Review: We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

This gripping mystery promises humor, heart, and plenty of twists, perfect for fans of Osman’s clever storytelling.

We Solve Murders is the first book in Richard Osman’s new mystery series. The story follows Amy Wheeler, a bodyguard working in private security, assigned to protect renowned author Rosie D’Antonio on a remote island. What seems like a routine job takes a deadly turn when Amy discovers a dead body alongside a bag of cash. Realizing the situation is far more dangerous than anticipated, Amy calls for backup—her retired ex-cop father-in-law, Steve Wheeler.

As the unlikely duo teams up, they find themselves caught in a web of danger, secrets, and escalating threats. Together, Amy’s sharp instincts and Steve’s seasoned experience make them a formidable pair. With time running out and the stakes higher than ever, they must unravel the truth behind the murder before becoming the next targets themselves. This gripping mystery promises humor, heart, and plenty of twists, perfect for fans of Osman’s clever storytelling.

I haven’t read The Thursday Murder Club, but seeing the rave reviews, I thought I’d start with a new release by Richard Osman. I went in without high expectations, and while I wouldn’t call this my favorite cozy mystery, it had its moments. The book remains consistent with Osman’s signature style, featuring dry humor and witty banter, but I felt it lacked depth, particularly in its characters.

One thing I appreciated was the short chapters, which made for an easy reading experience. There were also some genuinely laugh-out-loud moments, which added to the charm. However, the highlight for me was Steve’s character. I found him engaging and well-crafted, and I couldn’t help but feel that the book would have been more enjoyable if he had been the focal point. His presence brought a certain gravitas and humor that stood out amidst the chaos of the plot.

Unfortunately, the story itself felt scattered. The plot was all over the place, with too many characters and frequent shifts in the narrative that made it challenging to stay engaged. It took me a while to adjust to Osman’s writing style and fully immerse myself in the story, but even then, I found myself struggling to keep up with the various threads.

While the book has its strengths, like Osman’s clever humor and a few standout moments, it didn’t entirely work for me. It might be better suited for readers who are already fans of his writing or those who enjoy cozy mysteries with a lighter, humorous tone. For now, though, this wasn’t quite my cup of tea. Perhaps I’ll revisit Osman’s works in the future, starting with his more acclaimed series, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark.

-Review by Shreya Jaggi