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Carolina Tales #3
Trouble's Turn to Lose
Win a free print copy of this book!
8 days and 10:31:04
5 copies available
U.S. only
"A cozy mystery with a Southern accent—heartwarming characters, a coastal setting, and a surprise ending you won't see coming makes this a book for everyone's reading list!"
— Karen White, New York Times Bestselling Author
✦ ✦ ✦
Private Investigator Hadley Cooper has a knack for finding trouble—and this time, it's wearing pearls.
Life on Sullivan's Island is about as close to bliss as it gets—bike rides at sunrise, cases that don't make headlines, and a romance with SLED agent Cash Reynolds that's finally on solid ground. They have one ironclad rule: never work the same case.
When a wealthy Charleston socialite turns up dead, Cash charges her housekeeper, Bridget Donovan, with murder. But the young single mother has a formidable ally in Carolyn Talbot, a local matriarch who implores Hadley to help. Hadley's heart overrides her head, and her agreement with Cash is gone like confetti in a hurricane.
Soon she's wading through a tangle of suspects—blue bloods with deadly secrets, her client's scheming ex-monster-in-law, and the greatest unknown country singer in Nashville. But Hadley's also grappling with a mystery closer to home—one that will shake everything she thought she knew about her family.
To find justice for Bridget, Hadley will have to risk her heart, her life—and maybe her grip on reality.
— Karen White, New York Times Bestselling Author
✦ ✦ ✦
Private Investigator Hadley Cooper has a knack for finding trouble—and this time, it's wearing pearls.
Life on Sullivan's Island is about as close to bliss as it gets—bike rides at sunrise, cases that don't make headlines, and a romance with SLED agent Cash Reynolds that's finally on solid ground. They have one ironclad rule: never work the same case.
When a wealthy Charleston socialite turns up dead, Cash charges her housekeeper, Bridget Donovan, with murder. But the young single mother has a formidable ally in Carolyn Talbot, a local matriarch who implores Hadley to help. Hadley's heart overrides her head, and her agreement with Cash is gone like confetti in a hurricane.
Soon she's wading through a tangle of suspects—blue bloods with deadly secrets, her client's scheming ex-monster-in-law, and the greatest unknown country singer in Nashville. But Hadley's also grappling with a mystery closer to home—one that will shake everything she thought she knew about her family.
To find justice for Bridget, Hadley will have to risk her heart, her life—and maybe her grip on reality.
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 7, 2026
170 people are currently reading
17913 people want to read
About the author
Susan M. Boyer
22 books2,257 followers
Susan M. Boyer
is the author of fourteen novels, including multiple USA TODAY bestsellers.
Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Subsequent books have earned nominations for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Picks, the Pat Conroy Beach Music Mystery Prize, and the Southern Book Prize in Mystery & Detective Fiction.
Susan has a weakness for beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone — and everyone has crazy relatives. You'll find all of the above in her novels. She and her husband call Greenville, SC, home and visit the Carolina coast as often as possible.
Susan loves to hear from readers. You can reach her through her website: http://www.susanmboyer.com/
Sign up for her newsletter at https://susanmboyer.com/newsletter/ to get recipes from her books and be among the first to hear news about upcoming releases.
Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel and the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense. Subsequent books have earned nominations for the Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Picks, the Pat Conroy Beach Music Mystery Prize, and the Southern Book Prize in Mystery & Detective Fiction.
Susan has a weakness for beaches, Southern food, and small towns where everyone knows everyone — and everyone has crazy relatives. You'll find all of the above in her novels. She and her husband call Greenville, SC, home and visit the Carolina coast as often as possible.
Susan loves to hear from readers. You can reach her through her website: http://www.susanmboyer.com/
Sign up for her newsletter at https://susanmboyer.com/newsletter/ to get recipes from her books and be among the first to hear news about upcoming releases.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 127 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book could be Susan Boyer's best book ever!! I did not want it to end!! There's tears, laughter, SUSPENSE, family relationships, private investigations, ghosts, chickens, cats (yes, cats), all wrapped up into one bundle of fun!! Hadley Cooper, her hopefully significant other, Cash, Liz Talbot and Nate Andrews sort of join together to solve a murder or so. Throw in Poppy Talbot, and the whole Talbot clan and you have the greatest mix of fun and suspense that I have enjoyed in a long time. Will there be a sequel? I surely hope so. Susan Boyer, you are an amazing writer! Thank you for keeping our Southern spirit alive!!
January 28, 2026
This her best yet, another solid 5 stars. I have read just about all of her Lowcountry Tales and Sullivan’s Island series (some more than once), and have thoroughly enjoyed them all. I had been waiting for these two private investigators from both series to join forces, and it was a blast. This installment takes place in the whole Charleston area, although Hadley Cooper lives in Sullivan’s Island and Liz/Nate Talbot make the fictional Stella Maris their home. Each visit to the surrounding areas is accurate, which I personally enjoy .. having lived there 25 plus years. I was delighted for them to dine at my favorite Lewis BBQ!
If a reader has not read the first two installments in this series, it is fine to read this as a stand alone. Each situation with prior background, she explains in case the reader has not. She kept us guessing who the killer was, never revealing until the end. Even if you did suspect him, did he act alone or was he hired and by whom? You’ll have to read it when the book is released in April. I was able to receive an ARC for this wonderful book, and look forward to listening to the audio version.
She also tied in Liz Talbot’s family from Stella Maris and brought out a long held family secret tying the two PIs together. Outstanding line of humor and family drama. I look forward to seeing more installments in the near future with Hadley, Cash, Liz, Nate and their engaging family and friends.
If a reader has not read the first two installments in this series, it is fine to read this as a stand alone. Each situation with prior background, she explains in case the reader has not. She kept us guessing who the killer was, never revealing until the end. Even if you did suspect him, did he act alone or was he hired and by whom? You’ll have to read it when the book is released in April. I was able to receive an ARC for this wonderful book, and look forward to listening to the audio version.
She also tied in Liz Talbot’s family from Stella Maris and brought out a long held family secret tying the two PIs together. Outstanding line of humor and family drama. I look forward to seeing more installments in the near future with Hadley, Cash, Liz, Nate and their engaging family and friends.
March 2, 2026
Susan M Boyer continuously amazes me. This is the best Carolina Tales book yet.
I find this crossover to be EVERYTHING I wanted and needed. Hadley and crew were astounding this go around, I didn’t see the culprit coming.
The bits of Liz and crew brought it to life in a different way and made me feel like combining two friend groups that should have been around the longest time.
Already pining for the next installment!
I find this crossover to be EVERYTHING I wanted and needed. Hadley and crew were astounding this go around, I didn’t see the culprit coming.
The bits of Liz and crew brought it to life in a different way and made me feel like combining two friend groups that should have been around the longest time.
Already pining for the next installment!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 2, 2026
I adored the Liz Talbot series, so I was excited to see this author bring Liz and her family into a new story. I enjoyed how the mystery unfolded alongside Hadley’s changing family dynamics.
That said, the ending didn’t land quite as strongly for me. After such a good buildup, the resolution felt abrupt and sort of came out of nowhere.
I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
That said, the ending didn’t land quite as strongly for me. After such a good buildup, the resolution felt abrupt and sort of came out of nowhere.
I received an ARC of this ebook from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review!
April 22, 2026
Loved having Liz Talbot and her family pop into this series!
Borrowed on Hoopla through JCPL.
Listening length nine hr 30 min
Borrowed on Hoopla through JCPL.
Listening length nine hr 30 min
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love everything Susan M Boyer has written, but this one might just be my favorite.
I don't want to give any surprises away, just know that there are many heart warming characters in this one.
Well done, Susan!
I don't want to give any surprises away, just know that there are many heart warming characters in this one.
Well done, Susan!
January 23, 2026
This book was wonderful. I can’t wait to read the installment the series. I would love to read more about North.
April 20, 2026
This is the 3rd book in the author's Carolina Tales series and it's a REALLY good one. It can definitely be read as a standalone.
When a wealthy Charleston socialite is found murdered and her housekeeper, Bridget, is charged, Hadley Cooper is hired to investigate. But there's just one problem: Hadley's boyfriend, Cash, is the SLED agent who made the arrest. They promised each other they wouldn't work on the same cases, but Hadley is convinced she needs to help Bridget because no one else will. Hadley knows that Bridget is innocent and will do whatever it takes to prove her innocence. What secrets will she uncover and will her relationship survive?
This was the perfect cozy mystery set in coastal South Carolina. It was charming, immersive, and the intriguing mystery made it totally unputdownable. There was drama, there were ghosts, there were twists, and there was even a little romance. Hadley Cooper is such a great character and totally relatable. Not only does she have the same last name as me, but she is also highly allergic to dogs but not to cats. I'm the same way, and honestly, I don't know anyone else like that. Her investigative skills were top notch and I loved that she had Liz and Sarabeth helping her. This was such a delightfully entertaining read. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY recommend it!🩷
When a wealthy Charleston socialite is found murdered and her housekeeper, Bridget, is charged, Hadley Cooper is hired to investigate. But there's just one problem: Hadley's boyfriend, Cash, is the SLED agent who made the arrest. They promised each other they wouldn't work on the same cases, but Hadley is convinced she needs to help Bridget because no one else will. Hadley knows that Bridget is innocent and will do whatever it takes to prove her innocence. What secrets will she uncover and will her relationship survive?
This was the perfect cozy mystery set in coastal South Carolina. It was charming, immersive, and the intriguing mystery made it totally unputdownable. There was drama, there were ghosts, there were twists, and there was even a little romance. Hadley Cooper is such a great character and totally relatable. Not only does she have the same last name as me, but she is also highly allergic to dogs but not to cats. I'm the same way, and honestly, I don't know anyone else like that. Her investigative skills were top notch and I loved that she had Liz and Sarabeth helping her. This was such a delightfully entertaining read. I absolutely loved it and HIGHLY recommend it!🩷
April 20, 2026
Trouble’s Turn to Lose did NOT disappoint. Susan Boyer did a masterful job of weaving her two Lowcountry “worlds” ( Liz’ and Hadley’s) ) and having the characters cross over into this latest series. The twists and turns kept coming as the mystery unfolded and while the “who” in “whodunnit” became clearer as I turned the pages, HOW and WHY things happened, and connecting all of the players was not known until literally revealed in the pages at the end.
May 3, 2026
I love love loved the cross over!!
April 16, 2026
I liked it! I really did! A great mystery with lots of suspects and twists and turns. But my favorite part was the return of the Talbot family. The Easter dinner scene? Oh my! At first I felt nostalgic because it's been awhile since I had a real Easter dinner with my family! But those chickens! Hilarious! Well done Susan M. Boyer!
April 6, 2026
Susan M Boyer is a favorite author and this book doesn’t disappoint. This latest book is a pleasant and unexpected crossover between 2 very fun women investigators whom together, with divine intervention, get the job done. Her writing is so descriptive you can smell and taste the coastal salt air. It defies imagination! You can see the brilliant sun as it emerges in all its radiant color across the sky with all your imagination of the breeze and stinky scent of the pluff mud! Hadley Cooper and Liz Talbot Andrews are strong, bold and creative women in non-traditional roles that show us you can take a chance and win while doing work they love. You can feel their sense of purpose and love of what they do through the words and pages of this gripping novel. I couldn’t put it down! This is another reason why I’m proud and thankful to be part of Susan’s ARC team! She writes books you want to read multiple times because you find something different through her words and vision each time you read it. She has a gift and we should be so thankful she shares it with all of us. I hope you read it and enjoy it as much as I have! You won’t be disappointed!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely.A wonderful story from the beginning to the end.
Hadley,
Involving herself in a murder case. Doing the things she's well not supposed to do, but she just can't help herself. She's only doing what she feels is right. sometimes doing what is right can get.You in trouble.
Hadley, is a phenomenal character who sees things. is also a cat lover, but allergic to dogs. i found myself chuckling at parts of this book. Other parts make you gasp.
but oh what a story.
Susan boyer
writes the sweetest books.
perfect endings.
I truly do enjoy her books.
Hadley,
Involving herself in a murder case. Doing the things she's well not supposed to do, but she just can't help herself. She's only doing what she feels is right. sometimes doing what is right can get.You in trouble.
Hadley, is a phenomenal character who sees things. is also a cat lover, but allergic to dogs. i found myself chuckling at parts of this book. Other parts make you gasp.
but oh what a story.
Susan boyer
writes the sweetest books.
perfect endings.
I truly do enjoy her books.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is one of those books you don't want to put down and you don't want to end! From the first page, I knew i was going to enjoy the next book in the Carolina Tale series. Hadley Cooper is a very likeable and relatable character. There were so many fast-paced interconnected storylines with a wonderful South Carolina setting and vibe.
Susan Boyer crosses her t's and dots her i's in her involved tale that is intertwined with cozy twists and turns. I liked that we met some new characters and that Liz, Nate, and the whole Talbot family made an appearance. The book was an addicting story that I finished way to soon. It leaves you wanting more from Hadley and the rest of Susan's characters.
Susan Boyer crosses her t's and dots her i's in her involved tale that is intertwined with cozy twists and turns. I liked that we met some new characters and that Liz, Nate, and the whole Talbot family made an appearance. The book was an addicting story that I finished way to soon. It leaves you wanting more from Hadley and the rest of Susan's characters.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan M. Boyer has truly hit one out of the park with Trouble’s Turn to Lose, the latest entry in her Carolina Tales series. I adore this book!
It is a delightful mystery set in the LowCountry on Sullivan’s Island and in Charleston featuring private detective Hadley Cooper. There’s also some time on Stella Maris.
Hadley, during her investigation into a murder to help someone accused of the crime, ends up being joined by Liz Talbot from Boyer’s previous well known and loved series.
The actual client is Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, who has hired Hadley on behalf of Bridget Donovan, the former maid of Patricia Gaillard, who’d been murdered, and Bridget had been arrested and accused of the murder.
Complicating matters is Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, the lead agent for South Carolina Law Enforcement, who arrested Bridget. Hadley and Cash had promised to never work the same cases.
But Hadley couldn’t say no to Carolyn who was sure Bridget was not guilty and had been framed.
As Hadley looks for clues to eventually find the real killer, solve the case and free Bridget, lots of complications arise.
Four different suspects come to light: Patricia’s secretary, Scarlett; Patricia’s sister, Corinne; Corinne’s husband, Porter; or Bridget’s ex-mother-in-law, Mary Ellis.
Hadley interviews all of them and she and Liz sneak into Patricia’s house and find her will discovering that she left money to Scarlett and Bridget. They also find out that she was having an affair with Porter.
They set up a sting: a fake blackmail plan for the four subjects who’ll have to bring a bag of money to a downtown location Liz and Hadley are watching but no one shows up.
They end up chasing a guy who leaves in a brown Subaru that ends up a Scarlett’s house. By spying they discover that she’s lying comatose on the floor in her bedroom and call 911. When the guy hears sirens he leaves and drives away. They wait to see her carried out on a stretcher with an oxygen mask so they know she’s breathing, then leave.
They go to the hospital and by eavesdropping nearby learn Scarlett will be all right. Hadley leaves to go home and on the way into the garage she’s shot at but not hit. She doesn’t call the police to protect a friend. It’s complicated.
Hadley continues to try to track down the brown Subaru. Will that lead her to the killer? And proving Bridget’s innocence?
Meanwhile in her personal life several happy crazy good things happen. What are they?
Reading this wonderful book to find out the answers to these questions will definitely be one of the highlights of your day or week! It’s an incredible read!
It is a delightful mystery set in the LowCountry on Sullivan’s Island and in Charleston featuring private detective Hadley Cooper. There’s also some time on Stella Maris.
Hadley, during her investigation into a murder to help someone accused of the crime, ends up being joined by Liz Talbot from Boyer’s previous well known and loved series.
The actual client is Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, who has hired Hadley on behalf of Bridget Donovan, the former maid of Patricia Gaillard, who’d been murdered, and Bridget had been arrested and accused of the murder.
Complicating matters is Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, the lead agent for South Carolina Law Enforcement, who arrested Bridget. Hadley and Cash had promised to never work the same cases.
But Hadley couldn’t say no to Carolyn who was sure Bridget was not guilty and had been framed.
As Hadley looks for clues to eventually find the real killer, solve the case and free Bridget, lots of complications arise.
Four different suspects come to light: Patricia’s secretary, Scarlett; Patricia’s sister, Corinne; Corinne’s husband, Porter; or Bridget’s ex-mother-in-law, Mary Ellis.
Hadley interviews all of them and she and Liz sneak into Patricia’s house and find her will discovering that she left money to Scarlett and Bridget. They also find out that she was having an affair with Porter.
They set up a sting: a fake blackmail plan for the four subjects who’ll have to bring a bag of money to a downtown location Liz and Hadley are watching but no one shows up.
They end up chasing a guy who leaves in a brown Subaru that ends up a Scarlett’s house. By spying they discover that she’s lying comatose on the floor in her bedroom and call 911. When the guy hears sirens he leaves and drives away. They wait to see her carried out on a stretcher with an oxygen mask so they know she’s breathing, then leave.
They go to the hospital and by eavesdropping nearby learn Scarlett will be all right. Hadley leaves to go home and on the way into the garage she’s shot at but not hit. She doesn’t call the police to protect a friend. It’s complicated.
Hadley continues to try to track down the brown Subaru. Will that lead her to the killer? And proving Bridget’s innocence?
Meanwhile in her personal life several happy crazy good things happen. What are they?
Reading this wonderful book to find out the answers to these questions will definitely be one of the highlights of your day or week! It’s an incredible read!
February 4, 2026
A cozy mystery set in South Carolina. The story follows a private investigator, Hadley, as she tries to solve the murder of a wealthy socialite. Her boyfriend is the lead investigator working the case and they have both promised not to get involved with each other’s cases.
I’ve never read any Susan Boyer books before so I didn’t realize this was a crossover story with characters from another series. I think anyone who is a fan of Susan Boyer’s previous work would enjoy this book and appreciate the character development.
Overall, a charming mystery with chaos and humor.
I’ve never read any Susan Boyer books before so I didn’t realize this was a crossover story with characters from another series. I think anyone who is a fan of Susan Boyer’s previous work would enjoy this book and appreciate the character development.
Overall, a charming mystery with chaos and humor.
January 30, 2026
A Must-Read Masterpiece for Mystery Lovers!
Susan Boyer has done it again! "Trouble's Turn to Lose" is the ultimate must-read beach thriller that kept me turning pages long after the sun went down.
As a dedicated fan of Susan’s world, I was absolutely ecstatic to see the crossover between Hadley and Carolyn Talbot—seeing those two together was a total highlight! I also loved getting so much more interaction with North in this installment; his presence always adds such a fantastic spark to the story.
If you’re looking for a sharp, immersive, and gripping read for your next vacation, grab this one immediately!
Susan Boyer has done it again! "Trouble's Turn to Lose" is the ultimate must-read beach thriller that kept me turning pages long after the sun went down.
As a dedicated fan of Susan’s world, I was absolutely ecstatic to see the crossover between Hadley and Carolyn Talbot—seeing those two together was a total highlight! I also loved getting so much more interaction with North in this installment; his presence always adds such a fantastic spark to the story.
If you’re looking for a sharp, immersive, and gripping read for your next vacation, grab this one immediately!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
wow!
February 5, 2026
Trouble’s Turn to Lose, the newest addition to the Carolina Tales series by Susan M. Boyer, is my favorite in the series. Boyer’s fun, quirky characters; wonderful scenic descriptions of the South Carolina low country; and page-turning mystery are all present when Hadley encounters the Talbot family from Boyer’s Lowcountry series.
This cozy mystery can be read as a standalone, but reading the other books in this series and books from the Lowcounty series provides background on the characters and story. If you have missed Liz and the Talbot family, add Trouble’s Turn to Lose to the top of your To Be Read Pile. I highly recommend Trouble’s Turn to Lose and can’t wait for the next novel by Susan Boyer!
Thank you to BookFunnel, the author, and publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
This cozy mystery can be read as a standalone, but reading the other books in this series and books from the Lowcounty series provides background on the characters and story. If you have missed Liz and the Talbot family, add Trouble’s Turn to Lose to the top of your To Be Read Pile. I highly recommend Trouble’s Turn to Lose and can’t wait for the next novel by Susan Boyer!
Thank you to BookFunnel, the author, and publisher for my review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 8, 2026
I loved it! This is one of my favorite authors and I am absolutely ecstatic about the tie in to her other book series. Hadley is a very capable and kind hearted private investigator. I'm not surprised that a cat knew who to seek out for help either. This is a great mystery and I especially enjoyed Hadley's first impressions of Carolyn, the ferry ride, and "all that". Excellent book! ARC susan.m.boyer.com
Review of advance copy received from Author
I fell in love with the Carolinas and reading Susan's series brings such a wonderful pictures of them.
Her new book continues with our favorite characters and places.
And yes, there is a murder. But there are a few surprises along the way.
I love the Lowcountry Society and am looking forward to another wonderful visit.
Her new book continues with our favorite characters and places.
And yes, there is a murder. But there are a few surprises along the way.
I love the Lowcountry Society and am looking forward to another wonderful visit.
January 27, 2026
Probably my favorite book of the series! So many great twists and surprises! Flew through the book even though I didn't want it to end, highly recommend!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
What a fantastic book , so many surprises and I'm not giving any hints of what they might be ! Do yourself a favor and get this book when it is released, it might be the absolute best of Susan's books. It has Hadley and Liz coming together to help, what could be better than both of our favorite characters. If I could give it 10 stars I would!
April 25, 2026
P.I. Hadley Cooper and her significant other, SLED (South Carolina Law Enforcement Division) Agent Cash Reynolds, promised each other NOT to get involved in each other’s cases. (Even though that’s EXACTLY how they met in the first place in Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island) Which REALLY meant that Hadley promised not to take clients involved in Cash’s cases, as he has much less choice in what he gets assigned than she has in what cases she chooses to take.
But sometimes, the cases choose her, and that’s merely the first problem Hadley faces in this story.
Not exactly the first, just the first that she’s willing to admit to. Because the first real problem that Hadley faces might not be real at all. It’s the conversation she has with her mother’s ghost. (Not that there aren’t others on Sullivan’s Island and nearby Stella Maris who see – and don’t merely imagine – ghosts. But Hadley doesn’t know that -YET.)
What Hadley knows, or believes, or is afraid she just hallucinated, is that her mother came back to tell her three important things. “I’m so sorry”, Help her” and “I love you.” A message that seems so cryptic as to be hallucinatory right up until one of the island’s grandes dames, Caroline Talbot, convinces Hadley to talk with a young woman who is being railroaded to prison – by Hadley’s beau, Cash.
Cash is just following the evidence – evidence that ALL points to Bridget Donovan having murdered her employer Patricia Gaillard. But Hadley’s bullshit detector says that Bridget isn’t shoveling any manure, and that the frame around her is WAY too neat and tidy. And that, perhaps, the very obviousness of the whole thing is leading the police to an easy conclusion instead of beginning a thorough investigation.
An investigation that Hadley decides that she MUST take – in spite of her promise. No matter how much trouble and heartbreak it might – will – cause for her personally. Because her momma told her to “Help her”, and her momma was always right – sooner or later or, as in this case, both.
Escape Rating A-: I looked for comfort reads this week, and so far I’ve definitely found them! Admittedly, my search combined the list of “guaranteed good reads” in the back of my mind with the list of what’s just come out or is coming soon that I KNEW would be just what I was looking for.
Which led me back to Sullivan’s Island, P.I. Hadley Cooper and even back to the heroine of the author’s earlier cozy mystery series, Liz Talbot. I came into this new book in the Carolina Tales series, after Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island and The Sullivan Island Supper Club, expecting a gorgeous setting, an interesting protagonist in Hadley, a dead body and a clever investigation.
And that’s precisely what I got. The opportunity to catch up with old friends like Liz was a delightful bonus to a terrific mystery.
One of the things I love about a good mystery, cozy or otherwise, is the way that even though the reader KNOWS that the cops have arrested the wrong person, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other plausible suspects and oodles of tasty red herrings to get led down the primrose path by.
(Just because the cops are already down a false trail doesn’t mean that the reader can’t find plenty of others on their own.)
Which is exactly what happened to this reader.
Unlike so many mysteries with this kind of start, the police aren’t doing anything wrong and aren’t deliberately taking the easy way out. The evidence they have requires Bridget’s arrest. It’s not personal, it’s not prejudiced, it’s not laziness. They’re doing their jobs the way they are supposed to be done.
But Hadley doesn’t have to do THAT job. She can dig and keep digging until something in this case makes sense. Because the evidence that points to Bridget only makes sense if you don’t look too hard at where it doesn’t make sense at all.
Which is where Hadley’s search begins. And serves up all those red herrings for the reader. Not a one of which fries up into the real deal when it comes to this particular tangled case, making for a delightfully twisted mystery.
Speaking of twisted, the twist that this case puts into Hadley’s love life feels real and not a misunderstandammit OR added just for romantic tension. Hadley and Cash are on opposite ends of the same profession. Or opposite perspectives. He’s looking for guilt, she’s searching for innocence, and their professional lives are guaranteed to intersect – and badly. The thing that brought them together looks like it might tear them apart.
Which is where that blast from the author’s past series, in the form of P.I. Liz Talbot and her husband and partner Nate come in. Liz and Nate were once in a similar quandary (in Liz’s terrific series which starts with Lowcountry Boil), and solved the issue by working together. Liz gets more involved than she should in Hadley’s case because she misses her old job, but in the process shows Hadley a) that she needs someone to watch her back when cases get dangerous – and they do – and b) that there’s an obvious solution to the conflict of interest with Cash if they’re willing to take that leap.
That Liz ALSO has the answer to the first of Hadley’s momma’s cryptic instructions was a delightful way of pulling that opening scene into a lovely circle.
I loved the first book in the Carolina Tales series, Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island, thought that the second book was a bit of a mixed bag, but I fell head over heels into Trouble’s Turn to Lose – and not just because the cats that Hadley adopts are adorable – and sound a lot like my own Luna and Tuna. I’m hopeful that Hadley will have more mysteries to solve – and that Goose and Nala will find more laps to sit in, in future books in the series, whenever they appear!
Originally published at Reading Reality
But sometimes, the cases choose her, and that’s merely the first problem Hadley faces in this story.
Not exactly the first, just the first that she’s willing to admit to. Because the first real problem that Hadley faces might not be real at all. It’s the conversation she has with her mother’s ghost. (Not that there aren’t others on Sullivan’s Island and nearby Stella Maris who see – and don’t merely imagine – ghosts. But Hadley doesn’t know that -YET.)
What Hadley knows, or believes, or is afraid she just hallucinated, is that her mother came back to tell her three important things. “I’m so sorry”, Help her” and “I love you.” A message that seems so cryptic as to be hallucinatory right up until one of the island’s grandes dames, Caroline Talbot, convinces Hadley to talk with a young woman who is being railroaded to prison – by Hadley’s beau, Cash.
Cash is just following the evidence – evidence that ALL points to Bridget Donovan having murdered her employer Patricia Gaillard. But Hadley’s bullshit detector says that Bridget isn’t shoveling any manure, and that the frame around her is WAY too neat and tidy. And that, perhaps, the very obviousness of the whole thing is leading the police to an easy conclusion instead of beginning a thorough investigation.
An investigation that Hadley decides that she MUST take – in spite of her promise. No matter how much trouble and heartbreak it might – will – cause for her personally. Because her momma told her to “Help her”, and her momma was always right – sooner or later or, as in this case, both.
Escape Rating A-: I looked for comfort reads this week, and so far I’ve definitely found them! Admittedly, my search combined the list of “guaranteed good reads” in the back of my mind with the list of what’s just come out or is coming soon that I KNEW would be just what I was looking for.
Which led me back to Sullivan’s Island, P.I. Hadley Cooper and even back to the heroine of the author’s earlier cozy mystery series, Liz Talbot. I came into this new book in the Carolina Tales series, after Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island and The Sullivan Island Supper Club, expecting a gorgeous setting, an interesting protagonist in Hadley, a dead body and a clever investigation.
And that’s precisely what I got. The opportunity to catch up with old friends like Liz was a delightful bonus to a terrific mystery.
One of the things I love about a good mystery, cozy or otherwise, is the way that even though the reader KNOWS that the cops have arrested the wrong person, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t plenty of other plausible suspects and oodles of tasty red herrings to get led down the primrose path by.
(Just because the cops are already down a false trail doesn’t mean that the reader can’t find plenty of others on their own.)
Which is exactly what happened to this reader.
Unlike so many mysteries with this kind of start, the police aren’t doing anything wrong and aren’t deliberately taking the easy way out. The evidence they have requires Bridget’s arrest. It’s not personal, it’s not prejudiced, it’s not laziness. They’re doing their jobs the way they are supposed to be done.
But Hadley doesn’t have to do THAT job. She can dig and keep digging until something in this case makes sense. Because the evidence that points to Bridget only makes sense if you don’t look too hard at where it doesn’t make sense at all.
Which is where Hadley’s search begins. And serves up all those red herrings for the reader. Not a one of which fries up into the real deal when it comes to this particular tangled case, making for a delightfully twisted mystery.
Speaking of twisted, the twist that this case puts into Hadley’s love life feels real and not a misunderstandammit OR added just for romantic tension. Hadley and Cash are on opposite ends of the same profession. Or opposite perspectives. He’s looking for guilt, she’s searching for innocence, and their professional lives are guaranteed to intersect – and badly. The thing that brought them together looks like it might tear them apart.
Which is where that blast from the author’s past series, in the form of P.I. Liz Talbot and her husband and partner Nate come in. Liz and Nate were once in a similar quandary (in Liz’s terrific series which starts with Lowcountry Boil), and solved the issue by working together. Liz gets more involved than she should in Hadley’s case because she misses her old job, but in the process shows Hadley a) that she needs someone to watch her back when cases get dangerous – and they do – and b) that there’s an obvious solution to the conflict of interest with Cash if they’re willing to take that leap.
That Liz ALSO has the answer to the first of Hadley’s momma’s cryptic instructions was a delightful way of pulling that opening scene into a lovely circle.
I loved the first book in the Carolina Tales series, Big Trouble on Sullivan’s Island, thought that the second book was a bit of a mixed bag, but I fell head over heels into Trouble’s Turn to Lose – and not just because the cats that Hadley adopts are adorable – and sound a lot like my own Luna and Tuna. I’m hopeful that Hadley will have more mysteries to solve – and that Goose and Nala will find more laps to sit in, in future books in the series, whenever they appear!
Originally published at Reading Reality
January 18, 2026
Loved this third installment about Hadley Cooper’s adventures! Great story and has some very fun surprises. I’ve loved all of Susan’s books but this may be my favorite. Highly recommend especially for low country fans.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan M. Boyer has truly hit one out of the park with Trouble’s Turn to Lose, the latest entry in her Carolina Tales series. I adore this book!
It is a delightful mystery set in the LowCountry on Sullivan’s Island and in Charleston featuring private detective Hadley Cooper. There’s also some time on Stella Maris.
Hadley, during her investigation into a murder to help someone accused of the crime, ends up being joined by Liz Talbot from Boyer’s previous well known and loved series.
The actual client is Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, who has hired Hadley on behalf of Bridget Donovan, the former maid of Patricia Gaillard, who’d been murdered, and Bridget had been arrested and accused of the murder.
Complicating matters is Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, the lead agent for South Carolina Law Enforcement, who arrested Bridget. Hadley and Cash had promised to never work the same cases.
But Hadley couldn’t say no to Carolyn who was sure Bridget was not guilty and had been framed.
As Hadley looks for clues to eventually find the real killer, solve the case and free Bridget, lots of complications arise.
Four different suspects come to light: Patricia’s secretary, Scarlett; Patricia’s sister, Corinne; Corinne’s husband, Porter; or Bridget’s ex-mother-in-law, Mary Ellis.
Hadley interviews all of them and she and Liz sneak into Patricia’s house and find her will discovering that she left money to Scarlett and Bridget. They also find out that she was having an affair with Porter.
They set up a sting: a fake blackmail plan for the four subjects who’ll have to bring a bag of money to a downtown location Liz and Hadley are watching but no one shows up.
They end up chasing a guy who leaves in a brown Subaru that ends up a Scarlett’s house. By spying they discover that she’s lying comatose on the floor in her bedroom and call 911. When the guy hears sirens he leaves and drives away. They wait to see her carried out on a stretcher with an oxygen mask so they know she’s breathing, then leave.
They go to the hospital and by eavesdropping nearby learn Scarlett will be all right. Hadley leaves to go home and on the way into the garage she’s shot at but not hit. She doesn’t call the police to protect a friend. It’s complicated.
Hadley continues to try to track down the brown Subaru. Will that lead her to the killer? And proving Bridget’s innocence?
Meanwhile in her personal life several happy crazy good things happen. What are they?
Reading this wonderful book to find out the answers to these questions will definitely be one of the highlights of your day or week! It’s an incredible read!
It is a delightful mystery set in the LowCountry on Sullivan’s Island and in Charleston featuring private detective Hadley Cooper. There’s also some time on Stella Maris.
Hadley, during her investigation into a murder to help someone accused of the crime, ends up being joined by Liz Talbot from Boyer’s previous well known and loved series.
The actual client is Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, who has hired Hadley on behalf of Bridget Donovan, the former maid of Patricia Gaillard, who’d been murdered, and Bridget had been arrested and accused of the murder.
Complicating matters is Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, the lead agent for South Carolina Law Enforcement, who arrested Bridget. Hadley and Cash had promised to never work the same cases.
But Hadley couldn’t say no to Carolyn who was sure Bridget was not guilty and had been framed.
As Hadley looks for clues to eventually find the real killer, solve the case and free Bridget, lots of complications arise.
Four different suspects come to light: Patricia’s secretary, Scarlett; Patricia’s sister, Corinne; Corinne’s husband, Porter; or Bridget’s ex-mother-in-law, Mary Ellis.
Hadley interviews all of them and she and Liz sneak into Patricia’s house and find her will discovering that she left money to Scarlett and Bridget. They also find out that she was having an affair with Porter.
They set up a sting: a fake blackmail plan for the four subjects who’ll have to bring a bag of money to a downtown location Liz and Hadley are watching but no one shows up.
They end up chasing a guy who leaves in a brown Subaru that ends up a Scarlett’s house. By spying they discover that she’s lying comatose on the floor in her bedroom and call 911. When the guy hears sirens he leaves and drives away. They wait to see her carried out on a stretcher with an oxygen mask so they know she’s breathing, then leave.
They go to the hospital and by eavesdropping nearby learn Scarlett will be all right. Hadley leaves to go home and on the way into the garage she’s shot at but not hit. She doesn’t call the police to protect a friend. It’s complicated.
Hadley continues to try to track down the brown Subaru. Will that lead her to the killer? And proving Bridget’s innocence?
Meanwhile in her personal life several happy crazy good things happen. What are they?
Reading this wonderful book to find out the answers to these questions will definitely be one of the highlights of your day or week! It’s an incredible read!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Do not "Lose" out on this book, IT IS FANTASTIC. Susan Boyer's writing "rolls off the page" and is so fluid fun and sassy! I was so excited to receive an advanced copy of the next installment in the Carolina Tales series because the moment I shut #3 last year I knew I needed more of the Sullivan's Supper Club group. In this book we jump back in to Hadley Cooper's life as an emerging PI on Sullivan's Island --and girlfriend of the handsome Cash (a police officer-conflict of interest? HA) I enjoyed jumping back into Jolene with Hadley to solve the latest crime on sweet Sullivan's Island. This book opens with a "visit" from Hadley's deceased mother encouraging her to "Help Her"...less than 24 hours later it becomes apparent who"her" is. Bridget the housekeeper is accused of killing her wealthy employer, but Carolyn Talbot( YES-Talbot as in our favorite Liz Talbot from Susan's previous series) knows there is more to the story. Since Liz is technically not "active" in investigations anymore Carolyn reaches out to Hadley to help out poor sweet Bridget.
Like I said this book was a delight to read from the charming sweet southern dialogue. to the mouthwatering food descriptions . The Easter Brunch alone would turn any vegan health nut into piling their plate wiith fried chicken, pea salad and butter biscuits!
This book is a perfect way escape and get lost in Sullivan's Island, despite all the drama and murder that takes place, there is also a steamy relationship budding with Cash and Hadley learning more about her family. Secrets are uncovered and a shocking family history is exposed!
Hadley and Cash are a couple I cheer so hard for-they are the "Bennifer" of Sullivans Island (but with a happy ending of course) .
I was so honored to receive this advanced copy of Trouble's Turn to Lose, I will sing its praises from the top of my roof! (Which is a good thing because I live above my local bookstore!)
Thank you SO MUCH Susan M Boyer, Stella Maris Books for allowing me to review this book. I was not paid for my honest review.
GO GET YOURSELF A COPY and GLASS of SWEET TEA on April 7 2026
Like I said this book was a delight to read from the charming sweet southern dialogue. to the mouthwatering food descriptions . The Easter Brunch alone would turn any vegan health nut into piling their plate wiith fried chicken, pea salad and butter biscuits!
This book is a perfect way escape and get lost in Sullivan's Island, despite all the drama and murder that takes place, there is also a steamy relationship budding with Cash and Hadley learning more about her family. Secrets are uncovered and a shocking family history is exposed!
Hadley and Cash are a couple I cheer so hard for-they are the "Bennifer" of Sullivans Island (but with a happy ending of course) .
I was so honored to receive this advanced copy of Trouble's Turn to Lose, I will sing its praises from the top of my roof! (Which is a good thing because I live above my local bookstore!)
Thank you SO MUCH Susan M Boyer, Stella Maris Books for allowing me to review this book. I was not paid for my honest review.
GO GET YOURSELF A COPY and GLASS of SWEET TEA on April 7 2026
April 7, 2026
Trouble’s Turn to Lose is book 3 in Susan M. Boyers Carolina Tales series. PI Hadley Cooper had promised her fella, Detective Cash Reynolds, that she wouldn’t take a case he was working on and that lasted all of a few days. After the vision she had seen at daybreak at Breach Inlet and the pleas from Carolyn Talbot to help a desolate Bridget Donovan how could she possibly turn down helping the young single mother who was so clearly set up for the murder of her employer? Even if the arresting officer was none other than Cash.
As Hadley begins her investigation her friend and neighbor Sarabeth Boone begs to ride along as research for her next book, and does on a few occasions. Hadley also makes the acquaintance of Liz Talbot of Talbot & Andrews Investigations. Although Liz’s mother, Carolyn, believes that after some close calls she has turned her interests to other endeavors, Liz is itching for an investigation and also joins in the investigation.
In a case that includes being followed and shot at, breaking and entering but just a few times, and saving the life of a potential victim of the same culprit, Hadley perseveres until a heart pounding climax exposes the true murderer. Hadley also makes startling personal discoveries when she teams up with Liz, and even more surprising discoveries when she and Cash are reunited.
This is such a good book!! In fact, it may be the very best Ms. Boyer has written, but then again I think that with each new book of hers I read! I loved the meshing of characters from both of her series and hope the Liz Talbot mysteries folks won’t be strangers to this series. The characters are fabulous! The Charleston setting is perfect. And the plot is so tightly woven that, despite carefully concealed Easter eggs, I was taken by surprise when the perpetrator was revealed. I absolutely loved Trouble’s Turn to Lose and wholeheartedly recommend it!
As Hadley begins her investigation her friend and neighbor Sarabeth Boone begs to ride along as research for her next book, and does on a few occasions. Hadley also makes the acquaintance of Liz Talbot of Talbot & Andrews Investigations. Although Liz’s mother, Carolyn, believes that after some close calls she has turned her interests to other endeavors, Liz is itching for an investigation and also joins in the investigation.
In a case that includes being followed and shot at, breaking and entering but just a few times, and saving the life of a potential victim of the same culprit, Hadley perseveres until a heart pounding climax exposes the true murderer. Hadley also makes startling personal discoveries when she teams up with Liz, and even more surprising discoveries when she and Cash are reunited.
This is such a good book!! In fact, it may be the very best Ms. Boyer has written, but then again I think that with each new book of hers I read! I loved the meshing of characters from both of her series and hope the Liz Talbot mysteries folks won’t be strangers to this series. The characters are fabulous! The Charleston setting is perfect. And the plot is so tightly woven that, despite carefully concealed Easter eggs, I was taken by surprise when the perpetrator was revealed. I absolutely loved Trouble’s Turn to Lose and wholeheartedly recommend it!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I love the Low Country, so I was thrilled when I discovered Susan Boyer’s Liz Talbot mysteries a few years ago. Liz, a modern, gun toting Southern Belle is a private investigator, as is her eventual husband, Nate. They team up in both business and pleasure, solving crimes in the Charleston area.
I think every Susan Boyer fan was delighted when Susan added another private investigator to the mix with her Carolina Tales series, featuring Hadley Cooper. Hadley works in the Sullivan’s Island area alone, unarmed, with an eclectic group of friends and a significant other who is a detective for SLED, the state law enforcement division. Their professional roles tend to clash when Cash’s “law and order” vibe butts up against Hadley’s desire to help the underdog.
In Susan’s latest book, Troubles Turn to Lose, Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, approaches Hadley and asks her to investigate the case of a single mom accused of murdering her employer. Hadley refuses due to her agreement with Cash to avoid each other’s cases, but Carolyn is very persuasive and Hadley’s soft heart has her agreeing to help.
Once Liz and Hadley met, it was inevitable they would share ideas and ultimately work the case together, widening Hadley’s rift with Cash.
I thought I knew who the murderer was in this book, but Susan is a master of twists, turns and mysteries that leave you shaking your head in confusion. Then she ties it all together like a perfectly wrapped present.
Troubles Turn to Lose is an excellent read! I highly enjoyed it (in fact, it’s my favorite book of Susan’s) and I feel other readers will love it too! Get this book and make yourself comfy, you’re not going to want to stop reading until you’re done!
I think every Susan Boyer fan was delighted when Susan added another private investigator to the mix with her Carolina Tales series, featuring Hadley Cooper. Hadley works in the Sullivan’s Island area alone, unarmed, with an eclectic group of friends and a significant other who is a detective for SLED, the state law enforcement division. Their professional roles tend to clash when Cash’s “law and order” vibe butts up against Hadley’s desire to help the underdog.
In Susan’s latest book, Troubles Turn to Lose, Carolyn Talbot, Liz’s mother, approaches Hadley and asks her to investigate the case of a single mom accused of murdering her employer. Hadley refuses due to her agreement with Cash to avoid each other’s cases, but Carolyn is very persuasive and Hadley’s soft heart has her agreeing to help.
Once Liz and Hadley met, it was inevitable they would share ideas and ultimately work the case together, widening Hadley’s rift with Cash.
I thought I knew who the murderer was in this book, but Susan is a master of twists, turns and mysteries that leave you shaking your head in confusion. Then she ties it all together like a perfectly wrapped present.
Troubles Turn to Lose is an excellent read! I highly enjoyed it (in fact, it’s my favorite book of Susan’s) and I feel other readers will love it too! Get this book and make yourself comfy, you’re not going to want to stop reading until you’re done!
Review of advance copy received from Author
You need to get this book!
I had the privilege to read an ARC of her newest book, Troubles Turn to Lose. It was fabulously fun.
As always, it grabs your attention from page 1, right till the last page. I am the opposite of everyone else out there; I kept trying NOT to read it so fast because I didn't want it to end! Susan has a way of writing that makes you feel like these characters are your friends, who you'd want to hang out with.
You'll visit fun places in Charleston and Stella Maris, watch the main character Hadley grow as a person. Liz Talbot comes into the story, and while I'm a huge fan of Liz's character, she felt a bit bossy early in the story. In all fairness though, as the story progresses, you can see how she becomes a mentor and big sister type of role model. Susan did a great job of her two main characters meeting and coming together in this book.
There are secrets revealed along the way, so the side stories are one of the things Susan incorporates into her books in the best way possible. You'll celebrate Easter, only as the Talbots know how to do - hilariously. You never get a feeling of not being able to keep track of storylines or characters. And I also need to mention the Laugh Out Loud moments I had (as I always do with ALL of her books) with the phrases that she tosses in there - all sense of nuttery is one that comes to mind - that just keeps the story light & entertaining. I never want to put her books down, look forward to starting them (understatement), re-read them over and over, and can never wait for the next one.
Excellent job, Susan! You earned yet another Atta Girl for this fabulous book. Can't wait for the next one!
I
I had the privilege to read an ARC of her newest book, Troubles Turn to Lose. It was fabulously fun.
As always, it grabs your attention from page 1, right till the last page. I am the opposite of everyone else out there; I kept trying NOT to read it so fast because I didn't want it to end! Susan has a way of writing that makes you feel like these characters are your friends, who you'd want to hang out with.
You'll visit fun places in Charleston and Stella Maris, watch the main character Hadley grow as a person. Liz Talbot comes into the story, and while I'm a huge fan of Liz's character, she felt a bit bossy early in the story. In all fairness though, as the story progresses, you can see how she becomes a mentor and big sister type of role model. Susan did a great job of her two main characters meeting and coming together in this book.
There are secrets revealed along the way, so the side stories are one of the things Susan incorporates into her books in the best way possible. You'll celebrate Easter, only as the Talbots know how to do - hilariously. You never get a feeling of not being able to keep track of storylines or characters. And I also need to mention the Laugh Out Loud moments I had (as I always do with ALL of her books) with the phrases that she tosses in there - all sense of nuttery is one that comes to mind - that just keeps the story light & entertaining. I never want to put her books down, look forward to starting them (understatement), re-read them over and over, and can never wait for the next one.
Excellent job, Susan! You earned yet another Atta Girl for this fabulous book. Can't wait for the next one!
I
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