Richard Osman Books

I was given the first Osman murder book during a bout of illness earlier this year, I started it reluctantly, having been unimpressed by the film of the book. I really enjoyed the book, it was easy reading and made me laugh - much appreciated.
I’ve read a few and enjoyed the easy reading and humour. I read the latest on holiday recently. A bit long, over complicated but still an ok holiday read

I agree Iam64 light, easy reading for transitory entertainment, like Sunday evening TV is occasionally.

I tried twice with the first book but soon became bored so passed it on to a friend who felt the same.
Other friends love all his books and the film which I found childish..

It’s not that I don’t like cosy crimes I just don’t think Richard Osman is a good writer. I prefer Richard Coles if I’m going for that kind of book as his characters have more depth.

Oh yes. Richard Coles' books are much better. I can only assume that he doesn't have a PR agent with as much as Richard Osman's to spend.

I have read all of the Thursday Murder Club, along with Richard Cole’s Canon Daniel Clement books.

I found them to be easy reads. I do not want to always be challenged or educated by a book. A pleasant way to spend some time curled up in the chair/sofa for some escapism.

I completely get wanting to read something reasonably light, cosy crime if you like, I certainly do, sometimes it's what the mood demands. I think there are loads of authors who do that very well, Anthony Horowitz for example. My main objection to Richard Osman, is how he has used his celebrity to create his very undeserved success in the literary world. It's so hard to become a published author and there are so many great writers who don't get a smidgen of the recognition he gets for his trite rubbish. I really don't expect others to agree with me on that because I acknowledge that books are very subjective. Personally, having dipped my toes into his first book, and then trying to get another perspective on the plot through the tv programme, still awful. I resolutely swerve his books when I'm at the library or in Waterstones.

There seems to be a bit of snobbery surrounding these books - some people seem to delight in saying how awful they are despite them being hugely popular. The whole of my bookclub enjoys them - we've also enjoyed books by Jane Austen, Thackeray and Terry Pratchett!
Reading is like eating - we all have different tastes but that doesn't necessarily mean that the "food" we don't like is bad.
PS most people who love the Thursday Murder Club agree that the film was dreadful!

The first book wasn't to my taste so I haven't tried the others.

I think it’s as simple as different people liking different writing styles and types of story. I don’t think Richard Osman would have sold so many of this series if a lot of people weren’t repeat buyers, so it’s not just his celebrity that is selling them. I do prefer Richard Cole’s’ writing style myself, he’s a good orator. I went to see him at Hay a couple of years ago, he’s had a very interesting life.

Remembering enjoying the first. Read the second but as the series continued I lost interest. However, my dd thought it was a useful present to add to dh’s Christmas gifts. So we continued to receive them. The last one I read was full of characters that I no longer remember with any accuracy. Thought it could have benefitted from a list of characters and their connections to each other.

I’ve read all the books, borrowed from library.

They are ‘ok’, nothing special, and I really don’t care for any of the characters.

I agree the Richard Cole’s ones are much more to my taste.

If he wasn't on TV so much I doubt any publisher would take him on.

Nonetheless every book he writes sells over a million copies, so he’s doing something right whatever Gransnetters think?

Read the first book - wasn't keen. Tried the second, gave up after the first few chapters. They're just not for me I'm afraid.

I disagree that he was published just because he was well known. That might have been the case for his first book but it wouldn't have continued if his books weren't popular.
On the other hand there definitely are some writers who wouldn't have been published if they weren't already known. Dawn French for one! And the worst book I've read was by Judy Finnegan - presumably published because of "Richard and Judy's Bookclub".

I read the first one but wasn't interested in reading any more.
As a former librarian I would never criticise people's choice of book. I know how much enjoyment there is in reading and long may it last.

I really enjoyed Richard Osman's books. They were easy reading and humourous. The film was badly made.
I have a Richard Coles book here but not yet read it.

I read the first one when it came out and thought it was fine. I didn't bother with the others because of the negative reviews everywhere. Then a friend whose opinion I respect started raving about them, so I read a few more. I like the characters and found myself wanting to know how their storylines were developing so I'll probably carry on with them.

I love Richard Cole's self-deprecating sense of humour so thanks for the recommendations - I'll give him a go next.

I agree with those here who read one or two, and have not wanted to read more.
If I want to read about crime solving, then I'd prefer it to be a police officer, or a private detective.
I can't suspend belief enough for the mature ladies and gentlemen sleuths .

eddiecat78

I disagree that he was published just because he was well known. That might have been the case for his first book but it wouldn't have continued if his books weren't popular.
On the other hand there definitely are some writers who wouldn't have been published if they weren't already known. Dawn French for one! And the worst book I've read was by Judy Finnegan - presumably published because of "Richard and Judy's Bookclub".

Yes I agree.
I have enjoyed all his books even tho they aren’t my usual fare, but come to think of it I don’t have usual fare as I have an eclectic taste in books really.
I particularly enjoyed We Solve Murders.
The Thursday Murder Club film was twee and awful, nothing as good as the books despite the A list actors, which was a shame.

AGAA4

I read the first one but wasn't interested in reading any more.
As a former librarian I would never criticise people's choice of book. I know how much enjoyment there is in reading and long may it last.

When I worked in a library I remember customers coming in and asking for a ‘nurses’ book, I found out that they wanted Mills and Boon hospital stories.
Others didn’t want anything written in the first person.
Some only wanted ‘Life stories’ ( biographies and autobiographies).
If they’re reading what makes them happy, so what.