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I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home
Not yet published
Expected 17 Feb 26When former serial killer Carol takes her place in a luxury retirement home, she begins to find her feet with a small new group of friends. If she can only keep her past hidden, maybe she has a chance at happiness.
That's when she discovers that, absurdly, every other one of Sheldon Oaks residents was involved in the law somehow. It's not long before her true identity is leaked, and when a former police commissioner resident is murdered, naturally all eyes turn to her...
Now she must solve the case to prove her innocence—just as her new friends start their own investigations into whether there is more than one killer at Sheldon Oaks.
That's when she discovers that, absurdly, every other one of Sheldon Oaks residents was involved in the law somehow. It's not long before her true identity is leaked, and when a former police commissioner resident is murdered, naturally all eyes turn to her...
Now she must solve the case to prove her innocence—just as her new friends start their own investigations into whether there is more than one killer at Sheldon Oaks.
272 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication February 17, 2026
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7888 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
September 18, 2025
3.75 stars
This was a different sort of cozy. The main character has just been paroled from prison after serving decades for various murders. Carol confessed to some (but not all) of the people she killed. She is referred to as a serial killer, but there doesn't appear to be any theme or commonality to her victims -- she apparently just offed people who got on her bad side through rudeness, cruelty to animals or some other transgression.
There is lots of dry, stellar Brit humor in this set-up. Carol winds up in an expensive retirement home and when the other residents find out her past, they quickly withdraw the friendship they had originally offered. But then a murder occurs, and guess who gets blamed? Carol figures she'll need to solve the killing or be under suspicion forever. She and three other residents reluctantly band together to investigate.
There is lots to enjoy in this book, including some surprises in the end. But lots of discrepancies too. Carol seems pretty human until they discover a fairly psychotic notebook talking about how she likes to kill people. Margaret is supposed to be a former British Home Secretary, but she often comes across as being ditzy. Geoffrey, a retired cop, is a tremendously annoying know it all. He manages to attract a girlfriend, Catherine, who admits she really only likes him when he is not saying anything. She is a very bright retired pathologist and her attraction to such a low watt bulb is a mystery.
But the banter and Carol's straight-faced asides and the crew's escapades are sometimes hilarious. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This was a different sort of cozy. The main character has just been paroled from prison after serving decades for various murders. Carol confessed to some (but not all) of the people she killed. She is referred to as a serial killer, but there doesn't appear to be any theme or commonality to her victims -- she apparently just offed people who got on her bad side through rudeness, cruelty to animals or some other transgression.
There is lots of dry, stellar Brit humor in this set-up. Carol winds up in an expensive retirement home and when the other residents find out her past, they quickly withdraw the friendship they had originally offered. But then a murder occurs, and guess who gets blamed? Carol figures she'll need to solve the killing or be under suspicion forever. She and three other residents reluctantly band together to investigate.
There is lots to enjoy in this book, including some surprises in the end. But lots of discrepancies too. Carol seems pretty human until they discover a fairly psychotic notebook talking about how she likes to kill people. Margaret is supposed to be a former British Home Secretary, but she often comes across as being ditzy. Geoffrey, a retired cop, is a tremendously annoying know it all. He manages to attract a girlfriend, Catherine, who admits she really only likes him when he is not saying anything. She is a very bright retired pathologist and her attraction to such a low watt bulb is a mystery.
But the banter and Carol's straight-faced asides and the crew's escapades are sometimes hilarious. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 14, 2025
Carol Quinn has just been released from prison after serving more than three decades behind bars for committing seven murders (maybe a couple more). This makes her a serial killer, but that's all in the past. At 75, she's a reformed woman, and she's determined to enjoy a better life with new friends and interesting hobbies at a posh retirement home called Sheldon Oaks. Like so many things in her life, peace and happiness prove elusive. Carol's barely settled in when she witnesses a body plummeting to the pavement outside her apartment window, and wouldn't you know it, she's accused of perpetrating the poor soul's murder. Though she's experienced some troubling, murderous urges, she did not do the deed this time, so she enlists the help of three of her new friends to help prove her innocence. It just so happens these crime fighters have backgrounds in politics, law enforcement, and medicine, and they pursue the truth in surprisingly off-beat, comedic ways. As Carol herself learned long ago, we all have dark sides and her fellow pensioners prove that to be true. I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home strikes me as a mashup of Only Murders in the Building, Dexter, and a little Columbo, which in this case is a very good thing. Readers may feel a bit embarrassed laughing at the antics of Carol's geriatric crew, but their chagrin won't last long. These folks are just too much fun. They deserve a sequel or two or three, and this reader will be there for all of them.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for my honest review.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for my honest review.
December 6, 2025
Fergus Craig’s I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home is a wickedly clever blend of dark humour and cozy crime, offering a mystery that’s as entertaining as it is unexpected.
At the heart of the story is Carol, a former serial killer who’s trying to leave her past behind and settle into the plush comforts of Sheldon Oaks retirement home. Her hopes for peace and friendship are quickly dashed when her identity is exposed—and when a fellow resident, a former police commissioner, turns up murdered, suspicion falls squarely on her.
What follows is a sharp, witty tale of secrets, suspicion, and unlikely camaraderie. The absurdity of a retirement home filled with ex-law enforcers and one ex-criminal makes for deliciously ironic tension, while Carol’s reluctant turn as detective adds both humour and heart. The friendships she begins to form, even under the shadow of suspicion, give the story warmth amidst the intrigue.
Craig balances satire with suspense beautifully, creating a mystery that’s playful yet gripping. It’s a novel that asks whether redemption is possible—and whether the past can ever truly stay buried—while keeping readers hooked with twists, laughs, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
This is crime fiction with a mischievous wink: stylish, funny, and surprisingly poignant.
With thanks to Fergus Craig, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
At the heart of the story is Carol, a former serial killer who’s trying to leave her past behind and settle into the plush comforts of Sheldon Oaks retirement home. Her hopes for peace and friendship are quickly dashed when her identity is exposed—and when a fellow resident, a former police commissioner, turns up murdered, suspicion falls squarely on her.
What follows is a sharp, witty tale of secrets, suspicion, and unlikely camaraderie. The absurdity of a retirement home filled with ex-law enforcers and one ex-criminal makes for deliciously ironic tension, while Carol’s reluctant turn as detective adds both humour and heart. The friendships she begins to form, even under the shadow of suspicion, give the story warmth amidst the intrigue.
Craig balances satire with suspense beautifully, creating a mystery that’s playful yet gripping. It’s a novel that asks whether redemption is possible—and whether the past can ever truly stay buried—while keeping readers hooked with twists, laughs, and a cast of unforgettable characters.
This is crime fiction with a mischievous wink: stylish, funny, and surprisingly poignant.
With thanks to Fergus Craig, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
December 8, 2025
3.5 rounded up.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
When a mysterious death shakes an otherwise peaceful care home, a group of sharp-witted residents refuse to let the truth be brushed aside.
As secrets bubble to the surface, unexpected alliances form between residents and staff.
What follows is a charming, twisty investigation where the most unassuming characters prove to be the most formidable!
I absolutely loved that this story is set in Hampstead—it’s where I grew up, so the familiar locations added a warm, nostalgic layer to the entire reading experience. I also adore books that centre older protagonists rather than the typical middle-aged lead, and this one delivers that brilliantly. The characters bring so much life, humour, and perspective to the story.
The tone is wonderfully balanced with great humour throughout, giving it that cosy-mystery charm without undermining the tension. I I sometimes got a little confused with the characters early on, but that ebbed away as the story settled and everyone found their stride.
Overall, this was a fun, cosy murder mystery—with heart, wit, and a cast I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. I had a great time reading it 😊
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC.
When a mysterious death shakes an otherwise peaceful care home, a group of sharp-witted residents refuse to let the truth be brushed aside.
As secrets bubble to the surface, unexpected alliances form between residents and staff.
What follows is a charming, twisty investigation where the most unassuming characters prove to be the most formidable!
I absolutely loved that this story is set in Hampstead—it’s where I grew up, so the familiar locations added a warm, nostalgic layer to the entire reading experience. I also adore books that centre older protagonists rather than the typical middle-aged lead, and this one delivers that brilliantly. The characters bring so much life, humour, and perspective to the story.
The tone is wonderfully balanced with great humour throughout, giving it that cosy-mystery charm without undermining the tension. I I sometimes got a little confused with the characters early on, but that ebbed away as the story settled and everyone found their stride.
Overall, this was a fun, cosy murder mystery—with heart, wit, and a cast I genuinely enjoyed spending time with. I had a great time reading it 😊
October 5, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for providing this book, with my honest review below.
I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home makes living in a retirement home look a little more fun than you’d think… and far more dangerous. Carol is living in a luxurious retirement home, a big swing from her previous home of prison. See Carol was a serial killer and still may be, given the murder that occurs in the home (and it’s not going to be the only one). As her fellow retirees learn about her past and suspicions turns on her she is committed to figuring out who the real murderer is (though she admits it could have easily been her).
Alternating mainly with Carol’s perspective and a trio of her fellow residents with pasts in law and government who believe she is the culprit, this story is both funny and a great whodunnit. It’s hard to get into all the little pleasures the story delivers but they keep the story from getting stale and deliver a fair bit of little twists and sold laughs along the way. The perfect balance of mystery for fans of the genre, but the writing and humorous lens to it all keeps things fresh and engaging.
I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home makes living in a retirement home look a little more fun than you’d think… and far more dangerous. Carol is living in a luxurious retirement home, a big swing from her previous home of prison. See Carol was a serial killer and still may be, given the murder that occurs in the home (and it’s not going to be the only one). As her fellow retirees learn about her past and suspicions turns on her she is committed to figuring out who the real murderer is (though she admits it could have easily been her).
Alternating mainly with Carol’s perspective and a trio of her fellow residents with pasts in law and government who believe she is the culprit, this story is both funny and a great whodunnit. It’s hard to get into all the little pleasures the story delivers but they keep the story from getting stale and deliver a fair bit of little twists and sold laughs along the way. The perfect balance of mystery for fans of the genre, but the writing and humorous lens to it all keeps things fresh and engaging.
September 4, 2025
Thinking she’s just a harmless old lady would be a mistake.
Carol has a history—and not the kind you’d expect in the sunny halls of Sheldon Oaks, the upscale retirement community she’s just joined. When a murder occurs shortly after her arrival, Carol’s secret comes out: she’s a convicted serial killer, freshly released after serving thirty-five years behind bars.
SHE knows she didn’t commit this crime, but convincing her new friends of her innocence is another matter entirely.
Despite the dark subject matter—murder and serial killers—the novel sparkles with humor and keeps a wonderfully light-hearted tone. Some scenes beg to be filmed, like three seniors arming themselves with household objects (including a hefty cookbook) to take on a suspicious neighbor.
A witty, offbeat murder mystery that proves retirement doesn't mean the end of your fun.
Carol has a history—and not the kind you’d expect in the sunny halls of Sheldon Oaks, the upscale retirement community she’s just joined. When a murder occurs shortly after her arrival, Carol’s secret comes out: she’s a convicted serial killer, freshly released after serving thirty-five years behind bars.
SHE knows she didn’t commit this crime, but convincing her new friends of her innocence is another matter entirely.
Despite the dark subject matter—murder and serial killers—the novel sparkles with humor and keeps a wonderfully light-hearted tone. Some scenes beg to be filmed, like three seniors arming themselves with household objects (including a hefty cookbook) to take on a suspicious neighbor.
A witty, offbeat murder mystery that proves retirement doesn't mean the end of your fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 11, 2025
I'd like to send a thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I have been looking for a story that centered around a retirement home and happened to stumble upon I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home. This story was such a fun and cozy read! The banter that happens between a lot of the residents is hilarious and we can't forget our main character, Carol. She is so witty. f you ever wanted a book with a unique setting and hilarious characters around every corner, this book is for you. There will be no regret after reading this cozy offbeat mystery! This title is set to be published on February 17th, 2026.
October 31, 2025
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC! This fast-paced novel is packed with intriguing characters and unexpected twists. Carol, freshly released from prison, becomes the prime suspect when a fellow resident is found dead—pushed from the roof of their retirement home. As she digs deeper to clear her name, she uncovers a chilling truth: she’s not the only killer living among the knitting and crossword puzzles.
Retirement homes are often imagined as peaceful places filled with bingo, crosswords, and quiet routines. This novel shatters that stereotype in the most thrilling way. A clever title and a delightfully dark premise make this a quick, entertaining read.
Retirement homes are often imagined as peaceful places filled with bingo, crosswords, and quiet routines. This novel shatters that stereotype in the most thrilling way. A clever title and a delightfully dark premise make this a quick, entertaining read.
October 31, 2025
Carol is released from prison and moves into a retirement home. She is enjoying baking and making new friends. She witnesses someone fall from the roof and because of her past everyone thinks she did it. Now she must prove her innocence by finding out who really did it. The amateur sleuths are Geoffrey who is ex-cop. Margaret who has political connections and Catherine who was pathologist. The story has some quirky characters at the home and I like how spry Carol is at 75 and some of the things she says are comical. I hope there is a sequel to this one. This was one fun cozy mystery which felt like an episode of only murders in the building.
September 7, 2025
I got an ARC of I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home and it was such a fun, clever read. Carol is a fantastic protagonist—darkly funny, a little unhinged, and surprisingly relatable. The mix of cozy mystery vibes with a retirement home full of ex-cops kept me laughing and guessing the whole way through. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman. Just a fun little read!!
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on February 17, 2026. Overall, I rate the book a 4 out of 5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on February 17, 2026. Overall, I rate the book a 4 out of 5 stars.
October 4, 2025
A group of elderly people is trying to solve the case of who killed their friend, but one of them happens to be a serial killer.
How weird am I for thinking that an elderly woman who used to be a serial killer sounds fascinating?
If you’re a sensitive reader, this book is definitely not for you!
The writing style is so light and hilarious, yet the scenes are vividly described, so I’d say it’s 16-17+.
All the characters are so interesting; it’s the perfect easy read for an evening.
How weird am I for thinking that an elderly woman who used to be a serial killer sounds fascinating?
If you’re a sensitive reader, this book is definitely not for you!
The writing style is so light and hilarious, yet the scenes are vividly described, so I’d say it’s 16-17+.
All the characters are so interesting; it’s the perfect easy read for an evening.
November 19, 2025
I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home was such an unexpectedly delightful ride. I tore through it in no time because it’s just that addictive. Funny, suspenseful, a little bit dark, and somehow still cozy? This book really said, “Yes, we have murder…but we’re also going to have a great time.”
The premise alone had me instantly hooked, and it delivered exactly the kind of fun chaos I was hoping for. Carol, our resident ex-serial-killer-turned-retirement-home-newbie (I think I got that right lol), is such a fantastic character. But honestly? The entire cast shines. I loved how everyone got their moment, and the found family that forms between Carol, Geoffrey, Margaret, and Catherine had my whole heart. I did not expect to get emotional over a group of retirees solving crime together, but here we are
The tone is such a unique blend. There are dark themes and even a few graphic scenes (or, more flashbacks?), but the book still feels warm, quick-witted, and charming. It’s like watching a funny murder mystery movie where you’re constantly laughing… but also side eyeing everyone because someone definitely did it. The dénouement (which this book kindly taught me how to pronounce, let alone use in a sentence) was such a highlight
At under 300 pages, the pacing is snappy and nothing overstays its welcome. I never felt bored, and the final twist truly got me. Five stars, easily.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with personality, humor, lovable chaos, and a truly unforgettable cast of characters, add this one to your list immediately.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
The premise alone had me instantly hooked, and it delivered exactly the kind of fun chaos I was hoping for. Carol, our resident ex-serial-killer-turned-retirement-home-newbie (I think I got that right lol), is such a fantastic character. But honestly? The entire cast shines. I loved how everyone got their moment, and the found family that forms between Carol, Geoffrey, Margaret, and Catherine had my whole heart. I did not expect to get emotional over a group of retirees solving crime together, but here we are
The tone is such a unique blend. There are dark themes and even a few graphic scenes (or, more flashbacks?), but the book still feels warm, quick-witted, and charming. It’s like watching a funny murder mystery movie where you’re constantly laughing… but also side eyeing everyone because someone definitely did it. The dénouement (which this book kindly taught me how to pronounce, let alone use in a sentence) was such a highlight
At under 300 pages, the pacing is snappy and nothing overstays its welcome. I never felt bored, and the final twist truly got me. Five stars, easily.
If you’re in the mood for a cozy mystery with personality, humor, lovable chaos, and a truly unforgettable cast of characters, add this one to your list immediately.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!
November 24, 2025
Thank you goodreads for my copy of this book.
Not only is this not a typical murder mystery, but you will find yourself laughing as you visualize the antics of an atypical group of sleuths. You will fall in love, as I did, with a most unusual serial killer.
This would make a cute move. I just loved this book.
Not only is this not a typical murder mystery, but you will find yourself laughing as you visualize the antics of an atypical group of sleuths. You will fall in love, as I did, with a most unusual serial killer.
This would make a cute move. I just loved this book.
November 3, 2025
We have a lot of cozy mystery novels, but not enough kooky mystery novels in my opinion and this had it in spades. Will it blow your mind? No, but I had a lot of fun reading it, especially because I read at my second job which just happens to be in a retirement home!
November 12, 2025
Although I enjoyed the book , it was very reminiscent of the Thursday Murder Club. And definitely not as good. I envision this as a series and hope it improves in terms of character development and plot. I would like to thank Goodreads Giveaways for the opportunity to read this new series
September 21, 2025
This was great fun and I want more! Twisty ending even though I had some idea of the answers.
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