Board Stiff (Elliott Lisbon Mystery, #1)

by Kendel Lynn

As director of the Ballantyne Foundation on Sea Pine Island, SC, Elliott Lisbon scratches her detective itch by performing discreet inquiries for Foundation donors. Usually nothing more serious than retrieving a pilfered Pomeranian. Until Jane Hatting, Ballantyne board chair, is accused of murder. The Ballantyne’s reputation tanks, Jane’s headed to a jail cell, and Elliott’s sexy ex is the new lieutenant in town. Armed with moxie and her Mini Coop, Elliott uncovers a trail of blackmail schemes, gambling debts, illicit affairs, and investment scams. With victims piling up faster than shells at a clambake, Elliott realizes she’s next on the killer’s list.

• ISBN10: 1940976898
• ISBN13: 9781940976891
• Publish Date: 13 July 2014 (first published 30 April 2013)
• Publish Status: Active
• Imprint: Henery Press
• Format: Hardcover
• Pages: 276
• Language: English

Reviews

[MurderByDeath]

A very strong first book. Excellent, vivid characters. Almost-tropical island setting. A sprinkle of humour, and a bit of sexual tension to keep things fun. The mystery was very well crafted and I think the author did an excellent job of hiding the murderer in plain site. There were a few slapstick moments in the book - you either like slapstick or you don't. The only moment I found I could have done without involved getting into a poker game, and I'll leave it at that. It all turned out well, but it just seemed too over-the-top. I'm also not loving the possibility of a love triangle - no thank you, they never end up being interesting (unless your last name is Evanovich, and frankly, I can't figure out how she manages to pull it off).

All in all a very fun read - it kept my interest from beginning to end and I only had to skip about a page of internal dialogue. I rate that as a success! :) I'll be looking for the next book and hope Ransom is in for the long haul.

[tellemonstar]

Board Stiff was a pretty good cosy mystery. It has all the proper elements – amateur sleuth, unexpected murder, several suspects, and a big ol’ mystery surround the circumstances of the murder. Elliott, or Elli, as her friends call her, is the director of the Ballantyne Foundation, and is essentially charged with keeping the board members out of too much strife.

As is fairly normal in cosy mysteries, Elli got herself into a few pickles, especially in terms of what she did and did not disclose to Nick Ransom, the town’s new Lieutenant. He is less than thrilled when she investigates the case herself, although she is essentially being paid to do so by the Ballantynes. Adding legitimacy to her investigation is the fact that she is working on getting her hours up for her PI license and he grudgingly allows her investigation to continue. He’s also her ex-boyfriend from about 20 years ago and there is quite clearly some unresolved issues there. Oddly Elliott seems a lot younger than that, though she did mention she was 40.

Overall this was quite enjoyable, if a little bit slow at times. If you enjoy cosy mysteries, then you will enjoy this one too.
Full review here