The Thursday Murder Club 5: The Impossible Fortune - Richard Osman

The nation’s favourite sleuths are back! In The Impossible Fortune, the fifth instalment of Richard Osman’s record-breaking Thursday Murder Club series, our retired but razor-sharp detectives find themselves caught between wedding plans and a deadly new mystery.

It’s been a relatively quiet year for the Thursday Murder Club. Joyce is knee-deep in table settings and first dance preparations. Elizabeth is mourning a great loss. Ron is struggling with family challenges, and Ibrahim has taken to offering therapy sessions to his favourite criminal.

But peace never lasts long in Coopers Chase. When Elizabeth encounters a nervous wedding guest who fears for their life, the gang is pulled back into a high-stakes case involving a priceless, uncrackable code, a dangerous villain, and a murder that threatens to destroy everything they hold dear.

Now, as friendship, love, and loyalty are put to the test, the Thursday Murder Club must race against time to crack the code, unmask a killer, and make sure Joyce’s wedding goes ahead without… well, too many casualties.

With Osman’s trademark wit, warmth, and cunning twists, The Impossible Fortune is both heartfelt and brilliantly suspenseful, proving once again why millions of readers around the world have fallen in love with this eccentric, crime-solving quartet.

Main Themes of the Book

• Friendship and loyalty — the enduring power of connection in later life.
• Love and loss — healing and hope after grief.
• Mystery and suspense — codes, secrets, and unexpected betrayals.
• Humour and humanity — finding joy and meaning even in chaos.
• Justice and redemption — ordinary people taking on extraordinary challenges.

Why You Should Read This Book by Richard Osman

• The fifth book in Richard Osman’s internationally bestselling series.
• Blends laugh-out-loud humour with deeply moving emotional moments.
• Features the return of fan-favourite characters: Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, and Ibrahim.
• Packed with ingenious twists, clever puzzles, and heartwarming friendship.
• Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Janice Hallett, and Ben Aaronovitch.

The Impossible Fortune is a masterful mix of comedy, crime, and compassion, proving that age is no barrier to adventure, love, or brilliance.

Richard Osman continues to redefine the cosy mystery genre, delivering a novel that is both entertaining and profoundly human. Whether you’re a long-time follower of the Thursday Murder Club or a new reader, this instalment will make you laugh, cry, and cheer for this unforgettable team of amateur sleuths.