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But that’s not really how things work around here. Life goes on, until it doesn’t.
Richard Osman
Richard Osman is an English television presenter, producer, comedian, writer. He is also the creator and co-presenter of the BBC One television quiz show Pointless. I had heard a lot about the book and had also come across a lot of good reviews. I like cozy mysteries especially, those that remind me of Miss Marple. On reading the book’s synopsis, I felt this would be a good fit for me.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron are four septuagenarians living in a peaceful retirement village. Every Thursday, they come together in the Jigsaw room to discuss old unsolved cases. One day, they have a live case on their hand when a local developer is bludgeoned to death. Not to be left behind, these four sneak their way into the investigation and our hearts.
The book has numerous strong and interesting characters. Considering that most of them are septuagenarians, there is a lot of historical richness for the reader to enjoy. As these back-stories unwind and pieces start to fall together, unfortunately, the plot-line gets convoluted. There are several leads related to the case and multiple things happening at the same time.
All four characters have strengths that contribute to moving the plot forward. Ron never believes a single word anyone ever tells him, while Elizabeth is meticulous, astute, and a great observer. Ibrahim is a true mastermind at numbers, and Joyce is always there but never noticed. The book also touches on the fears and the insecurities that septuagenarians experience. While life may be luxurious for them at the retirement village, their anxieties and insecurities are never too far away. Something for us to remember as people around us grow older.
It is through and through a cozy mystery, and I can see this becoming a series. I would read them for sure. Elizabeth is my favorite character. While I do have a soft corner for Joyce, Elizabeth’s fierceness, no-nonsense attitude, and grit won my heart. I say she is the “Queen of Aging however-the-hell one wants to age.”
This book wasn’t a solid five for me though. I give it 4/5 stars. While it is no Agatha Christie, this is a good read for lovers of cozy mysteries.