An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

By: Helene Tursten, Marlaine Delargy - Translated by

Narrated by: Suzanne Toren

Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and...no qualms about a little murder. This funny, irreverent story collection by Helene Tursten, author of the Irene Huss Investigation series, features two-never-before translated stories that will keep you laughing all the way to the retirement home.

Ever since her darling father's untimely death when she was only 18, Maud has lived in the family's spacious apartment in downtown Gothenburg rent-free, thanks to a minor clause in a hastily negotiated contract. That was how Maud learned that good things can come from tragedy. Now in her late 80s, Maud contents herself with traveling the world and surfing the net from the comfort of her father's ancient armchair. It's a solitary existence, and she likes it that way.

Over the course of her adventures - or misadventures - this little, bold lady will handle a crisis with a local celebrity who has her eyes on Maud's apartment, foil the engagement of her long-ago lover, and dispose of some pesky neighbors. But when the local authorities are called to investigate a dead body found in Maud's apartment, will Maud finally become a suspect?

©2013 Helene Tursten ("An Elderly Lady Has Accommodation Problems" and "An Elderly Lady on Her Travels"); English translation copyright 2017 by Marlaine Delargy; copyright 2013 by Helene Tursten ("An Elderly Lady Seeks Peace at Christmastime"); English translation copyright 2018 by Marlaine Delargy; copyright 2018 by Helene Tursten ("The Antique Dealer’s Death" and "An Elderly Lady Is Faced with a Difficult Dilemma"); English translation copyright 2018 by Marlaine Delargy (P)2019 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Unexpected but fun

I really enjoyed the explanation of the crime. Maude was a likeable curmudgeon. The performance was good and made the book go by fast.

Never Discount the Old Ladies

This one is clever, devious, and oh-so-cold blooded. Great character who manages to live life on her own terms, while paying retribution to those who cross her! And no one ever thinks the forgetful, trembly old dear could have caused the “accident.” Or the out-and-out murder. A fun listen for sure.

Amusing tales

Amusing tales but somewhat unbelievable. A pleasant listen and short enough to complete in a day.

Entertaining story

I enjoyed listening to this book by Helene Tursten. It kept me interested till the end. Un

Clever

Was skeptical at first due to the short length of book. However, the book kept my interest and I was intrigued. The narrator conveys the story with conviction.

Lovable Anti-hero

The avenging, revengeful octogenarian has been created to confirm that you should never make assumptions about people based on physical appearances, especially age. The people who do her wrong deserve what they get from her and at her age she has regrets or overwrought angst to keep her at home brooding. She is the new 0089 licensed to kill. Very well dramatically read with age, too.

Don’t underestimate the elderly

Several fun tales woven around a mysterious private old woman. Maud loves treating herself to good food, trips, and the spa. And she doesn’t intimidate easily.

What a great concept

I had so much fun with Maude, great short listen. The only thing bothering me were short loud breaths for the narrator, it was pretty distracting at times.

Great characters!

The characters were wonderfully written. I love Maude. The narration was also very good. I enjoyed the whole experience.

The title says it all...

I wanted a short audio story because I was in the mood. Immediately, I was attracted to the title “An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good” by Helene Tursten. I do enjoy Turnsten as an author, and that title….seriously…the title is irresistible!

I’m not giving anything away by saying it’s a series of short stories about a murderous old lady, Maud. I didn’t know going in that Maud is a murderess, as I didn’t read the title highlights, I just loved the title, and it’s free on Audible Plus. What’s to lose?

I loved it! One reason is that I’m conflicted as to whether I applaud Maud, or if I think she’s an evil genius. The beauty of the stories is that Maud is nearly 90 years old, and her mind…so diabolical. I’m not going to go into the stories because just the premise is enough to say that the stories were fun, in a dastardly way.

This fun listen is narrated by Suzanne Toren and she performs beautifully. It’s a little over three hours, and I loved every second of it. Again, I have conflicted feelings about this beautifully wicked woman.