Today I am reviewing Lowcountry Bombshell by Susan M. Boyer for TLC Book Tours. As always, I am provided with a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.
About the book: Private investigator Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen a ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s – and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers.
Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for the murder, but she’s besieged by distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris.
With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.
My review: This is the kind of mystery that has eccentric characters, lots of local color and a strong Southern flavor running through the pages. The author clearly loves the coast of South Carolina (the action takes place on an island near Charleston) and she has painted a vivid picture of life there. The heroine, Liz Talbot, is smart, strong and savvy and the cast of characters surrounding her are often quirky and offbeat. Boyer writes a tight plot that is compelling as well as fun.
The premise is absurd enough to make things very interesting and it seems to go right along with the wonderfully eccentric, even wacky, people who inhabit this novel. If you like the Stephanie Plum series by Janet Evanovich, you will like this book as well. This is the second mystery in a series centering on Liz Talbot – the first was Lowcountry Boil.
Though this isn’t the kind of mystery I am normally drawn to, it certainly is a entertaining read. One of the blurbs on the inside cover of the book called it Chick Lit and I agree, but I hesitate to call it that simply because it sometimes is perceived as derogatory and that is certainly not my intent. Lowcountry Bombshell is fun and smart and the lead character is strong and independent.
I was thinking about this kind of mystery and came to the conclusion that it is the American version of the English cozy/country mystery that takes place in a small town full of eccentric characters. It’s a bit higher in octane and a bit splashier but it’s roots are the same and that’s a good thing.
About the author: Susan M. Boyer has been making up stories her whole life. She tags along with her husband on business trips whenever she can because hotels are great places to write: fresh coffee all day and cookies at 4 p.m. They have a home in Greenville, SC, which they occasionally visit, and they run away to the beach as often as possible.
Susan’s debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, is an Agatha Award winner for Best First Novel, a 2012 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense Recipient, and a 2012 RWA Golden Heart Finalist.
Susan’s short fiction has appeared in moonShine Review, Spinetingler Magazine, and Relief Journal, among others.
Giveaway: I have a copy of Susan’s first novel in this series, Lowcountry Boil, to giveaway to a lucky reader. Please note: this is the first novel, not the one I am currently reviewing. If you are interested, leave a comment on this post and I will draw the winner on Sunday evening.
Happy Thursday.
I was just about to put the two books on my Amazon wish list, but, hey, if you’re giving the first one away, I’ll wait! :) Thanks!
Hi Odette! I’m thrilled to hear the books are slated to go on your wish list. Best of luck in the giveaway!
Thanks for the giveaway! I always enjoy reading your blog!
Hi Cheryl! Best of luck in the giveaway. If the Liz Talbot books make their way onto your reading list, I hope you enjoy them both. :)
Sounds like just the kind of light reading I need right now. Thanks for the tip on a new (to me) author!
Deb, many times I’m in the mood for a light read myself. I guess it’s true you write what you like to read. I so hope you enjoy your visit to Stella Maris! :)
I love quirky fun characters so put my name in the drawing~! I’m adding her to my check out this author list!!
hugs,
Linda
Hi Linda! Best of luck in the drawing! Thanks for checking out Liz Talbot’s adventures. :)
Count me in! -Judy A-
Hi Judy! Best of luck in the drawing. If Liz Talbot makes her way onto your reading list, I so hope you enjoy spending time with her. :)
Sounds like a possibility for my book club for the month of March – my month to select and lead.
Betty–fabulous! If there’s anything you need from me, please let me know. I’m not sure where you’re located, but I’m happy to work with book clubs for Q&A’s, chats, whatever you like.
I would love to read her 1st book. Thanks for the chance.
Hi Diane! Thank you so much for your interest! Best of luck in the drawing! :)
Before my husband died we spent A LOT of time in waiting rooms at the local VA hospital. They had a book-give-away cart there once a week and I would load up on books and drop off a load of books each week. I found myself reading anything and everything that fell into my hands. What a world of different genres it opened up for me. My faith, my journaling and my books have been my salvation and my sanity. I would love to win this book and find a new exciting character to enjoy. Thanks for the opportunity.
sandra9346@aol.com
Hi Sandra! Books have helped me through difficult times as well. I’m a life-long book lover, and have very eclectic reading tastes. I read across several different genres, and that’s part of the reason you’ll find aspects of different genres in my work. Best of luck in the drawing!
I’m always up for a mystery! Sounds like a fun series! Thanks for the chance! ;)
I love mysteries, too, Donnamae! I started with Nancy Drew when I was very young, and have been reading them ever since. :) Best of luck in the drawing!
Oh I read almost every one of the Nancy Drew mysteries! Then, later I would just go to the library, and stand in front of the mystery section and find some books that looked interesting! And, that’s how it starts,!! ;)
I’m laughing here! Yes, that is indeed how it starts. I’ve spent many afternoons in the library browsing, and as I got older, book stores as well. There’s not much I’d rather do. :)
Claudia, thank you so much for reading, and for this lovely and thoughtful review! I’m so happy you enjoyed spending time with Liz Talbot and her clan, and I appreciate your sharing your thoughts with your readers!
Hi Susan! Thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a comment! It’s so nice to meet you!
My pleasure! It’s so nice to meet you as well!
Sounds like fun reading! Would love to venture into her corner of the world, and I love mysteries! Thanks for the opportunity and your reviews, Claudia!
Melanie M
Melanie, thank you so much! If you read Liz’s adventures, I so hope you enjoy spending time with her on Stella Maris! Best of luck in the drawing! I love mysteries, too! :)
I would love to read one her books. Thanks for reviewing this book and suggesting a new author to me.
Hi Debby! Thank you so much for the interest! Best of luck in the drawing!
Love an odd mix of characters in a mystery..It would be great to start with the first one..Susan..I also grew up loving Nancy Drew..Can’t wait to read your books!
Hi Nancy! It’s so nice to meet several new fellow Nancy Drew lovers. :) Thank you so much! I so hope you enjoy the read.
I love anything with a Southern flavor, I would love to win!
Hi Joy! I love to read books with a Southern flavor as well. I guess I took all the things I love best–small towns, mysteries, the South, family, etc.–and put them in my work. Best of luck in the drawing!
Lowcountry Bombshell sounds like a fun read. I’d love to win it!
Thanks so much, Marianne! Best of luck!
It sounds like a great read. I would love to read the first book. Please enter me. Thanks!
Being a Southern girl, I always love to read books that take place in a Southern town. Thanks for the introduction to Susan and the chance to win!
How fun! I love mysteries and would be so pleased to win. Thanks for the chance!
The title caught my attention right away. Hubs and I slowly worked our way (over the years) through Florida, Savannah, Charleston, the Carolina”s, New Orleans…wait, do I have them backwards?! We came to love Lowcountry. I love your last paragraph, well said. I think I’d like this series, and I really do love my series and short stories. I may reserve these on my Nook, please count me out on the giveaway, although it’s a great thing you’re doing.
I hope you are either home or doing the Happy Dance that your almost home! :)
XO,
Jane
If you loved this one, do yourself a favor and read the first one too. It is excellent and loads of fun. Loveable characters!!! Enjoy!
Claudia, you described this author’s style perfectly. I read Lowcountry Boil as a entertaining and easy way to chill and relax. It brought me smiles and humor. I will give this book a read, too.
I would love to have a copy. I am in the market for a new book to read.
I loved your description of this book so much that I shared it on TLC’s Facebook page! Thanks for being a part of the tour.
I have her first book so I know this one will be terrific. Please pick me!
After a year of planning, our daughter had a beautiful wedding. I am so ready for a relaxing time with a good book. Thanks for the opportunity and the review!
This sounds so cute.
THANKS for posting about the book.
Elizabeth
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