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bookraeding's review
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Blood, Car accident, Murder, and Alcohol
Minor: Mental illness, Suicide, Violence, Police brutality, and War
clavishorti's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
“The Bullet That Missed”, the third book in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, pulls readers back into a world of clever twists, sharp humor, and heartwarming friendship. As a big fan of the series, I’m super excited to jump into this new adventure with my favorite retired friends. Richard Osman doesn’t disappoint, blending his trademark wit with a plot that’s as twisty as ever, keeping you on the edge of your seat.
The story kicks off with a gripping start. This time, the Thursday Murder Club is diving into a cold case that’s been off the radar for ten years. It’s all about the death of a TV journalist whose car was found near a cliff, but the body never turned up. As the gang starts digging into the case, they face a tantalizing question: was this really a suicide, or could it be a murder with no clues left behind? The stakes get even higher when they’re threatened by a new adversary known as the ‘Viking’, who gives Elizabeth an ultimatum—kill former KGB chief Viktor Illyich or watch him kill Elizabeth’s friend Joyce. With danger coming from all sides, the Thursday Murder Club has to race against the clock to uncover the truth while keeping themselves safe.
One of the coolest things about this book is how Richard Osman effortlessly juggles two main storylines without losing the plot. Even with multiple issues at play, the narrative stays smooth and engaging. Richard Osman’s knack for introducing fresh surprises and unexpected twists makes each page feel exciting. Readers will be drawn into a smart, well-crafted story while still enjoying the series’ trademark humor.
Richard Osman also uses this book to dive into some deeper, thought-provoking themes. One standout moment is when Viktor Illyich has a life-changing realization about himself. Despite his wealth and achievements, Viktor sees that he’s missing genuine emotional connections. As he faces his own mortality, he understands that he lacks close friends who truly care. This moment offers a stark contrast to the tight-knit bond of the Thursday Murder Club. Even in their later years, their friendships and family ties remain strong and sincere. They find joy and comfort in their retirement community, sharing their lives and experiences with one another. Richard Osman cleverly uses Viktor’s epiphany to highlight that real human connections and true friendship are worth far more than material success. This theme drives home the idea that the relationships we build and the impact we make on others are what really give life its meaning.
Overall, “The Bullet That Missed” is a thrilling read that not only delivers on the mystery front but also adds depth with its emotional and reflective themes. While “The Man Who Died Twice”, the second book in the series, is still my top pick, this third installment is incredibly satisfying and deepens my admiration for the Thursday Murder Club series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Dementia, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide, Blood, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
kris_tea516's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Synopsis: The Thursday Murder Club is investigating a 10-year-old unsolved murder of a local newswoman. Meanwhile, Elizabeth is receiving threatening texts from an unknown number.
Review: It’s hard to review books in a series wanting to avoid sharing any spoilers of previous books. Having said that, this is the 3rd book in this series & I think this is my favorite so far.
In my opinion, the author has written well-developed & lovable characters when I think about the characters & become deeply sad that they are not real people somewhere doing all the things I just read about. Osman does this magnificently.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Dementia, Kidnapping, Car accident, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Blood
princessjasminefliesaway's review
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence and Murder
nicnocs511's review
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Drug use, Gun violence, Suicide, Dementia, Kidnapping, and Murder
twonky's review
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol
elg1105's review
challenging
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Dementia, Car accident, and Murder
bookswithcuppatea's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
A cold case selected because Joyce wants to meet a TV personality quickly became more dramatic than the Thursday Murder Club anticipated!
A good number of new characters in this third installment of the series, but also a good amount of time with secondary characters from previous books.
Each member of the Thursday Murder Club has a distinct role in this investigation, and I particularly enjoyed seeing Ibrahim regain more confidence after the events of book 2. I also enjoyed the developing close friendship between Elizabeth and Joyce, two very different women who work very well together.
Throughout the book I had my eye on a particular character as being involved in the disappearance of Bethany Waite, and I was pleased to find that while the character had played a part, it wasn't what I had thought. Excellent work by Richard Osman!
As good as the first two, even though taking a unique shape.
A good number of new characters in this third installment of the series, but also a good amount of time with secondary characters from previous books.
Each member of the Thursday Murder Club has a distinct role in this investigation, and I particularly enjoyed seeing Ibrahim regain more confidence after the events of book 2. I also enjoyed the developing close friendship between Elizabeth and Joyce, two very different women who work very well together.
Throughout the book I had my eye on a particular character as being involved in the disappearance of Bethany Waite, and I was pleased to find that while the character had played a part, it wasn't what I had thought. Excellent work by Richard Osman!
As good as the first two, even though taking a unique shape.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Kidnapping and Murder
Minor: Grief
jashanac's review
4.25
Summary:
Re-Readability:
I think I could see re-reading these -- this book in the series in particular.
Writing:
Still thoroughly enjoying the authorial voice! The humor and wit are top tier.
Characters:
Joyce fucking kills me! Elizabeth continues to be amazing. Ron had me in stitches in this one -- the spa! And Ibrahim is forever the sweetest little old nerd, I love him.
All the secondary characters continue to be fun, compelling, entertaining... all of it. I loved the introduction of Viktor! And Pauline! Though I was highly suspicious of her initially.
Plot:
This plot really grabbed my interest -- moreso than the first two books for some reason. The mystery was intriguing and it was also incredibly entertaining to me. I really couldn't say what it was, but something about this mystery was quite a bit more fascinating than the previous two. Very well done!
Re-Readability:
I think I could see re-reading these -- this book in the series in particular.
Writing:
Still thoroughly enjoying the authorial voice! The humor and wit are top tier.
Characters:
Joyce fucking kills me! Elizabeth continues to be amazing. Ron had me in stitches in this one -- the spa! And Ibrahim is forever the sweetest little old nerd, I love him.
All the secondary characters continue to be fun, compelling, entertaining... all of it. I loved the introduction of Viktor! And Pauline! Though I was highly suspicious of her initially.
Plot:
This plot really grabbed my interest -- moreso than the first two books for some reason. The mystery was intriguing and it was also incredibly entertaining to me. I really couldn't say what it was, but something about this mystery was quite a bit more fascinating than the previous two. Very well done!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dementia and Murder
kirstenpod_'s review against another edition
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Dementia, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Suicide, and Kidnapping