Lowcountry Bombshell (Liz Talbot Mystery, #2)

by Susan M. Boyer

[Cocktails and Books]

Boy, did I love this book! It was a great mystery novel, but Boyer managed to give the story so much more. I loved the Marilyn Monroe twist to it, loved the well-developed characters, and I loved the setting she described. I want to live on a quaint little South Carolina island too! It is hard for me to believe that this is only Boyer's 2nd novel. It was well-written and I can't wait to go back and read Lowcountry Boil!

I found it so easy to fall in love with the characters in this book. Liz is a spunky private investigator and a lifelong resident of Stella Maris, a little island off of South Carolina. As is usual in a small town, everybody knows everybody so when outsider Calista seeks Liz's services for protection, it is intriguing. Especially when she sees that Calista is dead-ringer for Marilyn Monroe. At first, I didn't know what to make of Calista--was she lying? Crazy? Both?--she seemed a bit too much of a victim. However, as the story progressed, I liked Calista too. And the men? Please tell me the next story will focus on Blake! ; )

I don't want to give anything away about the plot because I thought Boyer did a great job weaving this tale. It was suspensful, but also playful. I thought the ending was very clever and unexpected. This is a must read for all mystery lovers!

Reviewed by Joelle for Cocktails and Books