Lowcountry Bookshop

Liz Talbot Mystery #7

by Susan M. Boyer

Lowcountry PI Liz Talbot returns to the streets of Charleston in the seventh installment of Susan M. Boyer’s USA TODAY bestselling mystery series. Between an epic downpour and a King Tide, those historic streets are flooded—and dangerous. A late night tragic accident along the Lower Battery leads Liz Talbot straight to her next case. Who’s the client? Well, now, therein lies the first puzzle. When the police arrive at the scene of the accident, Poppy Oliver claims she’s only trying to help. But the dent on the front of her Subaru and the victim’s injuries provoke a certain Charleston police detective’s suspicious nature. A wealthy, anonymous benefactor hires Liz and her partner Nate Andrews to prove Poppy Oliver’s innocence. What exactly was Poppy Oliver up to? Is she a random good Samaritan who happens upon the accident scene? Or perhaps this tragedy wasn’t an accident. She just might be his abused wife’s accomplice. Why does everyone involved in this case have a sudden burning urge for reading material, leading them to the same charming bookshop along the waterfront? From a risqué, exclusive club in an old plantation to an upscale resale shop in the historic King Street shopping district to a downtown graveyard crawling with ghosts, Liz tracks a group of women who band together to help victims of domestic violence. In her most challenging case yet, Liz fears she may find a killer, but justice may prove elusive. - - - - - - - - - - - - - LOWCOUNTRY BOOKSHOP by Susan M. Boyer A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Southern, Cozy, Chick Lit

272 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 29, 2018

About the author

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.

Reviews

[Obsidian · Rating 2 out of 5]

Oh I am annoyed I bought this. What a lackluster book. I used to really enjoy the "Liz Talbot" mysteries, but geez, the last three have been a bunch of well that happened. I think I was ultimately dissatisfied by the main mystery (how did a man end up in the middle of the road hit by a car) and then we still have the never ending nonsense with Liz and her dreams about the end of Stella Maris. Colleen is not in this one that much (not complaining) but she really doesn't add much to the book. The reveal at what went on I guessed at pretty early since that was the only explanation that made sense. I also felt frustrated because there doesn't seem to be any calling out on the people who are responsible for someone's death.

"Lowcountry Bookshop" has Liz and Nate hired by a mysterious client to keep a local mailwoman from being arrested for a hit and run. The mailwoman (Poppy) found a man she knows on her route dead in the middle of the road during a rain storm. Poppy didn't like him, and she claims he beat his wife. Though the police don't have enough evidence to charge Poppy yet, there doesn't seem to be another explanation. Liz and Nate investigate and find out about a hidden Charleston they knew nothing about.

Liz is still dealing with the fallout from her dreams about the end of Stella Maris and Nate dying. She dreams of two children who cannot possibly be hers and left a widow. Trying to work through that while also investigating a hit and run accident is a lot of her to do. Liz and Nate still make excellent partners and I love how they work together.

I have to say though when we get Colleen's terrible explanation behind Liz and her dream I don't get why Liz didn't go off on her. It made very little sense and I have to say that Colleen and her whole guardian angel of Stella Maris thing is wearing very thin with me. At first this was pretty cool, but it got a bit samey. I think Boyer did a smart thing with do to Colleen and her sticking her nose in with Liz and Nate has her sidelined from interfering with their investigations. However, doing that has made her not necessary to the story.

Liz is also dealing with her sister about to leave to get married and that also didn't ring very true. I wish we had a wedding to look forward to or something. Liz's whole family felt a bit flat in this one. I feel sad saying this, but even Liz and her crazy family were not enough to get me to enjoy this one. It just didn't ring true and felt very fake (the ghosts, pig, etc. was too much).

The secondary characters: Poppy, and some women with ties to a bookstore didn't really work. I liked the idea behind what the women were doing, but have to say that they actions were problematic.

The writing was typical Boyer. I hope you like hearing about delicious food, restaurants, clothing, and homes/rooms. The flow was okay, though I think that the book just didn't come together very well.

And as I said above, I didn't like the resolution since it left a stink on a good man and I didn't believe at all the why behind everything. I felt like we needed one more scene, or maybe more with the police to discuss what happened next. Instead that was left twisting in the wind.

[Judy Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and Henery Press for a digital galley of this novel.

Book number seven in the Liz Talbot Mystery series was another visit with the folks I've come to know in Stella Maris and Charleston, South Carolina. After reading one of these books I always have the strongest urge to fly to Charleston and eat in all the wonderful restaurants Liz goes to. But then I also want to be invited to Momma's house for either Wednesday dinner or Sunday lunch. Oh, well, I can dream. I also have this author to thank for getting me hooked on a particular soft drink her characters drink, but I'm not complaining about that.

Liz and her husband Nate have been hired by a Charleston attorney to investigate a case for a young woman who seems likely to be arrested for vehicular homicide. An anonymous client wants the case against Poppy Oliver fully investigated to keep her from being charged. According to Poppy she found the man dead in the road but the police aren't so sure about her just happening to find him. Especially when Poppy reveals that she thinks the man was abusing his wife and she wanted to help the woman.

The ghostly Colleen helps with this investigation by giving hints for Liz and Nate to follow. It's too bad Colleen can disappear into thin air just when Liz asks the hardest questions. Combining the sudden appearances by Colleen and the meetings in the haunted cemetery give this addition to the series a decided paranormal touch but not so much that it might ruin the story if you don't believe in those things. The close family ties keep the story warm and friendly even when the slightly over-the-top things keep happening to Liz's mother and father. The thought of what happened with the goats when they got into the house had me chuckling for a long time.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Number 7 is an outstanding episode in this series. It covers domestic violence and the shelters for the victims involved. Liz Talbot has been hired by an attorney to protect Poppy Oliver from arrest by the Charleston police as the hit and run driver that killed a man. He refused to inform Liz and Nate Andrews, her partner who hired him. Poppy was at the scene of the accident and called for help. The police feel that she hit the victim and is afraid to admit it. Her vehicle has a front dent. There is strong evidence that women are in abusive situations.Who hired the attorney and why is Liz and Nate's concern? Where are the two phones that the police review about the accident? What does the BOOKSHOP have to die in the accident? Of course, Colleen is there.


Disclosure: Many thanks to Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Meg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Awesome addition to series...4.5*

[Misty Partin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and can't recommend it enough-and Lowcountry Bookshop is no exception. This book, like the rest of the series, is a great, cozy mystery-light enough to keep it on the cozy side, but with enough detail and seriousness to keep you guessing. Think of it as an episode of The Mentalist versus Law and Order. The characters are believable and very real-they feel like people you know. The relationships draw you in. The plot keeps you guessing. Furthermore, if you love the South, Charleston, and especially if you (like me) have fond memories of growing up and living here, you will adore this series. There are scenes that are laugh-out-loud funny. I would love to describe one that made me laugh so hard I had tears on my face and my husband was very concerned, but I don't want to give away a single spoiler! You will simply have to read it for yourself! Trust me, you won't be disappointed. I already have recommended this series personally to all of my friends and family. You will be doing the same-and learning to make your own pimento cheese and drinking Cheerwine again while you plan your next Charleston visit.

[Aimee Nicole Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s much to enjoy about this series. What I appreciate most is that Liz and Nate don’t have a lot of conflict between them. They have an “us against the world” mentality instead of having constant strife in their relationship. I wish more authors realized this storytelling device is not only an option, but a very welcome one with a large populous of readers. Exterior conflict that allows the bond between characters to deepen and shine is a beautiful thing. Initially, I thought there was a bit too much time spent on chaotic Talbot family happenings, but it made more sense in the end. I adore the quirky family, and I like where Blake’s storyline is headed.

[RO G'ma · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lowcountry Bookshop is the seventh book in Susan Boyer’s Liz Talbot Mystery series. Ms. Boyer provided enough character background that this book can be read as a standalone. There is no gratuitous sex or violence, but there is a little more adult language than one usually finds in a cozy. This is an easy read and moves along at a relaxed but steady pace, providing readers with a well-crafted mystery, well-developed characters, Southern charm, humorous situations, and just a touch of paranormal. There are plenty of twists and turns and the reveal was surprising.

Liz Talbot and her husband, Nate Andrews, are private investigators and live in Stella Maris, South Carolina. Liz’s friend, Colleen, is a ghost and Liz and Nate are the only ones who can see and communicate with her. Colleen is the island’s guardian angel and her assignment is to prevent the population from growing, but she looks out for Liz and Nate and sometimes gets herself in trouble with her superiors. Liz’s family is a hoot and her dad, Frank, has a talent for getting on her mom, Carolyn’s, nerves. The problem this time is a trio of pygmy goats he acquired so the yard wouldn’t need to be mowed and her dad purchasing a swimming pool franchise and hiring two untrained people (Frank’s cousin, Ponder, and Ray Kennedy) and to run the company and install a pool in their back yard. Merry, Liz’s sister, and her fiancé, Joe Eaddy, are preparing for a three-week trip to Patagonia where they will be married, needless to say, Merry and Liz’s parents aren’t happy to be excluded from the ceremony. Liz also has a brother, Blake, who is the Chief of Police for a Charleston County town; their mother wishes he would find the right girl and settle down rather than dating so many women.

Rutledge and Ratcliff, a law firm, hire Nate and Liz on behalf of an undisclosed client to investigate a possible hit-and-run accident that killed Phillip Drayton in front of his home on a rainy night. Poppy Jayne Oliver, a mail carrier, finds the body and insists she didn’t hit him even though her car has front-end damage. Poppy has a special relationship with many of the people she delivers mail to and is convinced Mr. Drayton was abusing his wife, Anne Frances, but has no proof. His wife stands to inherit everything and Daniel John Drayton told Detective Sonny Ravenel that he believes Anne Frances had something to do with his older brother’s death. Colleen assures Liz that Poppy is innocent, but Liz and Nate need proof before the case can be solved. Liz and Nate are well organized and methodical in their investigations and leave no stone unturned as they research people’s backgrounds and question potential suspects.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

LOWCOUNTRY BOOKSHOP, the seventh book in the popular Liz Talbot Mystery Series, is a delightful trip to Charleston, South Carolina, full of rich food, local color, bright characters, and a complex mystery to solve.

In this installment, we find private investigators Liz and Nate hired by an anonymous client through a law firm, tasked with proving mail carrier Poppy Oliver’s innocence. Poppy swears that she happened across Phillip Drayton’s body in the street in front of his house, but the police have other ideas since she was found at the scene with a suspicious dent in her car. What begins as a fact finding mission for a seemingly simple case soon becomes a complex mystery for our intrepid pair to solve. And, what does a local bookstore have to do with it all?

Boyer’s characters are what keep me coming back to this fun series. Liz and Nate are relatable, organized, and smart investigators. There are no bumbling amateurs here. Well developed and engaging, I can easily imagine that we would be friends in real life. Poppy is one of the gentlest suspects I have come across in a long while. Her heart is as big as the South, and, like the characters in the book, I want to take her under my wing and protect her. Liz’s family is a hoot, and I adore the laugh-out-loud scenes in which they appear. Oh my, pygmy goats! These light hearted bits really balance the heavier subject in the book.

The mystery starts out seemingly straight forward but quickly proves to be complicated. It kept me guessing for a good part of the book. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, including the victim’s brother and wife, a would-be stalker, a nurse, private club owner, and a socialite, among others. It is amazing how a random choice here and there can lead to someone’s demise. I enjoyed following along with Liz and Nate to solve the case (and tagging along on their fabulous dinner dates and family dinners).

LOWCOUNTRY BOOKSHOP can easily be read as a standalone mystery, but I recommend the entire series to fans of cozy mysteries, especially to readers who enjoy a fantastic Southern setting, interesting characters, and a few laugh-out-loud moments.

I received an ARC of this title through NetGalley from the publisher and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily submitting an honest review.
Liz and Nate are back! Hired by a mysterious client, Liz and Nate investigate a rainy night accident. But was young Poppy really there as a Good Samaritan, as she claims, or did she have more sinister motives?
How does a local book store fit in? What is the significance of the clues left in a book in the shop?
While dealing with the details of the case, Liz also has to manage her family's newest crisis, brought about by her father, involving a pool, drunken workers and livestock.
The book's details are amazing, and make you long to be in Charleston. The characters are really well-developed, and have grown through the series. They seem more like friends than characters in a book.
Lots of great plot twists, and humor to lighten at just the right time.
I finished satisfied with the ending, yet anxious for the next installment.
One of my favorite authors, and a series I can always depend on to entertain me.

[Jessica Robbins · Rating 4 out of 5]

*I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

What an incredible addition to this series! We get follow Liz as she investigates what may be a hit and run murder or it could be something else. Her P.I. duo is hired through some odd means and the questions just keep piling up from there. Of course these all lead to a conclusion that I really did not see coming which is always nice. I love the addition of the guardian spirit as this provides a nice added element to this series which really gives it some flair. If you are looking for a good suspenseful murder mystery book/series then I highly recommend that you try this one. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this installment did not disappoint! Ms. Boyer knows her characters and her setting. She stays true to both in this series. This book has a lot of twists and turns which makes you want to keep reading! I love the setting of my home town of Charleston! It’s wonderful to be familiar with the streets and the family names that pop up. I also love the touch of paranormal with Liz’s friend who died in high school showing up to help the private investigators! I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Southern mysteries, interesting characters and surprise endings. This book was gifted to me by the author for purposes of an unbiased review.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Spoilers

This series gets better with each book. I cannot wait to see what happens in the next one. The setting is beautiful, I can see Charleston and Stella Maris as I read. The mystery always has me guessing up to the end. I would love to have these people in my family. Always a fun read!

[JoAnne McMaster (Any Good Book) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Liz Talbot and her husband Nate Andrews are called to the offices of Rutledge and Radcliffe, she really doesn’t want to go, as her relationship with Fraser Rutledge isn’t the best. But a chance meeting with Detective Sonny Ravenel changes that. He’s being stalked by a mail carrier named Poppy Oliver who insists she didn’t hit anyone with her car, but was trying to help him.

It is only because of her ghostly friend Colleen’s insistence that she meet with Rutledge that she does so. And when she finds out that he wants them to find out who actually hit Phillip Drayton - because he believes it wasn’t Poppy, that they agree to investigate. While they’re not ready to take Poppy off the suspect list just yet, they’re both almost positive she had nothing to do with it. But when Liz and Nate start looking for the truth, what they find is a network designed so well that it will take all their resources and wits to get to the heart of the matter before it’s too late to save Poppy from being wrongfully jailed for the crime.

Once Liz and Nate start their investigation it all seems straightforward - they're trying to find out if it was a hit-and-run, and Poppy was involved in the accident. But once they receive a report that states Mr. Drayton was also tased, pepper-sprayed and attacked with a mini-knife, then things start to get sticky. Because if it wasn't Poppy, who was filled with enough anger to kill this man? Poppy is insistent that his wife was a victim of domestic violence; his brother Daniel insists his widow Anne Frances had something to do with it; and there are just enough other suspects to make Liz and Nate's work difficult.

But during the investigation, they wonder what a bookstore has to do with it, or a limousine that comes and goes, or even a wealthy society matron that seems to be the key to it all. Liz and Nate will have to go deep and don disguises to find the truth and soon, because Sonny is ready to arrest Poppy and charge her with murder...

Once again Ms. Boyer has written a wonderful tale full of intrigue and secrets, one that involves an underground network designed to save those who are unable to save themselves. While it soon becomes apparent to Liz what is going on, it will take longer before she and Nate have the proof they need to conclude their investigation, as they must do so without innocent people being hurt.

But there is a bit of humor within the story as well. While Liz and Nate have their hands full with the investigation, Liz’s father doesn’t know how close he’s coming to being ejected from his own home. When he adds to his little menagerie of his dog and pot-bellied pig with a trio of pygmy goats, his wife has just about had it. And when those goats are not only defiling her home but those of her neighbors, she is close to a nervous breakdown. It does not help one whit that he has also hired a couple of inept men to help build a pool that they have no skill in doing. So Liz and Nate must do their best to keep her parents’ marriage on solid ground while treading lightly around it.

Weaving these two stories together - one serious and the other with levity - is no easy feat, but Ms. Boyer has managed to do so in an easy fashion. Her writing flows and the words come together on the page effortlessly; her characters are full-bodied and believable; they are lively people with their own personalities. Her description of the Charleston area is well-done; I would like to visit one day and dine at some of the restaurants. She never disappoints in her tales, and this one is no different.

I was fully engrossed in the details and descriptions, and actually felt sorry for Nate at one point (and those who read the story will know what I am talking about); and were even given to see that there might be something good on the horizon for Liz's brother Blake (if you are paying attention, you can figure it out as you go).

All in all, this is another captivating tale that will have you hooked from the very first sentence until the end. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another phenomenal episode in the Liz Talbot series! There is no way you can start reading this book and put it down without finishing it. Another phenomenal episode in the Liz Talbot series! There is no way you can start reading this book and put it down without finishing it. It has a little humor and a little paranormal intervention from Carolyn, the guardian angel for the town. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, this series is a fun one to follow from the beginning! Liz and her husband, Nate are PIs with all the bells and whistles, like tracking and hearing devices. This book has so many red-herrings and twists and turns that when things come together in the end, you are very surprised. Liz and Nate are hired through a law firm by an undisclosed client to find out what really happened when Phillip Drayton was hit by a car and killed. The main suspect, the mail delivery girl, Poppy was found over the body with the victims cell phone in her hand and her old car had dents in it. Nate and Liz do not believe the accident, or was it, was Poppy's doing and their investigation takes them in so many turns it makes their head spin! Some how connected seems to be a bookshop where people go in, go to a specific book, leave a bookmark and leave. How is that connected? Or is it something else. We know on of the matriarchs of the town is involved with a few of her friends with rescuing and helping abused wives leave their husbands and hide. Why has Phillip's widow went looking for help, was he an abuser? So many left turns and suspects that when you get a right one you still aren't sure you are on the right track! I can't wait for Liz and Nate's newest adventure. I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. Although this book can be read as a stand alone, this series is a fun one to follow from the beginning! Liz and her husband, Nate are PIs with all the bells and whistles, like tracking and hearing devices. This book has so many red-herrings and twists and turns that when things come together in the end, you are very surprised. Liz and Nate are hired through a law firm by an undisclosed client to find out what really happened when Phillip Drayton was hit by a car and killed. The main suspect, the mail delivery girl, Poppy was found over the body with the victims cell phone in her hand and her old car had dents in it. Nate and Liz do not believe the accident, or was it, was Poppy's doing and their investigation takes them in so many turns it makes their head spin! Some how connected seems to be a bookshop where people go in, go to a specific book, leave a bookmark and leave. How is that connected? Or is it something else. We know on of the matriarchs of the town is involved with a few of her friends with rescuing and helping abused wives leave their husbands and hide. Why has Phillip's widow went looking for help, was he an abuser? So many left turns and suspects that when you get a right one you still aren't sure you are on the right track! I can't wait for Liz and Nate's newest adventure. I received and ARC from the author, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liz Talbot and her husband/partner Nate have a different PI job this time. They do not know who their client is. They just know they have a mission to help a woman unjustly accused of an error They are looking into the death of a local well-known man, believed to have been run over during a heavy rainfall by the local mail carrier, Poppy. Though the local police think Poppy is guilty and just afraid to confess, Liz and Nate decide the story just does not make sense and do not think Poppy is guilty (or even capable) of running over anyone. In addition, if Poppy is to blame, why is someone paying them to find out what really happened? This is a fascinating and sometimes humorous tale of how Liz and her partner delve right into the death mystery, uncovering a myriad of clues and strange happenings/connections. In the middle of all this, we see Liz’s quirky family in all its glory. Her father has adopted goats and a pig, as well as contracting to have a pool put into the backyard, much to the dismay of Liz’s mother (who is already upset at Liz’s sister’s impending nuptials in some far off, strange land with no family present). Finally, once again, the people, history and culture of Stella Maris, the island off the shores of Charleston, as well as the very Southern enclave of geniality, Charleston, provide a welcome and remembered setting.

I have read all the books in this series, and, all I can say is, they just keep getting better and better. I really like the way the author has portrayed Liz and Nate. Though not there are the outset, the author has incorporated Nate right into the story line. In addition, the author makes good use of Liz’s and her family’s backgrounds in Charleston, including just enough to make things believable but not overpoweringly historical. As usual, the characters are well done and realistic. I likewise enjoy the interplay between Nate and Liz, not too much to detract from the mystery, and yet enough to see their close personal and professional union and teamwork. This is a great book for anyone who has already enjoyed others in the series. It is also a good cozy for a new reader. There may be some questions about back story, but not enough to detract from the story. This book will also appeal to anyone who enjoys the people, history and culture of the Low Country. I received this from NetGalley to read and review.

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book for free from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

My Review Of
LOWCOUNTRY BOOKSHOP A Liz Talbot Mystery by Susan M. Boyer

This book is a series but may be read as a standalone. I am a mystery addict so I was so excited to start reading this recent addition to the series. Liz Talbot and her husband run a detective agency along with the help of her best friend who just happens to have died many years ago and is now a ghost! The subject of domestic violence is a main topic in this story, the author did a respectable job of writing about it. Liz's mother continues to amuse with her over the top dramatics, maybe not so over the top since she has to deal with goats, a pig and a huge gaping hole in her backyard that is supposed to be  swimming pool. Poppy, a mail carrier is under suspicion of a hit and run, an anonymous client has hired Liz's agency to clear Poppy of this before it is to late and she gets charged formally. There is so much drama in this book that I zipped through this in one sitting. Liz and her husband work hard to find out who the mystery client is because that is the key to solving the murder. The victims brother was a colorful character and I would love to see him appear again in this series. I am attached to Liz's family because they are so colorful and quirky. The setting of Charleston was described very accurately, I loved this setting. This story took quite an unexpected turn in the end, one that I did not see coming.

This is a very enjoyable book, well written, quirky but lovable characters and an A+ mystery. I look forward to the next book in this series!

This review was originally posted on My Fiction Obsession

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this adventure with PIs Liz and Nate. Once again they are back on the mainland, working in Charleston. They have been hired through a legal firm by an anonymous person, who wants the hit and run of a well to do Charleston gentleman thoroughly investigated. This person is sure that Poppy, the mail carrier, who is the number one suspect is innocent.

Once again, Nate and Liz work closely together to figure out the case. They are often in disguise in this story and their interactions are quite humorous. The Charleston Society Members are out in full force in this story, not only helping to solve it, but partying the night away at a very private club. Between the interviews they do, the surveillance from a B&B across the street and their partying to get close to the rich, they pick up clues that they must piece together in their usual way. This book also dealt with the important issues of abuse (spousal or relationship) and the dangers of living on an island with no bridge. Colleen was once again popping in and out. Now that Nate can see her, he gets a bit stressed out. She gives them hints and clues along the way, but from the start, she was adamant that Poppy was innocent. She was the major focus of the island and evacuation line in the story. Liz's family was hilarious in this book. I do not want to give anything away in that area, but suffice it to say that I have never seen Liz's mom so upset. If you love the south, enjoy a cozy or like to laugh at life and families, pick up the newest book in this series. You will love it. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Edelweiss.

[Reeca Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just adore this series. All the stories are light and funny and such great mysteries. This one is no different. Liz has been pulled into a murder because she is positive Poppy is innocent. There is no way, in Liz's mind, that Poppy ran over and killed Phillip Drayton. Now, to find out exactly what happened and who is responsible.
Let's start with the some of the characters in this story. I love Colleen. She is a ghost...yes you heard me....a ghost. You cannot have a story set in Charleston without a ghost. The city is rampant with them. She helps Liz with her work! As a matter of fact, Liz can hardly solve a mystery without her. Then there is Nate. Nate is Liz's hot husband. Not only is he a stud...he is a southern gentleman to boot! He is soooo dreamy. Then, there are Liz's parents. These two crack me up, especially about the goats...you need to read this book...just for the goats.
The characters make this book. The mystery is a little thin in this one. But...I really read it for the great characters. Need a good series...pick these up. So funny and entertaining!
I received this novel from Edelweiss for a honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars

I love the Liz Talbot "Lowcountry" cozy mysteries. Liz and Nate are the perfect couple/investigative partners. Her disguises crack me up. I wonder how there is room in her car for her with all the stuff she carries around with her. Ha!! It simply amazes me how she always gets away with them.

In this, the 7th book of the series, it focuses on a bookshop that holds a secret. A secret so big, not even the owners know what it is. This secret plays a very important part in the book. A part that is very interesting in the way things are done. I admire this secret tremendously. (There's a spoiler for you or is it an enticement? Ha!!)

This book starts out with a hit and run accident and the mail carrier is the "usual suspect" as she is found at the scene and just happens to have a dent in the front of her car. Of course, what actually happened in this accident is discovered near the end of the book and no one, ever, could guess it.

An excellent series that I thoroughly enjoy and can't wait for the next one!

Thanks to Henery Press and Net Galley for providing me with a free e-galley in exchange for an honest, unbiased review.

[jennyreadit · Rating 4 out of 5]

The seventh in the series of this mystery set in Charleston. A pair of married PI's are hired by an anonymous client to investigate a late night hit & run of a prominent Charleston man. Intertwined with domestic violence and the chaos of goats, a pig, a dog and a "doing it myself" swimming pool at her parents, Liz & Nate once again take the reader on a mystery through the most intriguing cemeteries in the south. Mrs. Boyer obviously does her research when writing this series. I absolutely love the way she infuses and describes historical Charleston landmarks within this series. Even though I live in SC, I always learn something new about Charleston when I read her books.
https://scaresandhauntsofcharleston.w...
Some refer to this series as a "cozy mystery." Even though Liz & Nate's best assistance is a ghost, all the characters are like people you actually would like to get to know and the plot is not overly contrived.
I'm looking forward to #8 and based on the hints throughout the book, I am thinking it might be a setting change to Greenville! If so, I can't wait to see what landmarks Susan M. Boyer includes in it!

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charleston P.I. Liz Talbot investigates a hit-and-run accident after a lawyer hires her and her partner to clear popular mail carrier, Poppy, of any wrong doing. Luckily, even though the identity of the person who hired the lawyer is confidential, they have the assistance of the ghost of her best friend, Colleen, to help them. While I have only read the first book in the series, skipping to the seventh one was not an issue as the stories stand well alone. Especially the underlying theme of domestic abuse raises the bar on the relevance of this one. Interesting and well-written.

Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.

[Mary Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

A post office worker is accused of hitting a man in the street, but she proclaims her innocence. Liz and her husband, Nate, are private investigators who are hired by the attorney hired to prove her innocence. Along the way, they discover that a bookshop in Charleston, SC is being used to help women get away from their abusive partners. They are hidden at a club that is very exclusive.

The story was interesting at times and fun at other times, but there were times that I was not thrilled with the story and was grateful that the story was not over 300 pages long.

[Elaine C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liz and Nate are hired by a law firm in Charleston for a client they won’t name to prove the innocence of a Good Samaritan! I love that they’ve moved off of the tiny island of Stella Maris for this book, but I find it hard to believe that a solid husband like Liz’s dad would do some of the crazy stuff he does in this book!!! The mystery, as usual, had a lot of twists and turns, leading in one direction, only to find yourself rethinking all that you know! I also love the disguises they use - adds a little spice to it all!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a deeper cozy mystery than normal. Filled with southern charm, the story touches on domestic violence and will leave you eagerly turning the pages until the very end.

This is only the third book I have read in the series, so I am still learning the relationships of all the characters.
I am looking forward to catching up with this series.

I volunteered to read an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

WAIT! WHAT?

I positively refuse to accept that there isn't an eighth book waiting for me! This has been a GREAT series. No, it's been wayyyy better than that. Fun, with twists and turns, that you rarely see coming, and all told in an authentic Southern voice. But since there isn't an eighth book...yet...I'!l do the next best thing.....start with book one and enjoy all seven books all over again.

[Bridgette · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book in the series felt as though it was churned out to meet a deadline. I'm not accustomed to saying this about Susan M. Boyer, so I put off reviewing for a few days. Even after I let it simmer, the time I spent reading this felt a bit wasted. Colleen's finally spilling her reason for putting Liz's nightmares into motion was enough to make me want to clobber the ghost. It feels like Liz , and the series, has lost direction.

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did PreOrder this book. always do. I love this series ... Susan can not go wrong ... I love her humor, love her style ... love her covers ... those are art in themselves ... if you are new to mystery and would take a chance on a new author check out Susan ... I pray to meet her one day ... love her style.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are pearls of wisdom tucked in this “cozy mystery” series, for instance: “Focus on shining the light wherever you can and let God worry about the big picture. You cannot live in fear. Fear is the first step down a dark path. You are meant to walk in the light.”
A fun read, with a surprise ending.

[Linda Smatzny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is about a man who is killed by a hit and run driver and good person who stopped to help but the police seem to think that person is the driver. Also the story discovers a group of women who help abused women and must decide how to do the right thing. The book was an easy read.

[June · Rating 2 out of 5]

Did not finish. Any book with bookshop in the title draws me in, but this one isn’t really connected to a bookshop—at least not that I saw in the first five chapters. I stopped listening after that point, as nothing was really happening.