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Too Old for This

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Too Old for This

By: Samantha Downing
Narrated by: Elizabeth Wiley
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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

It's never too late to teach an old woman new murders...a razor-sharp, edge-of-your-seat thriller from Sunday Times bestseller Samantha Downing!

You’d never guess Lottie Jones had skeletons in her closet.

She’s lived in town for decades now. She’s getting older. She lives for the simple pleasures of weekly bingo games at church, and gossiping with her friends about their children’s love lives.

But when investigative journalist Plum Dixon shows up on her doorstep asking questions about Lottie’s past, and specifically about her connection to numerous unsolved murders, 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 realises this crime might just be the death of her…

© Samantha Downing 2025 (P) Penguin Audio 2025

 Crime Crime Thrillers Dark Humour Domestic Thrillers Literature & Fiction Psychological Suspense Thriller & Suspense Murder Cold Case

Critic Reviews

Samantha Downing's signature dark humour is cranked up to one hundred in TOO OLD FOR THIS, a whip smart story about a geriatric serial killer who simply wants to settle down. Walker-wielding Lottie Jones is as twisted as they come, and I, for one, will never underestimate the elderly again. (Stacy Willingham, New York Times bestselling author of A Flicker in the Dark)
This riveting story unfolds with heart-pounding suspense, showcasing Downing’s masterful storytelling from start to finish. (Liv Constantine, New York Times Bestselling author of The Next Mrs. Parrish)
Deliciously dark and utterly addictive, this is a super-smart thrill ride with a lot to say about the way women are treated as they age and one of the most wickedly witty anti-heroines of all time! Brilliant! (Ellery Lloyd, New York Times bestselling author of The Club)
Samantha Downing is one of the most daring and original thriller writers in the business. She hits another home run with Too Old for This, one of the twistiest thrillers in years and featuring as unique and intriguing a protagonist (or villain?) as you’ll ever meet. Combining tension with heartbreak and laugh-out-loud wit, Too Old for This is a fast and thoroughly satisfying read. (David Ellis, New York Times bestselling author of Look Closer)
Twisty, clever, and wildly entertaining…delivers a Bingo-playing, retired serial killer who just might be the most compelling anti-heroine you've ever read. Samantha Downing is at her diabolical best in this darkly comedic thriller. (Darby Kane, author of Pretty Little Wife)
Nerve-jangling, all-consuming, and yes, even laugh out loud… the most entertaining thriller of the year. Once again, Downing has outdone herself with this smart, twisted, and downright sinister read. (Heather Gudenkauf, New York Times bestselling author of The Overnight Guest)
Only the incredible Samantha Downing could create such a riveting, propulsive twisty and surprising and laugh out loud mordantly witty and inventive story! Fans of Richard Osman will howl with laughter and clamour to read this brilliant and yet heartbreaking take on a serial killer. (Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author of One Wrong Word)
Downing delivers once again with her signature wit and impeccable pacing. Don’t bother trying to put this book down—give in and let it take you on one hell of a ride! (Hannah Mary McKinnon, author of Only One Survives)
So this is what Samantha Downing does best: makes the reader cheer for murderous women. Too Old for This is twisty, funny and downright dastardly - and I loved turning every single page to see just how far Lottie Jones would go. An incredible read! (Rachel Howzell Hall, New York Times bestselling author of The Last One)
All stars
Most relevant
Wanted to love this, but ends up being a cosy mystery where the protagonist is never really challenged

So many missed opportunities

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I was so excited for this book, especially after reading goodread reviews! Did they read a different book? The concept was fun and there were some engaging sections, but I had to force myself to finish, there were no big plot twists and no real resolution in the end. I finished it and was thought 'meh.' Not for me, I'm just sad I paid for it!

Not a fan

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I really enjoyed the rhythm of this one! Despite not bringing completely original the author has managed to write a first person narrative that feels fresh, engaging & in a miraculous manner, made a serial killer likeable.

The narrator couldn’t be more perfect for the character — absolutely superb narration from start to finish.

An interesting perspective

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