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Sunset Gardens
"Because every life deserves a beautiful sunset"
Welcome to Sunset Gardens, where the beds are comfortable, the tea is hot, and the residents don't tend to stay long. And yes, sunset is a euphemism for dying.
After a nasty fall over the winter, ornery Ernest Whitaker finds himself moving into the esteemed nursing facility for his own long-term care. But once you check in, you can never check out. And before long, Ernest has to face the harsh reality of exactly what people are expected to do in a place like this. They die.
But when Ernest forges an unlikely alliance with Dorothy "Dot" Pemberton, another of the home's residents, they begin to suspect something sinister is afoot, and that the occupants of Sunset Gardens may be meeting an unfortunate end sooner than anticipated.
It's up to Ernest and Dot, together with the rest of their unlikely group of silver sleuths, to find out the truth, and solve the mystery before death comes knocking at the door for them next.
Welcome to Sunset Gardens, where the beds are comfortable, the tea is hot, and the residents don't tend to stay long. And yes, sunset is a euphemism for dying.
After a nasty fall over the winter, ornery Ernest Whitaker finds himself moving into the esteemed nursing facility for his own long-term care. But once you check in, you can never check out. And before long, Ernest has to face the harsh reality of exactly what people are expected to do in a place like this. They die.
But when Ernest forges an unlikely alliance with Dorothy "Dot" Pemberton, another of the home's residents, they begin to suspect something sinister is afoot, and that the occupants of Sunset Gardens may be meeting an unfortunate end sooner than anticipated.
It's up to Ernest and Dot, together with the rest of their unlikely group of silver sleuths, to find out the truth, and solve the mystery before death comes knocking at the door for them next.
202 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 21, 2025
About the author
Peter J. McKenna
5 books16 followersPeter J. McKenna, the author of tales such as, "The Black Lotus" and “Misperception,” was born and raised in Albany, NY. He enjoys all kinds of fiction, but with a particular interest in mysteries and thrillers. Although immune to most human diseases, Peter caught the writing bug at an early age and has been enamored with the craft of storytelling ever since. In the fifth grade, he managed to fill up two whole notebooks with short stories. Currently, he's improved to writing at a sixth-grade level, which is pretty impressive for someone at his advanced age. Peter lives in Albany, NY where he is usually working on future publications.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
January 15, 2026
Sunset Gardens was one of the most perfect cozy mysteries I’ve read in a while. I’ve been blessed with a large family and surrounded by many older relatives, and as I read through the chapters, I was reminded of people I’ve known throughout my life. Aside from the mystery itself, it was those small details of later life that truly resonated with me.
Ernest and Dot were absolutely lovely characters. I enjoyed their conversations and found myself smiling at their banter more than once. The other characters were equally well written and memorable. The story reflects different phases of later life along with a variety of relationships. Some stories felt realistically lived-in while others felt as though they deserved more light and joy in their lives. I appreciated how the mystery surrounding Sunset Gardens unfolded. It was engaging, well-paced, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
This was a wonderful read, and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book.
Ernest and Dot were absolutely lovely characters. I enjoyed their conversations and found myself smiling at their banter more than once. The other characters were equally well written and memorable. The story reflects different phases of later life along with a variety of relationships. Some stories felt realistically lived-in while others felt as though they deserved more light and joy in their lives. I appreciated how the mystery surrounding Sunset Gardens unfolded. It was engaging, well-paced, and thoroughly entertaining from beginning to end.
This was a wonderful read, and I would happily recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good book.
January 4, 2026
Five stars, all around. Sunset Gardens is a beautifully written, gripping story that I genuinely could not put down. From the first pages, I was hooked—and I stayed on the edge of my seat right up until the very end (though admittedly I had a suspicion of who the killer was about 75% through the book!).
Peter J. McKenna’s storytelling is outstanding: creative, immersive, and perfectly paced. The characters are especially memorable—some deeply lovable, others wildly detestable—and that balance makes the character development feel rich and real. You’re invested in them whether you want to be or not, which is exactly what great fiction does.
Overall, this was a wonderful, easy read that still packed emotional depth and tension. Without a doubt, this is Peter J. McKenna’s best book yet.
12/10 recommend. Would read again. Will absolutely annoy friends by telling them to read it immediately.
Peter J. McKenna’s storytelling is outstanding: creative, immersive, and perfectly paced. The characters are especially memorable—some deeply lovable, others wildly detestable—and that balance makes the character development feel rich and real. You’re invested in them whether you want to be or not, which is exactly what great fiction does.
Overall, this was a wonderful, easy read that still packed emotional depth and tension. Without a doubt, this is Peter J. McKenna’s best book yet.
12/10 recommend. Would read again. Will absolutely annoy friends by telling them to read it immediately.
January 10, 2026
"Sunset Gardens" by Peter J. McKenna is a crime mystery novel following the suspicious circumstances surrounding deaths at an old folks' home. Or are they suspicious? They're old, right?
In this novel the author explores difficulties faced at the end of one's life, when relationships falter and the value placed on a life is put to question. Centering elderly characters as our main protagonists allows us to explore these problems from the perspectives of the people affected most by the solutions.
While that may seem very depressing, Peter J. Mckenna's humor is what keeps this book fun and light without minimizing the themes or dehumanizing his elderly protagonists. In fact, the main characters of Dot and Earnest had well-rounded personalities that you may recognize in someone in your own life.
I highly recommend giving this one a read if you enjoy trying to solve a mystery and want to read from the perspective of an underrepresented portion of the population.
In this novel the author explores difficulties faced at the end of one's life, when relationships falter and the value placed on a life is put to question. Centering elderly characters as our main protagonists allows us to explore these problems from the perspectives of the people affected most by the solutions.
While that may seem very depressing, Peter J. Mckenna's humor is what keeps this book fun and light without minimizing the themes or dehumanizing his elderly protagonists. In fact, the main characters of Dot and Earnest had well-rounded personalities that you may recognize in someone in your own life.
I highly recommend giving this one a read if you enjoy trying to solve a mystery and want to read from the perspective of an underrepresented portion of the population.
January 23, 2026
Sunset Garden is a fun book that exceeds my expectations. I can tell that the author is having fun writing it. (And I cheat too, because I read his Afterword).
If you think that a retirement home is boring, this is not the case. Just ask the poor Ernest, who is thrown into an absurd situation straightaway by the mischievous Dorothy (I imagine Betty White as the character, and nothing can change my mind). Both of them turn into investigators to find out what is actually going on and get to experience the thrill, excitement, and danger.
If I have to nitpick, of course, there are some situations that are questionable, like the lack of other workers in such a big place, because someone like Dorothy would go to them in the first place. It’s also bizarre that, with a large area and plenty of green space, Alistair and Fester don’t do the much-needed gardening and instead choose the much more tedious and expensive method.
Putting that aside, I recommend this book. Besides the humor and lightheartedness, it touches on a delicate social situation that becomes more realistic as people age. Loneliness, manipulation, health problems, and life struggles. Not to mention the actual case of fraud and mistreatment at senior homes and childcares.
I like the characters, the flows, the pace, and bits of side stories that all end up relevant to the plot. The book is easy to read and entertaining.
If you think that a retirement home is boring, this is not the case. Just ask the poor Ernest, who is thrown into an absurd situation straightaway by the mischievous Dorothy (I imagine Betty White as the character, and nothing can change my mind). Both of them turn into investigators to find out what is actually going on and get to experience the thrill, excitement, and danger.
If I have to nitpick, of course, there are some situations that are questionable, like the lack of other workers in such a big place, because someone like Dorothy would go to them in the first place. It’s also bizarre that, with a large area and plenty of green space, Alistair and Fester don’t do the much-needed gardening and instead choose the much more tedious and expensive method.
Putting that aside, I recommend this book. Besides the humor and lightheartedness, it touches on a delicate social situation that becomes more realistic as people age. Loneliness, manipulation, health problems, and life struggles. Not to mention the actual case of fraud and mistreatment at senior homes and childcares.
I like the characters, the flows, the pace, and bits of side stories that all end up relevant to the plot. The book is easy to read and entertaining.
May 8, 2026
Potentially offensive items: adult situations, homosexuality, murder, doctor-assisted suicide, mature themes, technically inaccurate errors that could cause harm, fraud, lying, dysfunctional family, parental disrespect, elderly being taken advantage of
Sunset Gardens by McKenna is another book in the recent fad of writing about modern geriatric characters. Set in a nursing home where Dot suspects residents are being murdered, it contains many of the typical things in this new favorite fiction subject: your over-sexual female over 60, your smart sidekick, and end-of-life questions.
The book was pretty well-written, except for the head-hopping. It is the style of mystery where you know the bad guys up front. The part that didn’t fit was the romance between Dot’s grandson and the doctor. I felt this was solely included to make it a LGBTQ+ friendly book and force the ending. I read a lot of romances, and this one was cheesier than anything I would call a real romance. The only thing it contributed was to blatantly tell the reader up front that the doctor was not involved in the murder since, presumably, Dot would not have fixed him up with her grandson if she suspected that. This created plot problems since Dot seemed suspicious of everyone, and the doctor would have been an obvious choice. However, throughout the book, it's as if blaming the doctor never crossed her mind. It would have been better if she had suspected him and found a reason to take him off the list. The ending dragged a bit, but it was needed to tie up all the loose strings.
Sunset Gardens by McKenna is another book in the recent fad of writing about modern geriatric characters. Set in a nursing home where Dot suspects residents are being murdered, it contains many of the typical things in this new favorite fiction subject: your over-sexual female over 60, your smart sidekick, and end-of-life questions.
The book was pretty well-written, except for the head-hopping. It is the style of mystery where you know the bad guys up front. The part that didn’t fit was the romance between Dot’s grandson and the doctor. I felt this was solely included to make it a LGBTQ+ friendly book and force the ending. I read a lot of romances, and this one was cheesier than anything I would call a real romance. The only thing it contributed was to blatantly tell the reader up front that the doctor was not involved in the murder since, presumably, Dot would not have fixed him up with her grandson if she suspected that. This created plot problems since Dot seemed suspicious of everyone, and the doctor would have been an obvious choice. However, throughout the book, it's as if blaming the doctor never crossed her mind. It would have been better if she had suspected him and found a reason to take him off the list. The ending dragged a bit, but it was needed to tie up all the loose strings.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2026
Sunset Gardens by Peter J. McKenna is a heartfelt mystery set in a senior living facility. The story follows Ernest Whitaker, an aging and sometimes grumpy resident, as he adjusts to life at Sunset Gardens and becomes involved in a gentle but intriguing mystery.
The book shines in its character development and warmth. Ernest’s friendships, especially with Dorothy “Dot” Pemberton, bring humor and heart to the story, making the residents feel real and relatable. The setting offers a fresh perspective on aging and community, blending reflection with light suspense.
One drawback is the pacing. The plot unfolds gradually, focusing more on character interactions than fast-moving twists, which may not satisfy readers looking for high-stakes suspense.
Overall, Sunset Gardens is a thoughtful, engaging, and character-driven read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and stories with heart.
The book shines in its character development and warmth. Ernest’s friendships, especially with Dorothy “Dot” Pemberton, bring humor and heart to the story, making the residents feel real and relatable. The setting offers a fresh perspective on aging and community, blending reflection with light suspense.
One drawback is the pacing. The plot unfolds gradually, focusing more on character interactions than fast-moving twists, which may not satisfy readers looking for high-stakes suspense.
Overall, Sunset Gardens is a thoughtful, engaging, and character-driven read, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries and stories with heart.
February 4, 2026
I absolutely loved this book! It’s fast-paced and engaging; with short chapters and witty dialogue, you can easily get lost in it only to look up and realize an hour has gone by. Loved how the main mystery developed while side plots were peppered in to keep you guessing.
February 9, 2026
A fun yet dramatic mystery/thriller with a few good laughs.
First, I must address the elephant in the room—or, on the front cover, which you should not judge the book by. Right now, it displays some really hideous AI-generated “artwork.” Nobody would blame you for glancing at the cover and assuming the book is LLM-generated/assisted slop, but based on my testing and opinion, it seems to have been written at least primarily by hands or a voice—fingers/vocals with a story to tell and some skill in telling it. Still, aesthetics do matter, so I must sadly remove one star from my final rating for the ugly cover.
As for the inside of the book, it’s a fairly well-crafted comedic mystery/thriller. It takes a while to find its legs, meandering in B-plots and aimless-feeling interactions even for a while after the main throughline comes to the forefront. But that throughline is built out of a very strong and compelling premise, so the overall story makes up for its meandering.
For the most part, at least. I can't forget how much of a slog the first almost half of this book was a drag to get through. While the text itself was (probably) human written, based on the cover and the creative choices within, I imagine the author used LLMs to at least generate ideas for plot points or details like that, and I imagine this decision contributed to my experience with the book. I can't see myself ever rereading it, but I also can't say I regret finishing it. Also, I gotta compliment how polished the writing is. I only spotted about one punctuation error. I give Sunset Gardens a cautionary recommendation.
This review was written for a Goodreads review group.
First, I must address the elephant in the room—or, on the front cover, which you should not judge the book by. Right now, it displays some really hideous AI-generated “artwork.” Nobody would blame you for glancing at the cover and assuming the book is LLM-generated/assisted slop, but based on my testing and opinion, it seems to have been written at least primarily by hands or a voice—fingers/vocals with a story to tell and some skill in telling it. Still, aesthetics do matter, so I must sadly remove one star from my final rating for the ugly cover.
As for the inside of the book, it’s a fairly well-crafted comedic mystery/thriller. It takes a while to find its legs, meandering in B-plots and aimless-feeling interactions even for a while after the main throughline comes to the forefront. But that throughline is built out of a very strong and compelling premise, so the overall story makes up for its meandering.
For the most part, at least. I can't forget how much of a slog the first almost half of this book was a drag to get through. While the text itself was (probably) human written, based on the cover and the creative choices within, I imagine the author used LLMs to at least generate ideas for plot points or details like that, and I imagine this decision contributed to my experience with the book. I can't see myself ever rereading it, but I also can't say I regret finishing it. Also, I gotta compliment how polished the writing is. I only spotted about one punctuation error. I give Sunset Gardens a cautionary recommendation.
This review was written for a Goodreads review group.
February 4, 2026
A cozy mystery with a serious subplot.
By coincidence, I have also written a cozy murder set in a community of elderly people, though my book is set in an HOA and does include a wider age range. This story is in a community for the very old who are expecting to die in the community.
My book is not a mystery since the murder happened before the story and the reader knows who the killer is by the end of the first chapter. I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was going to be in Sunset Gardens before the murders started.
I don't mind a lack of mystery since I don't really care about the who in whodunits. I care about the characters, the setting, and the writing. Those are the elements that make Sayers, Marsh, and Heyer so delightful when they are really on their game.
Sunset Gardens is reasonably well written with a host of likeable characters and succeeds on that level as a cozy murder story. The subplot, which I can't discuss because of spoilers, takes it a notch up into the realm of thoughtful discussion of ethical issues--without getting preachy.
And enjoyable read.
By coincidence, I have also written a cozy murder set in a community of elderly people, though my book is set in an HOA and does include a wider age range. This story is in a community for the very old who are expecting to die in the community.
My book is not a mystery since the murder happened before the story and the reader knows who the killer is by the end of the first chapter. I was pretty sure I knew who the killer was going to be in Sunset Gardens before the murders started.
I don't mind a lack of mystery since I don't really care about the who in whodunits. I care about the characters, the setting, and the writing. Those are the elements that make Sayers, Marsh, and Heyer so delightful when they are really on their game.
Sunset Gardens is reasonably well written with a host of likeable characters and succeeds on that level as a cozy murder story. The subplot, which I can't discuss because of spoilers, takes it a notch up into the realm of thoughtful discussion of ethical issues--without getting preachy.
And enjoyable read.
January 11, 2026
I really enjoyed Sunset Gardens, the first cozy mystery that I’ve had the pleasure of reading by author Peter McKenna. Cozies are one of my favorite genres to read and I was sucked in right away by the setting and the characters. Ernest is none too pleased that his daughter and son-in-law are moving him to a nursing home. He’s even more suspicious when he notes a body bag coming out of the room he’s being moved to on the day of their arrival. Dot was one of my favorite characters, and reminded me so much of my grandmother—always in charge and lots of sass. She, Ernest and the other residents are convinced someone at the nursing home is up to no good, that the deaths that are occurring at Sunset Gardens aren’t natural in the slightest. And of course, it would be the perfect crime. Who would suspect or even investigate when an elderly man in his nineties passes away? But can they track down the killer before they’re next? I loved all the characters in this and hope Peter McKenna writes more in this genre. Such a treat! 5/5 stars.
February 24, 2026
Sunset Gardens is a delightful cozy murder mystery set in a retirement home. The "detectives" are residents of the home. They become suspicious when their friends die and the rooms are immediately given to new comers. The owner of the home is smarmy and corrupt. One of the staff members is highly suspicious. There's also a secret door leading to a hidden cellar. And there's a cat who manages to convey an important clue. The plot and the mystery are far more complicated than one might expect. There are multiple crimes and perpetrators acting independently. Sunset Gardens was not the best place to retire to.
The character development is good and the subplots feed into the main story line. Discussing any more details will give away too much of the story. The author makes a point of highlighting the sad state of many retirement homes where the residents are sent to be forgotten, which is precisely what the criminals use to their advantage. If not for the actions of a couple residents, the crimes would have gone unnoticed. Recommended to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
The character development is good and the subplots feed into the main story line. Discussing any more details will give away too much of the story. The author makes a point of highlighting the sad state of many retirement homes where the residents are sent to be forgotten, which is precisely what the criminals use to their advantage. If not for the actions of a couple residents, the crimes would have gone unnoticed. Recommended to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries.
February 6, 2026
Highly recommend! Thoroughly enjoyed this novel, though mysteries aren’t books I normally read, this may have opened the door to the genre for me.
Following the silver sleuths doesn’t feel like an “old” take on a whodunnit rather it’s a novel that feels fresh with humor and has twists that kept me entertained throughout each chapter. Beyond the plot, where we follow our gang unravel a murder, it’s the little details that make this book shine. From little easter eggs, engaging side characters, and the one liners McKenna knows how to weave a tale. What really shines is his ability to write dialogue to where it all sounds so natural and seamless. It feels like you’re in the room with those bickering 80 year old pensioners .
Overall it was a tale I enjoyed, kept me on the edge of my seat, and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Praise for PJM, he’s done it again!
Following the silver sleuths doesn’t feel like an “old” take on a whodunnit rather it’s a novel that feels fresh with humor and has twists that kept me entertained throughout each chapter. Beyond the plot, where we follow our gang unravel a murder, it’s the little details that make this book shine. From little easter eggs, engaging side characters, and the one liners McKenna knows how to weave a tale. What really shines is his ability to write dialogue to where it all sounds so natural and seamless. It feels like you’re in the room with those bickering 80 year old pensioners .
Overall it was a tale I enjoyed, kept me on the edge of my seat, and would recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. Praise for PJM, he’s done it again!
March 16, 2026
This reminds me a little bit of older classics like Matlock and Angela Lansbury on Murder She Wrote-- maybe it is because of all of the senior citizens. Some readers note that it comes across as quite British, but it works for pretty much any reader, in most cases. This one has it all-- comedy, mishaps, mystery, thrills, touching friendships, etc. It also reminds me a bit of Diagnosis Murder with Dick Van Dyke, with so much dark comedy, suspicious deaths, mishaps, and possible sinister characters. I won't give away too much of the plot, but I certainly wouldn't want to stay at this senior living home! Pacing or humor may be a bit off for some, but overall, this story is pretty clever. Recommended for anyone who likes a good mystery or the aforementioned shows.
February 14, 2026
Sunset Gardens
A Delightful Murder Mystery
This is a classic British murder mystery chock full of British humor (even though the author isn’t British).
When I went in search of ‘mature’ reading material this isn’t exactly what I had in mind (it’s about very mature senior citizens in a nursing home). But it was really fun read with several twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I had it figured out, bam it turned and I was wrong.
I didn’t like what happened to Dr Jack - I would have given him a break - but it was a surprise.
All in all an entertaining read.
A Delightful Murder Mystery
This is a classic British murder mystery chock full of British humor (even though the author isn’t British).
When I went in search of ‘mature’ reading material this isn’t exactly what I had in mind (it’s about very mature senior citizens in a nursing home). But it was really fun read with several twists I didn’t see coming. Every time I thought I had it figured out, bam it turned and I was wrong.
I didn’t like what happened to Dr Jack - I would have given him a break - but it was a surprise.
All in all an entertaining read.
January 21, 2026
Sunset Gardens is a story about...a murder mystery set in an old people's home. When Ernest moves into Sunset Gardens, he encounters Dot, as the room he's moved into belonged to her deceased husband Bernard. But Dot thinks that her husband died an unnatural death. And Dot has ideas on who the suspect might be. As a result, the two become unlikely friends due to their very different personalities.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, the pacing and characterization were good and so was the humor.
Overall, I enjoyed this story, the pacing and characterization were good and so was the humor.
February 4, 2026
Sunset Gardens by Peter J. McKenna is an engaging and fun read that kept me hooked the entire time.
Set in a nursing home, the story takes a darkly intriguing turn as residents’ suspicious deaths make you wonder what’s really going on behind closed doors. Since no one would think twice about people dying in a nursing home, it’s up to the residents themselves to investigate.
Despite the unsettling premise, the characters bring a playful, lively energy to the story, and I really enjoyed the humor and clever jokes the author weaves throughout. Ernest is a great main character, and his relationship with Dot adds warmth and charm amid the mystery.
Overall, it’s a clever, entertaining book and an easy five-star read!
Set in a nursing home, the story takes a darkly intriguing turn as residents’ suspicious deaths make you wonder what’s really going on behind closed doors. Since no one would think twice about people dying in a nursing home, it’s up to the residents themselves to investigate.
Despite the unsettling premise, the characters bring a playful, lively energy to the story, and I really enjoyed the humor and clever jokes the author weaves throughout. Ernest is a great main character, and his relationship with Dot adds warmth and charm amid the mystery.
Overall, it’s a clever, entertaining book and an easy five-star read!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews