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Trouble at Sunny Dell
Trouble at Sunny Dell
Esmé Proudfoot's visit to old friends at the Sunny Dell Retirement Complex takes a dark turn when the body of the manager is discovered in the laundry room, a knife in her back. The police seem too quick assume this was a burglary gone wrong, and Esmé isn't convinced they're doing all they can to find the murderer. With her keen instincts and determination, she and Amos dive into the investigation, uncovering secrets and lies about exactly who the victim was and where she came from. Who wanted the manager dead, and why? Esmé and Amos are determined to find out.
Esmé Proudfoot's visit to old friends at the Sunny Dell Retirement Complex takes a dark turn when the body of the manager is discovered in the laundry room, a knife in her back. The police seem too quick assume this was a burglary gone wrong, and Esmé isn't convinced they're doing all they can to find the murderer. With her keen instincts and determination, she and Amos dive into the investigation, uncovering secrets and lies about exactly who the victim was and where she came from. Who wanted the manager dead, and why? Esmé and Amos are determined to find out.
238 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2025
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5 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
December 16, 2025
Jane, did they really know ya'?🤔
4-4.5🌟 stars
This mystery had so many layers over and above the murder early on of the director of a retirement community in the lead up to Christmas. I assumed that the residents would be major suspects thanks to her heavy hand at restricting their activities and keeping them in line. Foolish me! Jane the dead woman had such secrets to hide and Esme Proudfoot and her investigative journalist partner in sleuthing Amos have to put all their connections and skills to the test to figure out why Jane was murdered and how her past caught up with her. I liked that despite my guessing some of the answers there were plenty of surprises.
Her tale is good and convoluted, and I loved how all the many threads from the past finally work themselves out. And Esme and Amos have such complementary skills.
A very entertaining cozy whodunit.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4-4.5🌟 stars
This mystery had so many layers over and above the murder early on of the director of a retirement community in the lead up to Christmas. I assumed that the residents would be major suspects thanks to her heavy hand at restricting their activities and keeping them in line. Foolish me! Jane the dead woman had such secrets to hide and Esme Proudfoot and her investigative journalist partner in sleuthing Amos have to put all their connections and skills to the test to figure out why Jane was murdered and how her past caught up with her. I liked that despite my guessing some of the answers there were plenty of surprises.
Her tale is good and convoluted, and I loved how all the many threads from the past finally work themselves out. And Esme and Amos have such complementary skills.
A very entertaining cozy whodunit.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
November 15, 2025
I really enjoyed Trouble at Sunny Dell, the second book in the Proudfoot and Handy Investigate series. Perhaps a little more accustomed to their quirks or maybe it was the mystery - whatever it was, I found myself entertained and pondering the story even while away from the book. Set very near to Christmas, it is a perfectly timed release.
I found myself certainly eager to finish the story - to discover what had happened in this case of murder and identity issues. Trouble at Sunny Dell had a satisfactory ending, in my opinion. Could there have been a little more dialogue between those characters who departed rapidly with Esme and Amos? Yes, most definitely. However, I think the rapidity told its own complete story.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
I found myself certainly eager to finish the story - to discover what had happened in this case of murder and identity issues. Trouble at Sunny Dell had a satisfactory ending, in my opinion. Could there have been a little more dialogue between those characters who departed rapidly with Esme and Amos? Yes, most definitely. However, I think the rapidity told its own complete story.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
November 28, 2025
This was a very entertaining book. What started out with a dead body of the female manager of a retirement home quickly turned in to a murder investigation and a missing person case. I thought the story was original and I was reading quickly to see what would be uncovered next in their hunt for the truth. I was a little disappointed at the end with the quick departure of the couple but satisfied with the way the cases wrapped up. I liked both of the two main characters. This was my first book in this series and would read more.
I received a free advance reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I received a free advance reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 19, 2025
This is the third Proudfoot and Handy mystery, and it's full of questions: Who is the victim? What happened to the person whose identity was assumed? Which of those people did the murderer intend to kill? Who is the murderer?
Esme Proudfoot, a retired spy, and Amos Handy, her tenant and an investigative journalist continue to work well together, and use their talents to solve twisty mysteries. Each story is a standalone, so you can start here then go back to the previous books, and you will want to read them all.
Esme Proudfoot, a retired spy, and Amos Handy, her tenant and an investigative journalist continue to work well together, and use their talents to solve twisty mysteries. Each story is a standalone, so you can start here then go back to the previous books, and you will want to read them all.
Review of advance copy received from Author
When the manager of the local retirement complex is murdered, the police suspect a robbery gone wrong. But as Esmé Proudfoot learns more about the victim, she is sure that is not the case. Lots of twists and turns in this interesting and entertaining mystery. Esmé and her boarder Amos each have their own useful skills for investigating, and make a great team. Love the internal dialogue – it adds a bit of humor and depth to the characters.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
I was given an advance copy. This review is my honest opinion.
January 8, 2026
wonderful mystery
this was far better than the first book in this series, proudfoot and handy. that one was a real "who cares" for me. this one got to me right away. up reading until all hours. great story, fully rounded out characters. mystery was a bit twisty but not overly so. solved killing but had to get proof which was very original idea on how to do that.
this was far better than the first book in this series, proudfoot and handy. that one was a real "who cares" for me. this one got to me right away. up reading until all hours. great story, fully rounded out characters. mystery was a bit twisty but not overly so. solved killing but had to get proof which was very original idea on how to do that.
November 23, 2025
A very well written book with a lot of fantastic scenes. The beginning is completely irresistible, the characters are thoroughly engaging (Esmé!) and I love the ending. A pleasure to read.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews