“The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman is the second instalment of the Osman’s series “The Thursday Murder Club”, the first of which I read some months ago. The first novel had caught my attention as it was written in the style of a class British murder mystery, it reminded me very much of Midsommer Murders. The key difference being that the murders are solved by a unique gang of four pensioners who had led very colourful lives in their younger days but are now residing in a carers village called Coopers Chase.

The first novel “The Thursday Murder Club” was the coming together of these wonderfully misleading pensioners in solving a real murder mystery when it suddenly lands right in front of them, rather than a cold case file from one of their previous members. Elizabeth with a mysterious past that gives 007 vibes should James Bond live into his seventies; Ibrahim, a former psychiatrist with a few psychological wounds of his own but still loves to learn the newest technological advancements; Ron, a former boxer who still prefers to handle things the old fashioned way even if it’s not the best way; and lastly Joyce, a former nurse with a heart of gold and a sneaky side that gradually appears throughout the novels. As always, all crime fighters have their side kicks and theirs are police detectives Chris and Donna who have fantastic personalities and stories of their own. Of course, there are others who complete this team but why ruin it for you?

“The Man Who Died Twice” as the second novel provides more insight into Elizabeth’s past as well as a fresh mystery involving the Mafia, diamonds, murder and of course in true British fashion, MI5 and a kettle. More depth are given to our main character’s, especially dear Joyce who is not just some sweet old lady, as well as the side characters who begin to play a more central role in the narrative and I have to say, I really loved getting to know them more. The narrative not only explored the mystery and the art of crime solving, but also the tough reality of getting older. The reality that once you reach a certain age, your body doesn’t heal as fast and your mind can be just as easily battered.

When I was younger, I used to wonder why any of my grandparents weren’t overly keen to go to certain places, or would sometimes fight my parents or my siblings on leaving the house. After reading this book, I think I have a bit more of an understanding. You know the world is dangerous, and you know that there are people out there who are more than willing to hurt you for any number of reasons. We are taught that throughout our lives, especially if you’re a young female. When you reach a certain age, you’re not as fast, you’re not as strong and your mind changes, not always for the best. Fear begins to take root as death steps closer and closer. You try to forget and enjoy yourself like younger the people encourage you to, but it just takes one mistake, one accident, one fall, one push, one frightening experience, and that fear takes over your mind. Death is suddenly far closer than you want it to be. Sometimes this happens to someone at a much younger age, not just to our elderly.

This book, while light hearted and funny, touched on a reality that many people try to avoid, including myself, and I am grateful for it. Life is much too short to live in fear of what ifs and what ever past event had rooted that fear into you in the first place.

Green Mage