What is 'The Thursday Murder Club' about?
'The Thursday Murder Club' is released on Netflix on 22 August. It's based on the hugely popular novel from Richard Osman, but what's it about?
It started as a quirky concept from the mind of a debut novelist and former Pointless presenter—and turned into a literary phenomenon. The Thursday Murder Club, the best-selling mystery series by Richard Osman, has captivated millions of readers with its sharp wit, charming characters, and cleverly woven plots.
At its heart, the story follows four retirees—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—who live in the idyllic but quietly chaotic Coopers Chase retirement village in Kent. Every Thursday, they meet in the Jigsaw Room to revisit old unsolved murder cases. It begins as a way to pass the time, but when a local developer is found dead, the club finds itself drawn into a live investigation. What follows is a blend of amateur sleuthing, unexpected twists, and plenty of British humour.
Each member of the club brings a unique skill set to the table. Elizabeth is a former spy with mysterious connections and a knack for getting information others can’t. Joyce, a retired nurse, narrates much of the story with warmth, gossip, and a disarming sense of curiosity. Ibrahim, a psychiatrist, is the analytical mind of the group, while Ron, a former trade union firebrand, offers streetwise grit and emotional intelligence. Despite their differences, the four make an unlikely but brilliant investigative team—often outsmarting the police while forming deeply human connections along the way.
What sets The Thursday Murder Club apart from typical whodunits is its depth of character and its gentle reflection on aging, loss, and purpose. The murder mysteries are central, of course, but Osman’s writing also shines in the quieter moments: a shared pot of tea, a reflection on a lost spouse, or the joy of an unexpected friendship. The result is a crime novel that’s as heartwarming as it is thrilling.
Speaking to The Guardian, Richard Osman said: “I wanted to write something that was warm and funny and about people who are often overlooked in fiction. These are characters with full lives and brilliant minds. Why shouldn’t they be the heroes?” (The Guardian, Sept. 2020). That sentiment runs through every page of the series—these aren’t just pensioners solving murders; they’re vibrant, complex people with agency and intelligence.
Since the release of the first novel in 2020, Osman has gone on to publish four more books in the series, with the latest, The Great Outlaw Hunt, arriving in 2025. Each book brings a new mystery, new suspects, and new emotional journeys, while continuing to develop the friendships and lives of the core quartet. The series has sold millions of copies worldwide, topping charts in the UK and beyond, and attracting readers who might not usually pick up a murder mystery.
A film adaptation is in the works, backed by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, with Osman confirming that casting is well underway. Fans have been vocal in their dream choices, with names like Helen Mirren and Bill Nighy being floated as potential leads. Osman himself has said he wants the film to reflect the tone of the books—smart, funny, a little sentimental, and unashamedly British.
More than just a crime series, The Thursday Murder Club is a celebration of friendship, resilience, and the idea that life doesn't stop being exciting just because you’ve retired. It’s as much about second chances and personal growth as it is about catching killers. For readers, it’s an invitation into a world that feels both comforting and invigorating—a village where anything can happen, and the old folks are the ones calling the shots.