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Liz Adams Mystery #2
Carmel Conundrum
Stolen identities, a cult, a kidnapping, an attempted murder, and a budding romance . . .
Join Private Investigator Liz Adams, and her lie-detecting Labrador, Duke, in the scenic town of Carmel By-the-Sea, as the pair investigate the mystery of stolen identities. Complications arise when Liz becomes romantically entangled with her hot new client, Brad.
Enter Apollo, a charismatic cult leader, whose mission to save the homeless has a dark twist. Why does he continue to trespass on Liz’s property? She’s compelled to uncover the answer.
Tensions mount, as the stakes become a matter of life and death. Will Liz and Duke solve both mysteries before the damage is irreparable?
Travel with Liz from Charleston, SC to Carmel, CA, and back to discover the astounding truth.
Join Private Investigator Liz Adams, and her lie-detecting Labrador, Duke, in the scenic town of Carmel By-the-Sea, as the pair investigate the mystery of stolen identities. Complications arise when Liz becomes romantically entangled with her hot new client, Brad.
Enter Apollo, a charismatic cult leader, whose mission to save the homeless has a dark twist. Why does he continue to trespass on Liz’s property? She’s compelled to uncover the answer.
Tensions mount, as the stakes become a matter of life and death. Will Liz and Duke solve both mysteries before the damage is irreparable?
Travel with Liz from Charleston, SC to Carmel, CA, and back to discover the astounding truth.
226 pages, Paperback
Published December 10, 2022
6 people are currently reading
84 people want to read
About the author
Stacy Wilder
5 books566 followersStacy writes mysteries, children’s stories, short stories, and poetry.
Stacy’s mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from Charleston Conundrum to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). For Carmel Conundrum, she is donating to causes that help homeless pets.
She and her husband live in Houston, Texas, with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/stacy.w...
Facebook: https://ww.facebook.com/wilderstacy/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/authorstacy...
Stacy’s mission is to deliver a delightful story to readers of all ages while benefiting a larger community. She donates a portion of the proceeds from Charleston Conundrum to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). For Carmel Conundrum, she is donating to causes that help homeless pets.
She and her husband live in Houston, Texas, with a totally spoiled Labrador retriever, Eve.
Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/author/stacy.w...
Facebook: https://ww.facebook.com/wilderstacy/
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/authorstacy...
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
August 22, 2023
Carmel Conundrum is a short and fun read, perfect for filling in a lazy day or lying on the beach. It’s a cozy mystery with some endearing characters, one of which is a black Labrador named Duke, who has a very special talent.
This is the second (and final?) book in the Liz Adams Mystery series by author Stacy Wilder. The storyline follows the exploits o P.I. Liz Adams and her dog, Duke, as they fly out to Carmel By-the-Sea—in Southern California—and try to solve a mystery of some stolen identities.
I did not read the first book in this series—Charleston Conundrum—but I think I would have enjoyed this story even more if I had. At the very least, I think a little more backstory would have been appreciated in Carmel Conundrum. This second book definitely stands on its own and can be easily read and understood without reading the first book, but the little bit of backstory offered only piqued my interest in the first story.
Actually, it’s a little tough to present a thorough review of this story without getting a little into the weeds of the first story, which is set in Charleston, South Carolina. In that story, Peg, Liz’s good friend, introduces Liz to Brad, her childhood friend. Brad owns a high-tech company in Southern California. After Peg’s death, Liz inherits Peg’s undeveloped property in Southern California. This second story begins with Liz flying out to Southern California to check out her new property and also visit with Brad. Knowing that Liz is a licensed Private Investigator, Brad solicits Liz’s help in finding the cause of some stolen identities in Brad’s high-tech company.
Liz and Brad are wonderful characters who evolve into a couple. My favorite character, however, is Duke. This is a little stretch into the believability factor, but Duke’s special talent is being able to tell when someone is lying. If he is nearby and he hears someone say something that isn’t true, he’ll yip. That can really come in handy when his owner is a P.I.
In addition to Duke’s special ability, there are several supernatural (think life after death) inferences in the story that brush up against believability boundaries. But this is fiction, so it’s really okay.
If I do not include Liz and Brad’s love interest as a separate storyline, there are still two distinct storylines in this book. One is the stolen identities, but the other is something going on near Liz’s inherited property involving a cult. Each storyline has its own distinct climax, and they do not occur simultaneously. I found this to be a bit odd, but in a good way.
One of the things I really enjoyed was how the author’s little reveals throughout the story allows the reader to develop a number of conclusions. But which ones will be right? That’s the fun part!
The author’s description made for some delicious reading! Although I would have appreciated a little more salty sea air, when I read Liz’s reaction to a bottle of Chardonnay she opened, I could’t really complain about a lack of good sense-of-smell description: “I smelled the wine before sipping. Peach, lemon, and vanilla notes tickled my nose.”
Wilder’s sense-of-taste description was next level: “The crunch and saltiness of the pistachios perfectly balanced the sweet cream.” Further, the author even included some of the recipes for dishes that were described in the story.
The book is reasonably well edited, and the pacing is pretty good, particularly with two storylines.
If it’s any indication of how much I enjoyed this story, I’ve already purchased the first story. This is some great summertime reading! I encourage you to give it a go!
This is the second (and final?) book in the Liz Adams Mystery series by author Stacy Wilder. The storyline follows the exploits o P.I. Liz Adams and her dog, Duke, as they fly out to Carmel By-the-Sea—in Southern California—and try to solve a mystery of some stolen identities.
I did not read the first book in this series—Charleston Conundrum—but I think I would have enjoyed this story even more if I had. At the very least, I think a little more backstory would have been appreciated in Carmel Conundrum. This second book definitely stands on its own and can be easily read and understood without reading the first book, but the little bit of backstory offered only piqued my interest in the first story.
Actually, it’s a little tough to present a thorough review of this story without getting a little into the weeds of the first story, which is set in Charleston, South Carolina. In that story, Peg, Liz’s good friend, introduces Liz to Brad, her childhood friend. Brad owns a high-tech company in Southern California. After Peg’s death, Liz inherits Peg’s undeveloped property in Southern California. This second story begins with Liz flying out to Southern California to check out her new property and also visit with Brad. Knowing that Liz is a licensed Private Investigator, Brad solicits Liz’s help in finding the cause of some stolen identities in Brad’s high-tech company.
Liz and Brad are wonderful characters who evolve into a couple. My favorite character, however, is Duke. This is a little stretch into the believability factor, but Duke’s special talent is being able to tell when someone is lying. If he is nearby and he hears someone say something that isn’t true, he’ll yip. That can really come in handy when his owner is a P.I.
In addition to Duke’s special ability, there are several supernatural (think life after death) inferences in the story that brush up against believability boundaries. But this is fiction, so it’s really okay.
If I do not include Liz and Brad’s love interest as a separate storyline, there are still two distinct storylines in this book. One is the stolen identities, but the other is something going on near Liz’s inherited property involving a cult. Each storyline has its own distinct climax, and they do not occur simultaneously. I found this to be a bit odd, but in a good way.
One of the things I really enjoyed was how the author’s little reveals throughout the story allows the reader to develop a number of conclusions. But which ones will be right? That’s the fun part!
The author’s description made for some delicious reading! Although I would have appreciated a little more salty sea air, when I read Liz’s reaction to a bottle of Chardonnay she opened, I could’t really complain about a lack of good sense-of-smell description: “I smelled the wine before sipping. Peach, lemon, and vanilla notes tickled my nose.”
Wilder’s sense-of-taste description was next level: “The crunch and saltiness of the pistachios perfectly balanced the sweet cream.” Further, the author even included some of the recipes for dishes that were described in the story.
The book is reasonably well edited, and the pacing is pretty good, particularly with two storylines.
If it’s any indication of how much I enjoyed this story, I’ve already purchased the first story. This is some great summertime reading! I encourage you to give it a go!
September 4, 2023
A private investigator’s vacation leads her smack into the middle of another mystery!
Carmel Conundrum is the second book in Stacy Wilder’s Liz Adams Mystery series and is a follow-up to last year’s popular and entertaining Charleston Conundrum. Accompanied by her lie-detecting dog, Duke, PI Liz Adams is on vacation in Carmel, visiting the attractive, attentive, and well-heeled Brad O’Connor and checking out the oceanfront property she inherited from her best friend, Peg. Liz decides to mix pleasure with business to stop whoever is using Brad’s confidential client information to create fake online identities that could destroy his company and reputation should it become public knowledge.
The main character, Liz Adams, may have discovered the perfect antidote to the emotional trauma of her divorce. Brad is a charming and kind man who seems genuinely into her, likes Duke, and appreciates her professional skills. Although on vacation, she readily agrees to help him uncover and stop the person or persons endangering his business. Liz is very attracted to Brad, and while willing to jump into action to solve his business mystery, she remains wary of prematurely jumping into a relationship with him. She consciously tries to protect herself emotionally, not wanting to fall in love again before knowing everything about him. However, the chemistry is strong between this couple.I liked the two unique investigations in the plot, featuring some unusual topics, such as identity theft, synthetic identities, and exploitation of desperate people experiencing homelessness. The author cleverly weaves together what at first appears to be two seemingly unconnected situations. The resolution of the Mission Apollo storyline was absolutely shocking but may leave a door open for the evil there to come back to haunt Liz, Sam, and Brad. Ed “Apollo” Lester appears to be high-level insane and a master manipulator, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we haven’t seen the last of him. His response to defectors from his ‘project’ was final and extreme, considering the few people who were actually involved or even aware of his underground operation.
I enjoyed the Carmel setting, and the author includes tantalizing descriptions of the Pacific coast that will delight those familiar with the location and prompt those who are not to consider putting it on their list of future destinations. Reading this story while it was 109 degrees outside certainly put it on mine!Having not read the first book in the series, I felt like I would have enjoyed this one even more if I had. Many characters from the debut novel make quick cameo appearances, and their relationships with Liz are only briefly explained. I was surprised to discover that I had just assumed Liz’s business partner, Lou, was a woman, when halfway through the story, I realized she was a he. These characters play little to no role in the current mystery, and it does not affect my rating of the book. However, I believe I missed out on a great “catching up with old friends” feeling I would have had otherwise.
I recommend CARMEL CONUNDRUM to cozy mystery readers, especially those who were fans of the previous book in the series.
September 5, 2023
In my review of Ms. Wilder's debut Charleston Conundrum, I asked for a couple of things for her next book: an expansion of the adorable black lab Duke's role in Liz's investigations and a progression in the romance between Liz and Brad. Ms. Wilder delivered both and then some in her second book Carmel Conundrum.
The author again showed a fantastic sense of place with her vivid description of the setting, especially Brad's place. I have been to Carmel before and reading this feels like going back for a visit. The factoid about the heels restriction firmly established authenticity.
Like in the first book, there were a multitude of characters but Ms. Wilder managed them well. Everyone named had played a part in getting the story told. I like that Liz was able to create friendships on both coasts. It speaks well of her character to be able to do that and elicit loyalty among her friends.
The actual mystery (corporate investigation) was not as exciting as the previous one but the subplot involving a cult more than made up for it. I like that there was a connection between the two elements in the end.
I do have a few nitpicks, especially with the unnecessary mention of political affiliations and the requirement for suspension of disbelief in order to be able to accept Duke's talent and the ease by which Liz accomplished her job.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The pacing was smooth, the characters were engaging, Duke was a good assistant, and there was a strong romance element. I recommend reading both books in this series starting with the Charleston one in order to fully appreciate the Liz Adams Mystery experience.
The author again showed a fantastic sense of place with her vivid description of the setting, especially Brad's place. I have been to Carmel before and reading this feels like going back for a visit. The factoid about the heels restriction firmly established authenticity.
Like in the first book, there were a multitude of characters but Ms. Wilder managed them well. Everyone named had played a part in getting the story told. I like that Liz was able to create friendships on both coasts. It speaks well of her character to be able to do that and elicit loyalty among her friends.
The actual mystery (corporate investigation) was not as exciting as the previous one but the subplot involving a cult more than made up for it. I like that there was a connection between the two elements in the end.
I do have a few nitpicks, especially with the unnecessary mention of political affiliations and the requirement for suspension of disbelief in order to be able to accept Duke's talent and the ease by which Liz accomplished her job.
Overall, I enjoyed this story. The pacing was smooth, the characters were engaging, Duke was a good assistant, and there was a strong romance element. I recommend reading both books in this series starting with the Charleston one in order to fully appreciate the Liz Adams Mystery experience.
February 8, 2023
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder is a wonderfully written mystery in an idyllic setting with witty characters.
Will Liz figure out who is stealing the identities of the deceased Multipoint users?
Liz Adams
Our detective is Liz Adams. Liz and Duke are in Carmel, California, visiting her new boyfriend, Brad, when he asks her to recommend someone to assist with a case he has. Even though Liz is supposed to be on vacation, she takes the case herself.
I immediately liked Liz and her dog Duke. Liz is a tough but slightly broken private investigator from Charleston, South Carolina. I enjoyed how she lets her southern roots show and isn't afraid to let her fun side show through.
The Mystery
A few things are going on in this story. The case that Liz is investigating is identity fraud that involves Brad's corporation. However, Liz finds some aspects of the case leading her to other crimes being committed. Liz is also in Carmel to deal with a piece of property that she recently inherited from a friend. This property leads to another headache when she finds a man trespassing on the property. Later she finds out that he helps the homeless and has a compound for the homeless not far from her property. There are lots of exciting turns and things that lead to dead ends.
Five Stars
I immensely enjoyed reading Carmel Conundrum. My rating for Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder is five stars. My favorite things are the music they listen to throughout the story and Liz's way of working through the facts and evidence. Oh, and Duke, of course. Who doesn't want a lie-detecting dog?
There are recipes at the back of the book. So, make sure you check them out. The recipes are Liz's Lasagna Casserole, Brad's Birthday Cake, Liz's Caesar Salad, Brad's Conundrum Cocktail, and Linda's Famous Jalapeno Poppers. The author also includes a playlist of the songs mentioned in the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder is a wonderfully written mystery in an idyllic setting with witty characters.
Will Liz figure out who is stealing the identities of the deceased Multipoint users?
Liz Adams
Our detective is Liz Adams. Liz and Duke are in Carmel, California, visiting her new boyfriend, Brad, when he asks her to recommend someone to assist with a case he has. Even though Liz is supposed to be on vacation, she takes the case herself.
I immediately liked Liz and her dog Duke. Liz is a tough but slightly broken private investigator from Charleston, South Carolina. I enjoyed how she lets her southern roots show and isn't afraid to let her fun side show through.
The Mystery
A few things are going on in this story. The case that Liz is investigating is identity fraud that involves Brad's corporation. However, Liz finds some aspects of the case leading her to other crimes being committed. Liz is also in Carmel to deal with a piece of property that she recently inherited from a friend. This property leads to another headache when she finds a man trespassing on the property. Later she finds out that he helps the homeless and has a compound for the homeless not far from her property. There are lots of exciting turns and things that lead to dead ends.
Five Stars
I immensely enjoyed reading Carmel Conundrum. My rating for Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder is five stars. My favorite things are the music they listen to throughout the story and Liz's way of working through the facts and evidence. Oh, and Duke, of course. Who doesn't want a lie-detecting dog?
There are recipes at the back of the book. So, make sure you check them out. The recipes are Liz's Lasagna Casserole, Brad's Birthday Cake, Liz's Caesar Salad, Brad's Conundrum Cocktail, and Linda's Famous Jalapeno Poppers. The author also includes a playlist of the songs mentioned in the book.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Carmel Conundrum by Stacy Wilder.
Until the next time,
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
February 7, 2023
Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/02/07/4-...
Carmel Conundrum is the second book in the Liz Adams Mystery series by Stacy Wilder and the first one I’ve read in the series. I was able to piece together some of what happened in Charleston Conundrum, the first book, which I hope to read to get the details I missed not having read it.
Carmel Conundrum s Liz and Brad’s story, which takes place in Carmel By-the-Sea on the coast of California. Liz’s home base is Charleston, and she flies back and forth a few times, so we get to meet her neighbors and friends from there.
Liz is in California to check out the property she inherited from her friend after she was murdered, and Peg plays a part in this book as well. Liz and Brad are finding their way as love interests, something their friend Peg was hoping for.
The story started off slowly and gave me some unease with the prologue, but we realize its importance as we get into the heart of the story.
Liz is a private investigator, and she offers her services to Brad when it’s uncovered that something is not right at his security company which protects people’s information.
I liked the main characters as well as her dog, Duke, who seems to have a special talent that she tries to keep under wraps, and the sheriff, Sam, who adds the police presence needed. Those involved in the cult with Apollo leave a lot to be desired and add tension, mystery, and layers to the story.
There are a lot of twists and turns along with secrets, evil, drugs, attacks, clues, injuries, family and friends, competitors, beautiful scenic descriptions, food, romance, loving, and love.
Several storylines are being woven together, and I liked the inclusion of several pets in addition to Duke. There are some loose ends as we reach the conclusion, which I hope will be addressed in the next book. The ending was rewarding as the crimes were solved, as well as some personal dilemmas. I love the cover, and there are several easy-to-follow recipes at the back of the book.
Carmel Conundrum is a cozy mystery that’s sometimes dark but has depth and lots of clues spread throughout kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
https://novelsalive.com/2023/02/07/4-...
Carmel Conundrum is the second book in the Liz Adams Mystery series by Stacy Wilder and the first one I’ve read in the series. I was able to piece together some of what happened in Charleston Conundrum, the first book, which I hope to read to get the details I missed not having read it.
Carmel Conundrum s Liz and Brad’s story, which takes place in Carmel By-the-Sea on the coast of California. Liz’s home base is Charleston, and she flies back and forth a few times, so we get to meet her neighbors and friends from there.
Liz is in California to check out the property she inherited from her friend after she was murdered, and Peg plays a part in this book as well. Liz and Brad are finding their way as love interests, something their friend Peg was hoping for.
The story started off slowly and gave me some unease with the prologue, but we realize its importance as we get into the heart of the story.
Liz is a private investigator, and she offers her services to Brad when it’s uncovered that something is not right at his security company which protects people’s information.
I liked the main characters as well as her dog, Duke, who seems to have a special talent that she tries to keep under wraps, and the sheriff, Sam, who adds the police presence needed. Those involved in the cult with Apollo leave a lot to be desired and add tension, mystery, and layers to the story.
There are a lot of twists and turns along with secrets, evil, drugs, attacks, clues, injuries, family and friends, competitors, beautiful scenic descriptions, food, romance, loving, and love.
Several storylines are being woven together, and I liked the inclusion of several pets in addition to Duke. There are some loose ends as we reach the conclusion, which I hope will be addressed in the next book. The ending was rewarding as the crimes were solved, as well as some personal dilemmas. I love the cover, and there are several easy-to-follow recipes at the back of the book.
Carmel Conundrum is a cozy mystery that’s sometimes dark but has depth and lots of clues spread throughout kept me turning the pages to see what would happen next.
August 10, 2023
Carmel Conundrum by Stacey Wilder
The Short Story: Stylish fashion foodie solves crimes while falling in love!
My Review: Thank you to Stacy Wilder and LSBBT for a review copy of this book.
Private eye, Liz Adams, still grieving the loss of her best friend, flies to Carmel, California, where she plans to stay with Brad, for a short vacation. Sparks flew when they first met and sure enough, things are still sizzling between the pair. Brad takes her to visit a piece of property willed to her by her friend, while there they cross paths with Apollo, an odd figure who appeared to be trespassing on her land. Brad also confesses to problems at work, information has been stolen from the company and used for criminal activity, Liz offers to help solve the crime. Before you know it, she is up to eyeballs in suspects and danger!
This is the second Liz Adams story I’ve read and enjoyed them both. Liz is fun, smart and sexy, but cautious in loving having been burned by her first husband. She and Brad gel immediately and he seems to tick all the boxes but she’s not sure she’s ready to take the dive. Meanwhile author Wilder throws her two great mysteries to solve while she sorts out her feelings for the hunky, and not to mention wealthy, Brad.
Wilder’s writing style is heavy on description; food, settings, fashion and more, she really knows how to set the scene, you’ll feel like you're sitting in a bar next to Liz and Brad, sipping on a nice cold glass of wine while eavesdropping on their conversation! Well written with a fun, flirty mystery, that will keep you guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next installment.
The Short Story: Stylish fashion foodie solves crimes while falling in love!
My Review: Thank you to Stacy Wilder and LSBBT for a review copy of this book.
Private eye, Liz Adams, still grieving the loss of her best friend, flies to Carmel, California, where she plans to stay with Brad, for a short vacation. Sparks flew when they first met and sure enough, things are still sizzling between the pair. Brad takes her to visit a piece of property willed to her by her friend, while there they cross paths with Apollo, an odd figure who appeared to be trespassing on her land. Brad also confesses to problems at work, information has been stolen from the company and used for criminal activity, Liz offers to help solve the crime. Before you know it, she is up to eyeballs in suspects and danger!
This is the second Liz Adams story I’ve read and enjoyed them both. Liz is fun, smart and sexy, but cautious in loving having been burned by her first husband. She and Brad gel immediately and he seems to tick all the boxes but she’s not sure she’s ready to take the dive. Meanwhile author Wilder throws her two great mysteries to solve while she sorts out her feelings for the hunky, and not to mention wealthy, Brad.
Wilder’s writing style is heavy on description; food, settings, fashion and more, she really knows how to set the scene, you’ll feel like you're sitting in a bar next to Liz and Brad, sipping on a nice cold glass of wine while eavesdropping on their conversation! Well written with a fun, flirty mystery, that will keep you guessing until the end.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next installment.
August 21, 2023
Liz Adams is traveling with her dog, Duke, from her beloved Charleston to Carmel, California to settle her inheritance from her friend Peg. Peg left Liz some property, and Liz must decide what to do with it. As it turns out, this trip also lets her spend time with Brad, the CEO of an identity protection company. Peg expressed her hope that Liz and Brad might become more than friends.
The story offers us a couple of mysteries to ponder. What's up with the cult whose leader keeps trespassing on what is now Liz's property? And something strange is going on at Brad's company. Former clients who have died suddenly have memberships reactivated in their names. Who's doing that, and why? Are the two related? Brad persuades Liz to stay long enough to investigate.
Stacy Wilder gives us a wonderful heroine in Liz - intelligent, caring, and practical. The relationship between her and Brad builds slowly, because her ex really did a number on her, and it's fun to see them growing closer to each other. (I think Peg would be pleased.)
Wilder gives us excellent supporting characters, too. New sheriff Sam is glad of Liz's help, and they work well together without it ever feeling like Sam is running into any legal issues by letting Liz share in the investigation. And of course, her lie-detecting dog, Duke, is a delight! Apollo, the cult leader, is manipulative and creepy. And the mystery is twisty enough that it kept me guessing pretty much all the way through the book.
And it sounds like Liz may have to decide in some future book whether she can divide her time between Charleston and Carmel! I'm not sure she'd ever leave Charleston entirely, but I think she's got a pretty compelling reason in Brad to spend a good bit of time on the West Coast.
I can't wait to read more of the series!
The story offers us a couple of mysteries to ponder. What's up with the cult whose leader keeps trespassing on what is now Liz's property? And something strange is going on at Brad's company. Former clients who have died suddenly have memberships reactivated in their names. Who's doing that, and why? Are the two related? Brad persuades Liz to stay long enough to investigate.
Stacy Wilder gives us a wonderful heroine in Liz - intelligent, caring, and practical. The relationship between her and Brad builds slowly, because her ex really did a number on her, and it's fun to see them growing closer to each other. (I think Peg would be pleased.)
Wilder gives us excellent supporting characters, too. New sheriff Sam is glad of Liz's help, and they work well together without it ever feeling like Sam is running into any legal issues by letting Liz share in the investigation. And of course, her lie-detecting dog, Duke, is a delight! Apollo, the cult leader, is manipulative and creepy. And the mystery is twisty enough that it kept me guessing pretty much all the way through the book.
And it sounds like Liz may have to decide in some future book whether she can divide her time between Charleston and Carmel! I'm not sure she'd ever leave Charleston entirely, but I think she's got a pretty compelling reason in Brad to spend a good bit of time on the West Coast.
I can't wait to read more of the series!
September 8, 2023
Ms. Wilder uses the California coastline as the perfect vacation destination for Liz Adams. Liz Adams, a private investigator based in Charleston, and Brad O’Connor, a handsome and successful entrepreneur, planned to spend time together reminiscing about their mutual friend, Peg, who was murdered. Peg requested these two friends keep in touch, and she willed a modest piece of ocean-view property to Liz. Brad provides the private jet, and Liz brings her dog, Duke.
Though Liz works to protect her heart, devastated by her painful divorce, Brad, portrayed as genuine in every way, may break through Liz’s barriers as their mutual attraction grows. Shortly after her arrival, Brad explains the threat of someone trying to destroy his business and reputation with underhanded identity theft. Liz and her lie-detector dog, Duke, accept the challenge to help find the culprit. Liz visits her inherited property and unwittingly exposes an unexpected threat. However, the vibrant Pacific Ocean's sights, sounds, and smells crashing along the shoreline may hide a horrible secret.
The mystery threads ebb and flow like the tides, taking readers on a journey to uncover the victims and expose the criminals. Ms. Wilder masterfully develops the characters and escalates the action of the interconnected threads to the unexpected end. Fans of cozy mysteries will get hooked in the prologue and can only stop once they reach the stunning ending. I highly recommend this book as a satisfying standalone story, but I added book one to my reading list. Psst, you’ll love the tasty treats included after the end.
Though Liz works to protect her heart, devastated by her painful divorce, Brad, portrayed as genuine in every way, may break through Liz’s barriers as their mutual attraction grows. Shortly after her arrival, Brad explains the threat of someone trying to destroy his business and reputation with underhanded identity theft. Liz and her lie-detector dog, Duke, accept the challenge to help find the culprit. Liz visits her inherited property and unwittingly exposes an unexpected threat. However, the vibrant Pacific Ocean's sights, sounds, and smells crashing along the shoreline may hide a horrible secret.
The mystery threads ebb and flow like the tides, taking readers on a journey to uncover the victims and expose the criminals. Ms. Wilder masterfully develops the characters and escalates the action of the interconnected threads to the unexpected end. Fans of cozy mysteries will get hooked in the prologue and can only stop once they reach the stunning ending. I highly recommend this book as a satisfying standalone story, but I added book one to my reading list. Psst, you’ll love the tasty treats included after the end.
August 1, 2023
The second book in the Liz Adams mystery series picks up where the first one leaves off. Liz has inherited property from her deceased best friend Peg who vowed in a parting letter to become her Guardian Angel. Not only did she leave her a very nice property in California but the money to take care of it as well. The other part of the final communication with her friend asked Liz to keep in touch with her high-school buddy Brad who happens to be a CEO of a firm in California. The romance started in Charleston but now it moves on when she visits and becomes embroiled in an identity theft case at Brad's company.
Liz wants to solve the identity theft for her new sweetie but the twisting trail leads to drugs, dog-napping, attempted murder, and a cult that wants Liz's new property. With the help of her beau, the newly minted local sheriff - a woman named Sam, and her dog-pal Duke, can she solve the case, not get herself killed and be willing the give her heart to another man?
All-in-all it was not a bad read at all. The story is improving and the pace is fast-funny- and fun.
Liz wants to solve the identity theft for her new sweetie but the twisting trail leads to drugs, dog-napping, attempted murder, and a cult that wants Liz's new property. With the help of her beau, the newly minted local sheriff - a woman named Sam, and her dog-pal Duke, can she solve the case, not get herself killed and be willing the give her heart to another man?
All-in-all it was not a bad read at all. The story is improving and the pace is fast-funny- and fun.
December 21, 2022
Fom Carmel to Charleston, Stacy Wilder does a great job of taking the reader to charming and beautiful places combined with interesting characters and a very exciting mystery. Could not put this one down!!
February 4, 2023
Liz Adams finds herself hurtling through adventures from identity theft to mysterious trespassers on inherited property to a culmination of unimagined happiness. This romancee/mystsery will keep you turning pages right to the end.
February 16, 2023
Lives this book! I read it all today; couldn’t put it down. I read her first book as well and can’t wait for the next one! Highly recommend.
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