Lowcountry Boil
I read (and first reviewed) this book eight years ago. My decision then was: Great mystery. Loved the plot, the characters, the situation, the, um, everything about it? Liz returns to the Carolina island homestead after her grandmother dies, and she learns it was murder. So, why would anyone kill a sweet old lady? There are conspiracies afoot, and a ghost who confers with Liz, looking to save the island from the bad guys.
At that time the publisher, Henery Press, was new. They said, if you like one of our mysteries, you’ll like them all. I discovered that was close to the truth, for I sampled several of their authors. I also read several more of Susan M. Boyer’s Lowcountry mystery series.
This fits the “cozy” mystery since it takes place on an island, Liz’s brother is the local police chief, and Liz knows everyone she sees. Where it might veer a bit off “cozy” is Liz, herself. She’s a private investigator, and carries her Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag. Her golden retriever, Rhett, rides shotgun in her hybrid Escape. But then, possibly that’s the difference with this publisher’s mysteries. Cozy with a twist that is not baked yummies (although some are definitely encountered) or handicrafts (or does refurbishing a house count?).
Not to worry, there is a murder, a killer, and danger to Liz and family, as well as a sometimes helpful ghost. Who could ask for more? (Maybe winning an Agatha for best first mystery?)