Reviews with content warning for Alcohol - The Bullet That Missed

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The Bullet That Missed by Richard Osman

21 reviews

bookraeding's review

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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

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clavishorti's review against another edition

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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.

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twonky's review

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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

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bookedandbusy's review against another edition

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adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This series just keeps getting better and better! I loved this one. This cast of characters is one of my favorites.

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tweesee_93's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

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bronzel's review

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adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

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peasandpancakes's review against another edition

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adventurous 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

3.5

I enjoyed this book but mainly because of its characters and the writing style. The plot wasn’t as good as the other two books in my opinion.

I thought the plot was too complex and messy with many of the findings and unraveling of the mystery depending on coincidence and the unbelievable willingness of others to talk for absolutely no reason at all.

The whole prison thing was kinda ridiculous, I cannot imagine this level of corruption in UK prisons, though obviously I am not an expert on that.

Will still read the last one though, because I love my little gang of pensioners.

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oxfordcommas91's review

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Ah, another delightful installment of my favorite gang of octogenarian crime solvers! I honestly can’t get enough of these books and the whole squad - they’re witty but serious, snarky but soft, and continue to just be full of heart. I never really want these books to end.
Book 2 & this one have been my favorite thus far - it feels as if Osman is really hitting his stride with these characters and each book reveals new fun slivers of their personalities and lives. There are some really tough issues woven throughout these books yet they never leave me feeling sad or anxious. Definite cozy crime vibes.
I loved seeing Elizabeth really “in her element” more than ever in this one. Ibrahim is also becoming a fast favorite of mine!
Cannot recommend these more if you want some mystery with good plot twists but nothing scary enough to keep you awake in the dark!

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jlaz_13's review

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adventurous dark funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

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bookb1itch's review

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

So I borrowed books 1-3 from my Mum and now i have to wait for her to read bk4! I LOVE all of these characters and am especially heartened by the sympathetic portrayal of dementia. KGB, London gangsters, tv personalities, so many larger-than-life personalities. But I think the friendship between Bogdan and Stephen is my favourite thing. Couldn't resist reading aloud some of Ron's thoughts about the couple's massage - to think I have so much in common with all these pensioners! (Honestly, I'm actually only 53). Beginning to talk about retirement living for my m-in-l, and am devastated that Coopers Chase is not an option for her (or me, in years to come!). What took me so long to get around to enjoying these books?

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