A review by liseyp
The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

The residents of Coopers Chase have seen a lot, but the impact has rarely been felt so close to home. Drawn into the world of international smugglers and scam artists Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are on the case.

 

The fourth book in the Thursday Murder Club series will hopefully prove to anyone who has had their doubts that these are not cosy mysteries. Like the members of the club itself it feels like these books are sometimes  dismissed as gentle or cosy. But, the emotionally loaded fourth instalment shows that there is so much more to these books.

 

Real threats and real consequences, and a real understanding that while the motivations of thieves and murderers may be complex, the real villain of the piece is unstoppable illness and hard choices for those who may be left behind.

 

Joyce continues to grow as one of the best characters. It’s great to see her capable, practical side from years as an emergency room nurse coming to the fore here as for plot reasons Elizabeth takes a but of a step back.

 

But even the new characters we have not had the chance to build an understanding of manage to be well-rounded. And if not sympathetic then at least interesting and understandable.

 

In the acknowledgments the author says there won’t be a new Thursday Murder Club book next, as he pauses the series to explore some different characters (still crime). This is good for the Coopers Chase crew as it feels like they could really do with some time to take stock and recover from the events of this book.