Richard Osman: The Joys and Challenges of Crafting Cozy Mysteries

In just four short years, Richard Osman has evolved from a well-known TV presenter and producer into a celebrated author. Despite his success in writing cozy crime novels, Osman candidly admits  that he’s “terrible at playing detective.”

“My grandfather was a crime solver by profession, and my mum could always guess whodunit within minutes of any Sunday night crime drama,” Osman reflects. “I fancy myself as quite the detective, but I’m consistently wrong. My wife and I often think we’ve figured it out, only to be completely off the mark.”

Osman’s acclaimed Thursday Murder Club series centers around a group of elderly amateur sleuths living in a tranquil retirement village. The first book in the series has captured the attention of director Steven Spielberg, who is producing a Netflix adaptation of the story.

Now, Osman is venturing into new territory with his latest crime series, We Solve Murders. This series features Steve, a retired police officer, and Amy, his energetic daughter-in-law who serves as his bodyguard. The duo travels the globe to crack a series of complex cases.

“Steve is an ex-cop seeking a quiet life, but he’s reluctantly pulled into adventures by Amy’s relentless drive and energy,” Osman explains. While many people struggle with in-law relationships, Osman uses the series to challenge stereotypes, exploring the theme of ‘found families.’

“I find the concept of found families very touching,” Osman says. “I wanted to create a bond between two people who wouldn’t typically meet—Steve and Amy. Though they are an unlikely pair, their relationship is built on genuine love and respect.”

While the lavish settings of private jets and exotic locales contrast sharply with the cozy Kent village in his previous series, Osman assures that We Solve Murders retains the same “warmth and character-driven storytelling.”

In his latest novel, Osman humorously incorporates AI technology. The murderer hides his identity by using ChatGPT to craft emails in the style of a charming English gentleman.

“I’ve finally found a good use for ChatGPT,” Osman quips. “It hasn’t really had a proper application until now.”

Despite this playful use of AI in his novel, Osman hasn’t considered using it for his own writing. “ChatGPT might help with a letter to your electricity company, but I doubt it could write a novel—it lacks depth,” he remarks. He’s not concerned about AI replacing creative roles, asserting, “AI won’t be writing ‘Succession’ or a Kate Atkinson novel anytime soon. Great culture will always come from the human heart, not a machine.”

Osman also delves into the world of social media influencers in his new book. The victims in his novel are influencers who promote products like vitamin drinks and cosmetic enhancements. Osman views these characters as ideal targets for crime, noting their frequent travels and apparent wealth make them easy marks for criminal activities.

“I read that influencers are being used for smuggling because their constant travels are rarely questioned,” Osman explains. “They might appear well-off, but behind the scenes, they often lack financial stability, making them vulnerable to exploitation.”

Yet, Osman acknowledges the positive side of influencer culture, particularly its role in helping individuals from less privileged backgrounds break into media. “Social media has provided a platform for working-class talent to bypass traditional media gatekeepers,” he observes.

Reflecting on his own career, Osman recalls how he benefited from scholarships and housing support that enabled him to work in television, a luxury he believes many aspiring creators today might not have. “The traditional media industry is in decline, and it’s harder for working-class kids to enter,” he says. “Now, they have to navigate the world of self-promotion to succeed.”

Despite the buzz surrounding his new book, Osman’s fans are eagerly awaiting the next installment of The Thursday Murder Club series. With over 10 million copies sold worldwide and each book setting UK sales records, Osman is currently working on the fifth installment. He’s also closely involved in the film adaptation of his first book, featuring a star-studded cast including Helen Mirren, David Tennant, and Pierce Brosnan, directed by Chris Columbus.

Osman is thrilled about the adaptation and embraces the collaborative nature of filmmaking. “I visit the set and it’s a real treat,” he says. “I trust the film team to do their job—no one wants me overseeing Spielberg’s direction.”

Balancing his successful TV career and burgeoning literary achievements, Osman remains focused on his craft. “Every success is exciting, but I’m always thinking about the next project,” he reveals. “The fifth Thursday Murder Club book will be out next September, and I plan to continue with a new We Solve Murders book shortly after.”

Unless, of course, the current novel turns out to be a disaster—then he’ll consider it a standalone venture.