Who is this book for?
- Readers who enjoy character-driven mysteries with a blend of humor and emotion would likely appreciate this book.
- Fans of the Thursday Murder Club series who have grown attached to the characters will find satisfaction in spending more time with them, even if the mystery element is less prominent.
- Those who like stories exploring themes of aging, friendship, and mortality in a thoughtful way, particularly set in a retirement community, would find much to enjoy.
- Readers who appreciate British humor and cozy mysteries with a slightly darker edge may also be drawn to this book.
Who is unlikely to appreciate this book?
- Readers seeking a fast-paced, plot-driven mystery might be disappointed by the slower pace and emphasis on character development and emotional themes.
- Those who are sensitive to discussions of death, dementia, and end-of-life issues may find parts of the book distressing.
- Newcomers to the series might struggle to connect with the characters or follow all the relationships without the context of previous books.
- Readers who prefer their cozy mysteries to be light-hearted throughout may find the more serious and emotional aspects of this installment challenging.
- Those who dislike stories involving drug-related crimes or antiques fraud might also be less engaged with the plot.
Things online reviewers enjoyed about this book
- Emotionally powerful and moving, with touching scenes that bring tears to readers' eyes
- Maintains the charming and humorous tone of the series while adding more emotional depth
- Features beloved characters that feel like friends to regular readers of the series
- Balances humor and heartbreak skillfully
- Explores themes of aging, friendship, and mortality in a thoughtful way
- Joyce's character development and diary entries are particularly enjoyable
- The mystery plot involves interesting elements like antiques fraud and drug smuggling
- Narrator Fiona Shaw does an excellent job voicing the characters in the audiobook
- Provides a comforting and cozy reading experience for fans of the series
- Handles sensitive topics like dementia with care and nuance
Things people didn't like as much about this book
- The mystery plot is thinner and less developed compared to previous books in the series
- Some readers found the drug-related storyline less engaging
- The emotional aspects may be heavy or depressing for some readers expecting a lighter tone
- The cast of characters is growing large, which can be confusing to keep track of
- Less focus on the core group of friends working together to solve the mystery
- Some controversial topics like euthanasia may be off-putting to certain readers
- The pacing can drag at times, with less action and more philosophical musings
- Lacks some of the humor and charm of earlier books in the series
- The mystery is more straightforward with fewer twists and surprises
- May not work well as a standalone for readers unfamiliar with the series and characters
