I'm reviewing this via NetGalley, as part of a tour with Rachel's Random Resources.

I chose this book, because I thought it just sounded like fun, and on first impressions, there was something about Gina's general spirit that made me smile, something about her that I admired. It seemed that she was going through a tough time, but handled it very well. I thought Dorothy was a very funny character too, and some of her interactions with the other characters made me smile. The characters felt quite relatable and real to me.

A few chapters in, I realised there was an additional element to the story that I found interesting, and that motivated me to keep reading.

This had the cosy, feel-good quality that I was hoping for, I found the tone of the writing was warm and lighthearted, and it sparked joy to read it.

Thank you to Rachel's Random Resources, NetGalley, Boldwood Books, and to the author, for the opportunity to read and review this.

I absolutely adored this book. This was my first by Galley and it most certainly won’t be my last.

Told in alternating chapters between octogenarian Dot and her 71 year old recently hired companion, Gina, this was a funny, warm and mysterious story. Do not let the charming cover fool you into thinking this is only light and fluffy–at its core, this is a strong mystery set in an English manor house. Galley isn’t afraid to tackle tough topics like divorce, grief and moving forward and she balances all that with such heart.

The setting was so vivid I felt like I was right there with Dot and Gina, surrounded by an eclectic art collection and wondering who I could trust. I simply loved this five star read. Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club series.

I first discovered Kate and her amazing books when I had the good fortune to pick up one of her earlier books. I enjoyed it so much that I have been impatiently waiting for her new book to be released. Well ladies and gents the wait is over because Kate's new book is called 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' and it was released on 13th May 2024. It's another cracker of a story from Kate. I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' but more about that in a bit.

As soon as I started reading 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' I quickly realised three things - firstly that I was reading something special, secondly that I was going to become addicted to the story and thirdly that I would take to the main characters of Dot and Gina so well that I would come to think of them as being friends rather than characters in a book. I was spot on with all three predictions. I had initially picked the book up only intending to read a couple of chapters but I became so immersed in the story that I was still sat there reading several chapters and a couple of hours later. My Kindle wasn't exactly glued to my hand but it might as well have done because it travelled everywhere with me. I couldn't bear to miss a single second of the story. Besides I needed to find out how the story panned out for Dot and Gina. The more of the book that I read, the more I wanted to read and the quicker the pages seemed to turn. I was so wrapped up in the story and in the lives of the characters that I didn't realise just how quickly the time was passing and how quickly I was getting through the book. All too quickly I reached the end of 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' and had to say goodbye to Gina, Dot and the rest of the characters. I found 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' to be a joy to read from start to finish with lots of laughs, love and uplifting moments.

'Old Girls Behaving Badly' is superbly written but then I have come to expect nothing less from Kate Galley. Kate has one of those writing styles that grabs the attention of the reader and draws them into what proves to be one hell of a story and then some. Kate clearly cares about her characters and this shines through in the very vivid and realistic way in which she describes them. She makes her characters seem just as real as you and I. In fact Dot and Gina ended up feeling more like friends than characters in a story. I could just imagine sitting down with both ladies and putting the world to rights over a cup of tea. Both ladies show that just because you reach a certain age, the fun doesn't have to stop. there. This was a funny and uplifting story which made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I love the way in which Kate makes the reader feel as though they are part of the story and at the heart of the action.

In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'Old Girls Behaving Badly' and I wholeheartedly recommend this book to other readers. I hope to read much more of Kate's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.

I read this book so fast and loved every minute of it! I will be recommending this for purchase to be placed into circulation at my library! What a great read!

Well.... this book was a hard read at the start for me...
My marriage has suddenly come to an end so reading this in the first few pages, really struck a chord with me.
Once I got over that and the descriptions of how she was feeling and what was said, I really enjoyed the story.
It made me laugh quite a lot and Dorothy is such a brilliant, fiesty character that I could chat to her all day but wouldn't want to get on her wrong side!!
Overall, a brilliant, comical and emotional story that I would recommend
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion

First, I want to thank Kate Galley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.

Oh I knew this was going to be a fun easy read when I saw the title of Kate Galley’s book Old Girls Behaving Badly! I had never read anything by Kate Galley before so I was not sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised.

The beginning of this book was very unique as it was a help wanted ad for a caregiver for a week at a wedding. That instantly caught my attention and made me want to read on.

I loved and appreciated how Gina accepted her son Chris’s sexuality and his marriage to Gavin. Unlike his father Douglas who couldn’t comprehend the concept of love is love.

Speaking of Douglas he was totally shady on the way he broke off his marriage to Gina. He was not one of my favorite characters.

Within Old Girls Behaving Badly a mystery was to be solved of where Dorothy’s late husband's painting went.

I love novels that talks about women who have a lot of zest for life or are able to move on and change their life.
As it happens when you’re over the big 5 there’s fun but there’s also sadness and you’re aware that you’re lively and having fun but you’re not young.
As someone said I earn all my wrinkles.
Gina is a woman who is affected by a former husband who’s suffering from over-big-5-crisis, this means she must start again and find a job.
She becomes the companion of Dorothy, a 89 years old with plenty of stamina. Dorothy’s family are convinced she needs a sort of nurse to assist her. Dorothy wants someone to help her in finding a painting that disappeared.
There’s a lot of fun and there’s some poignant moments. I laughed, rooted for the ladies and was moved by some parts.
It’s a life affirming and compelling read that makes think about how it is possible to live at full speed regardless of your age but it’s also a moment when people can see you as a nuisance.
I loved these ladies, and their stories kept me turning pages as it’s well plotted and well written.
Good night, Gina and Dorothy, I was happy to meet you.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for this digital copy, all opinions are mine.

What a lovely story of two more mature ladies and the mischief they get up to together.. I don’t usually read the ‘cosy mystery’ genre but this book was the exception. A heartwarming story that was a joy to read. I will definitely look to read more by this author.

Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley is an amusing, yet poignant story of two older women: one, 71 and the other, 89. Dorothy, at 89, has recently lost her husband. Their house got burglarized and he chased the burglar, fell, hit his head, and was dead in a week. Dorothy believes she knows who the perpetrator is and when Gina interviews for a job as her companion, she reverses her opinion regarding her need for a companion and hires her on the spot. They are to attend the week-long wedding celebration for her grandson. The wedding is being held at the home of Leonard, the bride’s uncle and the man Dorothy believes is responsible for the theft of her husband’s painting and ultimately, his death. It is a week of Gina observing another family while looking for the painting. It helps start to put her life into perspective.

Gina is a feisty 72 year old who has just been informed by her husband of 43 years that he needs some excitement in his life and is leaving. She was taken aback but is now regaining her strength. She is clever and determined. She worked, before in marriage, in the art world and is still knowledgeable. She has to be convinced to be a sleuth but once she meets Leonard she sees the need to stop him. She finds the painting, but not because she is a great sleuth, but rather because she is friendly and open to others, netting her more information that all of her sneaking around. Dorothy is amazing for 89. Meeting Gina has convinced her she has plenty more life to life and she intends to do just that. Both are wonderful, thoughtful characters whom one wishes they knew. The plot, searching for the missing painting is excellent, but it is so much more. For one, many other stolen objects were discovered. For another, there was much blackmail going one and people stood up and took responsibility. It was a fabulous read. Thanks, Kate Galley!

I was invited to read Old Girls Behaving Badly by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateGalley #OldGirlsBehavingBadly

cute and cozy

This is the first book I have read by Ms Galley and, probably, the first of the 'cozy' genre. I definitely enjoyed it, being of an age with our heroine. There's mystery, a wedding, relatives with their foibles, husbands with THEIR foibles, a lovely estate in England; what's not to love!

Thank you to the publisher who lent me an e-arc via Netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

After her husband of forty-three years leaves seventy-one-year-old Georgina “Gina” Knight to “find himself,” she is forced to rethink her plans for the future. With her adult children well settled in their own lives and the family home about to be sold, Gina not only needs to find a place to live but also a means to supplement her income after splitting the proceeds from the impending sale. When she sees an advertisement for a Companion to an elderly lady for a well-paying week-long assignment that would require her to accompany the family to Norfolk for a family wedding, she is quick to apply for the position.

Eighty-nine-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Reed isn’t too keen on having a Companion following her around, but when she meets Gina, whom she instantly likes and shares common interests, she has a change of heart. Unbeknownst to Gina at the time, Dorothy has a hidden agenda – a quest to find the culprit responsible for the theft of a piece of art from her home. She believes that the thief will be a part of her grandson’s wedding being held in the sprawling estate of a family friend (whom Dorothy despises) who also happens to be the bride’s uncle.

The narrative follows Gina and Dorothy as they attempt to locate the stolen painting (along with Dorothy’s thirteen-year-old granddaughter Juliet who convinces them to let her join in their efforts) without making it too obvious – not as easy a task as they had anticipated, with the full schedule of festivities that have been planned and the watchful eyes of their host not to mention having to navigate the rising tensions between members of the wedding party, quite a few of whom have their own secrets to protect.

I thoroughly enjoyed Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley. Heartwarming and humorous with cozy mystery vibes, this was an entertaining read. I loved the descriptions of the lavish estate and Leonard’s home. Both protagonists are interesting characters and I loved their dynamic. I particularly liked Gina’s trajectory and how she emerges from her shell as the narrative progresses. The narrative, shared from the perspectives of Gina and Dorothy, flows well and the characters are well thought out (even the unlikable ones). There is a rather large cast of characters to follow, but this in no way detracts from the overall reading experience. The novel touches upon sensitive issues such as aging, loneliness and grief with compassion. I liked how the author chose to end the story and if I’m not mistaken, the ending indicates that we may get more stories featuring Dot and Gina in the future. If you also enjoy stories that feature mature protagonists who are smart, quick- witted and can hold their own in any situation, you won’t be disappointed.

This was my first Kate Galley novel and I look forward to exploring more of her work.

Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

When women reach a certain age, they find that the life that defined them is no longer there. These women decide they will not sit idly by and wait to die. This book reminds me so much of the movie Secondhand Lions. They have earned the right to live as they wish and if you don't like it.....too bad. 5 easy stars

Kate Galley is a relatively new author for me, but I found this book light-hearted and funny in many places. It is very well written. Thank you for the ARC.

In the book Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley we meet Jena she is 72 and her husband recently left her and announced he wants to sell the family home. Feeling at loose ends Jena decides to apply to be a companion to 89-year-old Dorothy when she gets the job it is to spend the week with Dorothy at her grandson Toby‘s wedding at a palatial estate when she arrives at the wedding venue she barely has her clothes unpacked when Dorothy tells her she really hired her for her artistic expertise because the year before Dorothy and her husband‘s home was broken into in the painting he won in a contest was stolen something Dorothy believes the host of the wedding Lenny is to blame for. To make matters worse in an effort to stop the burglar her husband Phil chased the man tripped and eventually died from his injuries and Dorothy refuses to get over it not until Lenny who she blames gets what he deserves. Jenna initially refuses to do it but soon changes her mind she to head in immediate dislike for their host Lenny. Her and Dorothy are not the only ones not fans of his because eventually he wrecks a quad and the evidence shows someone messed with it in an attempt to kill him. I am really doing a horrible job reviewing this book just know Lenny only gets those he can blackmail to do his bidding in so there are many people who would like to see Lenny get his due but in the end it will be left up to Jenna. This was an awesome book I am already fans of mysteries being solved by elderly people and I must say this is one of the better ones I have read. I love this book everything from the writing to the characters to how it ended if this becomes a series sign me up. I want to thank Boldwood books for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

"OLD GIRLS BEHAVING BADLY" is a delightful exploration of the vibrancy and zest for life found within the older generation. The author's portrayal of friendship and the joy of embracing new experiences is both heartwarming and inspiring. With a refreshing perspective, the narrative proves that age is just a number when it comes to pursuing one's passions. Readers will find themselves immersed in Dorothy and Gina's adventures, eagerly anticipating what the next chapter holds. An uplifting and feel-good read that leaves you with a renewed appreciation for the endless possibilities life offers at any age.

I thought this book was a cute, fun read! It has a serious mystery but isn't heavy or scary, making this a good vacation read. I enjoyed reading a story that focused on older women, and highlighted them as being active, competent, and clever. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for something light that features female characters.

This was a funny, cute quick read. Sometimes a bit far out, but good.

When Gina finds out that her husband's idea of retirement is quite different than what she thinks they've been planning all these year, she is left adrift. No husband, no home. When she signs up to be a companion to an older woman during a family wedding, she has no idea of the mayhem she'll be forced into!

I liked Gina's ability to turn bad into good, and her art history background definitely helped her out. The relationship that grew between Gina and her charge, Dorothy, was sweet. This is a great, light summer read.

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book, but my opinions are my own.

Gina Knight (real name Georgina) has been married to her husband Douglas for over forty years . Expecting they will share their twilight years together when suddenly he drops a bombshell on her. She finds herself needing something to do with her life and most importantly a place to live. Gina applies for a position as companion to octogenarian Dorothy Reed, who likes to be known as Dot. Sounds like a nice and fairly easy job for Gina but Dot wants Gina to do more than be a companion to her she has a specific task for her.

I’ve not read any books by this author but after reading the book blurb I really wanted to read more. It’s a really great read and lately I’ve been enjoying reading more books where the main characters are over the fifty age bracket and showing they can live good fun lives as much as the younger generation. This book made me laugh out loud at times and I enjoyed reading about all the various characters. A very entertaining read that made my heart sing at times.

I absolutely adored this murder mystery. It illustrates that just because you're over 60 doesn't mean you're dead or in your dotage.

Gina is in a spiral - her husband has decided he needs to find himself at the tender age of 70+! He's ran off and left Gina to deal with the fallout - selling their house, finding a new place to live, dealing with their grown kids. I must admit Gina's son is a lot more grown up and empathetic than his sister. She just acted like a spoiled brat!

Her search for a new place to live leads her to Dorothy. Dorothy is a little older and having some mobility issues, but her marbles are intact thank you very much! They are soon fast friends and Gina finds herself invited along to a family wedding as Dot's companion. But the wedding week descends into chaos when the host is found dead.

The alternating points of view really let you empathise with the main characters and how they are perceived by the world around them. Their relationship with the 3rd sleuth was really sweet and just shows that friendships can traverse age.

Leonard was a really easy victim to dislike and pretty mush his entire family was odious! A few of them did try to redeem themselves but it's all a bit little too late.

The twists and turns keep you on your toes and the pacing keeps the story chugging along.

The sarcastic humour, strong elderly characters and strong storyline make this a great murder mystery. There is even a timid chance at a new relationship lying in wait for Gina.

I really hope this is the beginning of a fab series!

Light hearted whodunnit… 🥸

Told from two perspectives, Gina whose life has taken an unexpected change with her husband Douglas announcing in a Dear John style letter, that he needs a break to find himself, then deciding he wants to end his marriage. And 89 year old Dorothy, whose family believe she needs a companion to help her, which she does not agree but reluctantly agrees when Gina applies, with an ulterior motive…

A short light hearted whodunnit style read, keeps you entertained from beginning to end. Not an author I’ve read previously, but will be one to look out for going forward.