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Writer's pictureKaren Hunter

English reading practice - Mystery and Laughter! (C1/C2 Advanced)

If you're on the lookout for a book that seamlessly blends crime, humour, and the undeniable charm of a group of retired sleuths, look no further than "The Thursday Murder Club" by Richard Osman. This delightful mystery novel takes readers on a thrilling ride through a quaint retirement village where murder becomes the most entertaining pastime.


Set in the picturesque Coopers Chase retirement community, "The Thursday Murder Club" introduces us to four endearing characters – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron – who form an unconventional club dedicated to solving cold cases. When a local builder is found dead in their community, the club leaps into action, determined to solve the mystery before the official investigators do.


What ensues is a delightful mix of amateur detective work, unexpected twists, and a healthy dose of humour that keeps readers eagerly turning pages. Osman's storytelling is both clever and engaging, weaving a tapestry of suspense and laughter that makes "The Thursday Murder Club" a truly unique reading experience.


  1. "Death has a way of clarifying things. What you truly value. What you really miss."

  2. "When you wake up each morning, you never know where the day might take you."

"The Thursday Murder Club" is not just a murder mystery; it's a celebration of friendship, wit, and the resilience of the human spirit. Osman's writing effortlessly navigates between suspenseful moments and laugh-out-loud humour, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking a light-hearted yet gripping read.


As you delve into the pages of this charming novel, you'll find yourself immersed in a world where the elderly prove that age is just a number when it comes to solving crimes. The characters are not only well-developed but also relatable, each bringing their own quirks and wisdom to the table.



Without giving away the ending, let's just say that "The Thursday Murder Club" will keep you guessing until the very last page. The twists and turns will leave you eager to join the club and solve mysteries alongside these lovable characters.


So, dear reader, if you're ready for a literary adventure that combines the intrigue of a murder mystery with the laughter that comes from unexpected friendships, "The Thursday Murder Club" is the book for you. Get ready to embark on a journey that will keep you entertained, guessing, and thoroughly satisfied – a journey only Richard Osman can provide. Happy reading!


Check your understanding

  1. What is the setting of "The Thursday Murder Club," and who are the main characters introduced in the novel?

  2. How does the Thursday Murder Club approach solving the murder in their retirement community, and what makes their investigative process unique?

  3. Share a memorable quote from the article that reflects the deeper themes explored in "The Thursday Murder Club." How does this quote encapsulate the essence of the novel?

  4. Why is "The Thursday Murder Club" described as a unique reading experience, according to the article? What elements contribute to the blend of suspense and humour in the story?

  5. Without revealing the ending, how does the article assure potential readers that "The Thursday Murder Club" will keep them engaged and guessing until the very last page?


You can now listen to this article as a podcast just click here     


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Vocabulary
  1. Quaint: Attractively unusual or old-fashioned, often used to describe a charming and picturesque setting.

  2. Sleuths: Investigators or detectives, particularly those who are skilled at solving mysteries and crimes.

  3. Tapestry: In a figurative sense, a complex combination of elements or a rich and diverse mixture, often used to describe a detailed and intricate story.

  4. Relatable: Able to be identified with or understood on a personal level, often indicating that the characters or situations in a story resonate with the reader's own experiences.

  5. Immersed: Fully absorbed or involved in an activity or experience, in the context of reading, being deeply engaged in the narrative of a book.

  6. Quirks: Peculiar behaviours or distinctive characteristics that make individuals or characters unique.

  7. Deeper Themes: Underlying and more profound ideas or messages explored within a story, often extending beyond the surface-level plot.

  8. Resilience: The ability to recover quickly from difficulties or challenges.

  9. Lauded: Highly praised or acclaimed for excellence, often used to express approval or admiration.

  10. Embark: To begin a journey or venture, indicating the start of an exciting or significant experience.

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