Welcome back to Filmy Fool! Today, we’re taking a break from movies and diving into a book review. It’s been a while since I last finished a book, but I finally completed The Last Devil to Die, the fourth installment in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series. If you’ve been following this series, you already know how delightful Osman’s writing is—simple yet layered with depth, humor, and emotion.
The Magic of Richard Osman’s Writing
Richard Osman has a unique way of balancing wit and depth. His writing is breezy, yet it packs an emotional punch when you least expect it. One moment, you’re laughing at a quirky exchange between characters, and the next, you’re hit with a profound realization about life, loss, or aging. This blend of humor and heart is what makes Thursday Murder Club so special.
A Quick Recap of the Series
For those unfamiliar, the Thursday Murder Club series follows a group of four retirees—two men and two women—who live in a retirement community and spend their time solving murder mysteries. Each member of the group brings something unique to the table:
• Elizabeth – A former spy, though her full history is never explicitly revealed.
• Joyce – A warm and fuzzy retired nurse who loves baking and hosting.
• Ron – A tough and opinionated ex-trade unionist with a soft side.
• Ibrahim – A meticulous psychiatrist with OCD tendencies.
Their camaraderie, combined with their keen investigative skills, makes for an engaging read every time.
Plot Overview (No Spoilers!)
In The Last Devil to Die, the club finds themselves entangled in a case that hits close to home. A character from The Bullet That Missed, Kulesh Sharma, meets an unfortunate fate, and the group is determined to find out who’s responsible. As always, the book is more than just a mystery—there are deep personal stories interwoven with the investigation.
What sets this book apart from the previous three is the emotional depth it explores, particularly in Elizabeth’s storyline. For the first time, we get a deep dive into her personal life, including her relationship with her husband. This aspect of the book is heart-wrenching and beautifully written, making it a much more emotional read than the previous installments.
Character Growth & Emotional Impact
One of the standout elements of this book is its character development. While the first three books gave us glimpses into their lives, this one delves deeper, making you feel even more connected to them. Joyce, in particular, shines in this book—this is truly her moment. Elizabeth also plays a significant role, and her journey in this book is both moving and thought-provoking.
If you’ve grown attached to these characters over the series, be prepared—this one is tough to digest. There were moments I had to put the book down and take a breather because the emotions hit so hard. Osman’s exploration of loss, legacy, and the weight of unfulfilled aspirations adds a poignant layer to the story.
Final Thoughts – Should You Read It?
Absolutely! The Last Devil to Die stays true to the spirit of Thursday Murder Club while adding a depth that makes it even more compelling. If you love cozy mysteries with heart, humor, and well-developed characters, this series is a must-read. It’s rare to find a murder mystery that is both funny and deeply moving, and Richard Osman nails this balance perfectly.
If you haven’t started the series yet, I highly recommend picking up The Thursday Murder Club (Book 1) and working your way through. For those who have read this book—what did you think? Let’s discuss in the comments!
Thanks for reading! Don’t forget to like, share, and subscribe to Filmy Fool for more reviews. Catch you in the next one!