Thursday Murder Club writer Richard Osman confirms new book series

Richard Osman is to release the first of a new book series on September 12th.

The former 'Pointless' co-host - who is best known in the literary world for his hugely popular 'Thursday Murder Club' book series - is "proud" to confirm his new tome is called 'We Solve Murders', but the 53-year-old star is "nervous" about what readers might think of his new project.

In a newsletter to fans, he wrote: "I am proud, excited, delighted and, if I’m being entirely truthful, nervous, to announce that my new book We Solve Murders will be released on September 12th.

"Not only a new book but a brand new series, with brand new characters and, fear not, brand new murders."

Richard's new book will tell the story of Amy Wheeler, a close protection officer for billionaires, and her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, who has a small investigative agency but is generally quite content with his quiet life in the New Forest.

But things change for Amy when she takes on a new client, the world’s bestselling crime novelist, Rosie D’Antonio, and a dead body emerges, and she enlists Steve's help.

Richard added: "The book was enormous fun to write. I have fallen in love with these characters, and I hope you will too.

"They’re very different to each other. Amy likes jumping out of airplanes and kickboxing bad guys, while Steve likes staying at home with his cat Trouble and doing the pub quiz every Tuesday.

"The two of them have made me laugh and they’ve made me cry.

"I think you will also enjoy the third wheel in their relationship: the client that Amy is protecting, the world’s bestselling crime novelist, Rosie D’Antonio.

"She’s like Jackie Collins meets Lee Child, and makes me laugh on every page."

Richard felt like he was "cheating" on his four main 'Thursday Murder Club' characters by writing a new book series.

But he confirmed there will be a new 'Thursday Murder Club' novel out next year.

He said: "I know it is difficult for us all to cheat on Elizabeth, Joyce, Ron and Ibrahim, but we must remember that they will be back next year, after a lovely rest."

'We Solve Murders' can be pre-ordered from Penguin.