Clara’s Verdict
Richard Osman has done it again. After the enormous success of the Thursday Murder Club series and the launch of We Solve Murders, he returns with We Chase Shadows, and it is every bit as entertaining as you would hope. Osman has a remarkable gift for combining genuine mystery with warmth, wit, and characters you would happily invite round for dinner. The globe-trotting format of the We Solve Murders series suits him beautifully, and this latest outing — spanning Italy, Palm Springs, Barcelona, and a sleepy English village pub — delivers the kind of effortless pleasure that makes you forget you are actually working through a rather cleverly constructed puzzle.
If you loved the first book, you will devour this one. If you have not yet discovered the series, this is a splendid place to begin.
About the Audiobook
We Chase Shadows by Richard Osman, published by Penguin and due for release on 10 September 2026, is the latest instalment in the globe-trotting We Solve Murders series. The story opens in the Italian hills, where a body is found on the steps of a private villa at sunrise. Our mis-matched detective trio — Amy, Rose, and Steve — reunite in pursuit of an elusive and ruthless killer.
The investigation takes the team from Italy to Palm Springs, via Barcelona and Steve’s familiar sleepy village pub, uncovering an impossible case where it seems that everyone is hiding something. Osman blends the cosy elements of traditional British crime fiction with the international scope of a thriller, creating something that feels uniquely his own. The interplay between the three central characters — each bringing a different perspective, skillset, and generation to the investigation — remains the series’ great strength.
As with Osman’s previous work, expect sharp dialogue, genuine surprises, and an underlying warmth that makes even the darkest moments feel approachable. The comedy-thriller hybrid is notoriously difficult to pull off, but Osman manages it with what appears to be effortless ease.
The Narration
The narrator for this edition has not yet been announced at the time of writing. Given the calibre of narrators who have previously performed Osman’s work, expectations are high. The We Solve Murders series demands a narrator who can handle rapid tonal shifts between comedy and tension, differentiate a large international cast, and deliver Osman’s trademark wit with impeccable timing. We will update this section once casting is confirmed.
What Readers Say
As a forthcoming title with a September 2026 release date, We Chase Shadows has not yet accumulated listener reviews. However, pre-order interest has been substantial, driven by the enormous success of both the Thursday Murder Club series and the first We Solve Murders novel. Osman’s track record suggests this will be one of the most popular audiobooks of the autumn season.
Who Should Listen?
Fans of Richard Osman will need no persuading — this is an automatic pre-order. Beyond the existing readership, We Chase Shadows is ideal for anyone who enjoys crime fiction with a lighter touch: think Alexander McCall Smith meets Anthony Horowitz, with a dash of international adventure thrown in. It is perfect for holiday listening, long drives, or anyone who wants a mystery that makes them smile as much as it makes them think.
The globe-trotting settings make this a particularly appealing summer or autumn listen, and the ensemble cast of characters means there is someone for everyone to root for.
Pre-order We Chase Shadows on Audible UK — Richard Osman’s detective trio returns for their most thrilling adventure yet.
