Too Old For This
- Judith D Collins
- Aug 27
- 11 min read
By: Samantha Downing
Narrator: Elizabeth Wiley
Penguin Audio
ISBN: 978-0593101032
Publisher: Berkley
Publication Date: 08/12/2025
Format: Other
My Rating: 5 Stars ++
BEST THRILLER OF 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 be the death of her…
About the Author
Photo credit: Jacqueline Dallimore
Samantha Downing is an internationally bestselling thriller author whose books have appeared on the Sunday Times and USA Today bestseller lists. Her novels include My Lovely Wife, He Started It, For Your Own Good, and A Twisted Love Story.
Her debut novel, My Lovely Wife, was nominated for Edgar, ITW, and Macavity awards in the US, the CWA award in the UK, and was the winner of the Prix des Lectrices award in France.
Connect with Samantha:
Exceptional Authors.
Standout Books. Elevator Talk.
Behind the Book & the Author
INTRIGUING QUESTIONS. INQUIRING READERS WANT TO KNOW.
Welcome to the August 2025 #AuthorElevatorSeries with special guest, internationally bestselling author Samantha Downing, with her highly anticipated, enthralling thriller, TOO OLD FOR THIS. Top Thriller of 2025. I cannot wait for all of you to meet Lottie Jones!
Welcome Samantha!
Behind the Book
Q. Give us your best ELEVATOR PITCH for TOO OLD FOR THIS.
Too Old For This is about a seventy-five-year-old serial killer who is forced out of retirement when a journalist knocks on her door and threatens to destroy her quiet life.
Q. DESCRIBE your novel in three words or less.
Dark, funny, thrilling.
Q. SETTING: Tell us more about the book setting and why you selected it.
Most of the book takes place in a small, fictional town in northern Oregon. I chose this because it seemed like a good area for Lottie, my protagonist, to disappear and live a quiet life.
Q. RESEARCH: Any fascinating research for the novel, or anything you learned along the way?
Last year, I attended a writer’s conference that included some experts, including lawyers, judges, law enforcement officers, a cybercrime expert, and a forensic pathologist. I had a list of questions for both the cybercrime expert and forensic pathologist, and incorporated what I learned into this book to make sure the science and technology aspects were correct.
Q. ADAPTATION: For fun, do you have any cast of stars in mind for any of your leading roles for movie or TV series?
There are so many great actresses who could play Lottie Jones! Meryl Streep, Helen Mirren, Jodie Foster are just a few. It would be so interesting to see how an actress would interpret and play the role.
Q. TOPICS: Name 1-3 topics or themes addressed in the novel?
Getting away with murder, the difficulties of aging, and what you want to be remembered for when you’re gone.
Lottie is dealing with all of these in the book. She is a serial killer, so getting away with murder is her number one goal. It’s not as easy as it used to be, given her aging body and mind, along with all the new science and technology. She is also thinking into the future, and what life will be like over the next decade, as well as when she is gone.
Q. FAVORITE THING: What is your favorite thing about the novel?
Lottie Jones is one of my favorite characters, she was so much fun to write. I had a blast writing scenes where I could really dive into her inner monologue, because the way she thinks is so dark but it can be so funny.
Thanks, Samantha! Fascintaing. My vote is for for Meryl Streep!
Continue reading below for more up close and personal with Samantha.
Behind the Author
ZODIAC SIGN?
Virgo
YOUR SECRET TALENT OR SUPERPOWER?
I have a second-degree black belt in karate.
DOG/CAT LOVER?
Both!
YOUR FAVORITE LIFE LESSON QUOTE?
Fast pay makes fast friends. My father taught me this and I have never forgotten it.
WHAT’S ONE THING YOU WISH READERS KNEW ABOUT YOU?
I wrote before I was published, and even if my books were no longer published – for whatever reason – I would continue to write.
IF YOUR LIFE WAS A BOOK, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE OF YOUR CURRENT CHAPTER?
Where is this story going?
WHICH OF YOUR BOOKS IS YOUR FAVORITE? WHY?
My favorite book is always the one I’m working on right now.
IF YOU COULD ELIMINATE ONE THING FROM YOUR DAILY LIFE, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Stress.
HOW DO YOU RELAX?
Exercise and naps.
NAME ONE THING YOU CONSIDER YOURSELF TO BE BAD AT?
Patience. It’s always a struggle.
INTROVERT OR EXTROVERT?
Introvert.
IF YOU WERE TO WRITE A BOOK ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD BE THE TITLE?
What Is Wrong With You?
THE BEST THING ABOUT A PANDEMIC? (OR WORST)
No traffic and plenty of parking.
THE BEST PART OF YOUR DAY?
When I wake up. I get up at around four in the morning and the world is quiet.
PET PEEVE?
People who are late.
AT WHAT AGE DID YOU CONSIDER BECOMING A WRITER?
I didn’t really consider being a writer…I just started writing.
NAME SOMETHING YOU FEAR?
The dark. I can’t stand being in pitch darkness.
ONE OF THE EVILEST CHARACTERS FROM YOUR BOOK?
There are a lot…Millicent, Tobias, Teddy, Beth, Lottie
IF YOU WERE NOT A WRITER, WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CAREER?
Working with animals.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO BE WRITTEN ON YOUR TOMBSTONE OR WHERE DO YOU WANT YOUR ASHES SCATTERED?
On my tombstone: “She Tried”
THANK YOU, Samantha, for spending time with us today!
TOO OLD FOR THIS
Praise
"Samantha Downing is back on her thriller game" —People.com
"Samantha Downing's signature dark humor 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
“This is Downing at her best. Delightfully macabre and so artful that the reader might well root for Lottie, even when she is psychotic to the max. The perfect recommendation for someone looking for something different and extremely entertaining.”
—Booklist (starred review)
“There’s nothing I love more than a good twisty thriller on vacation, especially one with a slightly deranged villain…. Is it bad that every time she kills someone, I’m definitely rooting for her to get away with it?”
—Glamour
"A sharp thriller with a killer sense of humor."
—New York Post
“Wryly funny and clever… Downing’s impressive ability to have readers rooting for her anti-heroes is on full display in this propulsive cat-and-mouse thriller.”
—Library Journal
"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 clamor 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
"Witty, twisted, and unpredictable, Too Old for This features a compelling and darkly original narrator who will make you think twice about knocking on someone's door uninvited. As propulsive as it is wickedly entertaining."
—Heather Chavez, author of What We'll Burn Last
“Samantha Downing has been crafting excellent psychological thrillers from the get go.”
—CrimeReads
My Review
Samantha Downing (favorite author) returns with her fifth novel and best yet, TOO OLD FOR THIS. The most anticipated book of 2025 and it DELIVERS! Wickedly hilarious. How far will Lottie go to keep her SECRETS
I can't wait for you to meet Lottie Jones! Here are some highlights:
- Best Thriller of 2025!
- Best Character of 2025
- Best Cover of 2025
Fans will be excited for a series featuring this laugh-out-loud, witty, and smart former serial killer turned sweet grandmother, trying to live a normal life in retirement until someone threatens her carefully laid life.
About Lottie Jones
- Enjoys Earl Grey and peppermint tea.
but watch out—she's been known to add a little poison, if needed.
- Former banker. Retired seven years earlier.
- Best friends are Sheila and Bonnie.
- Has a devoted son, Archie, who is a lawyer.
- Never married; she was a single mother. Archie's dad, Gary, didn’t make it long after conception—oops....an unfortunate fall in the shower.
- Grandchildren: Olive and Noah.
- Archie, divorced from Stephanie. Soon to be married to Morgan, who is younger and pregnant.
- Lottie attends First Covenant Church twice a week: Sunday service
~ Thursday nights for bingo, raffles, and potluck with her friends.
~Pastor Doug is there, along with the nosy Glenda, who frowns upon store-bought food items—homemade is preferred.
- Lottie has a bad hip and has been putting off hip surgery until after her son's wedding.
- Considering moving into a senior community and selling her home.
Meet Lottie Jones (formerly known as Lorena Mae Lansdale), a spirited septuagenarian, seventy-five-year-old, trying to leave her past life of crime behind.
One day, an unexpected visitor, Plum Dixon, arrives at her door. Lottie had seen Plum's calls but didn’t answer, hoping she would go away—privacy is hard to come by these days!
Plum wants to create a docuseries and is trying to persuade Lottie by highlighting the excitement of her life and expressing interest in hearing her side of the story. The series aims to investigate old crimes and compare what was reported in the past to what we know now. Lottie was wrongly accused of a crime, and Plum hopes to exonerate her through this series.
However, Lottie is adamant about NOT participating. Years ago, she changed her name after being labeled a murderer, serial killer, and psychopath. She moved to Oregon with her son, Archie, who faced bullying because of her past. Lottie wants to keep her history hidden from her friends in her new life.
All of this took place in Spokane, but eventually, the police cleared Lottie's name. She hired a lawyer to sue the city, and the settlement provided her with the funds to purchase her current house, although it requires repairs.
Lottie has NO time for this foolishness. She does not want to be in the spotlight. She cannot allow this to occur, so unfortunately, the only thing to do is commit MURDER again.
But being that she is old now, with arthritis, it is much more difficult to clean up and hide all the evidence of the crime with a bad hip.
Plum has forced her out of retirement (serial killer). It's a good thing she has a large freezer in the garage, a wheelbarrow, and a chainsaw.
But it does not stop here. Then comes Cole, Plum's boyfriend, snooping around, trying to find Plum, knowing Lottie's house was the last place she was seen. Then two nosy detectives (Detectives Rey Tula and Kelsie Harlow) and the woman's long-lost mom.
Let the wicked fun begin!
Lottie just wants to retire in peace with no drama. But now she has to deal with dead bodies and hide evidence. Will Lottie be able to keep her secrets?
My thoughts...
I loved Lottie Jones! My favorite thriller of 2025. Downing pulls out all the stops with the loveable senior who is trying to live a normal life in her retirement. Razor sharp, witty, full of dark humor and suspense, TOO OLD FOR THIS is a total riot.
The author has created a dynamic character you will root for to the end. Geriatric thrillers resonate deeply with me, as they are brimming with rich life experiences, tantalizing secrets, and stories begging to be uncovered.
I am, of course, one myself, so I can relate (minus the serial killer part), and just moved recently to Greenlawn Manor independent senior living, and there is always drama going on.
Lottie is a brilliantly crafted, sharp, zany character who is utterly lovable. Her hilarious one-liners leave you in stitches while you are amazed at her genius at pulling off these crimes.
Prime for the big or small screen, I would love to see Meryl Streep playing Lottie. I want a front row seat.
Also, I think this story needs to be continued as Lottie is moving to a senior development, so there will be lots to discuss and crimes to uncover! Plus, I want to catch up with the entire cast.
Twisty, clever, and wildly entertaining, TOO OLD FOR THIS is a must-read that will keep you laughing from beginning to end! A huge fan, I have read all her books, and this one moves to the top as an all-time favorite.
Recs...
TOO OLD FOR THIS is for devoted fans of the author and those who enjoyed 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" (Ethel Fiona Crestwater-age 75), 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)
Interview...
Stay tuned for my fun #AuthorElevatorSeries QA with Samantha, where we go behind the scenes of the book and this mega talented author (pub day, Aug 12).
Special thanks to Berkley and NetGalley for providing an advanced review copy in exchange for my honest thoughts. I also purchased the hardcover for my home library and look forward to listening to the audiobook narrated by Elizabeth Wiley.
@JudithDCollins | #JDCMustReadBooks
Pub Date: Aug 12, 2025
My Rating: 5 Stars +++
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