I’ve read a lot of mysteries with unreliable narrators. However, The Armchair Detectives is unique because Martin may, or may not, have dementia. He also may, or may not, have a former career as a spy. Martin’s thoughtful though somewhat reluctant sidekick, Albie, makes up the other half of The Armchair Detectives.
Martin and Albie live in an elder care home. Martin, hopefully, only temporarily until his new hip heals. Albie due to a stroke that has left him in a wheelchair. But those impairments don’t keep them from being suspicious when three residents die within two weeks. It also doesn’t keep them from investigating what is really going on at their nursing home.
With words like dementia, stroke and hip replacements being batted around, The Armchair Detectives sounds like it would be a depressing read. However, it is actually the opposite. It is joyful and laugh-out loud funny. If these old gentlemen can overcome their issues, how bad could your own problems look by comparison. 4.5 stars!
Thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for providing me with an advanced review copy.