Lowcountry Bombshell by Susan M. Boyer is the second book in the award-winning “Liz Talbot” mystery series. Publisher: Henery Press, September 2013

Liz Talbot thinks she’s seen another ghost when she meets Calista McQueen. She’s the spitting image of Marilyn Monroe. Born precisely fifty years after the ill-fated star, Calista’s life has eerily mirrored the late starlet’s and she fears the looming anniversary of Marilyn’s death will also be hers.

Before Liz can open a case file, Calista’s life coach is executed. Suspicious characters swarm around Calista like mosquitoes on a sultry lowcountry evening: her certifiable mother, a fake aunt, her control-freak psychoanalyst, a private yoga instructor, her peculiar housekeeper, and an obsessed ex-husband. Liz digs in to find a motive for murder, but she’s besieged with distractions. Her ex has marriage and babies on his mind. Her too-sexy partner engages in a campaign of repeat seduction. Mamma needs help with Daddy’s devotion to bad habits. And a gang of wild hogs is running loose on Stella Maris.

With the heat index approaching triple digits, Liz races to uncover a diabolical murder plot in time to save not only Calista’s life, but also her own.

Liz Talbot is back and I’m so happy. In Liz’s latest adventure, her client wants Liz to protect herself from dying. On a certain day. Just like a celebrity. Is the client a crackpot? Liz and Nate will soon find out as they discover someone wants their client dead and will harm anyone that gets in their way.

I love it! There is no sophomore slump for this author as she delivers a well-written tale filled with suspense, humor and some fun that both delighted and entertained me from beginning to end. I love the comfortable ambiance that exudes through the pages in this finely developed story, making me feel like I’m part of the drama. Liz is a wonderfully developed character and I like learning more about her, especially her interaction with family and friends that includes her brother Blake, her best friend Colleen, and her partner Nate. Flowing with southern charm and delicious flavor, this fast-paced drama quickly draws you in and never let you go until that last sentence that is filled with so many possibilities that I hunger for the next book in this enchantingly charismatic series.

FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me an ARC of this book, in hopes I would review it.