In NPR's Book of the Day podcast, author Richard Osman delves into the inspiration behind his new detective novel "We Solve Murders." He explains his approach to character development, believing that multi-dimensional characters outweigh intricate plots in crafting an engaging murder mystery.
Osman introduces an unlikely detective duo in "We Solve Murders" — a bodyguard and her retired police officer father-in-law — who investigate the death of a social media influencer. The novel touches on modern themes like fame and social media while uniquely incorporating AI elements into the plot. Osman also discusses his penchant for elderly protagonists' fresh perspectives and his creative decision to launch a new series while staying true to the spirit of his beloved "Thursday Murder Club" novels.
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According to Richard Osman, creating multi-dimensional characters is more crucial than weaving a complex plot in a murder mystery. Osman believes the driving force isn't the plot but the motivations of relatable characters, infusing his novels with authenticity from his own experiences.
"We Solve Murders" introduces an unlikely detective duo: Amy, a bodyguard, and her father-in-law Steve, a retired police officer. The murder investigation involves an influential social media figure's death, exploring themes of fame and social media.
Osman incorporates AI into the plot, with the killer using the ChatGPT chatbot to disguise their communications. Osman comments on how AI can "iron out" individual voice, suggesting human work retains nuance AI lacks.
Osman spotlights elderly protagonists who bring unique outlooks and wisdom. As Osman suggests, their liberation from societal expectations leads to humorous, unpredictable scenarios.
Eager to innovate, Osman launched "We Solve Murders" to explore new worlds and characters. Yet he envisions it coexisting in the vibrant universe of his "Thursday Murder Club" series, with a shared spirit and warmth.
1-Page Summary
Richard Osman, an author with a distinctive approach to the murder mystery genre, prioritizes the depth of his characters over the intricacy of his plots.
Richard Osman believes that the driving force of a murder mystery isn't the plot itself but the characters and their motivations. According to Osman, creating realistic, multi-dimensional characters is more crucial than weaving an overly complex or fast-paced storyline. He concentrates on crafting individuals who readers can relate to, ensuring that their internal monologues are reflective of thoughts that the reader might share, rather than embodying pure, unpleasant evil.
Osman's extensive background in television production and comedy, along with his interactions across various social circles, furnish him with a rich repository of ideas and character archetypes. These experiences influence his narratives, allowing him to infuse his murder mystery novels with authentically drawn characters and scenarios that resonate with readers.
In his writing ...
Osman's writing style and approach to murder mysteries
Richard Osman's "We Solve Murders" introduces an intriguing and unlikely detective duo composed of Amy, a bodyguard, and her father-in-law Steve, a retired police officer.
Osman wanted to bring a fresh perspective to the detective genre by creating a team with distinct professional backgrounds and life experiences — Amy Wheeler from a bodyguard agency called Maximum Impact Solutions, and her father-in-law, Steve Wheeler, a former London cop. The charming Steve is coaxed back into the crime-fighting life by Amy when several of her firm's clients face danger from a crafty villain.
Initially conceived as a story of just Amy and Steve, Osman's narrative evolved to include Rosie D'Antonia, a vibrant character reminiscent of the Jackie Collins of crime fiction. Osman found Rosie's character so compelling that she became a pivotal part of the trio's investigative team.
The new characters and plot of "We Solve Murders"
In "We Solve Murders," author Richard Osman utilizes cutting-edge artificial intelligence in the core of the book's suspenseful plot.
The narrative reveals an ingenious use of AI by the supervillain. The killer employs the AI chatbot ChatGPT, cheekily referred to as Chatcheaputee, to mask their identity. This is done through requests that all their email communications and phone conversations be filtered through the AI to adopt the persona of an English gentleman, consequently smoothing out any idiosyncrasies that could betray their true identity. Osman incorporates this concept of AI-generated content to add an innovative technological twist to the murder mystery plot, making the killer's identity more elusive and difficult for the reader to deduce.
Further commenting on the implications of AI in creative processes, Osman observes the potential of AI to "iron out" individua ...
The use of technology in the book
Osman has a particular affinity for creating older characters within his narratives, valuing the unique perspectives they offer as individuals often overlooked or underestimated by society.
In his work, such as the "Thursday Murder Club" series, Osman spotlights elderly protagonists who bring a wealth of life experience and a unique outlook. He admires his older characters' ability to use their understanding and wisdom against a world that often underestimates them, allowing them to approach problems in innovative and unconventional ways.
Osman's senior characters display a liber ...
Osman's interest in older characters and their perspectives
Richard Osman expresses enthusiasm for creating new literary worlds with fresh characters, leading to the birth of the "We Solve Murders" series.
With a fervent need to expand his creative horizons and explore different storytelling avenues, Osman decided to launch the "We Solve Murders" series. This ambition comes alongside his already successful "Thursday Murder Club" series. Eager to innovate within his writing, Osman remarks that you want to introduce people to new friends as an author. It gives him great joy to work with a slightly different palette and discover a new world filled with humor.
Richard Osman envisions the "We Solve Murders" series as existing within ...
Osman's decision to start a new book series
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