Showing posts with label paranormal mystery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label paranormal mystery. Show all posts

Thursday, August 14, 2025

Book Review: COWBOY WATCH (The Watchers Book 1) by Petie McCarty

The Watchers Series - Fallen angels seeking parole for their betrayal . . . 

Someone—or something—wants Kellen out of town . . . 

Kellen Brand’s inheritance comes as a monumental shock—a rundown farm in West Virginia she doesn’t want and one paroled Watcher all her own. Kellen’s eccentric mother had believed the Watchers to be fallen angels who sought penance by guarding chosen individuals who had lost their way. Seriously? A Watcher? Only her mother . . . 

Since Kellen vows no sane woman would choose to live in Riverside, she’s on a mission to dump the old farm fast and to the first buyer who comes along. Unfortunately for her, the only buyer is a resort developer, spurned by a townful of objectors and one handsome cowboy—her neighbor, Luke Thornton. Luke must block Kellen’s farm sale or risk exposing his own family’s secrets. He can ill afford his immediate and compelling attraction to his new neighbor. 

Someone is watching Kellen, but not who she thinks. Someone deadly and intent on scaring her out of town. Or worse. 

Luke faces a hellish choice. Step in and rescue Kellen from her threats, or stand by and watch to protect his family. . . 

Review 

Kellen arrives at the farm she inherited with her number one goal that of selling it and getting back to the city and her job. Her mother left her a cryptic note about a "watcher" keeping her safe. She's not sure what that means and deals with her goal. Only her first impression of the person pushing her to sell is negative and as she meets people in the small town, she learns the townspeople are very much against the sale. Enter Luke Thornton, who owns the adjoining property and strongly pushes her not to sell. Then she notices lights and shadows toward the mill. 

Cowboy Watch includes well-developed characters of Kellen and Luke, with sparks flying, as well as a number of bad guys and angels (or watchers). McCarty communicates the emotional side of Kellen's decisions and Luke's arguments - tissues recommended. The suspense builds - not only with regard to who is the watcher and who are the bad guys now fearful of what Kellen has seen - but with Kellen and Luke. A must read for those who enjoy romantic suspense without the heat. 

About the Author 

Petie spent a majority of her career at Walt Disney World—"The Most Magical Place on Earth"—where she loved working in the land of fairy tales by day and crafting her own romantic fairy tales by night, including her series, The Cinderella Romances. She eventually said goodbye to her "day" job to focus on her stories full-time. 

These days, Petie spends her time writing new tales for her Cinderella series, her new paranormal-romantic-suspense series, The Watchers, sequels to her Regency time-travel series, Lords in Time, and more contemporary romance standalones, along with her two previous releases—Any Fin For Love and Ambush in the Everglades. 

Petie shares her home on the Cumberland Plateau in Tennessee with her husband, a horticulturist/landscape designer who provided all technical background for Cinderella Busted, and an opinionated Nanday conure named Sassy, who made a cameo appearance in Christmas Watch, Book 2 of The Watchers series.

You can connect with Petie:





Thursday, February 27, 2025

Book Review: HOT SEAL MIDNIGHT MAGIC (SEALS in Paradise Series) by Teresa Reasor

About the Book

Navy SEAL Gage Fontenot is home for the first time in two years because his grandmother, who raised him, is in the hospital after a brutal assault. He has four weeks to get the lay of the land, find who’s responsible, and guarantee the attacker gets the punishment he deserves. When he’s met at the airport by Mia, the woman he jilted six years ago, his visit becomes much more complicated. Because his reasons for leaving New Orleans all lead back to her. 

Psychic Mia Blanchard knows there’s always a price to pay for the best things in life, but she’s shocked by the dramatic change in Gage. Gone is the lighthearted Cajun who played guitar in the New Orleans clubs. What has happened to make him cut himself off from his home and family? She needs to find out, because she can’t move on until she puts their past behind her. 

But there is more than their personal history in play. She sees danger ahead for them both. But Gage never believed in her gift in the past. How can she convince him to trust it now? 

Review 

Gage's first priority is his grandmother's safety, but seeing Mia brings back memories, guilt, and the pain. With his own sense that something's not right, when Mia has another of her episodes, he's more open to her gift. With his protective instincts and the love he still has for her he's determined nothing will happen to Mia or his grandmother. 

Reasor tells a tale that has all the markings of a second chance romance, all the while building the suspense that someone is out to get Mia, and Gage may be in danger as well. The characters are well-developed and I liked both Mia, Gage, and his grandmother. An enjoyable and engaging page-turner, the plot speeds up and intensifies as the story continues. 


About the Author New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Teresa Reasor was born in Southeastern Kentucky, but grew up a Marine Corps brat. The love of reading instilled in her in Kindergarten at Parris Island, South Carolina made books her friends during the many transfers her father's military career entailed. The transition from reading to writing came easily to her and she penned her first book in second grade. But it wasn't until 2007 that her first published work was released. 

After twenty-one years as an Art Teacher and ten years as a part-time College Instructor, she's now retired and living her dream as a full-time Writer. Her body of work includes both full-length novels and shorter pieces in many different genres, including Military Romantic Suspense, Paranormal Romance, Historical Romance and a Children's Book.


Sunday, May 16, 2021

Book Review: GINGERBREAD AND DEADLY DREAD (A Murder in the Mix #4) by Addison Moore

About the Book (from Amazon)

A baker who sees the dead. One too many suitors. And a killer. Living in Honey Hollow can be murder.

My name is Lottie Lemon and I see dead pets. Okay, so on occasion I see dearly departed humans too, but fortunately for me that horrible scenario is not playing out at the moment. Instead I see a beautiful long departed pooch hovering around a questionably two-timing Santa and all his naughty-hottie elves. Quite frankly, it’s a terrifying sight considering the fact the fantastic phantasm is an ominous harbinger for its previous owner. 

So when I find my sister’s boyfriend face down in the snow with a handful of my tasty gingerbread treats I’m not only sorry for him, but I’m very sorry that I had a blowout with him in front of the entire town of Honey Hollow. And just like that, I get the one thing for Christmas I did not ask for—a number one spot on the suspect list. I have a feeling this is going to be one Christmas I’d rather forget. 

Lottie Lemon has a brand new bakery to tend to, a budding romance with perhaps one too many suitors, and she has the supernatural ability to see dead pets—which are always harbingers for ominous things to come. Throw in the occasional ghost of the human variety, a string of murders, and her insatiable thirst for justice, and you’ll have more chaos than you know what to do with. 

Living in the small town of Honey Hollow can be murder.

Review

A Christmas cozy, Gingerbread and Deadly Dread appropriately has a baker, Lottie Lemon, who is busy baking holiday treats. Only her Christmas may be spoiled when she finds a dead body and is a suspect given her recent fight with the victim and her gingerbread treats. As she endeavors to find the real killer, she has help from Dutch, a furry - but dead - dog, her friend, Everett and her boyfriend, Noah. Not surprising, adding Christmas to the mix, there is a lot going on in the small town of Honey Hollow. 

This is a solid cozy mystery, with clues that lead the reader astray, distractions, and Dutch. If you're looking for an interesting twist on a Christmas cozy and enjoy the paranormal, you will likely enjoy this one. And there is some sense that Everett and Noah are both vying for Lottie's attention. This is the fourth in the series and intended to be a stand-alone mystery. As with most cozy mysteries, the relationships of the core characters evolve with each new book - my advice is to start at the beginning.



Tuesday, August 20, 2019

Blog tour and review: I DREAMED IT


Synposis

Justice for the dead and solace for the living is Baxley Powell’s creed, but she faces uncharted territory in this sixth book of the Dreamwalker Mystery Series. The Suitcase Killer has struck again, only this big city menace is now a problem for Baxley’s hometown. As that investigation heats up, a local woman is reported missing. The sheriff orders Baxley to work the missing person’s case.

Listening to the dead is familiar ground for Baxley but finding a missing young lady isn’t in her skill set. Besides, her dreams rarely follow a timeline. With the clock ticking, can this crime consultant discover a way to reach the living?

Her main source of help in the afterlife, a mentor named Rose, is unavailable. Instead, Baxley must rely on her wits and her Native American boyfriend, Deputy Sam Mayes, to find leads. Each shared dreamwalk and energy transfer binds them closer together, creating another issue. Mayes wants to marry Baxley but it isn’t that easy. They’re hampered by their community roles in opposite ends of the state.

Baxley juggles the pressure of two high-profile cases, a determined suitor, and expanding her limits. One thing is certain. Without her extrasensory sleuthing, the missing woman will die.



Review

Baxley and Sam continue to work together to help others in law enforcement in this next book in the series. Only somehow, they both lost a period of time when they should have been asleep. Neither has any recollection and both have a need to know who used them somehow and for what. 

In the meantime, the Sheriff is very possessive and attracted to Baxley, and not too thrilled that Sam always seems to show up. The case they're called in on is of a missing girl. With a new twist, the girl's pleas for help reach Baxley and provide a different kind of threat. Despite the risk, Baxley wants to find her before she's dead.

The final layer of tension centers on the relationship between Baxley and Sam. He's about to be offered a position in the northern part of the state and he's looking for some indication from Baxley she'd rather he hung around. 

All together, the tension and action move the story. The characters are unique and well-developed. The sense of community among Baxley's family and friends provides balance. Although the fourth in the series, this can be read as a stand-alone mystery. That said, I think to get the full effect of the dreamwalking component, it would be best to start with the first one. All have been highly enjoyable, with me staying up to get to end and find out how Toussaint managed to pull all the loose strings together.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.


About Maggie Toussaint

Southern author Maggie Toussaint evolved into a mystery author after getting her feet damp in romantic suspense and dystopian fiction, with twenty fiction novels and two nonfiction novels to her credit. Her work won two Silver Falchions, the Readers’ Choice, and the EPIC Awards. She’s a past president of Southeast chapter of Mystery Writers of America and an officer of Lowcountry Sisters In Crime. She lives in coastal Georgia, where secrets, heritage, and ancient oaks cast long shadows. Visit her at https://maggietoussaint.com/

Author Links
Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Booklover’s Bench | Amazon Author Central | Website | Bookbub

Purchase Link 
Amazon 

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TOUR PARTICIPANTS
August 14 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 14 – I’m All About Books – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Elizabeth McKenna – Author – SPOTLIGHT

August 15 – Mysteries with Character – GUEST POST

August 16 – Laura’s Interests – REVIEW

August 17 – Babs Book Bistro – GUEST POST

August 17 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 18 – Cozy Up With Kathy – CHARACTER GUEST POST

August 18 – Island Confidential – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – eBook Addicts – SPOTLIGHT

August 19 – Ruff Drafts – SPOTLIGHT

August 20 – Christa Reads and Writes – REVIEW

August 20 – A Blue Million Books – AUTHOR INTERVIEW

August 21 – Celticlady’s Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 21 – StoreyBook Reviews – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – I Read What You Write – SPOTLIGHT

August 22 – Teresa Watson’s Blog – REVIEW

Sunday, June 23, 2019

Blog Tour and Review: LOVE LIES AND AZURE EYES

 
Synopsis

Elated by Annie’s response, Johnny caved to his impulse and pressed his mouth to her sweet lips, sparking a surge of electricity that ricocheted through his entire body, and for one glorious moment swept him up in a wave of emotion that meteorically whisked him to the edge of the universe, past swirling spirals of brightly burning stars — white dwarfs, red giants, entire galaxies. Caught in the rapture, he shed his cocoon of darkness and experienced the light — the wonderful, warm, life-affirming light. He reveled in it, felt alive. He almost believed he was. Almost.

* * *

West Coast journalist Annie Sinclair’s career, not to mention her love life, has been on the skids far too long, when she returns to Logan Point, her small, Indiana hometown. She’s back to make amends with her elderly father, and to delve into the 25-year-old, unsolved murder of her high school classmate for a writing gig with a national tabloid.

Annie’s plans soon go awry, and her mettle is tested — first when her father warns her against digging into the past; and again, when she meets the Logan Point Ledger’s handsome, but exasperating, new editor; and again still, when she reconnects with her first love, who clearly wants to rekindle what once was.

But Annie’s most arduous test appears in the form of the earthbound spirit of a boy she once knew — the boy with the azure eyes accused of the murder she is looking into. He needs her to prove his innocence, so he can break the ties that bind him to the darkness. In exchange, he will set Annie free to realize that the love she yearns for is just within her reach … if only she will open her heart.

Review

I'm not a big fan of paranormal, but you can't help but to hope for Johnny - the boy who loved Annie, was belittled by the town hero, killed in an accident and blamed for that, and then finally blamed for the death of a classmate. What starts out for Annie as nothing more than a way for her to regain some recognition as a journalist, quickly becomes more personal. Annie's not too keen on Johnny's visits, sends him away, and soon realizes he is the only one she can trust. 

The story is well-written, and other than Johnny as the innocent, it's not easy to eliminate suspects.  There are old wounds re-opened, old loves re-visited, and the surprise ending isn't just about the murder. Fast paced, with lots of personalities, if you like cozy mystery and small town drama, you'll enjoy this - even if paranormal isn't on the top of your list.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About the Author



Janis Thornton is the author of a true crime/oral history/memoir, Too Good a Girl, as well as two cozy mysteries, Dust Bunnies & Dead Bodies and Dead Air & Double Dares. She also is the author of two local history books and contributor to Undeniably Indiana. She is a member of Sisters in Crime, the Authors Guild, and the Indianapolis Writers Center. She lives in her Indiana hometown in the same house where she grew up.


Author Links

Website: www.janis-thornton.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/janisthorntonauthor
Twitter: https://twitter.com/JanisThornton
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/6482161.Janis_Thornton

Purchase Link
Amazon


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Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Book Review: DESIGNS ON MURDER : A Ghostly Fashionista Mystery Book 1 by Gayle Leeson

Synopsis

What if you discovered your lively new friend wasn't really...alive?

Amanda Tucker is excited about opening her fashion design studio in Shops On Main, a charming old building in historic Abingdon, Virginia. She didn't realize a ghost came with the property! But soon Maxine "Max" Englebright, a young woman who died in 1930, isn't the only dead person at the retail complex. Mark Tinsley, a web designer with a know-it-all attitude who also rented space at Shops On Main, is shot in his office.

Amanda is afraid that one of her new "friends" and fellow small business owners is his killer, and Max is encouraging her to solve Mark's murder a la Nancy Drew. Easy for Max to want to investigate--the ghostly 
fashionista can't end up the killer's next victim!

Review

This is a fun read. Somehow Amanda is able to see an converse with Max - who is long dead, but oh, so much fun. Then there's the dead body and the handsome guy who moves into the dead guy's space. Max does have capabilities the average sleuth is missing though. She gains information and pushes Amanda to solve the murder. Amanda's fashion is all very retro style. Not that I have the occasion to wear retro-gowns, seeing Amanda's creations might be fun.

The story moves along at a good pace and all the characters renting space in this house for their small businesses have their own quirks and secrets. Why would a collector of old books have books that aren't books at all, but designed to hide something? Along with the twists and turns, the reader also gets a glimpse at Amanda's relationship with her grandfather - who also sees Max - as well as her less than supportive parents. If you like cozy mysteries and don't mind a helpful ghost, you'll enjoy this latest from Gayle Leeson.


FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

Thursday, June 14, 2018

Blog Tour and Review: CONFOUND IT (A Dreamwalker Mystery) by Maggie Toussaint



Synopsis

While hosting out-of-town guests at her Georgia home, Dreamwalker Baxley Powell is called upon to help investigate a suspicious fire. One of her guests, close friend and fellow dreamwalker Deputy Sam Mayes, accompanies her to the scene.

A meth cook is dead, and when Baxley visits her beyond the Veil of Life, she determines that the woman was murdered. Baxley pities Mandy Patterson, a single mother with aspirations for her teenage son Doodle. Unconcerned about the death of a criminal, the authorities pursue the drug-supply chain angle. Baxley worries about Doodle and vows to find out who killed his mother.

As the case grows more baffling, Baxley struggles against her attraction to Sam. Although her husband is missing and declared dead, she does not feel free to love again until she is sure of his fate.

Two suspects have the strongest motive, but Baxley has reason to believe they are pawns in a deeper game. And unless she can stop them, the world will never be the same.


Review

Let me start by saying, this was a fantastic read that kept my attention. I am not a gung-ho paranormal fan by any means, but the dreamwalking, Baxley, and Sam were phenomenal. The pace is steady, and there are expected and unexpected twists thrown in. 

The interactions with elders, clash of cultures, and unique characters add to the story. The dynamic between Baxley and Sam, and her feelings of guilt and lack of closure are well played. Suspense, romance, and family ties, along with a unique - at least to me - twist.  Another great book by Toussaint.

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.


Read an excerpt:
Wayne turned from the fire chief. “Virg and Ronnie, you guys go next door and find out who lived here.”
“Hold up,” Ronnie said. “I already know. The Pig Woman.”
Wayne shook his head. “What?”
“The Pig Woman. Jerk next door must’ve filed half a dozen complaints about her blasted pigs.”
“The woman with the pot bellied pigs?”
“That’s the one.”
“What’s her name?”
“Mandy Patterson.”
Wayne studied the ground a moment. “It’s coming back to me now. Mandy’s pigs turned up their noses at their pig-chow dinners, escaped under the fence, and got into the dog-food bag on the neighbor’s back porch. The guy nearly had an aneurism telling you about it, right?”
“Yep. Good ole Ricky Dixon. He’s wound tight, that’s for sure. If his wife wasn’t bedridden, he’d be a permanent bachelor because no woman would put up with his sh—, uh, stuff.”
“Head over there anyway. I want a statement from him about what he may have heard or seen. I want to know where those pigs are. Take Powell with you so I know if he’s lying.”
He was sending me away from the scene? I didn’t want him to think I couldn’t do my job. I pushed away from Mayes’ protective arm. “I can do it,” I said. “I needed a moment to prepare for seeing the body.”
Wayne snorted. “Sometimes I forget you’re a chick, Powell, but I can read you like a fast-food menu. This is the best use of your time. Dixon is important. He’s either a witness or a suspect, and I need your take on what he says.”
His words didn’t ring quite true. My spine stiffened. “I said I can do it.”
“Sure you can, but Mayes is a cop. He’s seen burn victims before. He’ll assist me because he wants in on the case. With the fire department’s approval, I’ll collect one or two personal items belonging to the victim, and you can go inside the place once we remove the corpse. Right now, I need you next door with my guys.”
Crap. I was being sent away on the “B” team. Simultaneously, Mayes had been promoted from spectator to “A” team. Good ole boy networks never died.
Though my pride smarted, I couldn’t deny I was glad to be granted a respite on the viewing. Wayne was doing me a favor, so I should hush and be gracious about it.
“Virg, let’s get that statement stat,” the sheriff said.
“Roger that, boss man.” Virg cocked his head at me. “You ready?”
I nodded and gathered my thoughts. I might not like being sent away, but I would do my assignment. As a police consultant, I needed to let my abilities be tasked however the sheriff deemed fit. Didn’t matter about the temporary demotion, I’d do my job. I would get justice for this victim.
“If this guy doesn’t cooperate, I’ll light him up with my Taser,” Virg announced as we trudged down the dirt road to the neighbor’s home.
Ronnie laughed, an affable giggle with a sinister twist. “Go git ’em, Virg.”
Having been on the wrong end of Virg’s Taser before, I didn’t wish that experience on anyone. “You will not. The object is to gather information, not have this man sue the sheriff’s office. If he won’t talk to you, I want a crack at him.”
“No way he’s gonna talk to you. I’m telling you. This man’s crazier than a sprayed roach.”

Excerpt from Confound It. Copyright © 2018. All rights reserved.


About the Author

Southern author Maggie Toussaint writes mystery, suspense, and dystopian fiction. Her work won the Silver Falchion Award for best mystery, the Readers’ Choice Award, and the EPIC Award. She’s published seventeen novels as well as several short stories and novellas. The next book in her paranormal mystery series, Dadgummit, releases August 2017. Maggie serves on the national board for Mystery Writers of America, is President of Southeast Mystery Writers of America, and is Co-VP of Low Country Sisters In Crime. Visit her at www.maggietoussaint.com.

Embedded links:

Facebook | Twitter | Blog | Goodreads | LinkedIn | Pinterest | Booklover’s Bench | Amazon Author Central | Bookbub | Website

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Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Blog Tour: A DICKENS OF A MURDER by Joyce and Jim Lavene

Synopsis:
Christmas at Canterville!

Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia.


What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together.

Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin.

But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years.

Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels.

Review
All Lisa has ever wanted was to read books and perhaps write a book. With a forced life change, Simon provides the opportunity for her to partner in a book store, complete with a loft room for her to live in.  Then there's Hart's body found on the roof outside her window, her ex-husband as the Detective in charge, and the ghost of Dickens who wants to help her as an author. Lisa tries to find others with motive for Hart's murder, but it looks like the true target may be Simon. In the mean time, she needs to get rid of the ghost and avoid Daniel.

This book has a bit of everything - mystery, romance, and, yes, the ghost of Dickens. A fun read with twists and turns readers have come to expect from Joyce and Jim. 

FTC Disclosure: I received a complimentary copy of this book in the hopes that I would post an honest review as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

About The Authors 
Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

It goes without saying that Joyce will be missed by readers and fellow authors like.


Purchase Link
Amazon


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Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Blog Tour: LOWCOUNTRY BONEYARD (A Liz Talbot Mystery Book 3) by Susan M. Boyer

Synopsis

Where is Kent Heyward? The twenty-three-year-old heiress from one of Charleston’s oldest families vanished a month ago. When her father hires private investigator Liz Talbot, Liz suspects the most difficult part of her job will be convincing the patriarch his daughter tired of his overbearing nature and left town. That’s what the Charleston Police Department believes.

But behind the garden walls South of Broad, family secrets pop up like weeds in the azaleas. The neighbors recollect violent arguments between Kent and her parents. Eccentric twin uncles and a gaggle of cousins covet the family fortune. And the lingering spirit of a Civil-War-era debutante may know something if Colleen, Liz’s dead best friend, can get her to talk.

Liz juggles her case, the partner she’s in love with, and the family she adores. But the closer she gets to what has become of Kent, the closer Liz dances to her own grave.

Review

Liz Talbot is called in a month after Kent goes missing. The police have decided that Kent is not missing, but rather left of her own accord. As Liz asks questions and uncovers some family secrets, Liz isn't so sure. Colleen, a ghost is also prompting her along the way. Liz has to be sure to have her ear buds in so if she responds to Colleen and someone hears her, the assumption will be she is talking to a real person not crazy. Amidst the mystery is the relationship between Liz and Nate, neither of which wants to leave their roots, and in Liz's case, Colleen. Despite personal issues, Nate helps with the case and the whodunit is wrapped up nicely. In case the reader missed a clue along the way, Liz and Nate debrief at the end.

This is the third in the series, following LOWCOUNTRY BOIL and LOWCOUNTRY BOMBSHELL. For the story of Kent and the relationship between Nate and Liz, this LOWCOUNTRY BONEYARD can easily be read as a stand alone. I haven't read the first two but I gathered from the descriptions and reviews, that Colleen's history and her draw for Liz are set out in these first two books. That said, you might want to start at the beginning with this series.

About This Author

Susan M. Boyer is the author of the USA TODAY bestselling Liz Talbot mystery series. 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. 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.

Susan lives in Greenville, SC, with her husband and an inordinate number of houseplants.