First off, whoever chose the narrator should win an award. The narrator, Jenny Funnell, has the perfect voice for this story and got the tone just so. The book itself is a lovely story. Yes there is an interesting mystery to solve. And in this case, the MC is in her 80s and has recently had a leg amputated as a result of an accident but she has just the right combination of perception and tenacity to solve the mystery. At the same time, much of the story is about the MC looking back on her life. A life well-lived, but with her own trauma that she hasn't been able to tell anyone about and which therefore she can't move on from. I really enjoyed this lovely mystery. Thank you to NetGalley for an the advanced audiobook in return for my honest opinion.

The Night in Question is the sweetest and coziest of mysteries from Susan Fletcher. In it, we find an octogenarian who lives in an assisted living community created out of what once was a stately home named Babbington Hall.

Florrie Butterfield needs just a bit of help to get through her day, since she is now in a wheelchair, after losing her leg late in life. Babbington Hall’s vacancy at just the right time was exactly what she needed, that didn’t smell like off soup or boiled cabbage that she had seen in other care homes that she toured.

After moving and settling in, Florrie began to meet and get to know some of the other residents of Babbington Hall, but not those who lived in the upper floors, as they were mainly the memory care residents.

On a couple of late nights when she couldn’t sleep, she thought that she overheard some odd noises, and must have been mistaken over what she Thought that she saw; but who knows if her hearing aids were in, and what her 87 year-old eye actually saw behind her glasses.

When she hears more about the truth of the matters at hand, she needs to confide and discuss what she might have witnessed, but who should she trust?

Will Florrie’s past help her in figuring out what she should do in her immediate future, or will her experiences dissuade her from trusting others?

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape media for this wonderful and adorable audio ARC!!

A gentle, uplifting book. Here Fletcher is interested in the thoughtful reflections, emotion and appreciation of a life well lived and the mystery serves as a devise. A lovely read that will bring a smile to readers.

Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co. and Dreamscape for an audio arc.

I enjoyed this book. I wanted more though. I loved the narrator and her character all around. I loved all of the sleuthing she did. Ending surprised me!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book, even though it wasn't exactly what I expected. The focus of the book seemed like it was more about learning about the interesting life of the main character, rather than solving the mystery. That said, her life was unusual, and I was intrigued to discover her unique history. The way she unraveled the actual mystery was very clever. Both facets of the book were handled very well with great character development. The narrator did a great job with this book. It was very easy to follow what was happening and who was speaking, etc. I highly recommend this book and think it would make a wonderful choice for a book group discussion.

Susan Fletcher's "The Night in Question" is a beautifully written, character-driven novel that delves deep into the life and memories of Florrie Butterfield, an eighty-seven-year-old resident of Babbington Hall. Although marketed as a mystery, the book is more a contemplative exploration of aging, self-forgiveness, and the unexpected turns life can take, even in its twilight years.

Fletcher’s prose is lyrical and evocative, painting a vivid picture of Florrie’s world and the accident that shatters the tranquility of her residence. The story unfolds slowly, with a deliberate pace that allows readers to fully immerse themselves in Florrie’s introspections and the gradual unraveling of her past secrets. This slow burn may challenge those looking for a quick, suspense-filled mystery, but it rewards patient readers with rich, emotional depth.

The novel’s length might feel daunting, and the pacing could be perceived as sluggish, but Fletcher’s skillful character development and the poignant themes of love, regret, and redemption keep the narrative engaging. Florrie's journey to uncover the truth about the accident and confront her own dark past is both moving and thought-provoking.

"The Night in Question" shines in its portrayal of late-life adventures and the idea that it’s never too late to pursue dreams or find love. Florrie’s relationship with her new friend Stanhope adds a heartwarming dimension, emphasizing the novel’s core message of hope and renewal.

For readers seeking a profound, introspective read rather than a traditional mystery, Susan Fletcher’s novel offers a deeply satisfying experience.

TRUE CONFESSION:
I am an impatient reader.

And this impatient reader lost patience listening to a "lyrical and emotionally engaging novel" about an "accident" in an adult residence, love, friendship, and the power of forgiveness.

WHY DID I LOSE PATIENCE?
The pacing was waaaay too S-L-O-W!

Yes, "The Night in Question" was well-written and received glowing reviews from other GR members.

I listened to the audiobook read by Jenny Funnel, one of my favorite narrators.

Even though the book was well-written with a fabulous narrator, I lost patience early on; making it very tough to pass the finish line.

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Florence Butterfield at 87 and recently bereaved of one of her legs is not a woman to sit back in God's waiting room watching telly all day, although she is currently in an old people's home. When one of the fellow residents dies under what Florrie feels are suspicious circumstances, she is determined to investigate! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC/audiobook which was very enjoyable and well read.

PS The only reason I didn't like the cover is it doesn't look like 'night'.