Book vs Movie: Why Thursday Murder Club Fans Feel Cheated

Did Netflix do The Thursday Murder Club dirty? Fans of the bestselling cozy mystery are divided—and in this review, I break down both sides. If you’ve read the book, you’ll see exactly why the adaptation left so many disappointed. If you haven’t, you might have found the film charming—but did it miss the true heart of Richard Osman’s story? The movie features an all-star cast—Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnan—but at just two hours, it speeds past the layered mysteries, red herrings, and beloved characters that made the book shine. From Bogdan’s diminished role to questionable casting choices (Pierce Brosnan as Ron?), this is a mystery that may have been better told as a series, much like Magpie Murders or The Marlow Murder Club. 🔎 Highlights • Book fans vs. movie-only fans: why reactions differ • Helen Mirren, Ben Kingsley, and Pierce Brosnan’s performances • Why Bogdan and Ron’s portrayals frustrated readers • The biggest problem: movie format vs. series format • How Netflix stacks up against Hallmark, BritBox, and Acorn cozy mysteries ⏱️ Chapters 0:00 – Did Netflix Do Thursday Murder Club Dirty? 1:15 – Book Fans vs Movie Fans 3:45 – Performances: Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley 6:10 – The Problem With Condensing the Story 8:20 – Bogdan and Ron: Missed Opportunities 10:00 – Why It Should’ve Been a Series 12:00 – Final Verdict If you love Hallmark Channel, Hallmark Mysteries, Hallmark Movies, BritBox, Acorn, or any cozy whodunit, you’ll want to hear this take. 👉 Subscribe now for more reviews of Hallmark favorites like Mystery 101, Aurora Teagarden, Curious Caterer, plus cozy gems from BritBox and Acorn. Don’t miss the next sleuthing session! The podcast Sleuthers can’t stop talking about. If you love Hallmark’s cozy whodunnits, sharp sleuths, and slow-burn romances, you’ve found your new favorite podcast. Hallmark Mysteries and More is the only podcast dedicated entirely to Hallmark’s beloved mystery movies and series, including fan-favorites like Mystery 101, Aurora Teagarden, Curious Caterer, The Cases of Mystery Lane, Signed, Sealed, Delivered, and beyond. Hosted by real-life mystery buffs Andrea and Eric, each episode delivers smart, funny, and passionate deep dives into new releases and classic Hallmark mysteries. Expect honest reviews, character breakdowns, fan theories, behind-the-scenes trivia, and the kind of banter that feels like you’re sleuthing with friends. 🎥 Plus, we bring you exclusive interviews with Hallmark stars, directors, writers, and producers, giving fans rare access to the creative minds behind the mysteries. Whether you’re a longtime Sleuther or brand-new to the genre, Hallmark Mysteries and More is your weekly escape into the warm, suspenseful world of Hallmark mysteries. 🕵️‍♀️ New episodes every week. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube. 📱 Follow us on Instagram & TikTok: @hallmarkmysteriesandmore 🎧 Subscribe now and join thousands of mystery fans who never miss a clue. Note: This podcast is fan-created and is not affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or Hallmark Media.