When it comes to cosy crime, count us in. Whether it’s a classic Agatha Christie, a spot of Death in Paradise, or the surge of newer cosy crime literature, we’ll take it all. Perhaps the king of modern cosy crime is TV presenter and all round good guy Richard Osman, whose Thursday Murder Club book series rewrote the landscape of crime fiction, and now the release of the first film in the series has arrived with a bang, partnering with the RHS, of all organisations.
This August, Netflix is taking a delightful detour from the red carpet to explore the UK’s most beautiful gardens, teaming up with the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) to celebrate the launch of the hotly anticipated film, The Thursday Murder Club.
Based on Richard Osman’s international bestselling novel, and directed by Chris Columbus (Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Home Alone, Mrs. Doubtfire), the film stars Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie as the irrepressible retirees who solve cold case murders for fun before a thrilling turn of events leaves them with a real whodunit on their hands.
For a whole week and across five locations; fans of the much-loved books can immerse themselves in a heady combination of homicide and horticulture, all in the name of cosy crime fun. Salford‘s very own RHS Garden Bridgewater is taking part, so horitcultural and cosy crime enthusiasts alike from around the North West can dive into the world of The Thursday Murder Club.
RHS visitors can dive into the beloved The Thursday Murder Club phenomenon with an immersive experience across all five gardens. They’ll enjoy exclusive activities, clues, and prizes; from interacting with film billboards meticulously brought to life in flowers, to channeling their inner sleuths in scavenger hunts for themed prizes.
For those with a taste for something truly killer, visitors to RHS Wisley in Surrey (if you fancy the trip) can even indulge in a murderously good afternoon tea at Joyce’s Tearoom. Named in honour of the character played by Celia Imrie in the film, the menu is packed with delightful nods to the gang, from Elizabeth’s Earl Grey (with a twist) to Ibrahim’s Calming Chamomile. And fans certainly won’t want to miss Joyce’s famous Lemon Drizzle or Ron’s must-try Sausage Rolls – some might say they’re to die for.
The Thursday Murder Club trail is included in the RHS Garden entry – and you ccan book tickets in advance here. You can catch The Thursday Murder Club film in select cinemas now, and will be released on Netflix on August 28th – which is also when the RHS trail ends.
📍 Find RHS Garden Bridgewater at Occupation Rd, Manchester M28 2LJ.
