Book & Audio Review: Death in the Sunshine by Steph Broadribb

Death in the Sunshine
Author: Steph Broadribb
Narrator: Sarah Zimmerman
Series: The Retired Detectives Club Book 1)
Publication: Thomas & Mercer (March 1, 2022); Brilliance Audio (March 1, 2022)
Length: 319 p,; 8 hours and 54 minutes

Description: Four ex-cops in a retirement paradise. Sure they’ll rest…when the killer is caught.

After a long career as a police officer, Moira hopes a move to a luxury retirement community will mean she can finally leave the detective work to the youngsters and focus on a quieter life. But it turns out The Homestead is far from paradise. When she discovers the body of a young woman floating in one of the pools, surrounded by thousands of dollar bills, her crime-fighting instinct kicks back in and she joins up with fellow ex-cops—and new neighbours—Philip, Lizzie and Rick to investigate the murder.

With the case officers dropping ball after ball, Moira and the gang take matters into their own hands, turning into undercover homicide investigators. But the killer is desperate to destroy all the evidence and Moira, Philip, Lizzie and Rick soon find themselves getting in the way—of the murderer and the police.

Just when they think they can finally relax, they discover that someone has infiltrated their ‘safe’ community. Can they hunt down the murderer and get back to retiring in peace? And after all the excitement, will they want to?

My Thoughts: Moira Flynn was hoping for peace and quiet when she left her job as a DCI in London. A takedown gone wrong left her subject to panic attacks and forced her retirement. Retiring to The Homestead - a retirement community in Florida - seems like just the thing for her new start.

However, plans for an early morning swim are derailed when Moira discovers the body of a young woman floating in the lap pool and surrounded by lots of cash. Her 911 call does draw the local police but also draws another retired cop. Philip was Thames Valley Police and his wife Lizzie worked crime scenes. Philip seems to want to butt in on the investigation which the local cop is not going to allow.

After seeing that the local cop is seemingly uninterested in really working the crime, Philip wants to get involved along with his wife, and retired DEA Agent. Since Moira hasn't mentioned that she was also on the job in England, Philip is all for pushing her aside and minimizing her role. Even though Moira is trying to keep her background a secret, she isn't willing to be pushed aside by Philip and his bossy ways.

So, the group that calls itself the Retired Detectives Club gets the bit in their teeth and begins to investigate the murder. There are lots of clues, other less fatal attacks, and maybe a connection to a series of local burglaries. And both Moira and Philip are keeping secrets.

I enjoyed the audio version of this story. Sarah Zimmerman handled the accents well and did a good job with the pacing of the story. 

Favorite Quote:

Nowhere is safe and a world with zero crime is a fantasy nirvana. Humans are hardwired to hurt each other. 

I bought this one. You can buy your copy here.