is The Correct Thursday Murder Club Reading Order?
The books should be read in the order they were published: starting with The Thursday Murder Club, followed by each new release in sequence.
Will There Be More Books in The Thursday Murder Club Series?
Yes! Richard Osman has confirmed he plans to continue the series, so fans can expect more adventures with Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim.
Part-time reader, part-time rambler, and full-time Horror enthusiast, James has been writing for What We Reading since 2022. His earliest reading memories involved Historical Fiction, Fantasy and Horror tales, which he has continued to take with him to this day. James’ favourite books include The Last (Hanna Jameson), The Troop (Nick Cutter) and Chasing The Boogeyman (Richard Chizmar).
