Too Old for This is engrossing, frequently laugh-out-loud funny, and outrageously entertaining.
Anyone familiar with Samantha Downing’s writing will recognize her signature unique ability to create tangled thrillers populated with pathologically twisted protagonists and supporting characters who bring dimension and depth to the story.
With Too Old for This, Downing exceeds her earlier efforts. She tells a creative story in an inventive, absorbing way. In thehands of a less skilled writer, the book could have been just a ho-hum mystery or campy crime fiction. But Downing’s skillful construction of Lottie’s narrative and restraint make it an outstanding and thought-provoking thriller, and a poignant meditation on aging.
Mixed feelings. As a woman of a “certain age”, I would not have had the physical abilities required to complete Lottie’s crimes. Lots of unrealistic scenarios. That said, I laughed at the absurdity of it all. I certainly wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of that woman!!!
I agree the book at times was so absurd that it was hilarious. While I was reading the gruesome description of Lottie chopping the bodies parts to put in the freezer. I realized if this was a dog, cat or any innocent animal, I would immediately STOP reading!
I with NanK. I don’t think it is possible to agree with Lottie’s life decisions, but I thought that was the point. I enjoyed it because it was so out there, and I definitely found parts of the book funny. It sort of reminds me about somethin Joseph Heller said about Catch-22. He wanted readers to be amused and then feel ashamed for being amused while terrible things were taking place.
I really disliked this book. If I was not reading it for a book club, it would have been a DNF for me at thirty percent. It was very disappointing compared to her first book. Maybe I’m just not into this kind of “humor” so I doubt I will read anything else she writes.
Nan and Kim, I’m glad to hear that I was not the only one who “weirdly enjoyed” this book. I agree with everything that you said Nan and thought you put it very well. I also am nonviolent. I will admit there were times, when reading about her disposal techniques, that my skin was crawling. I guess I just looked at this book as reading about a truly quirky character.
I’m with the “weird humor” posters here who found the book both hilarious and harrowing. I got so engrossed in it that I read it in one day, finding myself both grossed out at Lolly’s violence but fascinated by her subterfuge and ability to pivot when needed for her survival. I found the writing crisp and the plot clever.
Given the plot, I would have expected to not like the book. However, I did like it. I found myself even feeling some sympathy for Lottie. And how could be? Lottie is a serial killer, but I continued to read the book. In fact, I went through it rather quickly. I began to wonder if there was something wrong with me.
But this was just a story. As another reader said, “I weirdly enjoyed the book.” And like her, “Please don’t judge me” because of that.
I thought going into it that it would be a little sophomoric and silly. I was pleasantly surprised at the dark humor – especially Lottie’s thoughts as she went about (what she thought) were her justified killings.
I enjoyed the book - it surprised me to start with, but I thought it was funny at times, and I appreciated Lottie’s logic for taking care of the dead bodies.
Was it realistic? Not really, but can’t one just read a book without analyzing everything? I thought some of it was quite clever. I did enjoy it and found I wanted to keep reading. I read many non-fiction historical books that deal with heavy topics. It was nice just to read a book to not take so seriously.
I thought it was a fun read. It did have a few gruesome depictions, but the macabre was so tongue-in-cheek. I think we all occasionally fantasize killing people who irritate us, so Lottie is metaphorically satisfying that wish. And isn’t that what reading books is all about?
I have to say I loved it. Maybe because I’m 70 and I found that part of it so spot on. I also found it clever and there were a couple of twists I didn’t see coming. I think for a book to read at the beach or on an airplane or a cold winter’s eve…it’s perfect.
I agree with Mary H, Downing writes competently in creating Lottie and her world of church suppers as she searches for a suitable nursing home. Her descriptions are spot on, as was her take on the Pastor who will pray for her. After the first and second killings, however, the one note nature of the work was too much for me. If Downing had either shown Lottie feeling remorseful or fearful of discovery, it would have been more interesting psychologically.
I guess I am in the minority as I did like the book. Lottie just kept digging herself deeper and deeper into the situation so she wouldn’t be found out. And I liked the twists at the end.
I liked the book, too! Because the pace was very fast and Dottie was so matter of fact, it didn’t feel gory at all to me. Not sure if the author intended for it to be funny but I thought it was hilarious. Perhaps I let my suspension of disbelief go a bit too far just to enjoy the book?