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A review by kris_mccracken
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
3.0
Richard Osman’s “We Solve Murders” feels a bit like wandering through a grand old house that keeps surprising you with hidden rooms. It’s sprawling, almost to the point of overreach, but Osman has a knack for balance. Every subplot earns its place, and every character feels necessary. It could have toppled under its own ambition, yet somehow it doesn’t. Instead, the pieces click together with the kind of precision that suggests Osman was always in control, even when it appears as though the story might unravel.
The tone is light, almost effervescent, as though the characters are sipping cocktails instead of facing mortal peril. They’re clever, sometimes too clever, tossing bon mots as if they’re auditioning for a panel show. This cleverness cuts both ways, with dialogue occasionally veering into territory that's a bit too rehearsed. You won’t be gripping the edge of your seat or doubled over laughing, but you’ll smile, nod, and keep turning the pages. It’s all delivered with a knowing wink, which works most of the time, though there are moments when you might wish someone would drop the mask and let the tension breathe a little more.
Osman’s affection for people shines through. He’s got an eye for quirks, the odd habits and eccentricities. His leads are relatable, the kind you’d want in your corner, and the supporting cast is just as well-drawn. Villains and allies alike have texture, even if some teeter on caricature. You get the sense Osman delights in his creations, sketching them with the kind of detail that suggests genuine fondness rather than mere convenience. Such warmth smooths over those elements that might otherwise feel implausible.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the daftness of it all. The stakes never feel that high, and there’s a faint whiff of farce to the proceedings. Yet it’s undeniably enjoyable. Light as air, this one, but smooth going from start to finish. It’s the literary equivalent of a supermarket sponge, soft, sweet, and satisfying enough, even if it doesn’t quite leave you full.
For all its charm, “We Solve Murders” doesn’t quite capture the spark of Osman’s “Murder Club” series. It’s a Sunday afternoon kind of read, undemanding but comforting, and I’ll probably keep reading the series. The book feels like it’s coasting slightly, relying on familiar rhythms and well-worn beats rather than taking risks. Still, that’s not necessarily a flaw. For readers wanting something gentle and amusing, it delivers exactly what it promises.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2
The tone is light, almost effervescent, as though the characters are sipping cocktails instead of facing mortal peril. They’re clever, sometimes too clever, tossing bon mots as if they’re auditioning for a panel show. This cleverness cuts both ways, with dialogue occasionally veering into territory that's a bit too rehearsed. You won’t be gripping the edge of your seat or doubled over laughing, but you’ll smile, nod, and keep turning the pages. It’s all delivered with a knowing wink, which works most of the time, though there are moments when you might wish someone would drop the mask and let the tension breathe a little more.
Osman’s affection for people shines through. He’s got an eye for quirks, the odd habits and eccentricities. His leads are relatable, the kind you’d want in your corner, and the supporting cast is just as well-drawn. Villains and allies alike have texture, even if some teeter on caricature. You get the sense Osman delights in his creations, sketching them with the kind of detail that suggests genuine fondness rather than mere convenience. Such warmth smooths over those elements that might otherwise feel implausible.
Still, it’s hard to ignore the daftness of it all. The stakes never feel that high, and there’s a faint whiff of farce to the proceedings. Yet it’s undeniably enjoyable. Light as air, this one, but smooth going from start to finish. It’s the literary equivalent of a supermarket sponge, soft, sweet, and satisfying enough, even if it doesn’t quite leave you full.
For all its charm, “We Solve Murders” doesn’t quite capture the spark of Osman’s “Murder Club” series. It’s a Sunday afternoon kind of read, undemanding but comforting, and I’ll probably keep reading the series. The book feels like it’s coasting slightly, relying on familiar rhythms and well-worn beats rather than taking risks. Still, that’s not necessarily a flaw. For readers wanting something gentle and amusing, it delivers exactly what it promises.
⭐ ⭐ ⭐ 1/2