Getting Old Can Kill You

Gladdy Gold #7

by Rita Lakin

Gladdy Gold Mystery #7 “The Golden Girls play Nancy Drew in their own funny and creative ways...colorful and Meshugeneh.”—Mystery Scene Life isn’t always sunny in Florida! Back from her blissful honeymoon with her longtime beau, Jack Langford, Gladdy Gold thinks it would be perfect for Jack, an ex-cop, to join her detective agency. But Gladdy’s gals say no dice and soon, Ida, Sophie, and Bella are taking classes to be real PIs on their own. Soon enough, there’s plenty of trouble to go around when sultry Joyce Steiner reopens an old rivalry with Arlene Simon, whose husband ran off with Joyce fifty-five years earlier. And when Joyce is murdered, Arlene is the prime suspect. Gladdy and her girls will have to reunite if they’re going to get to the truth…if it doesn’t kill them first!! "Ms. Lakin pens an entertaining cozy mystery series with a set of lovable and oddball characters. The mystery has a puzzling plot with twists and turns that will surprise readers at the outcome. Retirement takes on a new meaning after spending time with Gladdy and her gladiators! Gladdy Gold and her screwball bunch of gladiators are out to solve another hilarious case." –Fresh Fiction “This is a wonderful series for cozy-lovers of all persuasions.” –Mystery Lovers “Rita Lakin’s delightful series featuring senior sleuth Gladdy Gold and her posse of kibitzing friends continues . . . full of humor and heart.” –Mystery Scene

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy

227 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2011

About the author

After being widowed at a young age with three small children, Rita Lakin began an extensive writing career, which has included staff writing on television programs such as Peyton Place, Mod Squad, Dynasty, and Strong Medicine, as well as creating original series such as The Rookies. She has won an Edgar Allen Poe award for her screenwriting, as well as receiving several other award nominations, and her two original theatrical plays, No Language But a Cry and Saturday Night at Grossingers, are still being produced around the country.

Series:
* Gladdy Gold

Reviews

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Getting Old Can Kill You (Gladdy Gold, #7) by Rita Lakin

This my favorite book in this series. A cozy that's so well thought out with interesting characters that held my undivided attention.
The Lanai Gardens has a new resident. Arlene Simon seems to be a bit more than nervous at the prospect of bumping into an old friend of hers. Joyce Steiner has rented an apartment directly below Arlene. The problem seems to be with Arlene. Joyce wants to rekindle their friendship, but that only makes Arlene all the more upset. The worst is yet to come.
Meanwhile Ida is doing her best to start a new P.I. group with herself as the lead investigator. Sophie and Bella go along with Ida as they enroll in a class for beginner P.I.'s.
these developing issues were waiting for Jack and Gladdy & Evie and Joe as they arrive from their honeymoon(s).
I love this series and highly recommend it.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the Gladdy Gold series. The seventh book in the series is as good as all the other ones.

I wish I will be as humorous, mentally bright and agile when I will be 70+ years old.

You want to know how life can be beyond an age of 70? You look for an entertaining read which let you laugh out loud? You need to be reminded how important it is to have friends? You loved the Golden Girls and you search for something similar with a PI touch? You look for a book you can read together with your partner?

Then there is no way out. Read the Gladdy Gold series. That is seven times most entertaining read. Seven times you will spend unforgettable hours.
But attention:
Be aware that you will laugh out loud more than once.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some years ago I like the Gladdy Gold series very much and I am delighted to find the seventh book about Gladdy and her girls. I found the humor of series still present. However, I was not happy with the plot. The group eating dinner at their favorite deli when a strange girl burst and claims some men are out to kill her. She is Ida's granddaughter, Gloria aka Tori. Granddad Bandit has served his time and makes an appearance. Will Gladdy be able to save Tori? I recommend this book.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Severn House for a review copy.The opinions expressed are my own.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second ever Cozy Series I started to read was Gladdy Gold. The idea of elderly ladies solving murders seemed so funny. And honestly, it always has been a fantastic read. I've found many new series to read which is why I left this one to the side and I really dislike that I did that because I absolutely love this series!!! It is a must read!

Now, onwards to book 7. Gladdy, Evvie, Jack and Joe are on their honeymoon and the other girls, Ida, Sophie and Bella are bummed that there are now men in their group. So Ida takes it upon herself, of course, to start a new PI agency featuring them three. They follow lessons, which are hilarious to read, and befriend a guy named Rico who drives them around and helps them solve crimes. The one in the carwash was so, so funny! I really hope Rico stays in the next book.

But then Arlene, another neighbor asks the girls where Gladdy is, and when she gets back from Holiday, she learns Arlene is scared because her old friend Joyce came to live on the property and their bond isn't.... well to nicely say it not that good anymore. Next to that, Seymour, who lived in the apartment Joyce is now is, suddenly seems missing. Gladdy, Evvie, Jack and Joe start investigating. At one point they are sure they figures it all out and then Jack finds Joyce killed in her apartment. All evidence point to Arlene......

Morrie (jacks son) knows that his dad and new Stepmom know what they are doing and they work together to solve the murder, because Gladdy is 100% sure that Arlene is not the murderer. Ida, Sophie and Bella also join them, together with Rico.

What starts is a race against the clock to find out what really happened, for Arlene but also for Seymour. I really enjoyed it, because the more you read, the more becomes clear, and it's not just a murder, but also mental torment for one of the characters. In that way I found this book a bit more "dark" than the others, but I really enjoyed it. The people at Lanai Garden as always were very amazingly written, it was a good storyline and I absolutely enjoyed it!

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Getting Old Can Kill You is a change from traditional cozies. It involves a group of retired women instead of younger women or women with young children in tow. Also the main characters are all Jewish. It is set appropriately in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is the first of the series that I have read and I hope to get a chance to read the others. I really like the change from the usual age.

It was very light, funny and uncomplicated. Gladdy Gold had just returned from a double honeymoon with her sister, Evvie. Gladdy wants her husband to join the detective agency that she has. But Ida complains that it wouldn’t be the same with Jack in the group. She thought that meant, no more shopping together, no more snacks in the middle of the night and in general, it just wouldn’t be the same. So Ida suggested that she, Sophie and Bella create a new detective agency with her name of course. The women figure out how to get to a two week detective training course. They also meet a new character, Rico, who I really hope is in the future books. The main case of the book involves a grudge held for fifty-five years by Arlene Simon against the person who stole her husband.

The two cases were not that complicated so what I enjoyed the most was the humor of the group and the villain in the first case. I also loved the characters so I hope to learn more about them in the other books in this series.

I highly recommend this cozy for its humor and uncomplicated story for all cozy fans.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Goldy and Evvie get married in a double wedding and return from their honeymoon to find the gang has decided to go off on their own. They have formed their own PI agency and are taking classes. And not only that, they have added a new member to their team. Meanwhile in the complex, a woman from Arlene's past shows up to mend 50 year old fences only Arlene is not forgiving.

A fun and fast ride with favorite senior sleuths. I enjoyed everyone trying to find their fit in the new dynamics. And I truly felt sorry for Arlene and was completely satisfied by the solutions.

[Grady Hart · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book . My first by the author. It was an easy entertaining read on a hot summer night curled up on the couch blasting the fan. I enjoyed the characters and the clean pose of the writer. If you like Miss. Jane Marple and Jessica Fletcher you will like these ladies.

[Frostie Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a terrific book - I hope there will be more !

[Cindi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and look forward to reading more from the series.

[Brooke W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice cozy mystery, towards the center of the book it starts to unravel! The home wrecker set up her own suicide to look like a murder - the main character fights to clear up the suspects name. Good wholesome read

[Vicky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladdy Gold and her sister, Evvie, have just returned from a double honeymoon. It was a wonderful time. She also runs a detective agency with her sister and 3 of their senior friends living at Lanai Gardens in Florida. Gladdy would like her husband Jack, a former police detective, to join the agency, but the 3 friends so no way. The 3 friends decide to start their own agency and sign up for a PI class from a shady kind of guy. But, action at the retirment village picks up when a murder occurs and a neighbor is accused of the murder. The plot thickens. Beware of thieving squirrels, key lime pie, and old friends from the past.
Fun read.

[Valdez · Rating 2 out of 5]

Gladdy and the gang are back, this time there is a schism in the group . Since Gladdy and her sister Evvie have new husbands, Ida thinks they won't have time for their old crime solving friends. Ida decides to take Sophie and Bella to sign up for PI classes so that they can start a competing business.

In the meantime, a new resident moves into the complex, but it turns out that she has a sorted past with one of the current residents.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 7th in the series. Gladdy and Jack are back from their honeymoon and "the girls" are jealous. Will Jack try to take over the P.I. business? Ida, Sofie and Bella decide to split away and form their own group. This brings in a new character, Rico, who is their driver and partner. They also take lessons on how to be a real P.I. When trouble arises at Lanai Gardens, however, the two groups get back together to solve the mystery.

[Vicki Gooding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Until this book I believe I've given straight 5 stars to this series. This book is no longer Gladdy and the girls but a married Gladdy with hurt girls doing ridiculous stupid things. The author still writes funny scenes and fun mystery, and this book is just introducing the direction she's changing the storyline.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES! I had it figured out early on but I stuck it out and read all the way to the end. The girls are still my favs even if they act like yentus, and I am curious if any more of them will remarry.

[Lucy Takeda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’d actually rate this one 3.5. Some characters were so obviously involved in the mysteries! Gladdy’s team deciding to “break up” with her really bothered me. The assorted villains were broadcast so clearly!
It was an okay read, but not as good as the other books in the series I’ve read.

[Kenneth Flusche · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughed all the way thru, reminds me of the Golden Girls

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book obviously isn’t great literature but it’s so funny and witty that I couldn’t wait to continue reading

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - Good

[Josi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gladdy and her girls are wonderful. I think this was their most twisted case. Lots of funny parts too. I hope Rita writes more.

[Ed · Rating 3 out of 5]

#7 in the Gladdy Gold series. A relatively lightweight entry in this series and given that the formerly annual entry has gone 19 months and nothing new has been announced, it may wrap the series up. Gladdy Gold and her geriatric pals live in a heavily Jewish retirement community in Fort Lauderdale,FL. In the first book Getting Old is Murder (2005) residents were dying, Gladdy and cohorts suspected murder, but the police wouldn't listen. In response the wound up forming a detective agency that has spent seven series entries solvng several crimes (usually one murder and a few minor crimes) per entry. I hate to see the series end, but I guess the 82 year old author is entitled to rest.

Gladdy Gold series - When Joyce Steiner moves into Fort Lauderdale's Lanai Gardens, reopening an old rivalry with Arlene Simon, whose husband ran off with Joyce fifty-five years earlier, Gladdy and the girls must band together to catch a killer when Joyce is murdered and Arlene stands accused of the crime.

[Marja McGraw · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rita Lakin made my day with Getting Old Can Kill You. Presenting several female Jewish retirees who live in Fort Lauderdale as detectives is inspired.

In this one the ladies have decided it's time to break into two groups, and when Joyce Steiner moves in things change. Joyce broke up Arlene Simon's marriage fifty-five years ago, and now she's moved into the apartments and seems to want to reconcile their differences. Or does she? Arlene is the prime suspect when Joyce is bumped off, and the lady detectives are right in the middle of the action, not working side by side.

This series brightens my day, and Gladdie Gold is priceless. If you want a delightful read, try the "Getting Old" series.

[Vicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

OMG, who ever thought a retirement community could have so much mayhem. Gladdy, Evvie, Ida, Bella and Sophie are back solving the turmoil that is a part of Lanai Gardens.

Threatened by Galddy’s new marriage, Ida talks Bella and Sophie into starting their own agency. First step, detective school. Second step, Rico, a new partner because every agency needs a car.

Seymour is missing. Joyce mysteriously appears. Arlene is being stalked. Somebody is dead.
To save a friend the girls unite and the entire retirement community goes into action.

I like the organization of the story. It flows through an easy to follow timeline. The characters are funny but believable. When one is looking for light entertaining reading, this book hits the spot.

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was so happy to find this new novel in a beloved series. Sisters Gladdy and Evvie return to their retirement complex in Florida with new husbands in tow. The gal pals are worried that 'things' will change now that the sisters have husbands, so they decide to become Private Investigators on their own.

There is a mystery within the complex and both sides must merge and rediscover each other's strengths to solve it. This series never lets you down. Hopefully it will be with us for a long time.

[Pam Masters · Rating 3 out of 5]

For a book who's characters are all in their 70s and over, I didn't feel this was a terrible read for someone under 40 (me that is ;)).

This is an easy read, perfect for the summer or the busy days, when you want to read something that doesn't get too deep. The villain in the end may not be the one you expect. I would love to know more about some of the relationships, but that's what happens when you read a book from the middle of a series.

[DonnaCarol · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy reading books that have quirky fun characters and much humor. Getting Old Can Kill You fit into this category
very welland the mystery was skillfully unravelled.Most of the characters were likeable and fun to get to know. It is delightful to see senior citizens portrayed as vital,active members of Life. You get a real sense of community/family
from this story .

[Linda Appelbaum · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the final book in a series of 7 books about Gladdy Gold and her pals who live in a retirement neighborhood in Florida and get involved in solving crimes. This book's crime was about a woman who committed suicide but framed a long lost friend so it looked as if she did it. Once again Gladdy and her girls solve the case with laughs along the way. Light, easy reading.

[J.W. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay installment in the series. Not the best though. There was no mystery until more than 100 pages in. I've enjoyed Gladdy and the girls so I'm glad I read this latest book but it wasn't as good as some of the previous ones.

[Emilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness! where to start :)
Absolutely loved it, the whole series is just hilarious, the ladies with their quirkiness just priceless.
Someone called Gladdy Gold a "Miss Marple in Yiddish" and I totally agree!!
Funny, fast paced, absolutely wonderfully plotted mystery!!!!

[Lori Noe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, light read. Look forward to reading another one of Rita's books in this series.