We Solve Murders by Richard Osman. The Book Review.

I didn’t mean to start We Solve Murders when I did. I was supposed to be decluttering my bookshelves, you know the kind of task that sounds noble but usually ends in sitting on the floor rereading books I swore I’d donate. My copy of Osman’s latest was perched on top of the “definitely keeping” pile, practically winking at me. Before I knew it, I was a chapter in and my plan to “get organised” was toast.

This book is the first in a new series, and Osman wastes no time introducing us to a wildly entertaining trio. At the centre are Amy Wheeler, a private security specialist with a knack for getting into (and out of) trouble, and her father-in-law, Steve, a retired police officer. Together, they find themselves investigating the murder of one of Amy’s clients from Maximum Impact Security, a case that sends them from America to Dubai and beyond. Their dynamic is oddly heartwarming. Who knew in-laws could make such a solid crime-fighting team? As someone who mostly bonds with my in-laws over biscuits and awkward small talk, I found their relationship both fascinating and wildly aspirational.

Then, there’s Rosie D’Antonio. Oh, Rosie. She’s a scene-stealer, a former bestselling author with a private island and a penchant for knocking out bad guys with Oscar trophies. She’s witty, outrageous, and precisely the kind of character you’d want in your corner unless you’re hiding a secret, in which case, good luck. Her unapologetic boldness is magnetic. At one point, she delivers a line so cheeky and audacious, I had to put the book down to laugh properly. If Amy and Steve are the engines of this story, Rosie is the nitrous boost that makes it unforgettable.

The charm of We Solve Murders isn’t just in its action-packed plot or its sharp humour, it’s the way Osman writes relationships. Yes, there’s a globetrotting mystery full of twists and turns, but at its heart, this is a story about trust, connection, and learning to move forward.

One quote stood out to me: “No regrets. We live our lives forwards, not backwards. So always make the best of what’s in front of you.” It’s the kind of line that stays with you, not because it’s profound in some grand philosophical way, but because it feels personal. It reminded me of all the times I’ve agonised over past mistakes, only to realise later that life is better when you focus on what’s next.

Not everything was perfect, though. The sprawling cast of characters occasionally had me flipping back a few pages to figure out who was who. And the pace? It’s chaotic, like a TV drama where the writers throw in a car chase just because they can. But for me, that added to the fun. Life, after all, is a bit messy and unpredictable, so why shouldn’t a good murder mystery be the same?

By the time I turned the last page, I wasn’t just entertained, I was scheming. Who could I convince to read this book next? Who else needed to meet Rosie D’Antonio and her tequila-fuelled antics? If you’re a fan of clever mysteries with heart, humour, and characters who feel like they’d be a laugh at the pub, then this book is for you.

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And if you’re still unsure, why not pop over to my blog, Read Read Rant? It’s where I share my honest, sometimes ridiculous thoughts about all things books. Whether it’s witty mysteries like Osman’s or tearjerkers that leave you clutching a box of tissues, there’s always a story worth discussing. Let’s chat, rant, and laugh about the books that make us tick, you might even find your next obsession.