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Mudflats Murder Club Mysteries #2
A Killer in the Cordgrass
The golden years are tainted red with murder on Spartina Island.
When Courtney Evanson’s body is found in the dunes of Spartina Island, the peaceful facade of the retirement haven is shattered. Retired detective Sean Tanner teams up with Detective Sergeant Charlie Nash, diving into a case that’s far more twisted than they imagined.
A stolen credit card initially offers a promising lead, but when their main suspect turns up dead, all their theories unravel. The investigation grinds to a halt—until The Mudflats Murder Club uncovers a crucial piece of a ruby pendant hidden in the pocket of the clothes Courtney was wearing when she died. This pendant is more than a simple find—it’s the unmistakable link to a 27-year-old cold case involving another young woman’s violent death.
The deeper they probe into the case, the more Sean’s team unearths, including secrets about Charlie’s father, who mysteriously disappeared a decade ago. As the lines between past and present blur, Sean must navigate these buried truths without losing Charlie’s trust.
As the body count climbs and three seemingly separate cases collide, the stakes on Spartina Island have never been higher. The Cordgrass Killer is still out there—watching, waiting—and Sean and Charlie’s relentless digging has put them squarely in the crosshairs. Can Sean and Charlie outpace a killer who’s always a step ahead…or will the sands of Spartina Island claim them next?
Brian Thiem, drawing from his experience as a former detective and cold case investigator, crafts a suspenseful story perfect for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building. Dive into Spartina Island’s dark underbelly, where retirement dreams turn into deadly nightmares, and age is just a number in the pursuit of justice.
___________________
Praise for Brian
“Totally charming and completely relatable…I'm dubbing it Only Murders in the Mudflats! What a winner!" —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author
“A sophisticated, pulsing, persistent police procedural with multiple whodunnits and secrets that come at you from all angles…A highly satisfying read." —Chris Bauer, author of the Maximum Risk series
“...I loved the people, the place, the detection process—and the hint of romance!” —Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award-winning author
“Sometimes the cop can’t quit the job. Sometimes the job won’t let them…This is a must read series!” —Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw
“Recommend to fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.” —Booklist
___________________
What readers are
★★★★★ “Fantastic...”
★★★★★ “Very fun read!”
★★★★★ “Such a good series!”
★★★★★ “So many twists and turns...”
★★★★★ “Another great detective mystery...”
When Courtney Evanson’s body is found in the dunes of Spartina Island, the peaceful facade of the retirement haven is shattered. Retired detective Sean Tanner teams up with Detective Sergeant Charlie Nash, diving into a case that’s far more twisted than they imagined.
A stolen credit card initially offers a promising lead, but when their main suspect turns up dead, all their theories unravel. The investigation grinds to a halt—until The Mudflats Murder Club uncovers a crucial piece of a ruby pendant hidden in the pocket of the clothes Courtney was wearing when she died. This pendant is more than a simple find—it’s the unmistakable link to a 27-year-old cold case involving another young woman’s violent death.
The deeper they probe into the case, the more Sean’s team unearths, including secrets about Charlie’s father, who mysteriously disappeared a decade ago. As the lines between past and present blur, Sean must navigate these buried truths without losing Charlie’s trust.
As the body count climbs and three seemingly separate cases collide, the stakes on Spartina Island have never been higher. The Cordgrass Killer is still out there—watching, waiting—and Sean and Charlie’s relentless digging has put them squarely in the crosshairs. Can Sean and Charlie outpace a killer who’s always a step ahead…or will the sands of Spartina Island claim them next?
Brian Thiem, drawing from his experience as a former detective and cold case investigator, crafts a suspenseful story perfect for fans of Richard Osman's Thursday Murder Club and Only Murders in the Building. Dive into Spartina Island’s dark underbelly, where retirement dreams turn into deadly nightmares, and age is just a number in the pursuit of justice.
___________________
Praise for Brian
“Totally charming and completely relatable…I'm dubbing it Only Murders in the Mudflats! What a winner!" —Hank Phillippi Ryan, USA Today bestselling author
“A sophisticated, pulsing, persistent police procedural with multiple whodunnits and secrets that come at you from all angles…A highly satisfying read." —Chris Bauer, author of the Maximum Risk series
“...I loved the people, the place, the detection process—and the hint of romance!” —Jane K. Cleland, Agatha Award-winning author
“Sometimes the cop can’t quit the job. Sometimes the job won’t let them…This is a must read series!” —Bruce Robert Coffin, bestselling author of Crimson Thaw
“Recommend to fans of Richard Osman and Robert Thorogood.” —Booklist
___________________
What readers are
★★★★★ “Fantastic...”
★★★★★ “Very fun read!”
★★★★★ “Such a good series!”
★★★★★ “So many twists and turns...”
★★★★★ “Another great detective mystery...”
322 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 10, 2026
About the author
Brian Thiem
8 books122 followersBrian Thiem is the author of The Mudflats Murder Club, the first book in the Mudflats Murder Club series, as well as the Detective Matt Sinclair Mystery series, which includes Red Line, Thrill Kill, and Shallow Grave.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
In his previous life, Brian spent 25 years with the Oakland Police Department, much of it working Homicide, and retired as a lieutenant. He’s also an Iraq War veteran, retiring from the Army as a lieutenant colonel after 28 years of active and reserve service. He holds an MFA in creative writing and is a member of the Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Island Writers Network.
Brian lives with his wife, yellow Lab, and Tonkinese cat in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, where he’s also a member of the sheriff department’s Cold Case Team, consisting of retired law enforcement professionals from around the nation who examine unsolved murders.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
April 4, 2026
Soooo written by a man. Hate how Charlie’s physique is described so often, but I can’t stop reading it. Lauren is the only character I care about and she’s dead. That being said….Sean Tanner I’m free Wednesdays.
February 11, 2026
Mudflats Murder Club Mysteries #2! This is such a good series! This can be read as a standalone. Though there are references to The Mudflats Murder Club (book one), those references provide more character insight and background than anything else. I personally like to start a series from the beginning to get a good feel for characters, their development and development of relationships. The blending of current cases and cold cases keeps the series interesting. The characters in the series are also a good blend of retired law enforcement (who investigate the cold cases) and current officers. A well written, entertaining police procedural mystery!
February 10, 2026
Retired California detective Sean Tanner teams up with Spartina Island, South Carolina Detective Sergeant Charlie Nash in book 2 of the Mudflats Murder Club, when the body of a murdered woman is found on the beach, with a ruby pendant hidden in her pocket. This pendant is more than a simple find—it’s the unmistakable link to a 27-year-old cold case involving another young woman’s violent death.
The deeper they dig into the cases, Sean and the other members of the Cold Case Team unearth secrets about many island residents, including Charlie’s father, who disappeared a decade ago. Sean must follow the leads where they point, even if it means losing Charlie’s trust.
I enjoyed this second entry in what I hope will be a long-running series. I like the writing, the plotting, the pacing, the scene-setting, the dialogue, and the character development. There’s a good mix of day-to-day law enforcement, cold cases, and regular life. Sean and Charlie are dancing around a romance and I like that – it’s a normal part of the story, not a romance dressed up in mystery clothing.
Nobody takes stupid chances, which is a pleasure. Regular good old fashioned police work and communication save the day. The author is a former detective and cold case investigator, so the stories ring true. The plot held my interest all the way to the end, and I was a little sad when the story ended because I know it will be some time before I get to see Sean and Charlie and the Cold Case Team members again.
You could start this series with this book as the author does a good job of filling in the backstory. I generally prefer reading the books in order because I like to watch the character development. I eagerly await the next installment.
The deeper they dig into the cases, Sean and the other members of the Cold Case Team unearth secrets about many island residents, including Charlie’s father, who disappeared a decade ago. Sean must follow the leads where they point, even if it means losing Charlie’s trust.
I enjoyed this second entry in what I hope will be a long-running series. I like the writing, the plotting, the pacing, the scene-setting, the dialogue, and the character development. There’s a good mix of day-to-day law enforcement, cold cases, and regular life. Sean and Charlie are dancing around a romance and I like that – it’s a normal part of the story, not a romance dressed up in mystery clothing.
Nobody takes stupid chances, which is a pleasure. Regular good old fashioned police work and communication save the day. The author is a former detective and cold case investigator, so the stories ring true. The plot held my interest all the way to the end, and I was a little sad when the story ended because I know it will be some time before I get to see Sean and Charlie and the Cold Case Team members again.
You could start this series with this book as the author does a good job of filling in the backstory. I generally prefer reading the books in order because I like to watch the character development. I eagerly await the next installment.
August 21, 2026
this got a lower review for two reasons - the cold case being investigated is a missing person - the father of one of the main characters - Charlie, she's a cop. She and Sean (a cold case cop) have a budding relationship.
She gets pissed over two things - one is that he's not telling her what's what in the investigation. Of course, anyone who reads any police mysteries KNOWS that ALL police KNOW that they cannot be part of any investigation of a personal nature - for one thing -they don't have objectivity and for another it may have legal issues if anything goes to court. But of course, inevitable, the cop in question forces themselves into the case, uses their personal relationship to get information, goes off on their own, etc. It's a boring trope -and it's used here between Charlie and Sean.
The second thing that upsets her is that due to this investigation she finds out that she was CONCEIVED out of wedlock - but her parents were married when she was born. Her mom is super rich and her mom's family arranged to have a second birth certificate issued for Charlie - that's two months after her actual birth. She is furious with her mom when she finds out - 'her whole life is a lie' - really? it's two months difference and it's not like she found out she was adopted - it's two months difference. It was so much ado about nothing and came of silly, petulant, and so far has added nothing to the mystery of her missing father but showed her to be a less interesting character.
so this wasn't as enjoyable as the first book.
She gets pissed over two things - one is that he's not telling her what's what in the investigation. Of course, anyone who reads any police mysteries KNOWS that ALL police KNOW that they cannot be part of any investigation of a personal nature - for one thing -they don't have objectivity and for another it may have legal issues if anything goes to court. But of course, inevitable, the cop in question forces themselves into the case, uses their personal relationship to get information, goes off on their own, etc. It's a boring trope -and it's used here between Charlie and Sean.
The second thing that upsets her is that due to this investigation she finds out that she was CONCEIVED out of wedlock - but her parents were married when she was born. Her mom is super rich and her mom's family arranged to have a second birth certificate issued for Charlie - that's two months after her actual birth. She is furious with her mom when she finds out - 'her whole life is a lie' - really? it's two months difference and it's not like she found out she was adopted - it's two months difference. It was so much ado about nothing and came of silly, petulant, and so far has added nothing to the mystery of her missing father but showed her to be a less interesting character.
so this wasn't as enjoyable as the first book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 2, 2026
The Mudflat Murder Club (#1) and Killer in the Cordgrass (#2) by Brian Thiem are well written murder mysteries that kept me engaged and turning pages as they unraveled.
It all takes place in a South Carolina shore town and small island made up largely of retirement communities. Within are a group of ex-law enforcement professionals (dubbed Mudflats Murder Club) who have volunteered to examine cold cases.
“Mudflats are found in tidal areas along the South Carolina coast, commonly in estuaries and along tidal rivers…They are a vital part of the Lowcountry ecology…”
Main characters in both books are Sean Tanner, retired detective from the Oakland, CA police and Sgt. Charlotte (Charlie) Nash, detective with the local county sheriff’s office. And Annie, Sean’s well-trained blond lab who frolics in and out of many scenes.
Sean’s wife passed away a year ago and he gets asked to join the cold case group. He also helps Charlie with her current murder investigations. And there are hints of potential romance as Charlie is a smart and attractive divorced woman.
The author is an experienced ex-homicide detective is able to describe the steps and processes of investigations in an interesting and realistic manner.
I read the two books in sequence and enjoyed it. Now I will seek out the third.
I give it four stars on Goodreads.
It all takes place in a South Carolina shore town and small island made up largely of retirement communities. Within are a group of ex-law enforcement professionals (dubbed Mudflats Murder Club) who have volunteered to examine cold cases.
“Mudflats are found in tidal areas along the South Carolina coast, commonly in estuaries and along tidal rivers…They are a vital part of the Lowcountry ecology…”
Main characters in both books are Sean Tanner, retired detective from the Oakland, CA police and Sgt. Charlotte (Charlie) Nash, detective with the local county sheriff’s office. And Annie, Sean’s well-trained blond lab who frolics in and out of many scenes.
Sean’s wife passed away a year ago and he gets asked to join the cold case group. He also helps Charlie with her current murder investigations. And there are hints of potential romance as Charlie is a smart and attractive divorced woman.
The author is an experienced ex-homicide detective is able to describe the steps and processes of investigations in an interesting and realistic manner.
I read the two books in sequence and enjoyed it. Now I will seek out the third.
I give it four stars on Goodreads.
February 16, 2026
A crew of retired law enforcement (PD/FBI/Prosecutor/Forensic specialist) comprise the Mudflats Murder Club- all strictly volunteer but now acknowledged by the local PD because of their success in solving a cold case in their first attempt.
This time, they are assigned the cold case disappearance of their PD liason (Charlie Nash's) father. First however, a body is found on the beach in the cordgrass and what's found in her pocket leads to another disappearance from 27 years ago. Suddenly, there's a murder & two cold cases for the Club to help with.
The death of a young woman (cold case) intertwines with the current murders and these are eventually solved but the small leads into Charlies' father are teases for the next two books.
A bunch of likeable main characters, a quick read and a 3.25 for me. The downside, having to wait for other installments in the series to find out what happened to Charlie Nash's father.
This time, they are assigned the cold case disappearance of their PD liason (Charlie Nash's) father. First however, a body is found on the beach in the cordgrass and what's found in her pocket leads to another disappearance from 27 years ago. Suddenly, there's a murder & two cold cases for the Club to help with.
The death of a young woman (cold case) intertwines with the current murders and these are eventually solved but the small leads into Charlies' father are teases for the next two books.
A bunch of likeable main characters, a quick read and a 3.25 for me. The downside, having to wait for other installments in the series to find out what happened to Charlie Nash's father.
August 17, 2026
I enjoyed the first book in this series so much that I immediately went out and got the next two. A Killer in the Cordgrass did not disappoint. All the things I really enjoyed in the first book were even better here. You can feel the humidity in the air, see the moss on the trees, and totally feel the southern vibe. The characters just continue to grow and deepen, and the interaction between them just blossoms and adds to the whole. The mysteries remain multiple and layered and keep you anxiously turning the pages to see what will show up next. I love Sean, The Mudflats Murder Club, Charlie, and her squad. A recent transplant's murder makes no sense, and then it is a local chauffeur, when an old necklace tied to a 27 year old murder is found on the first body can the current Sheriff's department work with the cold case team to put it all together? Come along for a wild adventure. #AMurderintheCordgrass #TheMidflatsMurderClub #BrianThiem #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
February 10, 2026
The Mudflats Murder Club – retired law enforcement on Spartina Island – investigating “Cold Cases” have gained respect from the local department. That is how Sean Tanner (retired Homicide Detective) gets called by Charlie Nash (Detective Sergeant) when a body is found in the dunes. Even though it is current, his expertise is appreciated.
As part of the investigation, a piece jewelry is found that was last seen in 27-year-old case, a lot of old and new doors are being opened.
At the same time the Club starts investigating the a missing person case, the missing person being Charlie Nash’s dad. Things are getting more complicated as time goes on.
Page turner from the start – looking forward to book 3 !!
As part of the investigation, a piece jewelry is found that was last seen in 27-year-old case, a lot of old and new doors are being opened.
At the same time the Club starts investigating the a missing person case, the missing person being Charlie Nash’s dad. Things are getting more complicated as time goes on.
Page turner from the start – looking forward to book 3 !!
April 23, 2026
This is a great second book in the series.
The cold case murder team of retired law enforcement officers are now becoming accepted by their police colleagues and even have an office. They are given the case of the disappearance of Henry Nash, the property developer father of police Sergeant Charlie Nash. They are also brought in to help with the investigation of a contemporary double murder which has connections to another cold case.
The characters are all likeable and relatable (especially to those of us feeling our age!) and the writing flows smoothly, keeping your interest throughout. This series is a really good new entrant into the genre.
The cold case murder team of retired law enforcement officers are now becoming accepted by their police colleagues and even have an office. They are given the case of the disappearance of Henry Nash, the property developer father of police Sergeant Charlie Nash. They are also brought in to help with the investigation of a contemporary double murder which has connections to another cold case.
The characters are all likeable and relatable (especially to those of us feeling our age!) and the writing flows smoothly, keeping your interest throughout. This series is a really good new entrant into the genre.
September 2, 2026
A second book in the Mudflats MUrder Club. This time we have a current murder to investigate and also a cold case. I honestly can't remember why the cold case was reopened, but it made things difficult for Sean and Charlotte since the cold case was the missing person report of her father. A second murder and a second cold case make this a bit confusing at times, but it was a good book.
Sadly the "f" word appeared several times.
But I am going on to #3 Death in the Deluge which is due back in 12 days! (Of course we leave for a cruise in 4 days, so I should be able to read a lot on the plane or ship and get it done.
Sadly the "f" word appeared several times.
But I am going on to #3 Death in the Deluge which is due back in 12 days! (Of course we leave for a cruise in 4 days, so I should be able to read a lot on the plane or ship and get it done.
January 17, 2026
Second in the series of the Mudflat Murder Club. This book could be read as a stand alone, but the reader will benefit from reading the original book in the series first. The book centers around a group of retired detectives and forensic personnel living in a retirement community that work to solve cold cases. The story is interesting and has lots of tangents that may or may not tie in with each other. I am looking forward to book 3.
July 25, 2026
The constant commentary around the main characters, Sean and Charlie, needing to go on a date is just annoying. Also, for a smart detective, Charlie is made out to be pretty dumb around relationships. She admits that Sean behaved appropriately around her Mother’s secret, but until that point, she’s pissed at him…and also almost kisses him at a crime scene?! Why does the competent woman cop have to be the overly emotional and unprofessional one? The mystery was pretty obvious as well.
August 18, 2026
In this second of a terrific mystery series, a body is found in the cordgrass of Spartina Island, and retired detective Sean Tanner and the rest of the Mudflats Murder Club help Detective Sergeant Charlie Nash solve the case, which is linked by a ruby pendant to a similar cold case from 27 years earlier - all while the Mudflats team begin looking into another cold case from years before, the disappearance of Charlie's father.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A KILLER IN THE CORDGRASS - I am assuming by the way the author keeps referring to what happened a month ago that this book is part of a series. This book reads like a Cozy mystery, not my choice of a mystery genre, but I held on and ended up with a good story. Almost clean, which also made me happier. Interesting story lines and good characters. Source: Severn River Publishing. 4*
February 24, 2026
3.5⭐️A really fun series overall! There’s a lot of unnecessary info added that doesn’t add to the story - it seems a bit like a word count needed to be met so extra facts were added for no reason? Other than that, I really do enjoy this cozy mystery series and can’t wait to find out what actually happened to Charlie’s dad!
May 19, 2026
An easy read. Nothing gratuitous. The female cop, Charlie, could be obnoxious when reactionary, but the cold case team—all retired law enforcement agents of one kind or another, were a pleasure to read. There were some shortcuts to the solution of the murder and SPOILER!!!!!!!! COMING!!!!!!!! The cold case wasn’t solved but only in progress. It better be mentioned in the next edition.
February 20, 2026
A great read! Charlie and Sean are back investigating another challenging murder. Plus, Sean is assigned to lead the cold case of her missing father.
This "murder club" makes sense, one of the things I like. I also like the interesting cast who make up its membership.
I highly recommend it!
This "murder club" makes sense, one of the things I like. I also like the interesting cast who make up its membership.
I highly recommend it!
February 11, 2026
Really good series. Looking forward to the next one, as there is a lot unresolved.
February 16, 2026
This series is great. Perfect mix of procedural and character development.
February 19, 2026
An excellent story from Mr. Thiem. This story takes you on a ride trying to figure out the murders. I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
March 1, 2026
great read!
Love the Low Country characters! Novel flows so easy and is very entertaining to follow up on his first novel.
Love the Low Country characters! Novel flows so easy and is very entertaining to follow up on his first novel.
April 5, 2026
3.5. Light easy read. Nice twists though this one was obvious.
April 6, 2026
okay except for male view of female characters
June 17, 2026
Fun read
I am enjoying this series, it is a fun read. The characters all keep you wanting more of the story.
I am enjoying this series, it is a fun read. The characters all keep you wanting more of the story.
July 5, 2026
Just meh. Good book to read at night to help me fall asleep.
July 10, 2026
listened
July 23, 2026
Good read and a good series. Looking forward to the next one.
July 25, 2026
a very good series!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews