In just four years, Richard Osman has gone from a TV presenter and producer to a best-selling author. Despite his skill in crafting cosy crime mysteries, Osman admits he’s “terrible at playing detective” himself. Speaking to the BBC, he shares how his mother could easily solve TV crimes within minutes, but he and his wife always struggle to get it right.
Osman’s Thursday Murder Club novels, which follow elderly amateur detectives in a quiet retirement village, have become a global sensation. The first book is being adapted into a film by Steven Spielberg for Netflix. But now, Osman has shifted focus to a new crime series, We Solve Murders. This new series follows Steve, a retired cop, and Amy, his bodyguard daughter-in-law, as they travel the world solving murders.
The characters in We Solve Murders are a stark contrast. “Steve just wants a quiet life, but Amy’s energy pulls him into adventure,” explains Osman. He explores the idea of “found families,” with Steve and Amy forming a bond filled with love and respect despite their different backgrounds.
While the glamorous settings in this new series differ from the quaint Kent village of The Thursday Murder Club, Osman assures fans that the same warmth and rich character development remain.
‘Found a use for ChatGPT’
One of the humorous aspects of Osman’s latest novel involves AI, with the murderer using ChatGPT to write emails in the style of a friendly English gentleman to hide their identity. “I’ve finally found a good use for ChatGPT!” jokes Osman. Despite this, Osman hasn’t used AI to help write his books, believing that while AI can handle mundane tasks, it lacks the depth required to write a compelling novel.
Osman also delves into the world of social media influencers in his new book, making them victims in his crime story. He notes that influencers, especially those constantly traveling for appearances, are vulnerable to exploitation by criminal gangs. However, he also acknowledges that social media has allowed working-class individuals to break into the media industry, bypassing traditional gatekeepers.
Reflecting on his own journey in TV, Osman notes how few working-class people were in the industry when he started, and even fewer are present now. He credits his own success to scholarships and housing benefits that allowed him to move to London for a low-paying job—opportunities that are scarce today.
As excitement builds around We Solve Murders, Osman’s fans are eagerly awaiting the next instalment of The Thursday Murder Club.
‘Trust the process’
The series has sold over 10 million copies worldwide, and Osman is working on the fifth book while overseeing the upcoming film adaptation directed by Spielberg. With a cast that includes Helen Mirren, David Tennant, and Pierce Brosnan, Osman says the experience of visiting the set feels like an “absolute treat.”
Despite his success in both television and writing, Osman remains grounded, never resting on his laurels. “Every bit of success is gravy, but I always think, ‘I need to go and write the next thing now.’”
What’s next for Osman? The fifth Thursday Murder Club book is set to release next September, followed by the second We Solve Murders novel. For the next few years, these two series will alternate, unless, as Osman jokes, “this book was always designed to be a one-off!”
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