El jueves siguiente

This second book in the series is even better than the first one, and that is no small accomplishment. The four friends have their hands full with more than one crime, and a slew of bad guys. One of their own is badly hurt during a mugging. Then an old acquaintance of Elizabeth’s shows up, after stealing some diamonds, and wants her help. Of course, the mafia wants their diamonds back, and if it’s over his dead body - or more - they don’t care. There is a lot going on in this complicated plot, but boy, it is definitely worth the read. Chris discovers almost by accident that he is in love with Patrice, and Donna finds some peace about her life after talking with Ibrahim, but she is likely to be surprised by what the future has in store for her (in the next book, hopefully). There is excitement, intrigue, subterfuge, betrayal, and more in this tale. And yet, since the heroes are all elderly, there are also introspections, philosophical musings, and an acceptance of an uncertain future. Author Richard Osman packs a lot into these books, and yet it all comes together in a cohesive manner with a satisfying conclusion. I can only hope he lets these four friends survive as long as the series goes on. ( )

The gang of senior citizens from Cooper's Chase retirement community, along with their Polish henchman, local police constables and a few other friends, are back, rested after their adventures in The Thursday Murder Club. Life will never be the same for them and things heat up quickly when an old friend of Elizabeth's arrives on the scene. We, along with the others, learn more about Elizabeth's past as we watch the former intelligence officer spar with a younger version of herself.

The Man Who Died Twice has a bittersweet edge for a typical cozy mystery. It also comes with Osman's wickedly crafted prose where a simple sentence can reveal more that any character intended. He continues the practice of weaving narrative with Joyce's diary entries and her observations can be funny and devastating at the same time. Joyce begins to come into her own in this sequel.

I have listened to both books and the narrator, Leslie Manville, is wonderful, her inflections underscoring Osman's prose perfectly. The next book comes out in September and I'm trying to decide if I want to listen or read.

Charming. Osman does such a great job creating eclectic but believable characters. ( )

This quirky group of characters are back to entertain me. I like this series, but that's as far as it goes. The characters are a hoot and the mystery has lots of twists which are fun. To expect more is unrealistic. I will likely read the next one when I need another palate cleanser. ( )

It was so nice to get back to Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim again, and to be part of the Thursday Murder Club again. I guess I missed them more than I realized. This is another page-turner of a book with lots of dead bodies (usually really bad people though), red herrings, danger to our intrepid four. But luck for them they have Bogdan to look out for them. I think Bogdan is the most interesting character in this series. This is the second book in the series and every bit as enjoyable as the first in the series was. The plot moves along at a good pace, and our "four" are on the trail of 20 million pounds worth of diamonds. Lots of danger and excitement, but that doesn't phase Elizabeth at all. She thrives on it. It really doesn't bother Joyce either (who I think is the best and funniest of the four). For those that have not read these books, Elizabeth is an ex-spy who, even though she's in her 70's, has not lost any of sharpness of mind or spy craft skills at all. She's always one step ahead of the cops and spooks that are always part of these stories. These books are so very enjoyable that I cannot recommend them enough, but to get the full benefit start with the first in the series--The Thursday Murder Club. You'll want to grab this one as soon as you finish that one, I can guarantee. This time I listened to it on audiobook, and it was a very enjoyable way to immerse myself in it. ( )