I found this book through a monthly challenge that The Bookshop Nashville is hosting. January’s theme is cozy, cozy, cozy. This book was one of the many suggestions from their site, and I loved the knit look on the cover. Of course, a mischievous elderly woman was intriguing to me. I would not consider this book cozy, however it was one of the most light hearted books I’ve read about murder.
What I Liked
This was a quick and enjoyable series of short stories from the life of an elderly woman named Maud. Maud is a witty elderly woman who will craft-fully murder anyone who crosses her or threatens her hard earned lifestyle. We see a glimpse of her character in each interaction she has with people.
I loved how this was a quick read. I also enjoyed how there were multiple short stories about Maud and her ventures. Being that they were short stories, it left out any dull or unnecessary details and skipped right to the main events.
What I Disliked
There isn’t a solid sense of closure to the book, mostly due to how it’s written in short stories, however it was still fun to follow her sporadic adventures.
I also would love to read the original Swedish version because I think some of the English translation lost that “zing” that Maud’s personality has.
Overall rating
4/5 stars
I would absolutely recommend this book as a quick and fun read. It may help you out of a reading slump because it’s so unique and quick paced. Maud was cunning, and I got a kick out of her stories. One star off for some of the wording, however I think it’s because it’s a translated story.
Favorite quotes
“Broadly speaking, everyone Maud met these days spoke loudly and articulated with exaggerated clarity. They automatically assumed she was deaf, which she most definitely was not. Nor was she senile. But she had learned that it was smart not to reveal that all her senses were in full working order; instead, she allowed people to act in accordance with their own preconceptions.”
“Kicki staggered over to the round pool, and soon there were two of them shouting for help. Everything had gone exactly according to plan.”
“She treated herself to a glass of port to accompany the ice cream, and she topped it off with a cup of coffee. If it hadn’t been for the dead body in the gentleman’s room, it would have been the perfect conclusion to a lovely summer’s day.”
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