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Old Girls Behaving Badly
A delightfully heartwarming and funny story that proves it's never too late to change the habits of a lifetime, perfect for fans of Judy Leigh, Hazel Prior and Maddie Please.
Something old, something new, something stolen…?
Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.
Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-nine, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.
But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.
Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?
Something old, something new, something stolen…?
Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.
Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-nine, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.
But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.
Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?
282 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 13, 2024
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April 19, 2024
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I enjoyed The Second Chance Holiday Club so when the author reached out to me with a widget from NetGalley I jumped at the chance and am I ever glad I did.
I am a lot younger than the ladies in this story (Dorothy and Gina) but I could relate to them with my kids being grown and being divorced. Plus their sense of humour was great too...Gina's son called the dog shithead for eating shoes etc. and I died laughing. I adored these ladies and how they helped each other and at the same time helped themselves.
The chapters alternate between the two main character's points of view and I loved being inside their heads...they don't suffer fools easily and it was amazing reading about female leads of a certain age (and a third young woman in her early teenage years joins them.) I loved these three characters so much. Not all the characters are likable, especially Leonard, I loathed him and his ilk. But even some of the bad ones are trying to do better and I admire anyone who does that. Leonard likes to think of himself as an art connoisseur but he's really just a hoarder of expensive things. I loved the descriptions of the art, I could visualize each piece so clearly. And I am a lover of Murano glass from Italy.
Even though the book was quite humourous there are some tough topics in the story, especially dealing with grief and divorce. Gina is also having to deal with going back to work and finding a new job late in life. Galley knows how to write strong female characters and their being older just added to the fun. This one goes into cozy mystery territory and I was so here for it. I loved the ending and am wondering if there will be a book two. (Please)
Now I have to pick up The Golden Girls Road Trip for the Kate Galley trifecta.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. And a special thank you to the author, Kate Galley, for reaching out to me on Twitter/X.
The Book Review Crew Blog
I enjoyed The Second Chance Holiday Club so when the author reached out to me with a widget from NetGalley I jumped at the chance and am I ever glad I did.
I am a lot younger than the ladies in this story (Dorothy and Gina) but I could relate to them with my kids being grown and being divorced. Plus their sense of humour was great too...Gina's son called the dog shithead for eating shoes etc. and I died laughing. I adored these ladies and how they helped each other and at the same time helped themselves.
The chapters alternate between the two main character's points of view and I loved being inside their heads...they don't suffer fools easily and it was amazing reading about female leads of a certain age (and a third young woman in her early teenage years joins them.) I loved these three characters so much. Not all the characters are likable, especially Leonard, I loathed him and his ilk. But even some of the bad ones are trying to do better and I admire anyone who does that. Leonard likes to think of himself as an art connoisseur but he's really just a hoarder of expensive things. I loved the descriptions of the art, I could visualize each piece so clearly. And I am a lover of Murano glass from Italy.
Even though the book was quite humourous there are some tough topics in the story, especially dealing with grief and divorce. Gina is also having to deal with going back to work and finding a new job late in life. Galley knows how to write strong female characters and their being older just added to the fun. This one goes into cozy mystery territory and I was so here for it. I loved the ending and am wondering if there will be a book two. (Please)
Now I have to pick up The Golden Girls Road Trip for the Kate Galley trifecta.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy. And a special thank you to the author, Kate Galley, for reaching out to me on Twitter/X.
May 15, 2024
After her husband of forty-three years leaves seventy-one-year-old Georgina “Gina” Knight to “find himself,” she is forced to rethink her plans for the future. With her adult children well settled in their own lives and the family home about to be sold, Gina not only needs to find a place to live but also a means to supplement her income after splitting the proceeds from the impending sale. When she sees an advertisement for a Companion to an elderly lady for a well-paying week-long assignment that would require her to accompany the family to Norfolk for a family wedding, she is quick to apply for the position.
Eighty-nine-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Reed isn’t too keen on having a Companion following her around, but when she meets Gina, whom she instantly likes and shares common interests, she has a change of heart. Unbeknownst to Gina at the time, Dorothy has a hidden agenda – a quest to find the culprit responsible for the theft of a piece of art from her home. She believes that the thief will be a part of her grandson’s wedding being held in the sprawling estate of a family friend (whom Dorothy despises) who also happens to be the bride’s uncle.
The narrative follows Gina and Dorothy as they attempt to locate the stolen painting (along with Dorothy’s thirteen-year-old granddaughter Juliet who convinces them to let her join in their efforts) without making it too obvious – not as easy a task as they had anticipated, with the full schedule of festivities that have been planned and the watchful eyes of their host not to mention having to navigate the rising tensions between members of the wedding party, quite a few of whom have their own secrets to protect.
I thoroughly enjoyed Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley. Heartwarming and humorous with cozy mystery vibes, this was an entertaining read. I loved the descriptions of the lavish estate and Leonard’s home. Both protagonists are interesting characters and I loved their dynamic. I particularly liked Gina’s trajectory and how she emerges from her shell as the narrative progresses. The narrative, shared from the perspectives of Gina and Dorothy, flows well and the characters are well thought out (even the unlikable ones). There is a rather large cast of characters to follow, but this in no way detracts from the overall reading experience. The novel touches upon sensitive issues such as aging, loneliness and grief with compassion. I liked how the author chose to end the story and if I’m not mistaken, the ending indicates that we may get more stories featuring Dot and Gina in the future. If you also enjoy stories that feature mature protagonists who are smart, quick- witted and can hold their own in any situation, you won’t be disappointed.
This was my first Kate Galley novel and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
Eighty-nine-year-old Dorothy “Dot” Reed isn’t too keen on having a Companion following her around, but when she meets Gina, whom she instantly likes and shares common interests, she has a change of heart. Unbeknownst to Gina at the time, Dorothy has a hidden agenda – a quest to find the culprit responsible for the theft of a piece of art from her home. She believes that the thief will be a part of her grandson’s wedding being held in the sprawling estate of a family friend (whom Dorothy despises) who also happens to be the bride’s uncle.
The narrative follows Gina and Dorothy as they attempt to locate the stolen painting (along with Dorothy’s thirteen-year-old granddaughter Juliet who convinces them to let her join in their efforts) without making it too obvious – not as easy a task as they had anticipated, with the full schedule of festivities that have been planned and the watchful eyes of their host not to mention having to navigate the rising tensions between members of the wedding party, quite a few of whom have their own secrets to protect.
I thoroughly enjoyed Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley. Heartwarming and humorous with cozy mystery vibes, this was an entertaining read. I loved the descriptions of the lavish estate and Leonard’s home. Both protagonists are interesting characters and I loved their dynamic. I particularly liked Gina’s trajectory and how she emerges from her shell as the narrative progresses. The narrative, shared from the perspectives of Gina and Dorothy, flows well and the characters are well thought out (even the unlikable ones). There is a rather large cast of characters to follow, but this in no way detracts from the overall reading experience. The novel touches upon sensitive issues such as aging, loneliness and grief with compassion. I liked how the author chose to end the story and if I’m not mistaken, the ending indicates that we may get more stories featuring Dot and Gina in the future. If you also enjoy stories that feature mature protagonists who are smart, quick- witted and can hold their own in any situation, you won’t be disappointed.
This was my first Kate Galley novel and I look forward to exploring more of her work.
Many thanks to Boldwood Books for the digital review copy via NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Connect with me! ✏ Instagram ✏ My Blog ✏ The StoryGraph
May 20, 2024
EXCERPT: COMPANION WANTED FOR ELDERLY WOMAN - NORTH NORFOLK
Temporary position.
Live-in.
BOX:765034
Job specifications: Live-in companion wanted for an elderly woman. You will have your own room with a private bathroom in a substantial home on a large country estate in North Norfolk.
The position is temporary - seven days in the last week of August during a family wedding party.
Your duties will be light. No persona care is involved. The woman requires, in essence, a friendly person to be her companion while the family are otherwise engaged with wedding preparations.
You must be efficient, quick-witted and happy to join the family for their very special occasion.
If the applicant is successful, there is the potential for a permanent position in the woman's London home. . .
ABOUT 'OLD GIRLS BEHAVING BADLY': Something old, something new, something stolen…?
Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.
Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-nine, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.
But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.
Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved these two main characters! Eighty-nine-year-old Dot Reed and seventy-one-year-old Gina Knight just seem to hit it off. Dot really didn't want a companion until she met Gina, who has a skill that Dot needs to fulfil her quest. Gina just wants out of the marital home which is in the process of being sold.
Gina doesn't have a lot of self-confidence, shaken by a departing husband who describes her as 'beige and unexciting.' Dorothy tends to be impulsive and a holder of grudges. At first glance these two have nothing in common, but in truth both are quick-witted and suspicious. Juliet, Dot's thirteen-year-old granddaughter makes the third person in the search for stolen goods in the host's home.
Old Girls Behaving Badly is humorous romp (without being at all silly!) under cover of the upcoming nuptials in a large and stately manor house with staircases, cellars and hidden rooms. Dot and Gina made me think of an aged Nancy Drew!
This read is a lot of fun. It deals with divorce in the elderly, grief, finding your feet again and finding new friends in unexpected places. Every time I think about Old Girls Behaving Badly, I smile. The way Kate Galley has ended this book makes me believe there may be a second book on the horizon. I sincerely hope so.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#OldGirlsBehavingBadly #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration co0mes from the varied lives of her client as a mobile hairdresser.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Temporary position.
Live-in.
BOX:765034
Job specifications: Live-in companion wanted for an elderly woman. You will have your own room with a private bathroom in a substantial home on a large country estate in North Norfolk.
The position is temporary - seven days in the last week of August during a family wedding party.
Your duties will be light. No persona care is involved. The woman requires, in essence, a friendly person to be her companion while the family are otherwise engaged with wedding preparations.
You must be efficient, quick-witted and happy to join the family for their very special occasion.
If the applicant is successful, there is the potential for a permanent position in the woman's London home. . .
ABOUT 'OLD GIRLS BEHAVING BADLY': Something old, something new, something stolen…?
Gina Knight is looking forward to the prospect of retirement with her husband of forty-three years. Until, to her surprise, said husband decides he needs to 'find himself' – alone – and disappears to Santa Fe, leaving divorce papers in his wake.
Now Gina needs a new role in life, not to mention somewhere to live, so she applies for the position of Companion to elderly Dorothy Reed. At eighty-nine, ‘Dot’ needs someone to help her around the house – or at least, her family seems to think so. Her companion’s first role would be to accompany Dot for a week-long extravagant wedding party.
But when Georgina arrives at the large Norfolk estate where the wedding will take place, she quickly discovers Dot has an ulterior motive for hiring her. While the other guests are busy sipping champagne and playing croquet, Dot needs Georgina to help her solve a mystery – about a missing painting, which she believes is hidden somewhere in the house.
Because, after all, who would suspect two old ladies of getting up to mischief?
MY THOUGHTS: I loved these two main characters! Eighty-nine-year-old Dot Reed and seventy-one-year-old Gina Knight just seem to hit it off. Dot really didn't want a companion until she met Gina, who has a skill that Dot needs to fulfil her quest. Gina just wants out of the marital home which is in the process of being sold.
Gina doesn't have a lot of self-confidence, shaken by a departing husband who describes her as 'beige and unexciting.' Dorothy tends to be impulsive and a holder of grudges. At first glance these two have nothing in common, but in truth both are quick-witted and suspicious. Juliet, Dot's thirteen-year-old granddaughter makes the third person in the search for stolen goods in the host's home.
Old Girls Behaving Badly is humorous romp (without being at all silly!) under cover of the upcoming nuptials in a large and stately manor house with staircases, cellars and hidden rooms. Dot and Gina made me think of an aged Nancy Drew!
This read is a lot of fun. It deals with divorce in the elderly, grief, finding your feet again and finding new friends in unexpected places. Every time I think about Old Girls Behaving Badly, I smile. The way Kate Galley has ended this book makes me believe there may be a second book on the horizon. I sincerely hope so.
⭐⭐⭐⭐.4
#OldGirlsBehavingBadly #NetGalley
THE AUTHOR: Kate Galley lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children and Meg, their Patterdale Terrier. Much of Kate's inspiration co0mes from the varied lives of her client as a mobile hairdresser.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Boldwood Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
May 18, 2024
No time for a lengthy review- too busy gardening as every time I turn round there’s another weed sprung up!!
Highly entertaining! A fun read and I’ll definitely read the follow up. Liked the characters.
Kindle Unlimited
Highly entertaining! A fun read and I’ll definitely read the follow up. Liked the characters.
Kindle Unlimited
May 10, 2024
Seventy one year old Gina Knight had had the rug pulled from under her feet when her husband of more than forty years decided he needed to "find himself", leaving Gina not entirely sure what was happening. Knowing her home would be sold, Gina searched for somewhere else to go - she didn't want to encroach on either her son or daughter and their families - and when she applied for the position of companion to an elderly woman, and received the job, Gina decided things were looking up. Dorothy Reed was a spritely eighty nine year old, and needed Gina for the upcoming week of wedding festivities at a mansion belonging to a relative.
Gina was in awe of the place she would be staying in - the majesty and beauty was a sight to behold. But when Dot explained what she had in mind for this week, Gina was immediately hesitant. A painting was missing, and Dot believed it was hidden in the house they were staying in. She tasked Gina with finding it before the week was over. Gina was worried about being caught snooping...
Old Girls Behaving Badly is my first by Kate Galley and it was lots of fun! With Dot and Gina getting up to mischief, and Dot's granddaughter, thirteen year old Juliet, also joining in the fun, it was definitely a week out of the ordinary. An entertaining read, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Gina was in awe of the place she would be staying in - the majesty and beauty was a sight to behold. But when Dot explained what she had in mind for this week, Gina was immediately hesitant. A painting was missing, and Dot believed it was hidden in the house they were staying in. She tasked Gina with finding it before the week was over. Gina was worried about being caught snooping...
Old Girls Behaving Badly is my first by Kate Galley and it was lots of fun! With Dot and Gina getting up to mischief, and Dot's granddaughter, thirteen year old Juliet, also joining in the fun, it was definitely a week out of the ordinary. An entertaining read, which I thoroughly enjoyed, and recommend highly.
With thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 9, 2024
Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley is a feel-good, cozy mystery/ fiction that follows octogenarian, Dot, and her 71 year old companion, Gina, as they both navigate being newly single. In this novel about friendship and living life to the fullest, we watch these two women not only search to uncover a crime but also form a friendship that they both desperately need and start to help each other heal.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for early access to read Old Girls Behaving Badly in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are mine.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books, for early access to read Old Girls Behaving Badly in exchange for an honest review. All opinions in this review are mine.
May 14, 2024
When women reach a certain age, they find that the life that defined them is no longer there. These women decide they will not sit idly by and wait to die. This book reminds me so much of the movie Secondhand Lions. They have earned the right to live as they wish and if you don't like it.....too bad. 5 easy stars
July 3, 2024
A fabulously fun read! The main character is 71 years old and finds herself at the precipice of a life change since her 73 year old husband has decided to do a runner. Now, you younger readers (thankfully, that is me too!) don't think this book isn't for you as it absolutely is! The second main character is 89 years old....still stick around you younger readers! Toss in a 13 year old teen with an attitude problem, a mystery of where the stolen item is, trying to solve the crime, being a companion to an older woman, a teen running around recording conversations, a wedding with tons of events and everyone carrying around a ton of secrets and you'll have an inkling of the fun to come in this story. It's witty, poignant, relatable for those of us who are aging (but still younger by decades than the main characters, LOL!) and a delightfully fun read. I do hope that the author will grant us the curtesy of seeing more of these characters as the way it was written, it absolutely could be a series! If you like art, fun, witty dialogue, relatable characters then this book is absolutely one that should go on your read list!
April 4, 2024
This is a light feel good read about friendship and living life to the fullest no matter what your age. The characters were likable and the mystery was fun. I have never read golden years fiction before and it was nice to see older people as the main characters! Fast, Fun read!
May 15, 2024
First, I want to thank Kate Galley, Boldwood Books and Rachel’s Random Resources for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
Oh I knew this was going to be a fun easy read when I saw the title of Kate Galley’s book Old Girls Behaving Badly! I had never read anything by Kate Galley before so I was not sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The beginning of this book was very unique as it was a help wanted ad for a caregiver for a week at a wedding. That instantly caught my attention and made me want to read on.
I loved and appreciated how Gina accepted her son Chris’s sexuality and his marriage to Gavin. Unlike his father Douglas who couldn’t comprehend the concept of love is love.
Speaking of Douglas he was totally shady on the way he broke off his marriage to Gina. He was not one of my favorite characters.
Within Old Girls Behaving Badly a mystery was to be solved of where Dorothy’s late husband's painting went.
Oh I knew this was going to be a fun easy read when I saw the title of Kate Galley’s book Old Girls Behaving Badly! I had never read anything by Kate Galley before so I was not sure what to expect. However, I was pleasantly surprised.
The beginning of this book was very unique as it was a help wanted ad for a caregiver for a week at a wedding. That instantly caught my attention and made me want to read on.
I loved and appreciated how Gina accepted her son Chris’s sexuality and his marriage to Gavin. Unlike his father Douglas who couldn’t comprehend the concept of love is love.
Speaking of Douglas he was totally shady on the way he broke off his marriage to Gina. He was not one of my favorite characters.
Within Old Girls Behaving Badly a mystery was to be solved of where Dorothy’s late husband's painting went.
May 22, 2024
This was a fun read. Author is new to me but I will definitely read more.
April 16, 2024
Thanks to Kate herself for sending me an advanced copy of her new book in return for an honest review.
I have read and absolutely adored Kate's previous two books - The Second Chance Holiday Club and The Golden Girls' Road Trip - they were so gorgeous and such fun and so was thrilled when Kate got in touch about reading her new one. I always feel like I've had a big cosy hug when I read her books.
She has this immense talent and ability to write older characters. So often in fiction, old people, especially women, are written into books as an extra, a novelty, a joke, in the way, is forgetful, is an obstacle. Rarely are they the main star, and that's what I love about her books. She shows such compassion towards them and they make just as good protagonists as any youngster and I for one, love her for that.
There's many, many characters in it, and I don't have the space to go into all them, but I will obviously talk about our two main ladies.
I felt sorry for Gina at first. This is her life and yet it's being ruled by her ex-husband and her children (although more her daughter than her son). She seemed a bit timid, but came into her own when given the chance. She was a really well written character. She's clearly an older lady, but there's enough of a gap between her and Dorothy for you to see this relationship blossom, rather than just having two old women living together. She felt very everyday, like she could be you or I, a friend or a relative. Very relatable and normal, but never dull.
And then we have Dorothy, who I loved. She's this old woman whose family think she needs help, but she doesn't think so, but she does play up to the old woman charade when needed. She is just gorgeous. I could picture her in my mind instantly. For me, she was this boho, free spirit of an old lady, rather than your stereotypical doddery grey-haired grandmother. I found her instantly interesting.
I would say your antagonist, if you want to call him that, is Leonard, Dorothy's relation and behind the week's get together. I won't spoil why or what he does, but he definitely felt very slimy and cold, definitely hiding something, but again very well written, even if I didn't like him much.
It is an uplifting and joyous book, but there are elements of a thriller here, almost a whodunnit, which gave it more depth and made it even more exciting.
Yes, at its heart it is an uplifting book, but it doesn't shy away from difficult topics, such as death, grief, accidents, thievery, old age, divorce, feeling lost, revenge, and blackmail.
It was another of my break-my-rule-of-never-reading-the-kindle-in-bed rule. To be honest, that keeps happening, and I feel it's now become - in the words of one Captain Jack Sparrow - more of a guideline than an actual rule. I just couldn't put it down. I read it in less than 24 hours. That's three of her books read, and all loved, and I cannot wait for future works as she's an excellent storyteller.
I have read and absolutely adored Kate's previous two books - The Second Chance Holiday Club and The Golden Girls' Road Trip - they were so gorgeous and such fun and so was thrilled when Kate got in touch about reading her new one. I always feel like I've had a big cosy hug when I read her books.
She has this immense talent and ability to write older characters. So often in fiction, old people, especially women, are written into books as an extra, a novelty, a joke, in the way, is forgetful, is an obstacle. Rarely are they the main star, and that's what I love about her books. She shows such compassion towards them and they make just as good protagonists as any youngster and I for one, love her for that.
There's many, many characters in it, and I don't have the space to go into all them, but I will obviously talk about our two main ladies.
I felt sorry for Gina at first. This is her life and yet it's being ruled by her ex-husband and her children (although more her daughter than her son). She seemed a bit timid, but came into her own when given the chance. She was a really well written character. She's clearly an older lady, but there's enough of a gap between her and Dorothy for you to see this relationship blossom, rather than just having two old women living together. She felt very everyday, like she could be you or I, a friend or a relative. Very relatable and normal, but never dull.
And then we have Dorothy, who I loved. She's this old woman whose family think she needs help, but she doesn't think so, but she does play up to the old woman charade when needed. She is just gorgeous. I could picture her in my mind instantly. For me, she was this boho, free spirit of an old lady, rather than your stereotypical doddery grey-haired grandmother. I found her instantly interesting.
I would say your antagonist, if you want to call him that, is Leonard, Dorothy's relation and behind the week's get together. I won't spoil why or what he does, but he definitely felt very slimy and cold, definitely hiding something, but again very well written, even if I didn't like him much.
It is an uplifting and joyous book, but there are elements of a thriller here, almost a whodunnit, which gave it more depth and made it even more exciting.
Yes, at its heart it is an uplifting book, but it doesn't shy away from difficult topics, such as death, grief, accidents, thievery, old age, divorce, feeling lost, revenge, and blackmail.
It was another of my break-my-rule-of-never-reading-the-kindle-in-bed rule. To be honest, that keeps happening, and I feel it's now become - in the words of one Captain Jack Sparrow - more of a guideline than an actual rule. I just couldn't put it down. I read it in less than 24 hours. That's three of her books read, and all loved, and I cannot wait for future works as she's an excellent storyteller.
May 12, 2024
Although I enjoyed Old Girls Behaving Badly, it was not what I was expecting. Dorothy's grandson is getting married to the niece of the man that Dorothy loathes. Leonard used to be her husband's partner, the man he mentored, until he became so competitive, that Phillip couldn't stand it. Ready to retire, he sold his share of the business to Leonard and they planned to never see him again. After his retirement, Phillip won a small painting in an art competition, a type of scavenger hunt, but shortly after he won it, someone broke in and stole it. While chasing the thief, Phillip tripped and fell down the outside stairs hitting his head. He died in the hospital shortly after. Dot is sure that Leonard had the painting, and she wants it back as well as see him in jail. Gina is hired as her companion for the week before the wedding at Leonard's country estate. As well as being her companion, she is asked to find the painting.
This is a book full of secrets, staring with Dorothy's and Gina's. I really liked both of these ladies and being older they think they can sneak around and nobody will notice them. Leonard, is suspicious of Gina and watches her quite closely, so she is often seen or caught where she shouldn't be. I did not like Leonard at all. He is smarmy, loves to hear his own voice, narcissistic, and just a miserable human being. He brags constantly and even his generosity in hosting the wedding is not without his personal reasons. Caroline, his niece, is such a lovely young woman, I am surprised that she doesn't see through him. I have to say I really enjoyed Juliet, Dot's granddaughter. She is young and doesn't want to spend a week with these old folks. She is bored, and miserable, a typical teen. There were lots of fun activities planned such as a garden party, horseback riding and quad riding, which I would have enjoyed. The mystery of what happened to the painting, where it is, and who actually stole it was very well done, with everything flowing well. I loved Gina's snooping, and eventually she gets a couple of people on her side to help her without letting the cat out of the bag. I was impressed with how smart Gina was, putting clues together, and knowing so much about art, that helped her in her quest. This is a mystery, on the cozy side, with great characters, some humour, but not as much as I was expecting, a well-plotted mystery and great ending. It sounds like there might be another mystery with Gina as a sleuth, but only time will tell. If you enjoy an entertaining mystery with great characters and a well-written storyline, then I recommend you pick up Old Girls Behaving Badly.
This is a book full of secrets, staring with Dorothy's and Gina's. I really liked both of these ladies and being older they think they can sneak around and nobody will notice them. Leonard, is suspicious of Gina and watches her quite closely, so she is often seen or caught where she shouldn't be. I did not like Leonard at all. He is smarmy, loves to hear his own voice, narcissistic, and just a miserable human being. He brags constantly and even his generosity in hosting the wedding is not without his personal reasons. Caroline, his niece, is such a lovely young woman, I am surprised that she doesn't see through him. I have to say I really enjoyed Juliet, Dot's granddaughter. She is young and doesn't want to spend a week with these old folks. She is bored, and miserable, a typical teen. There were lots of fun activities planned such as a garden party, horseback riding and quad riding, which I would have enjoyed. The mystery of what happened to the painting, where it is, and who actually stole it was very well done, with everything flowing well. I loved Gina's snooping, and eventually she gets a couple of people on her side to help her without letting the cat out of the bag. I was impressed with how smart Gina was, putting clues together, and knowing so much about art, that helped her in her quest. This is a mystery, on the cozy side, with great characters, some humour, but not as much as I was expecting, a well-plotted mystery and great ending. It sounds like there might be another mystery with Gina as a sleuth, but only time will tell. If you enjoy an entertaining mystery with great characters and a well-written storyline, then I recommend you pick up Old Girls Behaving Badly.
June 1, 2024
This was a delightful and fun cozy mystery that once again shows just how much life we have left even in our 80’s!
I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate novels where older women are shown as brave, strong, and more than capable of adapting! And more than that, they love having fun!
This book is available now!
I’ve come to enjoy and appreciate novels where older women are shown as brave, strong, and more than capable of adapting! And more than that, they love having fun!
This book is available now!
April 28, 2024
What a rollicking fun read!
It shows you don't have to lose your adventurous side just because you are on the other side of 70!
Gina is reeling from the news that her husband of 43 years is leaving her to find himself and wishes to end their marriage. She's given her all to the marriage and her family, losing sight of herself in the process.
A chance response to an advert in a magazine requesting a companion for an elderly lady spurs Gina on to apply.
Widowed Dorothy may be nearing the end of her eighties, but a silly fall will not stop her, even if her family feels she needs more support.
Luckily for them both, Dorothy meets Gina and decides if anyone is worth the job she is.
But it ends up being more of a private detective job than a companion/carer, as Dorothy finds out that Gina's knowledge of art history may be precisely what she is looking for in solving the mystery of a theft and the subsequent death of her husband.
They are to attend a wedding with an ulterior motive at the beautiful home of eccentric and rather unlikeable Leonard.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I loved spirited octogenarian Dorothy, with her ideas, and her granddaughter, Juliet, who joined their band of investigators and made what would be a boring week of wedding stuff into something far more exciting for a young teenager.
Gina's character develops and strengthens through the story, and it is a joy to see her find herself again and learn to believe in her own abilities.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
It shows you don't have to lose your adventurous side just because you are on the other side of 70!
Gina is reeling from the news that her husband of 43 years is leaving her to find himself and wishes to end their marriage. She's given her all to the marriage and her family, losing sight of herself in the process.
A chance response to an advert in a magazine requesting a companion for an elderly lady spurs Gina on to apply.
Widowed Dorothy may be nearing the end of her eighties, but a silly fall will not stop her, even if her family feels she needs more support.
Luckily for them both, Dorothy meets Gina and decides if anyone is worth the job she is.
But it ends up being more of a private detective job than a companion/carer, as Dorothy finds out that Gina's knowledge of art history may be precisely what she is looking for in solving the mystery of a theft and the subsequent death of her husband.
They are to attend a wedding with an ulterior motive at the beautiful home of eccentric and rather unlikeable Leonard.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this. I loved spirited octogenarian Dorothy, with her ideas, and her granddaughter, Juliet, who joined their band of investigators and made what would be a boring week of wedding stuff into something far more exciting for a young teenager.
Gina's character develops and strengthens through the story, and it is a joy to see her find herself again and learn to believe in her own abilities.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Boldwood Books for an ARC.
May 15, 2024
Well.... this book was a hard read at the start for me...
My marriage has suddenly come to an end so reading this in the first few pages, really struck a chord with me.
Once I got over that and the descriptions of how she was feeling and what was said, I really enjoyed the story.
It made me laugh quite a lot and Dorothy is such a brilliant, fiesty character that I could chat to her all day but wouldn't want to get on her wrong side!!
Overall, a brilliant, comical and emotional story that I would recommend
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion
My marriage has suddenly come to an end so reading this in the first few pages, really struck a chord with me.
Once I got over that and the descriptions of how she was feeling and what was said, I really enjoyed the story.
It made me laugh quite a lot and Dorothy is such a brilliant, fiesty character that I could chat to her all day but wouldn't want to get on her wrong side!!
Overall, a brilliant, comical and emotional story that I would recommend
Thank you to netgalley and the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion
May 21, 2024
My sister’s third outing and another excellent story, as usual meted out slowly to keep the reader guessing. The only thing for me was I felt there were a few too many people in Norfolk, I couldn’t remember their relationship to one another! But it’s a great tale and you really warm to Gina and Dorothy. Looking forward to Kate’s 4th novel!
June 26, 2024
Trigger warning to older women who have been / are going through a divorce…
To those who haven’t / are not / or the ones who can handle it, this is a cute whodunnit story with a septuagenarian becoming an aide to an octogenarian and also a bit of a sleuth while on holiday with the older women’s relatives. I enjoyed this book, though I do not fall in the * trigger warning * category.
To those who haven’t / are not / or the ones who can handle it, this is a cute whodunnit story with a septuagenarian becoming an aide to an octogenarian and also a bit of a sleuth while on holiday with the older women’s relatives. I enjoyed this book, though I do not fall in the * trigger warning * category.
April 14, 2024
Gina loves her life until her husband left. She decides to make some changes in her life and get a job. A quick read.
June 13, 2024
"Two strangers. One wedding. The adventure of a lifetime"
...
Recently widowed, octogenarian artist Dorothy, whilst lonely and sorely missing her once successful businessman husband, Philip, is more than able to take care of herself on a day to day basis, albeit that her Thames river view house in Hampstead London, is quite a sizeable property for a single person. However, her concerned son and daughter feel that, with the wedding of her grandson Toby coming up and the week long celebrations taking place at the Norfolk country estate of one of the bride's uncles, a companion for Dorothy whilst the rest of the family are engaged in wedding preparations, would be a sound idea.
Dorothy has other plans however, that is until she interviews former Art Historian Gina for the position and there is an instant spark of a possible camaraderie between them. In her seventies, Gina is reeling from the news that after decades of marriage and two children, her husband has decided that his recent retirement is the ideal opportunity for him to re-invent himself, which unfortunately doesn't include his loyal and loving wife. He has put the family home up for sale, so for a soon-to-be homeless person, Dorothy's offer, with the potential for an extended contract when she is back home in the London house, is the lifeline and breathing space Gina so desperately needs.
It transpires that the families of the bride and bridegroom to be, are already acquainted, as uncle Leonard, the host with the most, was once Philip's business partner, until the two had a falling out and they went their separate ways, never to meet again. Gina soon learns that for Dorothy this trip is more than an occasion to celebrate the wedding of her grandson, as she has it firmly fixed in her mind that somehow Leonard is indirectly responsible for Philip's sudden death and she sets Gina the task of finding the proof, by fair means or foul, Dorothy really doesn't mind which. Apparently both men had been avid art collectors, although Leonard was always far too competitive for Philip's taste and was never happy when bested by his once friend. Dorothy is convinced that Leonard is behind an art theft at the Hampstead house, in the course of which, Philip took a bad fall and never recovered.
That is only the tip of the iceberg though and Gina, Dorothy and youngster Julia, open up a whole can of worms with their investigation, which not only uncovers the true extent of Leonard's shady dealings, but also secrets both he and other members of the families would rather remained private. Accidents begin to happen, which at first appear to be random acts of bad luck and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, however it soon becomes clear that the ladies have put themselves at the mercy of someone for whom life is cheap and no one is going to be allowed to get in their way.
...
This is author Kate Galley's third book and I have loved reading them all. So far she has written about ladies of a certain age demographic and she has managed to pull off her characters and storylines with perfect aplomb and with just the right nod to those of us who can relate to the characters and believe in living life to the absolute full and blow the consequences. However, this time Kate, whilst staying true to her core set of characters, has also seamlessly transitioned into the combined genres of family drama and 'cozy' mystery, with amazing success as far as I'm concerned!
The storyline, whilst beautifully nuanced and detailed, moved along at steady pace, guided by some well-signposted and manageable length chapters. There were red herrings a plenty, which contrived to trip me up at every turn and just about everyone was on the suspect list at one time or another, especially when it turned out that there were plenty of secrets between various members of the cast, and among this highly dysfunctional cross-section of family life definitely more than a single crime had been committed.
They do say that the female of the species is more deadly than the male, however Kate has really turned things on their head with her choice of male lead; a man so despicable, entitled, greedy and vengeful, that it was all too easy to forget that he was a fictional character in a book. There were several other characters who I also found myself disliking for one reason or another, however the female leads of Dorothy, Gina and Juliet were the real stars of this show. Dorothy's dogged sense of right and wrong; her compulsive need for closure on Philip's death before she can move on with her own life; and the generosity of spirit she shows to Gina, a fellow damsel in distress, are carried off with style. Gina discovers that she is stronger and able to be independent more than she thought she ever could be after spending a lifetime underestimating her capabilities, living in the shadows of a childhood trauma and her husband's overbearing behaviour. With the exuberance of youth, Juliet rushes into things without thought for the consequences of her actions, although she learns a few good life lessons from her two new companions.
This story was definitely all about the characters, with the physical location taking something of a back seat. However, a sense of time and place was never far from thought, with all named places in London, North Norfolk and The Chilterns of Oxford, being easily identifiable and described in such a manner as to lift them from the page, making this a truly transportive and immersive experience from beginning to end, with an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page.
This book would be an excellent opening episode to a new 'cozy' mystery fiction series, with adaptation for the small screen being a real possibility IMHO. However, even if author Kate Galley decides to allow Dorothy and Gina some 'down' time to get to know one another, I do hope that any of her new storylines encompass this particular genre, as she has a real knack at concocting a good authentic mystery for her amateur sleuths to solve!
...
Recently widowed, octogenarian artist Dorothy, whilst lonely and sorely missing her once successful businessman husband, Philip, is more than able to take care of herself on a day to day basis, albeit that her Thames river view house in Hampstead London, is quite a sizeable property for a single person. However, her concerned son and daughter feel that, with the wedding of her grandson Toby coming up and the week long celebrations taking place at the Norfolk country estate of one of the bride's uncles, a companion for Dorothy whilst the rest of the family are engaged in wedding preparations, would be a sound idea.
Dorothy has other plans however, that is until she interviews former Art Historian Gina for the position and there is an instant spark of a possible camaraderie between them. In her seventies, Gina is reeling from the news that after decades of marriage and two children, her husband has decided that his recent retirement is the ideal opportunity for him to re-invent himself, which unfortunately doesn't include his loyal and loving wife. He has put the family home up for sale, so for a soon-to-be homeless person, Dorothy's offer, with the potential for an extended contract when she is back home in the London house, is the lifeline and breathing space Gina so desperately needs.
It transpires that the families of the bride and bridegroom to be, are already acquainted, as uncle Leonard, the host with the most, was once Philip's business partner, until the two had a falling out and they went their separate ways, never to meet again. Gina soon learns that for Dorothy this trip is more than an occasion to celebrate the wedding of her grandson, as she has it firmly fixed in her mind that somehow Leonard is indirectly responsible for Philip's sudden death and she sets Gina the task of finding the proof, by fair means or foul, Dorothy really doesn't mind which. Apparently both men had been avid art collectors, although Leonard was always far too competitive for Philip's taste and was never happy when bested by his once friend. Dorothy is convinced that Leonard is behind an art theft at the Hampstead house, in the course of which, Philip took a bad fall and never recovered.
That is only the tip of the iceberg though and Gina, Dorothy and youngster Julia, open up a whole can of worms with their investigation, which not only uncovers the true extent of Leonard's shady dealings, but also secrets both he and other members of the families would rather remained private. Accidents begin to happen, which at first appear to be random acts of bad luck and being in the wrong place at the wrong time, however it soon becomes clear that the ladies have put themselves at the mercy of someone for whom life is cheap and no one is going to be allowed to get in their way.
...
This is author Kate Galley's third book and I have loved reading them all. So far she has written about ladies of a certain age demographic and she has managed to pull off her characters and storylines with perfect aplomb and with just the right nod to those of us who can relate to the characters and believe in living life to the absolute full and blow the consequences. However, this time Kate, whilst staying true to her core set of characters, has also seamlessly transitioned into the combined genres of family drama and 'cozy' mystery, with amazing success as far as I'm concerned!
The storyline, whilst beautifully nuanced and detailed, moved along at steady pace, guided by some well-signposted and manageable length chapters. There were red herrings a plenty, which contrived to trip me up at every turn and just about everyone was on the suspect list at one time or another, especially when it turned out that there were plenty of secrets between various members of the cast, and among this highly dysfunctional cross-section of family life definitely more than a single crime had been committed.
They do say that the female of the species is more deadly than the male, however Kate has really turned things on their head with her choice of male lead; a man so despicable, entitled, greedy and vengeful, that it was all too easy to forget that he was a fictional character in a book. There were several other characters who I also found myself disliking for one reason or another, however the female leads of Dorothy, Gina and Juliet were the real stars of this show. Dorothy's dogged sense of right and wrong; her compulsive need for closure on Philip's death before she can move on with her own life; and the generosity of spirit she shows to Gina, a fellow damsel in distress, are carried off with style. Gina discovers that she is stronger and able to be independent more than she thought she ever could be after spending a lifetime underestimating her capabilities, living in the shadows of a childhood trauma and her husband's overbearing behaviour. With the exuberance of youth, Juliet rushes into things without thought for the consequences of her actions, although she learns a few good life lessons from her two new companions.
This story was definitely all about the characters, with the physical location taking something of a back seat. However, a sense of time and place was never far from thought, with all named places in London, North Norfolk and The Chilterns of Oxford, being easily identifiable and described in such a manner as to lift them from the page, making this a truly transportive and immersive experience from beginning to end, with an atmosphere which lingered long after I had closed the final page.
This book would be an excellent opening episode to a new 'cozy' mystery fiction series, with adaptation for the small screen being a real possibility IMHO. However, even if author Kate Galley decides to allow Dorothy and Gina some 'down' time to get to know one another, I do hope that any of her new storylines encompass this particular genre, as she has a real knack at concocting a good authentic mystery for her amateur sleuths to solve!
April 14, 2024
Delightful. I wasn't quite sure what to expect from this story, expecting a bit of a mad-cap adventure story involving two older women, which sounded like fun, but it was that and much more. It's probably fair to say it edged into cozy mystery territory. Neither 89-year old Dorothy nor 71-year old Gina have had an easy time of it of late. Dorothy has a plan, however, but needs someone to help her execute it. When she discovers Gina's background in art, she feels sure Gina is the one. Gina's husband of 43 years recently left her to find himself, whatever that meant, and they needed to sell their family home, leaving Gina to find another home. Still reeling, Gina takes a one week job as companion to Dorothy and that is when the fun begins. The author does an excellent job of painting a picture of the setting and lovely homes, making me almost wish I could visit. The boat house you'll hear more about also sounds absolutely perfect.
I won't detail the plot, read the blurb, but will say that I liked both Dorothy and Gina a great deal. Both have their moments, Gina usually underestimating herself while Dorothy's tendency to blurt things better left unsaid out adds to the human side of them. We alternate their viewpoints, btw, adding to our understanding of what is going on in their minds as needed. Dorothy isn't over her husband's tragic death and blames... well, I'll leave you to find out when you read .... and seems simply incapable of letting it go and moving on. She's financially solid, even well off, offering Gina not just a job but stability and a safe place. Both become a force to deal with in their own ways, especially when joined by a younger wannabe sleuth, granddaughter Juliet. You'll meet the rest of the family, too, but those are the standouts. The mystery of the missing painting and the strange family dynamics are intriguing, I must admit. Most importantly, Dorothy and Gina remind us to live our lives without being forced into a stereotyped age-appropriate lifestyle. I'm hoping this is to become a series. I'm not done hanging out with Dorothy and Gina yet and, hmm, Erik?
Bottom line, a fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with a strong character focus, interesting situations, a lovely setting, and message of living our best lives, no matter our age. Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dorothy and Gina. I'm hoping there will be more chances to hang out with them, say in France? I mean, what sort of mischief can two ol' ladies get up to in France, especially simply with Gina doing a good deed for Dorothy?
I won't detail the plot, read the blurb, but will say that I liked both Dorothy and Gina a great deal. Both have their moments, Gina usually underestimating herself while Dorothy's tendency to blurt things better left unsaid out adds to the human side of them. We alternate their viewpoints, btw, adding to our understanding of what is going on in their minds as needed. Dorothy isn't over her husband's tragic death and blames... well, I'll leave you to find out when you read .... and seems simply incapable of letting it go and moving on. She's financially solid, even well off, offering Gina not just a job but stability and a safe place. Both become a force to deal with in their own ways, especially when joined by a younger wannabe sleuth, granddaughter Juliet. You'll meet the rest of the family, too, but those are the standouts. The mystery of the missing painting and the strange family dynamics are intriguing, I must admit. Most importantly, Dorothy and Gina remind us to live our lives without being forced into a stereotyped age-appropriate lifestyle. I'm hoping this is to become a series. I'm not done hanging out with Dorothy and Gina yet and, hmm, Erik?
Bottom line, a fun, thoroughly enjoyable read with a strong character focus, interesting situations, a lovely setting, and message of living our best lives, no matter our age. Thank you #NetGalley and #BoldwoodBooks for introducing me to Dorothy and Gina. I'm hoping there will be more chances to hang out with them, say in France? I mean, what sort of mischief can two ol' ladies get up to in France, especially simply with Gina doing a good deed for Dorothy?
May 10, 2024
Well, these "old girls" might have been behaving "badly" but it was all for a good reason, and they weren't so misbehaved at all - unless you include snooping around the rather grand house of the host, but, as I said, they have an excellent reason if justice is to be done.
Gina, at 72, is the gofer, searching the house on Dorothy's behalf, who, at 89, is the instigator of their activities. An unlikely pairing, but it works so well.
Gina, recently abandoned by her husband who needs to "find himself" is at a loss and, on seeing the ad in The Lady for a companion role for a week with a view to it becoming a permanent position, thinks what has she got to lose? She and Dorothy hit it off over a shared love for art, and so Gina is hired. The week concerned is for a family wedding taking place at the bride's uncle (Leonard) grand home, where close family members gather for activities and fun prior to the big day. Gina believes it'll be a case of giving medication and fetching slippers for the older woman, but Dorothy has other ideas. She believes Leonard was instrumental in the death, a year ago, of her husband Philip, whereupon he also stole a painting she believes he has somewhere in the house. And she wants Gina to track it down.
So, begins the fun. Gina wonders what she has let herself in for, Dorothy cannot resist sniping at Leonard, and Leonard is simply the smuggest, most odious of show-offs who loves being the centre of attention. Add in some family members with secrets, a teenager with a tendency to record private conversations and who'd rather be anywhere else, and you have a really entertaining story that held my attention from start to finish.
The author writes older characters really well, and is not afraid to throw in the unexpected now and then.
Throughout, Gina and Dorothy become good friends, and unwittingly both help the other to move on (Dorothy from her grief and Gina from her marriage ending). It's a heart-warming story with lots of humour mixed in with real family issues. I'd like to think from how it ends that there is more to come from these two.
Gina, at 72, is the gofer, searching the house on Dorothy's behalf, who, at 89, is the instigator of their activities. An unlikely pairing, but it works so well.
Gina, recently abandoned by her husband who needs to "find himself" is at a loss and, on seeing the ad in The Lady for a companion role for a week with a view to it becoming a permanent position, thinks what has she got to lose? She and Dorothy hit it off over a shared love for art, and so Gina is hired. The week concerned is for a family wedding taking place at the bride's uncle (Leonard) grand home, where close family members gather for activities and fun prior to the big day. Gina believes it'll be a case of giving medication and fetching slippers for the older woman, but Dorothy has other ideas. She believes Leonard was instrumental in the death, a year ago, of her husband Philip, whereupon he also stole a painting she believes he has somewhere in the house. And she wants Gina to track it down.
So, begins the fun. Gina wonders what she has let herself in for, Dorothy cannot resist sniping at Leonard, and Leonard is simply the smuggest, most odious of show-offs who loves being the centre of attention. Add in some family members with secrets, a teenager with a tendency to record private conversations and who'd rather be anywhere else, and you have a really entertaining story that held my attention from start to finish.
The author writes older characters really well, and is not afraid to throw in the unexpected now and then.
Throughout, Gina and Dorothy become good friends, and unwittingly both help the other to move on (Dorothy from her grief and Gina from her marriage ending). It's a heart-warming story with lots of humour mixed in with real family issues. I'd like to think from how it ends that there is more to come from these two.
May 14, 2024
Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley is an amusing, yet poignant story of two older women: one, 71 and the other, 89. Dorothy, at 89, has recently lost her husband. Their house got burglarized and he chased the burglar, fell, hit his head, and was dead in a week. Dorothy believes she knows who the perpetrator is and when Gina interviews for a job as her companion, she reverses her opinion regarding her need for a companion and hires her on the spot. They are to attend the week-long wedding celebration for her grandson. The wedding is being held at the home of Leonard, the bride’s uncle and the man Dorothy believes is responsible for the theft of her husband’s painting and ultimately, his death. It is a week of Gina observing another family while looking for the painting. It helps start to put her life into perspective.
Gina is a feisty 72 year old who has just been informed by her husband of 43 years that he needs some excitement in his life and is leaving. She was taken aback but is now regaining her strength. She is clever and determined. She worked, before in marriage, in the art world and is still knowledgeable. She has to be convinced to be a sleuth but once she meets Leonard she sees the need to stop him. She finds the painting, but not because she is a great sleuth, but rather because she is friendly and open to others, netting her more information that all of her sneaking around. Dorothy is amazing for 89. Meeting Gina has convinced her she has plenty more life to life and she intends to do just that. Both are wonderful, thoughtful characters whom one wishes they knew. The plot, searching for the missing painting is excellent, but it is so much more. For one, many other stolen objects were discovered. For another, there was much blackmail going one and people stood up and took responsibility. It was a fabulous read. Thanks, Kate Galley!
I was invited to read Old Girls Behaving Badly by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateGalley #OldGirlsBehavingBadly
Gina is a feisty 72 year old who has just been informed by her husband of 43 years that he needs some excitement in his life and is leaving. She was taken aback but is now regaining her strength. She is clever and determined. She worked, before in marriage, in the art world and is still knowledgeable. She has to be convinced to be a sleuth but once she meets Leonard she sees the need to stop him. She finds the painting, but not because she is a great sleuth, but rather because she is friendly and open to others, netting her more information that all of her sneaking around. Dorothy is amazing for 89. Meeting Gina has convinced her she has plenty more life to life and she intends to do just that. Both are wonderful, thoughtful characters whom one wishes they knew. The plot, searching for the missing painting is excellent, but it is so much more. For one, many other stolen objects were discovered. For another, there was much blackmail going one and people stood up and took responsibility. It was a fabulous read. Thanks, Kate Galley!
I was invited to read Old Girls Behaving Badly by Boldwood Books. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #BoldwoodBooks #KateGalley #OldGirlsBehavingBadly
April 20, 2024
Kate Galley, Old Girls Behaving Badly, Boldwood Books, May 2024.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I was attracted to this book because, after reading criticisms that older women do not feature in many novels. Old Girls Behaving Badly suggested that in this case the criticism is not justified. In addition, the title is reminiscent of the quote ‘Well behaved women rarely make history’, a favourite of mine.
Gina, who answers an advertisement for a person to be the companion for an elderly woman, is seventy-one. Dorothy, the elderly woman whose daughter-in-law is concerned about her ability to care for herself, is in her eighties. Gina is markedly mentally agile, her education as an art historian and working as an art curator an important theme in the novel. Dorothy is less mentally alert in some contexts, but a vital thinking person. Gina is physically able, and Dorothy only marginally less so. For example, Gina while drives the quad bike during an activity as Dorothy’s carer, the latter is a willing participant and needs little assistance when mounting and alighting.
Gina and Dorothy embark on a week together as companion and employer, attending the run up to a family wedding. They are also working together to right a wrong that has, Dorothy believes, resulted in her widowhood. At the same time, Gina is experiencing the loss of her husband. However, in contrast with the loss of Dorothy’s beloved Philip, Gina has been left by her husband of forty years as he seeks ‘to find himself’ and divest himself of a wife he finds dull and unpalatable.
Kate Galley has indeed written older women into positive roles in a novel that combines comic with serious themes, some well-developed characters and a storyline that works to a satisfactory conclusion for both Gina and Dorothy.
Thank you, NetGalley, for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.
I was attracted to this book because, after reading criticisms that older women do not feature in many novels. Old Girls Behaving Badly suggested that in this case the criticism is not justified. In addition, the title is reminiscent of the quote ‘Well behaved women rarely make history’, a favourite of mine.
Gina, who answers an advertisement for a person to be the companion for an elderly woman, is seventy-one. Dorothy, the elderly woman whose daughter-in-law is concerned about her ability to care for herself, is in her eighties. Gina is markedly mentally agile, her education as an art historian and working as an art curator an important theme in the novel. Dorothy is less mentally alert in some contexts, but a vital thinking person. Gina is physically able, and Dorothy only marginally less so. For example, Gina while drives the quad bike during an activity as Dorothy’s carer, the latter is a willing participant and needs little assistance when mounting and alighting.
Gina and Dorothy embark on a week together as companion and employer, attending the run up to a family wedding. They are also working together to right a wrong that has, Dorothy believes, resulted in her widowhood. At the same time, Gina is experiencing the loss of her husband. However, in contrast with the loss of Dorothy’s beloved Philip, Gina has been left by her husband of forty years as he seeks ‘to find himself’ and divest himself of a wife he finds dull and unpalatable.
Kate Galley has indeed written older women into positive roles in a novel that combines comic with serious themes, some well-developed characters and a storyline that works to a satisfactory conclusion for both Gina and Dorothy.
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May 13, 2024In the book Old Girls Behaving Badly by Kate Galley we meet Jena she is 72 and her husband recently left her and announced he wants to sell the family home. Feeling at loose ends Jena decides to apply to be a companion to 89-year-old Dorothy when she gets the job it is to spend the week with Dorothy at her grandson Toby‘s wedding at a palatial estate when she arrives at the wedding venue she barely has her clothes unpacked when Dorothy tells her she really hired her for her artistic expertise because the year before Dorothy and her husband‘s home was broken into in the painting he won in a contest was stolen something Dorothy believes the host of the wedding Lenny is to blame for. To make matters worse in an effort to stop the burglar her husband Phil chased the man tripped and eventually died from his injuries and Dorothy refuses to get over it not until Lenny who she blames gets what he deserves. Jenna initially refuses to do it but soon changes her mind she to head in immediate dislike for their host Lenny. Her and Dorothy are not the only ones not fans of his because eventually he wrecks a quad and the evidence shows someone messed with it in an attempt to kill him. I am really doing a horrible job reviewing this book just know Lenny only gets those he can blackmail to do his bidding in so there are many people who would like to see Lenny get his due but in the end it will be left up to Jenna. This was an awesome book I am already fans of mysteries being solved by elderly people and I must say this is one of the better ones I have read. I love this book everything from the writing to the characters to how it ended if this becomes a series sign me up. I want to thank Boldwood books for my free arc copy via NetGalley please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 19, 2024
At the age of seventy-one and after over forty years of marriage, could there be anything more demoralising than to be told by your departing husband that you’re “beige and unexciting”? Faced with forced changes to her life, Gina answers an advertisement for a live-in companion – something eighty-nine year old Dot’s family think she’s in need of, but she’s equally determined she doesn’t. But, with her background in art history, she does think Gina’ll be just perfect to help her solve a mystery – the theft of a painting that resulted in her husband’s death – and bring the villain behind it to justice.
All of which comes as rather a surprise to Gina – who finds herself in a grand house on the Norfolk estate where they’re attending a family wedding party, desperately searching for evidence. Dot watches her back – she’ll text her if she’s in danger of discovery, if she can remember to charge her phone – and she also has some dubious “help” from Dot’s tech-obsessed teenage granddaughter Juliet.
As a cosy mystery, I thought the whole story was brilliantly told – mostly from Gina’s perspective, in her clear and likeable voice, as she frequently finds herself well outside her personal comfort zone, but with occasional chapters through Dot’s critical eyes. There’s a suitably large cast of characters – all really well drawn – many of them with well-hidden secrets and other agendas, and plentiful red herrings and surprises along the way as Dot’s plan comes ever closer to fruition.
But in addition to the mystery itself, this book was tremendous fun. Host Leonard is a magnificently over-the top character intent on making the wedding party one to remember, with activities planned for every waking hour – and that’s how Gina finds herself roaring cross-country on a quad bike with Dot clinging on the back. The second chance elements of the story aren’t the usual romance – instead, there’s a focus on moving forward, finding friendship, recovering self-belief, and being able to look forward to what the future might hold. And there’s certainly a considerable emphasis on never being too old for some fun – in fact, for just about anything you could think of.
As well as being an intriguing and page-turning mystery with a distinctly uncertain outcome, this really was such an uplifting read, with a few emotional moments and plenty of gentle laughter along the way – and if the author decides to continue Gina and Dot’s adventures together, I’ll be looking forward to reading more. An unexpected delight – and a book I’d certainly be happy to recommend to others.
All of which comes as rather a surprise to Gina – who finds herself in a grand house on the Norfolk estate where they’re attending a family wedding party, desperately searching for evidence. Dot watches her back – she’ll text her if she’s in danger of discovery, if she can remember to charge her phone – and she also has some dubious “help” from Dot’s tech-obsessed teenage granddaughter Juliet.
As a cosy mystery, I thought the whole story was brilliantly told – mostly from Gina’s perspective, in her clear and likeable voice, as she frequently finds herself well outside her personal comfort zone, but with occasional chapters through Dot’s critical eyes. There’s a suitably large cast of characters – all really well drawn – many of them with well-hidden secrets and other agendas, and plentiful red herrings and surprises along the way as Dot’s plan comes ever closer to fruition.
But in addition to the mystery itself, this book was tremendous fun. Host Leonard is a magnificently over-the top character intent on making the wedding party one to remember, with activities planned for every waking hour – and that’s how Gina finds herself roaring cross-country on a quad bike with Dot clinging on the back. The second chance elements of the story aren’t the usual romance – instead, there’s a focus on moving forward, finding friendship, recovering self-belief, and being able to look forward to what the future might hold. And there’s certainly a considerable emphasis on never being too old for some fun – in fact, for just about anything you could think of.
As well as being an intriguing and page-turning mystery with a distinctly uncertain outcome, this really was such an uplifting read, with a few emotional moments and plenty of gentle laughter along the way – and if the author decides to continue Gina and Dot’s adventures together, I’ll be looking forward to reading more. An unexpected delight – and a book I’d certainly be happy to recommend to others.
May 24, 2024
There’s a meme going around which reads, “Your time on earth is limited. Don’t try to age with grace. Age with mischief, audacity, and a good story to tell.” Gina and Dorothy, the two women at the heart of this novel are perfect representations of that thought. Gina is 71 when her husband asks for a divorce and, in an attempt to rebuild her life, answers an ad to be a companion for an older woman. The woman in question, Dorothy, is in her eighties and while her faculties seem fine, she did have a fall that has her children concerned.
What I liked about this novel is that it’s a love story but not in the romantic sense. Rather it’s the story of each of these women learning to love themselves, and the loving friendship they form through the course of the novel, which also has a wedding, business betrayals, adult children having issues about their parents’ divorce, and many other every-day dramas.
Author Kate Galley has given us a pair of vivid central characters, who are refreshingly authentic and timeless in the way the best writing always is. As someone who is inching ever closer to being Gina’s age, I was tickled to see older women portrayed with vitality and curiosity. As someone who lives in Florida, where there is a very large population of retirees, I see such women every day, and both of these characters felt like the same people I sit next to in the nail salon, or are at the next table and whatever lunch spot I take my mother to.
Also worthy of note was the pacing. This book moved well – it’s a relatively fast read, but felt much shorter than its 280 (in print) pages, never dragging.
Over all, this is a solid novel, perfect for summer reading, and it kept my interest all the way through.
Goes well with: strawberry shortcake.
What I liked about this novel is that it’s a love story but not in the romantic sense. Rather it’s the story of each of these women learning to love themselves, and the loving friendship they form through the course of the novel, which also has a wedding, business betrayals, adult children having issues about their parents’ divorce, and many other every-day dramas.
Author Kate Galley has given us a pair of vivid central characters, who are refreshingly authentic and timeless in the way the best writing always is. As someone who is inching ever closer to being Gina’s age, I was tickled to see older women portrayed with vitality and curiosity. As someone who lives in Florida, where there is a very large population of retirees, I see such women every day, and both of these characters felt like the same people I sit next to in the nail salon, or are at the next table and whatever lunch spot I take my mother to.
Also worthy of note was the pacing. This book moved well – it’s a relatively fast read, but felt much shorter than its 280 (in print) pages, never dragging.
Over all, this is a solid novel, perfect for summer reading, and it kept my interest all the way through.
Goes well with: strawberry shortcake.
May 16, 2024
What are you supposed to do when your husband has a “mid-life” crisis at 73 years of age and leaves you? Well, for Gina Knight, aged 71, needing something to occupy her time and also somewhere to live, the advert for a week-long companion to 89-year-old Dorothy Reed while her family are busy with wedding plans seems perfect. Dorothy is certain she doesn’t need any help but humours her daughter in law and when former art historian Gina is interviewed, Dorothy has a light bulb moment. For she believes the uncle of the bride and her late husband Philip’s business partner, Leonard, was behind the theft of a competition prize painting from their home which resulted in Philip’s death. And what better chance to find it and put Leonard behind bars than to get Gina to search his home, Walstone Hall, as he hosts the wedding? Of course, she neglects to mention this until their first night under his roof. At first Gina is horrified but soon comes round to Dorothy’s way of thinking after meeting their odious show off host and the two unlikely sleuths set about their mission impossible but when the accidents start it looks like Dorothy may not be the only person Leonard has been upsetting.
What follows is a hugely humorous charming and highly engrossing story. There are plenty of diverse family members introduced but each is perfectly described and easy to envisage immediately. Gina and Dorothy are both incredibly likeable characters and soon become firm friends as well as co-conspirators. The ending gives a strong hint there may be more detecting to come for Gina and I certainly hope so!
What follows is a hugely humorous charming and highly engrossing story. There are plenty of diverse family members introduced but each is perfectly described and easy to envisage immediately. Gina and Dorothy are both incredibly likeable characters and soon become firm friends as well as co-conspirators. The ending gives a strong hint there may be more detecting to come for Gina and I certainly hope so!
May 22, 2024
Old Girls Behaving Badly, by Kate Galley, is a well written story of two older women doing unexpected things. Gina Knight, 71, has had a major life change when her husband of 43 years decides to find himself, leaving behind a Dear Gina letter and divorce papers. Now, when she should be enjoying her golden years, she finds herself without her husband, her home, or a means of support.
As Gina explores want ads, she finds an advertisement for a companion for 89 year old widow Dorothy Reed. While Dot does not agree with her family that she needs a carer, when she learns of Gina’s background in art history and restoration she does an about face. Gina will be accompanying Dot on a weeklong wedding celebration at a country estate owned by the ostentatious Leonard Price, uncle of the young woman Dot’s grandson is marrying. However, the week turns out to be anything but restful when Dot engages Gina to find a painting Dot is sure Leonard had stolen from her home. The theft ended in tragedy when Dot’s husband took a nasty fall chasing the thief, resulting in his death.
In a story of quirky characters, elaborate settings, and way too many secrets, Kate Galley has penned a very unique story told with humor and heart. There is a very special message to neither shortchange the elders or the youth, and how such low expectations can aid in those folks getting the upper hand. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.
As Gina explores want ads, she finds an advertisement for a companion for 89 year old widow Dorothy Reed. While Dot does not agree with her family that she needs a carer, when she learns of Gina’s background in art history and restoration she does an about face. Gina will be accompanying Dot on a weeklong wedding celebration at a country estate owned by the ostentatious Leonard Price, uncle of the young woman Dot’s grandson is marrying. However, the week turns out to be anything but restful when Dot engages Gina to find a painting Dot is sure Leonard had stolen from her home. The theft ended in tragedy when Dot’s husband took a nasty fall chasing the thief, resulting in his death.
In a story of quirky characters, elaborate settings, and way too many secrets, Kate Galley has penned a very unique story told with humor and heart. There is a very special message to neither shortchange the elders or the youth, and how such low expectations can aid in those folks getting the upper hand. I did enjoy this book and do recommend it.
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