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. But the deeper she digs to clear Jane’s name, the guiltier Jane looks. The closer she gets to the truth, the more treacherous her investigation a brutal attack on her own suspect and the murder of a witness. With victims piling up faster than shells at a clambake, Elliott realizes she’s next on the killer’s list.

Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! BOARD STIFF is the first book in the Elliott Lisbon humorous mystery series. To get a preview of Elliott and her adventures, check out SWITCH BACK, the prequel to BOARD STIFF featured in the interconnected mystery novella OTHER PEOPLE’S BAGGAGE.

Praise for Kendel’s Elliott Lisbon

“Completely entertaining! A solid and satisfying mystery, yes indeed, and the fabulous and funny Elliott Lisbon is a true gem! Engaging, clever and genuinely delightful.” – Hank Phillippi
Ryan, Agatha, Anthony and Macavity winning author

“Margaritas and blue lump crabcakes, sun-bleached shells and briny air. Kendel Lynn captures the flavor of the South, right down to the delightfully quirky characters in this clever new mystery series. Elli Lisbon is the Stephanie Plum of the the South!” – Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries

“A sparkling new voice in traditional mystery.” – New York Times Bestselling Author CJ Lyons

“A cross between an educated, upper class Stephanie Plum and a less neurotic Monk. Put this on your list for a great vacation read.” – Lynn Farris, National Mystery Review Examiner at Examiner.com

“Elliott is smart and sassy, takes no guff and pulls no punches. Packed with humor, romance, danger and adventure, this is a good mystery full of plot twists and turns, with red herrings a plenty and an ending that I found both surprising and satisfying.” – Cozy Mystery Book Reviews

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Amateur Sleuth, Romance, Southern

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2013

About the author

Kendel Lynn is a Southern California native who now parks her flip-flops in Dallas, Texas. She read her first Alfred Hitchcock and the Three Investigators at the age of seven and has loved mysteries ever since. Her debut novel, Board Stiff, was an Agatha Award nominee for Best First Novel. It features Elliott Lisbon, a mostly amateur sleuth who has a slight aversion to all things germy and is only five thousand hours away from getting her PI license. Along with writing, she spends her days editing, designing, and figuring out ways to avoid the gym but still eat cupcakes for dinner.

Reviews

[Tammy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book. I am not even sure why that was. Sadly the reality is I didn’t think this book would ever end. Oh my, there were so many problems with this book .
For starters , the underdevelopment of characters. There were plenty of elaborate descriptions of food and fashion but very little character development. This story would also have been GREATLY enhanced by a fun feisty trusted sidekick. Instead we have a multitude of undeveloped people running around doing God knows what ,and we wonder why we are suppose to care .
Next you have a lackluster mystery. You have a jerk we only briefly met who was murdered. Then you have the worlds most obnoxious bitch accused of the crime and our heroine a Foundation director / amateur private investigator ordered by her boss to solve said crime. Through out this book every time Elliott encounters Jane its like fingernails on a chalkboard. The final third of the book I admit to only skimming the Jane lines as opposed to reading them. She was just too obnoxious. Why in the world Jane gave a darn about clearing her name was the biggest mystery of this book .Anyway lets move on to the next big problem with his book.
The Romance ?.? Is that what that was supposed to be? Because The character Ransom was an absolute Creep. His lame attempts at seduction are ludicrous . For one thing his forced kisses and groping was too teenager then there was the fact that he has a girlfriend! Then there was the whole “He left without a goodbye“ , oh and lets not forget when he enjoys humiliating , embarrassing and mocking our heroine. Next are we seriously supposed to believe this idiot was an FBI agent , but he cant solve one simple murder? The ridiculousness of her finding clues ( that he doesn't believe mind you) before he does means he is a moron. Then there were the extremely distracting scenes of cat fighting between Elliott and his girlfriend. I mean come on, this would be ok in a woman in her 20’s but Elliot is 40 years old! She should have a little bit of common sense and decorum by this point in her life. The girlfriend was another awful character. Each scene she was in was grating on the nerves.
The overall ending of this book while a surprising twist , was in my personal opinion a cheap cop out for a poorly constructed book. Sure it explains everything and wraps it in a pretty little bow, but its too little to late. I spent this ENTIRE book irritated and frustrated so a neat little ending just doesn't cut it for me.
Overall this book was dreadful. It was a complete and total waste of my time. I literally had to force myself to keep reading and finish it and that just made me madder.

[❂ Murder by Death · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Kait Carson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laugh out loud funny. Elliot Lisbon is the director of the prestigious Ballantyne Foundation and a budding private eye. Those two vocations may not sound like they should go together, but anyone who has ever worked non-prof can tell you it would be a handy skill. Elliot's PI talents generally extend to ditzy board members skipping out on restaurant checks and locating the lost dog. This time she finds a body. The body of a member of her board. Dead. His head bashed in by a coveted civic trophy. When the police concentrate on another board member Elliot's instincts tell her they are barking up the wrong tree. She embarks on a funny, sassy, investigation that glues you to your chair and has you turning the pages until the real killer is exposed. The ending is a huge surprise that has you slapping your forehead and wondering how you didn't see it earlier. All the clues were right there! Did I mention that the local lieutenant covering the investigation happens to be Elliot's long lost love. One who disappeared with little more than a phone message 20 years ago? Yep, there's more going on than a good mystery. Promise yourself a treat. Read this book.

[Lynn Farris · Rating 5 out of 5]

After launching Henery Press, an independent publishing house for mysteries last year, Kendel Lynn has finally published her own debut novel, ‘Board Stiff’ which is due out April 30th .

I have read most of the books by this publishing house and have absolutely loved all of them. So far they have all been fast-paced cozy mysteries with a hint of romance involved. Most have been located in the South.

We were first introduced to Elliott Lisbon, the protagonist in ‘Board Stiff’ in the short story collection, ‘Other People’s Baggage.’ I had enjoyed her there and looked forward to reading more about her. Elliott Lisbon, the director of the Ballantyne Foundation on Sea Pines Island, SC. is an intriguing character. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, which she found came in very handy making discreet inquiries for the board. As a result, she has a preliminary license to investigate from the state but she needs many more hours of on the job training to complete her final license. She had been working with the previous police lieutenant to obtain her hours, but her ex-boyfriend, Ransom has recently replaced him.

To read the rest of the review see: http://www.examiner.com/article/you-w...

[Nathania Ma · Rating 1 out of 5]

I am no writer but I can imagine how hard it must be to write a book, so I try to finish a book no matter how boring it may be or how many times the plot has been recycled as long as the book does not break my golden rules, which are:
1) No slutty main characters who sleep around with everyone in town.

2) No love interest will be humiliating, enslaving or raping the main character or vice versa in the name of love. Instant DNF if the humiliated, enslaved, or raped character thinks its OKAY.

3) Hints that the author supports or is not against discrimination (sexual orientation, racial, gender, age, religion, etc.) in any way.

I DNF this book because it violated the second rule as one of the love interests, Nick Ransom not only flirted with his ex while dating another girl, but also openly humiliated Elliott when she was trying so hard to do her job. I can stand love interests who are villains fighting for causes that oppose the mainstream rules, but I cannot forgive assholes who think they can get away with everything because they are rich and gorgeous. I dun care if Nick drives a posh car and looks like Christian Bale Batman, he is the reason I never get to know who killed Leo and I honestly dun care anymore.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked up this Kindle book because I had, inadvertently, already read the second in this series, Whack Job. I knew it would be good. And I was not disappointed.

The adventures, or should I say "misadventures" of Elliot Lisbon will definitely keep you interested and loving it. Her job, among others, working for the Ballantyne Foundation is to keep any scandals from happening to their board members which would affect donations. The crazy people on this board are definitely characters, get it? Ha!! Add to it Elliot's ability to always somehow get into trouble and her "special skills" during her clumsy spying attempts (she has none) and you have a great recipe for laughs. Oh, and there's also a love triangle.

You will laugh, sometimes out loud, be totally entertained and thoroughly enjoy this book. I highly recommend it!!!

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot is on her way up to clocking hours in order to be registered as a PI , alls been going well and she has been working closely with the police station . That is until now , the old Chief Sullivan has taken early retirement and the new Chief of Police is none other than Nick Ransom - Elliot's old college boyfriend , who after a few weeks of dating just up and vanished from her life twenty years ago. In her day job Elliot works as the Director for the Ballantyne Trust which offers grants and runs charity events, she is also the go-to-girl for working out sticky situations within board members. The latest event though will have Elliott working overtime and even worst trying to keep out of Nick Ransom's way and stay alive long enough for the case to be solved. When one of the board members Leo turns up dead , Elliot is set to work but it seems things might have just complicated themselves when another of the board members Jane has been identified as the Prime Suspect and all the evidence points to her. Can Elliott put on her PI Hat and manage to weasel her way out of troublesome spots and the police's eye and solve the crime of A) Who Killed Leo H and B) Who Framed Jane ?
Board Stiff was a fun read and in ways the main character reminded me of Stephanie Plum and Lisa Spellman who always seems to find trouble but always ends up with the best results in finding whodunnit.
I look forward to more adventures of Elliot Lisbon in what's to come by Kendel Lynn.

[tellemonstar · Rating 3 out of 5]

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

[Nell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This turned out to be a good read although I was initially sceptical because of the strong similarities between the setting and characters in this series and another published by the same press. The MC is likable as are her co-workers and friends. There's room for growth and character development as the series progresses.

When a member of the board is murdered and another member accused, she undertakes an investigation to clear the accused board member despite the member's caustic personality and ungrateful attitude. The story takes place on a sea island off the GA-SC coast; a map would have been helpful as the MC moved from plantations to prep school to restaurants, etc. Also it was difficult at times to keep all of the characters straight - board members, staff, police detectives, et al. That also means lots of suspects with motives to do the victim in. Was it money? jealousy? a fit of rage? This is an entertaining read - some of the scenes are laugh out loud funny - with a mystery that keeps you guessing. There's a future for this PI want-to-be and a touch of romantic tension adds spice.

It was nominated for an Agatha award for best first mystery.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting little cozy that I enjoyed overall. The characters were pretty interesting. There was some well written humor that made me chuckle. The mystery was interesting and I only figured it out about the same time Elliott did. There were plenty of red herrings that added to the fun but there was also at least one loose end that I don't recall being tied up. The things I didn't like included the way Ransom treated Elliott (it was just plain mean a couple of times) and the way Elliott swore. I'm no prude and certainly don't mind the well placed expletive but there was a bit too much for my liking and I thought it detracted from the character. All that said, I will probably read the next book in the series. Recommended for light reading.

[Diane Vallere · Rating 5 out of 5]

With Elliot Lisbon, author Kendel Lynn creates a character who is resourceful, determined, and willing to get her hands dirty. That’s saying a lot considering she’s addicted to hand sanitizer! Elli is used to dealing with “discreet inquiries” for members of the board of the Ballantyne where she acts as director, but when one member is found murdered and another suspected of the deed, she’s left with a mess worse than barbeque sauce spilled on a white cotton tablecloth. Chemistry between Elli and local police lieutent Ransom sizzles on page one and keeps going until the end. I love this new series and can’t wait for book 2!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! What a great story and its Kendel Lynn's debut novel. I can't wait to read her next book.

Elliott is wonderful, smart, go-getting and all female. I absolutely love her style. Nick, well Nick is one sexy man, and he and Elliott have a past. Not a big one, but enough to spur interest. I wasn't sure about Matty ay first, but I came around when he finally decided to get serious.

Add a great plot, interesting supporting characters and you have a book you can't put down. And one you definitely don't want to end. This is a book you definitley do not want to miss!!!

I recieved this book as an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute summer read set on Sea Pine Island in south Carolina (sounds a lot like Hilton Head) . Elliott Lisbon (female--her dad decided to name the baby Elliott regardless of sex) is the director of the Ballantyne Foundation on the island and gets wrapped up in a murder of one of the Board members. Elliott tries to beat the Chief of Police (an old boy friend) to the solution and juggles two suitors at the same time, the principal of the local prep school and the aforementioned chief. It's funny and clever. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[EmmyT · Rating 1 out of 5]

1. The protagonist was nothing like Monk as synopsis suggests. She seems to think animals in the ocean are gross. Does not eat seafood. AND lives on an Island off South Carolina. Stupid. She must hate the smell living on the island.
2. The love interest is too much of a jerk. As evidenced by #3 ...
3. DNF at 53% in when there is good fight between protagonist and the other girlfriend. He stands by grinning. Who in their right mind would want him?
4. She was too stupid for a 40 yr. old. Can't finish books with stupid women.

[Heather Andrews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I. Love. This. Book!

With her debut novel, Kendel Lynn introduces us to the spunky, albeit unlucky board-director-turned-private-investigator Elli Lisbon, for whom Murphy's Law is a daily plague. She is smart, though, and her guts get her into and out of many a tangle. While mysteries are generally not my cup of tea, I am a huge fan of this novel and now the entire genre and I want to devour them all! The writing is intelligent, the wit quick, and the humor rampant.

Read it.

[D.L. Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed this story. The main character, Elliott, has an unusual name, which goes with her unusual life. She is trying to become a private investigator, while juggling two love interests, a snooty board of directors, her friends, and the Uber-Wealthy Ed and Vivi Ballantyne, who happen to run the show from wherever they are in the world. The title is perfect for this story. I am now reading another in the series, Whack job.

[C.L. Leshure · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

It was an easy, quick read with lots of twists and turns. Very fun ride. The main character, Elliott Lisbon is sharp, witty and tough as nails with a touch of naivete. The story grabbed my attention from the beginning and never let go. I found myself agitated when I had to pull myself away. Great job, Kendel Lynn!

Kendel Lynn

[Melody · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fast paced ell written mystery that takes place on low country South Carolina on "Sea Pines Island". The main character is the director of a philanthropic organisation. One of the board members is murdered. Her investigation leads to an old flame, fraud, petty hatreds and lies. An excellent read and I look forward to the next in the series.

[Jana Gundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delight!

I love a hard edged cozy mystery with some heat and this delivered! Elliott is not your average director of a foundation, she also solves little mysteries for the board members and somehow, solves her first murder while trying to figure out how to handle the new detective that left her in the past.

[Theresa · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was not thrilling to me. It took me a long time to get through it. Will not be reading the rest.

[Kristen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In Kendel Lynn's Board Stiff, the first installment in the Elliott Lisbon Cozy Mystery series, this debut will give you goose bumps and take you on an emotional roller coaster ride. For Elliott Lisbon, she's a board member of the Ballantyne Foundation in Sea Pine Island, South Carolina. She's also working on a license to become a private investigator. When she was put in charge of the hotel, she had came into a crisis of her own. First she discovered a dead body of one of the board members, Leo Hirschorn, and then she ran into her ex-boyfriend, who's now also her neighbor, and the newest police detective of the Island Police Department. While she did some snooping around, she would do anything to clear one of her esteemed board member's crime from any wrongdoing. As she handled hotel issues like catering from the newest parties and other board work, she learned more about the truth about Leo and how he had gotten over his head in his personal and private life. As she avoided to butt heads with her ex, she started to put the pieces together until she came close of becoming the next victim of the hit list.

[Elaine C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was just how I like them … a complicated murder mystery, with a little bit of sass, romance and grit! Our heroine is a PI in training, but the local police detective does not want her “interference” … her next door neighbor is an old college ex-boyfriend … and her long time best friend wants that relationship to become something more! She’s got a lot on her plate and a lot to prove - both to her boss and the police, but she is independent, motivated and determined to prove everyone that she’s got what it takes to solve the case!

[Roberta C Poulos · Rating 5 out of 5]

New

It was fun to read this book. I think I will continue to look for books by Kendell Lynn. That’s all

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elliott Lisbon is the Director of the Ballantyne Foundation and is working on her private investigator license. She conducts discreet inquires on behalf of the Foundation and when a board member, Leo Hirschorn, is found murdered, the Foundation’s benefactor specifically asks for Elliott’s assistance. She agrees, but then realizes that means trying to clear another board member’s name, Jane Walcott Hatting, and there’s no love lost between her and Jane. Elliott recognizes her investigation would be easier if the new Lieutenant, Nick Ransom, would take her seriously, but she understands that may never happen. After all, he’s her ex-boyfriend who ended things suddenly and quickly walked out of her life. Will Elliott solve Leo’s murder without Nick’s assistance or will she realize the culprit is who the police suspect?

Can I take a moment to talk about Nick? He’s sexy and sparks fly when he’s with Elliott, but he’s also very protective of her. There’s a scene with Elliott and an interview with a hotel manager and your heart breaks for Elliott when she realizes what Nick did; however, at the same time you can’t help but appreciate that Nick wants to protect her. I loved Elliott! She’s intelligent and isn’t afraid to take matters into her own hands. Elliott is a strong woman and it’s clear that everyone in Sea Pines loves her and there’s a reason. As the director of the Foundation, she’s hands on and is involved with all aspects of charity fundraising and since Sea Pines is a wealthy resort, she knows the people and area.

The writing is engaging and don’t start this book at night, otherwise you’ll never put it down! I laughed so much and just adore this book. There’s a hilarious scene involving punch and a rug that will leave you agreeing with Elliott. The characters are interesting and a few will leave you questioning their innocence. The primary suspect, Jane, is a force to be reckoned with and doesn’t want Elliott’s help. You’ll want to shake some sense into her and maybe slap her a few times based on how she treats Elliott. Board Stiff is told in Elliott’s perspective, but it makes sense since it’s her story and her struggle to be taken seriously as a private investigator. While most first person point-of-view narratives aren’t in-depth regarding what secondary characters are thinking, Lynn does a great job describing exactly what a secondary character is doing and from there we get a good sense of what they may be thinking.

As for the mystery, it’s well thought out. I had my suspicions and I was proven wrong. When the killer is unmasked, I reread that section a few times while my mouth hung open. I was shocked, but glad it turned out to be that person because I disliked them. I can’t wait for others to read this book, so I can discuss it fully.

I did mention the attraction between Nick and Elliott, but I didn’t talk about Matty Gannon. Matty is a good friend of Elliott’s and the two have been known to go out a few times, but as friends. When Matty realizes there’s potential competition for Elliott, he stakes his claim and gives her a toe curling kiss. Lynn has us asking which team we’ll be rooting for: Team Nick or Team Matty. I’m personally on board with sexy Nick despite the way he treated Elliott in the past. Although there’s romance, it’s not central and I think readers will enjoy the romance aspect.

I do have to warn you though, eat something before you read! Otherwise, you’ll be dreaming of the food Lynn mentions and no doubt drooling. Foodies will be delighted with the amount of dishes that are described.

I really enjoyed Kendel Lynn’s Board Stiff and it’s a fun read. If you have a few hours to spare and are looking for a humorous book to get lost in, I highly recommend it. I can’t wait to read the rest in the series and find out what happens to Nick and Elliott.

[Rhonda · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

An Elliott Lisbon Mystery (#1)

This is the first book by author Kendel Lynn that I have read but hopefully not the last. I loved Elliott Lisbon.
She is smart, funny and faints during class. She is the director of Ballantyne Foundation. She does a little of this and that.
She is working on getting her P.I. license very slowly. She is always worried about germs. Elliott, Monk and my mom would get along fine.
At a foundation party her old boyfriend Nick Ransom of 20 years ago shows up and kisses her. Then leaves with his date. The president of the board is making threats against another board member.

The day after the party Elliott goes to another board member's house to help set up for his board meeting, and finds Leo dead.
After she runs out screaming she calls the police. The police detective turns out to be Nick Ransom. His prime suspect is Jane chairman of board for the Ballantyne foundation.

Elliott's billionaire boss is out of the country calls her and asks her to help Jane and find Leo's killer. Ransom does not want Elliott to mess in his investigation at all. Everywhere Elliott goes she runs into Nick and his girlfriend.

Elliott finds out some clues, gets into a food fight, is threatened and runs from Nick and hides from him. Which is hard to do because he bought the house next door to Elliott. Her male friend that is just a friend decides after seeing her and Nick fight decides that he wants them to start dating.

The mystery keeps the suspense up. I did guess the killer right but not the reason why. The relationships between characters was good. did not want to put the book down till I had finished.

I hope their are a lot of Elliott Lisbon Mysteries to come. I was given this ebook to read and asked to give an honest review of it from Netgalley.
04/30/2013 Pub Henery Press ISBN: 9781938383328

Description Taken off Netgalley.com




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. But the deeper she digs to clear Jane’s name, the guiltier Jane looks. The closer she gets to the truth, the more treacherous her investigation becomes: a brutal attack on her own suspect and the murder of a witness. With victims piling up faster than shells at a clambake, Elliott realizes she’s next on the killer’s list.


04/30/2013 Pub Henery Press ISBN9781938383328

[Annette · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a happy day when I discovered the books of Henery Press, publisher of cozy mysteries with humorous flair. I have read a number of their books, and have yet to be disappointed. The latest title, “Board Stiff” by Kendel Lynn, is no exception.

Elliot Lisbon lives, by most people’s standards, an idyllic life. She lives on Sea Pine Island, South Carolina, and has a home on the beach. She works as the director of the prestigious Ballantyne Foundation, which gives her a flexible schedule. She has friends in the community, including the hunky principle of the local prep school. She has her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, and with the help of the local police, she is working towards her PI license. If you ignore the incident of the thieving maid and the designer shoe bonfire, everything is perfect.

But the winds of change are blowing over Sea Pine Island. First, Elli gets a new neighbor; Nick Ransom, the new police chief and the man that broke Elli’s heart years ago. Second, one of the Ballantyne board members turns up dead, apparently murdered by another board member. Elli must now try to keep the taint of murder from damaging the pristine reputation of the Ballantyne Foundation, and at the same time, try to decide how she feels about Nick Ransom. Armed with her wits and her southern charm, Elli ferrets out clues about the murder from the Sea Pines Island cast of nefarious characters. The heat builds between Elliot and Nick Ransom, and the danger mounts as Elliot draws ever closer to the killer. Will she solve the crime? Will she be forced to eat seafood? And can her best party frock be saved? Slapstick situations and humor lighten up this very well-written mystery, nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel. A very enjoyable book!

The best part? This title is only $2.99 for both Kindle and Nook. Buy it! Buy it now!

[Jeannie and Louis Rigod · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a debut novel , An Elliott Lisbon Mystery series, revolving around South Carolina island resident and director of the 'Ballantyne Foundation' located on Sea Pine Island.

The main character, and she is full of moxy to use an older term, Elliott Lisbon, is a young sophisticated, woman who has an itch to investigate petty crimes. On her Island, Elli is charting up hours to qualify as a Private Investigator, with the aid of the local police department. Although she needs over six thousand hours to qualify...Elli finds her hours beginning to accumulate when the Chair of the foundation board is accused of murdering a fellow board member.

Ballantyne Board Chair, Jane Hatting is no favorite of Elli's but it is her job to try and keep her out of jail, in between handling indiscretions by other board members such as non-payment of bills, etc., Elli finds herself running parties, searching homes and offices, and trying to find clues before the police do. Further confusing the issues is the new police Lieutenant, Nick Ransome. Nick holds the cards to the current investigation as well as Elli's heart, as he quickly reminds her.

This book was filled with Blackmail schemes, gambling debts, illicit affairs, investment scams and more. The humor running throughout the tale keeps the book interesting. I found the romantic theme to be fun and not overwhelming.

This was a great read and I look eagerly forward to the next book in the series.

[Bill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Board Stiff is a lighthearted detective novel that has a similar feel to the Janet Evanovich Numbers series with Stephanie Plum and her cast of over the top characters. The feel is similar, but the characters are more normal. There is a female lead who has some humorous idiosyncrasies and a couple of men that are competing for her attentions. Ms. Lynn gives us a few suspects, some dangerous and exciting action, and a couple of unexpected twists, along with funny dialog and humorous situations. This book fits in between Ms. Evanovich's Numbers and Ms. Grafton's Alphabet series'. If you like both of those authors, I'm sure that you will enjoy Board Stiff by Kendel Lynn.

Elliot Lisbon is the Director of The Ballantyne Foundation. She fixes problems that come up for the Board Members and is trying to get her Private  Investigator's license. If a Board Member is involved in a scandal,  she will investigate and try to find a solution that won't reflect badly upon The Ballantyne Foundation. She is using these investigative hours to fulfill the State P.I. License requirement.

I give this book 4 out of 5 stars and a Thumbs Up because it is a well written light hearted and fun mystery by a promising new writer. I recommend this book to all the Sue Grafton and Janet Evanovich fans.

I received this book for free from NetGalley.com.

[Timya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliott Lisbon, director of the prestigious Ballantyne Foundation, loves her job and the idyllic beach life on gorgeous Sea Pine Island, SC. That is, until she discovers a less than popular member of the Ballantyne board brutally murdered following the May Bash fundraiser. When the new-in-town police Lieutenant targets the Foundation's board chair as his one and only suspect, Elliott must use all her skills as a burgeoning PI to find the real killer and protect the reputation of her beloved Ballantyne Foundation. Did I mention that the new Lieutenant happens to be Elliott's sexy ex-flame and that the fire is still mighty hot?

I thoroughly enjoyed Board Stiff and look forward to sharing more adventures with Kendel Lynn's heroine, Elliott Lisbon. Elliott is smart and sassy, takes no guff and pulls no punches. Packed with humor, romance, danger and adventure, this is a good mystery full of plot twists and turns, with red herrings a plenty and an ending that I found both surprising and satisfying.

One suggestion, Ms. Lynn: How about some recipes for those luscious low-country dishes served on Sea Pine Island? My mouth was watering!

BOARD STIFF is the first in Kendel Lynn's Elliott Lisbon mystery series.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elliot has worked for a charitable foundation since she graduated from college. She organizes events, soothes the disputes that pop up between board members and, on occasion, acts as their personal private detective. Her life is very comfortable with her close friends, co-workers and beach community.

When the chairman of the board of directors is accused of murdering another board member the founder of the foundation asks her to investigate. Much to her shock the new homicide detective in town is the man that deserted her and broke her heart twenty years ago. He is interested in starting a relationship with her, but not interested in helping her investigation. Then, on top of everything else, her close male friend decides that he wants more from her than just friendship.

The characters are fun and interesting, the mystery exciting and the community building well done in this Henery Press novel. I loved the heroine's strength, integrity and personality. The secondary characters were interesting and endearing.

This was a book that I didn't want to put down and I would highly recommend it.

ARC provided by Netgalley.