It's clear that in just two books, this series has become a favorite of mine.

It's always nice when stories not only entertain but also impart useful information. Oh, and on an unrelated but practical note, I also learned that if you're ever attacked and you have a knife to defend yourself with, you should hold it with an overhand grip instead of an underhand one, as that allows for greater force. I find Joyce's voice to be particularly delightful and her colorful commentary of the events a real hoot and highlight. I've always enjoyed the dual points of view in this series, which alternate between third person omniscient and first person in the form of Joyce's journal. From that point on, I found it completely unputdownable. Though it took its time getting started, leisurely leading us to the murderous moment, once we get there it's off to the races. The mystery itself is compelling and an improvement over the first book. Their affection for one another, their enthusiasm for anything remotely exciting, and their good humor all exemplify the best of humanity, not just for old people, but for people of all ages.

They are its heart and soul, and this book is another superb display of that. The draw of this series has always been its characters.

This time, they need to recover twenty million pounds' worth of diamonds and suss out a murderer. With their trademark mix of sweetness, smarts, and humor, Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron come together to stick their noses where they don't belong. What sort of business though? Diamonds? Murder? Perhaps a bit of both? That would be nice.Our four loveable septuagenarian are at it again.

The man who died twice richard osman