The Contractor’s Ex

by Rodney Riesel

In The Contractor's Ex, the ninth Sunrise City mystery, retired Fort Pierce detective Cole Ballinger juggles life at the Breakwater Bar and Grill with a troubling new case. A recently divorced woman vanishes, leaving behind a tangled web of her ex-husband, his dance instructor girlfriend, and a handyman with access to her home. As Cole digs deeper, his trusted cook Leon disappears, unsettling the staff. Strange texts from Leon’s phone reach dishwasher Kayden, yet Cole knows the device is in his own pocket. With tensions rising, Cole must untangle two mysteries before danger closes in.

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published July 17, 2026

Reviews

[Robin Harville · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another very funny but suspense filled book. It will definitely keep you wondering who did what to who and why. I finished this book in one day because I just couldn’t put it down. Cole is quickly becoming my new favorite character. Sorry Dan Coast. But hay you’re still running a tight race for funny sarcastic favorite character. Everyone should read all of Rodney Riesel’s book series.

[Mary Rowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Poor Leon….and a solved set of homicides new and old

Leon fails to show up to work - and the reason is revealed eventually.

On the private investigator side, Allison’s former high school teacher gym teacher asks Cole to find her friend, recently divorced, who’s been out of touch for several days.