If you’re a fan of witty, heartwarming, and suspenseful crime novels, Richard Osman’s books are a must-read. Known for his charming storytelling and unforgettable characters, Osman has taken the literary world by storm with his Thursday Murder Club series and the newer We Solve Murders series. Whether you’re new to his work or a seasoned fan, this SEO-optimized guide will walk you through Richard Osman books in order, offering insights, summaries, and tips to make your reading journey delightful. Let’s dive into the world of cozy mysteries with a British twist!
Who is Richard Osman?
Before we get to the books, let’s talk about the man behind the stories. Richard Osman is a British television presenter, producer, comedian, and bestselling author. Famous for creating and co-hosting the BBC quiz show Pointless, Osman stepped into the literary spotlight in 2020 with his debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club. His unique blend of humor, sharp plotting, and lovable characters has made his books international bestsellers, earning accolades like the British Book Awards Author of the Year in 2020.
Osman’s novels, particularly the Thursday Murder Club series, center on a group of septuagenarian detectives solving crimes in a retirement village. His ability to mix cozy mystery with modern twists, heartfelt moments, and clever humor has captivated readers worldwide. Ready to explore his books? Let’s get started!
Complete List of Richard Osman Books in Order of Release Date
Below is a comprehensive list of all books by Richard Osman, organized by release date. This includes both his fiction (the Thursday Murder Club and We Solve Murders series) and non-fiction works, presented in a table format for easy reference.
| Title | Series | Release Date | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| The 100 Most Pointless Things in the World | BBC’s Pointless (with Alexander Armstrong) | 2013 | Non-Fiction |
| The 100 Most Pointless Arguments in the World | BBC’s Pointless (with Alexander Armstrong) | 2014 | Non-Fiction |
| The Very Pointless Quiz Book | BBC’s Pointless (with Alexander Armstrong) | 2014 | Non-Fiction |
| The A-Z of Pointless | BBC’s Pointless (with Alexander Armstrong) | 2015 | Non-Fiction |
| A Pointless History of the World | BBC’s Pointless (with Alexander Armstrong) | 2017 | Non-Fiction |
| The World Cup of Everything | Standalone | 2017 | Non-Fiction |
| Richard Osman’s House of Games: 1,054 Questions to Test Your Wits, Wisdom and Imagination | Standalone (with Alan Connor) | 2019 | Non-Fiction |
| The Thursday Murder Club | Thursday Murder Club #1 | 2020 | Fiction |
| The Man Who Died Twice | Thursday Murder Club #2 | 2021 | Fiction |
| The Bullet That Missed | Thursday Murder Club #3 | 2022 | Fiction |
| The Last Devil to Die | Thursday Murder Club #4 | 2023 | Fiction |
| We Solve Murders | We Solve Murders #1 | 2024 | Fiction |
| The Impossible Fortune | Thursday Murder Club #5 | September 30, 2025 | Fiction |
Notes:
- The Thursday Murder Club series is best read in publication order to follow character development and ongoing story arcs.
- We Solve Murders is a standalone series and can be read independently of the Thursday Murder Club series.
- Non-fiction books are primarily tied to Osman’s TV work, including Pointless and House of Games, and are co-authored with Alexander Armstrong or Alan Connor where noted.
- Release dates for The Impossible Fortune are confirmed as September 30, 2025, based on available information.
Richard Osman Books in Order: The Complete List
To fully enjoy Osman’s storytelling, reading his series in order is highly recommended. The Thursday Murder Club series builds on character development and ongoing plot threads, while We Solve Murders introduces a fresh detective duo. Below is the complete list of Richard Osman’s fiction books in publication order, which aligns with the chronological order for the best reading experience.
The Thursday Murder Club Series
This beloved series follows four retirees—Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—who meet weekly in their retirement village, Coopers Chase, to solve cold cases. Their adventures take a thrilling turn when real murders land on their doorstep. Here’s the reading order:
- The Thursday Murder Club (2020)
In the peaceful Coopers Chase retirement village, four unlikely friends—Elizabeth (a former spy), Joyce (a retired nurse), Ibrahim (a former psychiatrist), and Ron (a former union activist)—form the Thursday Murder Club to discuss unsolved crimes. When a local developer is found dead with a mysterious photograph beside him, the gang dives into their first live case. Packed with wit, suspense, and heart, this debut novel is a cozy mystery masterpiece.
Why You’ll Love It: Introduces the quirky quartet with sharp humor and a classic whodunit vibe. Perfect for fans of Agatha Christie. - The Man Who Died Twice (2021)
The Thursday Murder Club is back, and this time, Elizabeth’s past comes knocking. An old colleague, entangled in a £20 million diamond theft, seeks her help, pulling the gang into a dangerous web of espionage, mobsters, and murder. As bodies pile up, the quartet’s wit and camaraderie shine.
Why You’ll Love It: Higher stakes, deeper character bonds, and a thrilling mix of espionage and cozy crime. - The Bullet That Missed (2022)
The gang tackles a decade-old cold case involving a missing TV journalist. As they uncover links to financial fraud and a dangerous criminal, Elizabeth faces a life-or-death ultimatum: kill or be killed. With new allies and old friends, the Thursday Murder Club races to solve the mystery.
Why You’ll Love It: Clever twists, heartfelt moments, and a delightful blend of humor and suspense. - The Last Devil to Die (2023)
When an antiques dealer friend is murdered and a valuable package goes missing, the Thursday Murder Club dives into a world of art forgers, drug dealers, and online scammers. This emotionally intense installment explores themes of loss and friendship while delivering Osman’s signature wit.
Why You’ll Love It: A poignant, twist-filled story that balances humor with deeper themes of mortality. - The Impossible Fortune (2025)
Set for release on September 30, 2025, this fifth installment sees the gang back in action after a wedding is disrupted by a kidnapping and a death. A villain seeks an uncrackable code, and the quartet must solve a murder and a puzzle to save the day.
Why You’ll Love It: Promises Osman’s trademark charm, high stakes, and clever plotting.
We Solve Murders Series
Osman’s newer series introduces a dynamic detective duo and a globe-trotting adventure. It’s a standalone series, so you can read it anytime, but here’s the order:
- We Solve Murders (2024)
Meet Steve Wheeler, a retired investigator enjoying a quiet life, and Amy Wheeler, his adrenaline-junkie daughter-in-law. When Amy’s security job on a remote island turns deadly with a body and a bag of money, she calls Steve for help. Together, they embark on a high-stakes, action-packed chase to outsmart a killer.
Why You’ll Love It: Combines cozy mystery with thrilling action and a fresh, lovable duo.
Non-Fiction Books
Osman has also co-authored several non-fiction books, mostly tied to his TV work. While these aren’t mysteries, they showcase his humor and trivia expertise. Here’s a quick list in chronological order:
- The 100 Most Pointless Things in the World (2013, with Alexander Armstrong)
- The 100 Most Pointless Arguments in the World (2014, with Alexander Armstrong)
- The Very Pointless Quiz Book (2014, with Alexander Armstrong)
- The A-Z of Pointless (2015, with Alexander Armstrong)
- A Pointless History of the World (2017, with Alexander Armstrong)
- The World Cup of Everything (2017)
- Richard Osman’s House of Games (2019, with Alan Connor)
For mystery fans, stick to the fiction series, but these non-fiction titles are great for fans of Osman’s witty TV persona.
Why Read Richard Osman’s Books in Order?
Reading the Thursday Murder Club series in order is crucial for several reasons:
- Character Development: The quartet’s relationships and backstories deepen with each book. Reading out of order might spoil key moments or leave you confused about references.
- Ongoing Plot Threads: While each book has a self-contained mystery, subplots and character arcs span the series, making chronological reading essential.
- Emotional Impact: The emotional stakes grow, especially in later books like The Last Devil to Die, where themes of loss hit harder if you’re attached to the characters.
- World-Building: Coopers Chase becomes richer with each book, enhancing the cozy yet thrilling atmosphere.
The We Solve Murders series is standalone, so you can dive in anytime, but it’s a great follow-up after finishing Thursday Murder Club.
What Makes Richard Osman’s Books So Special?
Osman’s novels stand out in the cozy crime genre for several reasons:
- Aged Detectives with Modern Twists: The Thursday Murder Club features retirees who use their life experience and modern tech to solve crimes, offering a fresh take on the genre.
- Humor and Heart: Osman’s sharp wit and heartfelt moments create a perfect balance, making you laugh and tear up in the same chapter.
- Camaraderie and Community: The close-knit friendships in both series add emotional depth, making the mysteries more than just puzzles.
- Engaging Plots: Expect clever twists, red herrings, and satisfying conclusions that keep you guessing until the end.
Fans of authors like Agatha Christie, Alexander McCall Smith, or Nita Prose (The Maid) will adore Osman’s blend of classic and contemporary mystery elements.
Where to Buy Richard Osman’s Books
You can find Osman’s books at major retailers like:
- Amazon: Great for ebooks, paperbacks, and audiobooks (the audiobooks are brilliantly narrated!).
- Waterstones: Perfect for UK readers looking for physical copies.
- Book Depository: Offers worldwide shipping.
- Local Bookstores: Support independent shops for a personal touch.
Pro tip: Check out audiobook versions for Osman’s charming narration and voice acting, which bring the characters to life.
Upcoming Releases and What’s Next
The Thursday Murder Club series continues with The Impossible Fortune in September 2025, and fans are buzzing with excitement. Osman has also hinted at a potential new series blending Thursday Murder Club’s charm with The Da Vinci Code’s global intrigue, though details are scarce. A movie adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club is also in the works with Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Entertainment, promising to bring the gang to the big screen.
FAQs About Richard Osman’s Books
1. How many Richard Osman books are there?
As of 2025, Osman has published five Thursday Murder Club books (including The Impossible Fortune), one We Solve Murders book, and seven non-fiction titles.
2. Do I need to read the books in order?
Yes, for the Thursday Murder Club series, reading in publication order ensures you follow character arcs and avoid spoilers. We Solve Murders can be read independently.
3. Are Richard Osman’s books suitable for all ages?
While accessible to most readers, the books contain mild violence and mature themes like loss, making them best for teens and adults.
4. What’s the best Richard Osman book to start with?
Start with The Thursday Murder Club (2020) to meet the iconic quartet and dive into Osman’s cozy mystery world.
5. Is We Solve Murders a continuation of Thursday Murder Club?
No, it’s a separate series with new characters, though it retains Osman’s signature humor and mystery style.
Conclusion: Start Your Richard Osman Journey Today!
Richard Osman’s books are a delightful escape into a world of clever mysteries, lovable characters, and laugh-out-loud humor. Whether you’re joining the Thursday Murder Club for their retirement village adventures or racing around the globe with Steve and Amy in We Solve Murders, you’re in for a treat. Start with The Thursday Murder Club and read the series in order to fully immerse yourself in Osman’s cozy crime universe.
Grab a cuppa, get cozy, and let these heartwarming whodunits keep you guessing. Which Richard Osman book are you reading first? Let us know in the comments, and happy reading!
