The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
This book is a delightful blend of mystery and humour, set in a cozy retirement village where a group of four seniors meets weekly to investigate cold cases. When a murder occurs right on their doorstep, they spring (figuratively, they’re pushing 80 after all) into action.
Outside of the amateur lead detectives, The Thursday Murder Club has a fun and vibrant cast. Including actual police detectives Chris and Donna, and ‘no job too big or small, legal or otherwise’ Bogdan Jankowski.
The Thursday Murder Club explores themes of mortality, friendship, and the resilience of the human spirit in a light-hearted way. It’s a feel-good mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still delivers clever twists and a satisfying conclusion.
With its blend of cozy mystery, sharp wit, and heartwarming characters, The Thursday Murder Club is perfect for readers seeking a light-hearted yet engaging read that will leave them eagerly awaiting the next instalment of the club’s adventures.
The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians: True stories of the magic of reading by James Patterson and Matt Eversmann
This is a wonderful book that may restore your belief that reading is not over. It is a collection of responses from booksellers across the US testifying to how important books and reading are to their communities. A wide range of independent and chain book store managers and staff discuss their daily job of matching books to people’s requests, allowing pets into their shops and satisfying the most strange yet common enquiry- ‘that book with the blue cover’?
Similarly, a wide range of librarians, both public and school, respond to how they meet the needs of their clientele – helping people navigate employment forms, book signings, tool lending and the students who just want to unload their ‘stuff’ to a librarian. Sadly, there are responses outlining the challenges to books within school libraries and how librarians have had to collaborate and meet those challenges, often coming from people who have not read the book they want banned. Despite being set in the US, this is a book Australian readers and lovers of books will cherish and be reminded of the joy of holding a book.
Brendan Ryan
