The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp

Agnes Sharp Murder Mysteries, Book 1

By: Leonie Swann, Amy Bojang - translator

Narrated by: Moira Quirk

Length: 12 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

A quirky group of seniors attempts to solve one murder while covering up another—with the help of an enterprising tortoise—in this twisty, darkly funny mystery from the author of Three Bags Full.

It has been an eventful morning for Agnes Sharp and the other inhabitants of Sunset Hall, a house share for the old and unruly in the sleepy English countryside. Although they have had some issues (misplaced reading glasses, conflicting culinary tastes, decreasing mobility, and unruly grandsons), nothing prepares them for an unexpected visit from a police officer with some shocking news. A body has been discovered next door. Everyone puts on a long face for show, but they are secretly relieved the body in question is not the one they’re currently hiding in the shed (sorry, Lillith).

It seems the answer to their little problem with Lillith may have fallen right into their lap. All they have to do is find out who murdered their neighbor, so they can pin Lillith’s death on them, thus killing two (old) birds with one stone (cold killer).

With their plan sorted, Agnes and her geriatric gang spring into action. After all, everybody likes a good mystery. Besides, the more suspicion they can cast about, surely the less will land on them. To investigate, they will step out of their comfort zone, into the not-so-idyllic village of Duck End and tangle with sinister bakers, broken stairlifts, inept criminals, the local authorities, and their own dark secrets.

©2023 Leonie Swann (P)2023 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Moira Quirk does an excellent job portraying a variety of senior citizens who are burdened with ailments in this mystery.... Numerous characters pop up in this audiobook, and Quirk gives each a distinctive voice. She is outstanding at pacing and narrating with appropriate emotion, both in dialogue and narrative. The story develops at a leisurely pace.... Quirk's fine narration should keep all engaged. (AudioFIle)

Very Enjoyable!

A very enjoyable laugh out loud tale of a group of aging hippies/ senior citizens with a very good story behind it. Kept my interest from beginning to end. Cleverly written with quite a group of lively characters, including a chubby little boy as well as a very lovable animal or two! Definitely worth a listen. 💕

homor

Hysterically funny yet with a serious & thoughtful message about life as a senior. I loved it!

Finally a murder mystery with Seniors

This was so fun for a Senior to listen to. I laughed a lot. The narrator was perfect for the characters. I’m so glad this story was translated and read. Including the animals in it was a plus. Bravo

Very entertaining!!

This book was hilarious!! I literally laughed out loud several times. You have to listen carefully sometimes to catch the subtleties. Really enjoyable. I’m tempted to listen again!

Quirky story

I expected more of a mystery, and had that in mind while listening to it, so it took me a while to adjust my perspective, I was expecting more of a Thursday Murder Club cast of characters. Agnes and friends are a quirky bunch. At times, the story dragged on and the characters actions were too far fetched. There were some funny parts that were enjoyable. Overall it was an interesting listen. The narrator did a good job.

Excellent first book

Great narration, interesting mix of characters and a tortoise! I love stories involving elderly sleuths. This one leaves you wondering about the past lives of these elders. A fun mix of characters and a good storyline.

Geriatrics at its best

The unusual plot with elderly main characters was well developed and had some interesting twists and turns. The characters were well developed and easy to relate to.

I liked it but…

Too long to recommend. Difficult to listen to internal fugue states of dementia. I worked as a nurse for 45 years and I saw it enough.

Outstanding Characters!

Agnes and crew are just brilliant, and this narrator truly brings them to life. That said … there were a few (quite a few) scenes that we could have done without. Edited down a bit, this fun tale would have been outstanding.

All possible thumbs up to this book that both charms and humbles.

The characters are likeable and easily identified with. The loss of skills and abilities through the thieving nature of time is both poignant and realistic. I also appreciate the characters' appreciation of and dedication to a good meal. It was both accurate and innocent, and I feel a little better for having listened to it. And the voicework excellent and never jarring.