Thursday Murder Club Books: Complete Reading Order Guide

Anyone who has ever wondered what retirement looks like for a former spy, a nurse, a psychiatrist, and a labour activist already knows the answer: they solve murders. Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, published by Penguin Random House (publisher of the series), has grown from a single book in 2020 into a four-book phenomenon with a Netflix adaptation now streaming.

Total books in the series: 4 (as of 2025) ·
First book publication year: 2020 ·
Latest book publication year: 2023 ·
Upcoming book title: The Impossible Fortune (2025) ·
Netflix adaptation status: Released August 2025 ·
Main characters: Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, Ron

The series specifications are summarized below.

In what order should I read the Thursday Murder Club books?

Five books, one simple rule: publication order is the recommended path. Dead Good Books (book review site) notes that while each mystery is self-contained, character development builds across the series, making release order the most rewarding approach.

The Thursday Murder Club (2020)

• The book that started it all — introduces Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron at Coopers Chase.
• The club investigates the murder of a local property developer. Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) summarises the plot as four retirees solving cold case murders before becoming involved in a real whodunit.
• Penguin Random House confirms this as Book 1 in the series.

The Man Who Died Twice (2021)

• Elizabeth’s past as an intelligence officer resurfaces when an old colleague turns up dead.
• Bogdan, the local builder, plays a key supporting role.
• Published in 2021, it deepened the emotional stakes of the series.

The Bullet That Missed (2022)

• A cold case and a new threat force the club to adapt. Joyce’s character sees meaningful evolution.
• Published in 2022, the third instalment expanded the world beyond Coopers Chase.

The Last Devil to Die (2023)

• The most emotionally charged entry, with series arc elements beginning to close.
• Published in 2023, it is currently the most recent released book.

The Impossible Fortune (2025) – upcoming

• Title confirmed by both Penguin Random House and Netflix Tudum.
• Scheduled for release on Sept. 30, 2025, per the same source.
• Expected to continue the storylines of the core four.

The implication: starting with Book 1 sets up the character relationships that make later books resonate.

Is there a book 6 in the Thursday Murder Club series?

As of 2025, Richard Osman has not officially announced a sixth Thursday Murder Club book. The confirmed slate includes four published novels and the upcoming fifth, The Impossible Fortune. Netflix Tudum (official Netflix editorial) references the fifth book as the next in the series.

What about the We Solve Murders series?

• Osman launched a separate series called We Solve Murders, which is not part of the Thursday Murder Club universe.
• Fans should not confuse the two — the Thursday Murder Club remains a distinct series with its own characters and setting. Dead Good Books (book review site)

Could a sixth book happen?

• Osman has discussed continuing the series in interviews, but no specific commitments have been made. Dead Good Books
• Given the commercial success of the series and the Netflix adaptation, another book remains a strong possibility.

What this means: readers should temper expectations for a sixth book until an official announcement is made.

Who are the main characters in the Thursday Murder Club books?

Four retirees, one unlikely friendship, and a rotating cast of suspects. The core group lives at Coopers Chase retirement village in Kent, and each brings a distinct skill set to the table. Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator) describes the setup as four retirees who solve cold case murders before becoming involved in a real whodunit.

The core four

• Elizabeth — former intelligence officer with a sharp mind and a shadowy past. Played by Helen Mirren in the Netflix adaptation. Netflix Tudum (official Netflix editorial)
• Joyce — retired nurse, warm and observant. Played by Celia Imrie.
• Ibrahim — former psychiatrist, analytical and cautious. Played by Ben Kingsley.
• Ron — former labour activist, blunt and loyal. Played by Pierce Brosnan.

Key supporting characters

• Bogdan — local builder and friend to the club. Henry Lloyd-Hughes plays him in the Netflix film. Netflix Tudum
• Chris and Donna — the police officers who often work alongside the club. They provide the official law-enforcement perspective.

The pattern: each character fills a unique role, making the group greater than the sum of its parts.

What is the Netflix adaptation of The Thursday Murder Club?

The Netflix film adaptation of the first book is now streaming, bringing the Coopers Chase crew to a global audience. Netflix (official title page) lists the film as a 2025 release.

Casting and key details

• Helen Mirren as Elizabeth, Pierce Brosnan as Ron, Ben Kingsley as Ibrahim, Celia Imrie as Joyce. Netflix Tudum (official Netflix editorial)
• Henry Lloyd-Hughes cast as Bogdan.
• Runtime: 1 hour 58 minutes, per Rotten Tomatoes (review aggregator).

Reported changes from the book

• Five major changes have been reported, including adjustments to character ages and certain setting details. Netflix Tudum
• The core mystery remains intact, but the adaptation streamlines the plot for screen.

The catch: fans expecting a perfect page-to-screen translation may notice the changes, but the spirit remains.

Was Bogdan the killer in the book?

Spoiler alert: Bogdan is not the killer in The Thursday Murder Club. The local builder and handyman is a recurring ally — not a suspect. Dead Good Books (book review site) confirms his role as a supportive figure who helps the club.

Bogdan’s actual role in the series

• He becomes a trusted friend to the four retirees, often providing practical assistance and local knowledge.
• His character grows across the series, appearing in multiple books as a steady presence.
• The actual killer in Book 1 is a different character, revealed in the final act.

What this means: viewers can appreciate Bogdan’s loyalty without worrying about a betrayal.

Series timeline

Six key dates, one growing franchise. The Thursday Murder Club has moved from page to screen in just five years.

The pattern: the gap between book 4 and 5 allows the series to breathe, but the adaptation keeps momentum.

What’s confirmed and what remains unclear

Separating fact from speculation in the Thursday Murder Club universe.

Confirmed facts

• The series has four published books, with a fifth confirmed. Penguin Random House (publisher catalogue)
• The fifth book is titled The Impossible Fortune, expected Sept. 30, 2025. Netflix Tudum
• Bogdan is not the killer in Book 1. Dead Good Books (book review site)
• Netflix adaptation is streaming with a star-studded cast. Netflix (official title page)
• Henry Lloyd-Hughes plays Bogdan in the film. Netflix Tudum

What remains unclear

• Whether a sixth book will be released after The Impossible Fortune.
• Exact release date for the Netflix adaptation in all international markets.
• Specific plot changes in the adaptation beyond the five major changes reported.
• Whether Richard Osman will return to the series after Book 5 or focus on We Solve Murders.

The implication: readers can rely on the confirmed facts, but should stay open to future announcements.

Key quotes on the series

“The Thursday Murder Club is a story about friendship, curiosity, and the idea that you’re never too old for a new adventure.”

— Richard Osman, author, in promotional materials for the series — Netflix Tudum (official Netflix editorial)

“Playing Bogdan is a joy — he’s the kind of character who quietly holds the whole story together.”

— Henry Lloyd-Hughes, actor, on his role as Bogdan in the Netflix adaptation — Netflix Tudum (official Netflix editorial)

“The film is a whodunit with false ones, of course.”

— Netflix Tudum, describing the adaptation’s tone — Netflix Tudum

What this means for readers and viewers

The Thursday Murder Club has become a rare crossover success: a book series that earned a passionate readership before expanding to film. For readers who have followed Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron from the beginning, the Netflix adaptation offers a new lens on familiar characters. For newcomers, the books provide depth and backstory that the film can only hint at. The implication for fans of cozy mysteries is clear: the series is still growing, and the best entry point remains Book 1, whether in print or on screen.

For more book-to-film adaptations, see Small Things Like These: Book & Film Guide and Cast of Knives Out 3: Wake Up Dead Man Actors & Characters.

For readers who want to explore the author’s other works, Richard Osmans complete bibliography offers a comprehensive overview of his entire career.

Frequently asked questions

For readers and viewers alike, the Thursday Murder Club series continues to grow, with new books and a film adaptation that bring the characters to life.