Florrie Butterfield turns her keen intellect and curiosity to solving an attempted at her retirement complex in rural Oxfordshire. At the same time she looks back at her long life, lost loves and the unresolved trauma that has informed her adult life.

So this book fits in to the trend for elderly protagonists solving crimes that we've seen in novels like Elizabeth is Missing and the Thursday Murder Club, However 87 year-old Florrie is a superb character. If anything, her back stories are so engaging that the attempted murder plot becomes secondary and I think the author was possibly trying to do too much - almost to shoehorn two novels in to one, For me I would have happily read a novel twice as long just about Florrie's life. Florrie has an almost spiritual quality of viewing all of life's highs and lows from a place of gratitude.

I found this novel very moving and devoured it.

Published 18 April 2024. An intriguing premise - a thriller set in a nursing/care home. Florrie is already in mourning, having lost a friend when he tripped over his laces and fell in the garden, striking his head, when the manager of the care home, Renata, falls from her third floor window. Everyone thinks it is suicide but 87 year old Florrie does not believe that this is the case having spoken to Renata earlier that day. Therefore, Florrie sets out to investigate. She is a larger than life character with her own secrets which are slowly revealed as the story is not only about Florrie's investigation but her own lives, loves and adventures. She has lost her leg and so is confined to a wheelchair, she has a little box of treasures/memories and she has scars on her hands. But Florrie is also a woman that people respond to and talk to and so she believes that she will find out the truth about Renata's fall. One the one hand it is a cosy read with some super characters - the residents of the home are a varied bunch and only the other it is about lost chances and lost loves some of which are quite poignant. However, my only criticism is the pace - I found it very slow until the final quarter. An enjoyable read as I quite liked Florrie as a character and I did like finding out about her life.

If you think we’ve already had pensioners solving murders then think again!
When there’s a death at her nursing home, Florrie believes there’s more to it than just someone falling over their shoelaces… and so begins The Night in Question.

This book is more than a murder mystery - it’s the story of Florrie’s life; how she ended up with scarred knuckles, the love affairs she’s had, and the many small (and big) adventures that make up a life. Florrie is a brilliant character, and Fletcher’s writing really brings her to life, but I couldn’t help feeling that this book was just a little bit slow for me. Yes, you don’t want to rush building such a rich and absorbing character, but having the parallel narrative of the deaths at the nursing home meant that it took a long time to fully realise Florrie’s story. That said, it’s a book that makes you ponder life, death and everything in between.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy of this book with no obligation to review.

From about 70% onwards this is quite a good book as the truth about the deaths are revealed but up until then, in my opinion, it is very slow paced and there is far too much description, repetition and far too many adjectives. i am afraid that I was soon skimming.

i found the nicknames - Pinky, Bobs, Butters etc., to be quite twee and annoying. I was not that taken with Florrie who is an irritating attention seeker with her tiresome insistence on leaf tea and constant references to herself as marshmallowy, sturdy, big bottomed. This is still fat shaming even if it is the plump person who is shaming herself and it made me uncomfortable.

Florrie has scars on her hands and some sort of secret, we are teased constantly with this secret and that was irritating, either tell us at once or don't tell us, don't draw it out and mention it every few pages. In fact, even when the secret is revealed, I don't see how it led to scarred hands and I can't summon the energy to read it through again to find out.

Anyway, I imagine that this book will do very well and people will think Florrie is marvellous, such an interesting life, so much adventure blah, blah, don't judge a book by its cover but it was not for me. Not everything was solved at the end so I fear there may be a sequel which I, for one, will not read..

I will say that the book must be well written though or it surely would not have provoked such a strong, albeit negative, from an reader.

If you are looking for a good read about an older person in assisted living try Three Things About Elsie.

An unusual psychological thriller set in a care home with the investigating person being one of the residents who becomes more and more involved in the mystery as time goes on, The investigator also has a hidden secret which is continual hinted at but not fully revealed until the end.
An excellent attempt at creating something totally different within a swamped genre.
Spoiled for me only by the nature of the reveal of the clues. Some readers will love this style, but it didn't quite work for me.
Some of the passages are beautifully written.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The advanced copy clearly showed that there will be a number of illustrations in the book that weren't in the ARC. This can only enhance the book, and may go some way to mitigate my only criticism.

Such a pleasure to read! The Night in Question is surprisingly compassionate, funny and uplifting for a murder mystery. I really enjoyed the balance between the deeply engaging murder storyline and learning all about the wonderful Florrie's even more wonderful life. One element I particularly liked was the way Fletcher dissected and questioned the trope of having a 'one true love' and the ideals of what a woman needs to be truly happy. It was so lovely to read about the rich life of this woman and her many loves, each as true as the others. I also loved the way Florrie was shown not to be some all knowing master of life figure, as older people are sometimes shown to be, but a woman still growing, learning, making mistakes and learning how to process a lifetime of emotions and experiences.

Overall, this was a thoroughly fun and comforting read full of wholly human characters and a lot of heart.

Florence Butterfield, a perky 87-year-old, lives at Babbington Hall Residential Home and Assisted Living. When the manager, Renata, falls from a third-floor window everyone is convinced it was a suicide attempt. Florence isn't so convinced and decides to dig into Renata's background.

Susan Fletcher is a well-established author, however, I must admit I've never read any of her previous novels. Twitter is abuzz with people singing the praise of The Night In Question and I was suffering from a little bit of FOMO, so I decided to see what all the fuss is about.

The novel hangs on the question of whether the manager of Babbington Hall attempted suicide or if there is a more sinister answer. Renata is quiet and self-contained. The staff and residents know very little about her background or what she does when she's not on duty. It is easy to see how people would assume she was struggling with her mental health. Florrie, as everyone calls Florence, has other ideas. Earlier in the day Renata and Florrie had spent time together and it was clear that Renata was in love and making plans for the future, there was no way she was considering ending her life. Thus Florrie, aided by another resident of Babbington Hall, investigates, with the spotlight falling on staff and residents alike.

While there is a mystery element to this novel it's the character of Florrie that makes it. From the very beginning, you realise that Florrie Butterfield is someone very special. At first glance Florrie is unassuming; 87 years old, well-padded and in a wheelchair as a result of having only one leg. It's when you listen to Florrie speaking that you realise how wonderful she is and the extraordinary life she's lived. Florrie has a sunny disposition, she's one of those people who always looks for the positive, despite some of the tragic events that have had devastating effects on her life. Florrie has spent a lifetime seeking adventure and as a result, finding love. I didn't need a mystery story, I would have been happy to read all about Florrie's adventures around the globe.

Alongside Florrie, there are some other amazing characters in the story. Aunt Pip, who has just the right level of disdain for society that a young girl needs to discover. Jack, who I fell in love with, makes Florrie realise she's beautiful. It is, however, Pinky that captivates. What a wonderful friend she was, another one of those who was filled with nonchalance regarding society's expectations.

Florrie's life, and loves, are introduced gradually, this was one of the reasons I couldn't put the book down. Susan Fletcher teases the reader with little snippets and then the story pivots to something completely different. Throughout you're aware that there is something dark lurking in Florrie's background, a secret she doesn't share with anyone. When the secret was finally revealed I was filled with sadness but also admiration that the phenomenal Florrie had not allowed it to change her outlook on life.

I received an ARC for this book via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The setting is a nursing / residential home and the main characters elderly residents. The home manager falls from a 3rd floor window and is seriously injured. Considered a suicide attempt Florrie and Stanhope believe differently. Florrie is the amayeur sleuth lead and sets out to find out what actually happened. It is a gentle read with a great cast of characters. All the personality types you might expect in such a setting are there to give us the benefits of their opinion. The turn of the case comes from an unexpected source. This was an easy read wrapped up nicely so that everything turns out on the positive side in the end.
I really enjoyed the read

Set in Babbington hall, a residential home, there are 2 deaths in a short space of time. Told through the eyes of Florrie, an 87 year old resident, this is a slow paced cosy mystery with lots of positive messages. Not my usual type of read as i prefer a grittier type of crime book, but I'd recommend if you like a cosy easy read.

An accidental fall leaves an old friend dead, then the nursing home manager falls to her death. Was it suicide or murder?
Follow life stories of the residents.
An interesting book, that keeps you guessing right till the end.

When two deaths occur in quick succession at an unassuming little retirement community, 87-year-old resident Florrie takes it upon herself to uncover what happened at Babbington Hall. Along the way, she has cause to reflect upon her own life and how deeply it was impacted by those she loved along the way.

This was a very charming book with a positive, life-affirming message. Florrie’s friends, partners, and family members all sang off the page, and there were some real moments of poignancy. I loved Florrie, and liked the mystery element woven throughout the story of her life.

I found the pacing slowed a bit towards the end, but otherwise enjoyed this delightful story.

My thanks to the author, NetGalley, and the publisher for the arc to review.

What a wonderful book. Florrie, aged eighty seven, is living at Babbington Hall. The grand hall and surrounding buildings have been converted to provide accommodation and assisted living places for elderly and frail patients. Florrie is delighted with her rooms in the old apple store. With a naturally cheerful disposition, Florrie looks forward to seeing out her days in her wheelchair - she lost her left leg after an accident at home - and she happy to take delight from small, daily things. But then Arthur dies and quiet life takes on a completely different air. Outstanding writing with superb perceptions. I was mesmerised.

Octogenerian Florrie Butterfield's move into a care home is all she could have hoped it to be, albeit it prompted by the loss of a leg, until one day the home's manager falls from a third-floor window. So, Florrie, and her occasional companion, Stanhope, try and find out what led to the fall.

But this isn't a cosy-mystery story. It's a wistful tale of lost opportunities, of looking back at life and wondering how we end up where we do and how our lives can be overshadowed by the choices that we, and others, make.

I greatly enjoyed spending time with Florrie and travelling back with her through her life. I found this a thought-provoking and moving read.

This is a slow burn mystery with stories hidden within an old wooden chest kept by 87 year old Florence Butterfield.
On Midsummer’s night, Florrie hears a scream and then sees the manager of her residential home, tumble from the third floor. She is convinced that Renata was pushed and as she investigates, she begins to look back at some of her own memories.
I loved the character of Florrie and the book is definitely a reminder not to judge older people by their aging bodies. Florrie has done more in her lifetime than most people would dream of. Even though she is now confined to a wheelchair, she still greets every day with hope.
The writing is gorgeous and the author does a fantastic job at evoking the atmosphere of different places. However, sometimes, that seemed to get in the way of the story and for me, the pace of the book was really too slow. I enjoyed the mystery and was interested in both Florrie’s past life and her investigation but I found the book very easy to put down.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I've never read anything by Susan Fletcher before but I will definitely have to change that! Her writing is absolutely sublime and I love the way she describes everything, especially the feelings of the characters, in so much detail.

Florrie is a wonderful character and it was a pleasure to spend time with her and her friends. It is rare to see an older character so rich and I loved her determination and sense of independence (that as a fellow wheelchair user I recognise so well) that runs throughout the novel. She has a very colourful history and I really enjoyed finding out more about it. I love her relationships with the other residents of Babington House and the humour between them, especially Stanhope.

The Night In Question is a novel with so many layers and it was wonderful to read as the different aspects of Florrie's life were unpacked. Susan Fletcher touches on so many poignant themes - we go on quite a journey with Florrie - and they are all addressed in such a gentle way that I could not help but be touched by her story.

Florrie Butterfield lives in Assisted Living at Barrington Hall, Temple Beeches. Florrie has a secret from 70 years ago. Another person with a secret is Renata, the Manager of Barrington Hall.
On a stormy Midsummer's Night, Renata commits suicide - but does she? Florrie and a fellow resident Stanhope set out to find out the truth.
An enthralling read of love and mystery.

This lovely book is many things. It is a murder mystery but a gentle one. It is also the story of an old lady's life told through her experiences as they relate to the clues to solving the murder. It is quite long and meandering but it needs to be read at its own pace. It won't be hurried. I know I tried and I missed things and had to go back. It is bound to be compared with other cosy murder mystery books popular at the moment, however I don't think they can be compared. The Night in Question is much more about Florrie coming to terms with all aspects of her life than it is about Renata's murder. Reminding us perhaps that all those elderly residents of God's waiting rooms everywhere have lived long eventful and fulfilling lives, before they became old and invisible. A book to read slowly, to savour and enjoy.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy. All opinions are my own.

This is a lovely cosy read full of very sweet characters. A nice lighthearted Sunday afternoon book.

Florrie Butterfield has moved to sheltered accommodation following an accident leading to the loss of one of her legs. When the manager of the home, Renata, confides in her and tells her she's in love, it causes Florrie to think over her life and past loves. Before she gets too far though, Renata falls from her attic room window and is in hospital in a coma from which she may never recover. Florrie, however, is not convinced by the prevailing theory that Renata tried to kill herself or that it was an unfortunate accident. Together with her new friend Stanhope she sets out to prove otherwise.

What I liked about this book. I loved this novel. The characters are so brilliantly drawn. Florrie especially. Her voice dominates the whole book and her story of her life with its tragedies, missed opportunities and behind it all, her devastating secret, is riveting. Despite everything, Florrie has no regrets. Other characters shine too, Pinky, Florrie's dear friend is the sort of friend everyone needs, Victor, Florrie's husband is urbane and charming, Stanhope is adorable. I loved them all. The pace of the novel is superb. Revelations come at the right time. The book is full of wisdom about living life to the full and the joys of ageing in spite of everything.

Already I can tell that this will be one of my best reads of 2024. I love everything about it and will be recommending it to everyone I know , Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

My heart! What an utterly enchanting novel about second chances later in life and what a wonderful FMC. I need a minute to recover

Oke, Florrie is that type of octagenarian old lady that does not give a fluff and you really don't want to mess with. She is living in a retirement facilitiy and faced with a tragedy on the grounds, she buckles up and gets her sleuth on! The truly heartwaming (and heartbreaking) factor in this book is how Florrie looks back on her life in order to move ahead. Reflection on a whole new level


The book is written with grace, dignity, humour and a wit sharper than cut glass. Being aged is not a stumbling block for Florrie, it's an excuse for a whole new lease of life! Florries reflections frame the mystery well and flesh out a truly wonderful cozy

Flipping loved this book!

Thank you to Netgalley, Union Square & Co and Susan Fletcher for this truly beautiful ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own