Richard Osman Thursday Murder Club

[WineIsMyCarb]

My 9 year old DD wants to buy Thursday Murder Club by R Osman. I appreciate its an adult's book that centres around some pensioners solving a murder, so on the face of it would have little appeal to a primary school child. However, she has got it in her head that she wants to read it - so if she doesn't get into it I will very happily read it.

My question is: Is it too harrowing/ racy / brutal / visceral in any places as to be actively inappropriate?

Save me a week of cram-reading to check its suitability please!!!

It references murder, drug dealing and suicide so I wouldn't recommend it

Right, that would be a 'no' then. Thank you!

Sounds a great read though!

Excellent book and I'm looking forward to the film, but definitely for teens or adults!

If she wants something detective-y have you seen the Montgomery bonbon books? They're aimed at around her age

Worst books I've ever read, so I wouldn't bother! But definitely not child friendly.

Agree with @Toddlerteaplease, I have no idea what the fuss is about with this series. Forced my way through the first one, my lovely DH actually brought me the second one as he saw me read it but I gave it away to my MIL after a few pages. Dull & predictable.

Dull as! I read about a third and gave up.

I didn't even get to the second!

It's not great literature but was perfect for reading in a hammock in the sun!

I tried listening on Audible, but my god, it’s terrible.

I think I was about 9 when I started reading Agatha Christie - you could try her on those?

My lovely friend bought me the Thursday one as a Christmas present a couple of years ago as she knows I am a huge reader of crime fiction. I had mentioned I hadn't read the book already.

I didn't enjoy it at all and wouldn't bother with further books or TV or film versions either.

Agree with Agatha Christie books, I was about 11 and my mum got them from the library for me.

I blame mum and Agatha for my love of all things crime fiction.

There's a series called Murder Most Unladylike by Robin Stevens that she might enjoy

I had it by my bedside for 18 months and started it probably 20 times. It is clever but not engaging

If you have a Kindle subscription then there is loads of cozy crime which is very suitable for that age if she is a good reader?

I wonder if the Jasper Fforde Thursday Next series would be suitable?

I preferred Richard Osmans second book over the first one tbh

Awful book, I sent it back to audible for a refund. Another vote for Agatha Christie 👍

It is terrible anyway. I was so disappointed as I like Richard Osman but he is definitely no author!!

So true. Really dreadful books!

I second the Murder Most Unladylike series. I really enjoyed them and would suit 9 year olds too.

Me too, Lesley Manville narrates it so slooowly and as the writing also moves at a snails pace, I couldn't get to the end of the second chapter

One of the worst books I've read in years!

Too many characters, none of which are particularly like able or engaging.

The metaphors were good though.

Bloody awful book.
I really wanted to like it as I love Richard osman, he can't write for shit

Some of the Peter whimsey books would be suitable. And my mum read the Hound of the Baskerville to us at that age
.

I didn't particularly like it and can't remember the themes but I think the writing is fine for a 9 year old.

I agree with a PP's suggestion about Agatha Christie.

I very rarely give up on a book but I only got about a third of the way through it and even that was a slog! I really can't see a nine-year-old enjoying it.