The Impossible Fortune review: A new dawn for The Thursday Murder Club

A star rating of 4 out of 5.

Now that *The Thursday Murder Club* is a global hit thanks to Netflix, things are still calm and normal for Richard Osman’s quirky detectives at Coopers Chase.

Following the heartbreaking events of the previous book, *The Impossible Fortune* finds Elizabeth still deeply mourning her loss. When the group comes together to celebrate Joanna’s unexpected wedding, Elizabeth is soon asked for help by the best man – hinting at a new mystery.

She quickly finds herself investigating a disappearance, a series of murders, and a large sum of stolen bitcoin. She needs help from her friends, and ends up depending on them more than ever before.

What truly makes this series stand out is its well-developed characters. While ‘The Last Devil to Die’ was a particularly emotional high point, this latest installment continues to explore those same feelings, which is a smart move. Elizabeth is still grieving Stephen and isn’t at her usual best, and this time, she doesn’t lead the investigation alone. Instead, we see Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron take center stage.

Joyce often takes the lead, motivating the team and making tough calls, even if it means risking her own safety. Meanwhile, Ibrahim is developing a surprising and beneficial connection with Connie, a dangerous drug lord.

Ron has a significant storyline of his own, dealing with the upsetting news about his daughter’s difficult marriage and his own struggles with getting older. His fight to maintain his strength and sense of self is one of the most touching parts of the book, and readers will likely wish there was more exploration of his journey.

Osman once again crafts a comforting mystery, but skillfully delves into deeper, less common topics like loneliness, grief, and the challenges of aging. The story of Ron learning to accept change and reinvent himself is particularly moving, and the novel would be even more impactful if these emotional moments were given a bit more space to breathe.

This mystery is unusually complex, revolving around stolen bitcoin and a dangerous pursuit. The people involved are driven by greed, leaving a trail of destruction and death, and the investigation is particularly gripping. It’s one of the more thrilling cases for The Thursday Murder Club, filled with suspense and a relentless chase.

While not as strong as the previous book, *The Last Devil to Die*, *The Impossible Fortune* is an important story for the characters. It allows Elizabeth to adjust to her new life and deal with her grief, and it gives Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron a chance to show how they’ve grown from their experiences with her.

While the earlier books focused heavily on Elizabeth’s skills, this new installment gives the other team members a chance to shine. It’s a promising sign for the whole group, and the future looks good for them.

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2025-09-25 02:34