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Liz Talbot Mystery #1
Lowcountry Boil
Private Investigator Liz Talbot is a modern Southern belle: she blesses hearts and takes names. She carries her Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag, and her golden retriever, Rhett, rides shotgun in her hybrid Escape. When her grandmother is murdered, Liz high-tails it back to her South Carolina island home to find the killer. She’s fit to be tied when her police-chief brother shuts her out of the investigation, so she opens her own. Then her long-dead best friend pops in and things really get complicated. When more folks start turning up dead in this small seaside town, Liz must use more than just her wits and charm to keep her family safe, chase down clues from the hereafter, and catch a psychopath before he catches her.
362 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2012
1772 people are currently reading
17797 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 957 reviews
September 30, 2024
4⭐
Genre ~ cozy mystery
Series ~ Liz Talbot #1
Setting ~ South Carolina
Publication date ~ book ~ October 29, 2022, audio ~ June 11, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 316 (55 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 34 minutes
Narrator ~ Tiffany Morgan
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ murder, suicide references, ghost/guardian angel
Liz is back in her hometown because Grandma was murdered. She’s a PI, so she’s ready to get to the bottom of who killed sweet grandma and why. Love that she knows what she’s doing as opposed to an amateur sleuth who doesn’t have a clue and makes super dumb choices. Not our Liz. She’s strong and smart.
There are quite an abundance of characters to keep track of, with common names like Michael, Adam and Scott making me get them confused once in a while. A good mix of good and bad characters kept me engaged. We even have the ghost of Liz’s bff to help keep it interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I probably wouldn’t have picked this one up had it not been for a hoopla bonus borrow. Glad I did because I’ll probably read the rest of the series.
Narration notes:
She did a good job. Sounded southern, which I appreciated for authenticity.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
Genre ~ cozy mystery
Series ~ Liz Talbot #1
Setting ~ South Carolina
Publication date ~ book ~ October 29, 2022, audio ~ June 11, 2023
Est Page Count ~ 316 (55 chapters)
Audio length ~ 11 hours 34 minutes
Narrator ~ Tiffany Morgan
POV ~ single 1st
Featuring ~ murder, suicide references, ghost/guardian angel
Liz is back in her hometown because Grandma was murdered. She’s a PI, so she’s ready to get to the bottom of who killed sweet grandma and why. Love that she knows what she’s doing as opposed to an amateur sleuth who doesn’t have a clue and makes super dumb choices. Not our Liz. She’s strong and smart.
There are quite an abundance of characters to keep track of, with common names like Michael, Adam and Scott making me get them confused once in a while. A good mix of good and bad characters kept me engaged. We even have the ghost of Liz’s bff to help keep it interesting.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. I probably wouldn’t have picked this one up had it not been for a hoopla bonus borrow. Glad I did because I’ll probably read the rest of the series.
Narration notes:
She did a good job. Sounded southern, which I appreciated for authenticity.
Connect with me ➡ Blog ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
March 29, 2016
RE-READ: 06/12/2015
My thoughts are pretty much the same. I was so impressed with Liz's strength (emotional strength) when she Wow, way to be a strong woman who makes smart decisions! <3
...
This book starts with Liz and Nate, private investigators, watching a rabbit. The rabbit starts to run. They chase him. He pulls a gun on them saying, "I'm not giving that bitch a dime."
A page later, we find out that this is a man dressed up like Harvey.
Boyer played that opening scene perfectly, making her readers wonder if they've fallen into some bizarre version of Alice in Wonderland.
It only gets better from there.
Next, Liz's childhood friend who drowned shows up. Yes, as a ghost. She starts giving Liz cryptic advice. "Come home," she whispers, before disappearing. Liz shakes it off. Moments later, her brother calls her with the news that her grandmother's dead.
She's been murdered.
That's only the first chapter.
I adored this book. Mysteries are so hard to do right. There's a ton out there that are almost romance novels - super cutesy and involving love interests. Then there's the dark, gruesome mysteries, where you're in the head of some guy who's torturing and murdering women.
This is a nice balance between those two extremes.
Liz has deliberately moved away from her small town coastal home to make a life for herself in the big city. Partly to prove her independence, and partly to get away from Michael - the one who got away. He still lives in her hometown and is married to the biggest jerk in history, Marci.
But now that Gram's dead, Liz needs to solve the mystery. Her brother Blake, the chief of police, sure doesn't want her around. And her little sister Merry has some kind of scheme going. The town is filled with those colorful small town characters that one always finds in these sorts of books.
There's a real Southern flavor to this book, and I enjoyed the Southern slang, Southern food, and Southern climate that is portrayed so well in this novel.
I adored Liz's character. She is intelligent, strong-willed, and stands up to who needs standing up to. But she's not abrasive, she's a southern lady with southern manners. I really, really admired how she stood up to the men in her life, from her overprotective older brother to her skeevy ex-husband, to Michael - the man she's been pining over for years. She really has her head on straight. She's far from perfect, and she's no superwoman, but instead a nice blend of weaknesses and strengths.
This book isn't deep literature. It's not going to make you think about 'issues' or teach you something about the meaning of life. It's a quick fun read - but it's not stupid. That's my biggest complaint about light-hearted mysteries - they're too fluffy and stupid. It was such a relief to read a book that was funny at times, serious at times, with a character who could hold her own with men (instead of falling all over herself to get in bed with them), and a real solid familial feeling of a small town where everyone knows everyone.
A really solid mystery with a gripping plot, TONS of twists, and a strong heroine who uses her head.
My thoughts are pretty much the same. I was so impressed with Liz's strength (emotional strength) when she Wow, way to be a strong woman who makes smart decisions! <3
...
This book starts with Liz and Nate, private investigators, watching a rabbit. The rabbit starts to run. They chase him. He pulls a gun on them saying, "I'm not giving that bitch a dime."
A page later, we find out that this is a man dressed up like Harvey.
Boyer played that opening scene perfectly, making her readers wonder if they've fallen into some bizarre version of Alice in Wonderland.
It only gets better from there.
Next, Liz's childhood friend who drowned shows up. Yes, as a ghost. She starts giving Liz cryptic advice. "Come home," she whispers, before disappearing. Liz shakes it off. Moments later, her brother calls her with the news that her grandmother's dead.
She's been murdered.
That's only the first chapter.
I adored this book. Mysteries are so hard to do right. There's a ton out there that are almost romance novels - super cutesy and involving love interests. Then there's the dark, gruesome mysteries, where you're in the head of some guy who's torturing and murdering women.
This is a nice balance between those two extremes.
Liz has deliberately moved away from her small town coastal home to make a life for herself in the big city. Partly to prove her independence, and partly to get away from Michael - the one who got away. He still lives in her hometown and is married to the biggest jerk in history, Marci.
But now that Gram's dead, Liz needs to solve the mystery. Her brother Blake, the chief of police, sure doesn't want her around. And her little sister Merry has some kind of scheme going. The town is filled with those colorful small town characters that one always finds in these sorts of books.
There's a real Southern flavor to this book, and I enjoyed the Southern slang, Southern food, and Southern climate that is portrayed so well in this novel.
I adored Liz's character. She is intelligent, strong-willed, and stands up to who needs standing up to. But she's not abrasive, she's a southern lady with southern manners. I really, really admired how she stood up to the men in her life, from her overprotective older brother to her skeevy ex-husband, to Michael - the man she's been pining over for years. She really has her head on straight. She's far from perfect, and she's no superwoman, but instead a nice blend of weaknesses and strengths.
This book isn't deep literature. It's not going to make you think about 'issues' or teach you something about the meaning of life. It's a quick fun read - but it's not stupid. That's my biggest complaint about light-hearted mysteries - they're too fluffy and stupid. It was such a relief to read a book that was funny at times, serious at times, with a character who could hold her own with men (instead of falling all over herself to get in bed with them), and a real solid familial feeling of a small town where everyone knows everyone.
A really solid mystery with a gripping plot, TONS of twists, and a strong heroine who uses her head.
September 25, 2012
I found this book to be a totally charming read. The author’s voice and writing style are cozy-mystery in tone but the protagonist here is a professional private investigator (as opposed to a nosey heroine we find in so many cozies!)
The story opens with Liz coming home for her grandmother’s funeral, only to learn from her brother, the local chief of police, that the death is far from natural. She also discovers that her grandmother has bequeath her house to Liz. Liz’s first inclination is to solve her grandmother’s death then head back to her home in Georgia. But she finds herself on the local city council and neck-deep in small community gossip and politics.
I really liked this heroine. I love that the author didn’t give us another bumbling heroine who keeps her gun in a cookie jar! Liz is strong, confident, carries a gun in her purse (and knows how to use it!), can give a round kick that will lay an attacker on his back and keeps a golden retriever as a body-guard. But if you’re familiar with goldens at all, he’s not the most vicious dog around! I loved the southern feel that the author captures on every page.
I’m looking forward to the next books in the series as we didn’t get to spend much time with Liz’s PI partner…and I’m interested in learning more there. We did get an introduction to Liz’s ex, Michael, a married man who still carries an Olympic-sized flame for Liz. Lots of potential for some future romance for Liz but with which one?
And one more thing…Liz’s dead friend is still keeping her company!
So we have a ghost, a strong heroine, a hunky ex, a hunky PI partner, a golden retriever, small town gossip and politics, a murder mystery and a southern setting. What’s not to like?
The story opens with Liz coming home for her grandmother’s funeral, only to learn from her brother, the local chief of police, that the death is far from natural. She also discovers that her grandmother has bequeath her house to Liz. Liz’s first inclination is to solve her grandmother’s death then head back to her home in Georgia. But she finds herself on the local city council and neck-deep in small community gossip and politics.
I really liked this heroine. I love that the author didn’t give us another bumbling heroine who keeps her gun in a cookie jar! Liz is strong, confident, carries a gun in her purse (and knows how to use it!), can give a round kick that will lay an attacker on his back and keeps a golden retriever as a body-guard. But if you’re familiar with goldens at all, he’s not the most vicious dog around! I loved the southern feel that the author captures on every page.
I’m looking forward to the next books in the series as we didn’t get to spend much time with Liz’s PI partner…and I’m interested in learning more there. We did get an introduction to Liz’s ex, Michael, a married man who still carries an Olympic-sized flame for Liz. Lots of potential for some future romance for Liz but with which one?
And one more thing…Liz’s dead friend is still keeping her company!
So we have a ghost, a strong heroine, a hunky ex, a hunky PI partner, a golden retriever, small town gossip and politics, a murder mystery and a southern setting. What’s not to like?
November 25, 2017
This is a review of the audio and first installment in this fun cozy mystery series. I think for the second book, I will read it rather than listen because the narrator's southern accent did not sound genuine to me. I'm from North Carolina and have lived in South Carolina, too, and it was the "southern accent where you sound like you are talking with something in your mouth!" 😂
Accent aside, this was an entertaining mystery with engaging characters and even a ghost. The Lowcountry is one of my favorite places on earth, so the setting worked perfectly. I adored the main character, Liz, and I can't wait to read what escapades she's up to next. Overall, a great start to the series.
Accent aside, this was an entertaining mystery with engaging characters and even a ghost. The Lowcountry is one of my favorite places on earth, so the setting worked perfectly. I adored the main character, Liz, and I can't wait to read what escapades she's up to next. Overall, a great start to the series.
September 8, 2012
Y'ALL. There's a reason this book won a Daphne -- several reasons, actually. If you like fantastic, funny mysteries with a great cast of very real characters, run -- don't walk -- to the nearest bookstore or amazon link and order a copy of LOWCOUNTRY BOIL.
I admit, I completely felt like Susan M. Boyer wrote a mystery just for little ol' me. The heroine is a smartassed PI who doesn't know how to listen to her well-meaning and over-protective big brother and has a healthy helping of hunky guys hanging around. Liz Talbot also happens to have a dog named Rhett, and affinities for the beach and Kenny Chesney. Oh, and a mamma who owns a cast iron skillet, makes mean deviled eggs, and loves Estee Lauder lipstick. Familiar, anyone who's ever met me?
But seriously -- this one is a keeper. Full of mystery, fun, food, and several twists that I never saw coming, it's the kind of book that compels you to read it in a single sitting. Witness, I am still in my PJs at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, and that horrific grumbling is my stomach complaining that I've eaten nothing today because I was so engrossed in the goings-on in Stella Maris (which, by the by, I am so sad isn't an actual place, because I want to go there).
I'm off to make some chicken salad. You should be off to pre-order this book. In the interest of full disclosure, I read a pre-publication advance copy, but was under no obligation to review it or say nice things about it. It is an amazing read, though, and it'll be out in just 10 days, so go reserve it. You can thank me in 11 days.
I admit, I completely felt like Susan M. Boyer wrote a mystery just for little ol' me. The heroine is a smartassed PI who doesn't know how to listen to her well-meaning and over-protective big brother and has a healthy helping of hunky guys hanging around. Liz Talbot also happens to have a dog named Rhett, and affinities for the beach and Kenny Chesney. Oh, and a mamma who owns a cast iron skillet, makes mean deviled eggs, and loves Estee Lauder lipstick. Familiar, anyone who's ever met me?
But seriously -- this one is a keeper. Full of mystery, fun, food, and several twists that I never saw coming, it's the kind of book that compels you to read it in a single sitting. Witness, I am still in my PJs at 2:30 on Saturday afternoon, and that horrific grumbling is my stomach complaining that I've eaten nothing today because I was so engrossed in the goings-on in Stella Maris (which, by the by, I am so sad isn't an actual place, because I want to go there).
I'm off to make some chicken salad. You should be off to pre-order this book. In the interest of full disclosure, I read a pre-publication advance copy, but was under no obligation to review it or say nice things about it. It is an amazing read, though, and it'll be out in just 10 days, so go reserve it. You can thank me in 11 days.
September 21, 2020
Solid 3.5 stars, and a lot of fun. Boyer is from SC and it shows in all the local references.
July 8, 2012
Susan M. Boyer has written a clever mystery with an engaging female detective in Liz Talbot, a true "Steel Magnolia." She carries a Sig 9 and faces danger head on while keeping the gracious manners of a true Southern belle (although her mother has to remind her to wear lipstick).
I loved the Low Country setting on her fictional but realistic island of Stella Maris, South Carolina. You will hunger for the Southern and Low Country food, yearn for the beautiful beach setting, and bite your nails as you read this fast paced thriller.
LOWCOUNTRY BOIL is beautifully written, has intriguing twists, and is full of interesting Low Country details.
I loved the Low Country setting on her fictional but realistic island of Stella Maris, South Carolina. You will hunger for the Southern and Low Country food, yearn for the beautiful beach setting, and bite your nails as you read this fast paced thriller.
LOWCOUNTRY BOIL is beautifully written, has intriguing twists, and is full of interesting Low Country details.
January 29, 2023
Loads and loads of fun!!! An authentically southern cozy mystery that had me pulled in from the beginning. I switched between listening to it and reading it on my kindle. At first, the narrator's southern accent was annoying, but I quickly got used to it. I used to live in the Lowcountry, so I LOVED being transported back to one of the most beautiful places in the south. There is so much intrigue, drama, scandals, and murders in this story ( one too many murders for a cozy mystery in my opinion), I totally delighted in all of it!!! I can't wait to read book 2!!!!
October 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this book! I did not know what to expect when I started reading it, but it was really well written, and funny!
September 22, 2012
Private Investigator Liz Talbot, along with her business partner, Nate Andrews owns a small private investigation firm in Greenville, South Carolina. Then life takes a drastic turn for Liz.
First Liz receives an urgent message from her best friend from High School days, Colleen. Colleen says, "Liz, Come home." Now that may not sound critical but when you realize that Colleen died during their Junior year in school...well. Liz accepts this message in stride as haunts are accepted in her life on the island of Stella Maris.
Shortly thereafter the cell phone rings, and it is brother Blake, Chief of Police on Stella Maris and he says, "Its Gram." Liz tells Nate she has to go and she grabs some clothes and her dog, Rhett and off she drives. Nate is concerned but they will keep in touch.
Blake confides to Liz that he suspects Gram was murdered. He also instructs her to stay out of his investigation and keep it quiet. This was the only part of the book that strained my credulity. A private investigator not investigating, especially when she inherits and learns the death is not an accident or natural? This, however, was the only time the book made me blink.
The truth is Liz has plenty to investigate as Colleen soon alerts her to. The island is rife with political conflict, politics, domestic abuse, contract killers and more. This book was action packed.
Many many strands of persons lives need to be woven until Liz finds a tight weave. The location of the island was inviting, the characters were well drawn and you feel like or dislike through the actions and dialog. The pace of the story made it all the more compelling. I enjoyed this murder mystery.
First Liz receives an urgent message from her best friend from High School days, Colleen. Colleen says, "Liz, Come home." Now that may not sound critical but when you realize that Colleen died during their Junior year in school...well. Liz accepts this message in stride as haunts are accepted in her life on the island of Stella Maris.
Shortly thereafter the cell phone rings, and it is brother Blake, Chief of Police on Stella Maris and he says, "Its Gram." Liz tells Nate she has to go and she grabs some clothes and her dog, Rhett and off she drives. Nate is concerned but they will keep in touch.
Blake confides to Liz that he suspects Gram was murdered. He also instructs her to stay out of his investigation and keep it quiet. This was the only part of the book that strained my credulity. A private investigator not investigating, especially when she inherits and learns the death is not an accident or natural? This, however, was the only time the book made me blink.
The truth is Liz has plenty to investigate as Colleen soon alerts her to. The island is rife with political conflict, politics, domestic abuse, contract killers and more. This book was action packed.
Many many strands of persons lives need to be woven until Liz finds a tight weave. The location of the island was inviting, the characters were well drawn and you feel like or dislike through the actions and dialog. The pace of the story made it all the more compelling. I enjoyed this murder mystery.
August 8, 2013
I just happened upon "Lowcountry Boil" after reading a Book Blurb by Author Hank Phillippi Ryan,knowing then I must read it.Now because of Liz Talbot and such wonderful Characters that Susan Created,I fell in Love with the Book..Hard to put in a Specific Genre , because Susan tightly weaves a Story That is a Wonderful Mystery,yet has cozy elements..And That Subtle Southern Humor...hard to resist.One scene that stands out is visualizing Liz's Dad and Friends on The Porch, rifles all ready to ward off any Criminal Activity,was priceless...Impatiently waiting for
Release Date 9/3,I could get lucky because I Pre-Ordered..Looking forward to Any Book Susan writes..
Release Date 9/3,I could get lucky because I Pre-Ordered..Looking forward to Any Book Susan writes..
February 27, 2017
Absolutely excellent debut. I loved all the characters and the author did a wonderful job. Highly recommend, and I can guarantee that I'll be reading the next one.
July 20, 2012
When Liz Talbot goes home to Stella Maris for her grandmother's funeral, she never expected to stay. But that's exactly what happens when she discovers that her grandmother's tragic fall isn't what it seems. So now Liz is determined to learn the truth about her grandmother's death, but she has a proper Southern mama to contend with, Merry, her do-gooder sister who wants to change things up in Stella Maris,her brother, Blake, the Police Chief who resents Liz's interference, and the one that got away, Michael, her ex-beau. Along the way, Liz encounters twists, tangles, old secrets and new revelations. Life isn't all it seems in the peaceful town of Stella Maris. Colorful characters and witty, Southern charm abound in this mystery that will leave you guessing to the end.
December 8, 2012
Looking for a sassy Southern read? LOWCOUNTRY BOIL, Susan Boyer's debut novel,is a fast paced heart-warming whodunit with a slew of colorful characters. In protagonist Liz Talbot, Boyer has created an independent kick butt woman who isn't afraid of anything, not even the truth behind her grandmother's murder.
June 13, 2013
I won a copy on Goodreads Firstreads.
I love southern mysteries.The closer to where I live,the better I like them.Unfortunately a lot of them are written by people who either live somewhere else or only live in the area part of the time. So this means, there are always those little pieces that just don't ring true.Thankfully not only is this book about areas I know and love (even though Stella Maris is fictional), but they are by an author from the area.She adds that special touch that makes the book feel like I am talking to one of my neighbors.The characters feel like people I could run into when I go to town.
I have to admit I did not read the full description of this book before I entered this giveaway.I got hooked as soon as I read the description of Liz, so I totally missed that her long dead friend would be popping up.But it was a pleasant surprise because I figured it meant that this would make the book even more likeable.I tend to read light, fun mysteries and this sounded right up my alley. After having read it,I have to say I was wrong.This isn't just a light, fun mystery.There is a deeper story here.The story isn't heavy though.It walks a fine line between the two types, taking some of the best elements from both.It does have humor and is fast paced with lots of great characters.It also has a complex,multi-layered plotline with a lot of interpersonal relationships between the characters.
There are a lot of characters so I was very glad that there was a character list at the beginning of the book. The characters feel real because they all have backgrounds that go beyond the immediate need of the story.On the other hand,the characters still have plenty of things to be revealed and developed in later books in the series.
The true test of any murder mystery is how mysterious it is.Does it have a lot of red herrings? Are there plenty of suspects and do you get to meet them early in the story? Are there multiple questions and do they all get answered? Everybody has different opinions on the right balance.This story had the right mix for me.There were red herrings and they were relevant to the story.They weren't just dead ends that get dropped as soon as they are proven to be the wrong path.There are several mysteries that intertwine and all are satisfactorily resolved.Finally as I already said, there are lots of characters with no surprise villian popping up in the last chapter.
Another thing that always worries me is when the book has a reader's discussion guide included. Truthfully I do not enjoy most books that market themselves as book club books.Sometimes books are just stories about bunnies.This also proved to another pleasant surprise.I really believe this is the first book that I would have loved to have read and discussed with a reader's group.In fact I would have added a question to the list about Liz's germaphobia and how it affects her relationships and her life in general.
The only thing I can say I didn't particularly care for was the cover of the book.I did understand why it was chosen, but I would have liked something a little different.Maybe a nice seacape scene from the area.But when this is the only thing that I didn't like, then you have to say the book is an overwhelming success.
I love southern mysteries.The closer to where I live,the better I like them.Unfortunately a lot of them are written by people who either live somewhere else or only live in the area part of the time. So this means, there are always those little pieces that just don't ring true.Thankfully not only is this book about areas I know and love (even though Stella Maris is fictional), but they are by an author from the area.She adds that special touch that makes the book feel like I am talking to one of my neighbors.The characters feel like people I could run into when I go to town.
I have to admit I did not read the full description of this book before I entered this giveaway.I got hooked as soon as I read the description of Liz, so I totally missed that her long dead friend would be popping up.But it was a pleasant surprise because I figured it meant that this would make the book even more likeable.I tend to read light, fun mysteries and this sounded right up my alley. After having read it,I have to say I was wrong.This isn't just a light, fun mystery.There is a deeper story here.The story isn't heavy though.It walks a fine line between the two types, taking some of the best elements from both.It does have humor and is fast paced with lots of great characters.It also has a complex,multi-layered plotline with a lot of interpersonal relationships between the characters.
There are a lot of characters so I was very glad that there was a character list at the beginning of the book. The characters feel real because they all have backgrounds that go beyond the immediate need of the story.On the other hand,the characters still have plenty of things to be revealed and developed in later books in the series.
The true test of any murder mystery is how mysterious it is.Does it have a lot of red herrings? Are there plenty of suspects and do you get to meet them early in the story? Are there multiple questions and do they all get answered? Everybody has different opinions on the right balance.This story had the right mix for me.There were red herrings and they were relevant to the story.They weren't just dead ends that get dropped as soon as they are proven to be the wrong path.There are several mysteries that intertwine and all are satisfactorily resolved.Finally as I already said, there are lots of characters with no surprise villian popping up in the last chapter.
Another thing that always worries me is when the book has a reader's discussion guide included. Truthfully I do not enjoy most books that market themselves as book club books.Sometimes books are just stories about bunnies.This also proved to another pleasant surprise.I really believe this is the first book that I would have loved to have read and discussed with a reader's group.In fact I would have added a question to the list about Liz's germaphobia and how it affects her relationships and her life in general.
The only thing I can say I didn't particularly care for was the cover of the book.I did understand why it was chosen, but I would have liked something a little different.Maybe a nice seacape scene from the area.But when this is the only thing that I didn't like, then you have to say the book is an overwhelming success.
September 12, 2012
While Susan M. Boyer has been writing her whole life, “Lowcountry Boil” is her first full-length mystery novel. It is a 2012 Golden Heart Finalist and was nominated for a Daphne du Maurier Award. This is the third book published by Henery Press and so far all three books have been terrific.
As the story opens, Liz Talbot’s grandmother is murdered and Liz, who runs a private investigation business, returns to her South Carolina island home of Stella Maris to help investigate. Stella Maris is a small town and a few families, including Liz’, control much of the island. Her brother is the local police chief. Her grandmother was on the city council and her father still is.
To see more read my article at http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...#
As the story opens, Liz Talbot’s grandmother is murdered and Liz, who runs a private investigation business, returns to her South Carolina island home of Stella Maris to help investigate. Stella Maris is a small town and a few families, including Liz’, control much of the island. Her brother is the local police chief. Her grandmother was on the city council and her father still is.
To see more read my article at http://www.examiner.com/article/enjoy...#
October 1, 2012
A Southern Mystery to be Savored! This traditional PI whodunit is like Southern charm, it slowly weaves a spell around you and before you know it, you’re sipping tea on someone’s beachfront porch. Susan M. Boyer does a lovely (and smart) job creating a truly engaging mystery while embodying the finer elements of Southern fiction. If you’ve got a book club in search of a mystery, then this is your book.
October 14, 2017
Eh. I skimmed the end. I did enjoy the writing but hated the fact there were so many characters!! Too many!! Also hated she was hung up on her married!!! Ex 🙄 major eye roll. Then I lost track of all the affairs and near killings and terrible people. Look. I like mysteries. I like a bad guy or two. I don't like an entire book full of people I don't like. This one was a disappointment.
September 10, 2012
Lowcountry Boil
By: Susan M. Boyer
Copyrite September 2012
Publisher: Henerey Press
Private Investigator Liz Talbot is a modern Southern belle: she blesses hearts and takes names. She carries her Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag, and her golden retriever, Rhett, rides shotgun in her hybrid Escape. When her grandmother is murdered, Liz high-tails it back to her South Carolina island home to find the killer. She’s fit to be tied when her police-chief brother shuts her out of the investigation, so she opens her own. Then her long-dead best friend pops in and things really get complicated. When more folks start turning up dead in this small seaside town, Liz must use more than just her wits and charm to keep her family safe, chase down clues from the hereafter, and catch a psychopath before he catches her.
This is the first book in a new series by Susan M. Boyer... If you're a fan of Dame Agatha Christie you will love this book. The number of players, suspects, second string players and assorted family members who take part in this performance will boggle your mind.
Thankfully we the readers are supplied with a list of the cast and their positions. I love the location for this murder, and Liz Talbot our lead heroine is a woman who has faced some real adversity and moved on to create a career for herself that is perfect for what is about to happen.
Liz is dragged home by the death of her beloved grandmother. Her sister Merci feeds her what turns out to be a totally fabricated scenario which forces Liz (now the owner of her grandmother's house and land)to take a roll in the management of the town and island. As the bodies start to stack up, Liz has to puzzle it all out, and her help comes from a surprising source.. The spirit of her best friend from childhood.
If I've made you half as dizzy as this book made me, then I've done my job. This book is going to keep you up late at night as you turn page after page to reach the surprising conclusion.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher who only asked for a fair and impartial review.
By: Susan M. Boyer
Copyrite September 2012
Publisher: Henerey Press
Private Investigator Liz Talbot is a modern Southern belle: she blesses hearts and takes names. She carries her Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag, and her golden retriever, Rhett, rides shotgun in her hybrid Escape. When her grandmother is murdered, Liz high-tails it back to her South Carolina island home to find the killer. She’s fit to be tied when her police-chief brother shuts her out of the investigation, so she opens her own. Then her long-dead best friend pops in and things really get complicated. When more folks start turning up dead in this small seaside town, Liz must use more than just her wits and charm to keep her family safe, chase down clues from the hereafter, and catch a psychopath before he catches her.
This is the first book in a new series by Susan M. Boyer... If you're a fan of Dame Agatha Christie you will love this book. The number of players, suspects, second string players and assorted family members who take part in this performance will boggle your mind.
Thankfully we the readers are supplied with a list of the cast and their positions. I love the location for this murder, and Liz Talbot our lead heroine is a woman who has faced some real adversity and moved on to create a career for herself that is perfect for what is about to happen.
Liz is dragged home by the death of her beloved grandmother. Her sister Merci feeds her what turns out to be a totally fabricated scenario which forces Liz (now the owner of her grandmother's house and land)to take a roll in the management of the town and island. As the bodies start to stack up, Liz has to puzzle it all out, and her help comes from a surprising source.. The spirit of her best friend from childhood.
If I've made you half as dizzy as this book made me, then I've done my job. This book is going to keep you up late at night as you turn page after page to reach the surprising conclusion.
FTC Full Disclosure: I received this book from the publisher who only asked for a fair and impartial review.
July 30, 2016
Excellent debut mystery! Characters are well-developed. Multiple plot lines. Author allows the story to unfold without resorting to shortcuts and stereotypes. Liked the interactions between the main character and her family, hometown folks and with the ghost of her childhood friend - even that was done with a light touch.
Basic story: Liz comes home for her grandmother's funeral only to discover that her chief of police brother believes she was murdered. What was set-up to look like an accidental fall down the stairs was neither a fall nor an accident. Liz left home years ago and has a detective agency in nearby Charleston, SC. When she inherits her grandmother's house and learns it was murder, she decides to move back and find the killer - much to the dismay of her brother.
Liz is not a typical cozy heroine: She's not an amateur and she packs her Sig along with her lipstick in a Kate Spade tote bag. Gotta love it:D
The island life is fully realized and even the stormy weather factors in a climactic scene. Secrets from the past impact the present and a scheme to build a high-rise resort on this sea island where development is shunned make for a complex story with multiple motives and plenty of suspects. Boyer handles them adeptly and adds in a touch of romance and unrequited love. Just enough unfinished business to make one eager for the next book in this great new series.
Basic story: Liz comes home for her grandmother's funeral only to discover that her chief of police brother believes she was murdered. What was set-up to look like an accidental fall down the stairs was neither a fall nor an accident. Liz left home years ago and has a detective agency in nearby Charleston, SC. When she inherits her grandmother's house and learns it was murder, she decides to move back and find the killer - much to the dismay of her brother.
Liz is not a typical cozy heroine: She's not an amateur and she packs her Sig along with her lipstick in a Kate Spade tote bag. Gotta love it:D
The island life is fully realized and even the stormy weather factors in a climactic scene. Secrets from the past impact the present and a scheme to build a high-rise resort on this sea island where development is shunned make for a complex story with multiple motives and plenty of suspects. Boyer handles them adeptly and adds in a touch of romance and unrequited love. Just enough unfinished business to make one eager for the next book in this great new series.
October 14, 2012
Liz Talbot returns home to bury her Grand-mother following an accident, but stays to unravel the mystery of her murder. To solve the mystery she also has to confront the issues that caused her to leave.
This book had one of the best operning chapters I've read for a while, a fast paced introduction,instantly drawing me in and setting the tone of the story. The pace was maintained through the first half of the book. Liz was a well-drawn interesting character, with a lot of issues and contradictions, such as carrying a gun and a hand sanitiser. The pace and humour were maintained but at times the number of characters acting oddly without explanation slowed the plot's development. It did pick up again and enjoyed the twists and turns right up to the last page as the author pulled all the strands together, as Liz solved the town's mystery but not the mystery of her own heart.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
This book had one of the best operning chapters I've read for a while, a fast paced introduction,instantly drawing me in and setting the tone of the story. The pace was maintained through the first half of the book. Liz was a well-drawn interesting character, with a lot of issues and contradictions, such as carrying a gun and a hand sanitiser. The pace and humour were maintained but at times the number of characters acting oddly without explanation slowed the plot's development. It did pick up again and enjoyed the twists and turns right up to the last page as the author pulled all the strands together, as Liz solved the town's mystery but not the mystery of her own heart.
A thoroughly enjoyable read.
July 20, 2012
A reader's delight! The first line of Lowcountry Boil --The dead are patient.-- had me hooked from the get-go. Full of uniquely Southern insights and gracious charm, this book nonetheless packs a wallop you don't want to miss. Protagonist Liz Talbot is part Steffi Plum and part Kinsey Millhone, as quick to say "Bless your heart." as she is to pull her trusty Sig Sauer 9 or deliver a roundhouse kick to the sternum.
Susan Boyer's debut novel is full of ingenious plot twists, a cavalcade of unforgettable characters,
and a setting so lush you can smell the marsh grass and feel the ocean's breeze. And, oh, before I forget, the story takes place near Charleston, South Carolina, so, naturally, there's a ghost.
Susan Boyer's debut novel is full of ingenious plot twists, a cavalcade of unforgettable characters,
and a setting so lush you can smell the marsh grass and feel the ocean's breeze. And, oh, before I forget, the story takes place near Charleston, South Carolina, so, naturally, there's a ghost.
November 12, 2012
A Delicious Read.
I gained ten pounds reading Lowcountry Boil. Southerners don’t skip meals, and they don’t miss a trick, especially private investigator Liz Talbot. With a setting so perfectly drawn out you’ll feel you’re there, this read will have you tasting every deep-fried bite and intimately knowing everyone on the island paradise of Stella Maris, South Carolina. Lowcountry Boil has it all: guardian spirits, brotherly and not-so-brotherly love, murder, skinny dipping, a hit man, Scarlett-worthy love of land, family ties that both bind and break, and love…quadrangles. An intriguing, well-written whodunit. With a side of gravy.
I gained ten pounds reading Lowcountry Boil. Southerners don’t skip meals, and they don’t miss a trick, especially private investigator Liz Talbot. With a setting so perfectly drawn out you’ll feel you’re there, this read will have you tasting every deep-fried bite and intimately knowing everyone on the island paradise of Stella Maris, South Carolina. Lowcountry Boil has it all: guardian spirits, brotherly and not-so-brotherly love, murder, skinny dipping, a hit man, Scarlett-worthy love of land, family ties that both bind and break, and love…quadrangles. An intriguing, well-written whodunit. With a side of gravy.
August 12, 2012
I was given an advanced read of Low Country Boil. Susan Boyer writes Southern. She does it with a charm and an ability to place the reader there. Her southern Charm shines through as well as her impeccable writing. Note: She recently won the first place in MAINSTREAM of the 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery Suspense. To win this category requires a near perfect manuscript. I couldn't agree more. Expect great reads from this author.
May 11, 2013
Much has already been written about this finely crafted mystery by Susan M. Boyer, so I'll just add a few observations.
Boyer has invented a fully-formed fictional island culture on the South Carolina coast. With the detailed descriptions you would swear you could drive to Charleston, take a ferry and come upon this wonderful world and be able to walk and drive its streets. I'm a fan of that kind of creation, but if you aren't someone willing to invest time with a whole island-full of characters, then perhaps you will not enjoy this book as much as I did.
Liz Talbot is smart enough, observant enough and quirky enough to handle the rigors of growing through a series of novels, which I hope we'll see. The story has plenty of surprises to keep a reader on her toes. Liz has two serious contenders for her heart, which should keep her love life interesting. Boyer's writing stays out of the way of the story: it's finely crafted without any necessity to call attention to itself.
I don't give out many 5 star reviews, but this book earned it.
Boyer has invented a fully-formed fictional island culture on the South Carolina coast. With the detailed descriptions you would swear you could drive to Charleston, take a ferry and come upon this wonderful world and be able to walk and drive its streets. I'm a fan of that kind of creation, but if you aren't someone willing to invest time with a whole island-full of characters, then perhaps you will not enjoy this book as much as I did.
Liz Talbot is smart enough, observant enough and quirky enough to handle the rigors of growing through a series of novels, which I hope we'll see. The story has plenty of surprises to keep a reader on her toes. Liz has two serious contenders for her heart, which should keep her love life interesting. Boyer's writing stays out of the way of the story: it's finely crafted without any necessity to call attention to itself.
I don't give out many 5 star reviews, but this book earned it.
July 26, 2015
I really liked this book, I won it through the Goodreads giveaway. Once I started, it was really hard to put down. I ended up reading it within a day of course. The fact that the reader was pretty much guessing as to who killed who was nice too. A lot of times, when I read a mystery type book, by the middle, if not sooner I know who the killer is. But Lowcountry Boil was a complete mystery, at least to me. The reason I didn't give it 5 stars was because of the ending. I just didn't like how the author just left the readers hanging in regards to Liz and Nate's relationship. I like things more finished off, if you know what I mean. Although if more books are to come from this one, I'll definitely be on the look out.
April 8, 2013
This Cosy mystery is set in a small seaside town where our main character's grandmother has just died.Liz Talbot is the heroine of the story and she is a feisty but kind character who is determined to put the pieces together in the mystery she has found herself in while her dog Rhett comes along for the ride. .Suspicious deaths, ghosts, possibly a murderer are just a few things that will keep you on your toes while reading this. I was not able to guess the outcome of the book which is always good as there is nothing better then a book that will keep you guessing until the very last page. I can't wait to read more from this author :0) This was fun and I really liked the nice setting in this cosy mystery. Loved it!
October 31, 2012
From the sweet smile on the author's face, you'd never suspect her as a writer of murder. This is a story of love gone wrong in so many ways, of obsession, love long awaited, a proposal. Romantic as that sounds, Boyer throws in a hit man, a spunky 17-year-old invisible being (who wears clothes), politics and greed to mix things up.
Susan would have her reader enjoy a visit to Stella Maris where people aren't quite what they appear to be. The author clearly identifies with her Southern PI sleuth.
I did indeed enjoy the trip and it makes me wonder what a lowcountry boil would taste like.
The book includes a Discussion Guide.
Susan would have her reader enjoy a visit to Stella Maris where people aren't quite what they appear to be. The author clearly identifies with her Southern PI sleuth.
I did indeed enjoy the trip and it makes me wonder what a lowcountry boil would taste like.
The book includes a Discussion Guide.
October 21, 2014
I now have a new favorite author, Susan M. Boyer, and a new favorite character, Liz Talbot. This book was so fun!!! I thoroughly enjoyed reading it and was upset I had to interrupt it when it was time for my football to play, and they lost!!! Ugh!! Anyways, could not wait to get back to this story to see who did it!! There were many quirky characters and list of suspects and many plot twists. There were several laugh out loud moments dealing with southern style exclamations.
It's easy to see why this book won it's award. If your into Carolyn Haines, this book is for you. The style and characters remind me a little of her including the meddling ghost.
Definitely one not to miss!!
It's easy to see why this book won it's award. If your into Carolyn Haines, this book is for you. The style and characters remind me a little of her including the meddling ghost.
Definitely one not to miss!!
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