I have read all of this author’s books and was eagerly anticipating this one. It did NOT disappoint!! I love the title and the cover and the plot is brilliant. Diabolical and twisted, I never knew what Lottie would do next. I found myself rooting for her and at the same time, being disgusted by her actions. I can’t wait for others to experience this fantastic book!!

Wowwwww! I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was already a huge fan of Samantha downing but the moment I saw the cover of this book and read what it was about, I knew immediately I needed to read it as soon as I possibly could. I may have screamed in excitement when I was approved to! I immediately picked it up and finished within a day. Very fast paced book, short chapters, absolutely 10000% recommend. Thank YOU

I’ve always loved books about senior citizens solving crimes and it just so happens, I now love books about senior citizens committing crimes. In Lottie’s defense, multiple people showing up at my house unannounced would send me into a murderous rage as well. Lottie’s not as spry as she used to be though, so she doesn’t want to kill anymore, but that’s impossible when one of the uninvited guests is a nosy documentarist who’s come to dig up long buried secrets. On top of having to kill again, Lottie has other stress to contend with like her son marrying a woman named after a horse, figuring out how to convincingly fake her own death on camera, and the stark reality that aging can feel like suffering under a sad invisibility cloak. From chainsaws and potlucks to blackmail and bingo, plus a lot of murder. There’s a finger in the freezer, which sounds very Freida, but it’s done more tastefully here for lack of a better way to put it. What temperature and texture must a severed finger be to unlock an iPhone? Tune in to find out!

This book is a hoot. Meet elderly Lottie Jones, mother, friend, bingo player, church goer, and oh yes, murderer. Lottie was never charged and that’s long been behind her until a young woman comes to the house wanting to do a docuseries on Lottie and the accusations.
Murder can be fun with a very likable character you can’t help but root for.

This was a wonderful thriller; a different feel than most of the genre. I really enjoyed the fact that although the character was a murderess, she was somehow noneneless likeable. She was a well-defined character, making her actions, while not ethical, somewhat understandable. Will definitely recommend.

How dark do you take your humor?

I am 100% serious. I have never felt so bad for LAUGHING at a book in my life. I kept imagining Lottie Jones as my own grandmother pulling off these murders and it was endlessly amusing to me. This is absolutely meant as a compliment, because I had a lot of fun reading this book.

I don’t read a lot of thrillers or mysteries outside of the cozy genre, so I wasn’t sure what I would think of “Too Old For This.” But where the protagonist is an elderly woman who is trying to hide the crimes of her past by committing MORE crimes and just how matter-of-fact she is about the whole thing - how can you not love the premise? Even if it means a psychiatrist would have more than a few things to say about that… 🤔

Now, there were some things that if I stopped to think about it too much, the plot would fall apart. But they were minor quibbles I had and, again, don’t think about it too much. More than anything, I simply wanted to see if she would get away with everything, how the story would progress, and what the fallout would be.

Top marks, everyone. One of the best of the year! I do not say that lightly.

A retired serial killer’s quiet life is upended by an unexpected visitor. To protect her secret, there’s only one option left—what’s another murder?

This book was FANTASTIC! What is there to say about Lottie? She’s sly, witty, smart, dangerous. Everything you look for in a lady in her seventies! I couldn’t put this book down- I was so entertained! I will now be even more aware of who is knocking on my door! An extremely well plotted and clever read, I will absolutely be recommending this book!

Also- that cover! Wow!

FANTABULOUS!!! Thank you NetGalley, Samantha Downing, and Berkley Publishing Group for granting me access to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Wickedly Creepy, Darkly Hilarious and Chilling Clever!!!♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️

Lottie Jones is the kind of sweet old lady you'd never suspect. She is polite, charming, and always ready with tea and cookies. But behind that warm smile? A body count!

Now 75, she's enjoying the quiet life under a new name in Baycliff, Oregon. Her days revolve around playing church bingo, gossiping with the girls, and enjoying potluck meals. It's all very quaint until nosy podcaster Plum Dixon shows up asking far too many questions about Lottie's VERY buried past.

One knock. One slip. One murder. And then...well, you'll see!

This isn't a cozy mystery. Instead it's a deviously fun descent into the mind of a woman who's gotten away with murder for years. She's smart, calculating, and disturbingly good at what she does. You KNOW you shouldn't root for her but you absolutely will!!

How far would you go to protect your secrets?
Is anyone ever truly done with murder?
And why is it so easy to fall in love with a killer?

And can we please talk about that cover and title?? The image of a grandma hiding a hammer behind her back?! It hooked me instantly and the title is perfection!!! I absolutely loved this book so much and will proudly go on my favorites list for 2025!! ALL the stars!!!⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Another winner by Samantha Downing. Lottie is living a pretty mundane life. She has bingo and gossip at her local church. She’s retired from her job, which you’re not so sure what that is , until someone comes to her door and starts snooping around.
This was fun! I love Lottie, lots of attitude and secrets.
Fast paced and good characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for a honest opinion.
4⭐️

Thanks to NetGalley for the free eARC. I requested this one because I loved For Your Own Good, and it kind of seemed like a unique spin on your typical “cozy mystery”. Here, instead of the old woman being a Miss Marple-type detective…she’s a serial killer.

Lottie Jones has killed quite a few people. And she’s gotten away with it. She managed to outsmart the police, change her name, and move away to protect her identity (and her son). But then she’s contacted by a documentarian who wants to interview her. The woman claims to be working on a documentary all about people who were wrongfully accused of horrible crimes, and how the fallout affected their lives. In addition to being horrified that Plum found her at all, Lottie is understandably not interested in talking about her past. So she…takes matters into her own hands. But of course, that’s not the end of her problems.

It’s hard to get more specific without giving too much away, but I really enjoyed this ride. Lottie is surprisingly easy to root for, given that she’s, you know, a serial killer. And while it would strain credulity a bit that she’s able to do all of this…Downing shows the toll it takes on her. She’s not able to just take someone down the way she could in her youth. And the element of surprise frequently works in Lottie’s favor. After all, no one expects a little old lady to whack them with a heavy umbrella.

The other thing I liked is that this isn’t a whodunnit. We aren’t left guessing if Lottie is guilty or not. She’s super guilty, she tells us herself, and she’s also pretty proud of how she got away with everything and tricked the police the first time around. It’s a fun twist on both the “little old lady cozy mystery” trope, and it also gets into the processy side of…being a serial killer. After all, you have to find some way to dispose of the evidence.

I don't know what I was expecting going into this novel but it wasn't this. This was dubious thriller comedy of a serial killer that has hit a...."mature" age. As she pushes her walker along, she's adding to her body pile in quick succession..all with no plan in place and a finger being pointed at her mistakes along the way.

Could I tell you more? perhaps, but then that would take away from what you're going to experience while reading this new novel from Samantha Downing. Which felt like "Thursday Murder Club" type of 'thriller lite' but with the view of the killer.

Some of it was silly, some was gruesome but all I could picture was this little ole woman who just kills and makes tea. Or has to worry about her son's lady drama.

Entertaining as a beach read does. Thriller lite for sure. But with a nonchalance of humour simmering right underneath. I mean, whoever did invite those location apps and why does it add a level of stress to our Lottie's life?!

Too Old For This made me do something I never thought I would: cheer for a serial killer. Lottie was a fantastic character, and the way she transitioned seamlessly between murder and the mundanity of life was fun. I will definitely keep an eye out for more books by Samantha Downing.
This advance copy was provided by the publisher and Netgalley. My opinions are honestly and freely given.

Getting old isn't for sissies. Apparently it is also difficult for serial killers.

Lottie Jones is an elderly retired serial killer.

When she decided to go straight, she changed her identity and moved to a small town - to live a small life. A life where not a single soul knew about her past. That is exactly what happened and she lived there peacefully with her son for decades.

That peace she enjoys is shattered when an investigative journalist knocks on her door and says she is working on a documentary. Lottie can't allow that to happen.

What happens next sets the stage for an exceptional tale filled with both horror and hilarity.

Sure, there are moments where the story is extremely serious, but author Samantha Downing somehow made even those scenes humorous.

Lottie and her two best senior citizen friends play bingo at the church every week. That seems to be the extent of her recreational activities. The author writes about the aches and pains of aging and how they make it so much more difficult for her to get rid of a body than when Lottie was young and actively murdering her victims.

There are so many social themes touched upon in this book that it makes the story feel entirely plausible.

If you like elderly people with snark, believable characters and a mystery that you can't put down, TOO OLD FOR THIS should be at the top of your tbr (to be read) list.

Lottie is my absolute favorite senior citizen character I have encountered in a very long time.

TOO OLD FOR THIS is the first book I have read by author Samantha Downing, but it will not be my last. She has a flair for drama, humor and for creating a tale that comes across as so absurd that it feels real, as do her characters.

I rate TOO OLD FOR THIS as 4 out of 5 Stars ☆☆☆☆

I am excited to read whatever Samantha Downing writes next.

Thank you to #NetGalley for providing me with a free advance review copy of this upcoming book which is set for release on August 12th, 2025.

I have loved all of Samantha Downing’s previous books because they are all just twisted, creative, and absolutely bingeworthy with her latest being no different!

This particular story follows the life of a “retired” serial killer, Lottie Jones, who was found not guilty decades ago. Now she’s just an elderly lady who just likes playing bingo at her local church and gossiping with her friends. But when a young woman who knows about her past comes knocking on her door asking to make a documentary, it forces Lottie’s hand it she finds herself doing what it takes to cover her secrets, even if that includes going back to killing.

This book reads super quickly because the chapters are so short that it’s very easy to get engaged with and not put down. As for Lottie herself, while yes, she is a serial killer, I felt myself actually rooting for her to pull things off! Yes it sounds kind of twisted, but I feel like that’s what this author excels at —creating some morally grey villains you can't help but love!

There was also a bit of a cat and mouse like element to it too once things from Lottie’s past really started to manifest in the present. However things were done so cleverly that it did feel like a game unfolding and I was always curious to see what other tricks Lottie had up her sleeve.

Overall I would say I was pretty satisfied with how everything wrapped up in the end and I cannot wait for others to eventually get their hands on this one once it hits shelves this summer!

A humorous take on the challenges faced as an elderly, female serial killer's past drags her out of retirement body after body after body. How will this vicious spiral end? The main character manages to be simultaneously likeable and despicable. Not a book for squeamish readers.

I thought I had it all figured out: a retired serial killer living out her golden years in a quiet town, indulging in bingo and tea with friends. But Samantha Downing had other plans. Downing masterfully weaves tension and dark humor, creating a protagonist who is as chilling as she is captivating. Lottie's internal dialogue is sharp, witty, and occasionally unsettling, making her both relatable.. and a bit terrifying.

The pacing is relentless with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. While the premise might seem familiar, Downing's execution is anything but ordinary. The exploration of aging, memory, and the lengths one will go to protect a secret adds depth to the narrative. If you're a fan of morally ambiguous characters and thrillers that blend suspense with dark comedy, Too Old for This is a must-read! Thank you, NetGalley!

When I saw the description, I was wondering if this would veer more towards the spoofy side but that didn’t happen. This is exactly how I would picture a serial killer who is getting up there, to be. I wanted Lottie to win, to get away with everything and it’s some real talent to make me root for a killer. I felt her pain, physically and mentally. This was fast paced and completely engaging. Downing has a deft wit and I really, really enjoyed this. She is an auto-read author for me! Thank you , @berkleypub for my gifted e-copy!

Too Old for This by Samantha Downing is an absolute adrenaline rush from start to finish. If you’re craving a book that combines dark humor, clever plotting, and twists you’ll never see coming, then look no further — this novel delivers all that and more. The story kicks off with Mac Elliott, a retired hitman who’s decided to swap the deadly profession for a quieter life. But retirement isn’t as peaceful as he hoped. When his wife, Lori, pushes him to finally settle down and get serious about their future, Mac’s attempts at a normal life quickly spiral into chaos. Enter their daughter, Paige, a rebellious teenager who’s got her own secrets, and their quirky neighbor, Ned, whose odd behavior hides a dangerous secret. Things take a thrilling turn when Mac’s past suddenly comes crashing back in the form of an old rival eager for revenge. As threats mount and secrets unravel, Mac is forced to confront whether he can really leave his dark past behind—or if it will drag him back into the shadows. The tension doubles when family secrets emerge, alliances shift unpredictably, and Mac’s own moral compass is pushed to its limits. Downing masterfully weaves humor into the chaos — there are hilarious moments of Mac trying (and failing) to fit into suburban life, contrasted sharply by intense scenes of danger that keep your heart pounding. The characters are richly developed, especially Mac, whose dry wit and rugged charm make him impossible not to root for, even as he navigates some truly perilous situations. What sets this novel apart is how it challenges the notion of “too old for this.” Mac might be seasoned in the art of survival, but he's still learning how to handle love, family, and the ghosts of his past. The plot is packed with clever twists, and the ending left me breathless — I couldn’t put it down! If you love thrillers that serve up surprises, laugh-out-loud moments, and complex characters battling their own demons, Too Old for This is a must-read. Samantha Downing has once again proven why she’s a queen of suspense — don’t miss this electrifying ride!

I hesitate to call a book about a serial killer light-hearted, but TOO OLD FOR THIS is exactly that: a cheeky, wildly entertaining read with a body count.

Lottie Jones thought her days as a (suspected, never convicted) serial killer were long behind her. These days, she plays church bingo by day and keeps her decades-old secrets buried deep. That is, until a nosy investigative journalist threatens to dig them up. Lottie handles it the only way she knows how: swiftly and unapologetically.

I couldn’t get enough of Lottie. She’s like your unfiltered great-aunt with a dark past and a sharper knife. This is a devilishly clever story with a spirited kick, perfect for readers who like their mysteries with bite and dark humor.

READ THIS IF YOU:
👵 Have ever muttered, “I’m too old for this…”
🖤 Loved For Your Own Good by Samantha Downing
🔪 Crave a Miss Marple type… but with a don’t ask about 1986 energy

RATING: 4.5/5 (rounded up to 5 stars)
PUB DATE: August 12, 2025

Many thanks to Berkley and Netgalley for an electronic ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Publishes August 12th and follows a retired serial killer named Lottie who has changed her name and moved on until one day she unintentionally becomes entangled into the life she thought she put behind her.

I ate this up. Think Vera Wong meets Dexter. Lottie is a diabolical menace of a character that simultaneously charms and is impossible not to root for.

This book while blood filled is also darkly humorous and somehow delightful. It was gripping, absurd in a fun way, and I could binge an 8 book series following Lottie easily.

I’m obsessed, I have no notes. If you like diabolical FMCs, serial killers, twisty, fun, bloody thrillers then this is for you!