Pages: 385
My rating: 4.5/5!
Find it at: Amazon
Book Blurb:
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? From bestselling author Samantha Downing.
Lottie Jones thought her crimes were behind her.
Decades earlier, she changed her identity and tucked herself away in a small town. Her most exciting nights are the weekly bingo games at the local church and gossiping with her friends.
When investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past and specifically her involvement with numerous unsolved cases, well, Lottie just can’t have that.
But getting away with murder is hard enough when you’re young. And when Lottie receives another annoying knock on the door, she realizes this crime might just be the death of her…
My Thoughts
The title and cover sold this to me - a woman criminal who’s in retirement, her past is murky and unclear, when someone starts digging and threatens exposure, she has no choice but to go into survival mode. What’s not intriguing about this? I’m so glad we made this our book pick of the month in our local book club - this was not only a very interesting and unique read, but also quite funny. It’s not every thriller you feel like you want to protect the criminal and do not wish them get caught. 🫠
Writing style: 10/10! It’s engaging, keeps you hooked, neither too heavy nor boring. Most importantly, readers are able to connect with the most unrelatable character- the perpetrator! The monologue and narration is witty and enjoyable. There was never a dull moment. While the story itself moves between the present and has slow reveals about Lottie’s past, it is integrated into the narrative and does not feel like there’s a lot of back and forth that can get confusing. This is a book anyone can enjoy over a weekend, but will stay in your mind for a very long time. Loved it!
Storyline and plot: So unique, underrated and a completely different perspective to what we’re used to in the world of thrillers. You’re not creeped out by this 70 something old lady swinging hammers around and cleaning up messes like you wouldn’t believe. Instead you’re intrigued, praying she gets away with it, even feeling pity for her old age, deteriorating house, loneliness from family, and everything in between. How often does that even happen??? Never in my years of reading thrillers, I can tell you that. Sure, there were some plot holes and stuff made to seem easier than it really could be, but it’s easily overlooked because the book is just so fun.
Characterization: Nearly perfect! There aren’t a lot many characters in this one. The story mainly revolves around Lottie, with other characters more so the supporting ones, even the detective from 40 years ago who always knew she was guilty and got away with murder. All her current friends from church, her son and his soon-to-be-bride, the journalist, the cops and everyone in between- all relatable and playing their roles without overthrowing the spotlight from the main character, the anti-heroine Lottie Jones. More than anything, Lottie is hilarious and weirdly relatable. She had made me more aware of old people and I can now definitely look at them with a lot mote grace, respect and uncertainty about what they could have been up to in their past (or if they have just buried a body last week!). Goodness!
Themes: The biggest one is obviously ageing, and also how it defines identity. Identity is not something we can simply outgrow due to age. The book explores the idea of changing and adapting with age, challenging stereotypes in a light-hearted way. Can you really escape your past? Actions lead to consequences, some time or the other.
Another that stood out was reliability. Lottie is amazing but she’s old, her body and mind is constantly at odds with what she feels she should be able to do, and sometimes she is forced to admit that she is not the same. Sometimes she forgets and makes mistakes. This played with my mind in the way I perceived the story, sometimes stopping to assess if what she says/does is reliable or not.
Then, as with any crime, there’s morality and self-justification, and even control and survival. If Lottie didn’t try to control the narrative she would probably be toast. Survival instincts led her to questionable actions, and we often find Lottie justifying those actions.
Overall Verdict: Most definitely recommend to everyone! I think this is a thriller all kinds of readers can enjoy. It is not heavy or confusing, yet engaging and twisted enough to keep you happy. 😊
If you’re interested, get a copy from Amazon! Samantha Downing has other bestselling books including My Lovely Wife.
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