Key takeaways
- The cosy form hides a real book about ageing, memory loss and being written off.
- Four amateur detectives is one too many for the plot, and exactly right for the comedy.
- Osman withholds Elizabeth’s backstory expertly — it powers the whole series.
Everyone is scared of dying. What they should be scared of is not living.
Richard Osman
What works
Very funny, and the sentiment is earned rather than applied. Joyce’s diary entries are the best thing in it.
What doesn’t
The mystery mechanics are the weakest part — a couple of coincidences do heavy lifting in the final act.
Who it’s for
Readers who want warmth with their murder, and anyone who has underestimated an old person lately.
