The Sunshine Solution: A Digger Doyle Mystery

by Rosalie Rayburn

The Sunshine Solution is a sequel to The Power of Rain which introduced readers to Elizabeth "Digger" Doyle a young investigative reporter who earned her nickname by exposing the shady secrets of politicians in the fictional Southwest city of Las Vistas.

Digger has landed her dream job with a government department in Santa Fe. But when her new boss asks Digger to spy on a political rival's announcement for a multimillion-dollar solar energy project, she suspects her boss is hiding something and the project is a cover-up.

Investigating the solar company, Digger and a former newspaper colleague follow a team of imposters from the ancient walls of Chaco Canyon to the twisting streets of Santa Fe, to a struggling Native American pueblo community. The pursuit brings Digger into conflict with powerful forces bent on revenge by harming her wife Maria and destroying a man's political career.

A vindictive ex-girlfriend and a sleazy opponent try to sabotage Maria's campaign for election to the state legislature. Digger uncovers the corrupt motives behind the attacks against Maria.

The Sunshine Solution explores contemporary themes such as the nature of progress in conflict with local culture, the clash between development and exploitation, and the power of family history to affect political decisions. 

Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2023

About the author

Rosalie Rayburn is a journalist and author who has lived in many countries including the USA, UK, Ireland, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Australia and Portugal. She earned a bachelors’s degree in Sociology from Trinity College Dublin and started her newspaper career freelancing for the Irish Times and Irish Independent. Travels took her to Norway where she was news editor for the English language Saga Weekly and contributed to the trade magazine Norwegian Oil Review. Returning to the US, she spent 18 years as a staff writer for the Albuquerque Journal; during which she covered business, local government, energy and telecommunications.
She had six short stories broadcast by Radio Telefis Eireann in Ireland, authored a business guidebook “Living and Working in Saudi Arabia” published by How To Books Ltd., UK, and translated the Norwegian memoir “Norsemen Follow the Trail” published by Dreyer Bok, Stavanger, Norway.
Now retired, Rayburn divides her time between the US and Portugal where she contributes to the lifestyle magazine “Portugal Living” and writes a blog about relocating to and living in Portugal.

Reviews

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a shame more people don't know about this series which perfectly captures New Mexico and its inhabitants love for it. Digger is married to Maria now. Maria is running for state office and Digger is being deftly manipulated by her boss in the State's Cultural Office. Corruption, greed, vengeance, and environmental issues are all nicely enmeshed in a plot line that makes for a good read. I love the titles based on weather or the environment. So far we've had rain and sun in the titles. Book #3 soon to be released will have the wind. New Mexican's name for spring is wind but I suspect it might refer to wind turbines which are now everywhere. This series has engaging characters and should be up there with the Hillermans' books.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling and timely investigative thriller that plunges readers into the high-stakes worlds of political corruption and green energy. Rosalie Rayburn deftly brings back the tenacious reporter "Digger" Doyle, whose "spidey sense" for a cover-up leads her to investigate a shady multi-million-dollar solar project in New Mexico. The plot is intricate and engaging, weaving together themes of political ambition, journalistic integrity, and personal revenge as Digger and her wife become targets. The New Mexico setting is vividly rendered, and the story moves at a brisk, page-turning pace. Despite some minor formatting quirks, this is a smart, suspenseful, and thoroughly satisfying sequel for fans of political and environmental intrigue.

[Simone Keijzer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second book in the Digger Doyle series, but you can totally read it as a stand alone book.
The knowledge of the political dealings at a regional level is clear.
I just love the author´s wit and sometimes I felt de need to read sentences out loud, just because it was so beautifully put.
I was immediately submerged in the well described settings, no matter where it was. It is like you are with the characters there and then.
Looking forward to the next book in the series!

[Logistilla Coulombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosalie Rayburn takes Digger Doyle’s story to new heights in this thrilling follow-up. The plot is packed with danger, corruption, and unexpected twists that expose how easily truth can be manipulated for political gain. The vivid descriptions of Santa Fe and Chaco Canyon bring the Southwest to life, and Digger’s fierce integrity keeps you rooting for her every step of the way

[Aiden Verran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book captures everything I love about Rosalie Rayburn’s writing: fierce women, political intrigue, and a deep sense of place. The scenes at the pueblo and the tension between truth and survival give this novel both heart and gravitas.

[Saville Laberge · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’re a fan of investigative thrillers with brains and heart, this book is for you. The stakes feel incredibly real, corruption, power struggles, and a woman’s fight to uncover the truth no matter the cost. Digger Doyle is fearless, and I can’t wait to see where her story goes next.

[Clarice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Digger’s courage and intelligence shine in this political mystery set against New Mexico’s rugged beauty. The writing is crisp, the pacing tight, and the message clear: truth matters, even when it comes at a price. A must-read for fans of authentic, character-driven suspense.

[June Krumpotick · Rating 4 out of 5]

The complicated plot keeps you interested, the issues are timely (climate change, dramatic loss of local newspapers), the setting (New Mexico) is engaging.

[Johan M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Twisting political plots and authentic Southwest settings make this one unforgettable.

[Rory Stodart · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rayburn makes politics pulse with danger.

[Robert G. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A masterclass in character-driven suspense.