The Last Devil to Die - Richard Osman

Published as an audiobook by Penguin Audio, 14-09-2023. Narrated by Fiona Shaw.
Book 4 in the 'Thursday Murder Club' series. Preceded by 'The Bullet That Missed.' Followed by 'The Impossible Fortune.'

The final book (for now) in the Thursday Murder Club series, this book also feels a bit more like it could be the last in the series, due to a few storylines having a more 'final' feel to them.

The main mystery this time revolves around a shipment of heroin that has been snuck into the country inside an antique box. A friend of our main gang has died while in possession of the heroin, and so tracking down the killer is in order. Returning characters like drug-dealer Connie Johnson, retired KGB agent Viktor, and antique dealer Kuldesh Sharma all have parts to play for better or worse, and new characters - including corrupt antique dealer Samantha Barnes and her imposing husband Garth, all add interest to the proceedings. A secondary crime-plot involves a new acquaintance becoming the victim of a romance fraud, with Ron, Ibrahim and their new friend 'Computer Bob' taking a prominent role in sorting that issue out.

By this point in the series, the crimes (although still a prominent part of the plot) are not the most important aspect of the stories; I keep reading this series because of the characters. So I am invested in Donna and Bogdan and their relationship, Joyce and her desire to end up with any available bachelor, and the now-rapid descent of Steven into dementia. This last plot point gets very emotional, and I found myself tearing up at times. Four books with the same characters can do that to you... So, a lot of good points. 

For the second book in a row, we also get a character 'coming out', which isn't my favourite development, but still feels somewhat appropriate for the characters, and of course, very modern.

Overall, another solid entry in a series that I have loved reading.

Can't believe I'm done (for now)!

Completed 1 May 2025.



(Thursday Murder Club Series)

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