The Reading Agency is very excited to offer libraries the opportunity to take part in a special book club launched by Viking and television presenter, producer and director, Richard Osman by ordering our specially curated pack. The offer, which encourages reading groups to discuss a list of titles chosen by Osman, celebrates the publication of Osman’s debut novel, The Thursday Murder Club, published by Viking (an imprint of Penguin) on 3 September 2020.
Osman, best known as the creator and co-presenter of Pointless (BBC One), has personally selected six titles including his own novel, Bernardine Evaristo’s 2019 Booker Prize-winning Girl, Woman, Other and Caroline Kepnes’ You, which was adapted into a hit Netflix series in 2018.
The pack includes the list of titles and a note from Osman on why he has chosen them, reading group questions, a Q&A with Osman and display materials. A competition will be launched later in the year where the library with the best display will win a visit from Osman in 2021.
Reading Friends offer
Viking has also partnered with The Reading Agency’s Reading Friends programme to help older people experience the joy and mischief of The Thursday Murder Club. Reading Friends tackles loneliness by bringing people together to read, chat and share stories. It uses the power of a shared story in groups and one-to-ones across libraries, prisons, care homes, community centres, and recovery cafes.
Reading Friends groups/participants can order packs containing an exclusive extract of The Thursday Murder Club, reading group questions about the book and a Q&A with Osman. The pack is available in a digital format to support groups who have temporarily shifted to a telephone befriending model in accordance with social distancing measures.
Richard Osman said: ‘There are few things as magical as chatting about a book you’ve loved. I hope that these reading groups across the UK enjoy The Thursday Murder Club and that it gives them plenty to talk about. Keep reading, keep sharing, and support your local library!’
About The Thursday Murder Club 
In a peaceful retirement village, four unlikely friends meet up once a week to investigate unsolved murders. But when a brutal killing takes place on their very doorstep, the Thursday Murder Club find themselves in the middle of their first live case. Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim and Ron might be pushing eighty but they still have a few tricks up their sleeves.
Libraries and those running Reading Friends groups can order their free pack now
