The Last Devil To Die Summary, Characters and Themes
The Last Devil to Die is the fourth novel in Richard Osman’s Thursday Murder Club series. Set in a retirement community in South England, this cozy murder mystery follows a group of elderly amateur detectives who regularly convene to solve crimes.
The novel delves into the murder of Kuldesh Sharma, a minor character introduced in the previous book, and explores themes such as the resilience of the elderly, the challenges of aging, and the dangers of amateur sleuthing. Osman’s signature blend of humor, heart, and intrigue makes this installment a compelling continuation of the beloved series.
Summary
The story opens with the murder of Kuldesh Sharma, an elderly antiques dealer, who is shot in his car while investigating a mysterious box left in his shop. This event sets the stage for the Thursday Murder Club—comprising Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron—to dive into a complex web of crimes, including the missing box, a heroin smuggling operation, and a potential catfishing scheme.
The club learns of Kuldesh’s death through Bogdan, a close friend, and quickly becomes involved due to Kuldesh’s connection to Elizabeth’s husband, Stephen, who is struggling with dementia.
As they begin to piece together the mystery, they uncover that the box contained a valuable shipment of heroin, which Kuldesh had hidden. This revelation leads the club to confront various dangerous individuals, including Mitch Maxwell, a drug dealer, and his right-hand man, Dominic Holt.
Meanwhile, the club also takes on a secondary case involving Mervyn, a fellow resident of Coopers Chase, who is being scammed by an online fraudster.
As they juggle both investigations, tensions rise when Dominic is found murdered, and suspicion spreads within the group and among their contacts.
The plot thickens as Mitch, suspecting the club of hiding the heroin, violently confronts Ron, only to be outmaneuvered by the resourceful retirees.
Elizabeth and Joyce investigate further and discover that Kuldesh may have been in contact with another antiques dealer, Samantha Barnes, who may know more about the heroin’s whereabouts. However, Samantha is soon found dead, adding another layer of mystery to the case.
In a poignant subplot, Elizabeth helps Stephen come to terms with his worsening dementia, culminating in his decision to end his life with the help of an old contact, Viktor.
This personal tragedy profoundly impacts Elizabeth, driving her to solve the case in Stephen’s memory.
The club eventually discovers that the heroin box was buried in the allotment at Coopers Chase.
They hatch a plan to draw out the true culprits, leading to a dramatic confrontation where Garth, Samantha’s husband, reveals that the box itself, an ancient artifact, is far more valuable than the drugs it once contained.
In a final twist, Elizabeth orchestrates a sting operation that exposes Nina Mishra, an archaeologist who turns out to be Kuldesh’s murderer and the mastermind behind the scheme.
As the novel concludes, Elizabeth honors Stephen’s memory by ensuring his ashes are smuggled back to Baghdad in the ancient box, a fitting tribute to their shared past and a final act of love and closure.
The Thursday Murder Club, despite the dangers and losses, remains undaunted, ready for whatever mystery comes next.
Characters
Elizabeth Best
Elizabeth is an ex-spy and the most formidable member of the Thursday Murder Club. Her experience as a former intelligence agent shapes her approach to solving mysteries, as she uses her skills in observation, manipulation, and deduction to drive the group forward.
However, in The Last Devil to Die, Elizabeth’s vulnerabilities are brought to the forefront, especially regarding her husband, Stephen, and his battle with dementia. Elizabeth’s journey in this novel is emotionally charged as she confronts the realities of losing a loved one to illness, ultimately helping Stephen die on his own terms.
This act reveals a deep and personal side to Elizabeth, showing her as both resourceful and emotionally resilient. While she remains a brilliant investigator, her grappling with mortality and the loss of her husband adds complexity to her character, portraying her as both tough and deeply human.
Joyce Meadowcroft
Joyce is a retired nurse and one of the warmest and most compassionate members of the group. Her diary entries provide much of the novel’s narration, offering a light, witty, and insightful perspective on events.
In The Last Devil to Die, Joyce becomes an even more pivotal character, often serving as the moral compass of the group. Her interactions with suspects and her knack for noticing small but important details allow her to shine as a detective in her own right.
Her seemingly innocent and disarming demeanor often belies her sharp mind, making her a key player in unraveling the novel’s multiple mysteries. The personal growth she exhibits, especially in her increasing confidence as an investigator and her friendship with Elizabeth, adds depth to her character.
Joyce’s humanity and warmth contrast the darkness of the crimes they investigate, making her a beloved figure in the series.
Ron Richie
Ron is a former union activist, known for his fiery and headstrong personality. In the earlier books, Ron’s blunt approach and his passion for justice often lead him to clash with others, but in The Last Devil to Die, his character deepens.
His loyalty to his friends and his determination to help solve the mystery are unwavering, and his physical confrontation with Mitch shows his bravery. However, Ron’s vulnerabilities are also exposed in this novel, particularly as he confronts the limitations that come with aging.
Despite being tough, he recognizes that he is no longer as strong or quick as he once was. His character arc demonstrates a willingness to adapt, relying more on teamwork and the support of the others in the club.
This shift highlights his evolving role within the group, as he balances his old firebrand ways with a more reflective, mature approach to their investigations.
Ibrahim Arif
Ibrahim, a retired psychiatrist, brings a cerebral and methodical approach to the club’s investigations. His analytical mind and psychological insight often allow the group to understand suspects’ motives on a deeper level.
In The Last Devil to Die, Ibrahim continues to be the voice of reason and logic within the Thursday Murder Club. However, this novel delves more into his internal struggles, particularly regarding aging and the burdens of mental strain that come with their increasingly dangerous investigations.
Ibrahim’s introspective conversations, especially his reflections with Computer Bob about his past and the personal things he has never shared, reveal a more vulnerable side of him. His approach to the catfishing case, which intertwines with the primary murder mystery, showcases his persistence and problem-solving abilities.
Ibrahim’s journey in this installment explores themes of aging and personal reflection, deepening his character’s complexity while maintaining his essential role as the group’s intellectual anchor.
Stephen Best
Stephen, Elizabeth’s husband, is a secondary character in the earlier novels, but in The Last Devil to Die, his struggle with dementia becomes a major focus. Stephen’s deteriorating condition highlights the emotional toll that illness and aging take on both the individual and their loved ones.
Though his mind is slipping, Stephen remains perceptive in brief moments of clarity, contributing valuable information about the case and maintaining a strong connection to Elizabeth. His decision to take control of his own death with Elizabeth’s assistance is one of the novel’s most poignant moments, showcasing his quiet dignity in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Stephen’s storyline emphasizes the novel’s themes of mortality, loss, and the dignity of making one’s own choices at the end of life. His relationship with Elizabeth is deeply emotional and nuanced, portraying a couple bound by love and shared history, even as one of them fades away.
Kuldesh Sharma
Although Kuldesh Sharma only appeared briefly in The Bullet That Missed and dies at the start of The Last Devil to Die, his character serves as a catalyst for the novel’s primary mystery. Kuldesh is portrayed as an antiques dealer with a hidden connection to the underworld, unknowingly becoming involved in a drug smuggling operation.
His decision to hide the heroin rather than simply sell it suggests that there was more to him than initially meets the eye. While much of his character is revealed through the investigation into his murder, Kuldesh’s involvement with various figures in the criminal world makes him a key figure in the story.
His friendship with Stephen adds a personal dimension to his character, linking his death to the emotional stakes for Elizabeth and the Thursday Murder Club.
Mitch Maxwell
Mitch Maxwell is introduced as a key figure in the drug smuggling operation. His ruthlessness is apparent from the start, and he quickly emerges as one of the primary antagonists in the story.
Mitch is dangerous, both physically and psychologically, as shown when he attacks Ron and threatens the Thursday Murder Club. However, his downfall is ultimately caused by his own greed and lack of foresight.
He underestimates the intelligence and resilience of the club, and his obsession with the heroin leads to his undoing. Mitch’s heart attack and death in the dump symbolize the futility of his life of crime, driven by material greed.
His character serves as a reminder of the novel’s darker themes, juxtaposed against the more lighthearted, cozy mystery elements.
Samantha Barnes and Garth
Samantha Barnes and her husband, Garth, are antiques dealers and art forgers who become entangled in the murder mystery. Samantha is initially suspected of knowing more about the heroin shipment than she admits, while Garth emerges as a more dangerous figure, ultimately responsible for throwing Luca off the car park.
Samantha’s murder adds a layer of tragedy to the story, while Garth’s involvement in multiple criminal activities paints him as one of the novel’s more sinister characters. Garth’s descent into paranoia and violence reflects the broader theme of how greed and crime can destroy lives.
His ultimate confrontation with the Thursday Murder Club underscores the dangers they face in their investigations.
Nina Mishra
Nina Mishra, a professor of historical archaeology, initially seems like an innocent figure involved in the investigation due to her academic connections. However, she is revealed to be the true murderer of Kuldesh and Samantha.
Nina’s motivations stem from her involvement in the smuggling of the ancient box, and her character represents the unexpected threat hidden behind a scholarly persona. Her arrest by the Thursday Murder Club reveals the novel’s central mystery.
Her character exemplifies the recurring theme of people hiding dark secrets behind ordinary facades.
Bogdan
Bogdan, the boyfriend of police officer Donna De Freitas, is a recurring character in the series who provides muscle and street-smart assistance to the Thursday Murder Club. In The Last Devil to Die, Bogdan plays a vital role in uncovering the mystery surrounding Kuldesh’s shop and helping with the physical demands of the investigation.
His friendship with Stephen and his empathetic nature are highlighted in this novel, particularly in their search for Snowy the fox. Bogdan is portrayed as loyal, dependable, and somewhat of a wildcard, using his own brand of practical knowledge to assist the club in their unorthodox methods of solving crimes.
Donna De Freitas and Chris Hudson
Donna and Chris are the police officers who frequently collaborate with the Thursday Murder Club. While they are technically the law enforcement figures in charge of solving Kuldesh’s murder, their investigations are frequently overshadowed by the club’s more effective methods.
Chris’s personal struggles with his weight and health are referenced, while Donna’s relationship with Bogdan provides lighter, more personal moments in the novel. Both characters represent the tension between official police work and the unconventional yet effective strategies employed by the Thursday Murder Club.
Connie Johnson
Connie Johnson is a background villain in The Last Devil to Die, orchestrating several key murders and criminal activities. Though the Thursday Murder Club remains unaware of her full involvement, her influence looms large over the story.
Connie is a cunning and dangerous criminal figure, manipulating events behind the scenes. Her email to her hitwoman reveals her cold, calculated nature, solidifying her role as an unseen antagonist who operates in the shadows.
Themes
The Resilience and Resourcefulness of Elderly Individuals
In The Last Devil to Die, Richard Osman explores the theme of resilience and resourcefulness among the elderly, highlighting how the members of the Thursday Murder Club continue to defy societal expectations of aging.
Despite their advanced years, the club members demonstrate remarkable determination and creativity in solving complex mysteries.
Elizabeth, Joyce, Ibrahim, and Ron refuse to let their age or physical limitations deter them from pursuing justice. Their resourcefulness is evident in how they navigate the dangers of their investigations, using their life experiences, wisdom, and strong bonds of friendship to outmaneuver younger, more physically capable adversaries.
This theme emphasizes the idea that aging does not diminish a person’s worth or capabilities, but rather can bring a unique perspective and a wealth of knowledge that younger generations might overlook.
The Challenges and Dangers of Getting Involved in Criminal Investigations
The novel also delves into the inherent risks that come with amateur detective work, especially for elderly individuals. The Thursday Murder Club members face real physical danger, as seen in the attacks on Ron and the threats made against them by criminals like Mitch and Garth.
These encounters highlight the vulnerability of the elderly in situations that require physical confrontation. However, the novel also portrays how the club members, aware of these risks, take calculated actions to protect themselves and each other.
The dangers they face are not just physical but also emotional, as they are forced to confront the realities of their own mortality, particularly through Stephen’s declining health and eventual death. This theme underscores the bravery and commitment of the characters as they navigate these dangers, but it also serves as a reminder of the high stakes involved in their investigative pursuits.
The Impact of Aging, Dementia, and Mortality
One of the most poignant themes in The Last Devil to Die is the impact of aging, particularly through the lens of dementia and mortality. Stephen’s struggle with dementia and his decision to end his life with Elizabeth’s support bring a somber and emotional depth to the story.
Unlike the earlier books in the series, this novel places a significant focus on the realities of aging, exploring how it affects not only the individual but also those around them. Elizabeth’s grief and her reflections on time, memory, and loss add layers of emotional complexity to the narrative, making this installment more introspective than its predecessors.
The theme of mortality is woven throughout the novel, with the death of Kuldesh Sharma and the murder cases serving as constant reminders of life’s fragility. The characters’ awareness of their mortality informs their actions, driving them to seek justice and find meaning in their remaining years.
This theme elevates the novel from a simple cozy mystery to a profound exploration of what it means to grow old, face death, and find solace in the friendships and connections that define one’s final years.