Why is it that when Bitcoin is involved in a mystery, I find it boring? Probably because no financial mystery has interested me since Emma Lathen wrote the Wall Street Mystery series featuring John Putnam Thatcher. And, as much as I like the group from The Thursday Murder Club, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim, Richard Osman’s The Impossible Fortune seemed disjointed, and, for me, a little too slow.
The gang hasn’t been involved in solving a crime lately. Joyce is too involved with her daughter’s wedding plans. Elizabeth is still grieving. Ibrahim is still counseling a former prisoner. And, all the romances are moving along smoothly, Ron with Pauline, Bogdan with a police officer, Donna, and Chris with Donna’s mother. But, that’s on the surface. There’s trouble brewing underneath for Ron’s family. And, Elizabeth perks up a little when a drunk best man asks her for help.
The entire gang attends Joyce’s daughter’s wedding to Paul. Afterwards, the best man, Nick, consults Elizabeth and says he found a bomb under his car. He’s a partner in a cybersecurity business with a friend named Holly, and he tells Elizabeth they each have half a code leading to a fortune. Before Elizabeth can investigate, Nick disappears, and that bomb explodes.
The Thursday Murder Club is back together to investigate. But, Ron’s distracted by family problems. Ibrahim has two unexpected young visitors. And the group only has a couple suspects in their case involving Nick and the bomb. The case seems disjointed, until all strings converge back to the friends from Coopers Chase.
As I said, this one just didn’t work for me. There were a couple funny incidents, including discussions of who was the best James Bond. Joyce is always good for a humorous situation or two. There were still a few bittersweet moments as the members of the club are all aware of their own mortality. I’ll be interested to see what others think because this one just dragged for me.
The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman. Pamela Dorman Books/Viking, 2025. 355p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I bought a copy of the book.
That’s too bad, as I really liked the earlier books. Will read it and let you know, when I finish the Tim Sullivan.
PS – I agree on bitcoin. That’s why the scam works – no one understands it, so con men can easily take in the gullible and greedy.
I’ll be curious as to what you think, Jeff. Maybe it was just me. I was looking forward to it, especially after seeing the movie.
I agree with you about stories that feature bitcoin, Lesa. But I still gave this book five stars for the emotional depth of the characters.
I liked catching up with the characters, Margie, but I’m reading one now that’s a catch up and has much more depth – Jan Karon’s My Beloved. But, I’m also reading one that is really lacking at the moment, when it comes to character.
Thank goodness I am not the only one feeling this way! I am halfway through and feel like I am getting no where. I like visiting with Joyce, Ron, Elizabeth and Ibrahim but do not care about bitcoin. This one is a slog.
I felt the same way, Sharon. Thank you for making me feel better about it.
I’ve only read the first book in the series despite intending to read more. Actually, think I’ve read the first book at least twice because I’ve discussed it with two different book groups. Anyway, it’s often like this with series books or so I’ve found. Some I really, really love and then others ‘not so much’. I usually do like getting an update on everyone. Hopefully the next will work better for you, Lesa.
I wonder, Kay, if he was too busy with his other series and the movie. I won’t be reading the next in the other series. Those characters felt too flat to me.
I enjoyed this one but mostly due to the lovable main characters. I did find it confusing that there were characters named Paul, Pauline, and Paula. And then there were Danny and Davey. But maybe it’s just me!
No, it wasn’t just you, Angela. It was confusing.