It's been about half a year since I've read the first volume of the series and opening this volume felt like coming home. These characters have grown so close to my heart and although the plot is quite unrealistic again, it is easy to forgive because everyone is having so much fun getting to the bottom of the mysteries. Despite all the good humour, the author is not afraid to tread a few serious lines. 
Often in passing, such as Joyce's difficult relationship with her daughter or Ron's daughter's marital problems.
Sometimes more intense, such as Elisabeth's anxious witnessing of her husband's increasing mental decline, dealing with loneliness or moving on after a traumatic experience.
Death and our own mortality are constant companions, but this is rarely a cause for regret rather an incentive to make the best of the time we have left.
In the end, the humorous moments prevail and I simply enjoy watching everyone's shenanigans. And if the four of them weren't so likeable, one might resent the fact that they handle their affairs in a rather unconventional and highly illegal manner.

What I particularly like about the books is the way in which the author seems to distribute trivialities along the way, occasionally picking them up and dropping them in the course of the story only to finally weave them into the relevant plot. 

For example, at first you wonder what Joyce's stupid friendship bracelets are all about, dismissing it as "oh, that's so typical Joyce" only for it to click a few chapters later.

Personally, I'm already looking forward to returning to Coopers Chase. Be it with the next volume or the announced film with a cast list I already sense it might be a lot of fun.

Favorit quotes:

"I love hospitals, they're like airports"
Just a strange thing to love.
"They moved slowly, but their time ran fast."
Perfect subtitle for an old people action movie.
"More women are murdering people these days [...] If you ignore the context, it is a real sign of progress"
That's my kind of feminism.
"And if one is never lost in life, then clearly one has never travelled anywhere interesting "
Not sure if I find this really deep or if it's something to post on your Facebook timeline but I like this thought.

I had a great time with this one! even better than the original, i found it funnier, more developed and a more gripping and complex mystery than the first, but both have their merits and incredible ones at that. i can’t wait to keep reading this series. the characters are so heartwarming and funny and just completely leap off the page, well the main ones at least. i again found it difficult to really feel properly introduced to the side cast until later on, but maybe that’s my fault

Once again, Osman hits the sweet spot between mysterious and absurd.

11/24/24

Loved it even better than book 1. 

This one was a little more all over the place than the last one in terms of the mystery but still excellently crafted. Much like TV crime dramas, I’m in it for the characters more than anything.  

I’m back at it again with Richard Osman’s genius—diving into the second book of the Thursday Murder Club series, “The Man Who Died Twice”. Right from the start, I was buzzing with excitement, especially since the first book had already won me over. And yep, my hype was totally worth it!

“The Man Who Died Twice” keeps the magic of the first book alive: thrilling adventures, deep friendships, and that warm, cozy family vibe, all mixed with Richard Osman’s sharp humor that kept me grinning from ear to ear. The story’s dynamic, the characters are layered, and the plot twists are as surprising as ever—everything executed with the same brilliance as the first book. But there’s a standout difference that makes this one even cooler: I felt a stronger emotional connection with every character this time around.

This book brings a whole new level of warmth and depth. There’s something more touching and personal here. I felt every emotion the characters went through like I knew them personally. Richard Osman does a fantastic job of letting us dive deeper into characters who might have been less explored in the first book. It’s a smart move that adds fresh dimensions to the story and makes me even more invested on the Thursday Murder Club world.

I absolutely loved how Richard Osman fleshed out the characters more, making them feel even more real and vibrant. It was like reconnecting with old friends I’ve missed, but this time getting to know them on a deeper level with all their quirks and complexities. So, “The Man Who Died Twice” isn’t just a fun read; it’s an unforgettable reading experience.

I’m genuinely impressed with how Richard Osman in “The Man Who Died Twice” delves into deeper themes beyond just mystery and adventure. Beneath the tension-filled and humorous stories, there are reflections on loneliness and togetherness, how the past shapes the future, and the meaning of life and death itself. All these themes are wrapped up so neatly and thoughtfully, never feeling forced or rushed. Instead, the narrative flows naturally, making me feel like I was living through the characters’ days, sharing their joys and sorrows, and savoring every little moment they presented.

This is one of the reasons I highly recommend the Thursday Murder Club series to everyone! Especially this second book, which I think should be on the reading list of anyone looking for a story with multiple layers of meaning. Richard Osman offers an adventure and mystery that tickles the curiosity, humor that invites laughter, warmth that touches the heart, and deep emotional moments. It’s such a near-perfect combination, hard to match. 

So, don’t hesitate to pick up “The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman. Get ready to dive into a story that will make you think, feel, and laugh. Trust me, it’s one of those books that should definitely be on your next reading list!