
I was nervous starting to read this new novel by Richard Osman, not because I did not have faith in the author, but on my ability to draw an affinity to the characters and protagonists of this novel following the connection to individuals portrayed in the authors previous series, The Thursday Murder Club.
However, I needn’t have worried. The characters created in this story is so far from the original series by Osman that it allowed for me to connect with them in a different way. One thing I will say about Osman and his writing is that he knows how to character build - they are just fantastic.
Osman’s approach with this story was really interesting, usually in Crime Fiction the detective and ‘gunslinging’ character is normally male, and the more thought-provoking and rational characters are female- whereas in We Solve Murders he has chosen to flip it the other way around and it surprisingly works, and I am not sure it would’ve worked the other way around. Kudos!
The bond between Steve and Amy is very endearing, especially as in-laws. It is clear from the outset what they mean to each other and what they would do for one another.
As a stand alone crime novel, forgetting Osman’s previous masterpieces, this one does hold its own, and definitely keeps you guessing right to the end, which made it a ‘can’t put down’ read - I was gripped. This is why I have it five stars, and I am looking forward to reading the next in the series and seeing what Amy and Steve get up to next.