The Panhandle Predicament: Beachtown Romantic Mystery

by Kendra Hoey, Elizabeth A. White (editor), Brailey Hoey (contributor)

Retirement should be a walk in the park, but Trina Scotsdale finds her quaint life turned upside down after she discovers a skeleton in Point Washington State Park soon after moving back to her parents’ beach bungalow in the picturesque coastal community of Grayton Beach, Florida. The discovery jars long-buried memories, awakening in Trina a compulsion to assist in the identification of the victim. Inner demons stirred by digging into the past collide with the present-day investigation, turning Trina’s quest to solve the mystery into a journey of self-discovery. As the identity of the victim comes into focus, Trina finds herself in a Panhandle predicament.

355 pages, Paperback

Published November 27, 2024

About the author

After raising three kids and juggling a full-time career, I left the corporate world in 2021 and moved to Florida. I quickly developed an immediate connection to the Scenic Highway 30A community, which unconditionally promotes entrepreneurial pursuits and artist creativity. Inspired by local southern authors and my own lifetime of fiction consumption, I was unexpectedly inspired to write using the charm and uniqueness of my small beach town as the backdrop for a mystery series.
I wrote the Panhandle Mystery Series to explore one woman’s drive to achieve a lifelong dream of solving mysteries, while at the same time struggling with her own inner demons. In the process, I hope I have created stories that both convey the breathtaking beauty and serenity of the Florida Panhandle while providing readers with engaging mysteries.
Those who already love 30A will recognize many restaurants, state parks and community organizations. For those who have not yet ventured to the Panhandle, I hope I sparked your curiosity.

Reviews

[Kyla J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I live in the area and met Kendra (the author) at The Zoo Gallery, she wouldn’t remember me. She inspired me to purchase and read the book. I really liked it (I gave it 5 stars). Well written. It held my attention. The characters rang true. I figured who the body was, but not how or why. Loved the ending. Can’t wait for the next one, The Panhandle Picasso.

I’m going to try and get my book club to read the book and maybe the author will come and meet with us!!!

[Franki · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not one to write reviews but this book was awesome!! I’ve been working at Publix next to 30A for 22 years and I grew up in PCB and made many of trips to Seaside. I love the references of local Seaside/Grayton Beach businesses! I have to wonder if I have ever crossed paths with the author at Publix. lol
I gave this book a solid 5 star! It was “fun” to read and I felt like I was in the heart of Seaside!!
Romance and mystery!! Great combo!!!

[Aubry Halonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the best thrillers I have read!!! Such an easy read and kept you guessing till the last chapter!

[Madison Kilgore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow wow wow! This book was very intriguing as I lived on 30a for a few years so I knew I had to give it a shot, and boy it did not disappoint! First off I loved how the chapter go from present day to the 90s, it really helps build the background of the story! And if you love dramatic, shocking endings, this book is for you! I loved every part of this book and I got to personally meet the author and get my book autographed and she is such a kind person! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good mystery!

[FORREST WATERS III · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bubba

Thanks for the suggestion loved it. We met on a plane Can’t wait for the next one. Keep up the good work.

[April Abernathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the book. I visit the 30A area regularly and met Kendra in Seaside at Sundog books where she signed my copy. I really enjoyed the switch from present day to the past and was thinking the bad guy was someone else so it was a surprise ending. I can’t wait to read the next book.
DNA, dog walks and dilemmas.

[Audra · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Panhandle Predicament made it to the top of my reading pile and I started it on Saturday afternoon.   I finished it Sunday around noon.   I could only put it down when my eyes would no longer focus because I needed to go to sleep.   It was so relatable to me as a) I love the Florida panhandle, b) Trina (the main character) is in my same stage of life and  c) she LOVES mystery novels and true crime podcasts like me!  The characters are all so relatable....there was just the right amount of romance combined with mystery.   I was thrilled the book ends with a teaser for Trina to pursue a new mystery in Kendra's upcoming novel....The Panhandle Picasso.

[Brooke Sibley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was SO good!! I had so many of my own theories throughout but the plot twist got me! I was way off! This book was honestly so much fun to read I might just restart!

[Gentine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Totally enjoyed the book! It was a treat to meet the author on our recent trip to 30a outside The Hidden Lantern in Rosemary Beach. It was great to hear her story how it came together…The story incorporates so much from the area…read this book lightening fast…great first book…feels like a first book but its a quick read…looking forward to what I have learned is first in a series….

[Stacy · Rating 3 out of 5]

So fun to meet a new author and read her debut novel while vacationing in 30A!! Fast paced and full of 30A references, this was a great vacation read!

[PanhandlePages · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Local Thriller That Feels Like Home: A Review of The Panhandle Predicament by Kendra Hoey
As a longtime resident of the Florida Panhandle and a mother of two gorgeous girls, I picked up Kendra Hoey’s debut novel The Panhandle Predicament expecting a solid thriller/suspense read. What I got was so much more—an exhilarating, heartfelt guide to living fully in our beautiful beach towns, no matter your age or stage of life.
The story follows Trina Scotsdale, a recent retiree who moves back to her parents’ home in the charming 30A area and literally stumbles upon a skeleton in Point Washington State Park. What begins as a quiet return to coastal life quickly turns into a page-turning mystery that digs into the past while weaving in the vibrant present-day community. Hoey captures the essence of our Panhandle so vividly—the sun-drenched beaches, the tight-knit beach town friendships, and the way small discoveries can ripple through generations.
For young beach goers and teenagers full of life, this book serves as an exciting reminder to stay aware of your surroundings without letting fear dim your adventures. For those of us in the older generation longing to put past regrets behind us and truly live in the moment, Trina’s journey resonates deeply. It’s a story about uncovering truths (both about a lifetime ago-old case and about herself), embracing relationships, nurturing friendships, and cherishing family amid the everyday beauty of coastal Florida life.
Hoey’s writing style kept me completely engaged from start to finish. I found myself invested not just in the central mystery, but in the personal dramas—who was dating whom, how the community would rally, and whether the truth would finally come to light. The romance elements add warmth and lightness, while the suspense keeps the pages turning at a perfect pace. I thought I knew who the villain was in Trina’s story, thinking it can’t be the obvious one. Ladies, trust that gut feeling.
It’s the ideal beach read: atmospheric, relatable, and impossible to put down.
As someone who loves supporting local authors, The Panhandle Predicament is a wonderful addition to my collection. Hoey has created a beachtown romantic mystery that feels authentic to our 30A and Panhandle world, complete with recognizable landmarks and that special sense of community we all treasure here.
If you live along the Gulf Coast—or just dream of it—do yourself a favor and grab a copy. It’s more than a thriller; it’s a celebration of watching out for one another while soaking up every joyful moment life offers by the sea.
Highly recommended—5 stars.

[K.G. Fletcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

This debut novel by Kendra Hoey is chock-full of beach vibes and a mystery that will definitely keep you turning the page. The story takes place in Grayton Beach, Florida. As a 30A beach lover myself, I love Ms. Hoey’s descriptive writing style that put me right there in the setting. We go back and forth with heroine, Trina Scotsdale between past and present. In the past, she’s a teen working at a local restaurant during her summers spent with her family at their beach house. Present day finds a mature Trina retired and living in her parent’s beach house with her husband. While out on a walk, Trina discovers a skeleton in the state park. She becomes obsessed with the investigation, her quest to solve the mystery turning into a journey of self-discovery.

On a side note, I’m a sucker for romance, and the romantic elements of young love Ms. Hoey infused into the story did not disappoint! There were lots of twists and turns, coincidences and moments when I thought I had things figured out. But I did not see that ending coming. Congratulations on keeping the reader guessing until the very end!

[Jacquelyn Broadus · Rating 4 out of 5]

An intriguing, lively adventure set right in my local area...the beautiful 30A!

I really enjoyed this story and especially loved the way the author brought our local area to life on the page. The references to familiar businesses, beaches, and the spirit of the community made it such an engaging read. It kept me guessing right up until the end, and I loved the flow of the writing throughout. Refreshing, enjoyable, and a great escape. I've already got the next book in the series and can't wait to dive into it! I’m excited to see what this author continues to create!

[Megan Fohl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book and I can’t wait to read the next one! Kendra has a way of making you feel like you are there and experiencing the story for yourself! I couldn’t put it down. I’ve grown up visiting 30A my whole life, this brought a super fun twist to a place I call my second home. The romantic side was sweet and pleasant. The mystery side had you craving more information. And there was a few twist I didn’t see in there. Definitely recommend this one for beach mystery lovers!

[Adrienne Reilly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well, this was sort of a boring story. But the ending was so unexpected for me. At first, I thought I’d like that going from current date and the 90’s but then I wasn’t so excited about it so I just read all the past chapters first then I read the current day stuff. But I will read the next book when it comes out because I’m interested to see what happens to the main character.

[Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent beach read. Overall, my interest was held, and it is an easy read.
My only complaint would be that I got a little confused with some of the characters because they really had no influence on the plot or the story.

[Donna Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! Part romance, part mystery. Living in the area of 30A with reference to so many familiar places made it a fun read. Great first book.. looking forward to reading The Panhandle Picasso next.

[Nich Ochran · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I couldn’t put down! Amazing from start to finish.

If you love mystery this a must read. The setting is in a quaint beach town, 30A, that I have been to before!

Read this book!

[C J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting who-dunit about the beautiful Emerald Coast. My one big issue is the main character wasn't developed in the modern day time-frame. there are questions left about Christopher. Some things dont make sense to me.

[Amelia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The writer used many locations in the 30a area and they were very familiar. I liked the fact that she kept you guessing to the very end. Hope to see some more from this author.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our Bookclub just read this book and we invited Kendra to our meeting. So much fun to learn how she wrote the book. Very entertaining read.

[Carol Westbrook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great debut novel! Love visiting the 30A area - ready for another visit!

[Michelle Connley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bit slow, no suspense or surprise for me.

[Nance · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun to read about the 30A area

[Brooke Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

I met the other at a boom signing in Seaside and I was curious and bought the book. I started it on Sunday and I finished it on Monday such a good book definitely want to read more from her

[Kayley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Overly detailed to a fault and also needed another run through by an editor. There were so many grammar errors that it was distracting. The end and the foreshadowing that led to it was good but that’s all I can give this book credit for.

Also what’s with all the J names?