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Gladdy Gold #9
Getting Old Will Haunt You
Gladdy Gold and Associates are tasked with proving a deadly fishing accident was more than it appears in this hilarious cozy mystery.
Restless after having no new cases for months and with their partners away on a safari, when a call comes through about a seemingly straightforward case in the Florida Keys, the girls accept the job no questions asked in hope of some excitement. Arriving at their destination they discover the case revolves around a man who’s been killed – speared through the stomach by a marlin as he was taking a selfie. All involved are adamant it was simply a bizarre fishing accident, except for the Wassingers, a dithering couple at risk of losing their family home due to the death. It turns out the reason the Wassingers are convinced of foul play is because they have a witness. Unfortunately for Gladdy and the team, the witness is other-worldly . . .
Restless after having no new cases for months and with their partners away on a safari, when a call comes through about a seemingly straightforward case in the Florida Keys, the girls accept the job no questions asked in hope of some excitement. Arriving at their destination they discover the case revolves around a man who’s been killed – speared through the stomach by a marlin as he was taking a selfie. All involved are adamant it was simply a bizarre fishing accident, except for the Wassingers, a dithering couple at risk of losing their family home due to the death. It turns out the reason the Wassingers are convinced of foul play is because they have a witness. Unfortunately for Gladdy and the team, the witness is other-worldly . . .
- GenresMysteryCozyCozy Mystery
192 pages, Hardcover
Published April 1, 2019
About the author
Rita Lakin
20 books106 followersAfter 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
Series:
* Gladdy Gold
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
January 9, 2020
Gladdy Gold and Associates is back again.
This is the ninth book in Rita Lakin's Gladdy Gold series. For those of you who haven't yet read the series, Gladdy and her Associates (sister, Evvie; friends, Ida, Sophie and Bella; and sometimes Gladdy's husband, ex-cop Jack, and Evvie's husband, Joe) are seniors who happen to be neighbors in a Fort Lauderdale retirement complex. The unlicensed, at this point, "agency" specializes in assisting other seniors with their detecting needs. Their motto, "Never trust anybody under seventy-five."
This outing has Gladdy and gals, sans Ida (more later) and the guys (who are on a safari), traveling (by car!) to the Florida Keys for two reasons... Gladdy has been receiving envelopes postmarked from Key West, inside of which are blank pieces of stationery, and because they are hired to look into a murder. When they get to their destination, however, they find the "murder" has been classified as an accident, a freak accident, but accident nonetheless.
Gladdy's clients, the Wassingers, a couple in their nineties, know their friend -- and lawyer -- Robert Strand was murdered. How? A ghost only they and -- to the ladies' surprise -- Bella can see and talk to witnessed the crime. Strand, who "looked after those who needed help and couldn’t pay the exorbitant prices," was working to keep the couple's house from being taken so they could leave it to the Historical Society. The Wassingers tried to hire other detective agencies, but only Gladdy and Associates accepted. Exasperated, the ladies are ready to head home, but there is something puzzling Gladdy and they decide to investigate even if it's just to confirm the official findings.
Meanwhile Ida, who was ill and couldn't go when the others left, is feeling better and takes on a local case involving her neighbors, Lola and Hy. Hy, the complex's jokester, is missing and his very suspicious and jealous wife, Lola, is frantic. Ida sets out to find Hy -- and, maybe provide a bit of payback for Hy's latest "joke" against the ladies. Since she can't drive, she hires a driver and we're introduced to Julio, a food truck chef. He provides driving services -- in his truck -- when he isn't cooking.
Will the ladies in Key West solve their mystery? Was Robert Strand really murdered as the Wassingers (and the Ghost!) say? Will Ida, whose channeling her inner Columbo -- with raincoat! -- be able to solve her first solo case?
I hemmed and hawed between two and three stars when trying to decide how to rate this since the overall mystery was very good. Even Ida's sub-story, which was solved, but not to a good satisfaction, was fine. The book is better than okay (two stars) because of the basic stories, but I can't say I liked it (three stars). I settled on two and a half, rolled up to three (because GR doesn't do half-stars).
Though I liked the mystery part of the story and the introduction of some lesser characters, I did not really enjoy the book itself. When I first started this series, I really enjoyed it. I read all seven books available at the time and liked them. There were seven years between books 7 and 8. In that time I don't know if the books changed or if I did, but I did not particularly care for book 8, Getting Old Can Hurt You. There was too much squabbling between the main characters, with Gladdy and, to a lesser extent, Evvie becoming the put-upon sane ones of the bunch. The case was good, but most everything surrounding it was just irritating. It's the same with this book, good mysteries -- and I liked the character of Julio, who I'm hoping appears in future entries -- but the constant kvetching, bickering, and eye-rolling had me as exasperated as Gladdy and Evvie when they found their murder witness was a ghost. I don't remember the earlier books being like this (but, I'm not about to go back and check; maybe familiarity breeds contempt).
What I enjoyed:
* Leaving the bickering and endless commentary on the foibles of the "associates" aside, the murder mystery is interesting. Though, I do wish there was more to the investigating and solving of the mystery (really less than a quarter of the book -- maybe even less than an eighth -- is spent investigating). As it was, Gladdy and her associates are successful, but don't really solve the case and didn't do it via any investigative skills.
* The mini lesson we get on the Florida Keys as the ladies drive over "43 bridges" to get to their mystery as well as the mini background we get on Hemingway, who spent time there.
* I liked Ida's sub-story, save for one disgusting thing (see spoiler).
* I liked the very brief interactions with Julio, a kind soul who brings a bit of flavor -- literally and figuratively -- to Ida. I would love to see more of Julio -- maybe the ladies could solve a case for him (though he is not a senior!) or his grandmother. He could even join the bunch as a driver. Having him and his food truck available for stakeouts and surveillance could be fun and funny, especially if the ladies have to help cook or serve, etc. in the course of the story(ies).
What I didn't like:
* As stated, the kvetching and bickering and the descriptions thereof.
* Gladdy, for all her know-how, doesn't figure out the blank pages. You'd think after the first couple she'd try to find out if there was anything written on them she maybe couldn't see??? Anyway, we get an explanation of the letters, but don't really ever find out what they say.
*
Would I recommend the book? Yes, with reservations. Again, the basic story is good. If you can get past the characters' kvetching and bickering, it's a good read, save one item (again, see spoiler). That being said, I will continue reading entries in this series. I've invested in 9 books to date and can only hope it gets better (again).
This is the ninth book in Rita Lakin's Gladdy Gold series. For those of you who haven't yet read the series, Gladdy and her Associates (sister, Evvie; friends, Ida, Sophie and Bella; and sometimes Gladdy's husband, ex-cop Jack, and Evvie's husband, Joe) are seniors who happen to be neighbors in a Fort Lauderdale retirement complex. The unlicensed, at this point, "agency" specializes in assisting other seniors with their detecting needs. Their motto, "Never trust anybody under seventy-five."
This outing has Gladdy and gals, sans Ida (more later) and the guys (who are on a safari), traveling (by car!) to the Florida Keys for two reasons... Gladdy has been receiving envelopes postmarked from Key West, inside of which are blank pieces of stationery, and because they are hired to look into a murder. When they get to their destination, however, they find the "murder" has been classified as an accident, a freak accident, but accident nonetheless.
Gladdy's clients, the Wassingers, a couple in their nineties, know their friend -- and lawyer -- Robert Strand was murdered. How? A ghost only they and -- to the ladies' surprise -- Bella can see and talk to witnessed the crime. Strand, who "looked after those who needed help and couldn’t pay the exorbitant prices," was working to keep the couple's house from being taken so they could leave it to the Historical Society. The Wassingers tried to hire other detective agencies, but only Gladdy and Associates accepted. Exasperated, the ladies are ready to head home, but there is something puzzling Gladdy and they decide to investigate even if it's just to confirm the official findings.
Meanwhile Ida, who was ill and couldn't go when the others left, is feeling better and takes on a local case involving her neighbors, Lola and Hy. Hy, the complex's jokester, is missing and his very suspicious and jealous wife, Lola, is frantic. Ida sets out to find Hy -- and, maybe provide a bit of payback for Hy's latest "joke" against the ladies. Since she can't drive, she hires a driver and we're introduced to Julio, a food truck chef. He provides driving services -- in his truck -- when he isn't cooking.
Will the ladies in Key West solve their mystery? Was Robert Strand really murdered as the Wassingers (and the Ghost!) say? Will Ida, whose channeling her inner Columbo -- with raincoat! -- be able to solve her first solo case?
I hemmed and hawed between two and three stars when trying to decide how to rate this since the overall mystery was very good. Even Ida's sub-story, which was solved, but not to a good satisfaction, was fine. The book is better than okay (two stars) because of the basic stories, but I can't say I liked it (three stars). I settled on two and a half, rolled up to three (because GR doesn't do half-stars).
Though I liked the mystery part of the story and the introduction of some lesser characters, I did not really enjoy the book itself. When I first started this series, I really enjoyed it. I read all seven books available at the time and liked them. There were seven years between books 7 and 8. In that time I don't know if the books changed or if I did, but I did not particularly care for book 8, Getting Old Can Hurt You. There was too much squabbling between the main characters, with Gladdy and, to a lesser extent, Evvie becoming the put-upon sane ones of the bunch. The case was good, but most everything surrounding it was just irritating. It's the same with this book, good mysteries -- and I liked the character of Julio, who I'm hoping appears in future entries -- but the constant kvetching, bickering, and eye-rolling had me as exasperated as Gladdy and Evvie when they found their murder witness was a ghost. I don't remember the earlier books being like this (but, I'm not about to go back and check; maybe familiarity breeds contempt).
What I enjoyed:
* Leaving the bickering and endless commentary on the foibles of the "associates" aside, the murder mystery is interesting. Though, I do wish there was more to the investigating and solving of the mystery (really less than a quarter of the book -- maybe even less than an eighth -- is spent investigating). As it was, Gladdy and her associates are successful, but don't really solve the case and didn't do it via any investigative skills.
* The mini lesson we get on the Florida Keys as the ladies drive over "43 bridges" to get to their mystery as well as the mini background we get on Hemingway, who spent time there.
* I liked Ida's sub-story, save for one disgusting thing (see spoiler).
* I liked the very brief interactions with Julio, a kind soul who brings a bit of flavor -- literally and figuratively -- to Ida. I would love to see more of Julio -- maybe the ladies could solve a case for him (though he is not a senior!) or his grandmother. He could even join the bunch as a driver. Having him and his food truck available for stakeouts and surveillance could be fun and funny, especially if the ladies have to help cook or serve, etc. in the course of the story(ies).
What I didn't like:
* As stated, the kvetching and bickering and the descriptions thereof.
* Gladdy, for all her know-how, doesn't figure out the blank pages. You'd think after the first couple she'd try to find out if there was anything written on them she maybe couldn't see??? Anyway, we get an explanation of the letters, but don't really ever find out what they say.
*
Would I recommend the book? Yes, with reservations. Again, the basic story is good. If you can get past the characters' kvetching and bickering, it's a good read, save one item (again, see spoiler). That being said, I will continue reading entries in this series. I've invested in 9 books to date and can only hope it gets better (again).
September 26, 2021
I don't know what to say about this book other than it should have never been written? First and foremost I am a huge Gladdy Gold fan. I rated all of the other books 5 stars (one 4 stars), so I really like this series. But this book..... It was like it was written by someone completely different....
The premise of the book was already a tad weird. The girls haven't had a case in months and their partners are on a safari. So when a call comes in, they jump at it and go to the Florida Keys. Except for Ida who is sick, and miraculously is better a few hours after the girls left.... Okay, so far not too bad. When the girls arrive, they learn about a man who has been killed, but the police say it is suicide. When the girls visit the Wassingers, who have hired them to figure out who did it as they believe it is murder, they are introduced to Papa...... The Ghost of a very famous someone.
Say what?! Gladdy Gold has never been a paranormal Cozy so this was very out of the blue and didn't fit at all. At first only Bella sees the ghost together with the Wassingers. I don't know..... it was very, very weird and there wasn't much of a story going on.....
Then we jump back and forth to Ida. She has been hired by Lola to find her husband Hy Binder who has suddenly gone missing. Hy has been called to help an old friend who has troubles with her brother. Now this storyline could have been a good one, but...... The moment this brother character breaks into women's homes, go to their bedrooms and ask to sleep with them and/or do 18+ stuff I lost it..... I mean that is not what as Cozy Mystery is about, it is not how the Gladdy Gold series has been. Yeah of course, there have been comments, but always teases you know, now talking full on about 18+ positions! I'm not a prude or anything, but it doesn't belong in this genre. If this is the last book indeed and there will be no new one, I will forget this book ever existed to be honest. With the previous book I already noticed a little difference, when Ida's granddaughter made comments to Gladdy's Husband but it wasn't anywhere near this.
I do recommend the Gladdy Gold Series, mostly book 1-7, but I will absolutely not recommend this book.
The premise of the book was already a tad weird. The girls haven't had a case in months and their partners are on a safari. So when a call comes in, they jump at it and go to the Florida Keys. Except for Ida who is sick, and miraculously is better a few hours after the girls left.... Okay, so far not too bad. When the girls arrive, they learn about a man who has been killed, but the police say it is suicide. When the girls visit the Wassingers, who have hired them to figure out who did it as they believe it is murder, they are introduced to Papa...... The Ghost of a very famous someone.
Say what?! Gladdy Gold has never been a paranormal Cozy so this was very out of the blue and didn't fit at all. At first only Bella sees the ghost together with the Wassingers. I don't know..... it was very, very weird and there wasn't much of a story going on.....
Then we jump back and forth to Ida. She has been hired by Lola to find her husband Hy Binder who has suddenly gone missing. Hy has been called to help an old friend who has troubles with her brother. Now this storyline could have been a good one, but...... The moment this brother character breaks into women's homes, go to their bedrooms and ask to sleep with them and/or do 18+ stuff I lost it..... I mean that is not what as Cozy Mystery is about, it is not how the Gladdy Gold series has been. Yeah of course, there have been comments, but always teases you know, now talking full on about 18+ positions! I'm not a prude or anything, but it doesn't belong in this genre. If this is the last book indeed and there will be no new one, I will forget this book ever existed to be honest. With the previous book I already noticed a little difference, when Ida's granddaughter made comments to Gladdy's Husband but it wasn't anywhere near this.
I do recommend the Gladdy Gold Series, mostly book 1-7, but I will absolutely not recommend this book.
February 13, 2019
Gladdy Gold and friends have a couple. if themes in the book. The men leave the girls alone as they head to Africa on a Safari. Gladdy is offered a job in Key West and Gladdy and Evie and a couple of others drive down to the job. I can is I'll and remains back at the retirement home. So there are a couple of themes in the book. Gladly and the girls find a ghost adding a paranormal theme. They learned information on Hemingway on the trip meanwhile, Hy goes missing and his wife hired Ida to find him.
What do Ida and her group find in Key West? Is Ida successful in her quest?
I had trouble reading this book as the characters did not bound with me. The arguing between the girls bother me and one of the characters in Ida's portion gave the impression that the abuse of women was okay. I had trouble deciding on a rating with this book. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Severn House for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed why own.
What do Ida and her group find in Key West? Is Ida successful in her quest?
I had trouble reading this book as the characters did not bound with me. The arguing between the girls bother me and one of the characters in Ida's portion gave the impression that the abuse of women was okay. I had trouble deciding on a rating with this book. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: Thanks to Severn House for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed why own.
April 2, 2021
I'm afraid Lakin has really jumped the shark with this one. Gladdy Gold, with three of her "associates," head down to Key West to tackle a murder case she's accepted just because they're all bored. (Ida, feeling ill, stayed at home and then took a case involving the disappearance of their most obnoxious neighbor.) They soon find that their clients are the only ones who believe that the dead lawyer was murdered, and they--to put it kindly--are eccentric, basing their belief on the information they received from a ghost (and a very famous one, at that) who lives with them in their decrepit house. By the end, everyone is seeing ghosts, despite their unwillingness to believe.
October 3, 2022
I have been big fan of the "Getting old" series since my daughter got the first book for me as a joke when I turned 40. That was 15 years ago. Ive never missed a release and usually read the book in a day. I love them all. But Im sorry to say.... Im not lovin this one. Im half way thru not sure about finishing it although I will see it out Im in no hurry. Im not sure if it is even Rita herself who wrote it. Its so different. Not because of the introduction a ghost, I got no issues with that but the wording & style is off compared to her norm and the biggie for me is they are rude,disrespectful & mean even to the extremely aged couple. Its not as humorous either. And although Im not the biggest of fans about Ernest Hemingway, they portrayed him disgustingly. I did skip to look ahead to see if anything looked interesting and was shocked.. I WILL NOT REPORT ON THIS "SPOILER" .. And final thought/opinion...Not loving the new cover art.. Sorry... Mayb IF & when I finish it I will reprise this review...
June 22, 2025
I’d actually give this a 3.5, because if a plot line glitch that really bugs me. Ida claims there is No ONE to drive her, but my memory says there was this young guy that was ferrying the crew around in a previous novel…. I think it was a novel or two before this. The gang gets annoyed that someone insists on talking ONLY to Gladdy, and they sign up for classes to become PI’s. Is my memory off?
I enjoyed seeing Ida becoming Colombo. Manny scaring older women to bits infuriated me!
I enjoyed seeing Ida becoming Colombo. Manny scaring older women to bits infuriated me!
December 30, 2019
Loved the characters, mature, well defined; great ensemble. Enjoy imagining how they live in Fort Lauderdale, FL and enjoyed their persistent and brave pursuits in Key West. Have read all the books in the Gladdy Gold series and now can’t wait for the next.
October 2, 2023
Getting Old Will Haunt You (A Gladdy Gold Mystery, 9) by Rita Lakin.
This is just not up to par with this series and I could not finish. Something may have been off with the author. Just not the usual fun.
This is just not up to par with this series and I could not finish. Something may have been off with the author. Just not the usual fun.
September 26, 2020
Feels different than the previous ones for some reason....and not as good. 😔. But still fun and interesting overall.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 21, 2023
1*. Was this really written by Lakin? Total different style than her previous Gold books. So disappointed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 25, 2024
I loved this whole series, except for this book. I know she passed away in 2023 and I'm pretty sure she had some help with writing this one.
January 3, 2019
I didn't care for this as much as some one past. The main storyline didn't interest me at all and the friends argued too much. I did enjoy the secondary plotline with Ida, Hy, julio, etc. Much more fun and enjoyable conclusion
February 20, 2019
Thanks to Severn House and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of Getting Old Will Haunt You by Rita Lakin. I have read every book in the Gladdy Gold series and have enjoyed them all. While this one wasn't my favorite, I did especially enjoy getting to know some of the minor characters more in this book, such as Ida, Hy, and Lois. As always, Gladdy and the girls are involved in a fun mystery to solve. Looking forward to seeing what sort of hi jinx they get caught up in next.
April 4, 2019
Even if it's not the best installment it this series I found it enjoyable and entertaining.
I love the cast of characters and I find them quirky and funny.
The mystery was solid and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC
I love the cast of characters and I find them quirky and funny.
The mystery was solid and it kept me guessing.
I look forward to reading the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews