I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home

by Fergus Craig

When former serial killer Carol takes her place in a luxury retirement home, she begins to find her feet with a small new group of friends. If she can only keep her past hidden, maybe she has a chance at happiness.

That's when she discovers that, absurdly, every other one of Sheldon Oaks residents was involved in the law somehow. It's not long before her true identity is leaked, and when a former police commissioner resident is murdered, naturally all eyes turn to her...

Now she must solve the case to prove her innocence—just as her new friends start their own investigations into whether there is more than one killer at Sheldon Oaks.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller

272 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication February 17, 2026

Reviews

[Savonna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carol Quinn has just been released from prison after serving more than three decades behind bars for committing seven murders (maybe a couple more). This makes her a serial killer, but that's all in the past. At 75, she's a reformed woman, and she's determined to enjoy a better life with new friends and interesting hobbies at a posh retirement home called Sheldon Oaks. Like so many things in her life, peace and happiness prove elusive. Carol's barely settled in when she witnesses a body plummeting to the pavement outside her apartment window, and wouldn't you know it, she's accused of perpetrating the poor soul's murder. Though she's experienced some troubling, murderous urges, she did not do the deed this time, so she enlists the help of three of her new friends to help prove her innocence. It just so happens these crime fighters have backgrounds in politics, law enforcement, and medicine, and they pursue the truth in surprisingly off-beat, comedic ways. As Carol herself learned long ago, we all have dark sides and her fellow pensioners prove that to be true. I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home strikes me as a mashup of Only Murders in the Building, Dexter, and a little Columbo, which in this case is a very good thing. Readers may feel a bit embarrassed laughing at the antics of Carol's geriatric crew, but their chagrin won't last long. These folks are just too much fun. They deserve a sequel or two or three, and this reader will be there for all of them.
Thanks to NetGalley for providing a digital ARC for my honest review.

[Jamye Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thinking she’s just a harmless old lady would be a mistake.

Carol has a history—and not the kind you’d expect in the sunny halls of Sheldon Oaks, the upscale retirement community she’s just joined. When a murder occurs shortly after her arrival, Carol’s secret comes out: she’s a convicted serial killer, freshly released after serving thirty-five years behind bars.

SHE knows she didn’t commit this crime, but convincing her new friends of her innocence is another matter entirely.

Despite the dark subject matter—murder and serial killers—the novel sparkles with humor and keeps a wonderfully light-hearted tone. Some scenes beg to be filmed, like three seniors arming themselves with household objects (including a hefty cookbook) to take on a suspicious neighbor.

A witty, offbeat murder mystery that proves retirement doesn't mean the end of your fun.

[Stephanie Maiolo · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'd like to send a thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group for this ARC! I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I have been looking for a story that centered around a retirement home and happened to stumble upon I'm Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home. This story was such a fun and cozy read! The banter that happens between a lot of the residents is hilarious and we can't forget our main character, Carol. She is so witty. f you ever wanted a book with a unique setting and hilarious characters around every corner, this book is for you. There will be no regret after reading this cozy offbeat mystery! This title is set to be published on February 17th, 2026.

[Karla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got an ARC of I’m Not the Only Murderer in My Retirement Home and it was such a fun, clever read. Carol is a fantastic protagonist—darkly funny, a little unhinged, and surprisingly relatable. The mix of cozy mystery vibes with a retirement home full of ex-cops kept me laughing and guessing the whole way through. Perfect for fans of Richard Osman. Just a fun little read!!

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. This book will be published on February 17, 2026. Overall, I rate the book a 4 out of 5 stars.