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Liz Talbot Mystery #4
Lowcountry Bordello
The Charleston streets are dressed for the holidays in sophisticated Southern style: topiaries adorned with red ribbons, garland entwined with white lights, and poinsettias potted in gold planters. The high class bordello in a stately historic home is certainly no exception. When Private Investigator Liz Talbot’s dear friend Olivia swears she saw a dead body in the parlor of this bordello, one Olivia accidentally co-owns, Liz promptly comes to her aid.
With her wedding back home on Stella Maris less than a week away, Liz must juggle one elderly madam, two ex and future in-laws, three ghosts in the bordello, four giddy bridesmaids, five lovely courtesans, six suspicious patrons…and a partridge in a pear tree as she tries to keep her bridesmaid out of jail and live to walk down the aisle.
With her wedding back home on Stella Maris less than a week away, Liz must juggle one elderly madam, two ex and future in-laws, three ghosts in the bordello, four giddy bridesmaids, five lovely courtesans, six suspicious patrons…and a partridge in a pear tree as she tries to keep her bridesmaid out of jail and live to walk down the aisle.
272 pages, Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
890 people are currently reading
1696 people want to read
About the author
Susan M. Boyer
27 books2,045 followers
Susan M. Boyer
is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels. Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and garnered several other award nominations. Subsequent books have been nominated for various honors, including Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Picks, the 2016 Pat Conroy Beach Music Mystery Prize, and the 2017 Southern Book Prize in Mystery & Detective Fiction.
Susan loves beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has crazy relatives. You’ll find all of the above in her novels. She and her husband call Greenville, SC, home and visit the Carolina coast as often as possible.
Susan loves to hear from readers. You can reach her through her website: http://www.susanmboyer.com/
Sign up for her newsletter to get recipes from her books and to be among the first to hear the news when the next book is scheduled for release.
Susan loves beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone, and everyone has crazy relatives. You’ll find all of the above in her novels. She and her husband call Greenville, SC, home and visit the Carolina coast as often as possible.
Susan loves to hear from readers. You can reach her through her website: http://www.susanmboyer.com/
Sign up for her newsletter to get recipes from her books and to be among the first to hear the news when the next book is scheduled for release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 297 reviews
December 26, 2015
Please note that I gave this book 4.5 stars, however, Goodreads does not allow for half stars so I rounded up to 5 stars on Goodreads.
Please don't read if you haven't read the first three books in this series. Spoilers will be revealed in some cases due to events in the previous three books.
The only reason why I gave this book a 4.5 stars was that we kind of left a loose thread in this book that I don't know if the author will follow back up on a later date or not. It was just kind of not referred to at all so one wonders how that will get tided up.
Lowcountry Bordello takes place a few months after the end of Lowcountry Boneyard. We now have Liz and Nate happily engaged to be married a few days before Christmas. Trying to tie up loose ends on their other cases, Liz finds herself getting involved when her best friend Olivia calls her telling her that her husband is dead in her aunt's bordello. With an able assist by her dead friend Colleen, Liz and Nate put the pieces together and figure out who was murdered and why, and how it all ties into Oliva's aunt's bordello.
It was nice to see Liz so settled and so ready to marry Nate. Readers of the series know that Nate is brother to Liz's ex-husband Scott and though it makes things sticky a bit that they are now engaged, Liz sees Nate as different from Scott as night and day. Due to a surprise at the ending, I can't wait to see how Liz and Nate's relationship changes again with the new information that we readers got.
The case was interesting, and in a couple of places a bit sad. And though this is a cozy mystery, I have to say this one was just as dark as the last book.
We do get some additional details on some characters that have been mentioned, but not seen since book #2 (mainly Michael, Liz's ex boyfriend from when she was a teenager) and Calista (Liz's client from book #2). I wish that we got more insight into Liz's family in these books. We just get the same old same old in some cases. Liz's father does some crazy, her mother is slightly disapproving and tells her to put on lipstick, her brother Blake is disapproving of her investigating cases and she spins lie after lie to him when she gets close to danger. I don't know if we can get a novella starring Merry (Liz's sister) or Blake, that would be nice.
We once again get some new characters in this one, we get a ghost that used to live at the Bordello, some women who are living a the Bordello, and their gentlemen friends who have paid a lot of money to keep the women secure there. We also get a glimpse at Nate's parents in this one. Though Nate's parents, more specifically his mother, are not fans of Liz, one wonders how the next book will showcase them. This book definitely does not show Nate's mom in a good light.
The writing was top notch and can I say funnier in this one than in previous books. I thought the flow really worked. It had to since the case had to be solved prior to Liz and Nate getting married. And I have to say I love that this one really shows them investigating together and we can see what a great team they make.
The setting of the lowcountry was once again shown in a great light, and seriously these books make me hungry for biscuits and red eye gravy. There is a lot of discussion of food in these books, and I am surprised that Susan M. Boyer has not included in recipes in the back yet.
The ending was sweet, but like I said, there was a minor loose thread in this one. I can say that this book does not end abruptly like books #1 and #2 though. I can't wait to see what further adventures Liz and Nate have in Stella Maris.
Please don't read if you haven't read the first three books in this series. Spoilers will be revealed in some cases due to events in the previous three books.
The only reason why I gave this book a 4.5 stars was that we kind of left a loose thread in this book that I don't know if the author will follow back up on a later date or not. It was just kind of not referred to at all so one wonders how that will get tided up.
Lowcountry Bordello takes place a few months after the end of Lowcountry Boneyard. We now have Liz and Nate happily engaged to be married a few days before Christmas. Trying to tie up loose ends on their other cases, Liz finds herself getting involved when her best friend Olivia calls her telling her that her husband is dead in her aunt's bordello. With an able assist by her dead friend Colleen, Liz and Nate put the pieces together and figure out who was murdered and why, and how it all ties into Oliva's aunt's bordello.
It was nice to see Liz so settled and so ready to marry Nate. Readers of the series know that Nate is brother to Liz's ex-husband Scott and though it makes things sticky a bit that they are now engaged, Liz sees Nate as different from Scott as night and day. Due to a surprise at the ending, I can't wait to see how Liz and Nate's relationship changes again with the new information that we readers got.
The case was interesting, and in a couple of places a bit sad. And though this is a cozy mystery, I have to say this one was just as dark as the last book.
We do get some additional details on some characters that have been mentioned, but not seen since book #2 (mainly Michael, Liz's ex boyfriend from when she was a teenager) and Calista (Liz's client from book #2). I wish that we got more insight into Liz's family in these books. We just get the same old same old in some cases. Liz's father does some crazy, her mother is slightly disapproving and tells her to put on lipstick, her brother Blake is disapproving of her investigating cases and she spins lie after lie to him when she gets close to danger. I don't know if we can get a novella starring Merry (Liz's sister) or Blake, that would be nice.
We once again get some new characters in this one, we get a ghost that used to live at the Bordello, some women who are living a the Bordello, and their gentlemen friends who have paid a lot of money to keep the women secure there. We also get a glimpse at Nate's parents in this one. Though Nate's parents, more specifically his mother, are not fans of Liz, one wonders how the next book will showcase them. This book definitely does not show Nate's mom in a good light.
The writing was top notch and can I say funnier in this one than in previous books. I thought the flow really worked. It had to since the case had to be solved prior to Liz and Nate getting married. And I have to say I love that this one really shows them investigating together and we can see what a great team they make.
The setting of the lowcountry was once again shown in a great light, and seriously these books make me hungry for biscuits and red eye gravy. There is a lot of discussion of food in these books, and I am surprised that Susan M. Boyer has not included in recipes in the back yet.
The ending was sweet, but like I said, there was a minor loose thread in this one. I can say that this book does not end abruptly like books #1 and #2 though. I can't wait to see what further adventures Liz and Nate have in Stella Maris.
July 2, 2018
I am really enjoying this series. Liz and Nate are finally getting married. It is going to be a Christmas wedding and they are finishing up their last case before the big event when Liz gets a call from Olivia. When Olivia, in tears, says she needs Liz right away, she heads off to Charleston to see what is the matter. Arriving at Olivia's great aunt Dean's house, she is told that Olivia's husband is dead inside the house. When they enter, there is no body, no blood and the room is fine. Is Olivia going crazy or is there a mystery here.
Liz is smart, dedicated, and funny, even while dealing with her uptight wedding planner, her mother and trying to help Olivia out. The house is a high-end bordello and it turns out that Olivia is a half owner. Nate is very present in this book and it is nice to see him play such a huge part. Nate is a true partner in the story, both in the business and as a support to Liz as her future husband. The wedding plans kept interrupting the investigation which reminded us that Liz and Nate are working hard to have somewhat of a normal life. Once again her family are there to support and help her wherever they can. Sonny, her contact in the Charleston PD showed another side as well. He got quite upset with Liz and went behind her at one point. Nice to see he is not a total pushover.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, as were how the bordello was started and how it was run by the great aunt. It was an interesting premise based on how expensive these older homes are to maintain. The ending was fantastic. It was totally plausible and the facts in the story backed it up, but did not totally give it away while reading. It is nice that she is able to pull off the supernatural bits with Colleen's presence. I love that Liz is finally going to be able to tell Nate about her spirit friend. Another wonderful addition to the Liz Talbot Mystery Series. I am ready to start on the next one.
Liz is smart, dedicated, and funny, even while dealing with her uptight wedding planner, her mother and trying to help Olivia out. The house is a high-end bordello and it turns out that Olivia is a half owner. Nate is very present in this book and it is nice to see him play such a huge part. Nate is a true partner in the story, both in the business and as a support to Liz as her future husband. The wedding plans kept interrupting the investigation which reminded us that Liz and Nate are working hard to have somewhat of a normal life. Once again her family are there to support and help her wherever they can. Sonny, her contact in the Charleston PD showed another side as well. He got quite upset with Liz and went behind her at one point. Nice to see he is not a total pushover.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, as were how the bordello was started and how it was run by the great aunt. It was an interesting premise based on how expensive these older homes are to maintain. The ending was fantastic. It was totally plausible and the facts in the story backed it up, but did not totally give it away while reading. It is nice that she is able to pull off the supernatural bits with Colleen's presence. I love that Liz is finally going to be able to tell Nate about her spirit friend. Another wonderful addition to the Liz Talbot Mystery Series. I am ready to start on the next one.
June 17, 2017
I love this series. Liz is smart, dedicated, and funny while trying to figure out a murder inside a modern bordello run by a friend's (Olivia Pearson) great aunt. Nate really shines in this book too, as both her future husband and as a partner in their detective agency - he balances Liz's theories with his own without talking down to her or dismissing her. I could have done without all the wedding talk; I am just not one for paragraphs of dress fittings, mom of the bride demands, or snobby wedding planners. I would have rather Liz and Nate tie the knot in between books off the page or maybe a novella so I could skip it altogether. The wedding plans kept interrupting the investigation and I skimmed those paragraphs after a while. Also, wedding + Christmas time + intense investigation = over kill and a feeling of the story being rushed so each plotline could be resolved by the end of the book.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, as were how the bordello was started and how it was run by the great aunt. There was a variety of suspects and back story; I would suggest not swimming pool if you knew what laid beneath. But the ending sealed the 4 star rating - the author really knows to finish off both a book and a small plotline with a big bang. Plus, Colleen's presence continues to work in regards to the mystery, but her presence at the wedding made me tear up a little.
The murder mystery was cleverly plotted, as were how the bordello was started and how it was run by the great aunt. There was a variety of suspects and back story; I would suggest not swimming pool if you knew what laid beneath. But the ending sealed the 4 star rating - the author really knows to finish off both a book and a small plotline with a big bang. Plus, Colleen's presence continues to work in regards to the mystery, but her presence at the wedding made me tear up a little.
May 18, 2018
One of my favorite mystery series with intelligent characters and storylines. The next one already downloaded and waiting.
Read
May 28, 2018I surely do appreciate the way Liz's Southern femininity is paired with consistent competence.
November 27, 2015
In the fourth book of the Liz Talbot Mystery series, Lowcountry Bordello, the reader catches up with P.I. Liz Talbot's latest investigative adventures.
Author Susan M. Boyer weaves an entertaining Southern cozy mystery set in Charleston and the lowcountry island town of Stella Maris, South Carolina, that follows the adventures of Liz Talbot and partner/fiance Nate Andrews as they investigate the suspicious activities that are going on at Liz's friend Olivia Pearson and Aunt Dean Beauthorpe's high class bordello.
Written in the first person narrative, Liz's sassy wit and southern charm keeps the reader engaged as she tries to fill in the pieces of the puzzle of what kind of illicit activities goes on behind the stately doors of the bordello's occupants and their wealthy patrons, while also trying to finish getting ready for her Christmas wedding to Nate that is in five days! This fun cozy mystery is full of intriguing twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. It has a paranormal twist in the form of Colleen, Liz's ghostly best friend, who is Stella Maris' resident guardian spirit, who also helps Liz with her investigations. And if that isn't enough to draw you into the story, the reader gets up-to-date on Liz and Nate's relationship, and their determination to put the bordello case's distraction behind them as quickly as they can as they make a mad dash to their wedding day.
With a quirky cast of characters whose witty dialogue will keep you stitches, and a fast paced Southern cozy mystery guaranteed to make you want some sweet tea and hushpuppies, Lowcountry Bordello is an enchanting tale that will leave you wanting more of Liz's adventures!
Lowcountry Bordello is the fourth book in the Liz Talbot Mystery series. While the books can be a stand alone read, I would recommend that the series be read in sequential order, as the stories easily flows from one book to next with new mystery adventures for our sassy Southern P.I. Liz Talbot.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
Author Susan M. Boyer weaves an entertaining Southern cozy mystery set in Charleston and the lowcountry island town of Stella Maris, South Carolina, that follows the adventures of Liz Talbot and partner/fiance Nate Andrews as they investigate the suspicious activities that are going on at Liz's friend Olivia Pearson and Aunt Dean Beauthorpe's high class bordello.
Written in the first person narrative, Liz's sassy wit and southern charm keeps the reader engaged as she tries to fill in the pieces of the puzzle of what kind of illicit activities goes on behind the stately doors of the bordello's occupants and their wealthy patrons, while also trying to finish getting ready for her Christmas wedding to Nate that is in five days! This fun cozy mystery is full of intriguing twists and turns that will keep the reader guessing. It has a paranormal twist in the form of Colleen, Liz's ghostly best friend, who is Stella Maris' resident guardian spirit, who also helps Liz with her investigations. And if that isn't enough to draw you into the story, the reader gets up-to-date on Liz and Nate's relationship, and their determination to put the bordello case's distraction behind them as quickly as they can as they make a mad dash to their wedding day.
With a quirky cast of characters whose witty dialogue will keep you stitches, and a fast paced Southern cozy mystery guaranteed to make you want some sweet tea and hushpuppies, Lowcountry Bordello is an enchanting tale that will leave you wanting more of Liz's adventures!
Lowcountry Bordello is the fourth book in the Liz Talbot Mystery series. While the books can be a stand alone read, I would recommend that the series be read in sequential order, as the stories easily flows from one book to next with new mystery adventures for our sassy Southern P.I. Liz Talbot.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the book from the author / publisher in exchange for my honest review and participation in a virtual book tour event hosted by Chick Lit Plus Blog Tours.
http://jerseygirlbookreviews.blogspot...
March 22, 2019
This was a fun read that captured my attention immediately. Though it is the fourth in a series, I had no trouble getting into it and now I'm looking forward to reading the previous ones!
October 11, 2015
It's always nice to get back into a familiar Southern world when I pick up the latest Susan Boyer novel. This book number four in the series finds Liz and Nate just days away from their wedding when a friend tries to hire Liz to investigate his wife's recent strange behavior. Since Liz would not think of investigating her own best friend, she turns the job down. Unfortunately it wouldn't stay turned down. So what does a genteel, over 80 year old Southern lady do when she can't afford to pay the expenses on her Charleston, South Carolina family home? Why, she allows gentlemen to rent out a room by the month for their "niece". Only the cream of the Charleston rich and powerful need apply.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this novel I have to confess to feeling very rushed as I was reading it. The twin problems of keeping a friend (and bridesmaid) out of jail on a murder charge and performing all the duties associated with a formal wedding taking place in a few days began to feel very frantic by the time I got to the end of the book. My tendency was to want to mop my brow and say Whew! The writing is still excellent, the depth of character development is superb, the feelings of time and place are spot on for this novel as for the other three in the series. Colleen (the spirit guide of Liz's friend who committed suicide in her teens) is very prominent in this story with a lot of changes to that character which impacts this story and those to follow in a dramatic way. And yet, I can't help but wish the story had been spaced out over a few more days (was it really only two for investigating?) so it would not have needed that impossible minute-by-minute timetable to place too many suspects in an exact spot at an exact time. That part was really hard to believe.
These books are so well written I will definitely be there to read the next one in the series. I just hope Liz and Nate get to enjoy their honeymoon without having to investigate a murder. Everybody needs some time to relax.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
Even though I thoroughly enjoyed this novel I have to confess to feeling very rushed as I was reading it. The twin problems of keeping a friend (and bridesmaid) out of jail on a murder charge and performing all the duties associated with a formal wedding taking place in a few days began to feel very frantic by the time I got to the end of the book. My tendency was to want to mop my brow and say Whew! The writing is still excellent, the depth of character development is superb, the feelings of time and place are spot on for this novel as for the other three in the series. Colleen (the spirit guide of Liz's friend who committed suicide in her teens) is very prominent in this story with a lot of changes to that character which impacts this story and those to follow in a dramatic way. And yet, I can't help but wish the story had been spaced out over a few more days (was it really only two for investigating?) so it would not have needed that impossible minute-by-minute timetable to place too many suspects in an exact spot at an exact time. That part was really hard to believe.
These books are so well written I will definitely be there to read the next one in the series. I just hope Liz and Nate get to enjoy their honeymoon without having to investigate a murder. Everybody needs some time to relax.
I received an e-ARC of this novel through NetGalley.
November 9, 2015
I was excited to see another Liz Talbot Mystery so soon after the last installment; and one with quite the provocative title. I'll be honest, I didn't read the blurb, so I didn't realize that this had a bit of a Christmas theme going on, Although the poinsettias and ornament on the cover should have given that away.
So Liz and her partner and fiancé, Nate are getting ready for their wedding, being held in 1 week, just 5 days before Christmas. They are wrapping up all their current cases in preparation for the big day and their honeymoon. So of course, trouble shows up in the form of a dead body found by her good friend and bridesmaid Olivia. But when Liz gets to Olivia, the body is gone. Liz know has two big questions. A) Who was killed? B) Where did the body go? And she needs to get them answered before Olivia winds up as the prime suspect.
I had a lot of fun with this story. There wasn't as much danger as previous books, but there whodunit was much twistier. Colleen, Liz's childhood best friend and the guardian spirit of Stella Maris, was back. She is one of my favorite secondary characters and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. (Hint: due to the events at the end of this story.) I wouldn't advice reading this as a stand alone book, especially as Liz and Nate relationship has been steadily growing throughout the series.
If you like a bit of paranormal in your cozy, along side a heaping helping of charm and gentility mixed with southern eccentricities, you should definitely give this series a try. Another 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
So Liz and her partner and fiancé, Nate are getting ready for their wedding, being held in 1 week, just 5 days before Christmas. They are wrapping up all their current cases in preparation for the big day and their honeymoon. So of course, trouble shows up in the form of a dead body found by her good friend and bridesmaid Olivia. But when Liz gets to Olivia, the body is gone. Liz know has two big questions. A) Who was killed? B) Where did the body go? And she needs to get them answered before Olivia winds up as the prime suspect.
I had a lot of fun with this story. There wasn't as much danger as previous books, but there whodunit was much twistier. Colleen, Liz's childhood best friend and the guardian spirit of Stella Maris, was back. She is one of my favorite secondary characters and I can't wait to see what happens in the next book. (Hint: due to the events at the end of this story.) I wouldn't advice reading this as a stand alone book, especially as Liz and Nate relationship has been steadily growing throughout the series.
If you like a bit of paranormal in your cozy, along side a heaping helping of charm and gentility mixed with southern eccentricities, you should definitely give this series a try. Another 4 star read.
Thanks to Netgalley and Henery Press for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 9, 2015
It's just a few days until Christmas -- and P.I. Liz Talbot's planned wedding to her partner Nate Andrews -- when Liz gets a frantic call from bestie and bridesmaid Olivia that she's stumbled over a body in the parlor of her great aunt's historic home in downtown Charleston. Oh, and Olivia thinks the dead man is her attorney husband Robert, but y'know it was dark and she didn't turn on the lights she was so upset. . . So Liz rushes from nearby island Stella Maris -- just a ferry and a couple bridges away -- only to find that if there was a body, it's gone now, and Robert's very much alive.
But that's just the beginning of Susan M. Boyer's Lowcountry Bordello (Henery Press, digital galley), the fourth caper in this Southern charmer of a series. The next day, a body does turn up in a nearby park -- that of Thurston Middleton, local developer and aspiring politician, as well as a longtime client of Aunt Dean's high-class house of prostitution. What started as a proper boarding house has evolved into a home where local men keep their "nieces.'' Olivia is part-owner of the house and begs Liz and Nate to help investigate, but quickly and quietly. Ha!
Boyer again crafts an entertaining cozy that comes with a supernatural flourish courtesy of Liz's guardian ghost Colleen. Readers of the previous books will feel right at home, although newcomers might be tripped up by the rush of events -- Murder! Wedding! Christmas! Still, a very merry time.
from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever
But that's just the beginning of Susan M. Boyer's Lowcountry Bordello (Henery Press, digital galley), the fourth caper in this Southern charmer of a series. The next day, a body does turn up in a nearby park -- that of Thurston Middleton, local developer and aspiring politician, as well as a longtime client of Aunt Dean's high-class house of prostitution. What started as a proper boarding house has evolved into a home where local men keep their "nieces.'' Olivia is part-owner of the house and begs Liz and Nate to help investigate, but quickly and quietly. Ha!
Boyer again crafts an entertaining cozy that comes with a supernatural flourish courtesy of Liz's guardian ghost Colleen. Readers of the previous books will feel right at home, although newcomers might be tripped up by the rush of events -- Murder! Wedding! Christmas! Still, a very merry time.
from On a Clear Day I Can Read Forever
November 23, 2015
Another winner by Susan M. Boyer!
In this book, Liz and Nate are preparing for their wedding. Just a few days before they are scheduled to be married, Liz receives a harried call from her friend and bridesmaid Olivia - who claims to have found a dead body in her elderly aunt's home.
After going to investigate, Liz finds out that Aunt Dean's home isn't exactly as it appears...it's a bit of a bordello. Local, rich businessmen rent rooms for their mistresses and spend time with them, when possible, in the home.
A dead body does show up the next day, not far from the home - a congressional candidate.
First, I was able to read this well as a stand alone; I have read books 3 and 4 in this series with no issues.
The author's writing is very true to the South and our dialect. Further, she has written another fun, interesting mystery. Things can get a bit confusing - trying to remember which john goes with which mistress - but it doesn't take away from the story. To me, the characters are the fun in these books.
And do you think the wedding goes off without a hitch? I'll never tell - you should just read the book, especially if you love a good murder mystery.
In this book, Liz and Nate are preparing for their wedding. Just a few days before they are scheduled to be married, Liz receives a harried call from her friend and bridesmaid Olivia - who claims to have found a dead body in her elderly aunt's home.
After going to investigate, Liz finds out that Aunt Dean's home isn't exactly as it appears...it's a bit of a bordello. Local, rich businessmen rent rooms for their mistresses and spend time with them, when possible, in the home.
A dead body does show up the next day, not far from the home - a congressional candidate.
First, I was able to read this well as a stand alone; I have read books 3 and 4 in this series with no issues.
The author's writing is very true to the South and our dialect. Further, she has written another fun, interesting mystery. Things can get a bit confusing - trying to remember which john goes with which mistress - but it doesn't take away from the story. To me, the characters are the fun in these books.
And do you think the wedding goes off without a hitch? I'll never tell - you should just read the book, especially if you love a good murder mystery.
July 5, 2017
Oh my goodness, I thought for sure I had written I totally apologize to you Susan M. Boyer ... she is one of my all time favorite authors. Maybe I did my review on Amazon. If you are looking for a great mystery, bits of love story, family history, southern awesome super great folks from South Carolina, I can hear the accents now, love them!! this is the book series for you. I have read every single one & can't wait for the next one, super excited! not sure how I 1st found Susan ...but her writing style is so lovely. her books once you start reading you can't put them down. At times I think I know where she is headed and oops she will pull a fast one and head a total different direction. Must read. LOVED IT!!
can we just talk about the covers of these books, I think a huge percentage of why I love them so so much, is that cover ...oh this one is a bit racy. too cute-zy too. Liz in a racy old house, binoculars in hand, yep this is a keeper to the series. I was going to keep a fave ...but they are all so great. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! ( ;
can we just talk about the covers of these books, I think a huge percentage of why I love them so so much, is that cover ...oh this one is a bit racy. too cute-zy too. Liz in a racy old house, binoculars in hand, yep this is a keeper to the series. I was going to keep a fave ...but they are all so great. LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!! ( ;
June 29, 2017
4 stars
This is the fourth book in the Liz Talbot Mysteries series.
This mystery centers around an old house. I picture a vintage Victorian. Really classy but falling apart. It is really close to Liz’s wedding and one of her bridesmaids, Olivia, owns half of this building with another lady. Olivia stumbles across a dead body. And of course, she calls Liz to come investigate instead of the police because of … reasons.
Liz uncovers the mysterious nature of this house and its multitude of residents. The lady who runs it calls it a boarding house but it is looking more and more to Liz like a bordello.
This was a great read. It catches you and hangs on. But the end seemed to be a bit easily wrapped up. The rest of the book was great, though. Just one niggle from me.
Definitely check this one out if you love a good mystery.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the fourth book in the Liz Talbot Mysteries series.
This mystery centers around an old house. I picture a vintage Victorian. Really classy but falling apart. It is really close to Liz’s wedding and one of her bridesmaids, Olivia, owns half of this building with another lady. Olivia stumbles across a dead body. And of course, she calls Liz to come investigate instead of the police because of … reasons.
Liz uncovers the mysterious nature of this house and its multitude of residents. The lady who runs it calls it a boarding house but it is looking more and more to Liz like a bordello.
This was a great read. It catches you and hangs on. But the end seemed to be a bit easily wrapped up. The rest of the book was great, though. Just one niggle from me.
Definitely check this one out if you love a good mystery.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 26, 2015
Liz Talbot is getting married! Then with just days before her wedding, she takes on a case involving one of her bridesmaids. Her sweet southern country belle Mamma is not happy about this AT ALL!
This case has her casing a "bordello". Her first visit into the house, she's been told there is a dead body, however, she finds nothing there. Her bridesmaid is sure there is a body and ultimately ends up spending the day of the wedding rehearsal dinner in jail for murder.
This little madcap mystery with all its little quirky characters makes for a very fun and enjoyable read. Of course, the wedding is one you will never forget as the case is finally solved as the bride is about to walk down the aisle.
This series is very entertaining and little ole country belle Liz Talbot with her ghost of a high school friend who died will definitely make you chuckle.
Thanks Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
This case has her casing a "bordello". Her first visit into the house, she's been told there is a dead body, however, she finds nothing there. Her bridesmaid is sure there is a body and ultimately ends up spending the day of the wedding rehearsal dinner in jail for murder.
This little madcap mystery with all its little quirky characters makes for a very fun and enjoyable read. Of course, the wedding is one you will never forget as the case is finally solved as the bride is about to walk down the aisle.
This series is very entertaining and little ole country belle Liz Talbot with her ghost of a high school friend who died will definitely make you chuckle.
Thanks Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with this free e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2015
The characters are interesting. How can you miss when you have an 80 something Aunt who runs the bordello? And with Liz, her family and friends just help to characterize her more. It would be easy to overuse the helpful ghost to solve the mysteries, but she has rules she must obey so that she can't reveal everything and spoil the story.
The plot moves along at a good pace, a little faster towards the end. It gets complicated at times like when they are reviewing the timeline for the murder and are trying to figure out who is a serious suspect. Overall though it's well done. The mystery is good and satisfying.
It's a southern mystery. Some might categorize it as a cozy even though Liz is a PI, probably because of the number of people involved that she knows and how homey it can get. I liked it in part because of the southern small town atmosphere.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
The plot moves along at a good pace, a little faster towards the end. It gets complicated at times like when they are reviewing the timeline for the murder and are trying to figure out who is a serious suspect. Overall though it's well done. The mystery is good and satisfying.
It's a southern mystery. Some might categorize it as a cozy even though Liz is a PI, probably because of the number of people involved that she knows and how homey it can get. I liked it in part because of the southern small town atmosphere.
I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 3, 2015
While getting ready for her wedding and Christmas Liz Talbot receives a frantic call from her friend Olivia to come at once as she just found husband dead. Liz arrives to find no body and a clean room. A phone call reveals that Robert is alive. There are plenty of surprises in this book as Colleen is back along with friends. Liz and Nate needs to find if there is a body or not. As they investigated the incident they they need to prevent a scandal and more killings. How will this effect the wedding. I recommend this book
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from HENERY PRESS through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
December 15, 2015
I have now read all the books in this series by Susan M Boyer. The first 3 I purchased. Book 4 ( Lowcountry Bordello) was a gift from the author because I shamelessly contacted her and begged for it. I could not stand waiting until it was actually published. Thank you Susan. Once again you have written a fun mystery that has wonderful characters and an intriguing plot. The mystery had enough twists to hold my interest, yet I still laughed my way through the book. The first in this series, Lowcountry Boil won the Agatha Award for Best First Novel. If you are a lover of cozies, you know that is a high award. In Lowcountry Bordello she continues this delightful series. If you haven't read her yet, what are you waiting for?? If you are already a fan then read her newest!
July 2, 2018
This is probably more like a 3.5 but I'm being petty and rounding down because while it's probably only mentioned three times, it felt like I could not escape the mentions of "Hard Candy Christmas" but always the LeAnne Rimes version. I get that was kind of the point (and possibly the joke) but sweet baby Jesus, it grated on my nerves. Then again, while I like a great many things about this series, the musical selections and I are probably never going to see eye to eye and they're mentioned. A lot.
I liked the mystery and the investigation into the bordello but I will say that things about this book just felt... off? It's still pretty early in the series so it's hard to decide how it should feel and perhaps I will look back later and wonder what my issues were. *shrug*
I liked the mystery and the investigation into the bordello but I will say that things about this book just felt... off? It's still pretty early in the series so it's hard to decide how it should feel and perhaps I will look back later and wonder what my issues were. *shrug*
June 30, 2017
Private Investigators, Liz Talbot and her fiancé, Nate are getting ready for their nuptials, when out of the blue a panicked telephone call arrives from Liz's bridesmaid. Olivia has found a body and she thinks it is her husband, Robert.
Robert is alright, but, another man is not. And, how is it that Olivia is co-owner of a busy bordello? In this time and age?
Liz's deceased best friend, Colleen, tries to aid from the other side, and the wedding becomes threatened.
You will have to read this novel. It isn't the traditional Cozy wedding with a murder by any means.
Well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the ending.
Robert is alright, but, another man is not. And, how is it that Olivia is co-owner of a busy bordello? In this time and age?
Liz's deceased best friend, Colleen, tries to aid from the other side, and the wedding becomes threatened.
You will have to read this novel. It isn't the traditional Cozy wedding with a murder by any means.
Well written and easy to read. I enjoyed the ending.
June 24, 2016
Liz is prepping for her wedding which is only a week away when one of her bridesmaids and long time friends, Olivia comes to her for help. Olivia's family has been running a high class bordello for many years which Olivia co-owns. Olivia calls Liz in hysterics when she finds the body of a man who she mistakes for her husband on the floor of the bordello. Liz has only a week to get fitted for her dress, attempt to please her ex-now to be current in-laws, find out who the dead man is and of course, solve a murder!
March 8, 2016
This book was my first Susan M. Boyer book and it definitely will not be the last! I read this book as a standalone and do not believe that it didn't matter that I had not read the first books in the series. I enjoy reading books that are set in locations that I am familiar with. I didn't want to put the book down until I knew who did it! Just when you think you may have figured out, you find out you were incorrect. Take this book along with you on your next vacation and thank me later!!
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2017
The book begins five days before the wedding of Liz and Nate. They are finishing a case when a best friend of Liz calls to say she needs her help. Liz goes to Olivia and is told by Olivia that her husband is dead inside a house in Charleston. When they go inside there is no body and Olivia's husband is home with the kids. It turns out that Olivia owns half the house and it is a very high class exclusive bordello. Liz and Nate agree to look into the matter of the missing body but only for 24 hours because of the wedding. That doesn't go as planned. A very quick easy read.
July 7, 2016
There is a whorehouse in Charleston and it's up to Liz to find out if more than just hanky-panky is happening there... Could someone have been murdered?
Liz is back to entertain us readers along with her family, her smoking hot fiancée, and a few calamities along the way.
This is classic Susan M. Boyer style writing - if you've enjoyed the other books in series, you'll love this!
Liz is back to entertain us readers along with her family, her smoking hot fiancée, and a few calamities along the way.
This is classic Susan M. Boyer style writing - if you've enjoyed the other books in series, you'll love this!
May 17, 2018
Once again! An excellent book by Susan Boyer. This is a really great series! I am trying to read it slowly.....only one more left for me in the series so I am trying to pace myself! LOL!
If you love the Charleston/Low Country are of South Carolina you will enjoy the references to local places found in this series.
If you love the Charleston/Low Country are of South Carolina you will enjoy the references to local places found in this series.
November 4, 2017
I really enjoy this series. I like that we get walked through the thought process to find the evidence and solve the mystery. Nate and Liz are both intelligent
October 25, 2021
Always a cute, quick read. This book takes Liz right before she is to get married and the story goes from there. Delightfully funny while still keeping the reader interested.
December 18, 2015
Originally published at Reading Reality
I didn’t realize I was working on a theme when I started Lowcountry Bordello. Both the heroine of this book, and yesterday’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place, are brides who are heading to the altar sometime well after their 20s, and both women are planning their weddings while in the middle of solving murders.
I think that Pru Parke and Liz Talbot would probably get along like a house on fire.
But today is Liz’ day, at least for the book review. In the book, it almost isn’t Liz’ day to get married.
The Liz Talbot series (Lowcountry Boil, Lowcountry Bombshell, Lowcountry Boneyard) centers around the island of Stella Maris, just off the South Carolina coast near Charleston. Stella Maris has managed to remain a small and cozy town, in spite of its marvelous location and its proximity to bustling Charleston. Liz Talbot, and her entire family going back generations, are partially responsible for Stella Maris still being beautiful and livable. The other force that is responsible for keeping Stella Maris Stella Maris is currently named Colleen.
Colleen was Liz’ best friend when they were kids. But Colleen committed suicide when she was 17, and her ghost is the genius loci of Stella Maris. In other words, Colleen is the protective spirit of Stella Maris. (One is forced to wonder who has occupied the office before, and how they got there. A minor digression.)
So we have a mostly cozy mystery series with one slightly paranormal element. Liz sees Colleen, and Colleen occasionally helps Liz. And often still infuriates her. Because Liz’ presence on Stella Maris is deemed necessary by whatever powers that be, as long as Liz remains a Stella Maris resident and a member of the Stella Maris town council, she is Colleen’s liaison. And while Colleen is not supposed to directly help her friend, keeping Liz alive is important enough that the rules occasionally get bent.
Mostly in the manner of cryptic advice and instructions. Colleen can’t manifest and impact the world directly. At least not yet.
Liz’ matron of honor calls in the middle of the night that she’s found a dead body at her great aunt’s house in Charleston. By the time Liz takes the ferry, the body has been whisked away, as if by magic. No body, no evidence that there even was a body. Just Olivia, overdramatic as usual, insisting that she saw her husband dead on the floor of her great aunt’s house. Olivia’s husband Robert is home with the kids, wondering if all of his wife’s late night meandering is indicative of an affair.
And this is where things get interesting, as well as convoluted in the way that Liz business typically, and often dangerously as well as hilariously, does. Olivia’s great aunt is running a very high class whorehouse. A whorehouse in which Olivia “accidentally” became part owner upon the recent death of her other great aunt.
This story gets better. Or worse depending on who you are in it. Olivia is being blackmailed about owning the whorehouse. Not by just anyone, but by her own cousin, who is the handyman at said whorehouse, and mightily resents that Olivia has inherited the place instead of him.
But since Olivia’s husband is not dead, what happened to the body she saw? Or did Olivia imagine it? (Olivia is so much of a drama queen that it is entirely believable that she DID imagine it.) And then the body of a local politician turns up in the middle of a park, and suddenly Liz has a case to solve, less than a week before her wedding.
After all, it would ruin the ceremony if the police came to arrest her maid of honor before they get to the “I do’s”. Or even after.
In order to figure out who killed the politician, Liz has to find out what the man was doing at the whorehouse. And that’s where things get interesting. The solution hinges on discovering exactly who are the rich and powerful men who sponsor young women through college by setting them up in an expensive house with a big allowance as their “nieces”. There are a lot of dirty secrets involved (as well as one fascinating clean but kinky secret). And the men keeping those secrets have a lot to lose if they are exposed.
But which of them has enough on the line to kill for?
Escape Rating A-: Lowcountry Bordello, and the entire Liz Talbot series, always edge toward going over the top without actually getting there. Alternatively, the way that Liz’ life and family are portrayed is so much fun that the going over the top is part of the charm.
The stories are all told from Liz’ first person point of view. So we only see what she sees and know what she knows. So when the craziness is revealed to her, it is also revealed to us.
However, that first person point of view is sometimes especially poignant, particularly when it comes to Liz’ interactions with Colleen. Liz still misses her friend terribly, so when Colleen appears in the middle of the bridal party, dressed as one of the bridesmaids, as she absolutely would have been had she lived, it brings a tear to Liz’ eyes (and to the reader’s).
Part of what makes this series so much fun is Liz’ crazy family and equally crazy friends. But her friendships don’t just exist so that the author has a crazy person, in this case Olivia, to work with. Olivia and Liz are friends for excellent reasons that go back to the childhood they shared on Stella Maris. So much of what makes this series work, and makes the characters work together, are the relationships they built when they were kids.
The set up for this story is particularly hilarious. How does one come to accidentally own a whorehouse? Or even half a whorehouse? (It’s not often I get to use the word “whorehouse” in a review, I’m having a little too much fun with it.)
And yet, once Olivia’s place in this mess is established, it is so easy to see how things got out of hand. Her great aunts needed a way to keep their century-plus family home in the ritzy historical section of Charleston. Old houses need a lot of expensive upkeep. The old ladies started out taking in boarders, as one does. But then some of their kindly neighbors convinced them or colluded with them that it would be much more profitable for the old ladies if their boarding house was very exclusive and sponsored by gentlemen in need of a place for their “young nieces” to live while the girls attended college. Everyone benefits. Until they don’t.
That’s where Liz steps in. Once the secret starts unraveling, everyone near the unravel is in danger, especially the girls. Only Liz, with a little help from Colleen and the resident ghosts of the house, can get everyone to safety before it’s too late. But once Liz starts protecting the girls, the killer starts chasing after her.
While it would have been a damper for her maid of honor to be handcuffed, it would be a absolute showstopper if the bride were in a bodybag.
I didn’t realize I was working on a theme when I started Lowcountry Bordello. Both the heroine of this book, and yesterday’s Between a Rock and a Hard Place, are brides who are heading to the altar sometime well after their 20s, and both women are planning their weddings while in the middle of solving murders.
I think that Pru Parke and Liz Talbot would probably get along like a house on fire.
But today is Liz’ day, at least for the book review. In the book, it almost isn’t Liz’ day to get married.
The Liz Talbot series (Lowcountry Boil, Lowcountry Bombshell, Lowcountry Boneyard) centers around the island of Stella Maris, just off the South Carolina coast near Charleston. Stella Maris has managed to remain a small and cozy town, in spite of its marvelous location and its proximity to bustling Charleston. Liz Talbot, and her entire family going back generations, are partially responsible for Stella Maris still being beautiful and livable. The other force that is responsible for keeping Stella Maris Stella Maris is currently named Colleen.
Colleen was Liz’ best friend when they were kids. But Colleen committed suicide when she was 17, and her ghost is the genius loci of Stella Maris. In other words, Colleen is the protective spirit of Stella Maris. (One is forced to wonder who has occupied the office before, and how they got there. A minor digression.)
So we have a mostly cozy mystery series with one slightly paranormal element. Liz sees Colleen, and Colleen occasionally helps Liz. And often still infuriates her. Because Liz’ presence on Stella Maris is deemed necessary by whatever powers that be, as long as Liz remains a Stella Maris resident and a member of the Stella Maris town council, she is Colleen’s liaison. And while Colleen is not supposed to directly help her friend, keeping Liz alive is important enough that the rules occasionally get bent.
Mostly in the manner of cryptic advice and instructions. Colleen can’t manifest and impact the world directly. At least not yet.
Liz’ matron of honor calls in the middle of the night that she’s found a dead body at her great aunt’s house in Charleston. By the time Liz takes the ferry, the body has been whisked away, as if by magic. No body, no evidence that there even was a body. Just Olivia, overdramatic as usual, insisting that she saw her husband dead on the floor of her great aunt’s house. Olivia’s husband Robert is home with the kids, wondering if all of his wife’s late night meandering is indicative of an affair.
And this is where things get interesting, as well as convoluted in the way that Liz business typically, and often dangerously as well as hilariously, does. Olivia’s great aunt is running a very high class whorehouse. A whorehouse in which Olivia “accidentally” became part owner upon the recent death of her other great aunt.
This story gets better. Or worse depending on who you are in it. Olivia is being blackmailed about owning the whorehouse. Not by just anyone, but by her own cousin, who is the handyman at said whorehouse, and mightily resents that Olivia has inherited the place instead of him.
But since Olivia’s husband is not dead, what happened to the body she saw? Or did Olivia imagine it? (Olivia is so much of a drama queen that it is entirely believable that she DID imagine it.) And then the body of a local politician turns up in the middle of a park, and suddenly Liz has a case to solve, less than a week before her wedding.
After all, it would ruin the ceremony if the police came to arrest her maid of honor before they get to the “I do’s”. Or even after.
In order to figure out who killed the politician, Liz has to find out what the man was doing at the whorehouse. And that’s where things get interesting. The solution hinges on discovering exactly who are the rich and powerful men who sponsor young women through college by setting them up in an expensive house with a big allowance as their “nieces”. There are a lot of dirty secrets involved (as well as one fascinating clean but kinky secret). And the men keeping those secrets have a lot to lose if they are exposed.
But which of them has enough on the line to kill for?
Escape Rating A-: Lowcountry Bordello, and the entire Liz Talbot series, always edge toward going over the top without actually getting there. Alternatively, the way that Liz’ life and family are portrayed is so much fun that the going over the top is part of the charm.
The stories are all told from Liz’ first person point of view. So we only see what she sees and know what she knows. So when the craziness is revealed to her, it is also revealed to us.
However, that first person point of view is sometimes especially poignant, particularly when it comes to Liz’ interactions with Colleen. Liz still misses her friend terribly, so when Colleen appears in the middle of the bridal party, dressed as one of the bridesmaids, as she absolutely would have been had she lived, it brings a tear to Liz’ eyes (and to the reader’s).
Part of what makes this series so much fun is Liz’ crazy family and equally crazy friends. But her friendships don’t just exist so that the author has a crazy person, in this case Olivia, to work with. Olivia and Liz are friends for excellent reasons that go back to the childhood they shared on Stella Maris. So much of what makes this series work, and makes the characters work together, are the relationships they built when they were kids.
The set up for this story is particularly hilarious. How does one come to accidentally own a whorehouse? Or even half a whorehouse? (It’s not often I get to use the word “whorehouse” in a review, I’m having a little too much fun with it.)
And yet, once Olivia’s place in this mess is established, it is so easy to see how things got out of hand. Her great aunts needed a way to keep their century-plus family home in the ritzy historical section of Charleston. Old houses need a lot of expensive upkeep. The old ladies started out taking in boarders, as one does. But then some of their kindly neighbors convinced them or colluded with them that it would be much more profitable for the old ladies if their boarding house was very exclusive and sponsored by gentlemen in need of a place for their “young nieces” to live while the girls attended college. Everyone benefits. Until they don’t.
That’s where Liz steps in. Once the secret starts unraveling, everyone near the unravel is in danger, especially the girls. Only Liz, with a little help from Colleen and the resident ghosts of the house, can get everyone to safety before it’s too late. But once Liz starts protecting the girls, the killer starts chasing after her.
While it would have been a damper for her maid of honor to be handcuffed, it would be a absolute showstopper if the bride were in a bodybag.
April 25, 2024
Another great read
It seems each novel in this series just gets better and better. This starts out strong with the cozy murder happening almost right away. Just days before her wedding, Liz finds herself investigating a murder and trying to keep one of her bridesmaids out of jail. Fast paced and it will keep you guessing.
It seems each novel in this series just gets better and better. This starts out strong with the cozy murder happening almost right away. Just days before her wedding, Liz finds herself investigating a murder and trying to keep one of her bridesmaids out of jail. Fast paced and it will keep you guessing.
December 6, 2022
I love the complexity of these mysteries and how the author takes the main characters (private investigators) through all the possibilities, helping you figure out the ending on your own - sometimes - LOL!!! LOVED the ending on this one particularly!
November 16, 2023
I love this series and this book continues the fun. Days away from the wedding does not stop Liz from taking on a case of happenings at a bordello. This has the right blend of humor, danger, romance, and suspense for a good mystery. Oh did I forget ghosts? I am hooked
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