seniors | Book Girl & Little Bear

The Impossible Fortune by Richard Osman

Four residents of an upscale British retirement village are back to solve a crime, and hope to prevent another, in another good read from the author of The Thursday Murder Club. I most liked the improving relationship between retired nurse Joyce and her daughter Joanna. Elizabeth, a former spy, hasn’t been herself lately, but gets back to work when a wedding guest disappears after asking for her help. The group works to gain access to a remote storage facility where an extremely valuable bitcoin is kept. I certainly don’t understand bitcoins, but you don’t need to in order to follow the storyline.

Ron is worried about his daughter, and is spending more time with his grandson. A car bombing is witnessed, and Ibrahim learns that his favorite criminal hasn’t exactly reformed. This is a lively, clever crime thriller that fans of the series will definitely enjoy. I haven’t mentioned much of the plot, as I don’t want to give any spoilers. I liked Osman’s non-series book, We Solve Murders, but I’m very happy to return to the village of Cooper’s Chase.

Brenda

How to Age Disgracefully by Clare Pooley

I liked Pooley’s book The Authenticity Project and enjoyed a recent book discussion of Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting, so I was eager to read this British novel with an ensemble cast.

Daphne is turning 70 and rarely leaves her apartment. A dog named Maggie Thatcher needs a new home, or homes. Ziggy is a teen dad to toddler Kylie. Lydia, struggling with hot flashes at 54, starts a part-time job at a London community center, leading a new social club for seniors. Art, a bit actor is bored, and brings his photographer friend William along. Ruby knits and knits. When the community center needs expensive repairs, the local council considers selling the building to developers. The senior club and the daycare, along with a group of pregnant women and people in recovery all band together to try and save the building. There is an unusual joint nativity play, some clever yarn bombing, and Maggie Thatcher is entered into a competition on a TV show. The seniors also trail Lydia’s husband, deal with Ziggy’s local bully, and find lost family members, as well as uncover Daphne’s very big secret. This is a funny, moving, and entertaining read with bighearted and realistic middle-aged and older characters.

Brenda