Cozy Comfort Club Podcast

Read It & Watch It: The Thursday Murder Club

13 min · 1. Juni 2026
Episode Read It & Watch It: The Thursday Murder Club Cover

Beschreibung

This month on Read It & Watch It, I’m comparing The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman with the 2025 Netflix adaptation. Set in the retirement community of Cooper’s Chase, this story follows four retirees who meet weekly to discuss unsolved crimes. But when a real murder lands on their doorstep, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron, and Ibrahim find themselves investigating a mystery that becomes far more complicated than any of them expected. This was actually a reread for me, and while I enjoyed spending time with these characters again, I had a very different experience the second time around. The book felt much more complex than I remembered, while the movie streamlined many of the storylines and ultimately became my preferred version. Spoiler Note This episode contains full spoilers for both The Thursday Murder Club book and movie adaptation. We also discuss murder, suicide, dementia, grief, hospice care, and other mature themes that appear throughout the story. In This Episode * Why this reread didn’t work as well for me as it did in 2022 * Meeting Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and Penny at Cooper’s Chase * How retirees are constantly underestimated throughout the story * Why the mystery felt overwhelming with so many characters and connections * Bernard’s heartbreaking storyline and the bench reveal * Penny’s cold case and the vigilante justice twist * John’s devotion to Penny and the tragedy behind his choices * Why I never felt like I had a real chance of solving the mystery * Whether this actually felt like a cozy mystery to me * First impressions of the Netflix adaptation * The beautiful setting of Cooper’s Chase and why it felt cozier on screen * Helen Mirren as Elizabeth and why I thought the casting was perfect * Pierce Brosnan’s performance as Red Ron * Why Ibrahim remains one of my favorite characters * The adaptation changes involving Bogdan * Bobby Tanner’s identity and why the movie version was easier to follow * Donna De Freitas and her partnership with the Thursday Murder Club * Father Mackie’s reduced role in the adaptation * Why simplifying the mystery made the movie stronger for me * Book vs. movie: which version I ultimately preferred * Announcing June’s Read It & Watch It selection: The Case of the Missing Marquess and Enola Holmes Cozy Check * English countryside retirement community atmosphere * Cozy gathering rooms and community spaces * Friendship-focused storytelling * Tea, conversations, and amateur sleuthing * Beautiful gardens and village charm * Found family dynamics * Cozy visuals in the film adaptation * Warm community-centered setting Overall Cozy Vibe: More cozy-adjacent than cozy for me, with the movie feeling significantly cozier than the book. Tropes * Amateur Sleuths * Retirement Community Mystery * Found Family * Cold Case Investigation * Unlikely Detectives * Ensemble Cast * Hidden Secrets * Vigilante Justice * Small Community Connections * Book vs. Adaptation Ratings The Thursday Murder Club (Book) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕ (3/5) Book Rating: ☕☕☕✨ (3.5/5) The Thursday Murder Club (Movie) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕ (4/5) Movie Rating: ☕☕☕☕✨ (4.25/5) Final Thoughts While I appreciated the complexity and ambition of Richard Osman’s novel, I found the mystery much harder to follow on this reread than I remembered. There were so many characters, connections, and moving parts that I often felt like I needed my own detective board just to keep everything straight. The movie, however, made several smart changes. By simplifying the mystery, trimming some of the side plots, and focusing more on the relationships between the members of the Thursday Murder Club, the adaptation gave me a more enjoyable experience overall. Sometimes more details make a story richer. Other times, less really is more. For me, this was one of those rare cases where I preferred the adaptation. Watch/Read If: * You enjoy mysteries featuring older protagonists * You love ensemble casts and found-family stories * You like amateur sleuth mysteries * You enjoy mysteries with humor mixed into the investigation * You don’t mind heavier themes alongside cozy elements * You like comparing books and adaptations Listen and Follow If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to follow Cozy Comfort Club on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen so you never miss a new episode. For weekly watchlists, cozy recommendations, and graphic reviews you can save, subscribe on Substack. You can also follow along on Instagram at @cozycomfortclub for updates, polls, and more cozy content. Stay Cozy Until next time, keep finding something cozy to watch... and maybe a mystery or two to solve along the way. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Kommentare

0

Sei die erste Person, die kommentiert

Melde dich jetzt an und werde Teil der Cozy Comfort Club Podcast-Community!

Loslegen

2 Monate für 1 €

Dann 4,99 € / Monat · Jederzeit kündbar

  • Podcasts nur bei Podimo
  • 20 Stunden Hörbücher / Monat
  • Alle kostenlosen Podcasts

Alle Folgen

61 Folgen

Episode Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4 Cover

Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4

In this week’s Cozy Mystery Thursday, we’re continuing our Christmas in July celebration with Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4, “Peril of the Bells, Parts 1 & 2.” When a series of suspicious accidents begins targeting the Singing Snowbelles, Emily Lane goes undercover by joining the local Christmas choir to uncover the truth. As Detective Sam Wilner gradually begins trusting Emily’s investigative instincts, they work to unravel the mystery surrounding Debbie Hannigan’s repeated close calls, the suspicious death of former soloist Clara Jameson, and the growing secrets hidden within the choir. At the same time, Emily’s own mysterious past continues to surface as new clues about Chimera raise the stakes even higher. ⚠️ Spoiler Note This episode contains spoilers for Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4. In This Episode * We continue our Christmas in July series with Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4. * Emily goes undercover by joining the Singing Snowbelles. * The suspicious accidents surrounding Debbie Hannigan. * The mystery behind Clara Jameson’s death. * Adam Jameson’s search for the truth about his late wife. * My thoughts on the choir members and the growing suspect list. * Violet’s increasing responsibilities at Under the Mistletoe. * Sam and Emily’s growing partnership and why I love their chemistry. * More clues about Emily’s mysterious past and Chimera. * The emotional conversation about why Christmas means so much to Emily. * My favorite moments from these two episodes. * Episode ratings and cozy ratings. My Ratings Episode 3 Rating: 4.75/5 Episode 4 Rating: 4.5/5 Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕☕ (5/5) Rewatch Scale: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) Mentioned in This Episode * Mistletoe Murders (Hallmark+) * The Other Bennet Sister (BritBox) * Sarah Drew * Peter Mooney Coming Up Next Week TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister Season 1 Episodes 5 & 6 Next Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 5 & 6 (Season Finale) Countdown to Christmas: Monthly Christmas Pick Listen & Follow 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📖 Subscribe to Cozy Comfort Club on Substack for weekly watchlists, reading updates, and cozy recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @cozycomfortclub 📧 Email: cozycomfortclub@gmail.com — I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode, answer your questions, or even include your comments in a future Cozy Mystery Thursday discussion. Until next time, stay curious! Discussion About This Episode * Did you think someone was intentionally targeting Debbie from the beginning? * Which choir member did you find the most suspicious? * What are your theories about Chimera and Emily’s past? * What did you think of Emily and Sam’s growing relationship? * Which moment from Episodes 3 or 4 stood out to you the most? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

16. Juli 202641 min
Episode TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister | Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4 Cover

TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister | Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4

This week on TV Tuesday, we’re continuing our journey through The Other Bennet Sister with Season 1, Episodes 3 and 4. After the death of Mr. Bennet, Mary’s life changes dramatically as she leaves Longbourn behind and accepts a position as a governess in London. What begins as a frightening new chapter slowly becomes an opportunity for Mary to discover her confidence, form meaningful friendships, and begin opening her heart to new possibilities. ⚠️ Spoiler Note This episode contains spoilers for The Other Bennet Sister Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2. In This Episode * Mr. Bennet’s death and the symbolic farewell to Longbourn. * Mrs. Bennet’s grief and the uncertainty facing the Bennet women. * Mr. and Mrs. Collins inherit Longbourn. * Mary accepts a position as governess to the Gardiner children. * Mary’s emotional goodbye to Mrs. Hill and her journey to London. * The contrast between the Gardiners’ loving family and Mary’s upbringing. * Mary’s early struggles as a governess. * Meeting Tom Hayward and their immediate connection through books. * Tom introduces Mary to poetry and encourages her to embrace her heart instead of only logic. * Mary’s first experiences choosing clothing and making decisions for herself. * London’s growing influence on Mary’s confidence and independence. * Mary discovers a love for poetry and begins teaching the Gardiner children in new ways. * Tom’s poetry recital and the beautiful garden scene. * Miss Baxter’s friendship with Mary and the surprise connection to Tom. * Mr. William Ryder enters the story and immediately appreciates Mary’s intelligence. * Mary finally begins feeling seen, valued, and hopeful about her future. * Why Episode 4 may be my favorite episode of the series so far. My Ratings Episode 3: ⭐ 4.5/5 Episode 4: ⭐ 4.75/5 Cozy Rating: ☕ 5/5 Mentioned in This Episode * The Other Bennet Sister (Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4) * Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen * The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow * Lyrical Ballads by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge * Young Sherlock * Mistletoe Murders Coming Up This Week Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4 Next TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister Season 1 Episodes 5 & 6 Follow along on Instagram @cozycomfortclub for episode updates, polls, and more cozy mystery and comfort TV discussions. Until next time, happy watching! Listen & Follow 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📖 Subscribe to Cozy Comfort Club on Substack for weekly watchlists, reading updates, and cozy recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @cozycomfortclub 📧 Email: cozycomfortclub@gmail.com [cozycomfortclub@gmail.com] — I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode, answer your questions, or even include your comments in a future TV Tuesday discussion. Until next time, happy watching! Discussion about this episode What are your thoughts on Mary’s journey in London so far? Team Tom Hayward or Team William Ryder? Do you think London is helping Mary become the person she was always meant to be? And what has been your favorite moment from Episodes 3 and 4? I would love to hear your thoughts! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

14. Juli 202635 min
Episode Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 Cover

Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2

🎄 Spoiler Note Today’s episode includes light spoilers for Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2, but no major reveals. We’ll discuss the setup, characters, clues, suspects, and overall mystery without revealing the killer or ending. This week, we’re kicking off Christmas in July with Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2 of Mistletoe Murders! When a local banker dies after eating a Christmas cookie at Fletcher’s Grove’s annual Christmas tree farm, Christmas shop owner Emily Lane begins asking questions of her own. As Detective Sam Wilner investigates the murder, Emily quietly launches an investigation of her own, uncovering hidden motives, financial secrets, and clues that suggest there’s much more to this case (and to Emily’s mysterious past) than meets the eye. We’re talking Christmas shops, horse-drawn wagon rides, poisoned cookies, small-town secrets, festive atmosphere, and why this remains one of my favorite cozy mystery series to revisit. In This Episode * My thoughts on Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2 * Case Files: Poison in a Pear Tree * Meeting Emily Lane and Detective Sam Wilner * Fletcher’s Grove and its cozy Christmas atmosphere * Marcus Donovan’s mysterious death * The growing suspect list * Emily’s hidden past * My favorite clues and standout moments * Why this series works so well as a cozy mystery * My episode and cozy ratings * What’s coming next during Christmas in July Cozy Ratings Episode 1 Episode Rating: ☕☕☕☕½ (4.5/5) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕☕ (5/5) Episode 2 Episode Rating: ☕☕☕☕¼ (4.25/5) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕☕ (5/5) Watch When You’re in the mood for Christmas all year long, charming small towns, amateur sleuths, cozy shops, festive traditions, holiday mysteries, and a mystery with just a touch of romance. Cozy Mystery Tropes * Amateur Sleuth * Small-Town Mystery * Christmas Mystery * Hidden Identity * Slow-Burn Partnership * Red Herrings * Holiday Whodunit * Found Family * Cozy Community * Secret Past Mentioned In This Episode * Mistletoe Murders Season 1 * The Marlow Murder Club * Murder Is Easy * The Other Bennet Sister Coming Soon on Cozy Comfort Club 🎄 Christmas in July continues! * Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1, Episodes 3 & 4 * TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister Episodes 3 & 4 * Read It & Watch It: Murder Is Easy * Monthly Countdown to Christmas Cozy Question of the Week If you could own one cozy shop in a small town, what would it be—and why? Listen & Connect Follow Cozy Comfort Club for more cozy mysteries, comfort TV, and feel-good recommendations. 📚 Substack: cozycomfortclub.substack.com 🎙️ Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📸 Instagram: @cozycomfortclub This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

9. Juli 202632 min
Episode TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister | Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 Cover

TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister | Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2

In this week’s TV Tuesday, we’re kicking off a brand-new series with The Other Bennet Sister, covering Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2. Based on Janice Hadlow’s bestselling novel, this BritBox series reimagines Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mary Bennet, the quiet, bookish middle sister who has spent her life standing in the shadows of her family. These opening episodes explore Mary’s first steps into society, her growing friendship with John Sparrow, the arrival of Mr. Collins, and the difficult reality of living in a family where she often feels overlooked. ⚠️ Spoiler Note This episode contains spoilers for The Other Bennet Sister Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2. In This Episode * We kick off a brand-new TV Tuesday series with The Other Bennet Sister. * My first impressions of the series and how it compares to Janice Hadlow’s novel. * Why Mary’s opening narration perfectly sets the tone for the story. * The Bennet family dynamics and why Mary often feels like the forgotten sister. * Mrs. Bennet’s obsession with marriage and the inheritance laws that drive her decisions. * My thoughts on Mr. Bennet and why I think he deserves more criticism than he often receives. * Mrs. Hill’s quiet support of Mary and why she quickly became one of my favorite characters. * Mary’s first trip to the Meryton Assembly. * Meeting Mr. Bingley, Mr. Darcy, and the familiar world of Pride and Prejudice. * Mary’s sweet (and awkward) connection with John Sparrow. * Why I think Mary is drawn more to intellect than romance. * Charlotte Lucas’ advice about marriage versus becoming a spinster. * The arrival of the wonderfully quirky Mr. Collins. * My thoughts on whether Mary, John Sparrow, and Mr. Collins may share some neurodivergent traits. * Mary’s heartbreaking performance at the Netherfield Ball. * Charlotte’s surprising engagement to Mr. Collins. * The emotional ending of Episode 2 and how Mary’s future suddenly changes forever. My Ratings Episode 1 Rating: 4.25/5 Episode 2 Rating: 4.5/5 Cozy Rating: 5/5 ☕ Rewatch Scale: 5/5 Mentioned in This Episode * The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow * Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen * The Other Bennet Sister (BritBox) * Mistletoe Murders (Hallmark+) Coming Up This Week Cozy Mystery Thursday: Mistletoe Murders Season 1 Episodes 1 & 2 Next TV Tuesday: The Other Bennet Sister Season 1 Episodes 3 & 4 Listen & Follow 🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📖 Subscribe to Cozy Comfort Club on Substack for weekly watchlists, reading updates, and cozy recommendations delivered straight to your inbox. 📱 Follow along on Instagram: @cozycomfortclub 📧 Email: cozycomfortclub@gmail.com [cozycomfortclub@gmail.com] — I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode, answer your questions, or even include your comments in a future TV Tuesday discussion. Until next time, happy watching! Discussion About This Episode * What were your first impressions of Mary Bennet? * Did you enjoy seeing Pride and Prejudice from Mary’s perspective? * What do you think of John Sparrow? * Were you surprised that Charlotte accepted Mr. Collins’ proposal? * Which moment from Episodes 1 or 2 stood out to you the most? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

7. Juli 202634 min
Episode The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 Episodes 5 & 6 Review Cover

The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 Episodes 5 & 6 Review

Spoiler Note Today’s episode includes light spoilers for The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 Episodes 5 & 6, but no major reveals. I’ll discuss the setup, characters, suspects, clues, and overall mystery without revealing the killer or ending. In today’s Cozy Mystery Thursday episode, we’re wrapping up our deep dive into The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 with Episodes 5 & 6, Sailing Close to the Wind. After a respected member of the Marlow Sailing Club is found dead in what initially appears to be a tragic sailing accident, Judith, Becks, Suzie, and Tanika uncover hidden rivalries, stolen property, cryptic messages, and long-buried secrets. Along the way, we visit Tynham’s Boatyard, the Bounty Pub, and spend one last time with the Marlow Murder Club before Season 3 arrives. We’re talking sailing clubs, archaeological digs, drone footage, undercover investigations, cryptic clues, Operation Coliseum, character development, and my overall thoughts on Season 2. In This Episode * My thoughts on The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 Episodes 5 & 6 * Case Files: Sailing Close to the Wind * Kit Harcourt and the newest Marlow mystery * The Marlow Sailing Club and Tynham’s Boatyard * The archaeological dig and “Fred” * Gregg Cooper’s disappearance * The yellow bag, vintage watch, and drone footage * Operation Coliseum * Judith’s undercover investigation * Why Suzie was my standout character * My thoughts on the Season 2 finale * What worked and what I felt was missing from Season 2 * My episode, cozy, and overall season ratings * What’s coming next on Cozy Comfort Club Cozy Ratings Episode 5 Episode Rating: ☕☕☕☕¼ (4.25/5) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕½ (4.5/5) Episode 6 Episode Rating: ☕☕☕☕ (4/5) Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕¼ (4.25/5) Season 2 Overall Season Rating: ☕☕☕☕ (4/5) Overall Cozy Rating: ☕☕☕☕¾ (4.75/5) Watch When You want British villages, amateur sleuths, sailing clubs, riverside settings, hidden motives, cryptic clues, archaeological digs, cozy friendships, and mysteries that slowly come together one clue at a time. Mystery Tropes * Amateur sleuth * Small-town mystery * Sailing club mystery * Locked-community suspects * Hidden motives * Missing person * Undercover investigation * Cryptic clues * Amateur detective trio * Found family * British village mystery Mentioned In This Episode * The Marlow Murder Club Season 2 Episodes 1–4 * Death Comes to Marlow by Robert Thorogood * Queen of Poisons by Robert Thorogood * Murder Is Easy by Agatha Christie * The Other Bennet Sister * Mistletoe Murders Season 1 * All Creatures Great and Small * Grantchester Coming Soon on Cozy Comfort Club * TV Tuesday begins The Other Bennet Sister Episodes 1 & 2 * Christmas in July with Mistletoe Murders Season 1 * July’s Read It & Watch It: Murder Is Easy * Monthly Countdown to Christmas Listen & Connect Follow Cozy Comfort Club for more cozy mysteries, comfort TV, and thoughtful reviews. Substack: cozycomfortclub.substack.com Apple Podcasts & Spotify Instagram: @cozycomfortclub Discussion Did you enjoy Season 2 as much as Season 1? And what’s more important to you in a cozy mystery series—the mystery itself, or getting to spend time with the characters between cases? 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts. Stay curious and stay cozy. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit cozycomfortclub.substack.com [https://cozycomfortclub.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

2. Juli 202629 min