I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home Review
I am trying to get around to reading books that were released this year. I have a backlog that I'll realistically never catch up on, so I might as well stay in the know about the current state of the industry and dive into some 2026 releases—especially since I'm almost finished with three manuscripts and about to start querying. I checked out the Goodreads Choice predictions lists, and I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home was one that my library had in stock. I loved the title and presumed it would be a riot... but was it as fun as it seemed? That's what I, Brighton Nelson, will be discussing in today's review. Thanks for joining me, and I hope you enjoy your time on the site!
Let's start with the negatives. One mixed-to-negative critique I could lob at this book is that the title might set the wrong expectations. This story is much more of a cozy murder-mystery comedy than a dark, sadistic thriller. Based on the title and cover, I was expecting something a bit more tenebrous. If I'd known Fergus Craig’s comedy background beforehand, my expectations might have been different—and a clearer Libby blurb would have helped, too. To be clear, I actually preferred the route this book took, so I'm not saying the comedy is bad; I just wanted to point this out because I can easily see how someone relying on Goodreads marketing materials might expect a completely different novel.
My only real, substantial negatives are that the backstory, investigation, and ultimate culprit were all a tad underbaked. Nothing felt egregious, but enough was missing to leave me wanting a bit more. I felt the book could have used a couple more passes on the investigation to make it more compelling, a stronger reveal with a more ironclad motive, and, most importantly, far more detailed accounts of Carol’s murderous past—because what little we get is rather fun. A full-blown grandmotherly tirade detailing her history would have been so much more deliciously satisfying.
Nevertheless, while I was a little underwhelmed by the mystery mechanics and can't say this was a perfect novel, it was still a fantastic read. This story delicately balances humor, macabre edge, and heartfelt beats to establish an entrancing atmosphere. Carol is perfectly on the line between vile and charming, and you can't help but root for her dark antics. Crucially, the chapters written from other characters' points of view provide a great counterweight to how she's perceived. You never feel like her actions are justifiable, but she turns just enough of a delightfully selfish new leaf to make her a phenomenal lead to follow—while the supporting cast brings plenty of unique charm to hold their own.
The humor and bickering in this novel are among the most entertaining I've ever read. Fergus Craig perfectly captures the heart of old British people, in all the good, the bad, and the politically incorrect. I was laughing out loud throughout this book. One of my favorite bits was when Carol admitted she didn't want to go back to jail simply because she would miss a restaurant's fancy butternut squash risotto too much. I smiled nearly the whole way through and laughed at least once every couple of pages. The humor never felt overbearing, and Craig delivers plenty of variety: dry British wit, age-related humor, dark murder comedy, and chaotic situational humor... the works!
The characters became such a lovable gang by the end that I can't help but feel eager for Book 2. I will unquestionably be reading every installment in this series. The ending was so satisfying on a character level—particularly with the choice Carol makes—that I found myself so endeared to her that, if push came to shove, I'd argue she genuinely deserves her freedom and is indeed a changed woman. That is an insanely difficult line for an author to walk with a killer protagonist, but Craig lands it effortlessly. This book might be more of an exploration of how older people connect through a shared mystery hobby than a holistically captivating thrill ride, but I wouldn't have it any other way. That focus is precisely where this novel shines brightest.
The Brighton's Bookshelf Verdict
Brighton's Bookshelf Score - 9/10
Letter Score - S
I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home is one of the funniest and darkest cozy mysteries I've read. It features a superb cast of characters, a surprisingly satisfying exploration of repentance (including a tear-inducing final chapter), a heartfelt look at retirement-home friendship, and some of the sharpest British humor and vim-filled bickering you've ever seen.
Interested in checking out some of my reviews for other mystery, comedy, thriller, and crime novels? Check them out below!
Author Bio
Author Bio
Author Bio
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