In an attempt to meet more people in my local community, I have joined the local book club. Apparently there was one before, but being a ‘new build’ community, the first one fizzled out. So we’ll see how well this one does. The first book chosen was Richard Osman’s We Solve Murders.

Joining a book club means that I can’t necessarily stick to my tendency to read mainly women, but this book was a strong start. Two of the main characters, Amy and Rosie, are incredibly interesting, tough, funny, smart women. All the main (and even the minor characters) were all well rounded, developing in their own little ways throughout the entire novel. My favourite was actually Steve Wheeler – Amy Wheeler’s father in law – who was just so well developed. I loved his story arc and leaps of intuition as the story unfolds. Also there was one scene with him and Rosie that almost made me burst into tears on the train.

The story is somewhat complex, but it was all about solving murders, obviously. There was a hilariously amount of specific English Things that made me wonder how anyone outside this country would get. I loved the obsession with best roads to take from the village where Steve lives to absolutely anywhere else. It just feels *very English* which was funny. It also makes me realise that I’m now in an era where I have lived in the UK for most of my adult life that I get most of the references. Enjoyable.

I think the unfolding of the mystery was more satisfying than the final mystery being revealed, but it made sense and so you can’t complain too much. Also, I don’t read that many mysteries (this might be the second in a few years), so maybe this is a normal thing. But really, you’d want to read this for the entire book because the interactions of the characters is that delightful. I got through it in a day and a half, reading on trains, or on my couch, whenever I could. It was so easy to read, one of those books that the concepts and characters just seem to appear in your brains without too much effort.

It’s also very unrealistic (I don’t think anyone, let alone a lot of the characters, would be that casual about a series of murders), but that’s the charm. Everyone’s cool, calm, and collected (and funny as hell). I’m fine with it.

Strong start to the book club, let’s hope the next one is as good.