Media Reviews
"This riveting story unfolds with heart-pounding suspense, showcasing Downing's masterful storytelling from start to finish." —Liv Constantine, New York Times bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish
"Downing delivers once again with her signature wit and impeccable pacing. Don't bother trying to put this book down—give in and let it take you on one hell of a ride!" —Hannah Mary McKinnon, author of Only One Survives
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Reader Reviews
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Charity M. (Herndon, VA)
Delightfully Deviant I enjoyed this book WAY too much. It is a wild ride from the very first chapter all the way to the end. I loved the main character and her observations about people and life. Just an absolute delight of a horrifying book.
Jennie R. (Plymouth, MN)
A Sweet Little Old Serial Killer I had a great time reading this one. Even though you know you really shouldn't, you can't help but root for Lottie. Lottie is a retired serial killer, now in her 70s, she's put her past behind her; literally, after being accused and exonerated of murder. These days she goes by the name Lottie Jones, church bingo and gossip aficionado. Then nosy Plum Dixon shows up at her door, and wants to do a docuseries on Lottie's past….a wrongfully accused murderer who's had to change her name and move to a new hometown. This is the last thing Lottie wants, but she plays along offering Plum tea (chamomile or peppermint?) and cookies while she decides what to do about this nuisance.
What follows is a hilarious, and gruesome, story as Lottie finds it necessary to come out of retirement and learn to navigate with new challenges such as surveillance cameras and smart phones that track every move. Lottie's sarcastic humor somehow makes her an endearing character.
Very entertaining read by Samantha Downing!
Jennifer W. (Cambridge, MA)
Funn A smart, darkly funny thriller with razor-sharp wit and unexpected twists. Too Old for This delivers a fresh take on revenge and reinvention, proving that age is just a number when it comes to getting even. Samantha Downing is at her best—clever, wicked, and utterly addictive. As a person who feels to old for many things, this story was ageless!
Jayne S. (Ocala, FL)
Great Book I loved this book. I found it an easy read. The words flowed. The subject was a bit unique an elderly serial killer (74 years old) who has been at it for at least 50 years. This book had lots of twists and turns. This is one of the few books I've read that I found myself rooting for the serial killer. Some of the forensic information was not entirely accurate, but I didn't mind. I would absolutely recommend this book.
Kenneth T. (Chapel Hill, NC)
Fun Cozy Thriller I loved this light-hearted page turner story of an adorable and wicked woman "of a certain age" who is doing things beyond expectations. Unexpectedly it is a tale, told in the first person, of a semi-retired serial killer in a cozy thriller. Killing occurs but no graphic violence.
Samantha Downing has done the improbable, turned a serial killer into a lovable, very intelligent curmudgeon with plenty of spunk. Years ago, Lottie Jones has fled notoriety in Spokane with her young son, changed her identity, and purchased a home with money from a lawsuit for "false" accusations. She has a quiet life when a very perky, aspiring true-crime documentarian pushes into her home to bring back her past. When it becomes apparent that the young woman means to do the documentary over Lottie's objections, elimination seems the only solution.
The sudden killing of a young woman in Lottie's kitchen leads to a cascade of cover-up acts as a web of deceit predictably grows more complicated. Along the way we gain insight into the mind of a mother who loves her grandchildren and son in spite of his poor choices in women. Downing has captured the views and concerns of an older person humorously as Lottie's plans are upset by family and well-intentioned friends. We can't help but love the character and pull for her to get away with her awful and rather clever acts.
Don't try this at home. As a scientist I can tell you that you would not get away with murder using Lottie's clever methods but this is a very fun story if you suspend your disbelief just a little.
Liz B
Great Thriller This novel has an unexpected heroine….who is a serial killer. Self-confessed and no nonsense, we know who we’re dealing with right from the start. And we still root for her! Samantha Downing has created a mature female Dexter, if you will, and I couldn’t get enough. Loved the plot, it moved right along, and all of the characters were interesting to me. Great thriller!
...12 more reader reviews
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