Almost Criminal

by Ulrike Herwig, Rachel Reynolds (Translator)

A disenchanted husband and wife. One reckless move. With a little luck, a tank full of gas, and an unexpected accomplice, they’ll go far in this funny and exhilarating novel about friendship, redemption, and reinvention on the run.

Tina and Markus Michel are an unexceptional couple with a mountain of debt and dead-end jobs. Until Markus impulsively robs a gas station (with a toy gun) and goes on the lam with a blindsided Tina and an accidental octogenarian hostage, Oskar Krauss.

But Oskar is far from the frail nursing home resident he’s portrayed as in the media. In fact, the spry and shrewd ex–petty criminal is in his element again, helping the anxious, middle-aged Bonnie and Clyde navigate an escape plan that turns a not-so-run-of-the-mill day absurdly on its head. The world is watching. The police give chase. And with every mile and exhilarating new day, Tina and Markus realize that leaving the conventional life behind for the thrilling unknown could be the best thing that ever happened.

As for Oskar, he has a destination and a lost love in mind—and surprises in store as a cross-country getaway becomes the adventure of a lifetime.

Genres: Fiction, Germany

207 pages, Paperback

Expected publication March 24, 2026

Reviews

[Jessica Haile · Rating 3 out of 5]

Almost Criminal is a light, clever story about what happens when one bad decision turns into the best kind of adventure. It finds humor and heart in chaos, showing how letting go of the everyday grind can wake you up again and make you grateful for the little things in life that really matter. The chemistry between the main characters gives everything an extra spark. They’re partners in both minor crimes and discovery of themselves, and that’s what makes it such an enjoyable ride.

Almost Criminal is funny and full of charm — a reminder that sometimes making a mess is exactly what we need to feel alive again.

[Tamara Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almost Criminal by Ulrike Herwig is a funny, cozy novel. I loved it. The characters were endearing and you will love them. Oskar was my favorite. I read this in a couple hours. It's a quick read at 207 pages. It is scheduled for release March 24 2026. You definitely need to mark your calendar to get your copy.

Synopsis-" Tina and Markus Michel are an unexceptional couple with a mountain of debt and dead-end jobs. Until Markus impulsively robs a gas station (with a toy gun) and goes on the lam with a blindsided Tina and an accidental octogenarian hostage, Oskar Krauss."

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon crossing for my ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Don't forget to look for this book March 24 2026

[Jaime Aitkens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love love love! What a wonderfully funny and beautiful story about friendship and second chances in life. Yeh characters came to life on the pages for me, and I enjoyed every second of this book. An unlikely trio and their stories, this is a quick and very enjoyable read. I’d love to see it adapted as a film. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an ARC of this book.

[Kaitlyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever feel like you’re wasting your life away working at your mundane job where you’re barely getting by? Where everything seems to be falling apart and no matter how hard you try, it’s one step forward and two steps back? Where there’s literally no more edges to “trim-the-fat” as they say. Well that is where Almost Criminal starts!

After being at their wit’s end, Tina discover’s Markus, her husband, robbing a gas station. To her dismay, she now not only finds herself to be an accomplice to the robbery, but an abductor of an elderly man as well.

While they aren’t bad people, just ones who drew the short in of the stick in life, Tina and Markus are stuck with their new travel companion Oskar as he has zero intentions of returning to the nursing home.

This books is a wholesome, morally grey, story portraying their journey on a way to a new life.

Oskar is the star of the show, undoubtedly, as he has plenty of witting, blunt, and hilarious things to say. It’s true in real life, as well in this book - the older you get, the less filter you have!

While I don’t condone robbery or thief, I sense the plot more or less wants to persuade people that if you aren’t happy where you are in life, it’s up to you to change it. Step out of your comfort zone. Otherwise, nothing will change.

This is a quick easy read at a little over 200 pages. Definitely recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for the ARC and thank you Ulrike Herwig for allowing me to read your book!

[SuzieQuzie7973 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, Amazon Crossing and Ulrike Herwig for sharing this ARC with me, in exchange for my honest review.

Almost Criminal is amazing. The characters are just the right amount of morally grey. I fell in love with Oskar right from the start. For what starts out as a chaotic mess, turns turns into something completely different... something meaningful. The world building is excellent. The flow is a perfect pace.

I truly recommend that y'all get y'alls hands on this one.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished reading: February 19th 2026

"Criminal?" Oskar asked back. "Well, I think it's always a question of perspective. I was, first and foremost, a gentleman."

*** A copy of this book was kindly provided to me by Netgalley and Amazon Crossing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! ***

REVIEW

There was just something about Almost Criminal that I was drawn to immediately, and not just because of the fun cover. I do have a weak spot for stories with an older main character and I like exploring translated fiction, but it was the premise itself that sealed the deal for me. It sounded like an absolutely hilarious ride, and I have been looking forward to pick it up... And I have to say that Almost Criminal definitely lived up to expectations for me! It's absolutely bonkers, but SO much fun if you simply go with the flow.

I usually don't like making a comparison to other books, because it can give you wrong expectations... But in this case I think it really fits. Almost Criminal reminded me SO much of another favorite of mine: The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared. Oskar and Allan could have been dear friends, and it has that same over the top and absurd plot and humor... If you have read Jonas Jonasson's book in the past, your reaction to Almost Criminal will probably be quite similar.

This is definitely one of those books where you have to be able to suspend your disbelief, sit back and simply enjoy the wild ride. There is nothing credible about the unexpected road trip Tina, Markus and Oskar find themselves on, but this story isn't really ment to be in the first place. Instead, it offers you a brief escape from the real world, and the humor was simply spot on for me. I literally flew through this book in an afternoon, and the entertainment level was through the roof.

As for the characters... Oskar is without doubt the star of the show, and I absolutely loved his character. He is definitely the reason this story works so well, although Tina and Markus also play a big role as it is their clumsiness combined with Oskar's unexpected knowledge that make the many situations they encounter along the way so hilarious. The secondary characters are great as well; I do love a good dose of quirky characters and they really livened up the plot even more.

I don't want to give away too much about this story, but if you don't mind suspending your disbelief and enjoy a fun and over the top ride with a great cast of characters, Almost Criminal will most definitely entertain you. I won't mind reading more of this author in the future, that's for sure!

[Treena · Rating 5 out of 5]

📖 THE STORY
Almost Criminal takes an ordinary, exhausted couple and throws them into the wildest, most unexpectedly heartwarming adventure of their lives. Tina and Markus, buried under debt and disappointment, end up on the run with Oskar — an octogenarian who is absolutely not the fragile “victim” he appears to be. What begins as a chaotic mistake quickly becomes something far more meaningful: a chance for all three of them to rediscover who they are, what they want, and how much life they still have left to live. It’s funny, warm, chaotic, and surprisingly tender.

♥️ WHAT I LOVED
What really stole my heart in this story was the second-chance love for Oskar — watching him reconnect with a lost love was such a tender, beautiful thread. I also adored the way Tina and Markus found their way back to each other through sheer chaos; seeing them rediscover their connection was surprisingly moving. The theme of new beginnings born from mess and mayhem hit perfectly for me, the idea that sometimes life has to fall apart to make room for something better. And of course, the found-family dynamic absolutely shone — I’m always a sucker for it, and this trio delivered peak chaotic–heartfelt bliss. Oskar completely stole the show too; mischievous, sharp, and full of life, he was hands down my favourite character. I’ll never say no to an older character who brings humour, wisdom, and just the right amount of trouble.

🤔 WHAT DIDN’T QUITE LAND
Some pacing dips: A few scenes linger longer than they need to, but the charm makes up for it.

💡 OVERALL
This story is warm, funny, chaotic in all the right ways, and full of heart. I loved the way second chances — in love, in life, in relationships — are woven through the narrative. Tina and Markus will never go back to their old lives and honestly? That’s the beauty of it. Almost Criminal is a delightful reminder that sometimes the best things come from the messiest moments, and that found family (especially when it includes a mischievous old man like Oskar) can make all the difference.

A lovely, heartfelt read with charm and humour in every chapter. a paints him to be. Sharp, mischievous, and more than a little too comfortable with crime, he slides right back into old habits and becomes the unlikely mastermind of their getaway. As the trio races across the country, the police close in, the public becomes obsessed, and Tina and Markus start to realise that ditching their dead-end lives for the unknown might be the best decision they’ve ever made.

And Oskar? He has his own mission — a destination, a lost love, and a few surprises that turn this impulsive escape into the adventure none of them saw coming.

💫 Thank you to NetGalley and AmazonCrossing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review💫

[Ciara Hartman · Rating 5 out of 5]

🎧 Audio Review: While I’m sure this will be enjoyable in physical/ebook format, I absolutely LOVED the audiobook!! When it comes to the old man, Oskar, that they accidentally abduct, hearing him in the audio is amazing and truly brought his character to life!! Highly recommend!! 👏

📝 Story Review: I loved this story so much!

Tina and her husband Markus have struggled with barely being able to make ends meet and being unhappy in their jobs. But Tina wasn’t expecting to wind up on the run from the police, in an ambulance with her husband, who had just held up a gas station. Things get even wilder when they realize that they’re not alone in the ambulance… Now they’re on the run, but also kind of taking a road trip with their humorous elderly companion, Oskar.

Picture Bonnie and Clyde vibes, but with a lot less bloodshed and a lot of humor! Oskar was my fave character and I loved the dynamics between the 3 of them as time went on. Despite some criminal activity and being on the run from the law, you’ll be rooting for these characters! I wanted them to have a happy ending, but was unsure how that could possibly happen. (You’ll have to find out for yourself.) - This was fun and heartwarming, with great found family vibes!

My Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 5/5!

Vibes: Funny; Heartwarming; Road trippy.

Tropes 👇

- Road trip (while on the run)
- Accidental hostage
- Humorous situations
- Lovable old man
- Found family
- Lost love, found!
- Hidden treasure
- Bonnie and Clyde… yet not really

CW’s 👇

- Mention of elderly abuse at a care facility

Audio Release Date: March 24, 2026
Audio Run Time: 6 hrs, 34 mins
Narrated By: Jessica Taige
Genre: Comedic Suspense; Women’s Fiction
POV: Third Person; Single

Thank you to NetGalley and Brilliance Publishing for this ALC in return for my honest review!

[Ivy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Amazon Crossing Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

PLOT SUMMARY:

Tina and Markus Michel have never been lucky with finances. One fateful day, Markus snaps and robs a gas station with a toy gun. Tina, who happens to be in the store looking for cheap snacks for her lunch, recognizes her husband and runs after him, only to end up in a stolen ambulance with an 87-year-old man locked in the back. While the entire police force chases them, the accidental Bonnie and Clyde and their conniving grandpa "hostage" soon realize that this thrilling cross-country chase may as well be the best thing that has ever happened to each of them.

I must say that this has been one of the most light-hearted and funny novels I've read in a very long time! The situation is an absolute pickle, yes, but Oskar... He's an 87-year-old rockstar on wheels (of his wheelchair)! He is just the kind of character I adore: elderly and sarcastic, but hilarious to the bone! I loved the dynamics between Tina, Markus, and Oskar, and how they became found family in the course of a couple of days and during their hide-and-seek with the police. The tricks Oskar pulled off to save the day were clever and mostly entertaining. Seeing the realizations they come to during their journey made me consider the things I take for granted in my life, too, and in a way warmed my heart and made me see how blessed my life is in many ways.

If you are looking for banter, a fun adventure full of "coming-of-age" vibes, and one hell of a cool grandpa to make you realize it's actually all very simple in life, this one is a great and quick read (just over 200 pages).

[Kelly Boggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

The premise of this story made me pick up this book. A couple going through the mundane and hard grind of life with nothing very spectacular or enjoyable and suddenly the wife is caught up in her husband's not well planned out robbery and accidental kidnapping. Oskar, the 87 year old man, makes the story for me. He keeps them on their toes and running from authorities. He surprises them at every corner and challenges them not to go back to life as they knew it.

I always love the surprising main characters and love the forty some year old woman and this quirky kidnapped man who becomes just as much a part of this running from the cops adventure.

The audio book is great! This may be the only contemporary translated novel I've read and although the setting is in Germany it feels like it could have happened anywhere. The only thing that made me rewind sometimes were names of people and places as I was like "what was that?" and then I remembered the original was written in German.

Thanks to Brilliance Publishing and NetGalley for providing the ARC for this title. I will definitely be purchasing this title for my store.

Note/Caution/Warning:
Language: some minor swearing throughout

[Aga · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Amazon Crossing and NetGalley for this ARC, out March 24th.

What starts as a desperate mistake quickly spirals into something far more unexpected…

Tina and Markus, a struggling couple in Germany, make a reckless decision that turns them into unlikely criminals—robbing a petrol station and, somehow, accidentally kidnapping 87-year-old Oskar. But Oskar isn’t your typical victim. Instead of panic, he sees opportunity—his last shot at adventure.

What follows is a chaotic, witty road trip across Germany, as Oskar convinces them to take him to his hometown by the North Sea to recover a family treasure. Along the way, things get increasingly messy, with questionable decisions, shady connections, and plenty of scheming.

This is a light-hearted, slightly absurd crime comedy that doesn’t take itself too seriously. The humour lands well, Oskar absolutely steals the show, and the whole story has that “what did I just read—but in a good way” vibe.

That said, it leans more into quirky fun than depth, so if you’re looking for strong emotional stakes, this might feel a bit too light.

Overall, a quick, entertaining read with a lovable wildcard at its centre.

[Annica Fourie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this.
The premise and writing style is reminiscent of Fredrik Backman, and immediately I was sold.
This story is about life and second chances, and what happens when a desperate man decides to hold up a gas station...
Oskar was by far my favourite character. He was a hoot - always ready with a plan of escape.
it was also refreshing reading about regular people going through life hating their jobs (which is relatable on some level to everyone) and seeing Tina especially realising and sharing with her former colleague that you don't have to stay in that space if you don't want to be there.
In the grand scheme, I guess that is the true message of the book: the trajectory of your life is completely up to you (not that I'm saying you should rob a gas station and kidnap an elderly man before going on the run).
This book gets a definitive yes from me.

Thank you to Amazon Crossing Publishing and Netgalley for the eARC of this title.

[Jayla Metzler · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really cute read. It’s a story about love, family, friendship, and finding your way when life doesn’t go as planned. I really enjoyed it.
Tina and Markus Michel are a struggling married couple drowning in debt and stuck in dead-end jobs. Everything changes when Markus makes a reckless decision and robs a gas station with a toy gun. Suddenly they’re on the run—with Tina unwillingly along for the ride and an accidental hostage, eighty-year-old Oskar Krauss.
But Oskar isn’t the helpless old man everyone thinks he is. The clever former petty criminal quickly becomes the unexpected guide for this chaotic escape. As the police chase them and the whole world watches, their strange road trip turns into an unforgettable adventure.
Along the way, the trio discovers friendship, second chances, and maybe even a little redemption. With plenty of humor and heart, this story shows that sometimes the most unexpected journeys can lead to the biggest changes.

[Tiffanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Almost Criminal by Ulrike Herwig well enough, but it wasn’t anything particularly memorable for me. The story deals with some fairly serious subject matter, yet it manages to keep a fun and lighthearted tone throughout, which made it an easy read.

Oscar was definitely the highlight of the book for me. His banter and the stories he shared were a breath of fresh air and brought a lot of smiles while reading. He added a nice bit of personality and humor that helped balance the heavier elements of the plot.

Overall, this was an enjoyable read, but it didn’t quite stand out in a way that made it feel especially unique or memorable. A solid, pleasant story—just not one that completely wowed me.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tina is grinding through another miserable day at a job she hates, getting a sandwich from a gas station, when it is suddenly robbed. By her husband. She runs out after him and they take off in an ambulance, not sure how this happened to their ordinary life. And then, a voice speaks up from the back and they see 87-year-old Oskar, ready for an adventure that isn’t moving into a care home.

What a funny, madcap story! The three are on the run, stealing but also giving, meeting loved ones and flooding houses. Translated from German, it was great to read something that isn’t set in the US or England.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley! A charmingly witty tale of Tina and Markus Michel. Both trapped in low paying jobs going nowhere is inflicting increasing financial woes. On lunch break, Tina is trying to find something cheap to eat when an armed robbery takes place. Shocked, she realizes she knows him! So begins their lives on the lam! They find an ambulance and take it to escape but little did they know that Oskar Krauss is secured in his wheelchair in back. Self proclaimed 87 year old is thrilled and helpful along the way as the trio evades capture and makes plans to get Oskar back to his home. Full of laughter and friendships. A definite feel good story!

[Lauren | Wordsbetweenlines · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️

This was hilarious. I did a hybrid of audio and physical, half and half! It was fun to do both. I actually would recommend the physical over the audio in the end.

Tina feels in a rut, with work and life. Financially they are struggling and then she comes across her husband, mid robbery. This leads to kidnapping an elderly man and a journey as they evade the police and try and figure out what to do.

This is translated from German.

Pub date: March 24

Thank you firefly distribution for the book and brilliance for the audio 🤍

[Rebecca RebeccasFamAndMore · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS. WAS. DELIGHTFUL - and crazy, and unrealistic, and funny, and charming, and heartwarming, and just a breath of fresh air at this time in our crazy life! Hahaha! I adore books with older protagonists OR greatly-written older side characters. This is that book!

A husband and wife on the run from the law - are they bad? or just a case of mid-life frustration? Conundrums ensue in a stolen ambulance and the rest is history! 4.5 hearts

Thanks to NetGalley for a chance to read an early copy and review!

[Dani Garrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ulrike Herwig was kind enough to share an ARC with me and I am thrilled to write this honest review.

Almost Criminal is joyous. It’s a sweet story about a flawed couple and their accidental victim/co-conspirator. Their journey is a wild one but at each new obstacle, they manage to deftly find their way through not without learning some solid lessons along the way.

Delightful, sweet, and just a little romantic ;)

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so cute!! A little offbeat, but fun! Add it to my list of books about older people not being old. I loved so many of the quirky characters that Tina and Markus meet while "on the lam." I almost feel like this could have been a series with more time spent with each of the people they met and the adventures they had. This book won't get a Pulitzer, but it will make you smile!

Thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for a copy of the book. This review is my own opinion.

[Inge · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️
Almost Criminal by Ulrike Herwig is a fun feel-good story, but it was way too unrealistic for me. In the beginning, I found it entertaining, but the longer the story continued, the more the unrealistic elements bothered me.

*Many thanks to NetGalley and Amazon Crossing for an eARC. This review shows my honest opinion.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This light-hearted take on a midlife crisis that goes off the rails is a charming, poignant, and sincere story leavened with funny moments. Originally published in Germany and smoothly translated into English, it will appeal to fans of road trip stories, character-driven tales, and slightly absurdist humor.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quirky and a bit far fetched but the themes of found family, second chances, and society’s response to aging all resonated. It is a delightful book. Very enjoyable. Thank you to the publisher and Rachel Reynolds,the translator, for this ARC.

[JXR · Rating 5 out of 5]

absolutely wild ride. when our protag discovers her husband stole a car and robbed a gas station, she did not expect Oskar, the lovable retired criminal, to be the frail man in the trunk. With his guidance, they go on a wild, wild ride. 5 stars. tysm for the arc.

[Gwendolyn Zaczepinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley & the Publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Quick, entertaining, heartfelt, absolutely adorable, and a great escape read!

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much fun! Who hasn’t felt like they were trapped in a life they don’t recognize and just want to get away from it all. Markus thinks he’s found a way to fix it, but, with one misstep after another, they’re not quite sure how it can end. They may not have made the best choices, but I laughed so much along the way. I loved the addition of Oskar and his need to live his life on his terms. Highly recommended!

Thank you to NetGalley Amazon Crossing, and Brilliance Publishing for the review copies.

[Justyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is pure, unadulterated charm. It’s a sweet, lighthearted read that doesn’t take itself too seriously, focusing instead on a down-on-their-luck middle-aged couple who find their way back to what matters most. The main characters are wonderful, but it’s the quirky old man who steals the show, reminding them (and us) that love really is the primary ingredient for a good life.

​A quote in the book is a perfect mantra for the book—'Enjoy life to the fullest; you’ll be dead longer than alive'—perfectly captures the vibe. It left me with a permanent smile and a serious case of the 'warm and fuzzies.' Truly a delight!

Thank you NetGalley and publishers for the arc.