Ageing crime detectives a hoot

The Man Who Died Twice By Richard Osman, Penguin Random House, $37 .. .. .. ..

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I haven't laughed so much at people getting their heads blown off in a long time.

Osman's first comic crime novel, The Thursday Murder Club, was a roaring success, and this new murder mystery will no doubt follow. Don't worry if you didn't read the first one — the delightful characters and their rather surprising backgrounds will become clear very quickly.

Four seniors in a British retirement community solve murders. They all have skills honed over their 70-plus years, and it's a lot more fun than playing bowls. Their leader, Elizabeth, is also former secret service.

This is pure entertainment, even if the ageing four are trying to deal with time running out for them as they struggle to grasp modern social media and the glories of Instagram.

It's beautifully written, hilarious and just the thing for a relaxing read.

Linda Thompson