I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home by Fergus Craig #Review @BerkleyPub @PenguinRandom

I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home
Amateur Sleuths/General Humorous Fiction
Setting – London, England
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Berkley
Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 17, 2026
Print length ‏ : ‎ 272 pages
Hardcover
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8217189052
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F929CHBR
Kindle
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 979-8217189069
ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0F929MP8L
Audiobook
ASIN B0FBHHQG8F

After a decades-long stint in prison, former serial killer Carol is looking to kick back and relax in her new retirement home…until a fellow resident drops dead and Carol has to prove she actually didn’t do it this time….

Carol is delighted to be leaving her tiny prison cell behind to take her place in a luxury retirement home. She’s hoping her past as a serial killer won’t come to light so she can make a few friends and find some murder-free hobbies. But it’s not long before a fellow resident—who happens to be a former police commissioner—drops dead, and Carol’s true identity is leaked—making catching up over daily activities of bingo and baking rather awkward.

Just her luck, Carol soon realizes that the victim wasn’t the only former law enforcement officer at Sheldon Oaks—it’s filled to the brim with former cops, barristers, and government representatives, her newfound friends included. And everyone thinks Carol’s guilt is a no-brainer, but she is ready to prove them dead wrong…without killing anyone, for once.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Serial killer Carol Quinn has been released after 35 years from her tiny prison cell and heads to her new home in a luxurious retirement complex, optimistic about leaving her sordid past behind. Then her plans of meeting new people and making new friends go terribly awry when another resident is murdered, and her secrets are revealed. She finds herself at the top of the suspect list and realizes too late that Sheldon Oaks is what many former police officers, barristers, and government workers now call home. She needs to find the truth, and no matter how much the people around her irritate her, she can’t kill any of them.

As soon as I saw the title, I knew I had to read this book. Senior sleuths and murder clubs are everywhere in books, television, and movies. Setting the story in a senior living complex was a delightful move. The elderly, and especially older women, are underestimated in life. My much older sister has recently moved into an assisted living situation, and while there are no serial killers there that we know of, those ladies there are on the ball, and many love mysteries. They would be all in on a mystery like this to solve.

This is the first book I have read by this author, but his comedic talents shine from the start with the quirky characters he has created, and each scene he places those characters in. Seventy-five-year-old serial killer Carol just wants to live a quiet life, so of course, a body goes sailing past her soon after she arrives. This sets off a clever whodunit to clear her name and find the real killer. She is a smart woman, but doesn’t know whom she can trust. The supporting cast is crazy unique, with their own issues. They are quick to throw her under the bus.

I loved that Mr. Craig turned the cozy mystery on its head with a serial killer protagonist instead of the usual upstanding town resident trying to solve the crime. I enjoyed that the author allowed a woman with a horrific past to have redeeming qualities and that she was able to get some people to help her ferret out the truth. I found the story entertaining as we learned about Carol and other residents of Sheldon Oaks while the investigation continued and clues were followed. While Carol does get a few nervous “friends” to help her, but she draws on her own skills to develop theories for the crime. The scene where all is revealed gave me a good giggle, but there were others where I caught myself laughing out loud.

I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home is a little darker than a typical cozy mystery, but the premise is hilarious. A lead character with a criminal past, unlikely friendships, suspicious happenings, and a murder, all housed in a retirement community where people go to be safe. If you enjoy a well-plotted mystery with a huge dose of comedy, this book would be a great escape for a few hours.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Berkley and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

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About the Author
As well as an author, Fergus is a multi-award-winning actor, comedian, and writer for television. I’m Not The Only Murderer In My Retirement Home is his third novel. He lives in London.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org, and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.