Lowcountry Boil by Susan M. Boyer is the first book in the new “Liz Talbot” mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, September 2012

Private Investigator Liz Talbot is a modern Southern belle: she blesses hearts and takes names. She carries her Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag, and her golden retriever, Rhett, rides shotgun in her hybrid Escape. When her grandmother is murdered, Liz high-tails it back to her South Carolina island home to find the killer.

She’s fit to be tied when her police-chief brother shuts her out of the investigation, so she opens her own. Then her long-dead best friend pops in and things really get complicated. When more folks start turning up dead in this small seaside town, Liz must use more than just her wits and charm to keep her family safe, chase down clues from the hereafter, and catch a psychopath before he catches her.

Private investigator Liz comes home to Stella Maris after inheriting her grandmother’s house to learn that her death may not have been an accident. With inside help, Liz’s search for a killer uncovers a devious plot that includes trickery and murder and she’ll have to act fast to unmask a killer to save her hometown.

This book oozes southern charm and a mystery that makes you feel like you are a part of the action with every page you turn. I love the way the author presented this lighthearted whodunit with unforeseen revelations as the story came to a close. Liz is my kind of person who carries a Sig and knows how to use it. Surrounded by a quirky cast of characters, this delightful book boasts engaging conversations and a southern charm that embraces you. This was a fun and enjoyable read and I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful debut series.

Susan is the recipient of the 2012 Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense