Troubleshot

“Just sit tight, shut up and let me work my magic. And, for heaven’s sake, try to look empowered.”

Trent Argent, community troubleshooter, has been parachuted into an isolated village identified as a problem area. It’s his job to tell the Ramstead locals to eat less sugar and stop getting their teenagers pregnant. He’s done this countless times before, but how did he end up so rich?

The council is determined. It’s brought together public agencies in partnership, and not just to have someone else to point at when things go wrong. The villagers, led by Gerald Thompson of the community association, are also serious about wanting to be left alone. They’ve made it their business to mind their own business.

Over the course of six bungled initiatives, council and community clash. Trent’s agenda remains unclear, but few believe that Ramstead will come out better for it. Can Gerald save the village from the terrifying threat of gentrification?

Troubleshot is the hilarious debut novel from P.J. Murphy. Based upon no personal experience whatsoever (ahem), it finds the funny side of local politics.