Name: The Man Who Died Twice
Author: Richard Osman
ISBN: 9780241988244

The case file

An old colleague, stolen diamonds and a dangerous enemy pull the club into its second live investigation.

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Series position · Book 2

Can I start here?

Possible, but not recommended. Book one gives the relationships and returning characters their proper weight.

Who will enjoy it

For readers already fond of the cast

The Man Who Died Twice suits readers who enjoy warm ensemble mysteries, dry humour and character-led investigations.

Tone & themes

Warm, wry and quietly moving

Friendship, ageing and community sit alongside the puzzle. Expect emotional weight without losing the comic touch.

Listening note

Lesley Manville

The English recording listed below is unabridged.

Our opinion · 30-second verdict

Best read second, once Elizabeth’s history and the club’s friendships already matter.

A message from Elizabeth’s past brings stolen diamonds, organised crime and a very immediate threat to the village.

Spoiler-free companion

Inside this case

Faster and more dangerous, while retaining the series’ warmth.

Key locations: Coopers Chase · Kent · London connections
Characters in the story: The club · Douglas · Bogdan · Donna and Chris
Themes: Trust · Old loyalties · Love · Consequences

Meet the characters →

Our opinion · reader profile

What kind of case is it?

Pace4 out of 54/5

Puzzle4 out of 54/5

Humour4 out of 54/5

Emotional weight3 out of 53/5

Content notes

Murder, violence and criminal threats
Weapons and organised crime
Bereavement and dementia

Formats & languages

How else can I read or listen?

Penguin lists print, ebook and audio editions. For The Man Who Died Twice, the details below cover 4 audio recordings, including Deutsch, Español (Castellano), Italiano. Exact formats, covers and availability vary by country.

While you read

Three things to notice

What Elizabeth reveals—and withholds—about her former work
The growing trust between the club and their police allies
How domestic routines sit beside higher-stakes danger

Reading-group file

Three spoiler-free questions

When does loyalty become recklessness?
Which partnership changes most in this case?
Do the higher stakes strengthen or weaken the cosy tone?

Quick answers

Frequently asked

Does this book solve its central mystery?

Yes. The Man Who Died Twice has its own central case, while the character stories continue across the series.

Should I read the series in order?

Possible, but not recommended. Book one gives the relationships and returning characters their proper weight.

Are translated audiobooks available?

This guide includes Deutsch, Español (Castellano), Italiano recordings. Check the audiobook section below for marketplace details.

Edition details

Series: The Thursday Murder Club
Series position: 2
First published: 16 September 2021
UK edition: 448 pages · ISBN 9780241988244

UK edition history

Formats on the publisher record

Edition described above

Format: Paperback
Published: 12 May 2022
Imprint: Penguin
Dimensions: 198 × 27 × 128 mm
Weight: 314 g

2021
HardbackFirst UK publication
First publication
2021
Ebook
2021
Audio download and CD
2022
Paperback

Explore international editions →

Reception

Awards, milestones and critical pattern

Celebrate the books’ awards and bestseller milestones, and discover what readers and critics enjoy about them.

Review consensus

Warmth, comedy and suspense

The publisher’s review selection consistently highlights the sequel’s emotional warmth, humour and suspense rather than treating it as a harder-edged procedural.