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A Touch Of Crazy: A Cozy Retirement Murder Mystery
Murder or suicide? Alex’s freedom depends on the answer and time is running out.
Devastated by her husband’s so-called ‘suicide’, Alex insists someone had murdered him. Her doctor and the police think she’s crazy and send her to a psychiatric clinic. Drugged to the hilt, she grasps on proving that she’s not only sane but also right about her husband’s death. She’ll lose her freedom, her house, and her money if she fails.
Reluctantly Alex agrees to go to Seaview Manor, a retirement home, as a halfway solution to prove her sanity. Surprised Seaview Manor is not all seated yoga and bingo nights, she finds a handful of sassy residents dead set on having her back and hunting down the murderer with her.
Even the gardener with his Oliver-from-Lady-Chatterley’s-Lover-vibe steps up and offers not just help but also his heart. Alex and her friends are unsure whether they can trust him. He might be just the help they need… or put them all in terrible danger. They bring in the police and discover Patrick the gardener is not who he said he is. The suspicions run high.
When this Granny-Crime-Squad stumbles over unexpected evidence in Alex’s house, they know they’re closing in on some very dangerous people. They have to act quickly because attacks on Alex’s life spell big trouble and time is running out.
With Alex’s life at stake, will the friends be able to reveal the murderer in time?
With its mix of mystery, suspense, and a sprinkling of romance, this thrilling story will have you on the edge of your seat until the twist at the very end.
Click the BUY button and get your copy today!
5 * Amazon ...With friendship, a possibility of romance, and a mystery, I found myself racing to the end trying to figure out what had happened. Surprise upon surprise was woven skillfully into Alex's life as well as the lives of her new friends. Wonderful imagery and a delightful setting make this a treat to read. The stunning conclusion left me thinking about the book long after I'd read the last page. It was an entrancing and wonderfully written novel that you won't want to miss!
Devastated by her husband’s so-called ‘suicide’, Alex insists someone had murdered him. Her doctor and the police think she’s crazy and send her to a psychiatric clinic. Drugged to the hilt, she grasps on proving that she’s not only sane but also right about her husband’s death. She’ll lose her freedom, her house, and her money if she fails.
Reluctantly Alex agrees to go to Seaview Manor, a retirement home, as a halfway solution to prove her sanity. Surprised Seaview Manor is not all seated yoga and bingo nights, she finds a handful of sassy residents dead set on having her back and hunting down the murderer with her.
Even the gardener with his Oliver-from-Lady-Chatterley’s-Lover-vibe steps up and offers not just help but also his heart. Alex and her friends are unsure whether they can trust him. He might be just the help they need… or put them all in terrible danger. They bring in the police and discover Patrick the gardener is not who he said he is. The suspicions run high.
When this Granny-Crime-Squad stumbles over unexpected evidence in Alex’s house, they know they’re closing in on some very dangerous people. They have to act quickly because attacks on Alex’s life spell big trouble and time is running out.
With Alex’s life at stake, will the friends be able to reveal the murderer in time?
With its mix of mystery, suspense, and a sprinkling of romance, this thrilling story will have you on the edge of your seat until the twist at the very end.
Click the BUY button and get your copy today!
5 * Amazon ...With friendship, a possibility of romance, and a mystery, I found myself racing to the end trying to figure out what had happened. Surprise upon surprise was woven skillfully into Alex's life as well as the lives of her new friends. Wonderful imagery and a delightful setting make this a treat to read. The stunning conclusion left me thinking about the book long after I'd read the last page. It was an entrancing and wonderfully written novel that you won't want to miss!
223 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2023
43 people are currently reading
33 people want to read
About the author
Gudrun Frerichs
21 books67 followersAbout Gudrun
Gudrun was born on a small fishing island close to Hamburg, Germany. She immigrated thirty years ago to New Zealand with her wonderful husband and three adventurous children. She worked for 25 years in the mental health field as a trauma specialist.
Over the years, she learned that life is a bumpy ride full of highs and lows. It’s having friends and loved ones to celebrate with that makes the highs special, and knowing one isn’t the only one who struggles makes the lows tolerable.
Since retiring in 2015, she lives in Wellington, the coolest little capital in the world, with her husband, a cheeky dog, and never far from her gorgeous grandchildren.
She brings all those bumpy-ride-experiences to her books. She writes sweet romances and psychological thrillers combining romance with beautiful dreams, hopes, and unexpected twists.
Visit me at www.gudrunfrerichs.com
Gudrun was born on a small fishing island close to Hamburg, Germany. She immigrated thirty years ago to New Zealand with her wonderful husband and three adventurous children. She worked for 25 years in the mental health field as a trauma specialist.
Over the years, she learned that life is a bumpy ride full of highs and lows. It’s having friends and loved ones to celebrate with that makes the highs special, and knowing one isn’t the only one who struggles makes the lows tolerable.
Since retiring in 2015, she lives in Wellington, the coolest little capital in the world, with her husband, a cheeky dog, and never far from her gorgeous grandchildren.
She brings all those bumpy-ride-experiences to her books. She writes sweet romances and psychological thrillers combining romance with beautiful dreams, hopes, and unexpected twists.
Visit me at www.gudrunfrerichs.com
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 21, 2023
An entertaining read
This book was like a breath of fresh air. The characters, especially the elderly ladies, were funny and yet full of dramatic moments. I enjoyed that, just because they were of an older generation, they weren’t depicted as geriatrics. The touch of romance was sweet and it made them more interesting.
This book was like a breath of fresh air. The characters, especially the elderly ladies, were funny and yet full of dramatic moments. I enjoyed that, just because they were of an older generation, they weren’t depicted as geriatrics. The touch of romance was sweet and it made them more interesting.
July 3, 2023
**SPOILER ALERT**
I have never written a *SPOILER ALERT* review before, but I just can’t let go of this HUGE mistake in the reading of the story. Has no one proofread this book before it was published?!
I was throughly enjoying this story. The story was intriguing and the characters were likable. But then a little way into Chapter 4, everything feel apart for me. The character Madison all of a sudden, out of no where sprains her ankle. Okay, I can work with that. But she is taken to the nursing station, where the nurse said she will take care of her. Alex tells Madison she will check on her when Olivia finishes the tour of their new home.
Now here is where I have my problem with story. On the VERY next page… There is Madison, absolutely fine!! Continuing on in the book as if her sprained ankle situation never even happened!! I am sorry, that just ruined this whole story for me. I just could not let that go.
I am shocked no one else had picked up on this! Bad proofreading by so many people! And sad this happened to a book that had a lot of promise. Unfortunately I will not be finishing this book. And I wouldn’t recommend it.
I have never written a *SPOILER ALERT* review before, but I just can’t let go of this HUGE mistake in the reading of the story. Has no one proofread this book before it was published?!
I was throughly enjoying this story. The story was intriguing and the characters were likable. But then a little way into Chapter 4, everything feel apart for me. The character Madison all of a sudden, out of no where sprains her ankle. Okay, I can work with that. But she is taken to the nursing station, where the nurse said she will take care of her. Alex tells Madison she will check on her when Olivia finishes the tour of their new home.
Now here is where I have my problem with story. On the VERY next page… There is Madison, absolutely fine!! Continuing on in the book as if her sprained ankle situation never even happened!! I am sorry, that just ruined this whole story for me. I just could not let that go.
I am shocked no one else had picked up on this! Bad proofreading by so many people! And sad this happened to a book that had a lot of promise. Unfortunately I will not be finishing this book. And I wouldn’t recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2023
Wonderful Cozy with Senior Sleuths
I've had this book in my Kindle Unlimited TBR list for a long time and finally read it. Wow, I am so glad I finally started this book! It starts off rather dark, but quickly heads into an exciting and original read. With the main character and her friends all being older people, it was so nice to see them portrayed as vibrant members of society and still able to hold their own in the world. With plenty of twists and turns and a touch or romance, I do hope that the author decides to make this a series! I highly recommend this book.
I've had this book in my Kindle Unlimited TBR list for a long time and finally read it. Wow, I am so glad I finally started this book! It starts off rather dark, but quickly heads into an exciting and original read. With the main character and her friends all being older people, it was so nice to see them portrayed as vibrant members of society and still able to hold their own in the world. With plenty of twists and turns and a touch or romance, I do hope that the author decides to make this a series! I highly recommend this book.
September 20, 2023
Great book! A must read for mystery, friendship and romance.
This was one of the most original stories I have read in cozy mysteries. I like dealing with older women (over 65 is still alive!) This story starts with "mental illness" and continues through to friendships, mysteries and lots of things that aren't what they seem. A great read and includes a little romance and a truer freedom to enjoy life and friends in later years!!
This was one of the most original stories I have read in cozy mysteries. I like dealing with older women (over 65 is still alive!) This story starts with "mental illness" and continues through to friendships, mysteries and lots of things that aren't what they seem. A great read and includes a little romance and a truer freedom to enjoy life and friends in later years!!
January 31, 2024
This is another of those 'it sounded like such a good idea' tales, that really wasn't. There were both spelling/grammar and continuity issues (people being left with a nurse and then reappearing in the group again on the next page apparently fighting fit being just one example), and the characters were all over the place with their emotions and reactions to things. Unfortunately I just had to give up in the end.
March 23, 2024
A Touch of Crazy
I loved the plot of this book. It was a fun and exciting read. Alex is sent to a mental hospital for not being able to cope with her husband's death. Upon her release to a retirement home she learns that her home is being sold by her brother-in-law. Alex makes new friends and decides to fight for what is hers. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
I loved the plot of this book. It was a fun and exciting read. Alex is sent to a mental hospital for not being able to cope with her husband's death. Upon her release to a retirement home she learns that her home is being sold by her brother-in-law. Alex makes new friends and decides to fight for what is hers. I'm looking forward to reading more by this author.
June 30, 2023
A fun, clever cozy
What a treat to find a collection of "over the hill" amateur sleuths! The book is a clever mystery, but even more a tribute to friendship and endurance. I really enjoyed it.
What a treat to find a collection of "over the hill" amateur sleuths! The book is a clever mystery, but even more a tribute to friendship and endurance. I really enjoyed it.
July 11, 2023
Fun story, and I loved the pace of the progression. Some of what happened wouldn't be allowed where I live in the US. Not sure about New Zealand though, so it didn't detract too much from the story, although at times I really wanted to do research to figure out those inconsistencies.
January 5, 2024
Life is not over at 60
The book drew me in right away and kept my interest the whole time. It was exciting and relatable
as an older person myself. I enjoyed the plot and the
wonderful women involved.
The book drew me in right away and kept my interest the whole time. It was exciting and relatable
as an older person myself. I enjoyed the plot and the
wonderful women involved.
April 25, 2024
well considered actions by a bunch of older people with an interesting range of skills succeed in solving a murder and blackmail. I really do prefer reading about protaginists who use their brains. very enjoyable.
January 20, 2025
How refreshing to read a book that was about people in my own age group. Very well written and caught my attention from page one, holding it until the final sentence. A real page turner involving death, mystery, new friends and new lovers. An extremely satisfying read. I will definitely be looking for more books by this author.
August 1, 2023
They have Patrick tied up in the attic while they search for the loot, don't they??? But, Alex is on to them, isn't she??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
August 29, 2023
Cozy Mystery
Enjoyable reading. It is a cozy mystery. First book by this author, going to read the other books she wrote.
Enjoyable reading. It is a cozy mystery. First book by this author, going to read the other books she wrote.
September 5, 2023
Good Read
Good little fun mystery. A bit “silly” at times but worth reading!
I did enjoy this book as a lighthearted mystery! Surprise ending!
Good little fun mystery. A bit “silly” at times but worth reading!
I did enjoy this book as a lighthearted mystery! Surprise ending!
November 19, 2023
Great read, I am looking forward to the next book.
May 21, 2024
A fun little mystery that keeps you guessing...
June 20, 2023
The book starts off in a depressing facility, with an uninspired therapist, and a woman (Alex) who was a "guest" there because she believes her husband was murdered and did not hang himself. Wow! Not a very cheery beginning! But she is transferred to a new facility which is more of a retirement home, complete with a charming gardener/handyman/driver and a bevy of women destined to become friends. With four delightful women ready to welcome and include Alex, life becomes better for her. Before long the five women take steps to return to Alex's former house, and a mysterious discovery falls into their laps.
With friendship, a possibility of romance, and a mystery, I found myself racing to the end trying to figure out what had happened. Surprise upon surprise was woven skillfully into Alex's life as well as the lives of her new friends. Wonderful imagery and a delightful setting make this a treat to read. The stunning conclusion left me thinking about the book long after I'd read the last page. It was an entrancing and wonderfully written novel that you won't want to miss!
With friendship, a possibility of romance, and a mystery, I found myself racing to the end trying to figure out what had happened. Surprise upon surprise was woven skillfully into Alex's life as well as the lives of her new friends. Wonderful imagery and a delightful setting make this a treat to read. The stunning conclusion left me thinking about the book long after I'd read the last page. It was an entrancing and wonderfully written novel that you won't want to miss!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews