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Too Old for This
Listening Lenght: 10h 50min
A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.
Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.
Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.
When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…
A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.
Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.
Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.
When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…
11 pages, Audible Audio
First published August 12, 2025
2109 people are currently reading
111231 people want to read
About the author
Samantha Downing
6 books6,802 followersSamantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author. Her novels include My Lovely Wife, He Started It, For Your Own Good, and A Twisted Love Story. Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 and became an instant national bestseller.
Her latest thriller, Too Old For This, was released in August 2025 and became an instant national bestseller.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 4,894 reviews
September 3, 2025
Cheering on a killer has never been this much fun!
Lottie Jones wants to give up the serial killer life. In fact, she's already retired and her days of murder and mayhem are decidedly behind her. But when a journalist arrives at her doorstep and starts poking around, what choice does she have? But soon enough, her life is spinning out of control, and this might just be the thing that finally gets her caught.
Yep, you read that correctly. We're following the story of a serial killer, and she is as formidable as she is elderly. In addition to all the worries of growing old and feeble and trying to figure out how to live her sunset years, Lottie must also contend with her murderous past being dredged up. That should be enough to put anyone into a tizzy, but not Lottie. She remains as cool as a cucumber, just taking care of her business.
I have to say, I was pretty much instantly taken with Lottie. She's interesting and appealing though a bit prickly, and if not for her odd predilections, she could easily pass for a favorite aunt or grandma. I felt compelled to cheer for her, even as she is forced to commit ever more heinous acts to cover for her original ones. I wanted her to succeed, to come out on top, no matter how many people she had to maim to get there, and I definitely give kudos to the author for having achieved such a compelling narrative.
The jaunty vibes in here helped offset what could've been a fairly dark read. Rather than being overly horrific and gritty, this tale had all the hallmarks of a fun and compulsive one. The fact that Lottie is a septuagenarian certainly adds to her appeal, and I appreciated all the carefully added details about what it means to grow old and frail.
Morally gray characters—never mind serial killers—can be a bit hit or miss. It's a fine line to walk between acknowledging the character's reprehensible behavior while also making the reader sympathetic to them and their plight. And when you factor in all the other usual components that go into making a story, it can start to feel like quite the balancing act. But no worries here, because this book somehow got it all just right.
It's been a while since I've read anything by Samantha Downing, but I remember antihero main characters being her signature. In the past, her books have been a bit of a mixed result for me, mainly due to my inability to connect with the main characters. But with this one, I finally feel like every component of the story and all that Downing was trying to accomplish have come to fruition, and it was a resounding success from beginning to end.
I don't think I've ever read another quite like this gem of a tale, and I don't think you have either. It's definitely worth a gander if you're in a murderous mood and are wanting something unique to satisfy the craving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
My Lovely Wife
For Your Own Good
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
Lottie Jones wants to give up the serial killer life. In fact, she's already retired and her days of murder and mayhem are decidedly behind her. But when a journalist arrives at her doorstep and starts poking around, what choice does she have? But soon enough, her life is spinning out of control, and this might just be the thing that finally gets her caught.
Yep, you read that correctly. We're following the story of a serial killer, and she is as formidable as she is elderly. In addition to all the worries of growing old and feeble and trying to figure out how to live her sunset years, Lottie must also contend with her murderous past being dredged up. That should be enough to put anyone into a tizzy, but not Lottie. She remains as cool as a cucumber, just taking care of her business.
I have to say, I was pretty much instantly taken with Lottie. She's interesting and appealing though a bit prickly, and if not for her odd predilections, she could easily pass for a favorite aunt or grandma. I felt compelled to cheer for her, even as she is forced to commit ever more heinous acts to cover for her original ones. I wanted her to succeed, to come out on top, no matter how many people she had to maim to get there, and I definitely give kudos to the author for having achieved such a compelling narrative.
The jaunty vibes in here helped offset what could've been a fairly dark read. Rather than being overly horrific and gritty, this tale had all the hallmarks of a fun and compulsive one. The fact that Lottie is a septuagenarian certainly adds to her appeal, and I appreciated all the carefully added details about what it means to grow old and frail.
Morally gray characters—never mind serial killers—can be a bit hit or miss. It's a fine line to walk between acknowledging the character's reprehensible behavior while also making the reader sympathetic to them and their plight. And when you factor in all the other usual components that go into making a story, it can start to feel like quite the balancing act. But no worries here, because this book somehow got it all just right.
It's been a while since I've read anything by Samantha Downing, but I remember antihero main characters being her signature. In the past, her books have been a bit of a mixed result for me, mainly due to my inability to connect with the main characters. But with this one, I finally feel like every component of the story and all that Downing was trying to accomplish have come to fruition, and it was a resounding success from beginning to end.
My brain is screaming at me to stop this nonsense and retire for good. And I’m trying. I swear I am.
I don't think I've ever read another quite like this gem of a tale, and I don't think you have either. It's definitely worth a gander if you're in a murderous mood and are wanting something unique to satisfy the craving.
~~~~~~~~~~~~
See also, my thoughts on:
My Lovely Wife
For Your Own Good
~~~~~~~~~~~~
✧ Connect with me ✧ Instagram ✧
October 6, 2025
THIS HAD NO BUSINESS BEING SO FUNNY
it did get a little repetitive towards the end but regardless so funny and a good listen!!
it did get a little repetitive towards the end but regardless so funny and a good listen!!
August 12, 2025
*My Most Anticipated Psychological Thriller Read for 2025* (and it DID NOT disappoint!)
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
“Chamomile or Peppermint?”
Lottie Jones, a 75 year old retired serial killer, does not approve of guests knocking on her door UNINVITED, but she will still smile and invite them in, offering tea and cookies because she is nothing if not polite. 🫖 🍪
Decades earlier, she changed her name and moved to Baycliff, OR, where no one has heard about the crimes she had been acquitted of in Spokane, Washington.
Now, Thursday night bingo games at the local church and enjoying her favorite conversation with her new friends-debating whose children screwed up the most this week-qualifies as excitement. (though she claims that they are not keeping score)
But when the persistent Plum Dixon-an investigative reporter-shows up at her doorstep asking questions she would rather not answer-
SHE IS FORCED OUT OF RETIREMENT
Why wouldn’t Plum just take “NO” for an answer?
Getting away with murder was hard enough when she was a young woman-
Now, you must compensate for DNA evidence, cameras everywhere and Smart phones tracking your every move-in addition to the physical challenges like bad hips, and memory blips!
But, she isn’t about to let a murder (or two) tarnish her golden years!
I am a SUPER FAN of Samantha Downing’s work. I love her snarky, twisted sense of humor and am always eagerly awaiting her next book! They are pure entertainment from the first page to the last!
Lottie Jones-if loving you is wrong-I don’t want to be right!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley. As always-these are my candid thoughts!
NOW AVAILABLE!!!
“Chamomile or Peppermint?”
Lottie Jones, a 75 year old retired serial killer, does not approve of guests knocking on her door UNINVITED, but she will still smile and invite them in, offering tea and cookies because she is nothing if not polite. 🫖 🍪
Decades earlier, she changed her name and moved to Baycliff, OR, where no one has heard about the crimes she had been acquitted of in Spokane, Washington.
Now, Thursday night bingo games at the local church and enjoying her favorite conversation with her new friends-debating whose children screwed up the most this week-qualifies as excitement. (though she claims that they are not keeping score)
But when the persistent Plum Dixon-an investigative reporter-shows up at her doorstep asking questions she would rather not answer-
SHE IS FORCED OUT OF RETIREMENT
Why wouldn’t Plum just take “NO” for an answer?
Getting away with murder was hard enough when she was a young woman-
Now, you must compensate for DNA evidence, cameras everywhere and Smart phones tracking your every move-in addition to the physical challenges like bad hips, and memory blips!
But, she isn’t about to let a murder (or two) tarnish her golden years!
I am a SUPER FAN of Samantha Downing’s work. I love her snarky, twisted sense of humor and am always eagerly awaiting her next book! They are pure entertainment from the first page to the last!
Lottie Jones-if loving you is wrong-I don’t want to be right!
Thank You to Berkley for the gifted ARC, provided through NetGalley. As always-these are my candid thoughts!
July 31, 2025
My Reviews Can Also Be Found On:
The Book Review Crew Blog
4.5 Stars
This is my first book by Samantha Downing, and it was a good one. The book is about Lottie, a woman in her mid-seventies who lives in Oregon. She likes playing bingo at the church, chatting with friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Sounds typical, right? Lottie has a secret, though. When she was younger, she was a serial killer. She was never convicted of her crimes, even though the police suspected her. Suddenly, an investigative reporter shows up and wants to do a documentary about Lottie. Lottie is petrified of her secret coming out, so she decides her only recourse is to eliminate the threat of exposure. That's when things begin to unravel.
I loved this cat-and-mouse game. This book was humorous and suspenseful in equal measure. It is told from Lottie's point of view, and I loved her internal thoughts and dialogue. She may be in her seventies, but her mind is sharp and her wit is quick. I loved how the author uses Lottie's age as both a positive and a negative. Lottie may seem like a mild-mannered senior and use this to her advantage, but her age also shows through her aches and pains and lack of technological knowledge. The chapters are short and punchy, which make the pages fly by.
This was an utterly unique premise that was executed flawlessly. As someone who recently turned 59, I loved that the book reflects my feelings about aging—you're never too old to get up to old tricks. Know what was great about this book? The killer is a bingo-playing senior citizen. Know what was even better? I was cheering her on despite her dark side. Downing deserves an extra half star for those two points alone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
The Book Review Crew Blog
4.5 Stars
This is my first book by Samantha Downing, and it was a good one. The book is about Lottie, a woman in her mid-seventies who lives in Oregon. She likes playing bingo at the church, chatting with friends, and spending time with her grandchildren. Sounds typical, right? Lottie has a secret, though. When she was younger, she was a serial killer. She was never convicted of her crimes, even though the police suspected her. Suddenly, an investigative reporter shows up and wants to do a documentary about Lottie. Lottie is petrified of her secret coming out, so she decides her only recourse is to eliminate the threat of exposure. That's when things begin to unravel.
I loved this cat-and-mouse game. This book was humorous and suspenseful in equal measure. It is told from Lottie's point of view, and I loved her internal thoughts and dialogue. She may be in her seventies, but her mind is sharp and her wit is quick. I loved how the author uses Lottie's age as both a positive and a negative. Lottie may seem like a mild-mannered senior and use this to her advantage, but her age also shows through her aches and pains and lack of technological knowledge. The chapters are short and punchy, which make the pages fly by.
This was an utterly unique premise that was executed flawlessly. As someone who recently turned 59, I loved that the book reflects my feelings about aging—you're never too old to get up to old tricks. Know what was great about this book? The killer is a bingo-playing senior citizen. Know what was even better? I was cheering her on despite her dark side. Downing deserves an extra half star for those two points alone.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
November 19, 2025
Well, Samantha Downing has masterfully done it again! She didn’t just keep my eyes glued to the pages—she had my entire soul locked into this book, as if time had stopped and nothing else mattered except the story and its chilling anti-heroine. As my couch molded to my body from hours of reading and my arms ached from holding my e-reader (seriously, I should either get a smaller one or project the chapters onto my TV), I let myself be completely consumed by the sharp and dangerously brilliant mind of Lottie. And from the opening murder, a domino effect begins, dragging her into a spiraling sequence of unfortunate events.
Now, let’s talk about our main character—the anti-heroine we can all imagine being played by Helen Mirren (a younger version, of course, but let's be honest, even at 80, she's still our queen). Lottie, now in her seventies, was exonerated for murders she was accused of forty years ago—crimes that ruined her life, got her fired, made her an outcast, and led to her son being bullied. So, she changed her name, moved away, and started over. But was she actually guilty? Oh, absolutely. She’s a cold-blooded killer through and through. And yet, much like we did for Dexter or Eddie Redmayne’s Jackal, we find ourselves rooting for her—even though she’s not targeting the absolute worst of humanity or working as a paid assassin.
Now, she’s a seemingly harmless church member, living in a house funded by the city after her wrongful conviction (which, ironically, wasn’t wrongful at all). She enjoys a peaceful life while her son lives in California with his much younger, now-pregnant fiancée. Ideally, her biggest worries would be his questionable life choices or her upcoming hip surgery. But unfortunately, retirement isn’t in the cards, because a young, ambitious documentary filmmaker named Plum has just uncovered her past—and Lottie has no choice but to silence her. One murder should have been enough, but she vastly underestimates how quickly things can spiral out of control. And she certainly doesn’t expect an avalanche from her past to come crashing down, threatening to bury her beneath it. Will she survive? Fingers crossed. Because even at her age, her mind is sharper than the most expensive knife collection—and she’s more than ready to pick up a hammer for anyone unlucky enough to come knocking.
Overall Thoughts:
I absolutely loved the characterization and the unique spin on a serial killer protagonist. Lottie’s challenges with aging, her razor-sharp instincts, and her own twisted moral code make her fascinating to follow. My only wish? A deeper psychological dive into her past—more insight into what truly shaped her darkness. While her connection to her family plays a role, I wanted to understand even more about what drove her down this path. That aside, this book delivers an addictive cat-and-mouse game, a brilliant, darkly humorous tone (classic Downing!), and a satisfying ending.
I'm rounding up my 4.5 stars to 5, and I highly recommend you not only add this to your TBR but buy your copy and read it ASAP! And let's take a moment to appreciate that stunning cover and the twisted genius of Samantha Downing—she deserves all the applause.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a digital review copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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Now, let’s talk about our main character—the anti-heroine we can all imagine being played by Helen Mirren (a younger version, of course, but let's be honest, even at 80, she's still our queen). Lottie, now in her seventies, was exonerated for murders she was accused of forty years ago—crimes that ruined her life, got her fired, made her an outcast, and led to her son being bullied. So, she changed her name, moved away, and started over. But was she actually guilty? Oh, absolutely. She’s a cold-blooded killer through and through. And yet, much like we did for Dexter or Eddie Redmayne’s Jackal, we find ourselves rooting for her—even though she’s not targeting the absolute worst of humanity or working as a paid assassin.
Now, she’s a seemingly harmless church member, living in a house funded by the city after her wrongful conviction (which, ironically, wasn’t wrongful at all). She enjoys a peaceful life while her son lives in California with his much younger, now-pregnant fiancée. Ideally, her biggest worries would be his questionable life choices or her upcoming hip surgery. But unfortunately, retirement isn’t in the cards, because a young, ambitious documentary filmmaker named Plum has just uncovered her past—and Lottie has no choice but to silence her. One murder should have been enough, but she vastly underestimates how quickly things can spiral out of control. And she certainly doesn’t expect an avalanche from her past to come crashing down, threatening to bury her beneath it. Will she survive? Fingers crossed. Because even at her age, her mind is sharper than the most expensive knife collection—and she’s more than ready to pick up a hammer for anyone unlucky enough to come knocking.
Overall Thoughts:
I absolutely loved the characterization and the unique spin on a serial killer protagonist. Lottie’s challenges with aging, her razor-sharp instincts, and her own twisted moral code make her fascinating to follow. My only wish? A deeper psychological dive into her past—more insight into what truly shaped her darkness. While her connection to her family plays a role, I wanted to understand even more about what drove her down this path. That aside, this book delivers an addictive cat-and-mouse game, a brilliant, darkly humorous tone (classic Downing!), and a satisfying ending.
I'm rounding up my 4.5 stars to 5, and I highly recommend you not only add this to your TBR but buy your copy and read it ASAP! And let's take a moment to appreciate that stunning cover and the twisted genius of Samantha Downing—she deserves all the applause.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing me with a digital review copy of this unputdownable thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.
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August 15, 2025
Samantha Downing is back and she’s created possibly her most deviously cunning antihero yet! Meet Lottie Jones, aka Lorena Mae Lansdale. Don’t let this septuagenarian fool you. Her mind and body may not be quite as sharp now, but she knows her way around plenty of other sharp and deadly things … after she’s served you some tea and cookies, of course.
Back in the day, Lorena had a nasty habit of … well … killing people. Let’s just say she didn’t take kindly to those who treated her or her son Archie badly! Fortunately for her, she knew how to cover her tracks and is now living in a huge house paid for by the city of Spokane for her “wrongful” arrest.
Now retired from those ways and living in Baycliff, Oregon as Lottie Jones, her main excitement is playing bingo at church with her friends Sheila and Bonnie and figuring out what potluck dish to bring that won’t offend persnickety event coordinator Glenda!
That’s about to change when young, enthusiastic Plum Dixon comes knocking on Lottie’s door offering to feature her story in a new docuseries about those wrongfully accused of crimes.
Oops. Wrong move, Plum.
The snowball effect from here is quite spectacular, and watching Lottie handle the fallout is an impressive feat to behold, to say the least! If you have a weak stomach, you may want to skip a few parts.
Serial killer stories are a dime a dozen lately, but what I really loved about this book is that it showcased Downing’s trademark black humor with an MC who did truly heinous things but was also witty, deviously likeable and smart - something she achieved previously with her character Teddy Crutcher in For Your Own Good. You want to root for her, despite knowing how wrong what she’s doing is!
Downing also brought attention to the very real plight of aging, where society isn’t always kind or accommodating to those already dealing with physical, mental and financial stresses. You see that Lottie isn’t on her ‘A’ game anymore and that the world is moving on, so there’s a sympathetic response. Watching her struggle with all the advances in technology … I felt that to my core!
This was engaging, fun, dark, macabre, ridiculous at times - but in the best way - and, for me at least, was a return to form for Downing after not loving her last book A Twisted Love Story quite as much. You’ll have to suspend disbelief and just roll with this one. One thing is for sure: I'll think twice before I knock on anyone's door again!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Samantha Downing for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on August 12, 2025.
Back in the day, Lorena had a nasty habit of … well … killing people. Let’s just say she didn’t take kindly to those who treated her or her son Archie badly! Fortunately for her, she knew how to cover her tracks and is now living in a huge house paid for by the city of Spokane for her “wrongful” arrest.
Now retired from those ways and living in Baycliff, Oregon as Lottie Jones, her main excitement is playing bingo at church with her friends Sheila and Bonnie and figuring out what potluck dish to bring that won’t offend persnickety event coordinator Glenda!
That’s about to change when young, enthusiastic Plum Dixon comes knocking on Lottie’s door offering to feature her story in a new docuseries about those wrongfully accused of crimes.
Oops. Wrong move, Plum.
The snowball effect from here is quite spectacular, and watching Lottie handle the fallout is an impressive feat to behold, to say the least! If you have a weak stomach, you may want to skip a few parts.
Serial killer stories are a dime a dozen lately, but what I really loved about this book is that it showcased Downing’s trademark black humor with an MC who did truly heinous things but was also witty, deviously likeable and smart - something she achieved previously with her character Teddy Crutcher in For Your Own Good. You want to root for her, despite knowing how wrong what she’s doing is!
Downing also brought attention to the very real plight of aging, where society isn’t always kind or accommodating to those already dealing with physical, mental and financial stresses. You see that Lottie isn’t on her ‘A’ game anymore and that the world is moving on, so there’s a sympathetic response. Watching her struggle with all the advances in technology … I felt that to my core!
This was engaging, fun, dark, macabre, ridiculous at times - but in the best way - and, for me at least, was a return to form for Downing after not loving her last book A Twisted Love Story quite as much. You’ll have to suspend disbelief and just roll with this one. One thing is for sure: I'll think twice before I knock on anyone's door again!
★★★★ ½
Thanks to Berkley Publishing, NetGalley and author Samantha Downing for this digital ARC to honestly review. It’s out on August 12, 2025.
May 24, 2025
FANTABULOUS!!! Thank you NetGalley, Samantha Downing, and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Wickedly Creepy, Darkly Hilarious and Chilling Clever!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Lottie Jones is the kind of sweet old lady you'd never suspect. She is polite, charming, and always ready with tea and cookies. But behind that warm smile? A body count!
Now 75, she's enjoying the quiet life under a new name in Baycliff, Oregon. Her days revolve around playing church bingo, gossiping with the girls, and enjoying potluck meals. It's all very quaint until nosy podcaster Plum Dixon shows up asking far too many questions about Lottie's VERY buried past.
One knock. One slip. One murder. And then...well, you'll see!
This isn't a cozy mystery. Instead it's a deviously fun descent into the mind of a woman who's gotten away with murder for years. She's smart, calculating, and disturbingly good at what she does. You KNOW you shouldn't root for her but you absolutely will!!
How far would you go to protect your secrets?
Is anyone ever truly done with murder?
And why is it so easy to fall in love with a killer?
And can we please talk about that cover and title?? The image of a grandma hiding a hammer behind her back?! It hooked me instantly and the title is perfection!!! I absolutely loved this book so much and will proudly go on my favorites list for 2025!! ALL the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Wickedly Creepy, Darkly Hilarious and Chilling Clever!!! ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️
Lottie Jones is the kind of sweet old lady you'd never suspect. She is polite, charming, and always ready with tea and cookies. But behind that warm smile? A body count!
Now 75, she's enjoying the quiet life under a new name in Baycliff, Oregon. Her days revolve around playing church bingo, gossiping with the girls, and enjoying potluck meals. It's all very quaint until nosy podcaster Plum Dixon shows up asking far too many questions about Lottie's VERY buried past.
One knock. One slip. One murder. And then...well, you'll see!
This isn't a cozy mystery. Instead it's a deviously fun descent into the mind of a woman who's gotten away with murder for years. She's smart, calculating, and disturbingly good at what she does. You KNOW you shouldn't root for her but you absolutely will!!
How far would you go to protect your secrets?
Is anyone ever truly done with murder?
And why is it so easy to fall in love with a killer?
And can we please talk about that cover and title?? The image of a grandma hiding a hammer behind her back?! It hooked me instantly and the title is perfection!!! I absolutely loved this book so much and will proudly go on my favorites list for 2025!! ALL the stars!!!⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
August 13, 2025
4.5 ⭐️ Killer, clever and unstoppable!
Samantha Downing has done it again. A Twisted, Delightful Game of Cat and Mouse (if that were its title, which it isn’t) is a sharp, darkly amusing thriller that turns retirement into anything but restful.
Lottie Jones was living the dream or at least, a very peculiar version of it. Small-town anonymity, weekly bingo, a close circle of friends who would never suspect a thing. But when a journalist comes knocking, asking too many very inconvenient questions, Lottie finds herself facing the one thing she thought she’d put behind her: murder. And let’s just say, it’s not as easy as it used to be.
What makes this book shine isn’t just its twisty, unpredictable turns (though there are plenty of those), but the way Downing masterfully plays with tone. Lottie is a retired serial killer, yes, but she’s also an absolute firecracker. Her exasperation at the complications of her old hobby creeping back into her life is as amusing as it is unsettling. And as if that wasn’t enough, encountering a character named Norma (that is a rare treat that felt like a personal wink) had me totally eating it up.
Tightly plotted, wickedly clever, and full of moments that had me chuckling at the audacity of it all, this is a thriller that doesn’t just keep you turning pages, it keeps you thoroughly entertained. Samantha Downing fans will devour this one just like I did.
Happy Book Birthday, August 12, 2025! I’ve loved every book Samantha Downing has written, and this was no exception.
Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
A wonderful Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra, Dorie, DeAnn and Carolyn. Be sure to check out their reviews!
Samantha Downing has done it again. A Twisted, Delightful Game of Cat and Mouse (if that were its title, which it isn’t) is a sharp, darkly amusing thriller that turns retirement into anything but restful.
Lottie Jones was living the dream or at least, a very peculiar version of it. Small-town anonymity, weekly bingo, a close circle of friends who would never suspect a thing. But when a journalist comes knocking, asking too many very inconvenient questions, Lottie finds herself facing the one thing she thought she’d put behind her: murder. And let’s just say, it’s not as easy as it used to be.
What makes this book shine isn’t just its twisty, unpredictable turns (though there are plenty of those), but the way Downing masterfully plays with tone. Lottie is a retired serial killer, yes, but she’s also an absolute firecracker. Her exasperation at the complications of her old hobby creeping back into her life is as amusing as it is unsettling. And as if that wasn’t enough, encountering a character named Norma (that is a rare treat that felt like a personal wink) had me totally eating it up.
Tightly plotted, wickedly clever, and full of moments that had me chuckling at the audacity of it all, this is a thriller that doesn’t just keep you turning pages, it keeps you thoroughly entertained. Samantha Downing fans will devour this one just like I did.
Happy Book Birthday, August 12, 2025! I’ve loved every book Samantha Downing has written, and this was no exception.
Special thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy.
A wonderful Witches Words read that I had the pleasure of buddy reading with Brenda, Debra, Dorie, DeAnn and Carolyn. Be sure to check out their reviews!
March 2, 2025
Old habits are hard to break.
Lottie Jones has gotten away with murder. (Well, multiple murders to be more precise.)
Now in her mid-seventies, she divides her time attending church on Sundays, and playing weekly bingo with her two closest friends. Ahhh…the joys of retirement.
But an unexpected knock on the door is about to change everything. A young woman named Plum wants to make a docu-series about people wrongfully accused of a crime. Oh-oh! Dredging up her past? Looking into all her murders…I mean, accusations of murder.🤭 Well we can’t have that, now can we?💁🏼♀️
Once a serial killer…
I adored Lottie’s character! Sharp, sly, witty and extremely dangerous! Everything I want to be when I’m her age. Ok, maybe not the dangerous part😉 Let’s just call it fierce.
Samantha Downing has done it again! A deviously fun thriller that you won’t be able to put down. Put all your weekend plans aside and enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing
Lottie Jones has gotten away with murder. (Well, multiple murders to be more precise.)
Now in her mid-seventies, she divides her time attending church on Sundays, and playing weekly bingo with her two closest friends. Ahhh…the joys of retirement.
But an unexpected knock on the door is about to change everything. A young woman named Plum wants to make a docu-series about people wrongfully accused of a crime. Oh-oh! Dredging up her past? Looking into all her murders…I mean, accusations of murder.🤭 Well we can’t have that, now can we?💁🏼♀️
Once a serial killer…
I adored Lottie’s character! Sharp, sly, witty and extremely dangerous! Everything I want to be when I’m her age. Ok, maybe not the dangerous part😉 Let’s just call it fierce.
Samantha Downing has done it again! A deviously fun thriller that you won’t be able to put down. Put all your weekend plans aside and enjoy!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing
October 5, 2025
4⭐
Genre ~ serial killer thriller
Setting ~ Oregon
Publication date ~ August 12, 2025
Publisher ~ Berkley
Est Page Count ~ 400 (73 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours
Narrator ~ unknown
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ killing (obvi)
Lottie (75) is a sweet old church going lady on the outside and a cold blooded killer on the inside. But she's supposed to be retired from killing, so why are some people presumed missing after visiting her? Hmm, maybe it's too hard to retire from something you're so good at.
You can't help but love Lottie even though she does despicable things. She has surprising strength for a 75 year old quite honestly. Lady Dexter if you will.
Overall, fast paced, entertaining and engaging. Fans of this author, and serial killer thrillers, will definitely want to add this one to your list.
*Thanks to Berkley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
Genre ~ serial killer thriller
Setting ~ Oregon
Publication date ~ August 12, 2025
Publisher ~ Berkley
Est Page Count ~ 400 (73 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours
Narrator ~ unknown
POV ~ single 1st, present tense
Featuring ~ killing (obvi)
Lottie (75) is a sweet old church going lady on the outside and a cold blooded killer on the inside. But she's supposed to be retired from killing, so why are some people presumed missing after visiting her? Hmm, maybe it's too hard to retire from something you're so good at.
You can't help but love Lottie even though she does despicable things. She has surprising strength for a 75 year old quite honestly. Lady Dexter if you will.
Overall, fast paced, entertaining and engaging. Fans of this author, and serial killer thrillers, will definitely want to add this one to your list.
*Thanks to Berkley for my copy. I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
Narration notes:
I did not listen to this one, but am just giving the above info for reference.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ X
September 7, 2025
Torture has never been a predilection of mine. Inflicting pain for enjoyment is distasteful. And as a means of extracting information, sometimes the threat of pain is enough.
I love when characters are actually who they say they are. I fear most of the time, authors describe their characters in certain ways but never actually write the characters to be that way. We’re given background information on the character to believe their history and possibly believe they are who they are, but as we’re in the present times, the entire background fades away, as if it was just a description for the character and now an important characteristic. Most of the time, authors just describe their characters as killers, ruthless, intelligent, uncaring, etc., but once we’re in, we’re questioning where these characteristics actually come from and when they’re going to do something. Samantha Downing doesn’t do this.
To enjoy this, you must maintain a certain degree of disbelief, as with most thrillers. There are very small things I noticed that can break the story for anyone who takes the story seriously, which is not something I do when reading this genre. However, I can admit that there will always be small things that make me question the reality of the world, which, again, not the best idea, I know, but not something I can fully avoid. For instance, Lottie's ability to use a fictitious name and not show identification, as well as her ability to pretend to be someone else without having her identity questioned. Also, no one at the police station or department conducted a thorough search for Kelsie, a police officer; Tula basically gave up on the case and hardly acted as a detective; no other police officers or detectives showed up; Lottie's fingerprints. While I understand this isn’t a crime thriller and shouldn’t be taken as one, during my reading journey, I kept laughing at how unrealistic this could really be in the real world. But yes, this isn’t the real world, it’s a totally made up one, and in order for one to enjoy the bizarreness of it, we need to not worry so much about realistic scenarios and points and worry more about how the main character will make her decisions.
With that being said, said issues aren’t so big that they ruined a big part of the story for me. Lottie is an easy-to-root-for character. The concept of this featuring a retired serial killer who was probably not as retired as she thought she was fascinated me from the first moment I heard about it. After seeing many mutuals reading and enjoying this, I had a feeling I would love Lottie. And I was right.
After changing her name and moving out to raise her son away from her past, she spends her time at home or at her church during bingo nights with her friends. Her plans are altered by an unexpected visitor, and it might have been for the best. Lottie never tries to be someone she isn't. She is aware of her past and does not entirely conceal it. Told in first person narration, we are deep into Lottie’s thoughts all the time, allowing us to feel and know everything about her that is necessary. The fact that she has a history of being a serial killer isn't just for show; it actually matters to the story. Lottie may be 75 years old and doesn’t have the same body she did years ago when she made her first kill, but it doesn’t stop her from stopping anyone still digging into her past. And let me just say, it was a damn fun one.
I put down my knife and hold the cane with both hands, flattening myself against the wall outside the study. And I smile.
Norma has reminded me how much fun this used to be.
The writing of Downing is straightforward and uncomplicated. Some may find it repetitive, but I didn't find it to be a problem for me. Because the chapters are short and fairly quick, it is simple to continue reading in a flurry and follow along. Although the story's tone can be repetitive in some places, I found it to be applicable to Lottie once more. Her dark sense of humor adds to her character, changing the tone a bit for serious situations. There’s never really a time when Lottie isn’t thinking about murder, which goes to show how serious Lottie really is.
Lottie is not like any other character I’ve read about. She is neither too mysterious nor too complicated, nor does she attempt to be. She has a lovely dark sense of humor and doesn’t care so much about people’s opinions on her. She’s unreliable, telling side characters one thing and then another, playing with their truths and emotions. As a character, she is easy to root for. Despite thinking she had been retired and this was not something that would follow her around again, her past was never really gone, just a bit invisible to some. However, Downing shows her readers that Lottie is a killer rather than simply stating this to them. We not only learn about the murder of Lottie back then, but we also witness it. In addition, the author does not simply disregard the fact that Lottie is 75 years old and no longer has the body she had in her 40s. We learn about these differences and we see Lottie go through different forms of pain because of this, showcasing a more realistic scene. Regardless, it’s easy to root for Lottie, despite her moral ambiguity. Her methods of reasoning and survival instincts remain significant aspects of her. She is not inexperienced or naive, and she does not make it simple to be defeated. Because of all of this, her character is more interesting because she isn’t just an old woman who is stuck and won't do anything when her life is turned upside down. Lottie is insane despite her age. The author shows her ambitions and morals questionable, which makes for fascinating reading since as readers, we know what she is doing is wrong, but at the same time, we can understand where she is coming from. I loved how Lottie was a character who knew what she was doing was wrong but didn’t stop early on. She kept going until the end.
Some may find issue in how little we see of the side characters, but I didn’t mind this, as the story is about Lottie and her fixing her life again. The story is more fun and captivating than anything else, as we go on and follow Lottie ruthlessly killing and saving herself. I could have appreciated a bit more development on characters like Morgan and Stephanie, but I didn’t pay them much attention as the sole focus of Lottie was enough for me. Other readers may have trouble with this and find them to be underdeveloped, but if you’re like me and mostly just care about the main character, it won’t be an issue.
Reading these types of stories always makes me wonder what the author’s search histories are, since they gotta add in everything about getting rid of bodies and evidence. It’s really interesting how much we can actually learn from these sometimes. I may not have been a fan of My Lovely Wife as much as I wanted, but this was a delightful and really fun read. Not to mention the fact that it broke my one and two star read curse, as I was having nothing but dull reads before this. If you go into this one, as with most thrillers, don’t expect the most realistic of details, but go into it for a 75-year-old grandma who will do anything she needs to to continue having her peace.
I love when characters are actually who they say they are. I fear most of the time, authors describe their characters in certain ways but never actually write the characters to be that way. We’re given background information on the character to believe their history and possibly believe they are who they are, but as we’re in the present times, the entire background fades away, as if it was just a description for the character and now an important characteristic. Most of the time, authors just describe their characters as killers, ruthless, intelligent, uncaring, etc., but once we’re in, we’re questioning where these characteristics actually come from and when they’re going to do something. Samantha Downing doesn’t do this.
To enjoy this, you must maintain a certain degree of disbelief, as with most thrillers. There are very small things I noticed that can break the story for anyone who takes the story seriously, which is not something I do when reading this genre. However, I can admit that there will always be small things that make me question the reality of the world, which, again, not the best idea, I know, but not something I can fully avoid. For instance, Lottie's ability to use a fictitious name and not show identification, as well as her ability to pretend to be someone else without having her identity questioned. Also, no one at the police station or department conducted a thorough search for Kelsie, a police officer; Tula basically gave up on the case and hardly acted as a detective; no other police officers or detectives showed up; Lottie's fingerprints. While I understand this isn’t a crime thriller and shouldn’t be taken as one, during my reading journey, I kept laughing at how unrealistic this could really be in the real world. But yes, this isn’t the real world, it’s a totally made up one, and in order for one to enjoy the bizarreness of it, we need to not worry so much about realistic scenarios and points and worry more about how the main character will make her decisions.
With that being said, said issues aren’t so big that they ruined a big part of the story for me. Lottie is an easy-to-root-for character. The concept of this featuring a retired serial killer who was probably not as retired as she thought she was fascinated me from the first moment I heard about it. After seeing many mutuals reading and enjoying this, I had a feeling I would love Lottie. And I was right.
After changing her name and moving out to raise her son away from her past, she spends her time at home or at her church during bingo nights with her friends. Her plans are altered by an unexpected visitor, and it might have been for the best. Lottie never tries to be someone she isn't. She is aware of her past and does not entirely conceal it. Told in first person narration, we are deep into Lottie’s thoughts all the time, allowing us to feel and know everything about her that is necessary. The fact that she has a history of being a serial killer isn't just for show; it actually matters to the story. Lottie may be 75 years old and doesn’t have the same body she did years ago when she made her first kill, but it doesn’t stop her from stopping anyone still digging into her past. And let me just say, it was a damn fun one.
I put down my knife and hold the cane with both hands, flattening myself against the wall outside the study. And I smile.
Norma has reminded me how much fun this used to be.
The writing of Downing is straightforward and uncomplicated. Some may find it repetitive, but I didn't find it to be a problem for me. Because the chapters are short and fairly quick, it is simple to continue reading in a flurry and follow along. Although the story's tone can be repetitive in some places, I found it to be applicable to Lottie once more. Her dark sense of humor adds to her character, changing the tone a bit for serious situations. There’s never really a time when Lottie isn’t thinking about murder, which goes to show how serious Lottie really is.
Lottie is not like any other character I’ve read about. She is neither too mysterious nor too complicated, nor does she attempt to be. She has a lovely dark sense of humor and doesn’t care so much about people’s opinions on her. She’s unreliable, telling side characters one thing and then another, playing with their truths and emotions. As a character, she is easy to root for. Despite thinking she had been retired and this was not something that would follow her around again, her past was never really gone, just a bit invisible to some. However, Downing shows her readers that Lottie is a killer rather than simply stating this to them. We not only learn about the murder of Lottie back then, but we also witness it. In addition, the author does not simply disregard the fact that Lottie is 75 years old and no longer has the body she had in her 40s. We learn about these differences and we see Lottie go through different forms of pain because of this, showcasing a more realistic scene. Regardless, it’s easy to root for Lottie, despite her moral ambiguity. Her methods of reasoning and survival instincts remain significant aspects of her. She is not inexperienced or naive, and she does not make it simple to be defeated. Because of all of this, her character is more interesting because she isn’t just an old woman who is stuck and won't do anything when her life is turned upside down. Lottie is insane despite her age. The author shows her ambitions and morals questionable, which makes for fascinating reading since as readers, we know what she is doing is wrong, but at the same time, we can understand where she is coming from. I loved how Lottie was a character who knew what she was doing was wrong but didn’t stop early on. She kept going until the end.
Some may find issue in how little we see of the side characters, but I didn’t mind this, as the story is about Lottie and her fixing her life again. The story is more fun and captivating than anything else, as we go on and follow Lottie ruthlessly killing and saving herself. I could have appreciated a bit more development on characters like Morgan and Stephanie, but I didn’t pay them much attention as the sole focus of Lottie was enough for me. Other readers may have trouble with this and find them to be underdeveloped, but if you’re like me and mostly just care about the main character, it won’t be an issue.
Reading these types of stories always makes me wonder what the author’s search histories are, since they gotta add in everything about getting rid of bodies and evidence. It’s really interesting how much we can actually learn from these sometimes. I may not have been a fan of My Lovely Wife as much as I wanted, but this was a delightful and really fun read. Not to mention the fact that it broke my one and two star read curse, as I was having nothing but dull reads before this. If you go into this one, as with most thrillers, don’t expect the most realistic of details, but go into it for a 75-year-old grandma who will do anything she needs to to continue having her peace.
March 3, 2025
It kills me to write this, but Too Old for This was so bloody good! Seriously, Samantha Downing killed it with her tale of a retired serial killer who just wants to enjoy the later years of her life, going to church, playing bingo, and enjoying her quiet time. Sure, thoughts of killing annoying people in her life might creep into her mind, but she keeps them to herself....
Lottie thought her days of killing were behind her. She is a grandmother now and has Bingo to play. But when Plum Dixon, an investigative journalist, knocks on her door and begins to question her, Lottie knows that all those unsolved cases might come back to haunt her, and she can't have that!!!
Oh, how I enjoyed Lottie and her inner thoughts. She was a hoot, and I enjoyed reading about her moral compass on what is proper and what is not. She is not as young as she used to be and well, murder - let's just say it can be exhausting. But Lottie is not a quitter...
Samantha Downing has delivered another clever, gripping, shocking, fun, and thrilling page turner! I could not put this book down! I loved every second of it. Lottie is such a well-drawn character and Samantha Downing made me feel sorry for Lottie with her aches, pains, and struggles while doing what Lottie does best! Too Old for This reminded me of An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good which I also adored. Not in the storyline or plot, but with the aging female serial killer.
This book had a nice amount of tension, humor, wit, cat-and-mouse, and danger. Lottie is a bloody good killer, and some scenes may not be for everyone.
Addictive, clever, dark, and hard to put down!
*A bloody good witches words buddy read with Dorie, Norma, Carolyn. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on Too Old for This!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
Lottie thought her days of killing were behind her. She is a grandmother now and has Bingo to play. But when Plum Dixon, an investigative journalist, knocks on her door and begins to question her, Lottie knows that all those unsolved cases might come back to haunt her, and she can't have that!!!
Oh, how I enjoyed Lottie and her inner thoughts. She was a hoot, and I enjoyed reading about her moral compass on what is proper and what is not. She is not as young as she used to be and well, murder - let's just say it can be exhausting. But Lottie is not a quitter...
Samantha Downing has delivered another clever, gripping, shocking, fun, and thrilling page turner! I could not put this book down! I loved every second of it. Lottie is such a well-drawn character and Samantha Downing made me feel sorry for Lottie with her aches, pains, and struggles while doing what Lottie does best! Too Old for This reminded me of An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good which I also adored. Not in the storyline or plot, but with the aging female serial killer.
This book had a nice amount of tension, humor, wit, cat-and-mouse, and danger. Lottie is a bloody good killer, and some scenes may not be for everyone.
Addictive, clever, dark, and hard to put down!
*A bloody good witches words buddy read with Dorie, Norma, Carolyn. Please read their reviews as well to see their thoughts on Too Old for This!
Thank you to Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.
Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖
August 16, 2025
Lottie really makes this book shine. She’s an elderly serial killer, and we get a peek into both her past and present life, which was such a fun twist. The mix of characters kept things lively, and the whole story felt fresh and entertaining. It was a real treat to read a thriller with such a unique angle.
December 9, 2025
**4.5-stars**
Lottie Jones has worked hard to gain the quiet life she's currently living in her retirement, and she's enjoying it. It wasn't easy, changing her name, moving to a small town, and putting her past behind her.
All that is threatened to be upended though, the day Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep. Plum is an investigative journalist whose been digging into Lottie's past, wanting to include her in her podcast; her True Crime podcast.
This just will not do. Even though Plum claims she just wants to clear her name, Lottie knows that's never going to happen, because the things they say about her are true.
Plum has greatly underestimated whose door she just knocked on...
Too Old for This is like a breath of fresh air in the saturated Thriller market, where it sometimes feels like you've read everything before.
Downing did an incredible job of creating Lottie's character. It's messed up, you shouldn't be rooting for her, she's doing awful things, but somehow, you do. At least, I did, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
We get to follow everything she does after Plum shows up, some of it will make your toes curl, and other things, like bingo nights with her friends, seem so wholesome. I guess it's true, we all contain multitudes.
This story is a ride, almost guaranteed to surprise you. There are so many twists and turns. Just when you think it can't get any crazier, it does.
Overall, I had a blast with this. I Buddy Read it with a friend, and we both really enjoyed it, plus it was very fun to discuss. I highly recommend it for Readers who are looking for something unique and who aren't shy about a little murder.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Downing did not disappoint!!
Lottie Jones has worked hard to gain the quiet life she's currently living in her retirement, and she's enjoying it. It wasn't easy, changing her name, moving to a small town, and putting her past behind her.
All that is threatened to be upended though, the day Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep. Plum is an investigative journalist whose been digging into Lottie's past, wanting to include her in her podcast; her True Crime podcast.
This just will not do. Even though Plum claims she just wants to clear her name, Lottie knows that's never going to happen, because the things they say about her are true.
Plum has greatly underestimated whose door she just knocked on...
Too Old for This is like a breath of fresh air in the saturated Thriller market, where it sometimes feels like you've read everything before.
Downing did an incredible job of creating Lottie's character. It's messed up, you shouldn't be rooting for her, she's doing awful things, but somehow, you do. At least, I did, and I'm not ashamed to admit it.
We get to follow everything she does after Plum shows up, some of it will make your toes curl, and other things, like bingo nights with her friends, seem so wholesome. I guess it's true, we all contain multitudes.
This story is a ride, almost guaranteed to surprise you. There are so many twists and turns. Just when you think it can't get any crazier, it does.
Overall, I had a blast with this. I Buddy Read it with a friend, and we both really enjoyed it, plus it was very fun to discuss. I highly recommend it for Readers who are looking for something unique and who aren't shy about a little murder.
Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with a copy to read and review. Downing did not disappoint!!
December 19, 2025
3.0 stars—- Hmm, where to begin. “Too Old For This” is my 4th Samantha Downing book. I definitely have not liked every book of her’s I have read, but there is something about her writing that keeps me coming back for her next book. I can only characterize “Too Old” as one of the most unusual (for lack of a better adjective) books that I’ve ever read. The juxtaposition of an elderly lady brutally killing everyone that rubs her the wrong way one minute and touring assisted living facilities the next was something I couldn’t wrap my head around. In fact, I couldn’t determine initially whether this one was written tongue in cheek or whether the author wanted the reader to take the never-seen-it-before storyline seriously. In the end, I definitely believe this was not intended as a dark comedy or satire, but as the author’s effort to convince the reader about how otherwise normal this ruthless killer was. Lottie, the murdering grandma, is basically Ted Bundy on a walker. The main reason I couldn’t enjoy this book more was I just couldn’t buy it. The depravity and hands-on methods of murder chosen by Lottie did not meld well with her otherwise bland (what am I bringing to the church social) personality. Also, her hair trigger decisions to murder people on a whim would get her caught most of the time in real life. There is just too much to cover up, clean and dispose of to be a successful serial killer in a feeble old grandmother’s body. I did enjoy Lottie as a character and how the author brought in little hiccups that Lottie had to overcome and somehow did time and again (but that doesn’t mean they were believable). The climactic confrontation and conclusion were also very unbelievable in my eyes. If you are able to suspend realism and logic while reading ( unfortunately I never can quite do this) then this would be a very enjoyable, not run of the mill serial killer book. But for me, it was a far fetched average read that i was unable to ever get fully into.
August 14, 2025
Meet the most devious elderly serial killer, I am sure you will be fascinated with her as much as me. Downing again captivated me with this completely wild ride that was bursting with the most interesting plot speckled with wry humor. I couldn’t help loving the main character despite her morals, and didn’t want her to get caught! What does that say about me ? I don’t care, I was fully immersed and loved every chapter in this engrossing read!
March 13, 2025
A retired serial killer comes out of retirement when someone shows up on her doorstep trying to make a documentary about her. She wanted to stay hidden.
This was good, but I will admit it did not wow me like I thought it would based on all the reviews. I think the best part of this book is the uniqueness of the story. I don’t think I have ever read a book about someone over 70 being a serial killer.
It did highlight her limitation and aches and pains while trying to commit her crimes. But it also accurately portrayed how people underestimated her, as well. I thought it was really interesting.
The ending was a little wild and extreme for me. I think this book was more a 3.5 rounded up for me. I think this is another case where if I didn’t have such high expectations, I would have enjoyed it more. That is the problem with seeing a book with tons of 5 star reviews and thinking it’s gonna be life-altering. 😂
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
This was good, but I will admit it did not wow me like I thought it would based on all the reviews. I think the best part of this book is the uniqueness of the story. I don’t think I have ever read a book about someone over 70 being a serial killer.
It did highlight her limitation and aches and pains while trying to commit her crimes. But it also accurately portrayed how people underestimated her, as well. I thought it was really interesting.
The ending was a little wild and extreme for me. I think this book was more a 3.5 rounded up for me. I think this is another case where if I didn’t have such high expectations, I would have enjoyed it more. That is the problem with seeing a book with tons of 5 star reviews and thinking it’s gonna be life-altering. 😂
Thank you to netgalley for this free advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2025
Snarky, twisted, and with a deliciously dark comedic edge, Too Old for This served up the absolute best protagonist that I’ve read about in ages. I mean, Lottie’s description alone should pull you into this story: an eccentric septuagenarian, who, oh yeah, just so happens to be a retired serial killer. Witty, smart, and willing to do whatever it takes to stay out of the cops’ clutches, this gray-haired bingo-playing church-goer was everything you could want in a main character. The perfect anti-heroine in no uncertain terms, she was both likable and funny despite the heinous crimes she kept finding herself committing. So while I loved the plot, Lottie herself was the reason why this book got the full shiny five star rating. Bravo, Ms. Downing, you’ve got yourself another banger!
Speaking of the storyline, starting off with quite the bang, the snowballing fallout of Lottie’s actions kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Filled with Downing’s trademark dark humor, the short chapters never let me down despite needing to suspend all disbelief pretty much right from the start. After all, from the constant other-shoe-dropping feel to the series of hilarious yet also shocking twists, the suspense level never disappointed for this thriller lover. On top of that, though, was the focus on the real-world plight of aging. Adding a depth to the novel that had my head nodding away in understanding, my middle-age-ness made me cheer for Lottie more and more with each additional page.
All said and done, Ms. Jones has now topped my list of all-time favorite characters. Root-for-able in the extreme despite her rather skewed code of ethics, this original take on a serial killer protagonist changed up this thriller subgenre for sure. For one, I’m always a fan of an older main character. But even more than that was the fact that this cat-and-mouse game was like no other that I’ve never read. Adrenaline-fueled and action-packed but also filled with hilarious sarcasm, it was no great surprise that I finished this one in under twenty-four hours. After all, the cliffhangers led me to read just one more chapter over and over. So if you like fast-paced books with tight, clever plotting, grab this one today. You’re sure to have the time of your life. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.
Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.
When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…
Thank you to Samantha Downing and Berkley Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2024
Content warning: murder, violence, blackmail, knife and gun violence, torture, blood, mention of: fire
Speaking of the storyline, starting off with quite the bang, the snowballing fallout of Lottie’s actions kept me on the edge of my seat from beginning to end. Filled with Downing’s trademark dark humor, the short chapters never let me down despite needing to suspend all disbelief pretty much right from the start. After all, from the constant other-shoe-dropping feel to the series of hilarious yet also shocking twists, the suspense level never disappointed for this thriller lover. On top of that, though, was the focus on the real-world plight of aging. Adding a depth to the novel that had my head nodding away in understanding, my middle-age-ness made me cheer for Lottie more and more with each additional page.
All said and done, Ms. Jones has now topped my list of all-time favorite characters. Root-for-able in the extreme despite her rather skewed code of ethics, this original take on a serial killer protagonist changed up this thriller subgenre for sure. For one, I’m always a fan of an older main character. But even more than that was the fact that this cat-and-mouse game was like no other that I’ve never read. Adrenaline-fueled and action-packed but also filled with hilarious sarcasm, it was no great surprise that I finished this one in under twenty-four hours. After all, the cliffhangers led me to read just one more chapter over and over. So if you like fast-paced books with tight, clever plotting, grab this one today. You’re sure to have the time of your life. Rating of 5 stars.
SYNOPSIS:
Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.
Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.
When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…
Thank you to Samantha Downing and Berkley Publishing for my complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
PUB DATE: August 12, 2024
Content warning: murder, violence, blackmail, knife and gun violence, torture, blood, mention of: fire
October 10, 2025
Here I am, a month late….life has been kicking my butt, but I’m back.
A little bit of Arsenic and Old Lace and a little bit of Dexter.
Lottie, a woman in her 70s, is a serial killer. The juxtaposition of a woman in her 70s navigating the challenges of her later years while also killing people was delightful.
Lottie is doing well living a quiet life, going to church and her weekly bingo games, until an investigative reporter appears at her door with a plan to produce a documentary on the case Lottie was acquitted of all those years ago.
Lottie can’t have that case dredged up. What to do? Revert to her default of course.
And so starts a cat and mouse game…
This story is a mix of suspense and dark humor, which I loved. I particularly enjoyed the dichotomy of the aches, pains, and indignities of old age while also seeing this sweet little old lady’s darker side.
One minute she’s researching assisted living facilities and the next she’s disposing of bodies.
But goodness, it’s much harder to commit murder today than it was decades ago. Phone tracking, cameras, DNA….how is one to keep up?
I had a lot of fun with this one. Lottie’s thoughts are snarky and humorous. Downing is a master at taking ordinary people we wouldn’t give a second glance, and turning it on its head. (Teddy, in the author’s book, For Your Own Good, is a prime example). On the outside they look like upstanding citizens, but inside it’s a totally different story.
I loved this humorous unique take on serial killers. It was a breath of fresh air, all to be taken tongue in cheek, nothing serious.
Highly recommended!
A little bit of Arsenic and Old Lace and a little bit of Dexter.
Lottie, a woman in her 70s, is a serial killer. The juxtaposition of a woman in her 70s navigating the challenges of her later years while also killing people was delightful.
Lottie is doing well living a quiet life, going to church and her weekly bingo games, until an investigative reporter appears at her door with a plan to produce a documentary on the case Lottie was acquitted of all those years ago.
Lottie can’t have that case dredged up. What to do? Revert to her default of course.
And so starts a cat and mouse game…
This story is a mix of suspense and dark humor, which I loved. I particularly enjoyed the dichotomy of the aches, pains, and indignities of old age while also seeing this sweet little old lady’s darker side.
One minute she’s researching assisted living facilities and the next she’s disposing of bodies.
But goodness, it’s much harder to commit murder today than it was decades ago. Phone tracking, cameras, DNA….how is one to keep up?
I had a lot of fun with this one. Lottie’s thoughts are snarky and humorous. Downing is a master at taking ordinary people we wouldn’t give a second glance, and turning it on its head. (Teddy, in the author’s book, For Your Own Good, is a prime example). On the outside they look like upstanding citizens, but inside it’s a totally different story.
I loved this humorous unique take on serial killers. It was a breath of fresh air, all to be taken tongue in cheek, nothing serious.
Highly recommended!
Want to read
November 13, 2024I may never have hit “Want to Read” so fast in my LIFE.
October 5, 2025
Well this was fun!! If I’m being honest, I was a little hesitant to read this book, as I wasn’t sure how I would feel about a retired serial killer who was on her way to a senior center. But our main character, Lottie, kept me on my toes and I was actually rooting for her along the way (what is wrong with me? 🤪).
This story starts off when Lottie Jones, who is 75 years old, and is just peacefully enjoying her life at home, receives a knock at her door. Plum Dixon is on Lottie’s doorstep, and Plum would like nothing more than to do an interview with Lottie about her and others being wrongly accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Lottie does not want any attention drawn to herself, and from there a chain reaction of events occur. And oh my, Lottie sure is the character!
There were some events in this book that some readers might not like to read, and you definitely have to suspend your disbelief a little bit. Otherwise, just roll with this story and have fun. I found this book to be pure entertainment, and I really enjoyed it from the first page until the last.
If you are a fan of Samantha Downing as I am, then I definitely recommend reading this book as well!!
This story starts off when Lottie Jones, who is 75 years old, and is just peacefully enjoying her life at home, receives a knock at her door. Plum Dixon is on Lottie’s doorstep, and Plum would like nothing more than to do an interview with Lottie about her and others being wrongly accused of crimes they didn’t commit. Lottie does not want any attention drawn to herself, and from there a chain reaction of events occur. And oh my, Lottie sure is the character!
There were some events in this book that some readers might not like to read, and you definitely have to suspend your disbelief a little bit. Otherwise, just roll with this story and have fun. I found this book to be pure entertainment, and I really enjoyed it from the first page until the last.
If you are a fan of Samantha Downing as I am, then I definitely recommend reading this book as well!!
February 26, 2025
Samantha Downing's signature dark humor is cranked up to one hundred in TOO OLD FOR THIS, a whip smart story about a geriatric serial killer who simply wants to settle down. Walker-wielding Lottie Jones is as twisted as they come, and I, for one, will never underestimate the elderly again.
September 27, 2025
Think old people just solve murders?
Well, guess again.
Lottie is a hoot-and-a-half. She's also a septuagenarian serial killer.
Imagine if Dexter had a grandmother.
Grandma's been living for years in peaceful retirement — with a new identity — in suburban Oregon, when a young, enthusiastic true-crime documentarian starts sniffing around cold cases… and knocks on Lottie's door.
Well, dang, there goes Bingo night.
Age hasn’t dulled Lottie's instincts, but it has slowed down her cleanup process.
Not to mention the fact that back in the day, she didn't have to worry about things like digital footprints and GPS tracking.
Doggone smartphones!
All this is to say, Too Old For This was the perfect antidote to the gut-wrenching memoir I had just read.
Kudos to Samantha Downing who had me laughing out loud at Lottie chopping up a body while fretting about potluck recipes.
Trust me, you'll never look at a garage freezer the same way again. 👀
Well, guess again.
Lottie is a hoot-and-a-half. She's also a septuagenarian serial killer.
Imagine if Dexter had a grandmother.
Grandma's been living for years in peaceful retirement — with a new identity — in suburban Oregon, when a young, enthusiastic true-crime documentarian starts sniffing around cold cases… and knocks on Lottie's door.
Well, dang, there goes Bingo night.
Age hasn’t dulled Lottie's instincts, but it has slowed down her cleanup process.
Not to mention the fact that back in the day, she didn't have to worry about things like digital footprints and GPS tracking.
Doggone smartphones!
All this is to say, Too Old For This was the perfect antidote to the gut-wrenching memoir I had just read.
Kudos to Samantha Downing who had me laughing out loud at Lottie chopping up a body while fretting about potluck recipes.
Trust me, you'll never look at a garage freezer the same way again. 👀
July 20, 2025
Who knew serial killers could be so lovable!
I instantly fell in love with Lottie and found her to be an unforgettable main character. No matter what situation Lottie found herself in or how twisted her logic, I couldn’t help but root for her.
The story also focuses on aging and the struggles older people face including declining health and mental cognition as well as finances.
Too Old For This does depict more violence than Samantha Downing usually writes, but it's not over the top and is done in a way that doesn't take away from the story.
I love an original story, so any thrillers overuse the same plots and tropes but I can always count on Samantha to deliver a unique work! This is my 6th read by the author and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by Elizabeth Wiley who did an incredible job bringing Lottie’s story to life. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend the audiobook!
Too Old For This by Samantha Downing will be available on August 12. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
I instantly fell in love with Lottie and found her to be an unforgettable main character. No matter what situation Lottie found herself in or how twisted her logic, I couldn’t help but root for her.
The story also focuses on aging and the struggles older people face including declining health and mental cognition as well as finances.
Too Old For This does depict more violence than Samantha Downing usually writes, but it's not over the top and is done in a way that doesn't take away from the story.
I love an original story, so any thrillers overuse the same plots and tropes but I can always count on Samantha to deliver a unique work! This is my 6th read by the author and I can't wait to see what she writes next.
I listened to the audiobook which was read by Elizabeth Wiley who did an incredible job bringing Lottie’s story to life. If you decide to pick this one up, I highly recommend the audiobook!
Too Old For This by Samantha Downing will be available on August 12. Many thanks to Penguin Random House Audio for the gifted audiobook!
November 18, 2025
Lottie Jones, a seemingly ordinary older woman is trying to enjoy a quiet retirement when a true-crime producer shows up on her doorstep, determined to dig into Lottie’s past. From there, everything spirals. The book leans hard into themes of reputation, justice, obsession, and what people are willing to believe about “nice” older ladies. I don’t want to spoil any of the twists, so I’ll just say: things escalate. A lot.
What I loved most is Lottie herself. She’s sharp, funny, and stubborn in the best way. The narration has a dry, dark sense of humor that really works for me—there were several moments where I was half-horrified and half-cackling. The pacing is tight, the stakes keep rising, and there’s that signature Samantha Downing blend of outrageous situations grounded by very human motives.
If you enjoy thrillers with morally messy characters, small-town vibes, and a generous dose of dark comedy, this one is a blast. I flew through it and never once felt bored.
What I loved most is Lottie herself. She’s sharp, funny, and stubborn in the best way. The narration has a dry, dark sense of humor that really works for me—there were several moments where I was half-horrified and half-cackling. The pacing is tight, the stakes keep rising, and there’s that signature Samantha Downing blend of outrageous situations grounded by very human motives.
If you enjoy thrillers with morally messy characters, small-town vibes, and a generous dose of dark comedy, this one is a blast. I flew through it and never once felt bored.
September 17, 2025
⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
Serial killing sounds like a lot of work, even for young, energetic people with their whole life in front of them and everything to lose. For us middle-agers, with diminishing hormones and novel aches and ailments, it sounds unbearable. For elderly folks, forget about it.
Lottie Jones makes it look easy. She kills with precision, disposes of evidence with shrewdness, and evades discovery with a mastermind’s touch. Even with a few slip-ups along the way, she makes serial killing look easy.
Is it bad that I like her? I think that’s the charm of this book. It takes an ostensively despicable person and somehow makes her quirky and relatable enough to allow us to grow fond of her. It makes no sense but that’s the beauty of fiction. Nothing has to hold to a familiar, linear trajectory and bad can be good, and good can be bad.
But this book is just straight good. There’s no confusing that…
Serial killing sounds like a lot of work, even for young, energetic people with their whole life in front of them and everything to lose. For us middle-agers, with diminishing hormones and novel aches and ailments, it sounds unbearable. For elderly folks, forget about it.
Lottie Jones makes it look easy. She kills with precision, disposes of evidence with shrewdness, and evades discovery with a mastermind’s touch. Even with a few slip-ups along the way, she makes serial killing look easy.
Is it bad that I like her? I think that’s the charm of this book. It takes an ostensively despicable person and somehow makes her quirky and relatable enough to allow us to grow fond of her. It makes no sense but that’s the beauty of fiction. Nothing has to hold to a familiar, linear trajectory and bad can be good, and good can be bad.
But this book is just straight good. There’s no confusing that…
August 20, 2025
OUTLIER ALERT:
"THUMBS DOWN" for this Samantha DOWNing book.
👎👎👎
WHY?
Perhaps I was too old for "TOO OLD FOR THIS"????
Yes, this crochety "Age Is Just A Number" GR reviewer had trouble connecting with Samantha Downing's septuagenarian serial killer protagonist.
The author's signature wit escaped me.
I lost count of the times I heard myself asking "Are We There Yet?' during the entire course of this "Another One Bites The Dust" 11-hour audiobook.
Elizabeth Wiley's audiobook narration was good but not great.
The good news is I loved the cover and I am still a Samantha Downing fan.
❤️😍❣️♥️
Nobody bats 1000%
September 25, 2025
This month I've already read a slasher novel set in a retirement home (The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre), so I think it's just fair that I also read a book where an old lady isn't the victim, but the killer. I'm talking about 75-year-old Lottie Jones, formerly known as Lorena Mae Lansdale and accused of multiple murders, but publicly cleared of all charges years ago. Nobody knows that she absolutely did kill all the people that she was questioned about, and not only them. But that was in the past and now Lottie is retired and lives a quiet life with nobody suspecting a thing. So what is she supposed to do when a bright-eyed, young producer arrives at her doorstep and tells her that she will make a documentary about Lottie, deep diving into her case and clearing her name for good? Lottie just has to kill her. She does an excellent job with the murdering and with destroying all evidence, but it's not as easy as it used to be. Her entire body hurts most of the time, the modern surveillance tech is also very annoying and multiple people just can't let it go when you just casually murder someone. But Lottie's age also has some advantages and so she constantly plays the old-lady card. Look, she is a grandma and likes to cook and bake, goes to church and plays bingo, has a cut-up body in the freezer, nothing to see here. The discrepancy between her act and her actual inner monologue was often funny and Lottie was just such an insane character to follow. She mainly spends her time gaslighting all the people who try to figure out what happened to the missing producer and she creates a whole web of lies and unhinged behavior. She was pretty unlikable to me and I honestly felt bad for her victims, but she was entertaining to read about nonetheless. The pacing of the story was a bit unbalanced, though. Lottie kills someone in the very first chapter and then the book deals with the aftermath of that for a while. The police question her multiple times and that was really repetitive for instance. But every time the book started to drag, something crazy happened again, so I was never really bored. I just wish that it never dragged in the first place, because there was actually a lot of stuff happening in here. There's the murdering of course, and we also have some blackmailing and identity theft, but Lottie's also looking at retirement homes, and really needs hip surgery and her son is getting married to a woman half his age. Lottie is also reflecting on her killing spree in the 80s and on her past in general, so add some chapters about this too. Sometimes there were the weirdest thematic jumps between paragraphs, but that might have been a problem with my arc file, I'm not sure. The ending wasn't what I hoped for, but it wasn't boring to say the least. Overall, it was a good and fast read for me. Not exactly thrilling, but undoubtedly entertaining due to the unusual choice of main character.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Micheal Joseph / Penguin Random House for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Micheal Joseph / Penguin Random House for providing a digital arc in exchange for an honest review.
June 18, 2025
I love mysteries that have older main characters. And I adore snarky humor. Put the two together with a smart, well thought out plot and you have a five star book.
Lottie got away with murder, well multiple murders, when she was younger. At age 75 she was in blissful “retirement”. Until a woman showed up uninvited at her door one night wanting to film a docuseries about her. She did not change her name and move just to have her history brought back up into the open. So…
Downing does a great job of differentiating between murder then and now. Smart phones, for one. And hauling and cutting bodies at 75 is different from your 30s and 40s.
I am not a big fan of psychological thrillers, especially those about serial killers. And it takes a special kind of talent to create a basically evil character that I’m still rooting for. But Downing has done it. I wasn’t sure how I wanted this to end. Did I want her to pull it off? Did I feel she needed to be punished? I thought the ending was perfect. This was fun entertainment in a dark, twisted way. And you’ll learn plenty about the best way to clean up a murder scene.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
Lottie got away with murder, well multiple murders, when she was younger. At age 75 she was in blissful “retirement”. Until a woman showed up uninvited at her door one night wanting to film a docuseries about her. She did not change her name and move just to have her history brought back up into the open. So…
Downing does a great job of differentiating between murder then and now. Smart phones, for one. And hauling and cutting bodies at 75 is different from your 30s and 40s.
I am not a big fan of psychological thrillers, especially those about serial killers. And it takes a special kind of talent to create a basically evil character that I’m still rooting for. But Downing has done it. I wasn’t sure how I wanted this to end. Did I want her to pull it off? Did I feel she needed to be punished? I thought the ending was perfect. This was fun entertainment in a dark, twisted way. And you’ll learn plenty about the best way to clean up a murder scene.
My thanks to Netgalley and Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book.
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