At last 4 months after P, a lovely blog reader from Wales, sent me a copy of the Richard Osman book
I finally got around to reading it. I kept putting it off because some people said it was rubbish yet it has had a lot written about it. Did I read it's going to be turned into a TV series?
So what did I think?.................well, if you want a serious police procedural story then don't bother but if you're prepared to suspend reality of how the police work then it's just a bit of fun.
I have no idea if retirement villages like the one in this book actually exist (swimming pool, umpteen clubs, sports facilities, posh restaurant and a murder on the doorstep) but it does sound like a fun place to live. The four residents of various ages and backgrounds who meet on Thursdays in the Jigsaw Room, in a two hour free slot between Art History and Conversational French, bring different areas of expertise when looking at old unsolved crimes.
When a murder happens right there in the Coopers Chase the club soon acquire a couple of tame police officers to help them solve the crime and when a second murder happens it all gets very complicated.
I enjoyed reading but have to say there are many other crime authors with better written meatier stories out there.
I promised to pass this on to someone else but all my packaging materials are in storage at the moment so I'll offer it to another blogger once I get settled again.
Perfect review Sue. I found it a enjoyable bit of fluff. But I did think he kind of threw the kitchen sink at it.
ReplyDeleteIt did get a bit complicated at the end - so many hidden secrets!
DeleteI downloaded a sample, thankfully that means no investment, and I will not be buying the book. I found it far too light. Maybe another day and I will buy it, who knows?
ReplyDeletep.s. the sample didn't get as far as a murder, so after your review, I might buy if it goes on offer!
DeleteI was on the library waiting list but a lady sent me this. Expensive to buy
DeleteThis was serialised in ten parts on Radio 4 but I gave up after a few episodes!
ReplyDeleteI usually fall asleep before the 10.45 book at bedtime!
DeleteI thoroughly enjoyed it. Lots of quiet chuckles, typical Osman humour, I thought. But I agree, in no way serious.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to the next one.
xx
Yes I'm sure I will keep reading them for a light crime read
DeleteI always imagined it would be a frivolous type of tongue in cheek story in the way of Richard Osman. He is a likeable bloke.
ReplyDeleteHe's got such big hands!
DeleteWhen I first started watching Pointless a few years ago with P I thought Osman was very sort of odd but now I like him. I see someone here says the book could be turned into a film. I like the sound of that.
DeleteI have recently finished this book. It was amongst a bagful of books dropped off for us by the librarian when our local library closed for the lockdown. It was amusing but as you say, just a bit of light entertainment.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I will read any others - not as rubbishy as some reviewers made it out to be
DeleteAgree about Richard Osman - very likeable but not the sort to write a serious book I would have thought.
ReplyDeleteLight crime! A contradiction really!
DeleteI really enjoyed it - it was what I needed at the time so I would highly recommend it.
ReplyDeleteI had read that Spielberg had optioned the rights so I assumed a film but it could be a TV series and I think it has potential.
Yes, there are retirement homes like that - we have a couple of VERY upscale ones here in Toronto - but nothing that I could ever afford! :-)
Oh a film - it will be a success I'm sure
DeleteFinally have WiFi again...getting things changed...daughter and I easily drove the 1000 miles...son pulled a trailer...as he said it is obvious what is important to me...boxes of memories not things...Habitat took most of what I was using...son furnished condo he bought for me from furniture I had stored at his huge home and things he purchased...he got new appliances all new floors etc...I am one mile from him and family on the Gulf...my 31st move was bittersweet leaving Indy family where I lived three years to family here in Florida...it was time to be near the little boys...the girls are grown...I continue to homeschool youngest grand girl on Facetime...help with boys and their school during pandemic and a little student on West coast...almost finished with ,ogistics except drivers and car license etc...after 31 moves it is easy...love the condo and going small...when we sold the house in 2013...I wished for a small place...the apartment in Indy was nice but I didn’t love living in 55 and up place...we need young people around us...love love your blog...
ReplyDeleteMoving 1,000 miles over here and you would fall off the edge!
DeleteGood luck in your new home have a lovely time with another part of your family and watching them grow up.
I chuckled when I read this...love love this blog.
DeleteI haven't read the novel but did hear it on Radio 4 recently when it was serialised. (Possibly still available on BBC Sounds?) I agree with your assessment of the content and was glad I hadn't spent anything on it! Vicki in the East Riding
ReplyDeleteI'm no good at listening to stories being read to me - I soon forget to listen!
DeleteI'm glad you enjoyed the book. Sometimes we need a light read like that. If Spielberg has optioned the rights then it must have some good potential for a film as his movies are usually quite good.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read the book but I can say that there are lots of retirement homes like you mentioned here. My parents lived in one. It had a swimming pool, movie theatre, library, gym, craft room, games room, table games room, coffee shop, dining room hair dressers, barbers, gift store chapel and beautiful apartments. They stayed there about 3 years and then left as the prices kept going up. They moved to a much more reasonable priced place-no swimming pool, gym or movie theatre (which they never used) and they enjoyed it far more as the people and staff were much friendlier. Lots of people sell their homes in order to live in these places as they are pretty expensive.
ReplyDeleteHaven't read that one. I have such a huge reading list. I'm trying to get through them, but sometimes I feel guilty for reading. I know there are worse things that I could be doing!
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting read.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
It was a light read and quite amusing. What I did like about it was the kindness within it and the way the residents of the home were not dismissed as 'old people':)
ReplyDeleteThis sounds fun. Not deep, but fun -- and sometimes that's just what you need!
ReplyDeleteI liked the style. It was a refreshing change. Some bits were a little sad others amusing. Look forward to him having another go.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed this book and have pre-ordered the next one. I think it's a light-hearted murder mystery in the way that Midsomer Murders is in the TV series. It's great as a bit of distraction from the pandemic.
ReplyDeleteTHis has been on my to read list since the beginning of the year and I just did not know when I would get round to reading it. However it will be sooner than I thought as it has been chosen as this months read for the book club I belong to.
ReplyDelete