Richard Osman Unveils New Novel, ‘The Impossible Fortune’

Richard Osman has released his latest novel, The Impossible Fortune, adding to his impressive literary portfolio. The book marks another milestone for Osman, who has quickly risen to prominence as one of the best-selling authors of the decade since publishing his first novel in 2020. His previous series, Thursday Murder Club, has sold over 15 million copies globally and has now been adapted into a film available on Netflix.

In a video call from his home in London, Osman expressed his gratitude for a fulfilling decade, stating, “It’s been a very happy decade for me. In a decade which has been unhappy for other people, I would say I’ve had an outlier.” He humorously likened his current success to reliving the 1990s in the 2020s, referencing a time he felt he missed out on during his youth.

As a television personality known for creating shows such as BBC’s Pointless and House of Games, Osman has transitioned smoothly into the literary world. His latest work, The Impossible Fortune, opens with an intriguing premise: a wedding where the best man confesses an attempted murder, leading the senior sleuths of the Thursday Murder Club into action. The plot thickens with the introduction of £350 million in cryptocurrency, hidden in what Osman describes as “cold storage.”

This novel delves into themes of wealth and greed, challenging the reader’s perception of money’s worth. Osman clarified, “It’s anti-greed. It’s anti the love of money; anti not knowing when you’ve had enough.” He emphasized that although the book examines serious themes, it does so with an entertaining approach, avoiding heavy-handedness.

Osman’s creative journey began in his teenage years as a journalist, writing for publications like NME. He later transitioned into television, where he spent nearly three decades. Despite his success in the media industry, he never lost his passion for writing. “I had picked up my pen a number of times in the previous years,” he noted, but it wasn’t until he was in his late forties that he fully committed to writing novels.

His rise in publishing has been meteoric. The fourth book in the Thursday Murder Club series became the fastest-selling adult fiction hardback, a testament to his widespread appeal. Osman believes the key to his success lies in the accessibility of his stories, infused with humor, emotion, and intrigue. “I think people enjoyed them and passed them on,” he commented.

With the film adaptation of Thursday Murder Club directed by Chris Columbus and featuring stars like Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan, Osman has taken on a supportive role, allowing others to bring his characters to life. He quipped that he felt more like a “proud grandfather” than a creator.

As he prepares for the release of the fifth novel in the series, Osman remains committed to his writing routine, producing chapters daily. He is also co-writing a stage version of Thursday Murder Club with comedian Tom Basden and has plans for a Netflix adaptation of his new series, We Solve Murders.

Reflecting on his connections with readers, Osman expressed joy when fans approach him in public, asking for book signings. “The greatest creative relationship in my life is with readers of these books,” he shared.

With a promising future ahead, including international adaptations and a growing readership, Richard Osman continues to thrive in both literature and entertainment, captivating audiences worldwide with his engaging storytelling. The Impossible Fortune is now available, further solidifying his place in contemporary literature.