Disclaimer - I absolutely loved this book!
On the surface it’s the story of a series of mysterious deaths; all elderly people and all shot with the same gun. There’s an eccentric and loveable group of elderly characters, all fighting the inevitable tide of old age, along with Sparrow - stair lift engineer and amateur burglar, a tortoise named Hetty and Brexit the dog. Dig a little deeper and it’s a beautiful story of the later stages of life. Reconciling the inner child with the aged body is one element but there’s also the struggle to assimilate a changing world. Then there’s the failing memory particularly the loss of short term and resurgence of much longer term memories which would be better left forgotten.

What a wonderful crime mystery that's relaxing and thought provoking. It was a little hard to jump around the mystery but that did not take anything away from the storyline. Loved the characters but definitely preferred the animals. A great read. I will definitely be looking for more mysteries from this author

This is the best cozy mystery! I adore this geriatric sleuth tribe!! I will buy every book that comes out in this series. Not only are the characters great but it is well written and the mystery was perfectly thought out. I had a great time reading this book and I can't stop thinking of it!! 6 stars if I could!
I just reviewed The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp by Leonie Swann. #TheSunsetYearsofAgnesSharp #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

I found the book a little hard to get into but then did enjoy it. It was confusing at times but did want to find out how it all ended.

I liked the opening from the tortoise’s point of view and there was a decent cast of characters. The book is clearly aimed at fans of Richard Osman although I didn’t get the same sense of the different personalities. I also found the switches between different perspectives a bit confusing since there was nothing to mark them - I often had to reread sections to check where the scene had shifted to.
I was underwhelmed by the plot twist as it was a bit too melodramatic for my taste. I also felt there were quite a few loose ends which weren’t fully tied up which was unsatisfying.

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed getting to know Agnes - Sharp by name, she had that sharp wit and intelligence I always appreciate in a main character. The reasons for the residents being at Sunset Hall aren’t clear at first, but as we find out more about them and their little foibles, it becomes a intriguing tale. Twists and turns keep the pages turning as we follow Agnes and the gang on the mystery surrounding their neighbour. A fun, lighthearted read.

The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp is indeed a cosy mystery featuring quirky elderly characters solving a crime. It's being marketed as 'for fans of Richard Osman', so let's compare the two.

Osman's books are clever and very funny, and just because the characters are elderly doesn't mean they are not intelligent and often highly functional, albeit suject to the usual physical downsides of ageing. I can see myself and my friends in Osman's characters; real people who just happen to be getting on a bit. People who support each other and who would rather rely on their peers than on their families. Not silly and laughable. There are a lot of [excellent] jokes and situational humour in Osman's books, but the people aren't a joke simply because they're old.

Leonie Swann's characters are portrayed in the usual clichéd manner as being doddery, unreliable and rather stupid old people, for the most part. In fact, they are all muddled, not just occasionally but most of the time. OK, I'm not saying that they are not true to life in many ways... But I don't like that they are held up as figures of fun.

In short, I felt that Swann's portrayal of old people is ageist. Osman's isn't. As an older person, I'd rather read about characters I can identify with rather than read unflattering portraits of what some younger person perceives older/elderly people to be.

Other than that, sure, it's a decent story and an entertaining read. Maybe a 3-star novel if this sort of ageism doesn't bother you. It bothers me.

I really found it difficult to get into this novel. Despite persevering I could not finish but I know it will be popular - just not for me

The Sunset Years of Agnes Sharp is a nice, kinda bloody but still cozy mystery, in which we follow Agnes and her retired housemates as they try to solve the case of a serial killer, who started murdering elderly people around town. I guess the whole idea is fairly similar to The Thursday Murder Club - our main characters are old, (trying to be) funny, nosy and aren't afraid to use their age as an excuse when they're in trouble with the authorities. I have to admit, I love The Thursday Murder Club, so, in theory, a similar story should have been a hit for me - but it wasn't. Even though I liked the plot twist at the end, and I really liked the prose of the text - without having read the original German version, I think the translator did an amazing job. I also liked that we had sections from a tortoise's point of view, and I really loved Brexit - probably the dog was my favorite character, by far, in the entire book. And I think that's where my problem lies - I couldn't connect with any of the characters (honestly, I found Agnes brutally annoying), which concluded in me not caring for the story. I was seriously considering a DNF at 20% because I just couldn't care less - the only reason that kept me going was the fact that it was an eARC, kindly provided by the publisher. In the end I'm kind of glad that I pushed through... but it wasn't my favorite read of the season.

I am one of few people who didn't enjoy Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club, which was a DNF for me, and I am sorry to say, this book did nothing for me either. DNF

A cosy murder mystery involving bumbling police officers, a group of elderly people - a couple of whom just happen to have a background in the force, a dog called Brexit and a tortoise called Hettie.
It is an easy reading book, the characters are well drawn what lets it down is that when the characters become confused so does the writing.

This was an amusing autumnal weekend read. It was ever so slightly chaotic but I didn't enjoy it any less because of that. I love the Richard Osman series so knew I would enjoy this, brilliant debut!

Sunset Hall home to a group of elderly people all with a bit of a history. Agnes the ring leader probe to mislaying her false teeth and off her medication.
Working together to solve a murder and conceal one of their own.

With a visiting Grandson, Hettie the tortoise and Brexit the dog to help. Think Thursday Murder Club, but with more senility and less mobility.

I was hoping to enjoy this more than I did, being rather fed up of the patronising tone of other cosy murder mysteries involving older people.
And, indeed, the basic premise is very sound: the pensioners live together and cover for each other's deficiencies, rather than go into old folks' homes. They also, with some experience in the defence and secret services, have a back-up plan for when it is no longer feasible to carry on. When this plan intersects with the murder of a neighbour, things get a bit complicated.
So far, so good. The mystery is quite a good one, and there are the obligatory red herrings and side-tracks to keep the reader thrown off the scent. However, verisimilitude was taken too far, I felt, when the main protagonist was trying to communicate vital information to one of her housemates and couldn't hear him because of a violent ringing in her ears. Instead of e.g. telling him she couldn't hear, or writing down her urgent point, she just nodded along, then left telling him until the next day. There were several episodes like this throughout the book; certainly it made the cognitive breakdown as we get older more understandable, but perhaps too much so. I felt rather in need of medication myself before I was finished and, worse still, it felt like a ploy to stretch out a thin plot.
The author was really let down by the translator, as the style was very awkward and jarring - apart from one very amusing maxim: seemingly, in German, if you're ready to cash in your chips and finish your life, it's called "sticking your spoon in the wall". My imagination has been running with that one for some time!
Overall, this was an interesting read, but the style was very clunky, so it did not make for the antidote that I had hoped to other, more saccharine, mysteries. A good edit, and a better translator, would solve most of its problems, however, and I can still see it being quite popular.
My thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

This had the feeling of being part of a series that has previous books that you haven’t read. It isn’t, it was a slightly chaotic start that gave this impression I think. It’s another entrant in the OAP detective genre with the pensioners being a collective in a home owned by the eponymous Agnes. This comes in handy for hiding bodies or even policemen. I feel this would make a better film or tv programme than book.

This was a fun read, with lots of twists and turns, and vibrant characters.

Agnes runs a house where retired people can live as a community rather than going to the local retirement home. However, it all gets a little tricky when there is one death at the house and then two other murders within the small village.

Agnes and her friends decide to investigate the murders getting into all sorts of trouble along the way.

There were a couple of twists which sadly I have read in other books recently (The Only One Left by Riley Sagar and The House on the Lake by Holly Hill Mangin) so they weren't as surprising as they could have been.

Hettie the tortoise was a fun addition too.

BLOG TOUR REVIEW

Review for 'The Sunset Years Of Agnes Sharp' by Leonie Swann.

Read and reviewed in hardback for Leonie Swann, Allison and Busby, NetGalley and Goodreads.

Publication date 21st September 2023

This may be the first book I have read about this author but I cannot wait to read her next one!!


This novel consists of a prologue , 25 chapters and an epilogue. The chapters are short to medium in length so easy to read 'just one more chapter' before bed...OK, I know yeah right, but still just in case!


Well done and Thank You Leonie for a hugely successful start to what promises to be an addictive series!! This book is very smoothly written with vivid descriptions which really help you see what's going on around you as well as the storyline. The blurb and the cover compliment the novel perfectly. The illustrations on the hardback cover are brilliant and I absolutely loved the tortoise and footprints on the sides of the books!! Fantastic and unique!!



OMG!!!!! I absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVED this absolutely addictive and truly unique book!!! Leonie's amazing and evocative writing skills really has brought everything to life all throughout this fantastic book dropping you straight into Sunset Hall with these absolutely amazing characters that I will not be forgetting for a very long time, if I ever do!!! This book really has been one of the best books I have ever read!!! It is ram packed with crime, mystery, laughter, dodgy biscuits, friendship, a grumpy tortoise, a gorgeous dog, suspense, twists and turns, pensioners, pacts and absolutely everything you could ask for in an unputdownable must read!! There was no way I could finish just one chapter as even though I kept telling myself I would and then go to bed, each chapter ended in a way where I just HAD to know what happened next and before I knew it I had devoured the whole book in one sitting in a few hours!!! The storyline was realistic which I always prefer as it makes it more enjoyable to read when you can see that it is something that could happen. This book is well constructed and was absolutely ram packed with action with so much going on that you will just fly through the pages!!! It is multi layered with all the fantastic characters backgrounds and personalities coming out and each and every character has their own personalities. It was a very compelling and addictive read!!! I would never have guessed who did what and I was completely shocked by the mega twist. An absolutely fantastic read filled with suspense, mystery, twists and much more (I can't say much more as I don't want to spoil it for future readers) Congratulations Leonie, it is getting harder and harder to surprise me and you did just that!!! I genuinely could not praise this book enough as words just will not give it justice so grab your copy today, you won't regret it!!!!

Clear your schedules and pick up grab the tissues as this book will have you laughing until tears are streaming down your face!!!



I loved meeting all the characters again who are a delightful mix of personalities with intriguing backgrounds and each one was very compelling. I have never met a group of characters like this before and I've never loved a group of fictional characters as much as I did with this gang!!!! The only downfall is that they aren't real which is gutted as I would definitely get along with this gang!!!! I can't remember the last time I laughed so much, especially considering it is technically a murder mystery!!! Such a bunch of fantastic quirky characters!!! Without going into too much detail as you really need to 'meet' these characters yourself!!! The main character Agnes is the one who set up Sunset Hall, a "care home" with a difference and a secret to hide. She loves her rules although not so much her medication, she also wants to break into another care home!!! Edwina likes to make dodgy biscuits and is very protective of Hettie the tortoise. Hettie is hilarious in herself and likes to refer to the gang as Big feet with Lettuce holding hands!!! Bernadette may not be able to see but her attitude more than makes up for her eyesight!! Marshall is another leader in the house who helps vet newcomers but is starting to forget things although remembers the umbrella. Winston is found in his wheelchair or racing in the stairlift. Charlie is the newest member of the "mad house" bringing with her Brexit. Brexit isn't just a reason for the TV being put in the cellar but Charlie's loyal and sweet dog who brings more adventure to Sunset Hall. There are many more amazing and unique characters waiting to be found between the pages of this fantastic book. Pick up your copy and meet them all today!!! I cannot wait to meet them all again and find out what other trouble they can get themselves in!! Leonie's evocative writing skills really have brought each of these characters to life throughout this book and it is really sad to say Goodbye but hopefully it won't be long until I meet them all again!!! I am a huge animal lover so any books that contain animals as part of their plot are always a huge hit for me and Hettie and Brexit have been massive characters with their own brilliant personalities and I will definitely be missing them until I see them again!! An amazing group of realistic, strong, hilarious and unique characters that I have loved getting to know in this amazing book and that will stay with me for a very long time!!!!

Congratulations Leonie on an absolutely successful book, an absolutely brilliant, unique, hilarious must read and I cannot wait until book 2 is translated into English!! A perfect start to what promises to be an immense series!!! Welcome to my favorite authors club and here is to your next guaranteed success 🥂!!!!


Overall an absolutely fantastic, hilarious page turner with absolutely bonkers and memorable characters!!!


350 pages.

This book is just £8.99 to purchase on kindle, £8.99 in paperback and £13.89 via Amazon which I think is an absolute bargain for this book!!!

Rated 5 /5 (I LOVED it ) on Goodreads, Instagram, Amazon UK and Amazon US and on over 30 Facebook pages plus my blog on Facebook.

Feel free to add me on Goodreads or follow me on my website or Facebook for more reviews


#TheSunsetYearsOfAgnesSharp #AgnesSharpMysteries #LeonieSwann #_LeonieSwann #AlisonandBusby #BookReview #BlogTour #BooksOnTour #Goodreads #NetGalley #Amazon #AmazonKindle #Bookstagram #Bookblogger


@TheSunsetYearsOfAgnesSharp @AgnesSharpMysteries @LeonieSwann @_LeonieSwann @AlisonandBusby @Bookworm1986 @bookworm86 @Goodreads @Netgalley @Amazon @AmazonKindle @Bookstagram @BookBlogger

https://kcmw86.wixsite.com/bookworm86



https://m.facebook.com/Bookworm1986/?ref=bookmarks




https://m.facebook.com/Bookwork86/?__tn__=%2As-R



https://www.instagram.com/bookwormwhitlock86/



https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/34299953-kirsty-bookworm86




https://mobile.twitter.com/kcmw86



https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/profile/amzn1.account.AFZ2XZBSFHIHXBXGZLBQ666XVK4A?ie=UTF8&ref_=ya_mb_l_prf

This was a perfect autumnal read, with an array of fun characters who made this engaging from start to finish. I love the idea of ordinary people trying to solve crimes in anything, and Agnes and her friends were hilarious throughout. Some parts meandered a little and I wanted the plot to be a bit more focused on the murders at points, but I found this a wonderful read overall.

Also, there was a tortoise and I really love tortoises.

If you like cosy crime, murder mysteries and quirky characters, I’d definitely recommend picking this one up!

A cosy crime mystery similar to the Thursday Murder Club series and will appeal to fans of the sub genre. I found it a little erratic and predictable but liked the characters of Hettie the tortoise and Brexit the dog much more than the humans.

Many thanks to Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

An interesting cosy crime mystery. a fun book. Recommended.