Elizabeth appears to be a former spy of some kind, who still has access to information and a network of favours to call in. Joyce, having a medical background in nursing, helps with information involving causes of death. Ron is their bruiser, a former union leader who has often been at loggerheads with politicians and corporations. And finally, Ibrahim, is a retired psychiatrist who is still whip smart and knows people's minds. Together, they make a formidable team that is able to con their way around the case (from faking senility, to impersonating a nun). They are given a lot of leeway and are not too scared of punishment, so they bend the law a little here and there in their favour. Mostly, they are determined to be helpful and keep themselves and their minds active and healthy. The book had maybe one too many red herrings, but it did keep me guessing. I had my suspicions about a few things, but other moments I was baffled and impressed. The novel was long and had quite a few characters and places to remember, but it came together well and each main character was memorable and dynamic. The audiobook was so well narrated, keeping me wanting to hear more and more. Wondering where the group was headed next, and wondering what the poor police (especially Donna and Chris) would have to put up with next. I have come to really appreciate having multiple viewpoints in a novel. This is especially useful in providing insight and information from different characters. Joyce's section is written in diary format, making hers a more personal glimpse of her life and her feelings. You also get a sense that Joyce is very well liked, but maybe a little bit of an attention seeker, who is desperate for adventure. The other chapters are not in journal/diary format, but they do allow for several characters to lend voice to their connections to the murder. I also enjoyed that this novel did not make the police force incompetent. They simply did not have some of the information that The Thursday Murder Club was able to get a hold of. This way they have a good relationship and can rely on one another, for tips and safety. They become somewhat of a tight knit family, which adds depth to the plot and drives the narrative toward the inevitable conclusion. Donna is especially fantastic, as a cop determined to show her worth who catches the attention of The Thursday Murder Club. They deem her worthy of their help and make it their mission to attach her to the murder inquiry, so they can also find out information through her. She is tough, no nonsense, and does not like being taken advantage of (so, while she humours the group, she is also very much against sharing information with them that they should not have). If you are looking for a good mystery, with a fun new take on the detectives involved in solving the murders, than this book is definitely a must read.
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