We always think browsing the shelves is an enjoyable way to find new books. (And perusing cozy mysteries may be particularly useful for this category.) But here are some suggested titles featuring protagonists aged 60 years or older:
The Story of Arthur Truluv by Elizabeth Berg – Making daily visits to the grave of his beloved late wife, Arthur forges unexpected relationships with a nosy neighbor and a troubled teen who dubs him “Truluv” before the trio discovers healing and family together.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman – A grumpy old man’s mailbox gets wrecked by young whippersnappers.
Britt Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman – Britt Marie is fed up with her life and stakes out for a life among strangers, including a random job as a soccer coach.
Amigoland by Oscar Casares – Encouraged in his senior years by a good-natured housekeeper to make amends with the brother with whom he has shared a long estrangement, Don Celestino secretly liberates Don Fidencio from a nursing home and embarks on a journey to Mexico to investigate a family legend at the heart of their dispute.
Murder at the Vicarage by Agatha Christie – Miss Marple’s debut, investigating the death of a clergyman, and the start of a much-loved series.
The Madonnas of Leningrad by Debra Dean – In a novel that moves back and forth between the Soviet Union during World War II and modern-day America, Marina, an elderly Russian woman, recalls vivid images of her youth during the height of the siege of Leningrad.
This Is Your Life, Harriet Chance! by Jonathan Evison – Embarking on an ill-conceived Alaskan cruise, septuagenarian Harriet reunites with her estranged daughter and confronts pivotal events from her life surrounding the true character of the husband who died two years earlier.
Auntie Poldi and the Sicilian Lions by Mario Giordano, translated from the Italian by John Brownjohn – Retiring to Sicily in the hopes of spending her final years enjoying the ocean view, the wine and the company of friends, 60-year-old Auntie Poldi discovers that her new home is not quite as tranquil as anticipated when her handsome young handyman is found murdered.
East of the Mountains by David Guterson – In Washington State, a widowed doctor suffering from cancer takes a hunting trip, the real purpose of which is to commit suicide, which he will masquerade as an accident. But Dr. Ben Givens’ resolve is tested by several events which reaffirm the joy of living–he cheats death by fighting off wolves and helps a girl give birth.
The 100 Year Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson – Bored 100-year old Allan Karlsson ditches his birthday for hilarious adventure.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce – Harold Fry is convinced that he must deliver a letter to an old love in order to save her, meeting various characters along the way and reminiscing about the events of his past and people he has known, as he tries to find peace and acceptance.
The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg – Doris is 96 years old and keeps an address book of every person she has ever known…
Like a Mule Bringing Ice Cream to the Sun by Sarah Ladipo Manyika – A 75-year old woman, San Francisco, and a Porsche.
The Night Guest by Fiona McFarlane – An elderly Australian woman has suspicions about her caretaker.
The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel by Deborah Moggach – When Dr. Ravi Kapoor’s cousin sets up a retirement home in India, Ravi’s father-in-law is one of its first guests, but what the renovation lacks in promised amenities and luxury, it makes up for in adventure, stunning beauty, and unexpected love.
The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid – An aged and reclusive Hollywood star reminisces about her glamorous and scandalous life.
Old Man’s War by John Scalzi – On his 75th birthday, John Perry did two things: he visited his wife’s grave and then joined the army. Futuristic Sci-Fi warfare in defense of Earth.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson – A story about the friendship of an elegant Englishman and a Pakistani shopkeeper.
An Elderly Lady is Up to No Good: Stories by Helene Tursten – Maud is an irascible 88-year-old Swedish woman with no family, no friends, and… no qualms about a little murder.