Too Old for This by Samantha Downing

Title: Too Old for This

Author: Samantha Downing

Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group

Release Date: August 12, 2025

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…

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As a fan of Samantha Downing's books, I couldn't skip this one.

Lottie Jones is a retired serial killer. She committed numerous murders in Spokane, but with no evidence to convict her, she changed her name and relocated to a small town in Oregon.

For years, she has lived a quiet life, attending church on Sundays and playing weekly bingo, where she rarely wins. Her tranquil existence is disrupted when investigative reporter Plum Dixon knocks on her door. Lottie, who dislikes surprises and uninvited guests, is displeased but conceals her irritation. She offers Plum tea and cookies while contemplating her murder. Unfortunately, one death may not resolve Lottie’s problems when another unexpected visitor arrives.

Too Old for This was exactly what I needed. Lottie is a witty, smart, resourceful, and devious character who continually amazed me throughout the book.

I’m not sure what it says about me that I root for a serial killer in some fictional stories, particularly those like Dexter. Without delving too deeply into self-analysis, I can say that Lottie Jones joins my list of characters I hope survive and evade capture.

Cliffhanger: No

4.5/5 Fangs

A complimentary copy was provided by Berkley Publishing Group via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.