The Man Who Died Twice

Richard Osman

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4.6(99,406 Ratings)
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cover backgroundThe Man Who Died Twice

About this book

The Thursday Murder Club is back in action! Retirement is proving far from quiet for Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim. This time, a desperate plea arrives from Elizabeth's past—a former colleague entangled in stolen diamonds, a ruthless mobster, and a very real threat to his life.

As bodies begin to pile up, the quartet finds themselves in a deadly hunt for a killer who wouldn't hesitate to silence four septuagenarians. Can they outsmart a ruthless enemy and find the diamonds before they become the next victims? After all, wouldn't finding the diamonds be a bonus?

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Aging as an Asset

    The Unconventional Detectives: The Thursday Murder Club, comprised of senior citizens residing in a peaceful retirement village, demonstrates that age is no barrier to intelligence, resourcefulness, and a thirst for solving mysteries. Their collective life experience and unique perspectives allow them to see clues and connections that younger detectives might overlook. They challenge stereotypes about aging and prove that retirement can be a vibrant and engaging chapter of life, filled with purpose and adventure.

  • A Whimsical Blend of Crime and Humor

    The book cleverly combines elements of suspense, crime, and humor. It maintains a lighthearted tone despite the serious subject matter, creating an engaging and entertaining reading experience. The humor arises from the characters' witty banter, quirky personalities, and their unconventional approaches to solving crimes. This blend of genres makes the novel accessible to a wide audience, appealing to those who enjoy both thrilling mysteries and feel-good stories.

  • The Power of Friendship and Loyalty

    At its core, "The Man Who Died Twice" explores the themes of friendship, loyalty, and the importance of human connection. The members of the Thursday Murder Club share a deep bond, supporting each other through thick and thin. Their unwavering loyalty is tested as they face danger and navigate complex relationships. The novel highlights the significance of companionship and the positive impact that strong friendships can have on one's well-being, particularly in later life.

  • Deception and Hidden Agendas

    The narrative emphasizes that appearances can be deceiving and that everyone has secrets. The seemingly tranquil retirement village is revealed to be a hotbed of hidden pasts and clandestine activities. Characters are not always who they seem to be, and the detectives must dig beneath the surface to uncover the truth. This theme adds layers of intrigue to the plot and keeps readers guessing until the very end.

  • Second Chances and Redemption

    The novel suggests that it's never too late to pursue justice or find redemption. Characters grapple with past mistakes and strive to make amends. The story demonstrates the capacity for personal growth and change, regardless of age or past transgressions. This theme offers a message of hope and encourages readers to believe in the possibility of second chances.

  • Confronting Mortality with Grace

    While the Thursday Murder Club relishes their crime-solving hobby, the book also examines the realities of aging and mortality. Characters confront physical limitations, health challenges, and the loss of loved ones. However, they face these challenges with resilience, humor, and a determination to live life to the fullest. The novel offers a realistic and poignant portrayal of aging, celebrating the wisdom and experiences that come with it while acknowledging its inherent difficulties.

Chapter Recap

PART 1: Your Friends are Sure to VisitElizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim gather for their usual Thursday lunch, a lively discussion about potential new companions for Joyce ensuing. Joyce ponders acquiring a dog or joining Instagram, while Ibrahim offers cautious, number-driven advice against a dog, citing life expectancies. Ron, ever t
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About The Author

Richard Osman

English television director and producer

Main Quotes

""Elizabeth always stays alert, because you never know what might fall into your lap.""

""He's gone car mad recently.""

"'What's a sausage roll going to do to you? Kill you? Well, join the queue.'"

""If they die, we're doomed, I'm afraid." "Then I shall be more careful in future," says Elizabeth."

"'Let it go. Remember it as a happy time. You were at the top of the mountain, and now you're in a valley. It will happen to you a number of times.'"

"“They say a man who desires revenge should dig two graves, and this is surely right“."

"“You are simply a little lost ... That's all.""

"“You must die before your children, of course, because you have taught them to live without you. But not your dog. You teach your dog only to need you.”"

"“Sometimes you have to do the wrong thing, in order to do the right thing.”"

""Life is short, and then you die.""

Who Should Read This Book

Readers of British cozy mysteries

Fans of the "Thursday Murder Club" series

Older adults and retirees

Readers who enjoy humor and wit in their mysteries

Individuals who appreciate character-driven stories

Those seeking lighthearted and entertaining reads

Readers interested in stories set in retirement communities

Fans of authors like Agatha Christie and M.C. Beaton

Individuals who enjoy mysteries with a touch of nostalgia

Readers who appreciate stories with older protagonists who are underestimated

Book Summaries Like

The Man Who Died Twice
cover backgroundDeath and Dacquoise

Death and Dacquoise

Kat Bellemore

Retirement isn’t nearly as relaxing when people keep dying. Retired sisters, Jo and Dottie Darby, never expected to find themselves taking over their sister’s tacky souvenir store-slash-bakery in the small coastal town of Starlight Ridge. But after her untimely death and the reading of the will, here they were. There were two problems with this. One- The souvenir store was in a state that would give hoarders nightmares. Two- Neither Jo nor Dottie knew how to bake. It was a miracle that brought Autumn Davis into their lives, a young woman who had spent time learning to bake in Paris, France, but was now home due to an existential crisis. She was the answer to all their problems. Unfortunately, on the evening of their grand opening, a woman turns up dead on the beach, and all evidence points to Autumn and the dacquoise the woman had purchased earlier that evening. Now, the Darby sisters need to clear Autumn's name, both for the sake of Autumn's future and the future of their seaside French patisserie. Death and Dacquoise is the first book of the Seaside French Patisserie Mystery series. If you like small coastal towns, humorous retirees, and of course, murder, you’ll love this cozy mystery series. Pick up Death and Dacquoise and start this laugh-out-loud series today!

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