🕵️♀️ Book Review: Death By Bingo by Cathlyn Sweets (Kindle Edition, Sunset Manor Mystery Series Book 1)
A delightfully quirky and laugh-out-loud cozy mystery that proves retirement is no excuse for slowing down—Cathlyn Sweets introduces a cast of senior sleuths who are as sharp as they are sassy.
🧠 Overview
Published in June 2025, Death By Bingo is the first installment in the Sunset Manor Mystery Series, a cozy mystery short read by Cathlyn Sweets. The story follows Violet Hartwell, a retired high school principal recovering from surgery at Sunset Manor, a retirement home that’s anything but quiet. When the overly dramatic bingo caller Harold Finch is found dead—with a bingo cage on his head—most dismiss it as a tragic accident. But Violet suspects foul play.
Armed with her “investigation kit” (which includes a magnifying glass, emergency cookies, and fierce determination), Violet teams up with an unlikely crew of fellow residents to uncover the truth.
🎯 Key Highlights
- 🎭 Colorful cast: Violet’s sleuthing squad includes Frank (a mobility scooter-riding techie), Agnes (a Shakespearean drama queen), and Dolores (a former Vegas showgirl with a bedazzled flask)
- 🧁 Cozy chaos: From corn syrup sabotage to geriatric stakeouts, the story is packed with humorous twists and clever clues
- 🕵️♂️ Classic cozy tone: No gore, just good old-fashioned sleuthing with charm and wit
- 🧓 Senior empowerment: The story celebrates older protagonists who refuse to be sidelined
“Sometimes the best detectives are the ones with nothing left to lose and everything to prove.” — Goodreads summary
💬 Reader Reception
- ⭐ Goodreads rating: 4.11/5 from 35 ratings
- 📖 Readers praise the story’s humor, tight pacing, and endearing characters
- 🧾 Some wish it were longer, but most agree it’s a perfect bite-sized mystery for fans of quick reads
- 💬 “May cause uncontrollable laughter and an urge to investigate your local bingo night.” — Goodreads reviewer
⚠️ Considerations
- 📄 Short format: At just 27 pages, it’s a fast read—ideal for cozy mystery fans looking for a quick escape
- 📚 Series starter: Sets the tone for future installments, with six books planned in the Sunset Manor series
- 🧁 Lighthearted tone: Best suited for readers who enjoy humor and heart over dark suspense
🏁 Final Verdict
Death By Bingo is a charming and hilarious cozy mystery that turns a retirement home into a hotbed of amateur sleuthing. Cathlyn Sweets crafts a story full of wit, warmth, and just enough mystery to keep readers guessing. If you love quirky characters, clever plots, and a dash of bingo-night drama, this Kindle edition is a must-read.
