The Last Devil To Die (2023) By Richard Osman

"Day after day, mission after mission, ridding the world of evil? Waiting for the last devil to die? What a joke. New devils will always spring up, like daffodils in springtime."

After thoroughly enjoying the previous three inclusions in this wonderfully refreshing and lighthearted murder mystery series, I was incredibly keen to dig into Richard Osman's fourth installment, which, I noted, had already received plenty of similar praise to its predecessors'.

"The easiest way to make a small fortune in antiques is to start with a big fortune and lose it."

Short chapters brought with them a steady pace that allowed each character to get their time, as well as allowing the narrative to move forward, step by step. I do think that at least one of the prior books, the first, was paced better, but that may just be down to personal taste.

"In my business you hear a thing or two about love. I find it easy to replicate. It is largely a willing abandonment of logic."

The story had some very emotional scenes and developments, and featured some interesting changes for the characters involved, with one in particular facing a big shift in their life, that was very interesting and emotional to follow. It was also, to an extent, a long time coming.

"There comes a point when you look at your photograph albums more often than you watch the news."

The mystery element of the narrative was, as can now be expected of Osman, very enticing. I do think, however, that the strings of various arcs did not link up, nor intertwine, as nicely as some of the previous books in the series. It's not that they don't link up, it's more that they aren't as satisfyingly composed.

"You and your mates are starting drug wars now. I used to prefer it when you wrote letters to the council complaining about the bins."

Osman has continued to improve and develop his character work throughout these four books. It is so impressive, the way the author can make so many of his characters feel like three-dimensional, believable and real people. The characters have so many little creases to their personalities that I thoroughly enjoy.

"God cries every time someone lies to a Canadian."

My final thoughts for this murder mystery are, of course, overwhelmingly positive. I think Osman continues to excell in his character work, and even though he has stated that he will be leaving this series for a little while, in favour if a new project, I will still be keenly anticipating the follow up to this lovely book.

"That’s the thing about Coopers Chase. You’d imagine it was quiet and sedate, like a village pond on a summer day. But in truth, it never stops moving, it’s always in motion. And that motion is aging, and death, and love, and grief, and final snatched moments and opportunities grasped. The urgency of old age. There’s nothing that makes you feel more alive than the certainty of death."