What to Read if You Love Richard Osman

If you love Richard Osman, you're already a fan of witty, British cozy mystery books - the ones where the murders are dark but the humour is even darker. Good news: there are SO many wonderful murder mystery books just like his out there waiting for you.

Why Richard Osman Fans Love Cozy Mystery Books

Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club series has introduced millions of readers to the joy of cozy mystery books.

The genius of his writing is the combination - proper mystery plotting, genuinely funny characters, and a warmth that makes you feel like you're sitting in a very comfortable armchair with a cup of tea.

If that's your vibe (and it clearly is, you wonderful readers), then cozy mystery books are your genre.

The Best Books to Read if You Like Richard Osman

Bob and Shirley by Suzy K Quinn

Right, I have to mention my own series first. Mainly because it's very, very similar to what Richard Osman does, and that comparison makes me SO happy.

Bob and Shirley are pub landlords in the fictional English village of Great Oakley. They bicker. They investigate murders. They drink probably too much. The whole series is written in dual first person, so you get inside both their heads - which is chaotic and wonderful in equal measure.

All the books are free on Kindle Unlimited.

These are proper cozy mystery books - funny, warm, and British to the bone. They make brilliant book club books too, because the dual voices give you SO much to talk about.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

If somehow you've only read one of his books, read the rest. The full series is magnificent.

Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron are retirement village residents who solve cold cases every Thursday. The characters are SO brilliantly drawn that you genuinely miss them between books. These are among the best murder mystery books published in the last decade.

Hamish Macbeth by M.C. Beaton

M.C. Beaton is the queen of British cozy mystery books, and her Hamish Macbeth series is perfect for Richard Osman fans.

Hamish is a lazy, loveable Scottish police sergeant who solves murders in a small Highland village while desperately avoiding promotion. He's eccentric, funny, and completely endearing. There are over 30 books in the series. You're very, very welcome.

Inspector Ford by Faith Martin

Faith Martin writes cozy mystery books in the classic British tradition - clever, atmospheric, with a detective who has more personality quirks than is probably healthy.

Her Inspector Ford series features a detective who is brilliant at his job and a complete mess at everything else. Very, very satisfying reading.

Cozy Mystery Books on Kindle Unlimited

If you love Richard Osman and you're not already on Kindle Unlimited, I SO recommend signing up.

You'll get access to thousands of cozy mystery books and murder mystery books for one monthly fee - including the entire Bob and Shirley series. These are the perfect book club books because everyone can read them without spending a fortune.

Kindle Unlimited books have genuinely transformed my reading life. I go through cozy mystery books at a rate that would alarm most people.

FAQ

Are there cozy mystery books similar to Richard Osman's writing style?

Yes! The closest in style are the Bob and Shirley series by Suzy K Quinn - British, funny, dual-voice narration, village setting. M.C. Beaton's Hamish Macbeth series is also very similar in warmth and British humour. Both are available as Kindle Unlimited books.

What makes Richard Osman's books so good?

Richard Osman writes murder mystery books with real heart. His characters are older, wiser, and funnier than your average detective - and the plotting is very, very tight. The combination of genuine mystery and warm humour is what makes his cozy mystery books SO compelling.

Are Richard Osman's books good for book clubs?

Absolutely. His books are some of the best book club books around - lots to discuss, strong characters, surprising plot twists. The Bob and Shirley series works brilliantly as book club books too, because the dual-voice format gives you SO much to talk about.

Where can I find cozy mystery books like Richard Osman's for free?

Kindle Unlimited is your answer. The subscription gives you access to thousands of cozy mystery books and murder mystery books, including the Bob and Shirley series. It's genuinely brilliant value if you read as much as I do.

Happy reading, lovely readers. You've got SO many wonderful books ahead of you.

Suzy xx