The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre
- Judith D Collins
- Sep 11
- 6 min read
By: Philip Fracassi
Narrator: January LaVoy
ISBN: 9781250417879
Publisher: Macmillan Audio
Tor Nightfire
Publication Date: 09/30/2025
Format: Audio
My Rating: 5 Stars (ALC)
SEP 2025 MUST-READ BOOKS
Brimming with dark humor, violence, and mystery, The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre is a blood-soaked slasher sure to keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Rose DuBois is not your average final girl.
Rose is in her late 70s, living out her golden years at the Autumn Springs Retirement Home.
When one of her friends dies alone in her apartment, Rose isn’t too concerned. Accidents happen, especially at this age!
Then another resident drops dead. And another. With bodies stacking up, Rose can’t help but wonder: are these accidents? Old age? Or something far more sinister?
Together with her best friend Miller, Rose begins to investigate. The further she digs, the more convinced she becomes: there’s a killer on the loose at Autumn Springs, and if she isn’t careful, Rose may be their next victim.
My Review
Philip Fracassi's latest whodunit thriller, THE AUTUMN SPRINGS RETIREMENT HOME MASSACRE, invites readers into a captivating world where cozy mystery intertwines seamlessly with dark humor, spine-chilling terror, slasher elements, and exhilarating suspense. This enthralling tale introduces a compelling heroine whose indomitable spirit and infectious charm will have you rooting for her in every nail-biting moment, ultimately leading to a breathtaking conclusion.
With its unpredictable plot twists and engaging character dynamics, this enthralling narrative will keep you not just on the edge of your seat but gasping in shock as the gripping horror unfolds. Prepare to be swept away by a story that deftly balances heart-pounding tension with moments of levity, leaving you eagerly anticipating each turn of the page.
About…
Rose DuBois, a spirited woman in her late seventies, resides in the quaint Autumn Springs Retirement Home. In this haven, she and her fellow septuagenarians and octogenarians navigate the twilight of their lives. Each day offers a tapestry woven from stories of bygone eras, a sprinkle of gossip, and the unexpected events that ripple through their close-knit community.
The atmosphere is usually lively, filled with laughter and camaraderie, but a pall of unease descends when one of Rose's dear friends is found dead in her modest apartment. Initially, the incident appears to be nothing more than a tragic accident—after all, mishaps are a natural part of old age. However, when another resident suddenly collapses, followed by yet another, an unsettling pattern emerges that gnaws at Rose’s curiosity.
Could these tragic events truly be mere coincidences, the inevitable toll of aging, or is there something far more sinister lurking within the walls of Autumn Springs?
Amid the growing anxiety, Rose feels a deep sense of urgency to uncover the truth, especially when it becomes painfully clear that the detectives dismiss her concerns, viewing her age group as merely waiting for their final curtain call.
But as it becomes evident that a potential serial killer may be stalking the halls of their seemingly peaceful sanctuary, she and her intrepid best friend, Miller, embark on a perilous investigation. The closer they draw to the chilling truth, the more perilous their journey becomes, as they realize that danger isn't just an abstract concept; it is now a very real threat to their lives.
Who is orchestrating this deadly game, and what twisted motive lies behind it? Time is running out, and Rose must act before another life is claimed.
My thoughts...
As a septuagenarian navigating the vibrant corridors of a new independent senior living community in Florida, I find myself truly captivated by these tales. What initially seems like yet another cozy mystery swiftly unravels into a narrative that is both darker and more sinister than it first appears.
The atmosphere is thick with intrigue, and Rose DuBois emerges as a remarkable septuagenarian sleuth—witty, tenacious, and sharply astute, she is a character that leaves a lasting impression. The story unfolds with elements that heighten the suspense: a lurking Peeping Tom, the eerie presence of an abandoned asylum next door, a conspiracy theorist whose ideas are as outlandish as they are fascinating, and the enigmatic allure of witches, all woven together to create a rich tapestry of mystery.
Beneath the surface, marked by moments of violence and tension, lies a heartfelt thriller that serves as a beautiful homage to the elderly. It delves into profound themes of friendship, the complexities of aging, trust, memory, mortality, and the inherent dignity that comes with age.
The narrative is imbued with wit and delight, leaving readers both spellbound and spine-chilled. The character development is exceptional, bringing each personality to life in vivid detail. Readers will undoubtedly find themselves enamored with the unforgettable Rose Dubois, who embodies the spirit of resilience and wisdom in the face of life's darker secrets.
The audiobook...
As soon as I discovered that my favorite narrator, January LaVoy, . was bringing the story to life, I absolutely knew it was a must-listen! She does not disappoint; her voice embodies the essence of the narrative, perfectly representing the diverse cast of characters. With her exceptional skill, LaVoy infuses the story with suspense, emotion, and intensity, making each moment feel exhilarating and immersive. I wholeheartedly recommend this audiobook for anyone seeking an engrossing listening experience that will keep you on the edge of your seat!
Recs...
AUTUMN SPRINGS RETIREMENT HOME MASSACRE is a captivating blend of dark humor and intriguing mystery, crafted for fans of the author who relish a touch of horror. This engaging narrative appeals to the spirited senior boomer audience, proving that life still holds endless possibilities for those with a zest for adventure. At its heart is an unstoppable heroine, whose vibrant personality and tenacity shine through, making for a thrilling and entertaining read that celebrates the strength and resilience of life at every age.
Also for fans of Richard Osman’s “The Thursday Murder Club,” Netlfix’s “A Man on The Inside,” Samantha Downing's Too Old For This, Tess Gerritsen's "The Martini Club series," Joy Fielding's "Jenny Cooper Has A Secret," Elle Cosimano's "Finlay Donovan Digs Her Own Grave," (Mrs. Haggerty), Mark de Castrique's "Secret Lives Mystery series," Paul Cleave's "Trust No One," "An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good" by Helene Turstenand, "Killers of a Certain Age," by Deanna Raybourn, Rebecca A. Keller's "You Should Have Known," and "I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home," by Fergus Craig (Feb/26)
Special thanks to Macmillan Audio and #MacAudio2025 for providing an epic advanced listening copy via NetGalley and Google Play in exchange for my honest thoughts.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
My Rating: 5 Stars
Pub Date: Sept 30, 2025
Praise
“Fracassi blends the true-life horror of aging and society’s scorn for the elderly with an original slasher premise and reimagined Final Girl. The question isn’t who will die at the Autumn Springs Retirement Home - but who will survive? Diabolically delightful.”
―Tananarive Due, author of The Reformatory
“Step aside, teenagers, and make way for Rose DuBois, a final girl for the over-70 set.... A well-paced, age-appropriate, kick-butt, final-girl story.”
―Booklist
“Rose isn’t your average final girl. She’s a woman and a survivor who you’ll cheer for every step of the way in this smart, fast-paced slasher.”
―Erika T. Wurth, author of White Horse and The Haunting of Room 904
“Mixes grim humor, bloody kills, and a nuanced examination of societal views on aging...balances heart with terror.”
―Library Journal
“A wholly original slasher novel with a uniquely strong and vulnerable heroine...Fans of the genre should put this on their must-read list.”
―Christina Henry, author of Alice and The Place Where They Buried Your Heart
“Autumn Springs is packed full of characters that you can’t help falling in love with, just as their bodies start hitting the floor. Fracassi sticks the knife in your heart and twists it. A tear-stained blood-soaked slasher for the ages.”
―Brian McAuley, author of Breathe In, Bleed Out and Curse of the Reaper
About the Author
Photo Credit: Stephanie Simard
Philip Fracassi is the author of the novels Don’t Let Them Get You Down, A Child Alone with Strangers, Gothic, Boys in the Valley and The Third Rule of Time Travel. His upcoming books include the novels Sarafina and The Autumn Springs Retirement Home Massacre.
Other work includes the story collections No One Is Safe!, Beneath a Pale Sky (named “Best Collection of the Year” by Rue Morgue Magazine and a finalist for the Bram Stoker award), and Behold the Void (named “Best Collection of the Year” by This Is Horror).
He is also the author of several novellas, including Sacculina, Shiloh, Commodore and D7.
His short stories have been published in numerous magazines and anthologies, including Best Horror of the Year, Nightmare Magazine, Black Static, Dark Discoveries, Cemetery Dance, and others.
Philip’s books are translated into multiple languages and have been favorably reviewed in The New York Times, LOCUS Magazine, Rue Morgue and many other magazines, blogs and review sites.
He has published deluxe editions of his work with respected publishers such as Zagava, Cemetery Dance, Thunderstorm Books, Earthling Publications, and Lividian Press.
The New York Times called his work “terrifically scary.”
As a screenwriter, his feature films have been distributed by Disney Entertainment and Lifetime Television, with several projects in various stages of development.
He is also the author of a children’s book, The Boy with the Blue Rose Heart, and a book of poetry, Tomorrow’s Gone.
You can also follow him on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (@philipfracassi).
Philip lives in Los Angeles, California, and is represented by Elizabeth Copps at Copps Literary Services, Circle of Confusion, and WME.
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