Fergus Craig writes a Richard Osman crime spoof

Everyone In My Retirement Home Thinks I Killed Someone is out next year

Fergus Craig has written a spoof cosy crime novel, affectionately parodying the likes of Richard Osman.

Everyone In My Retirement Home Thinks I Killed Someone is to be released in February next year, and American and German rights have also been sold.

Craig previously wrote two tongue-in-cheek crime thrillers revolving around his Detective Roger LeCarre ‘a character never seen before in modern fiction - a tough but troubled detective with a drink problem and a marriage in trouble’.

In the new book, former serial killer Carol takes her place in a luxury retirement home and finds a group of friends, from whom she wants to keep her past hidden.

That's when she discovers that, absurdly, every other one of Sheldon Oaks residents was involved in the law somehow. It's not long before her true identity is leaked, and when a former police commissioner resident is murdered, naturally all eyes turn to her… Her task is to solve the case to prove her innocence - just as her new friends start their own investigations into whether there is more than one killer at Sheldon Oaks.

Sphere Fiction publishing director Jack Butler told trade website The Bookseller: ‘This is a riotously fun cosy crime novel with heartfelt humour and a joyous ensemble cast led by erstwhile killer Carol.

‘At once a playful send-up of high-concept mysteries and an addictive ode to the genre, I cannot wait for readers to enter this charming retirement home where nothing is quite as it seems. If cosy crime novels have taught us anything, it is this: underestimate the retirees at your peril.'

Craig said: ‘This book started out as a bit of a joke, but as I wrote it I found myself truly loving and caring about the characters. I hope readers feel the same.’

The comedian is currently posting a series of videos on social media charting his alter-ego Martin Fishback's post-divorce walk from London to New Zealand.