The Last Devil to Die

Richard Osman employs a variety of literary devices throughout the novel. How does he use elements such as foreshadowing, symbolism, or point of view to deepen the reader’s understanding of the characters and themes?

The novel explores the theme of mortality in many different ways. How do the characters grapple with aging and approaching the end of their lives, and how does Osman use their choices to comment on broader societal values?

The novel is set within a specific cultural and historical context. How does Osman incorporate elements of contemporary society into the narrative, and what commentary does he offer on issues such as technology, media, or politics?

Investigate the role of humor in The Last Devil to Die. How does Osman balance moments of levity with the darker themes of the novel, and what effect does this have on the reader’s experience?

Discuss the portrayal of family dynamics in the book. How do the relationships between characters who are not related by blood replicate the bonds of more traditional family units?

The Last Devil to Die touches upon many themes, but it is still primarily a mystery novel. How does the novel subvert or adhere to genre conventions?

The phrase “the last devil to die” only appears once within the book (264), but how does this title resonate throughout the story? How do references to “devils” resonate with the box’s symbolism?

Consider the other books in the Thursday Murder Club series. How do the characters change and evolve in The Last Devil to Die in ways that they did not in previous books?