The Bullet That Missed is the third book in the Thursday Murder Club series by Richard Osman. Published in 2022, it was another huge hit for fans of cosy crime.
The Thursday Murder Club mystery series focuses on a group of septuagenarian detectives, attempting to crack unsolved crimes from their retirement village.
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On an ordinary Thursday, the Thursday Murder Club expects life to return to normal. However, trouble is never far from this group.
They find themselves delving into a decade-old cold case, their favourite type, leading to a local news legend and a murder with no body and no answers. But when a new adversary threatens Elizabeth, the case heats up.
Elizabeth grapples with her conscience and a looming threat, while Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim follow leads with the help of old and new friends. Can they solve the mystery and save Elizabeth before the murderer strikes again?
The Bullet That Missed Book Review
One thing that really stands out in this novel is the tenacity of Elizabeth. I just adore her. I love her unwavering determination to solve the mysteries that unfold. She is fierce and bold and a true force to be reckoned with.
The tenacity contrasts beautifully against the tenderness Elizabeth shows her husband and, to some degree, her friends. Her relationships are at the heart of the story, and they add a layer of depth that makes the book so much more than just a mystery.
The perfect friendship between Elizabeth and Joyce is a shining example of this. These two women are such contrasting characters, yet their friendship is rock-solid. It’s a testament to the power of human connection, and it adds a beautiful dimension to the story.
Richard Osman’s trademark wit and warmth are, of course, ever present. The dialogue is sharp and the humour is as delightful as ever.
But what truly stands out is the genuinely likable characters. You’ll find yourself invested in their lives, their quirks, and their backstories. It’s not just about the mystery; it’s about the characters and their life experiences.
The mystery in The Bullet That Missed was really well done and was a refreshing change of pace from predictable whodunits. There are genuinely tense moments and then Joyce breaks that tension by talking about Alan, the dog, and her Instagram page. It’s these moments of lightheartedness that make the story so well-rounded.
This has been my favourite book in the series so far. The character-driven narrative is so strong that the mystery almost takes a backseat, yet it all comes together beautifully.
It’s worth noting that The Bullet That Missed has its moments of silliness, but that’s part of its charm. There are some genuinely really sad moments but the lighthearted moments serve as a reminder that life goes on.
The balance Richard Osman strikes between the gravity of the case, the sadness and the lighter moments, is a testament to his storytelling prowess.
The Bullet That Missed is a great additional to an already successful series. The characters are endearing, the mystery is exciting and the humour is infectious. I’m definitely looking forward to reading the fourth book in the series.
Obviously I’d recommend continuing with the rest of the Thursday Murder Club series if you enjoyed The Bullet That Missed. The next book in the series is titled The Last Devil to Die.
