Death of a Legend: A Myrtle Beach Mystery - Book 8

Myrtle Beach Mystery #8

by Caleb Wygal

Clark Thomas returns, ready to embark on a new chapter in Myrtle Beach. But everything is not as normal as he hoped.

Clark takes his visiting friend, a huge country music fan, to the Legends Theater to watch her favorite musician perform – Dolly Parton. Except, this Dolly isn’t the real Dolly. She’s an incredible impersonator who travels the country, entertaining legions of fans who believe she’s the next best thing.

The theater is hosting a special concert series featuring fan-favorite celebrity impersonators, such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis Presley. What starts out as a great evening goes awry when one performer collapses on stage during the concert. In the aftermath, rumors of foul play arise, throwing Clark into an investigation to uncover if the collapse wasn’t driven by natural causes.

As Clark’s search for answers unfolds, he questions the other performers and discovers that deceased had enemies. When the police get involved Clark must navigate an insular cast and a police investigation, while trying to entertain his friend and her son.

Once more, the case leads to Clark facing a life-changing moment where he must figure out what happened and what to do next to protect the ones he loves.

“Death of a Legend” promises a thrilling blend of mystery, suspense, and depth, showcasing the masterful storytelling that fans of the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series have come to love.

366 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 6, 2025

About the author

Be sure to follow Caleb on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/caleb...

Caleb is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Southeastern Writers Association, the author of five novels, social media marketer, woodworker, occasional golfer, reacher of things on tall shelves, beach walker, shark tooth finder, and munchkin wrangler.

His two Lucas Caine Adventure novels, Blackbeard's Lost Treasure and The Search for the Fountain of Youth, were both Semi-Finalists for the Clive Cussler Adventure Awards Competition.

He is currently at work on the next book in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series.

He lives in Myrtle Beach with his wife and son (the munchkin).

Reviews

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Caleb Wygal will be joining us for 2026 Literary Festival, so I had to start my homework! It was so much fun to read about places I have visited, especially when they involve a murder!

[Erin Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Star Review Death of a Legend (Myrtle Beach Mysteries
#8) by Caleb Wygal

Caleb Wygal is a new author to me and I could not wait to dive into Death Of A Legend set in Myrtle Beach a place I visited a couple of years ago.

I love reading mysteries, it’s one of my favourite genres and I am surprised I have not come across this author before.

When Clark Thomas returns home nothing is as he expected and he will need all his skills to investigate before it is too late.

There were a number of twists and turns which kept me on the edge of my seat whilst reading.

[Louise Clarke Stone · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful visit in Myrtle Beach

Loved this read. Of course, I am a hardcore fan of Mr. Wygal's storytelling. Highly recommend you visit this great read!

[Bruce]

Another slam dunk (might have used that phrase before but it continues to describe these Myrtle Beach Mysteries). Caleb's books keep me on the edge of my seat!!!!

[Nicole Markley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Typical of a Caleb Wygal book, finished it in a few hours while driving home from Myrtle Beach where I got an autographed copy!!

[Valerie Moody · Rating 3 out of 5]

Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal delivers a compelling mystery with enough intrigue to keep readers turning the pages. The ending, in particular, stands out as a smart move—clearly designed to draw readers into the next installment of the series. It leaves just enough unanswered to create anticipation, which is a strength in serialized storytelling.

However, the narrative occasionally stumbles when it comes to clarity. The switch in point of view from Clark to Gomez could have been handled more smoothly. The transitions are abrupt at times, which can make it hard for readers to immediately identify who is narrating. A more seamless or clearly signposted shift between perspectives would have enhanced the flow of the story and reduced confusion.

Overall, Death of a Legend has its flaws but also shows potential. With stronger character transitions and the same level of suspense maintained throughout, future installments could very well elevate the series.

[Norma · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyed the book.
Found the poor editing to be distracting.

[Haleigh Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really!!! The ending!! Now I need the next one and have to wait an ENTIRE YEAR?!?

[Darren Bourn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the eighth book of the Myrtle Beach Mysteries (that I was fortunate enough to get in on the ground floor with this series) that I received from the author in return for an honest and fair review.

I really enjoyed reading this novel, there was a good slow build-up of the character and his investigation of the crime – as it allows the reader to see how the protagonist put the clues together

Clark Thomas returns to Myrtle Beach, ready to embark on a new chapter a year after the fire that destroyed his house in the last chapter of this serial (book 7) with his "partner in crime", the former Detective Gina Gomez. Readers will remember that Gomez was a professional detective who worked for the Myrtle Beach Police Department (before she was shot in the last book).

Once they arrive home from their extended trip abroad (to a warm locale that served drinks with little umbrellas), Clark takes his visiting friend, a huge country music fan, to the Legends Theater to watch her favorite musician perform – Dolly Parton. Except, this Dolly isn’t the real Dolly. She’s an incredible impersonator who travels the country, entertaining legions of fans who believe she’s the next best thing.

The theater is hosting a special concert series featuring fan-favorite celebrity impersonators, such as Michael Jackson, Tina Turner, The Blues Brothers, and Elvis Presley. What starts as a great evening goes awry when one performer collapses on stage during the concert. In the aftermath, rumors of foul play arise, throwing Clark into an investigation to uncover if the collapse wasn’t driven by natural causes.

As Clark’s search for answers unfolds, he questions the other performers and discovers that the deceased victim had enemies. When the police get involved Clark must navigate an insular cast and a police investigation, while trying to entertain his friend and her son.

Once more, the case leads to Clark facing a life-changing moment where he must figure out what happened and what to do next to protect the ones he loves.

One of the entertaining aspects of this book is that after seven novels, we see that the illustrious main character is still fallible, as he stumbles in some of his conclusions.

This is a strong read, that would be easily enjoyed by readers of early James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.

On a rating scale, I would give this book a solid four stars of a possible five stars.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death of a Legend by Caleb Wygal is a well written mystery. There are more suspects than I expected as well as the odd red herrings. The book is structured well. It's mostly told in alternating view points between the two main characters, Clark Thomas and Gina Gomez. Caleb Wygal handles the alternating view points well. He allows us to get more information than we would get with a single view point and advances the plot in interesting ways. One of my favorite characters is Gina's nephew. He's precocious spouting interesting facts yet also is age appropriate playing video games and eating Happy Meals.

I gave the book five stars out of five. It's a well-written mystery. It has a good structure and moves along at a decent pace. I would recommend it to people who enjoy a good mystery. Be aware that the epilogue sets the stage for the next book. I am already looking forward to reading it.

Thanks to the publisher for an arc of the book. This did not affect my opinions or my review.

[Rosemary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death Of A Legend - a review by Rosemary Kenny

Bookstore owner and sometime sleuth Clark Thomas, girlfriend Diane, plus Clark's brother Bo, are at a Legends concert by tribute acts, when one dies under suspicious circumstances. 

Clark is forced into the role of detective once more and works with police...but could that put him and his loved ones in danger?

Get Death Of A Legend by

Caleb Wygal and see if you worked out the fascinating truth, ahead of the Columbo-like reveal!

[Melissa Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read

I enjoyed this book as I have all the others. I did notice quite a few spelling mistakes in this one.

I really enjoyed the number of characters and have added a couple of places to my list to visit on our next trip to Myrtle Beach.

I especially enjoyed the introduction of Timmy, a precocious child, too.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great read in this series. Clark and Gina have returned to Myrtle Beach after a 9-month hiatus in the Caribbean after solving the murder of Clark’s wife. Gina is medically retired from the MBPD. But, of course, they find themselves in the middle of not 1, but 2, murders.
What comes next for these two?

[Terry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great read by Caleb. I always love how he uses real places in his books some of which I have been too and others I haven't like the Legends Theater. Some things in this one did not surprise me but others definitely did, already looking forward to the next one.

[Christine Ulatowski · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest, I found the book to be a bit boring and was able to skip what seemed repetitive parts, going over what happened during various murders. I found the book to get more interesting in the last few chapters with a to be continued…nah, I think I’m done.

[Kathi Lyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book had so many unnecessary details and repeated way too much. Also, I am 99% certain anyone reading these books has read the whole series, so we don’t need such a detailed recap. I liked the mystery part to it though!

[Archie Shipp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Star Studded Cast!

As someone who enjoys the shows at Legends, I was particularly enthralled to imagine the murder and subsequent action as it unfolded. Another great story by Caleb.

[Ashley Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

so good

Yet another great read and another highly recommended read. I live in Myrtle Beach and when reading I can picture myself in these places which makes it so weird like I’m standing right there in the middle of it all. Thanks for another great book.

[Aaron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome! I was hooked in the first few chapters and now I have to go see a show at Legends. I'm still looking for the Gladiator show.

[Phyllis Swain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Live reading Caleb’s books! This one kept me on the edge of my seat every chapter. He always leaves me wanting more!!

[Christine C. Buchko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put this one down. Caleb is such a great author. The characters come to life. I recommend this series of books.

[John R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to book 9.

Great story. A little soppy in places, but it made Clark more human.