We Solve Murders by Richard Osman Summary

We Solve Murders is a mystery thriller by Richard Osman that follows private security agent Amy Wheeler, retired police officer Steve Wheeler, and bestselling author Rosie D'Antonio as they investigate murders across international locations. The trio travels from South Carolina to England, St. Lucia, Ireland, and Dubai, uncovering a global money laundering scheme while evading assassins. This 2024 novel launches Osman's new detective series with humor, suspense, and empathetic characterization.

Richard Osman is an English television presenter, producer, and bestselling novelist known for creating the Thursday Murder Club series. We Solve Murders, released in September 2024, marks Osman's first novel outside the Thursday Murder Club universe and introduces a brand new detective duo. The book represents Osman's expansion into international thriller territory while maintaining his signature blend of wit, warmth, and mystery that has made his novels million-copy bestsellers.

We Solve Murders appeals to fans of cozy crime novels with international intrigue, readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with humor, and anyone seeking lighter detective fiction. The book suits Thursday Murder Club enthusiasts ready for a new series, as well as newcomers to Richard Osman's work. Mystery readers who appreciate multiple perspectives, globe-trotting plots, and the subversion of crime fiction stereotypes will find We Solve Murders particularly engaging.

We Solve Murders delivers an engaging, twisty mystery with Richard Osman's trademark humor and emotional depth. Reviewers praise the relationship between Steve and Amy Wheeler, the book's constant absurdity that makes perfect sense within the story world, and the satisfying plot that keeps readers guessing. While some readers note it differs from The Thursday Murder Club series, many consider We Solve Murders Osman's best work yet, combining suspense with heartwarming character dynamics.

We Solve Murders takes place in a similar world to The Thursday Murder Club but features younger protagonists and international settings rather than a retirement village. While the Thursday Murder Club focuses on four elderly sleuths in Kent, We Solve Murders follows a bodyguard and retired detective across multiple continents. Both series share Osman's conversational wit, empathetic characterization, and blend of humor with suspense, though We Solve Murders incorporates more action-thriller elements with assassins and global conspiracy.

The central trio includes Amy Wheeler, a private security officer framed for murder; Steve Wheeler, Amy's father-in-law and former London Metropolitan Police detective; and Rosie D'Antonio, a bestselling author receiving death threats. Steve lives a quiet retired life investigating minor crimes until Amy pulls him into international intrigue. Their relationship forms the heart of the novel, with both characters supporting each other through personal difficulties while solving murders together.

We Solve Murders spans multiple international locations including South Carolina, England, St. Lucia, Ireland, and Dubai. The story begins in South Carolina where influencer Andrew Fairbanks is murdered on a yacht, moves to Steve's quiet English village, and expands to glamorous global settings as the investigation deepens. This international scope adds depth and complexity compared to Richard Osman's previous work, contrasting quiet English countryside with bustling cities and exotic locales.

We Solve Murders revolves around a global money laundering scheme connected to the murder of Instagram influencer Andrew Fairbanks. Amy Wheeler discovers someone is framing her by using her blood sample at the crime scene. The mystery shifts from determining why victims were killed to identifying the mastermind behind the operation, with the detective trio uncovering connections between seemingly unrelated murders, encrypted communications, and a mysterious broker named François Loubet.

• "You must leave as few clues as possible. That's the only rule" emphasizes the criminal mindset of anonymity and deception throughout We Solve Murders.
• "I'd rather be murdered than bored," spoken by Rosie D'Antonio, encapsulates her adventurous spirit and willingness to embrace danger.
• "You can't have the thrills of life without the pain of life, so Steve has decided to go without the thrills" reveals Steve's character development and his choice of peace over excitement after losing his wife.

Richard Osman employs a conversational and witty tone that makes We Solve Murders accessible and engaging. He uses multiple perspectives and shifting points of view to provide multifaceted understanding of the plot and character motivations. Osman incorporates foreshadowing and red herrings to create suspense, while his light, humorous style balances the thriller elements. The narrative embraces and subverts stereotypes, poking fun at Hollywood stars, influencer culture, and assassin brokers.

We Solve Murders explores the dark side of celebrity culture and the influencer lifestyle, highlighting dangers of ambition and notoriety. The novel examines contemporary digital crime, featuring high-end criminals using encrypted communications and social media to operate in shadows. Central to the story is the importance of family bonds, particularly the relationship between Steve and Amy Wheeler, who support each other through grief and danger while solving murders together.

Some readers felt We Solve Murders wasn't as strong as The Thursday Murder Club series, noting disappointment that it featured different characters and settings. Critics point out the book's reliance on stereotypes, even though Osman subverts them cleverly. The lighter tone and absurdist humor may not appeal to readers seeking darker, more serious crime fiction. However, many reviewers counter these criticisms by praising the book as Osman's best work yet, with engaging mysteries and superior character relationships.