After spending decades in prison for serial murder, Carol is thrilled to trade her tiny cell for a spot in Sheldon Oaks, a luxury retirement home where she plans to make friends, take up baking, and leave the killing behind. That plan falls apart fast when a fellow resident, a former police commissioner, drops dead and Carol’s true identity leaks to the entire community. Suddenly everyone at Sheldon Oaks thinks the answer is obvious, but Carol is determined to prove them wrong without adding to her body count.
I love a sassy senior, and this book is absolutely packed with them. What makes this one stand out is that you get both the octogenarian amateur sleuth trope AND the reformed killer trope in the same character. Carol is a former serial killer trying to prove she didn’t commit this particular murder, and the comedy writes itself. The humor is sharp, the pacing is quick, and for a shorter book it packs a surprising amount of genuine character development.
Carol’s growth throughout the story really got me. Watching a woman who spent decades behind bars learn to form real friendships, navigate trust, and actually care about people gives the book this unexpected emotional layer underneath all the comedy. The relationships she builds with the other residents are quirky and warm and I found myself invested in all of them.
The mystery itself is solid and I need to talk about the ending without spoiling it. I TOTALLY did not see it coming. It perfectly it fits with the rest of the story. It blindsided me in the best way and tied everything together in a way that felt earned and satisfying.
If you’re trying to decide between this one and The Autumn Springs Retirement Home, go with this one. I found it much easier to connect with the characters here and the premise is more original. Very much in the vein of The Thursday Murder Club, if you loved that, you’ll love this. Sassy seniors solving crimes with sharp wit and zero patience for nonsense. Hand this to your mom for Mother’s Day and she’ll thank you.
AMAZON | GOODREADS | BOOKSHOP | ★★★★
I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home is out now. Thank you to Berkley for my advanced copies in exchange for my review. If you liked this review, please let me know either by commenting below or by visiting my Instagram @speakingof.books.
