The Bullet that Missed, by Richard Osman

The Thursday Murder Club has decided to look into the 2013 disappearance of Bethany Waite, an investigative journalist deemed murdered, although her body has never been found. At the same time former spy Elizabeth faces a deadly threat dredged up by her past that also puts her friends at risk. Once again it will take all the ingenuity of the fabulously ageing four, as well as allies old and new, to stay alive and solve the mystery – or do they? The short chapters and fast pace make this series an easy read, but there is no lack of depth to the characters. Several love stories enliven this third book, not least the poignant tale of the decline of Elizabeth’s beloved husband. The plot keeps twisting and turning to the end, requiring considerable suspension of disbelief, and it is all very entertaining. Roll on book four.