A Day in the Life of PI Liz Talbot by Susan M. Boyer

Apr 21, 2015 | A Day In My Life

Lowcountry BoneyardThe dead are not generally fretful of mortal affairs. My friend Colleen passed from this world to the next seventeen years ago last June. She can’t be bothered with global warming, the national debt, or those Duck Dynasty folks from Louisiana. She’s careful to stay focused on her mission, namely, protecting Stella Maris, our South Carolina island home, from the evils of high-rise resorts, timeshares, and all such as that. But occasionally, she fixates on what appear to be random concerns, mostly cases I’m working. Colleen minds my business, is what I’m saying.

To be fair, I make my living minding other people’s business. I’m a private investigator, licensed by the state. Roughly half of my casework is pre-trial investigation for criminal defense attorneys. Another quarter involves domestic misunderstandings. The remainder is a mixed bag of human comedy and suffering—everything from conspiracy to kidnap a prize hound for stud services to conspiracy to commit murder. Sometimes it’s difficult to know which I’m dealing with at first, but I pray for the wildly farcical.

That Tuesday in mid-October, I was sitting in an Adirondack chair on my deck savoring my second cup of coffee and the music of waves breaking and racing to shore. The sun was warm on my skin. I’d just finished a read-through of my final report on a case when a ringtone named pinball announced a caller not in my contacts list. I glanced at my iPhone. It was precisely nine o’clock. The number was local. I set my coffee down and picked up the phone.

“Talbot and Andrews Investigations.”

“Miss Talbot?” The man’s tone brought to mind a professor who’d caught me daydreaming in class.

I pulled the phone away from my face and scrutinized the number again. What the hell? “This is Liz Talbot. How can I help you?”

“Colton Heyward here. I’d like to arrange a meeting at your earliest convenience.”

Something heavy and dark settled in my chest. The Heyward family and their missing early-twenties daughter had been all over the news. Kent Heyward had vanished from the streets of Charleston one late summer evening. I closed my eyes and forced air into my lungs. “Of course. I’ll come whenever you like.”

He gave me his home address on lower Legare Street in Charleston and asked me to be there at ten o’clock the next morning. Had I not been familiar with the family, the address—which was south of Broad Street near where the Ashley River converges with the Cooper to sculpt the end of the Charleston peninsula—would’ve told me I was likely dealing with old money and a family tree including names from history books.

Wednesday morning Colleen woke me at 4:45. She pestered the fire out of me to get an early start, proceeding to inform me of the time every five minutes during my run, shower, and the berry-yogurt-granola parfait which failed to summon my appetite. Kent Heyward’s disappearance weighed heavy on my heart. It haunted the entire lowcountry. I was both eager to help and apprehensive. What could I do that hadn’t been done?

If I had known then everything that would follow, I would’ve still gone to Charleston that morning. But the Heyward case changed me in ways I’m still coming to terms with. Let’s grab a chair, and I’ll tell you what happened. . .

You can read more about Liz in Lowcountry Boneyard, the third book in the “Liz Talbot” mystery series, published by Henery Press. The first two books in the series are Lowcountry Boil and Lowcountry Bombshell.

GIVEAWAY: Leave a comment by 12 a.m. eastern on April 28 for the chance to win either a print or an e-book copy of Lowcountry Boneyard–winner’s choice. The print giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. The e-book giveaway is open to everyone. Winner will be notified within 48 hours after giveaway closes and you will have three days to respond after being contacted or another winner will be selected. Make sure to check your SPAM folder.

About the author
Susan M. Boyer is the author of the Liz Talbot mystery series. Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, is a USA Today Bestseller, an Agatha Award winner for Best First Novel, and a Macavity nominee, among others. 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 with her husband and an inordinate number of houseplants in Greenville, SC. Visit Susan at her website.

76 Comments

  1. carlrscott
    carlrscott on April 21, 2015 at 1:30 am

    I’ve heard a little about this series and certainly seen it around the internet. I think we’d really enjoy this, thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  2. MaryB
    MaryB on April 21, 2015 at 1:44 am

    I have enjoyed this series. Looking forward to reading this new book in the line up. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.

  3. Melody Gonser
    Melody Gonser on April 21, 2015 at 2:31 am

    I am excited about this giveaway. I haven’t read any of these books and I look forward to it. It’s nice finding a new series. Thank you for your giveaway.

  4. Patty Allen
    Patty Allen on April 21, 2015 at 2:35 am

    I love southern mysteries, and this book looks great. I just bought Lowcountry Bombshell, but have not started it yet. Thanks for the chance to win 🙂

  5. candace knight
    candace knight on April 21, 2015 at 3:05 am

    This book sounds great. Thank you for the chance.
    Moonbay7399@gmail.com

  6. ktbeeblog
    ktbeeblog on April 21, 2015 at 3:51 am

    Like Colleen I’m eager to find out more about the Kent Heyward disappearance. I love this set of characters. I’ve ordered the first & have a bit of reading to catch up on. Thanks for the chance in the giveaway. If chosen, I’d pick the print book to share with my library where I work.

  7. Felita
    Felita on April 21, 2015 at 5:18 am

    I love books where there’s a private investigator. My favorite type “girls with guns” – anyway, I love the cover. Thanks for the giveaway.

  8. Lisa Garrett
    Lisa Garrett on April 21, 2015 at 6:22 am

    I want to know more about how the Heyward case affected Liz!

  9. Debbie Carnes
    Debbie Carnes on April 21, 2015 at 7:03 am

    I live in the south so find Southern based mysteries a lot of fun. Would love to read this

  10. Deb Forbes
    Deb Forbes on April 21, 2015 at 7:21 am

    Sounds good thanks for chance to win

  11. Kathryn Wiser
    Kathryn Wiser on April 21, 2015 at 8:10 am

    So glad to see another book in this series.

  12. Barb Goffman
    Barb Goffman on April 21, 2015 at 8:47 am

    I’m looking forward to this book! No need to include me in the giveaway, though. I’m covered, book-wise.

  13. Jane R
    Jane R on April 21, 2015 at 8:57 am

    I just love this series. This title is already on my booklist and I’m really looking forward to it! Thanks for the giveaway!!

  14. Amy Gill
    Amy Gill on April 21, 2015 at 9:02 am

    Would truly love to own this one!

  15. Kathy Gonzales
    Kathy Gonzales on April 21, 2015 at 9:09 am

    I really like this series, and would be thrilled to win an e copy !

  16. Nancy Funkhouser
    Nancy Funkhouser on April 21, 2015 at 9:10 am

    Looks like a series I want to get into. I love women private eyes.

  17. Susan M. Boyer
    Susan M. Boyer on April 21, 2015 at 9:19 am

    Good morning, Dru Ann, and everyone! Dru Ann, thank you so much for having Liz and me here on launch day for Lowcountry Boneyard! I’m so excited about this release, and it makes me so happy to hang out with other readers who enjoy women PIs. Your comments have put a big smile on my face this morning–thank you all!

    • Dru
      Dru on April 21, 2015 at 9:37 am

      Good morning Susan, you know how I feel about Liz and her friends. I just love this series and thanks for giving us a glimpse into her day.

      • Susan M. Boyer
        Susan M. Boyer on April 21, 2015 at 9:45 am

        My pleasure–always! I’m so happy you enjoy the series! 🙂

  18. Barbara Hackel
    Barbara Hackel on April 21, 2015 at 9:21 am

    How have I missed this series? 😮 It sounds wonderful! I am going to start at the first book and get with the program. I have seen the covers and they always catch my eye, but reading this excerpt cinches the deal. Must read now! Thanks Susan and Dru for the opportunity to win a copy! 🙂

  19. Mary Jane H
    Mary Jane H on April 21, 2015 at 10:15 am

    I’m putting this series on my tbr
    list, it sounds great!

  20. Patricia
    Patricia on April 21, 2015 at 10:35 am

    Thanks, Dru and Liz/Susan. Sounds like a great read! I have added this series to my TBR list and would love to win Lowcountry Boneyard.

  21. Pat
    Pat on April 21, 2015 at 10:36 am

    I read her first book when it first came out and loved it, same with her second one. I would love the chance to win her newest, it sounds like a change is coming! Thanks for the opportunity.

  22. Betty W
    Betty W on April 21, 2015 at 10:38 am

    This book sounds great~I love the excerpt! I love the title and the cover! Thank you for the terrific post and the chance to win a copy!

  23. anne
    anne on April 21, 2015 at 10:46 am

    What a wonderful series and feature. Thanks for this great giveaway.

  24. Anita Yancey
    Anita Yancey on April 21, 2015 at 10:52 am

    This book sounds like a real winner, and I’d love to read it. Thanks for this chance.

  25. Linda Kleback
    Linda Kleback on April 21, 2015 at 10:58 am

    I’ve read the earlier books in this series and am eager to read this one!

  26. Karin
    Karin on April 21, 2015 at 11:07 am

    I haven’t read any of the books in this series – yet! I enjoy finding new series to read and review.

  27. bonnijeanmarley
    bonnijeanmarley on April 21, 2015 at 11:10 am

    I’d love a print copy of this book. I like a good mystery.

  28. Susan Bowman Williams
    Susan Bowman Williams on April 21, 2015 at 11:17 am

    I enjoyed the others in the series and would love to read this one – print or ebook doesn’t matter! Great series!

  29. jennanyar
    jennanyar on April 21, 2015 at 11:21 am

    I love this series, would like to win a e-book (I’m from Ukraine). Thank you for the opportunity!

  30. Emily Goehner
    Emily Goehner on April 21, 2015 at 11:29 am

    How have I missed this series? This sounds like a wonderful read and I would be pleased if you chose me to win a print copy. Thank you.

  31. Betty Hall
    Betty Hall on April 21, 2015 at 11:42 am

    Would love to win this! Thanks for the offer!

  32. MarciaGHunt
    MarciaGHunt on April 21, 2015 at 11:51 am

    looks like a very good interesting book e-book thanks for sharing

  33. marylouh
    marylouh on April 21, 2015 at 12:09 pm

    sounds like a good read. Always looking for new series. thanks

  34. Verna Gass
    Verna Gass on April 21, 2015 at 12:25 pm

    This is a new series for me. Anxious to read…winning a copy would start me out right! Thanks for the opportunity!

  35. Libby Dodd
    Libby Dodd on April 21, 2015 at 12:37 pm

    I like the fact that she would have still gone, knowing what she knows now.

  36. Kicha
    Kicha on April 21, 2015 at 12:40 pm

    Sounds like an interesting series.

  37. sarah
    sarah on April 21, 2015 at 1:06 pm

    I love this series!

  38. Susan M. Boyer
    Susan M. Boyer on April 21, 2015 at 1:12 pm

    Thank you all so much! I’m so excited to see so many readers who enjoy the series as well as so many to whom it’s new! Best of luck everyone!

  40. Judy Weaver
    Judy Weaver on April 21, 2015 at 1:42 pm

    Would love to win this book!!

  41. Katrina
    Katrina on April 21, 2015 at 1:59 pm

    I love this series. Can’t wait to read this one!!!
    Thank you for the chance to win a copy.

  42. Sharon F.
    Sharon F. on April 21, 2015 at 3:42 pm

    I’m sorry to say that I haven’t read any of your series. I can’t wait to get started and would love to win a copy of this one!

  43. kansan4dogs
    kansan4dogs on April 21, 2015 at 4:58 pm

    This looks like a great series. My to-read list keeps getting longer and longer.
    lizc@mac.com

  44. Betty Gracie
    Betty Gracie on April 21, 2015 at 5:42 pm

    Would love to win!

  45. kidisitor
    kidisitor on April 21, 2015 at 5:47 pm

    Really enjoy this series! To be honest, I’ve loved all the Henery Press books that I’ve read so far. =)

  46. Christi King
    Christi King on April 21, 2015 at 5:59 pm

    This is a great series and I’m excited about this new book. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy!

  47. Kaye Killgore
    Kaye Killgore on April 21, 2015 at 6:37 pm

    Sounds interesting

  48. MaryBeth McKetchnie
    MaryBeth McKetchnie on April 21, 2015 at 7:51 pm

    Thanks for the opportunity to win Lowcountry Boneyard. Looks like a good read!

  49. Della williamson
    Della williamson on April 21, 2015 at 8:06 pm

    I really appreciate the chance to add a new read to my list. The teaser was intriguing. Thank you for this opportunity to win this intriguing novel.

  50. Betty Jo English
    Betty Jo English on April 21, 2015 at 9:48 pm

    I love visiting the low country. While I cannot physically travel there now, I can through these books

    Bettyjo.English@gmail.com

  51. sallycootie
    sallycootie on April 21, 2015 at 11:41 pm

    I haven’t read this series but after this I think I need to. Thanks for the giveaway.

  52. Barbara Hawk
    Barbara Hawk on April 22, 2015 at 12:05 am

    Sounds like a great series! Thanks for the chance!

  53. Dotty Kelley
    Dotty Kelley on April 22, 2015 at 12:13 am

    I like this series. Loooking forward to this one.

  54. bookwoman
    bookwoman on April 22, 2015 at 1:06 am

    I enjoyed my first visit to The Lowcountry looking foreword to another one.

  55. cyn209
    cyn209 on April 22, 2015 at 6:18 am

    A series I need to start…..
    Thank you for the giveaway….

  56. ladyjanel
    ladyjanel on April 22, 2015 at 6:46 am

    Sounds like a great book.

  57. Mo
    Mo on April 22, 2015 at 9:11 am

    I just bought the first two books in this series. They all look wonderful and I look forward to a great time reading them.

  58. Susan M. Boyer
    Susan M. Boyer on April 22, 2015 at 9:20 am

    Thank you so much, everyone! Liz and I love being on Dru’s Book Musing! These “Day in the Life” posts are fun to do! Best of luck in the drawing, all! 🙂

  59. Jan
    Jan on April 22, 2015 at 2:32 pm

    This is a terrific series! I discovered it through Malice Dimestic and liked it so much that I look forward to each new book! I’d live to win this!

  60. holdenj
    holdenj on April 22, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    I really enjoy books with female PI’s! I look forward to this new title!
    Thanks for the chance to win!

  61. Sharon Baker
    Sharon Baker on April 22, 2015 at 8:29 pm

    I love a good book with a woman who knows what she is doing. Plan on getting the whole series.

  62. Grace K.
    Grace K. on April 22, 2015 at 8:37 pm

    I love southern mysteries, and have enjoyed the first two books.
    Thanks for the chance to win Lowcountry Boneyard!

  63. Anita Miles
    Anita Miles on April 24, 2015 at 7:18 pm

    sounds great

  64. Marsha C
    Marsha C on April 24, 2015 at 7:52 pm

    Wow! Love Charleston. A series I need to start. Thanks for the chance to win.

  65. Margaret Rushton
    Margaret Rushton on April 24, 2015 at 8:30 pm

    I have not read this series yet but it sounds like a really nice cozy series.

  66. MaryBeth McKetchnie
    MaryBeth McKetchnie on April 24, 2015 at 9:08 pm

    This is a new series for me. I’d love to start reading it. Thank you for the opportunity to win! 🙂

  67. Annette
    Annette on April 24, 2015 at 9:18 pm

    This is a good series.

  68. Stacy Durnwald
    Stacy Durnwald on April 25, 2015 at 4:57 pm

    Sounds like an exciting read

  69. Pamela Woodfield
    Pamela Woodfield on April 26, 2015 at 5:58 am

    This series looks really good. Haven’t read any as yet. Would love to win a copy.

  70. Judy
    Judy on April 26, 2015 at 4:08 pm

    I read “Boil” but need to catch up with “Bombshell” and the latest.

  71. Lorraine J. Koschock
    Lorraine J. Koschock on April 26, 2015 at 8:42 pm

    ok, now I’m dying to know what happened after she went to the Heyward house. I love detective books and its an extra star if she’s a woman investigator. I think I can help her find whatever she’s looking for. I’ve read books, too. Hope I win it. thanks for the chance. Lorraine Koschock

  72. CarolBEE
    CarolBEE on April 26, 2015 at 8:44 pm

    This is a new series for me. I will need to check it out!

  73. Elaine N.
    Elaine N. on April 27, 2015 at 6:54 am

    I enjoy this series and am looking forward to reading the new book.

  74. Dru
    Dru on April 28, 2015 at 5:05 am

    Thanks Susan for commenting.

    Contest is closed.