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An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

Description:

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 investigations, 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 eighteen, 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 eighties, 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?


Editorial Reviews

Review

An ABA IndieNext Selection for November 2018
A Loan Stars Top 10 Pick November 2018

Praise for An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

“[A] deliciously noir short story collection . . . Tursten takes readers deep inside Maud’s head as she plots the demise of anyone who crosses her . . . Here’s hoping Tursten brings back the flinty homicidal octogenarian for more adventures.”
—Tina Jordan, The New York Times

“Witty . . . All pay the ultimate price for outraging this dangerous octogenarian. Will the police ever realize that sweet, frail, confused old Maud is in fact sharp as a tack and just as ruthless?”
—The Wall Street Journal

"Eighty-eight-year-old Maud, a Swedish cult favorite, freely dispatches greedy neighbors, selfish lovers, and potential thieves in four linked stories that push elderly empowerment to grimly funny heights in this Swedish cult favorite."
—The Boston Globe

“This elderly lady stops at nothing in her desire for a peaceful existence. I ought to feel guilty for enjoying her crimes, but I don't. The stories are written with such persuasive logic and delicious irony that I want the killing to continue indefinitely.”
—Peter Lovesey, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master

“Darkly engaging . . . The murders Maud pulls off are meticulously plotted and executed, and one of the pleasures of the stories lies in watching Maud in action.”
—The Toronto Star

“The juxtaposition of the way Maud presents in the world, as elderly, somewhat frail, and what she is capable of doing when she is thwarted makes for a really intriguing read that is often laugh out loud funny.”
—Lily Bartel, WAMC's The Roundtable

“A petite, deliciously dry set of short stories . . . grab this one as a stocking-stuffer for the mystery lover on your list.”
The News & Observer

“Deliciously dark . . . Imagine a ticked-off Miss Marple with the conscience of Patricia Highsmith's Ripley and the cold-blooded pragmatism of Jack Reacher.”
—Mystery Scene

“Maud suffers no fools. In this slim volume of short stories, we meet the 88-year-old retired teacher living alone in her grand Swedish apartment . . . Her recourse is inventive and always plays to her strength—who, after all, would ever suspect an elderly lady? Let’s just say, you’d never want to be on Maud’s bad side.”
Murder & Mayhem

“Relying on the invisibility of age, using her walkers as a weapon, and seeming dementia as a defense, Maud systematically eliminates all annoyances . . . delightful.”
—Deadly Pleasures

“Perfect for short-story aficionados,
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten mixes in mystery novel tropes, steering away from some of the more kitschy holiday tales. Social gatherings with family and friends will have to wait: Pick up this book, and you won’t be able to put it down.” 
Durham Magazine

“Delightfully grim and howlingly funny . . . Maud’s no apple-cheeked little Granny.”
—Quad City Times

“A series of darkly comic stories.”
Petoskey News-Review

“For a twist on the genre, read this delightful anthology of five short stories revolving around an octogenarian protagonist named Maud. The plots will leave you enthralled and keep you entertained, and the translation from the Swedish original reads flawlessly . . . Enjoy the advantages of aging from a comfortable distance, knowing the blood is fake and the victims are figments of Tursten’s lively imagination.”
—The Beacon

“Helene Tursten’s writing is a pleasure to read. Despite the dark nature of the stories, the book is full of humor, and highlights the way that many elderly people are ignored by society as being senile or incapable, something Maud fully uses to her advantage.”
The Times-News

“A very interesting lead character . . . Would you suspect your grandmother of killing people? Just in case, you might be sure to stay on her good side. After all, you never know.”
—The Sterling Journal-Advocate

“A wily, self-contained octogenarian . . . [an] enjoyable read.”
The Joplin Globe

“Tursten is best known for the hard-boiled Detective Inspector Irene Huss series of novels. However, the comic twists and turns she delivers in this compact collection are equally engrossing. Unassuming, murderous Maud—with her devious, pseudo-innocent charm—makes these concise stories wickedly funny and addictively readable.”
—Shelf Awareness

“Maud is the petty, take-no-prisoners grandmother we all wish we had.”
—K99 Radio

“A succinct treatise on how to get away with murder. This is a terrific little dollop of crime. Just beware of the little old lady who lives upstairs.”
—Washington Independent Review of Books

“The perfect size for stowing in your handbag with your hard candies and spare garrote wire.”
—Literary Hub

“If you’re into crime stories, dark humor, and want it centered around an octogenarian, run to this collection.”
Book Riot

“Dark, irreverent, and hilariously funny.”
Booklist, Starred Review

“Exceptional . . . Readers will be amused by how sharp-as-a-tack Maud plays the forgetful, fuzzy-brained old lady to achieve her ends.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A juicy dose of senior justice. The book is pure fun.”
—Kirkus Reviews

 “A wonderful discovery . . . Who knew the grim Swedish crime school included a writer this merry . . . and merciless?”
—The Shawangunk Journal

“A satirical warning against the perils of ageism.”
—Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

“Morbid, mysterious, and outrageously funny...this collection is a wonderful example of the more uproarious side of Scandinavian Noir, one that doesn’t often reach our shores and should be savored when it does.”
—CrimeReads

“A masterclass in concise and sharp characterization.”
—Crime Review

“A light, fun read that proves something I've always known: never underestimate the elderly.”
Kittling Books

“Wildly entertaining.”
—Reading Glasses Podcast

“Cleverly plotted . . . 88-year-old Maude is a combination of Charles Bronson’s character in the movie
Death Wish, Mrs. Wilberforce in the movie, The Ladykillers, and a small touch of John le Carré's low-key George Smiley. Tursten has created the perfect criminal, a senior citizen who has the cunning and vindictiveness of Bronson's character, the haplessness and sense of morality of Mrs. Wilberforce, and the deceptive appearance of George Smiley.”
Los Angeles Public Library Reads

“This tiny gem of a book—184 pages—is for anyone who has been underestimated and prevailed.” 
Silver Century Foundation

“Dark, funny, and oh so satisfying.”
—Three Percent (University of Rochester)

“Top of the line . . . [Maud] has a take-no-prisoners penchant for survival and can go from zero to 90 whether practicing self-defense or administering rough justice. She does both and more in this collection of finely written and memorable stories.”
—BookReporter

“The elderly female antihero we never knew we needed . . . Suspenseful, funny, and certainly unique, this story is one you won’t want to miss this holiday season.”
—BookTrib

“These wicked, funny tales . . . could be the product of an illicit union between
Arsenic and Old Lace and The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
—Reviewing the Evidence

“A delightful, quick read.”
—Richmond Public Library Blog

“Wickedly fun . . . if you’ve had your fill of gooey, saccharine sweet holiday books or movies, then this collection of vignettes featuring Maud, an eighty-eight year old serial killer, will cure your holiday sugar rush.”
The Book Review

“A completely different type of murderer than the regular mystery reader is used to.”
—Pop Goes Fiction

“Maud is just too good when she is up to no good . . . [her] 'adventures' make for grisly fun, and a quick read if you’re in the mood to dip into a bit of Scandinavian noir.” 
—Reading Reality

“A delicious acid-drop of a book.”
University Book Store (Seattle, WA)

“Full of fun (and a little bit of gore), this small book will leave you laughing.”
-Odyssey Bookshop, (South Hadley, MA)

“Never underestimate 88-year-old ladies—nearly deaf, living alone, and using wheeled walkers—when it comes to murder . . . You won’t want to miss Tursten’s clever stories.”
—Karen Briggs, The Booknook (East Tawas, MI)

“Helene Tursten, the author of many popular Scandinavian crime thrillers, has shifted gears to offer up this lively and darkly funny tale . . . You will never take seniors for granted again!”
—Eagle Harbor Book Company (Bainbridge Island, WA)

“I thoroughly enjoyed all the wicked things this elderly lady got up to in this fun little read from the author of the Inspector Irene Huss Investigation series. A great gift for a mystery reader.”
—Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA)

Praise for Helene Tursten

“As good as Louise Welsh's similarly creepy tour of Glasgow.”
Gillian Flynn, Entertainment Weekly

“These days Scandinavian crime writers are thick on the ground. It's nice to see that the women can be just as bloodthirsty as the men.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“[Tursten] imbues this novel with a cold chill of dread that can't be attributed only to the subfreezing temperatures of Göteborg in winter.”
—Chicago Sun Times

“Truly satisfying.”
—Philadelphia Inquirer

“An engaging mystery with a very likable heroine. With a writing style reminiscent of Camilla Läckberg or Henning Mankell, Helene Tursten offers a detective with a nuanced and compelling personal life, as well as a dark and intriguing mystery.”
—Shelf Awareness

About the Author

Helene Tursten was a nurse and a dentist before she turned to writing. She is the author of the Irene Huss mysteries and the Embla Nyström mysteries, including Hunting Game and Winter Grave. Her books have been translated into 21 languages and made into a television series. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she now lives with her husband.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully Surprising!

K.C. · October 9, 2025

A very light delightful lady full of mischief. So nice to read a simple story with no heavy details. Loved it!

4.0 out of 5 stars I love Maud!

C.G.C. · July 10, 2019

Eighty-nine-year-old Maud keeps herself to herself. To the other tenants in the apartment building, they see an old lady who lives in an apartment that's much too big for her, and-- worst of all-- she doesn't pay a penny in rent! What those neighbors don't know would fill an encyclopedia.Just as Maud entered university at the age of eighteen, her beloved father died. Her mother couldn't cope with the shame of finding out there was no money left, rapidly faded away, and died. Fortunately, a real estate deal was done that gave Maud and her sister their apartment rent-free for as long as they were alive.For the next few decades, Maud was burdened with the care of an emotionally fragile sister who should've been put in assisted living but refused because, well, that was what Maud was for. Finally, when she was in her sixties, Maud was free to live her life as she chose. Perhaps she should be forgiven for wanting to stay where she'd lived her entire life and for all the traveling she does. Hasn't she paid her dues? (Take that, nosy neighbors!)All this and more is what you learn as you read Helene Tursten's short story collection, An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good. I've been asked before what my "guilty pleasure" books are, and I've always responded that I never feel guilty about the books that I read. Life's too short and all that. But maybe... just maybe... I should call Maud a guilty pleasure character. In these stories, Maud runs into several folks who take one look at her and think that she's going to be easy to cheat. After all, she's a little old lady who uses a walker to get to the shops. Her mind's got to be going, right? Think again!In this collection, Maud has to outwit someone trying to take her apartment away from her and someone else who's trying to steal her antiques-- and she's not above a little murder to take care of these people either. It's a pleasure to watch this old lady take care of her youngers and supposedly betters, and lest you get the idea that "it's all about Maud," that's not true. She's also willing to help out others she comes in contact with, although she certainly doesn't seek them out.When I read one story that was written from an outsider's point of view, I thought to myself, "Why couldn't we get this story from Maud?" The very next story told us the events from her perspective. Tursten read my mind. Tursten also had fun having her two other characters, Detective Inspectors Irene Huss and Embla Nyström test their wits against Maud. An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good is a light, fun read that proves something I've always known: never underestimate the elderly.

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a mini sized book! Will fit in my Old Lady purse! Great stories!

K. · January 1, 2025

Have not read this yet, I am just SURPRISED. I expected this to be a regular sized book, about 8x6" in size. It's a MINI BOOK at 5x7". fits in my hand! Will try to send a photo and update about whether it's a good book or not.Revised 1.1.2025. What a great way to start the new year! Maud is a great little murderer at 88+ years old! Definitely suggest reading this tiny book.Book: An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good, by Helene Tursten.

3.0 out of 5 stars An elderly lady is up to no good

T.R. · May 1, 2022

Well Maud is not your typical criminal and who would suspect she is a murderer. I enjoyed the book. It was a fast paced quick read. However, I can't say this book is a 4. I will give it 3 and a half stars.

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this!!!!

h. · August 27, 2025

Loved loved loved this book. We ordered the other one also. So cute and each story is a quick, enjoyable read!

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick, witty, and delightful read by Helen Tursten.

T. · May 13, 2019

Helen Tursten is widely known for her popular "Irene Huss" book series, which were also successfully adapted for the television (2 seasons starring Angela Kovacs as Irene). "An Elderly Is Up to No Good" is an anthology consisting of five short stories having Maud, the titular elder lady, as the sole protagonist. Maud embarks in a series of adventures where she kills for merely practical reasons, exhibiting behavior that can be described as sociopathic, though the author herself, cleverly, avoids giving definite answers to the questions that her protagonist's insidious and grisly conduct is raising. The stories are all written in a comical, almost ludicrous in its character, prose that makes the book an easy read that the reader can finish in just one sitting. There is also a brief appearance by Irene Huss who is called as a police detective to investigate one of Maud's homicides. If you like dark comedies, you will definitely love this little book and fans of Nordic Noir are bound to give "An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good'' a fair chance and not regret it.

5.0 out of 5 stars fun easy read

B.F.C. · August 20, 2025

Ended rather abruptly but I guess book 2 will pick up where this fell short.Recommend for a quick and easy read

4.0 out of 5 stars Offbeat Murder Series

A.C. · January 14, 2024

Entertaining light fiction written in an appealingly dry tone. Tursten's protagonist Maud, much like Maggie Smith's character in the film "Keeping Mum," is an ostensibly mild, unremarkable old lady, who has a hidden cold-blooded side and a total inability to understand why killing objectionable people would be wrong. Tursten writes with insight about society's knee-jerk dismissive attitudes toward the elderly (e.g. the old are infirm, easily confused, lacking mental acuity, and/or not worth much notice), and Maud uses these condescending stereotypes to manipulate the authorities and onlookers into believing that she is just a frail golden ager, incapable of cleverly planned, ruthless crimes.

what a fantastic book

i. · January 18, 2024

What a fantastic book. Looking forward to read more about maud and her life when she is too old to live in the apartment.

Suspense missing

G.N. · April 16, 2022

Very readable style but the stories missed the unexpected or a twist... The Roald Dahl touch. So for me it will stay one book.

enjoyable

A. · January 31, 2022

The 2 books in this series are superb - funny, well written and just a bit dark. Good fun in fact.

Charming and well written

S. · July 4, 2024

This is a series of stories about Maud, who is a loner in her eighties. She lives rent free in a large apartment in Gothenburg but is often not there, because her frugality and forward planning enable her to enjoy her passion, which is travel. The really significant thing about her is that she has no compunction about killing people who deserve to be dead. She gets away with it by playing the little old lady card, limping, and being tearful and confused at will. I’ve downloaded the next book to enjoy more whimsy.

Great little book

S. · July 2, 2024

This is a repurchase as I loaned my copy and never got it back. I love the concept and the main character!

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

Product ID: U1641290110
Condition: New

4.2

AED6710

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Type: Hardcover
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

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An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

Product ID: U1641290110
Condition: New

4.2

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good-0
Type: Hardcover

AED6710

Price includes VAT & Import Duties
Availability: In Stock

Quantity:

|

Order today to get by 7-14 business days

Delivery fee of AED 20. Free for orders above AED 200.

Returns & Warranty policies

Imported From: United States

At BOLO, we work hard to ensure the products you receive are new, genuine, and sourced from reputable suppliers.

BOLO is not an authorized or official retailer for most brands, nor are we affiliated with manufacturers unless specifically stated on a product page. Instead, we source verified sellers, authorized distributors or directly from the manufacturer.

Each product undergoes thorough inspection and verification at our consolidation and fulfilment centers to ensure it meets our strict authenticity and quality standards before being shipped and delivered to you.

If you ever have concerns regarding the authenticity of a product purchased from us, please contact Bolo Support. We will review your inquiry promptly and, if necessary, provide documentation verifying authenticity or offer a suitable resolution.

Your trust is our top priority, and we are committed to maintaining transparency and integrity in every transaction.

All product information, images, descriptions, and reviews originate from the manufacturer or from trusted sellers overseas. BOLO is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or an authorized retailer for most brands listed on our website unless stated otherwise.

While we strive to display accurate information, variations in packaging, labeling, instructions, or formulation may occasionally occur due to regional differences or supplier updates. For detailed or manufacturer-specific information, please contact the brand directly or reach out to BOLO Support for assistance.

Unless otherwise stated, all prices displayed on the product page include applicable taxes and import duties.

BOLO operates in accordance with the laws and regulations of United Arab Emirates. Any items found to be restricted or prohibited for sale within the UAE will be cancelled prior to shipment. We take proactive measures to ensure that only products permitted for sale in United Arab Emirates are listed on our website.

All items are shipped by air, and any products classified as “Dangerous Goods (DG)” under IATA regulations will be removed from the order and cancelled.

All orders are processed manually, and we make every effort to process them promptly once confirmed. Products cancelled due to the above reasons will be permanently removed from listings across the website.

Description:

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 investigations, 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 eighteen, 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 eighties, 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?


Editorial Reviews

Review

An ABA IndieNext Selection for November 2018
A Loan Stars Top 10 Pick November 2018

Praise for An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good

“[A] deliciously noir short story collection . . . Tursten takes readers deep inside Maud’s head as she plots the demise of anyone who crosses her . . . Here’s hoping Tursten brings back the flinty homicidal octogenarian for more adventures.”
—Tina Jordan, The New York Times

“Witty . . . All pay the ultimate price for outraging this dangerous octogenarian. Will the police ever realize that sweet, frail, confused old Maud is in fact sharp as a tack and just as ruthless?”
—The Wall Street Journal

"Eighty-eight-year-old Maud, a Swedish cult favorite, freely dispatches greedy neighbors, selfish lovers, and potential thieves in four linked stories that push elderly empowerment to grimly funny heights in this Swedish cult favorite."
—The Boston Globe

“This elderly lady stops at nothing in her desire for a peaceful existence. I ought to feel guilty for enjoying her crimes, but I don't. The stories are written with such persuasive logic and delicious irony that I want the killing to continue indefinitely.”
—Peter Lovesey, Mystery Writers of America Grand Master

“Darkly engaging . . . The murders Maud pulls off are meticulously plotted and executed, and one of the pleasures of the stories lies in watching Maud in action.”
—The Toronto Star

“The juxtaposition of the way Maud presents in the world, as elderly, somewhat frail, and what she is capable of doing when she is thwarted makes for a really intriguing read that is often laugh out loud funny.”
—Lily Bartel, WAMC's The Roundtable

“A petite, deliciously dry set of short stories . . . grab this one as a stocking-stuffer for the mystery lover on your list.”
The News & Observer

“Deliciously dark . . . Imagine a ticked-off Miss Marple with the conscience of Patricia Highsmith's Ripley and the cold-blooded pragmatism of Jack Reacher.”
—Mystery Scene

“Maud suffers no fools. In this slim volume of short stories, we meet the 88-year-old retired teacher living alone in her grand Swedish apartment . . . Her recourse is inventive and always plays to her strength—who, after all, would ever suspect an elderly lady? Let’s just say, you’d never want to be on Maud’s bad side.”
Murder & Mayhem

“Relying on the invisibility of age, using her walkers as a weapon, and seeming dementia as a defense, Maud systematically eliminates all annoyances . . . delightful.”
—Deadly Pleasures

“Perfect for short-story aficionados,
An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good by Helene Tursten mixes in mystery novel tropes, steering away from some of the more kitschy holiday tales. Social gatherings with family and friends will have to wait: Pick up this book, and you won’t be able to put it down.” 
Durham Magazine

“Delightfully grim and howlingly funny . . . Maud’s no apple-cheeked little Granny.”
—Quad City Times

“A series of darkly comic stories.”
Petoskey News-Review

“For a twist on the genre, read this delightful anthology of five short stories revolving around an octogenarian protagonist named Maud. The plots will leave you enthralled and keep you entertained, and the translation from the Swedish original reads flawlessly . . . Enjoy the advantages of aging from a comfortable distance, knowing the blood is fake and the victims are figments of Tursten’s lively imagination.”
—The Beacon

“Helene Tursten’s writing is a pleasure to read. Despite the dark nature of the stories, the book is full of humor, and highlights the way that many elderly people are ignored by society as being senile or incapable, something Maud fully uses to her advantage.”
The Times-News

“A very interesting lead character . . . Would you suspect your grandmother of killing people? Just in case, you might be sure to stay on her good side. After all, you never know.”
—The Sterling Journal-Advocate

“A wily, self-contained octogenarian . . . [an] enjoyable read.”
The Joplin Globe

“Tursten is best known for the hard-boiled Detective Inspector Irene Huss series of novels. However, the comic twists and turns she delivers in this compact collection are equally engrossing. Unassuming, murderous Maud—with her devious, pseudo-innocent charm—makes these concise stories wickedly funny and addictively readable.”
—Shelf Awareness

“Maud is the petty, take-no-prisoners grandmother we all wish we had.”
—K99 Radio

“A succinct treatise on how to get away with murder. This is a terrific little dollop of crime. Just beware of the little old lady who lives upstairs.”
—Washington Independent Review of Books

“The perfect size for stowing in your handbag with your hard candies and spare garrote wire.”
—Literary Hub

“If you’re into crime stories, dark humor, and want it centered around an octogenarian, run to this collection.”
Book Riot

“Dark, irreverent, and hilariously funny.”
Booklist, Starred Review

“Exceptional . . . Readers will be amused by how sharp-as-a-tack Maud plays the forgetful, fuzzy-brained old lady to achieve her ends.”
—Publishers Weekly, Starred Review

“A juicy dose of senior justice. The book is pure fun.”
—Kirkus Reviews

 “A wonderful discovery . . . Who knew the grim Swedish crime school included a writer this merry . . . and merciless?”
—The Shawangunk Journal

“A satirical warning against the perils of ageism.”
—Alfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine

“Morbid, mysterious, and outrageously funny...this collection is a wonderful example of the more uproarious side of Scandinavian Noir, one that doesn’t often reach our shores and should be savored when it does.”
—CrimeReads

“A masterclass in concise and sharp characterization.”
—Crime Review

“A light, fun read that proves something I've always known: never underestimate the elderly.”
Kittling Books

“Wildly entertaining.”
—Reading Glasses Podcast

“Cleverly plotted . . . 88-year-old Maude is a combination of Charles Bronson’s character in the movie
Death Wish, Mrs. Wilberforce in the movie, The Ladykillers, and a small touch of John le Carré's low-key George Smiley. Tursten has created the perfect criminal, a senior citizen who has the cunning and vindictiveness of Bronson's character, the haplessness and sense of morality of Mrs. Wilberforce, and the deceptive appearance of George Smiley.”
Los Angeles Public Library Reads

“This tiny gem of a book—184 pages—is for anyone who has been underestimated and prevailed.” 
Silver Century Foundation

“Dark, funny, and oh so satisfying.”
—Three Percent (University of Rochester)

“Top of the line . . . [Maud] has a take-no-prisoners penchant for survival and can go from zero to 90 whether practicing self-defense or administering rough justice. She does both and more in this collection of finely written and memorable stories.”
—BookReporter

“The elderly female antihero we never knew we needed . . . Suspenseful, funny, and certainly unique, this story is one you won’t want to miss this holiday season.”
—BookTrib

“These wicked, funny tales . . . could be the product of an illicit union between
Arsenic and Old Lace and The Talented Mr. Ripley.”
—Reviewing the Evidence

“A delightful, quick read.”
—Richmond Public Library Blog

“Wickedly fun . . . if you’ve had your fill of gooey, saccharine sweet holiday books or movies, then this collection of vignettes featuring Maud, an eighty-eight year old serial killer, will cure your holiday sugar rush.”
The Book Review

“A completely different type of murderer than the regular mystery reader is used to.”
—Pop Goes Fiction

“Maud is just too good when she is up to no good . . . [her] 'adventures' make for grisly fun, and a quick read if you’re in the mood to dip into a bit of Scandinavian noir.” 
—Reading Reality

“A delicious acid-drop of a book.”
University Book Store (Seattle, WA)

“Full of fun (and a little bit of gore), this small book will leave you laughing.”
-Odyssey Bookshop, (South Hadley, MA)

“Never underestimate 88-year-old ladies—nearly deaf, living alone, and using wheeled walkers—when it comes to murder . . . You won’t want to miss Tursten’s clever stories.”
—Karen Briggs, The Booknook (East Tawas, MI)

“Helene Tursten, the author of many popular Scandinavian crime thrillers, has shifted gears to offer up this lively and darkly funny tale . . . You will never take seniors for granted again!”
—Eagle Harbor Book Company (Bainbridge Island, WA)

“I thoroughly enjoyed all the wicked things this elderly lady got up to in this fun little read from the author of the Inspector Irene Huss Investigation series. A great gift for a mystery reader.”
—Queen Anne Book Company (Seattle, WA)

Praise for Helene Tursten

“As good as Louise Welsh's similarly creepy tour of Glasgow.”
Gillian Flynn, Entertainment Weekly

“These days Scandinavian crime writers are thick on the ground. It's nice to see that the women can be just as bloodthirsty as the men.”
—The New York Times Book Review

“[Tursten] imbues this novel with a cold chill of dread that can't be attributed only to the subfreezing temperatures of Göteborg in winter.”
—Chicago Sun Times

“Truly satisfying.”
—Philadelphia Inquirer

“An engaging mystery with a very likable heroine. With a writing style reminiscent of Camilla Läckberg or Henning Mankell, Helene Tursten offers a detective with a nuanced and compelling personal life, as well as a dark and intriguing mystery.”
—Shelf Awareness

About the Author

Helene Tursten was a nurse and a dentist before she turned to writing. She is the author of the Irene Huss mysteries and the Embla Nyström mysteries, including Hunting Game and Winter Grave. Her books have been translated into 21 languages and made into a television series. She was born in Gothenburg, Sweden, where she now lives with her husband.

Reviews:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightfully Surprising!

K.C. · October 9, 2025

A very light delightful lady full of mischief. So nice to read a simple story with no heavy details. Loved it!

4.0 out of 5 stars I love Maud!

C.G.C. · July 10, 2019

Eighty-nine-year-old Maud keeps herself to herself. To the other tenants in the apartment building, they see an old lady who lives in an apartment that's much too big for her, and-- worst of all-- she doesn't pay a penny in rent! What those neighbors don't know would fill an encyclopedia.Just as Maud entered university at the age of eighteen, her beloved father died. Her mother couldn't cope with the shame of finding out there was no money left, rapidly faded away, and died. Fortunately, a real estate deal was done that gave Maud and her sister their apartment rent-free for as long as they were alive.For the next few decades, Maud was burdened with the care of an emotionally fragile sister who should've been put in assisted living but refused because, well, that was what Maud was for. Finally, when she was in her sixties, Maud was free to live her life as she chose. Perhaps she should be forgiven for wanting to stay where she'd lived her entire life and for all the traveling she does. Hasn't she paid her dues? (Take that, nosy neighbors!)All this and more is what you learn as you read Helene Tursten's short story collection, An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good. I've been asked before what my "guilty pleasure" books are, and I've always responded that I never feel guilty about the books that I read. Life's too short and all that. But maybe... just maybe... I should call Maud a guilty pleasure character. In these stories, Maud runs into several folks who take one look at her and think that she's going to be easy to cheat. After all, she's a little old lady who uses a walker to get to the shops. Her mind's got to be going, right? Think again!In this collection, Maud has to outwit someone trying to take her apartment away from her and someone else who's trying to steal her antiques-- and she's not above a little murder to take care of these people either. It's a pleasure to watch this old lady take care of her youngers and supposedly betters, and lest you get the idea that "it's all about Maud," that's not true. She's also willing to help out others she comes in contact with, although she certainly doesn't seek them out.When I read one story that was written from an outsider's point of view, I thought to myself, "Why couldn't we get this story from Maud?" The very next story told us the events from her perspective. Tursten read my mind. Tursten also had fun having her two other characters, Detective Inspectors Irene Huss and Embla Nyström test their wits against Maud. An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good is a light, fun read that proves something I've always known: never underestimate the elderly.

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a mini sized book! Will fit in my Old Lady purse! Great stories!

K. · January 1, 2025

Have not read this yet, I am just SURPRISED. I expected this to be a regular sized book, about 8x6" in size. It's a MINI BOOK at 5x7". fits in my hand! Will try to send a photo and update about whether it's a good book or not.Revised 1.1.2025. What a great way to start the new year! Maud is a great little murderer at 88+ years old! Definitely suggest reading this tiny book.Book: An Elderly Lady Is Up To No Good, by Helene Tursten.

3.0 out of 5 stars An elderly lady is up to no good

T.R. · May 1, 2022

Well Maud is not your typical criminal and who would suspect she is a murderer. I enjoyed the book. It was a fast paced quick read. However, I can't say this book is a 4. I will give it 3 and a half stars.

5.0 out of 5 stars Buy this!!!!

h. · August 27, 2025

Loved loved loved this book. We ordered the other one also. So cute and each story is a quick, enjoyable read!

4.0 out of 5 stars A quick, witty, and delightful read by Helen Tursten.

T. · May 13, 2019

Helen Tursten is widely known for her popular "Irene Huss" book series, which were also successfully adapted for the television (2 seasons starring Angela Kovacs as Irene). "An Elderly Is Up to No Good" is an anthology consisting of five short stories having Maud, the titular elder lady, as the sole protagonist. Maud embarks in a series of adventures where she kills for merely practical reasons, exhibiting behavior that can be described as sociopathic, though the author herself, cleverly, avoids giving definite answers to the questions that her protagonist's insidious and grisly conduct is raising. The stories are all written in a comical, almost ludicrous in its character, prose that makes the book an easy read that the reader can finish in just one sitting. There is also a brief appearance by Irene Huss who is called as a police detective to investigate one of Maud's homicides. If you like dark comedies, you will definitely love this little book and fans of Nordic Noir are bound to give "An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good'' a fair chance and not regret it.

5.0 out of 5 stars fun easy read

B.F.C. · August 20, 2025

Ended rather abruptly but I guess book 2 will pick up where this fell short.Recommend for a quick and easy read

4.0 out of 5 stars Offbeat Murder Series

A.C. · January 14, 2024

Entertaining light fiction written in an appealingly dry tone. Tursten's protagonist Maud, much like Maggie Smith's character in the film "Keeping Mum," is an ostensibly mild, unremarkable old lady, who has a hidden cold-blooded side and a total inability to understand why killing objectionable people would be wrong. Tursten writes with insight about society's knee-jerk dismissive attitudes toward the elderly (e.g. the old are infirm, easily confused, lacking mental acuity, and/or not worth much notice), and Maud uses these condescending stereotypes to manipulate the authorities and onlookers into believing that she is just a frail golden ager, incapable of cleverly planned, ruthless crimes.

what a fantastic book

i. · January 18, 2024

What a fantastic book. Looking forward to read more about maud and her life when she is too old to live in the apartment.

Suspense missing

G.N. · April 16, 2022

Very readable style but the stories missed the unexpected or a twist... The Roald Dahl touch. So for me it will stay one book.

enjoyable

A. · January 31, 2022

The 2 books in this series are superb - funny, well written and just a bit dark. Good fun in fact.

Charming and well written

S. · July 4, 2024

This is a series of stories about Maud, who is a loner in her eighties. She lives rent free in a large apartment in Gothenburg but is often not there, because her frugality and forward planning enable her to enjoy her passion, which is travel. The really significant thing about her is that she has no compunction about killing people who deserve to be dead. She gets away with it by playing the little old lady card, limping, and being tearful and confused at will. I’ve downloaded the next book to enjoy more whimsy.

Great little book

S. · July 2, 2024

This is a repurchase as I loaned my copy and never got it back. I love the concept and the main character!

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