The Night in Question was the perfect book to look forward to each night as I prepared for bed. Nestled amongst my pillows I was enchanted by Florrie and the life she had led. Yes, she may be an 87-year-old amputee in an old folks' home in this gentle novel, but her spirit sang to me.

The adventures she had were bright and vivid and well recounted. We cover a fair few vignettes of Florrie's life but it didn't drag for me as memory-reflecting books sometimes can. Each story felt vital as we learned more of Florrie's history. Her time in Kenya could easily have been my time in Kenya as it opened her heart as it did my own. Her appreciation and love of people, different cultures and ways of life felt a balm in this brutal and bruised world. This was the right book for me at the right time and I loved it with my whole heart.

A delight to read from start to finish.
Although this is a cosy murder mystery at its heart it is also a celebration of humanity as we age. It celebrates both how we change (within ourselves and how society’s perception of us changes) and how we stay the same.

The characters are wonderfully drawn and the story is a joy, highly recommended.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.

The Night in Question is a beautifully written and reflective novel with 87 year old Florrie, a resident of Babbington Hall care home, the main character,
The novel starts slowly and continues to move at a slow and gentle pace but I found myself completely immersed in Florrie’s present day world and her past. There is a mystery and this novel partly falls into the cosy crime genre, but it’s so much more. Florrie is a wonderful character and Susan Fletcher writes empathically and insightfully about growing older. A gorgeous read that I’d recommend.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this digital ARC.

A one-legged, wheelchair-bound octogenarian living in a home isn’t the most obvious candidate for a protagonist, even for those who have enjoyed encounters with Richard Osman’s Fab Four. Inevitably, there will be comparisons because of the age of the central character, the genre and the setting. However, Florrie is very much her own woman and her story, past, present and future, is laid out more starkly and is much more moving.

Living her final years in Babbington Hall, Florrie keeps to herself in her accessible room. Plump and average (in her own estimation), she has often been overlooked and underestimated. But there is more to Florrie than meets the eye and amongst those that recognise this is Renata, the general manager.

It is this burgeoning relationship that leads Florrie to question the general narrative when an accident occurs at the home. Interspersed with her investigation into what really happened are trips into Florrie’s past and one of the book’s most compelling themes - that the young forget that the old were once their age.

This is a lovely, thoughtful book and, much like its protagonist, it is easy to overlook its depth, charm and strength if you think of it only as a cosy(ish) crime novel. It’s much more and I loved it.

With thanks to the publisher, the author and NetGalley for an arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

The Night in Question is a reflective, slow-paced but sweet story (with a darker side) following 87-year-old Florence, aka Florrie – a resident of Babbington Hall care home. When an ‘accident’ occurs and another elderly resident dies, Florence grows close to the care home manager, Renata – but when something awful happens to Renata, Florence starts to get suspicious that foul play is involved…

This book is in some ways very much a recognisable ‘cosy crime’, with investigations taking place by Florence and her friends, but it takes a little while for this to kick off. It can be a bit slow at times and it took me a while to get into the story, but once I did it was an enjoyable read.

As well as the mystery, I enjoyed the chapters that look back at Florence’s past, showing us the history of her friendships, travels, work, loves, losses, and the life she lived before she lost part of her leg and had to move to Babbington Hall. This adds an extra depth to her character, and a hint of mystery as we have mysterious references to a night long ago (“The Night in Question”) that changed her life… but what happened? This is slowly revealed, along with the snippets of Florrie's past.

Overall, I’d recommend The Night in Question for anyone fancying a cosy crime with extra character development. It’s charming and emotional at times, with a likeable, strong main character.

This was a very sweet story, and I appreciated reading from an older persons perspective than I normally do.

Oh my goodness, what a deeply moving and beautifully written book The Night in Question by Susan Fletcher is! Exploring themes of life, death, love, loss and everything in between, it tells the story of 87 year old Florence Butterfield, a woman who has led a rich and varied life but suspects that there are no more surprises to come her way.

But Florrie couldn’t be more wrong. Something terrible happens, something that is so strange and unexpected that she can’t quite believe it is true, finding herself becoming more and more suspicious. Her only clue is a magenta envelope that was discarded earlier that day, so Florrie turns detective, determined to uncover the truth about what really happened that night.

As Florrie continues to search for clues, she finds herself reflecting on her own life. Of the loves she had, the friendships she made, the losses she’s suffered – and the wonderful long life she’s been lucky enough to lead. But there’s also something dark in her past, a secret that she can feel in the faded scars across her knuckles. A secret she feels she can no longer ignore…

The narrative moves backwards and forwards through time as it tells the story of Florrie’s long and fascinating life, with the mystery at the care home bringing the focus back to the present as she continues to search for the answers she knows must be out there.

The Night in Question is compelling as it takes us on an emotional journey of life, family, love and loss that really did take my breath away. Susan Fletcher’s writing is gorgeous, full of empathy and with an authenticity to it that I loved. She shows us through Florrie that, no matter how old we are, life will always still find a way to surprise us. And that, just because we’re older, in a body we may no longer recognise, that doesn’t have to mean our lives are over and that we should become invisible to the world.

Florence Butterfield is a character I know I will never forget. Full of life and cheerful optimism, she is a kind and warm hearted person who is unique in every way – and I couldn’t help but fall head over heels in love with her. Viewing the world through 87 year old Florence Butterfield’s eyes was a privilege I didn’t know I needed. She made me feel a depth of emotion that I haven’t felt in a long time and I loved her for it!

Susan Fletcher has written one of those books that I know will stay with me for a long time to come. Warm, funny and full of life, The Night in Question is easily one of my favourite reads of the year so far!

An exquisitely written, moving and life affirming book that I would highly recommend.

I do love a good #pensionersinthepages title and Florrie was a character to fall in love with. Despite being confined to a wheelchair following an amputation of her leg, Florrie manages to always see the good in people and life. We find her living in a residential home, where one resident, Arthur has recently passed away and Renata, the manager of the care home is in hospital gravely ill. The other residents believe that Renata has attempted suicide, but Florrie thinks otherwise. Enlisting the help of Stanhope, Florrie decides to investigate further and so the mystery unravels. As Florrie considers the possible scenarios, her own life story is gradually revealed. These were the most engrossing and touching parts of the book for me. Florrie is a woman after my own heart, always up for travel and adventure. She is a character I would love to sit and have a cuppa and a teacake with!
I found that I couldn’t put this book down as I wanted to know more about what had shaped this woman. There were so many times that I read passages with a lump in my throat thinking of the sadness and missed opportunities Florrie experienced. The reflections on ageing and how life passes in a flash really made me ponder my own early life and how grateful I am to have lived the life I have.
In the story, Florrie has an old wooden box containing her treasured memories, which I’ve tried to include in my journal spread. I loved finding out about the significance of the objects as they were revealed on the story.
It’s really good to see the elder generation being portrayed in such a positive manner in literature and a reminder that people always have an interesting story to share about their lives. A really enjoyable read.
Posted on my Instagram account: @travelsthroughbooksandbakes

I really wanted to enjoy this book, but found it too long and too slow. I liked 81 year old Florrie, but found the large cast of characters difficult to keep track of and engage with. Perhaps it was my mood, but I just couldn't get into this properly.

This should have been a simply lovely read for me but I think I wa+ in a cynical frame of mind so the cosy crime in the delightful old peoples home irritated me. I was wondering where on earth such a seemingly perfect place for the elderly to end their days existed instead of enjoying the interesting characters of offer. So I think it was my fault I didn’t thoroughly enjoy it. Another day I’m sure it would have been spot on.

Set in an assisted living facility, residents Florence and Stanhope get together following the second accident at the home in a short time. Their friend Arthur died in a fall and now the manager is in hospital - and they are the only ones who don't think she jumped. Florence has a serious incident in her past which she has never disclosed to a soul, and while it's easy to guess what it is, it's fascinating to read her accounts of the interesting and varied life she's led. Some twists and turns in this satisfying cosy mystery. #netgalley #Thenightinquestion

What a joy! The Night in Question is a book that will bring a smile to your face, a lump in your throat and a warmth to your heart - and introduce you to octogenarian Florrie who I guarantee you will fall in love with.

Following an accident that resulted in the loss of a leg, Florrie can no longer live at home and moves into assisted living facility Babbington Hall. But just as she begins to settle a couple of unsettling events take place at the home - and Florrie takes it upon herself to investigate further with the help of the lovely Stanhope.

And it is in doing so that Florrie begins to look back on her own life, and it is that reflection that helps her solve the mystery. It is a life that has had its fair share of ups and downs and it’s a life well-lived, but she also harbours a secret that has made its mark on her whole life.

I loved everything about this book - the element of mystery which kept me intrigued, the remarkable Florrie so fabulously brought to life and ably supported by an equally vivid supporting cast, and the reminder that life may not be straightforward and without its challenges but it’s never too late to embrace life and all its opportunities. Florrie is a character who will stay with me for a long time - and it is a book I couldn’t have loved more.

Best book I've read in ages. Fantastic main character, full of quirks and warmth and charm. Slowly unfolding layers of story. Intriguing details about Florrie's present life but also her memory box of past experiences. Hopeful. Beautiful. Funny. Lovely.

A fabulous novel introducing us to the amazing octogenarian Florrie Butterfield
Following an accident, Florrie can no longer live at home and moves to Babbington Hall
Some unsettling events take place in the home and Florrie takes it upon herself to investigate
As she does she starts reflecting on her own colourful life and this helps to solve the mystery
Florrie was such a remarkable, special person and she was supported by a fabulous array of characters
Beautifwritten and engaging - it was so much more than a cosy crime, pensioner sleuth novel
It’s about love, loss and firiendship
A lovely reminder that it’s never too late to embrace life and the opportunity offers - your only as old as you feel inside, Florrie’s joy of life shone brightly for all to see
Read it slowly and savour
Thanks @sfletcher @bantambooksuk @netgalley for the tender, heartwarming read

What a delightful book. It gives on so many levels and Florrie is just adorable.
This was an engaging read from start to finish, you have the mystery of the crime that Florrie is trying to prove but interwoven with that is the story of her life. Full of colour and heart, Florrie's emotions are laid bare but throughout there is a darkness in her past that is alluded to but no details are shared until the very end. This had a huge impact on her decisions and how she lived and the descriptions of her adventures bring it all to life.
I am usually all for the detection of the crime but here Florrie took centre stage and I loved it.

Oh my goodness! Florrie Butterfield has stolen my heart! I feel bereft leaving the pages of this book.
What an incredible story and what an incredible life Florrie led! Now in her late eighties, wheelchair bound and in an assisted living home, Florrie finds herself in the middle of rather suspicious events that she simply can’t let lie. With the help of charming, wonderful Stanhope, she sets about finding out what really happened that midsummer’s night. And throughout her search, Florrie finds herself reminiscing on the events of her own life and another night in question. Her story unravels itself so beautifully and tenderly, so much love and loss.
I’ve been totally enchanted by this book, full of real characters who felt truly alive, one of those books that you really don’t want to end. Just brilliant.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher, Random House UK, Transworld for an arc in exchange for a review.

I adored Florrie Butterfield from the very beginning- she was such a beam of sunshine, always willing to look for the positives in life and thinking about everyone else’s problems and needs. Florrie’s habit of sending out parcels of love across the world is going to stay with me 💕

We first meet Florrie when she’s 87 and living in a luxury assisted living house, having lost her leg in a freak Silent Night based accident.

Florrie has befriended pretty much everyone who lives there, stoically settling in to her new life . When Renata the home’s manager asks Florrie for advice about romance and whether Florrie has ever been in love, it releases a plethora of memories and stories from her past.

She plans to share stories of the six men who have loved her with Renata as well as tales of friendship and family loyalty, but before she can, there’s a horrible incident when Renata falls out of her window in an apparent suicidal attempt. Florrie and her sidekick Stanhope (I want to know more about him please!) aren’t sure and start digging deeper into what might have happened to Renata.

As well as being a cosy crime, the story meanders back through Florrie’s life and adventures, from her beloved brother’s life changing wartime experience and her vow to live life to the fullest for both of them. Her escapades have taken her to life in Paris, North Africa, the base camp at Everest, remote Scottish towns and plenty more.

There’s a deep sadness at Florrie’s core, she has buried something that almost broke her- and the after effects of that incident echo throughout her life. When we finally learn what happened to her, it broke my heart as well, I was absolutely bereft and in floods of tears for young Florrie.

It was a joy to learn about Florrie’s story and what made her into the resilient strong person that she is. There is so much detail and love packed into the stories that the author tells us, it is richly packed and so evocative.

Florrie and Stanhope will stay with me for a very long time, I can’t say goodbye yet.

An 87 year old lady, now living in assisted living accommodation, reminisces about her well travelled life. There are colourful descriptions of the her past, the other characters and the countryside. An interesting read.

Full of charm and warmth.
This delightful novel about an old lady investigating an unexpected death in the assisted living home where she lives is most definitely not one of those dreadfully ‘cosy’ and ‘quirky’ sentimental mysteries. It is an exploration of Florrie’s long and eventful life and many loves with a tragedy buried at its heart. It is also a study of love in many forms and of how it can be hard to let go of bad things that shouldn’t be allowed to define a person for ever. Another hidden tragedy may be the cue for Florrie to let go of her own.
She is a lovely warm and engaging character and through her eyes we see the other inhabitants of the home with a humour and acceptance that comes from Florrie’s own generous and outgoing character. She is a really fun read without being soppy. And I enjoyed the plot which was never overdone. Charming and entertaining. I recommend it.

I was initially enchanted by this novel. Fletcher's ability to draw characters is excellent and I enjoyed the humorous no-nonsense narrative voice of Florrie.

But whilst I could see the plot has serious themes at times, the cozy old people's home crime investigation took up too much space in the book. I would have enjoyed more detail and to have spent more time looking back at Florrie's past. This does happen but it's written in a fragmentary way and often skips around in a way that left me feeling less engaged. This combined with the large cast of characters in the present time line diluted the impact of this book for me.

In the end the pace was just too slow and I grew tired of it. There are real strengths in this novel, but I grew impatient with the parts I was less interested in and wanted to journey in the more engaging themes more.

DNFd at 41%.

This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.