The Last Devil To Die: The Thursday Murder Club Series
The Thursday Murder Club, a group of elderly British pensioners residing in the Coopers Chase retirement home, continues in “The Last Devil To Die” by Richard Osman. This one-of-a-kind squad, which includes a former spy named Elizabeth Best, a retired nurse named Joyce Meadowcroft, a psychiatrist named Ibrahim Arif, and a union organizer named Ron Ritchie, has previously concentrated on solving cold cases. In this tale, however, they are drawn into a more urgent and perilous mystery.
The murder of Kuldesh Sharma, an antiques dealer and longtime friend of Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, sets off the plot. His death, which includes a missing shipment of heroin, plunges the gang into a world of criminality that is all too familiar. The novel maintains a fast-paced storyline, with the characters participating in daring and uncommon investigations for their age.
The story’s treatment of difficult themes like dementia, notably through the subplot involving Elizabeth and Stephen, is engaging. This subplot adds depth to the story and provides a melancholy contrast to the book’s typically vibrant and adventurous tone.
While the characters in “The Last Devil To Die” may not be as fully developed as those in prior volumes in the series, they nevertheless have the charm and humor that readers of Osman’s work have come to expect. The plot’s numerous strands are skillfully braided, leading to a gratifying and amusing climax. This edition also stands out for its bold commitment to immersing its elderly characters in action and peril, defying traditional ideas of age and capabilities.
While this is not the final book in the Thursday Murder Club series, Osman states in his acknowledgments that his next project will include a father-in-law and daughter-in-law detective team, signaling a new path in his writing while preserving his flare for mystery and intrigue.
Overall, “The Last Devil To Die” demonstrates Osman’s ability to merge humor, mystery, and social commentary into an intriguing and thought-provoking novel. It’s a novel that not only entertains but also speaks to readers on a variety of levels, from its brilliant narrative twists to its sensitive consideration of aging and friendship.
Sources: Kirkus Reviews
