I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

December 29, 2025

I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig

Carol Quinn is a convicted murderer who server her time and has been released from prison. Now she is moving to a posh retirement community in north London to live out her remaining years. But shortly after she moves in, another resident is found dead and suspicion immediately falls on Carol. To avoid being sent back to prison, Carol has to find the real killer.

This cozy mystery reads like the love child of The Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building, but with a very likeable former serial killer as the protagonist. The main character only killed people who really needed killing. A light enjoyable read, perfect for the post-Christmas weekend when I am shopped-out, fooded-out, holidayed-out, familied-out, and peopled-out. These characters aren't your grandpa or your great-aunt.

Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an eARC for review.

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

May 9, 2025

The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman

Four senior citizens who live in a post retirement community (and really have nothing else in common) entertain themselves by reviewing and investigating unsolved crimes. They meet every Thursday afternoon, hence the name of their group, the Thursday Murder Club, where they lay out all the evidence of a crime and assisted by a few bottles of wine, try to ascertain the perpetrator. When one of the contractors who works at the community is found dead in his kitchen, the club has their newest case, and this time it's a real active case.

The characters are what make this mystery, a group of smart quirky senior citizens with nothing but time on their hands and a certain joie de vivre. Entertaining but it did get a little drawn out (does the author have to cast suspicion on everyone? It got a little repetitious.). The police detectives are much more tolerant of the amateur detectives than in most mysteries. BTW, I would love to live in Coopers Chase. If you enjoy mysteries with quirky characters and amateur super sleuths, you'll enjoy this first book in a charming mystery series.

Yeah, this is who I though of right away (picture Sicily, 1922...)