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- Title: Man Who Died Twice: (The Thursday Murder Club 2)
- Author: Richard Osman
- Narrator: Lesley Manville
- Length: 12:31:05
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 16/09/2021
- Publisher: Penguin Books LTD
- Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Horror, Suspense, Detective Stories, Cozy Mystery
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s something magical about a story that unfolds like a winding path through a familiar yet mysterious village, and ‘Man Who Died Twice,’ the second installment in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series, does just that. As a travel writer who’s spent countless hours listening to audiobooks while traversing deserts and mountains, I was instantly drawn into this cozy mystery. Set in the idyllic retirement village of Cooper’s Chase, this suspense-filled detective story brings back the lovable quartet of septuagenarian sleuths – Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron – who tackle crime with wit, grit, and a surprising knack for uncovering hidden truths. It’s a tale of stolen diamonds, old grudges, and a ruthless mobster, all wrapped in a narrative as comforting as a well-worn sweater yet as sharp as a hidden blade.
This audiobook experience reminds me of a time when I was staying with a family in Oaxaca, listening to their grandmother weave stories each evening by the flickering light of a lantern. Her voice carried the weight of history, her pauses pregnant with suspense, and her laughter a balm for the soul. That memory of oral storytelling came flooding back as I immersed myself in Lesley Manville’s narration. There’s an intimacy to her delivery that mirrors those nights in Oaxaca, making you feel as though you’re sitting across from Joyce as she muses over her diary entries or beside Elizabeth as she pieces together clues with her steely determination.
Diving into the content, ‘Man Who Died Twice’ is a masterclass in balancing humor and heartbreak within the mystery-thriller genre. Osman’s writing shines as he explores themes of friendship, loss, and the quiet courage of aging. The plot kicks off when Elizabeth receives a letter from an old colleague – a man tied to her past in ways that unravel with delicious tension. His plea for help draws the Thursday Murder Club into a web of stolen gems and deadly threats. What I love most is how Osman crafts characters who defy stereotypes; these retirees aren’t just knitting and sipping tea – they’re outsmarting mobsters and cracking cases with a blend of life experience and sheer audacity. The story unfolds like a slow drive through a misty countryside, where every turn reveals a new vista – or in this case, a new suspect. You can almost hear the crunch of gravel underfoot at Cooper’s Chase, or taste the bitter tang of Joyce’s endless cups of tea as secrets spill over.
As a storyteller who’s chased narratives across continents, I found a personal resonance in the book’s exploration of hidden histories. Much like the forgotten corners of the world I’ve uncovered in my travels, Osman digs into the pasts of his characters – Elizabeth’s shadowy spy history, Ron’s union battles – to reveal how yesterday’s choices shape today’s dangers. It took me back to listening to ‘One Hundred Years of Solitude’ while driving through the Atacama Desert, where the surreal landscape mirrored the magical realism of García Márquez’s words. Similarly, Osman’s blend of the mundane and the murderous creates a surreal charm, a reminder that even in quiet places, extraordinary stories lurk.
Now, let’s talk about the listening experience itself, because an audiobook can make or break a story. Lesley Manville’s narration is nothing short of a revelation. Known for her poised performances, she brings a nuanced depth to each character, from Elizabeth’s cool pragmatism to Joyce’s chatty warmth. Her pacing is impeccable, knowing just when to linger on a humorous aside or quicken the tempo during a suspenseful confrontation. The audio quality is crisp, with no distracting background noise, allowing Manville’s voice to carry the narrative like a gentle river. I found myself hanging on every word, much like I did with those desert drives where a narrator’s tone could transform a lonely road into a shared journey. Her ability to switch between accents and emotions ensures that each member of the Thursday Murder Club feels distinct yet part of a cohesive ensemble. It’s a performance that elevates an already delightful cozy mystery into a truly immersive audiobook experience.
That said, no story – or audiobook – is without its minor stumbles. While Osman’s humor is a highlight, there are moments where the quips feel a tad overdone, risking a distraction from the darker undertones of the suspense plot. Additionally, for listeners new to the series, the references to past events from the first book might feel like stepping into a conversation mid-sentence. On the narration front, while Manville’s performance is stellar, there are rare instances where the emotional weight of a scene could have been pushed further – perhaps a deeper tremble in a voice during a moment of grief. These are small critiques, though, in what is otherwise a captivating detective story.
Comparing ‘Man Who Died Twice’ to other works in the mystery-thriller and cozy mystery genres, it stands out for its focus on older protagonists, a refreshing twist in a field often dominated by gritty young detectives. It shares a kinship with Agatha Christie’s classic whodunits, particularly in its knack for misdirection and village intrigue, but Osman infuses a modern warmth and humor that feels uniquely his own. For audiobook listeners who enjoyed Ann Cleeves’ ‘Vera’ series, with its richly drawn characters and suspenseful plots, this will feel like a natural companion.
I’d recommend this audiobook to anyone craving a mystery that’s equal parts heartwarming and thrilling. It’s perfect for fans of detective stories who appreciate character-driven narratives, or for those long drives and quiet evenings when you want a story that feels like a friend. Whether you’re a seasoned mystery buff or just dipping into the genre, the ‘Man Who Died Twice’ audiobook offers a listening experience that’s as cozy as it is captivating. And if you’re lucky enough to find this audiobook free somewhere, don’t hesitate – it’s a treasure worth uncovering.
Reflecting on this journey with the Thursday Murder Club, I’m struck by how stories, much like the roads I’ve traveled, have the power to connect us across time and space. Osman’s tale reminded me that adventure isn’t just in far-off lands; sometimes, it’s in the quiet corners of a retirement village, in the bonds we forge, and the mysteries we unravel together. This audiobook experience left me smiling, pondering, and eager for the next chapter in the series.
Until our paths cross again, keep seeking stories that move you, whether they’re whispered by a grandmother in Oaxaca or delivered through the masterful voice of Lesley Manville. This is Marcus Rivera, signing off with a heart full of tales and a road still calling. Safe travels, friends.
