Picture a Southern storyteller weaving tales of mystery and charm against the backdrop of South Carolina’s Lowcountry—meet Susan M. Boyer! A USA Today bestselling author, Boyer captivates readers with her Liz Talbot Mystery series, blending suspense, romance, and a hearty dose of Southern hospitality. From her small-town roots to her award-winning novels, Boyer’s journey is a testament to the power of chasing dreams and embracing one’s unique voice.
With her knack for crafting quirky characters and intricate plots, Boyer has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre. Her stories, steeped in the culture of beaches, Southern food, and tight-knit communities, invite readers to lose themselves in the charm of the Carolina coast. Let’s dive into the life, works, and lasting impact of this delightful author!
The Making of Susan Boyer
Born and raised in Faith, North Carolina, Susan M. Boyer grew up in a quintessential small town, where everyone knew everyone—and their quirks. Her lifelong love affair with books began early, fueled by an overactive imagination that teachers diplomatically suggested needed to be “channeled.” After a varied academic path through N.C. State University, Catawba College, and the College of Charleston, Boyer never quite secured a degree but found her calling in computer programming, systems analysis, and project management. Yet, her heart remained with storytelling. In 2004, when her company folded, her husband encouraged her to pursue writing full-time, a leap that transformed her from a daydreamer in pajamas to a celebrated novelist.
Susan Boyer’s Unforgettable Stories
Boyer’s debut novel, Lowcountry Boil (2012), introduced readers to private investigator Liz Talbot, a Southern belle with a Sig 9 in her Kate Spade handbag. This Agatha Award-winning mystery, set on the fictional island of Stella Maris, blends humor, suspense, and coastal charm, earning the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Its success launched the Liz Talbot Mystery series, now spanning over a dozen books, including Lowcountry Bombshell (2013), which delves into domestic intrigue, and Lowcountry Boneyard (2014), a Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Pick.
In 2023, Boyer expanded her repertoire with the Carolina Tales series, starting with Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island, a silver medalist in the 2024 Independent Publisher Book Awards for Southeast Regional Fiction. Her latest, The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club (2024), explores friendship and secrets in a lush Lowcountry setting. Boyer’s style is distinctly Southern, with vivid settings, quirky characters, and plots that balance cozy warmth with thrilling twists, appealing to fans of authors like Mary Alice Monroe.
Her narratives often reflect her love for small towns and Southern culture, weaving in themes of family, community, and the occasional ghostly encounter. Whether it’s Liz Talbot solving murders or the Supper Club navigating personal dramas, Boyer’s stories are as inviting as a glass of sweet tea on a porch swing.
Why Susan Boyer Matters
Susan M. Boyer’s impact lies in her ability to bring the Lowcountry to life, making it a character in its own right. Her novels offer readers an escape into a world where Southern charm meets gripping mystery, resonating with those who crave authentic regional voices. Awards like the Agatha and nominations for the Pat Conroy Beach Music Mystery Prize underscore her influence in the cozy mystery genre. By championing strong female protagonists like Liz Talbot, Boyer inspires readers to embrace their own resilience and curiosity.
Beyond her books, Boyer’s journey from a corporate career to bestselling author encourages aspiring writers to pursue their passions, no matter the odds. Her active engagement with fans through events like Bouchercon and virtual launch parties fosters a sense of community, making her a beloved figure in the literary world.
- Born: Faith, North Carolina
- Key Works: Lowcountry Boil, Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island, The Sullivan’s Island Supper Club
- Awards: 2012 Agatha Award, 2024 Independent Publisher Book Award Silver Medal
Ready to get lost in the Lowcountry? Snag Lowcountry Boil and dive into Susan M. Boyer’s delightful blend of mystery and Southern charm!