The 11 Richard Osman Books In Order

Richard Osman is a very popular figure in the media. He is known primarily for his on-screen (and off-screen) work for British television including Pointless, Would I Lie To You and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown. 

The 11 Richard Osman Books In Order

However, Richard was very active behind the scenes devising quiz shows and panel shows, but also is a keen writer.

As a result, he wrote 11 books which you can read chronologically. 

So, if you’re looking to read the Richard Osman books in order – then read this guide below for everything you need to know! 

About Richard Osman

About Richard Osman

I’ve briefly mentioned Richard’s career, but it’s a good idea that I explain more about him and his life before we move on.

Richard studied sociology and politics at Trinity College in Oxford University – one of the best universities in the world.

While Osman might be best known for his British television work, many readers will be aware of his writing through the famous “Thursday Murder Club” series, which debuted in 2020. 

However, before this best-selling debut novel was published, Richard had already written or co-written seven non-fiction books!

Nowadays though, it seems that Richard is focused on his fiction writing.

He was only signed for four Thursday Murder Club books, but has said that he wants to explore a new series that combines the concepts of this series with that of the Da Vinci Code. It sounds intriguing! 

Richard Osman Books In Order (Non Fiction) 

I’ll now take you through the Richard Osman books in order, but I’ll start with his earlier work which was non-fiction. 

Richard Osman & Alexander Armstrong: The 100 Most Pointless Things In The World

The 100 Most Pointless Things in the World: A pointless book written by the presenters of the hit BBC 1 TV show (Pointless Books) [Paperback] Alexander Armstrong;Richard Osman

Many of you may be unfamiliar with the British television quiz show entitled “Pointless”. Its premise is quite simple.

Contestants are asked questions in a category and are tasked with trying to find the most obscure answers. 

The show asks 100 people to answer specific questions within these categories, and points are issued to contestants on the show, based on how many people gave a certain answer. 

For example, if the question was about Richard Osman books and 70 people answered “Thursday Murder Club”, which the contestant then says – that contestant is awarded 70 points.

The idea of the show is to get a 0 (pointless) score. This book luckily can help with that, co-written by the show’s two on-screen figures who also work behind the scenes.

Pros

  • Informative 
  • Helps with playing the game show at home
  • A fun book.

Cons

  • Basic factual information, nothing more 

Richard Osman & Alexander Armstrong: The 100 Most Pointless Arguments In The World

The 100 Most Pointless Arguments in the World: A fun gift book from the presenters of the hit BBC quiz show Pointless (Pointless Books)

This second edition to the previous book does pretty much what you can imagine from its title.

It explores the most pointless arguments in the world that have no real answers, like the chicken or the egg situation! 

However, through witty writing and intriguing quizzes, it’s a great read at the same time! 

Pros

  • Witty 
  • Informative 
  • Funny at times 

Cons

  • Nothing too special 

Richard Osman & Alexander Armstrong: A Very Pointless Quiz Book

The Very Pointless Quiz Book (Pointless Books)

There’s not a great deal to say about this one – it’s pretty much just a book entirely composed of quiz questions, but it does have comical writing at times. 

The questions are generally obscure of course! 

Pros

  • Fun quiz 
  • Informative 
  • Witty 

Cons

  • Standard quiz book 

Richard Osman And Alexander Armstrong: The A-Z Of Pointless

The A-Z of Pointless: A brain-teasing bumper book of questions and trivia (Pointless Books)

This is pretty much the same as the previous book, but with a slightly different format. Great to have at home though. 

Pros

  • Fun 
  • Intriguing 
  • Informational 

Cons

  • Not much else on offer 

Richard Osman And Alexander Armstrong: A Pointless History Of The World

A Pointless History Of World

If you’re looking to read up on the history of the world, but you’re tired of hearing about the same old facts – then this book is for you.

It explores history that you might be unfamiliar with and discovers certain things that are actually myths! 

Pros

  • Myth dispelling 
  • Fun to read 
  • Interesting 

Cons

  • Nothing more 

Richard Osman: The World Cup Of Everything

The World Cup Of Everything: Bringing the fun home

Believe it or not, this book actually was created by accident due to viral Tweets by Osman which “broke the internet”.

Osman asked the public about the “big” questions, like what are the best snacks etc. 

These questions incite funny debate – and this is pretty much the premise of this book. As long as you have a pencil, you can get involved.

Pros

  • Funny 
  • Incites debate at home
  • Re-readability 

Cons

  • Need another person 

Richard Osman: House Of Games 101 Games

Richard Osman's House of Games: 101 new & classic games from the hit BBC series

Osman created a new show after the success of Pointless known as House Of Games – which has a unique format using brain-teasing quiz games and questions, far removed from the typical style of quiz show. 

This book allows you to enjoy all of the fun from the small screen at home! 

Pros

  • Unique
  • Fun 
  • Great way to spend time 

Cons

  • Likely need another person to have fun 

Richard Osman Books In Order (Fiction)

It’s now time I show you all of the Richard Osman fiction books in order! 

The Thursday Murder Club

The Thursday Murder Club: A Novel (A Thursday Murder Club Mystery Book 1)

The first edition to the Thursday Murder Club series introduces us to the four unlikely friends, who meet each other once a week in the Jigsaw Room.

There, they discuss unsolved crimes and this is why they call themselves “The Thursday Murder Club”.

However, unexpectedly, a person in the village is found dead in extremely suspicious circumstances, with a photograph in their hand.

It’s seemingly up to the Thursday Murder Club to finally solve a real, active murder! 

But it gets worse – more and more bodies are discovered as time goes on. This means the Club is working against the clock to stop this crazed killer! 

Pros

  • Intriguing 
  • Keeps you guessing 
  • Witty writing style 

Cons

  • Typical “who done it” mystery 

The Man Who Died Twice

The Man Who Died Twice: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

This sequel follows the incredible best selling first book in this series.

After the Thursday Murder Club are still flying high after their success from the first case, they are hoping to have a little respite at their retirement home – but that’s not going to happen! 

An old friend (or he could be more than that!) meets the gang and tells them that he is in trouble, being accused of diamond theft.

He must clear his name – and as time progresses, bodies start appearing?! 

This wild case seems connected and the four must put their wits to the test once again – but will they get the killer before the killer gets them?

Pros

  • Great pacing 
  • Fantastic direct follow on 
  • Can’t put it down 

Cons

  • You’ll need to read the first book beforehand 

The Bullet That Missed

The Bullet That Missed: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

The third book in this series sees our favorite four trying to finally get some peace and quiet after all of the madness of the previous books!

They meet like any other regular Thursday and begin to investigate a decade old murder. 

This cold case leads them to a current murder – which has no body, no answers and a whole lot of questions.

It’s up to the gang once again to find the killer before they strike again, but can they outsmart them this time?

Pros

  • Change of pace 
  • Excellent story development 
  • Funny at times 

Cons

  • Sometimes feels like a rehash from books one and two 

The Last Devil To Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

The Last Devil to Die: A Thursday Murder Club Mystery

This book is yet to be released but we do know that its release is expected soon.

Harlan Coben has had the opportunity to read it and has said that fans of this series are going to be “enthralled” – which is a huge comment to make from the author of Stay Close! 

Of course, I can’t provide any pros or cons here at the moment – but rest assured that I will do so as soon as the book is released! 

The Bottom Line 

Richard Osman’s books are always thrilling and intriguing – so I hope I’ve helped you find your perfect Richard Osman copy! 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Here are some FAQs about Richard Osman’s books!

What Is The Thursday Murder Club About?

The four books in the Thursday Murder Club series follow four 70+ year olds who meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders.

The books are set in a fictional village known as Cooper’s Chase – but Osman has said that this is based on an area in Kent, England.

The four characters in the gang are called Elizabeth, Ron, Joyce and Ibrahim – who all find themselves landed in real-life and active murder investigations, which often threatens their own lives! 

Is Osman Writing More Non-Fiction Books?

He has not confirmed so, but there’s no reason why he would not! 

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Noah Burton