A popular novel originated from a straightforward concept developed within a peaceful retirement village in Sussex.
Richard Osman’s first book, The Thursday Murder Club, drew inspiration from inhabitants of his mother’s care home in Burgess Hill.
In recent interviews, he explained how his connections to Sussex form a fundamental part of who he is.
The author, who is now 55 years old and spent his childhood in Haywards Heath, explained to the BBC that his sense of belonging to the area runs deep.
He stated that he, Sussex and crime fiction share a longstanding relationship.
The book hit shelves in 2020 and achieved remarkable commercial success, with UK sales exceeding one million copies within its first year of publication.
Osman has said the novels represent his deepest personal commitment and the geographical setting holds tremendous significance to him.
He noted with apparent satisfaction that tales referencing locations such as Brighton find readers in distant nations including Japan and Brazil.
He described this international reach as particularly meaningful.
The county’s influence extends beyond mere story backdrop and connects to Osman’s family history.
His relative, Gabriel Gilliam, came across the remains of Celia Holloway along Lovers’ Walk in 1831 and subsequently served as a vital witness in the associated murder trial.
On the programme, Osman described Gabriel, Mary and Elizabeth as among Brighton’s most impoverished fishing families.
He noted that these individuals found themselves at the centre of such an extraordinary spectacle.
He observed that they essentially functioned as the investigators of their era, with their efforts ultimately delivering justice.
During an appearance at a book signing event in Sevenoaks, he explained his reasoning for selecting a West Sussex retirement complex as the home base for his fictional investigators.
He explained that visits to his mother’s retirement development introduced him to remarkable individuals possessing extraordinary life experiences.
He noted that as people advance in years, they often become less visible and tend to be disregarded by broader society.
He observed that this characteristic, combined with accumulated wisdom, positions older individuals as ideal detectives.
Although his literary works now reach audiences worldwide, Osman has stated that the connection to the South East remains what matters most to him personally.
He was appointed an OBE in the 2026 New Year Honours list in recognition of his contributions to literature and broadcasting.