Lowcountry Bookshop: A Liz Talbot Mystery
by Susan M Boyer

Private investigators Liz Talbot and her partner Nate Andrews are hired by an anonymous benefactor to investigate the hit and run murder of Philip Drayton and prove the innocence of Poppy Oliver. Their investigation will have them uncovering a clandestine group that work together to assist battered women and will lead them into one of the most exclusive private clubs Charleston has to offer.

I read a lot of cozy mysteries but this one was a step off the norm for me. The protagonists were not booksellers or librarians as the amateur sleuths but honest, licensed investigators with a lot of toys. Considering the many varied directions this investigation goes off on they need them. There is a paranormal spin in the series in the form of Liz’s best friend from high school who, after one too many tequilas at a party when she was 17, will forever remain 17. Colleen only appears to Liz and Nate but seldom does so in this seventh installment of the Liz Talbot mysteries. This is a down to earth mystery with several plot twists, regardless of the ghost.

I recieved this book in exchange for an honest review. This in no way affects my thought on book.
I love the books in this series. So I'm always excited when a new one comes out. While this book seemed to start off rather slow for me, by the middle I was hooked as usual with this author. I finished it rather quickly and was upset there wasn't more. Good paced read, for a cozy mystery lover.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review of Lowcountry Bookshop (Liz Talbot Mystery) by Susan M. Boyer
Release date: May 29, 2018
*I received this book from Henery Press and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*

This is the seventh book in the Liz Talbot series and Susan M. Boyer has again made me feel like I’m right in the middle of all the mystery and drama as Liz and Nate uncover the details and truth in their latest investigation. Was it just a tragic accident, was it revenge or just a means to an end? Would justice be served by solving this case or could it do more harm than good? I really enjoy this series not only for the mystery in each installment and believable plots, but the fun added in from fellow Stella Maris residents and Liz’s family. The laughs continue with family dinners, daddy and his goats, and maybe a little romance for Blake? I loved this latest book in the series, if you enjoy mysteries with some laughs in the mix, you should read this series!

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

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

This is Book #7 in the Lowcountry Series. I have loved all of them and look forward to the next in the series. Susan M. Boyer incorporates Southern Lowcountry flair in her stories, making Charleston, SC sound like a wonderful, enchanting place with delightful characters. There appears to be trouble afoot with a cute little mysterious bookshop, and it might be involved in an accident.. Liz Talbot and Nate Andrews, Private Investigators, are partners in work as well as personally. They try to untangle this mystery, as it gets more and more involved and complicated. I highly recommend to those who like a cozy mystery with SC shine. A great read!

I had never read any of Ms Boyer’s Lowcountry series of cozies until I received this ARC from NetGallery. Apparently, we share a love of Charleston, and are even almost neighbors in SC, so I was quite pleased to get the chance to read her. And support a local artist at the same time.

Although It is the seventh in her series, it read to me like a stand-alone, and I didn’t feel at all lost by starting at the end. The characters are well defined and mostly likable. The story is very well paced with sufficient red herrings to keep you interested. At one point I felt there might be too many characters (OK, suspects), but eventually they all sorted themselves out. There’s a slight touch of the paranormal, a friendly spirit that pops in and out. I suspect that in other novels, her presence is more central to the story. Here she provides some of the humor and the odd bit of guidance to the sleuthing couple, and her mind-reading capabilities come in handy.

The subject matter (domestic violence) may be uncomfortable for some. It is not graphic nor is there language or descriptions that step outside the norm for cozies. I was sort of disappointed that it really WASN’T about a bookstore itself, though there is a bookstore as an important venue in the story.

Her descriptions of Charleston and her wry humor were very appealing and I’ll certainly want to read more of the series. I think most cozy readers would enjoy this.

My thanks to NetGallery, Henery Press and the author for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the seventh in the series and is totally readable as a standalone. The setting is Stella Maris and Charleston, South Carolina. This story revolves around domestic violence and the shelters for the victims involved. The suspects seem to have the same bookstore as their common denominator.

I always enjoy Ms Boyer’s trips to the south. The southern politeness and manners are so refreshing to me, as I was raised in New Jersey and New York. Things progress at a slower pace in South Carolina and that can be a good thing. I felt the mystery was well-crafted and well-written. As always, I enjoy Liz’s parents and neighbors. The sense of community and looking out for one another puts a smile on my face.

I was surprised at the twist in the end.

I look forward to the next installment. I highly recommend this book.

Lowcountry Bookshop is the seventh book in Susan Boyer’s Liz Talbot Mystery series. This book can also be read as a standalone. There is enough background so that you are not lost. Lowcountry Bookshop is a great cozy mystery. There are many twists and turns to keep you interested and guessing. The characters are well developed and make you feel like they are the friends from next door. The description of Stella Maris and Charleston make you feel if you are right there. This book was a fun read and I highly recommend it. I am looking forward to more books from Susan Boyer

Another fabulous edition to the Liz Talbot Mystery series. Although this is number 7 in the series there is enough background info that this book can be read as a standalone. However, the whole series is fabulous, so I highly recommend starting with book one! This book is the best version of a cozy mystery. There is enough detail and mystery to keep you interested but there is also enough light-hearted silliness to keep the book fun. The book and mystery were completely believable and well done. I adore the characters in this book. Liz and her husband Nate are so great together and its wonderful to see a married couple who works well together and supports each other completely. I also really love the scenes that include Liz’s family. Her mom and dad are hilarious and always bring a little levity to the stories. I loved this book and give it 5 stars. If you love cozy mysteries you should check this series out!

Another great episode of Liz and Nate and murder. Liz cannot help herself from helping Poppy, a mail carrier, who is accused of murder and then they get hired to prove that Poppy had nothing to do with the murder. Lots of twists and turns, laughs and family drama in this book. It's a great read and a fun way to spend a day, with a book you cannot put down!

An interesting visit to the south. So glad to see women helping women. This is a serious issue, along with the wrong person being accused of the crime that our couple has to delve into and solve.

Hands down my favorite Mystery Series. I adore the lovable duo of Liz and Nate, and the secondary characters are well thought out and compelling. The family drama added a nice segue in this one, and the mystery was wonderful. I enjoy the descriptions of the actual investigative process because it makes so much intuitive sense, and it's just plain fun. I love Charleston: the setting was the primary reason I started this series. The detail about places I have actually been (and hope to get to again) make my day.

Sigh. I got this book free as part of the review crew for this author. The only downside to that is that the wait until the NEXT one will be that much longer.

What can I say? I absolutely love this series and this book is a wonderful addition! Liz Talbot and her husband Nate are solving another murder mystery in Charleston, SC. I adore Liz's family and friends - her Momma and Daddy sure have a time of things. Her younger sister Merry hasn't left for her wedding trip yet and is involved, along with older brother, Blake, in the the family hijinks. (I love Liz's parents - I wish they were mine!) The theme, sadly, is a prevalent one that touches all social classes. Such a well detailed and researched storyline, plus all the tidbits of Charleston trivia and locations thrown in makes it so real! I feel like I'm there with Liz and Nate, in the thick of things. I really didn't want this book to end. This means a long wait until the next one! I loved it and strongly recommend it to mystery loving readers.

*Thank you to the author/publisher/NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

I just finished my advance copy of Lowcountry Bookshop, Liz Talbot book #7. I don't know how Ms. Boyer keeps it so fresh but she does. I was afraid going into #7 I might get a little antsy since I have read the previous six. I was late coming to her books, so I read through all six in a short period of time. I love Liz Talbot. It started with the first book and just kept going. I feel like I know her personally and could meet her for lunch. Ms. Boyer brings her to life in each book and with each book keeps you interested in the current plot. I find that amazing because most authors of series jump from one character to another character in their series. She has kept Liz front and center and again, fresh along with her family and friend dynamics - and most of all Collen!

I won't give away the plot, but Liz and Nate take on a case that weaves in and out of several dynamics around an accident, domestic abuse, and Momma's house. Lots of heart in this book. Do yourself a favor and pre-order!

Another magical visit to the Lowcountry

Liz and Nate are back in the 7th installment of the Lowcountry mystery series. They are hired by a mystery client through a prominent attorney to prove the innocence of Poppy, a mail carrier, accused of hitting and killing a local businessman with her car. But who is the mystery client, how does victim’s widow factor in, and is the local bookstore a rendezvous point for something nefarious?

As the mystery progresses, we meet a colorful cast of characters, some of which are old favorites like guardian angel/teen ghost Colleen. We get to know Liz’s quirky family a bit better, as her father brings home three additions to the family menagerie and has the backyard bulldozed for a pool. Her mother’s food and family gatherings draw us in and remind us why we love these characters so much.

Not only did I join Liz and Nate in walking through the streets of Charleston to the downtown graveyard and in visiting an exclusive club in an old plantation, I swear I could feel the rumble of the ferry and my hair curling in the humidity. You won’t regret picking this book up for a magical visit to the Lowcountry.

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley in return for an honest review

I received an ARC from Susan M. Boyer through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, which I am more than happy to give. I have been reading this series from day 1 and it gets better with each new book. Liz Talbot and "company" are a hoot! Fun, adventure, investigations, shenanigans and just plain old laughter make these books a joy to read! Susan can tell (and write) a story set in the low country like no one else. You will not be disappointed if you pick this book as your next read. Enjoy!!!

The Liz Talbot Mystery series takes place in Charleston, SC and an imaginary island right outside of town called Stella Maris. Boyer's description of Charleston and the Lowcountry's setting, personalities, dialect, and way of life is so authentic that I think I would love this series just for that. Thankfully, there is much more.

Liz and her husband Nate are private investigators. In Lowcountry Bookshop, as in the previous novels, their investigations bring them in contact with colorful characters, history, and situations. Their extended family is hilarious and genuine. I feel like I know and love them all.

For the first 6 books I listened to the audio version and I must say that in my mind the narrator, Loretta Rawlins, IS Liz Talbot. Even reading the Kindle version this time, it was her voice in my head.

I will be looking forward to the next installment!

Lowcountry Bookshop was definitely up to Susan Boyer’s usually fantastic storytelling abilities. Colleen and Liz and Nate follow a murder throughout Charleston to try find the killer and protect an potentially innocent woman.

Moments of mayhem ensue and the cloudy picture gets even cloudier before the sun finally shines through. Trying to watch them as they search for clues can be humorous or dangerous or confusing, depending on the day and time.

Liz’s quirky family and friends do not disappoint.

This book and a glass of Cheerwine will make your day. Susan Boyer’s seventh Liz Talbot mystery hits it out of the park again.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and reviewed it voluntarily.

Nice. Nicely done. With an intriguing premise, we are told by the prime suspect herself, that she did not kill poor Mr. Drayton. And that is where Liz and Nate step in, hired by an unknown client from a prominent attorney to find the person responsible. From the moment I was introduced to Poppy Oliver, I was on her side and I liked the tactics that Liz and Nate took to work their case in pursuit of justice. And it is within these pages where the action takes place among a varied cast of characters and it was up to the duo and me the reader to decipher what was going on. In addition, we have the situation at the Talbot’s home that adds to the enjoyment of the story being told.

The author does a great job setting the stage for this light-hearted drama with visually descriptive narrative and engaging dialogue that had me immersed in a book that I could not put down, quickly becoming a page turner. The pacing was on par with how well this multi-plot tale captured the essence of southern hospitality while endearing me to the escapades of those involved, no matter how much mayhem it may have caused. Who wanted Mr. Drayton dead? Was it the wife? A business partner? A friend? With a short list of suspects, the discoveries made by Liz and Nate played a factor as the drama unfolded and bit by bit, it all came down to one scenario that made plausible sense incorporating a few twists and turns that enhanced how delightfully entertaining this tale added to my reading pleasure. Bonus in my reading involved goats, pigs, a hole in the ground and several days at a spa. This is one of my favorite series and the author continues to endear me to a wonderful cast of characters from Stella Maris.