BOOK REVIEW

BILL MCCARTHY This book might have been a collaboration between Enid Blyton and Agatha Christie with the Famous Five now ensconced in an upmarket retirement village in the 21st century. Albeit that they have morphed into a more inclusive group by race, class and occupation. The group amuses themselves solving cold murder cases until some actual murders occur. Needless to say, the murdered deserve their fate and the perpetrators are justified in their actions, being nice elderly citizens. It does pick up the pace a bit to match, say, that of Father Brown but not as exciting as Midsomer Murders.

There are more than several plots going on to keep you interested if you can stand the tedium and it all wraps nicely at the end of course. MARY BARBER I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It’s funny and lighthearted. It centres around a group of retirees who get together on Thursdays to go over cold cases. These amateur sleuths are thrilled when a murder happens on their doorstep. They are a resourceful bunch who use their skills and networks to investigate the crime, and charm the local police. It’s easy to relate to the fabulous foursome.

This joyful book celebrates friendship and the freedom of doing just as you please in your later years. I look forward to reading more from this author.

SUZI HIRST This is a great book for when you’re sitting on a sunbed on holiday, where you can lose your page and still not really miss anything. Is it just what people imagine retirees to be like in a retirement village or just a few busy bodies getting away with some illegal practices?

It was a light read the characters well described with a very British flavour. The book was slow and at times I found it hard to pick up and get it finished. Not one of my favourite books. 5/10

THE THURSDAY THETHURSDAY MURDER CLUB By Richard Osman

In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends, all pushing 80, meet up weekly to investigate unsolved murders. When a property developer is brutally murdered on the doorstep of their luxurious village in Kent, they find themselves in the middle of their first live case. The pensioners, with their unorthodox methods, set to work. Elizabeth was an intelligence agent, Ron a trade unionist, Joyce a nurse, and Ibrahim a psychiatrist. If the author’s name rings a bell it’s because Richard Osman is a familiar face on many British quiz and panel shows. TONY HARRINGTON This murder mystery comedy is perfect for our Your Time audience. The very clever Mr Osman writes about residents in a very upmarket retirement village in Kent. The main characters are clever at solving cold case murders including several new murders in their own area. The unfolding of their investigations are funny and entertaining. All the characters in this charming novel are superbly drawn. Classic English humour. This novel won’t disappoint. 8/10

JOHN KLEINSCHMIDT A debut novel that stands out. Richard Osman has written a very British murder mystery with older retired characters using their various skills to solve murders that seem beyond the competence of the local police. Key characters are two women and two men who, with various helpers, reside in Coopers Chase retirement village. The characters and location are so clearly described that it is easy to imagine you are part of the story.

There are three murders, plenty of distractions, unexpected revelations about the Murder Club members and others, devious co-operation with police and most, but not all, of the mystery is solved in the ending. Very enjoyable. JO BOURKE The words of the English novelist George Eliot “don’t judge a book by its cover” could be applied to this pleasant novel. The main characters are far from the frail and fumbling octogenarians perceived as “elderly and over the fence” by passersby. Instead, each one uses his or her life history and talents to contribute to this fascinating group meeting weekly to solve cold cases.

The author portrays his characters with insight (he did thank his aunts!) and humour.

At times the number of characters contributed to confusion for this reader as did the far-fetched involvement of the police.

However, the conclusion was pulled together tidily and although Richard needed to squirrel himself away to write this story he has since written two more revealing more exploits of the Thursday Murder Club.

Perhaps a television series in the future? Move over Father Brown. A light and easy holiday read.

Proudly bringing you the best new Australian authors.

Hundreds of new, high-quality books in all genres. Shop in-store or online and discover your new favourite author.

The Independent Bookstore 880 Brunswick St, New Farm

www.indiebookstores.com.au ph: 0484 753 504

The Independent Bookstore New Farm QLD

Security, Independence & Peace of Mind

Providing privacy & independence with the security of proximity to family. Glendale Granny Cabins provide comfortable, self contained accommodation for elderly relatives on the same site as the family home.

GRANNY CABIN DISPLAY NOW OPEN

• One Bedroom Cabins and Studios • Two Bedroom Cottages • Undisputed industry leader • Over 5600 satisfi ed Glendale owners • 6½ year structural warranty • Over 38 years experience

BSA License No. 42372

Obligation free site inspections freecall 1800 801 710 www.glendalehomes.com.au