Step into the charming and suspenseful world of the Liz Talbot Mystery series, where Southern hospitality meets high-stakes detective work! Created by Susan M. Boyer, this USA Today bestselling cozy mystery series follows Liz Talbot, a witty private investigator navigating crimes in South Carolina’s lush Lowcountry. With her Sig 9 tucked in a Kate Spade handbag and her golden retriever Rhett by her side, Liz solves intricate mysteries while juggling family drama and a touch of romance.
Blending humor, heart, and a vividly painted setting, the series captures the essence of small-town life in Stella Maris and the historic streets of Charleston. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or new to the genre, Liz’s adventures offer a delightful escape into a world of secrets, Southern charm, and clever sleuthing.
How Liz Talbot Mystery Began
Susan M. Boyer, a lifelong Carolinian with a love for Southern culture, launched the Liz Talbot Mystery series in 2012 with Lowcountry Boil. Inspired by her childhood fascination with Nancy Drew and an insatiable appetite for reading across genres, Boyer crafted Liz as a modern Southern belle—sharp, resourceful, and unafraid to face danger. After leaving her banking career, Boyer dove into writing, drawing on research from private investigation guides and her deep connection to South Carolina’s Lowcountry to shape the series’ authentic voice and setting.
The debut novel’s success, earning the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel and a Daphne du Maurier Award nomination, cemented Boyer’s place in the cozy mystery world. Her knack for weaving humor, romance, and suspense into small-town tales resonated with readers, leading to a growing series that now spans over a dozen books.
The Heart of Liz Talbot Mystery
The series kicks off with Lowcountry Boil, where Liz returns to Stella Maris after her grandmother’s murder, uncovering family secrets and a scheme threatening her island home. In Lowcountry Bombshell, Liz encounters Calista McQueen, a Marilyn Monroe lookalike fearing for her life, diving into a case filled with quirky suspects. Lowcountry Book Club sees Liz investigating a suspicious death in Charleston’s elite circles, while Lowcountry Bonfire tackles a fiery murder mystery closer to home.
Themes of family, loyalty, and resilience shine through, wrapped in Boyer’s humorous and heartfelt prose. The Lowcountry setting—think marshy coastlines, historic mansions, and sultry summer nights—acts as a vivid backdrop, almost a character itself. Liz’s investigations often blend cozy elements like small-town gossip with edgier PI tactics, creating a unique tone that balances lighthearted fun with gripping suspense. Fans adore the romantic tension between Liz and her partner Nate Andrews, which unfolds gradually across the series.
Stella Maris, a fictional island inspired by real Lowcountry locales, grounds the series in a tight-knit community where everyone knows your name—and your secrets. Charleston’s charm, from its cobblestone streets to its vibrant food scene, adds sophistication, making the setting a love letter to South Carolina.
Why Liz Talbot Mystery Resonates
The Liz Talbot Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre by blending Southern flair with complex, unpredictable plots. Boyer’s ability to craft relatable characters, like Liz’s eccentric family or her ghostly friend Colleen, keeps readers invested. The series’ appeal lies in its balance of comfort and excitement—perfect for readers craving both a cozy escape and a page-turning whodunit.
Its impact extends beyond bookshelves, with the first seven novels optioned for TV development by Bohemia Group Originals in 2018, hinting at Liz’s potential to charm onscreen audiences. Fans praise Boyer’s vivid storytelling, often citing the Lowcountry’s beauty as a reason to visit South Carolina. The series’ accolades, including multiple Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Picks, underscore its regional and literary significance.
- First Book: Lowcountry Boil (2012)
- Total Books: 11 novels, 1 novella (as of 2025)
- Awards: 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, multiple SIBA Okra Picks
- Latest Release: Lowcountry Getaway (2022)
Ready to unravel a Lowcountry mystery? Grab Lowcountry Boil and dive into Liz Talbot’s world of Southern charm, clever sleuthing, and a few well-placed bless-your-hearts!