The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman

 The Last Devil to Die by Richard Osman is Book 4 in The Thursday Murder Club series.  When I first started this series a couple of years ago I immediately fell in love. I thought book 3 was my favorite. But now I'm not so sure...maybe I need to go back and reread the other 3?

The crime solving, eccentric quartet of seniors known as the Thursday Murder Club are back and hoping to ring in the New Year with no mysteries or murders to solve. But, of course, that doesn't happen. The murder of a close friend on the 27th sends the four on the hunt through the world of heroin smugglers and antiques. But also, there is even more going on in the background. 

Stephen's dementia is getting worse and Elizabeth is left to decide how to care for him. Ibrahim is still seeing Connie as a patient, and as she points out, maybe not helping her come off the criminal path as well as he could. Ron is having problems in his new relationship. And with Elizabeth distracted, Joyce finds herself stepping into a leadership role. Bogdan, Donna and Chris are back, as well. And even though it's on 350 pages (give or take a couple), the book is so full of page turning goodness that it keeps you enthralled right up to the last page. 

I loved this book. However, it has a much more somber feel for a lot of it. There is still the usual humor and chemistry of all the characters. And you do laugh quite a lot. You can still feel the somber mood creeping in though. And it's done so well that you almost don't notice it. I found myself slowing down reading it and realized I was avoiding what I knew was coming. I didn't cry as it got closer but I felt my heart getting heavier with sadness and dread. And that's what's so beautiful about it because in a lot of ways that's how it is in life. The sadness is there, waiting and you can't avoid it. 

It's a wonderful mystery. A tale of four friends coming together to help their own and learning how to take control of the plan when Elizabeth needs a break. If you have loved the previous three books you will not be disappointed by this one. If you haven't read any of The Thursday Murder Club novels, what are you waiting for?