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3.59 AVERAGE
3.59 AVERAGE
I LOVED this book… BUT. A group of elderly acquaintances have made a home together in Agnes Sharp's house where they take care of one another and have agreed to ensure each person lives the life they want in their old age. Most of the group has a background in law enforcement or espionage but fading memory and mobility issues limit the utility of this. The nearby town sees them as somewhat crazy hippies. They are certainly unconventional. Hettie, a fabulous character throughout, is a Tortoise. She plays a key role here and there and the novel opens with her. The novel is quirky in my favorite way. It feels like it could be a cosy as a neighbor and former friend is found shot and Agnes reconnects with the victim's twin for the first time in years. Thrown into the mix is an assisted living/nursing home for the wealthy that is looking for clients. Their pitch is that they will rent out elderly people's homes to pay for their stay at the place. Then, we have the community of nosy villagers, judgmental villagers, local constables, etc.
Once all the characters and the setting is fixed, however, this cosy turns dark. Now, it happens I'm fine with dark, but this is a heads up for those who might be disappointed with that. I liked it very much. I kind of knew whodunnit but in this case, the fact I guessed did not detract from the very well written, well plotted story. It never lost the quirkiness that I loved and I see there is at least one sequel. Translated from German and about an English Village. Who could ask for more?
Once all the characters and the setting is fixed, however, this cosy turns dark. Now, it happens I'm fine with dark, but this is a heads up for those who might be disappointed with that. I liked it very much. I kind of knew whodunnit but in this case, the fact I guessed did not detract from the very well written, well plotted story. It never lost the quirkiness that I loved and I see there is at least one sequel. Translated from German and about an English Village. Who could ask for more?
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
DNF. As well as the book started, the merry band of seniors were just too dull for me to read on.
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was fun! It drags in the middle for a while and I didn’t love the overplay on the character’s forgetfulness, but the ending was sweet. Overall very enjoyable
3.5
I think if I’d read it in print this would have been a three, but as an audiobook it’s definitely a four as I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of it, so I’m gonna give it in between and round up. I really enjoyed the story and the mystery—it’s the second book I read in only a few weeks with an elderly cast of characters and I appreciate how they are their own people with personalities and skills and not just “old” while also not ignoring that they are advanced in age and all the issues this brings to them. I loved the “commune” they have at Sunset Hall, and also the tortoise. I think the story lagged in placed and the mystery didn’t quite stick the landing, but I had fun nonetheless.
I think if I’d read it in print this would have been a three, but as an audiobook it’s definitely a four as I thoroughly enjoyed the reading of it, so I’m gonna give it in between and round up. I really enjoyed the story and the mystery—it’s the second book I read in only a few weeks with an elderly cast of characters and I appreciate how they are their own people with personalities and skills and not just “old” while also not ignoring that they are advanced in age and all the issues this brings to them. I loved the “commune” they have at Sunset Hall, and also the tortoise. I think the story lagged in placed and the mystery didn’t quite stick the landing, but I had fun nonetheless.
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a great premise, but it was hard to follow. I think it’s intended to show what it’s like in the head of someone getting older, but between how confused each of the characters got and the regularly shifting points of view, it was just hard to track. Maybe easier in paper book form?