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17 days and 08:46:44
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Carolina Tales #3
Trouble's Turn to Lose: A Carolina Tale
Not yet published
Expected 7 Apr 26Win a free print copy of this book!
17 days and 08:46:44
10 copies available
U.S. and Canada only
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.
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.
Paperback
Expected publication April 7, 2026
4 people are currently reading
2833 people want to read
About the author
Susan M. Boyer
20 books2,062 followers
Susan M. Boyer
is the USA Today bestselling author of thirteen novels. Her debut novel, Lowcountry Boil, won the 2012 Agatha Award for Best First Novel, the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense, and garnered several other award nominations. Subsequent books have been nominated for various honors, including Southern Independent Booksellers Alliance Okra Picks, the 2016 Pat Conroy Beach Music Mystery Prize, and the 2017 Southern Book Prize in Mystery & Detective Fiction.
Susan loves 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 to get recipes from her books and to be among the first to hear the news when the next book is scheduled for release.
Susan loves 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 to get recipes from her books and to be among the first to hear the news when the next book is scheduled for release.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 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.
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.
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
Review of advance copy received from Author
FABULOUS ADDITION TO THE SERIES!
I was blessed to have found Susan M. Boyer’s writings not long after she had published her first book, “Lowcountry Boil”. Since then, I have always waited (im)patiently for her next release. I loved her Liz Talbot Mystery Series, and I have equally enjoyed her latest series, Carolina Tales.
Boyer’s latest release, “Trouble’s Turn to Lose,” is addition to the series! She brings readers everything they could want on the mystery and entertainment spectrum — corruption, blackmail, murder, malice, jealousy, hate, family drama (several different families’ drama), romantic suspense, a fight for justice for the underdog, a myriad of quirky characters, intense life and death situations, and moments of laugh out loud hysterical antics as only Boyer can create.
My favorite part of this book is when Boyer brings the spectacular characters from her previous series into a crossover event! When Liz, Nate, and their Foundation contribute their resources, many new avenues for crime-solving are opened, along with an introduction to the Talbot family. All these activities lead to an Easter Lunch that no one will ever forget! It is the beginning of the forging of a new meaning of “family.” Boyer wraps this series up with a spectacular ending that is far beyond one even her staunchest fans could have anticipated.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
I was blessed to have found Susan M. Boyer’s writings not long after she had published her first book, “Lowcountry Boil”. Since then, I have always waited (im)patiently for her next release. I loved her Liz Talbot Mystery Series, and I have equally enjoyed her latest series, Carolina Tales.
Boyer’s latest release, “Trouble’s Turn to Lose,” is addition to the series! She brings readers everything they could want on the mystery and entertainment spectrum — corruption, blackmail, murder, malice, jealousy, hate, family drama (several different families’ drama), romantic suspense, a fight for justice for the underdog, a myriad of quirky characters, intense life and death situations, and moments of laugh out loud hysterical antics as only Boyer can create.
My favorite part of this book is when Boyer brings the spectacular characters from her previous series into a crossover event! When Liz, Nate, and their Foundation contribute their resources, many new avenues for crime-solving are opened, along with an introduction to the Talbot family. All these activities lead to an Easter Lunch that no one will ever forget! It is the beginning of the forging of a new meaning of “family.” Boyer wraps this series up with a spectacular ending that is far beyond one even her staunchest fans could have anticipated.
I was provided a complimentary copy of this book by the author/publisher. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I had concerns about the Carolina Tales series from the start. Would they be able to live up to the Liz Talbot Mystery series? After all, Liz Talbot has the most unlikely sidekick, the ghost of her childhood best friend, Colleen, to help her with her sleuthing.
Why place worry where it isn't necessary? Susan M. Boyer is the author, of course.
In Trouble's Turn To Lose, Hadley gets to experience a bit of paranormal activity of her own along the way. The ghost of Hadley's mamma implores her to "help her." Who? As Hadley questions her sanity and whether she should see a doctor, who should knock on her office door but Carolyn Talbot, none other than the mother of former Private Investigator Liz Talbot, with a case she should refuse, but can't. Despite the massive conflict of interest that might jeopardize her relationship with Cash, Hadley cannot, in good conscience, allow an innocent woman to be sent to prison for a murder she didn't commit. Don't worry, Liz doesn't stay behind the scenes. It's not long before Hadley and Liz are sleuthing together, along with Sarabeth, a friend and cozy mystery writer. Imagine if you will, the girls from Designing Women as a southern version of Charlie's Angels, and you should have it just about right. Hold on tight, there are more than a few secrets to unravel in this one.
Why place worry where it isn't necessary? Susan M. Boyer is the author, of course.
In Trouble's Turn To Lose, Hadley gets to experience a bit of paranormal activity of her own along the way. The ghost of Hadley's mamma implores her to "help her." Who? As Hadley questions her sanity and whether she should see a doctor, who should knock on her office door but Carolyn Talbot, none other than the mother of former Private Investigator Liz Talbot, with a case she should refuse, but can't. Despite the massive conflict of interest that might jeopardize her relationship with Cash, Hadley cannot, in good conscience, allow an innocent woman to be sent to prison for a murder she didn't commit. Don't worry, Liz doesn't stay behind the scenes. It's not long before Hadley and Liz are sleuthing together, along with Sarabeth, a friend and cozy mystery writer. Imagine if you will, the girls from Designing Women as a southern version of Charlie's Angels, and you should have it just about right. Hold on tight, there are more than a few secrets to unravel in this one.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
There is a reason Susan M Boyer is an award winning author, and her latest book in the Carolina Tales series proves it!
In “Trouble’s Turn to Lose”, Boyer has seamlessly brought together the main character, Hadley Cooper with the unforgettable and quirky characters from her Liz Talbot Murder series.
Hadley is a private investigator, and she has been hired to solve a murder by none other than Caroline Talbot, Liz’s mother. Having been a PI herself, Liz offers to help Hadley, and the two of them (along with Liz’s husband, Nate, Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, and a couple of ghosts) set out to find a killer. There is plenty of intrigue, twists and turns, blackmail, danger, romantic tension, and hilarity that ensues. Everything you could want in a good Southern mystery!
Boyer also includes a nice surprise that brings the two families even closer together.
Boyer’s characters are warm, smart, funny, and truly Southern; just like old friends.
She describes the Lowcountry of South Carolina and the Charleston area so vividly, you’ll be wanting to move there, and her food descriptions will leave you hungry!
All of these things combined have easily made Trouble’s Turn to Lose my favorite book by my favorite author! I hope that Hadley and Liz team up in future books!
In “Trouble’s Turn to Lose”, Boyer has seamlessly brought together the main character, Hadley Cooper with the unforgettable and quirky characters from her Liz Talbot Murder series.
Hadley is a private investigator, and she has been hired to solve a murder by none other than Caroline Talbot, Liz’s mother. Having been a PI herself, Liz offers to help Hadley, and the two of them (along with Liz’s husband, Nate, Hadley’s boyfriend, Cash, and a couple of ghosts) set out to find a killer. There is plenty of intrigue, twists and turns, blackmail, danger, romantic tension, and hilarity that ensues. Everything you could want in a good Southern mystery!
Boyer also includes a nice surprise that brings the two families even closer together.
Boyer’s characters are warm, smart, funny, and truly Southern; just like old friends.
She describes the Lowcountry of South Carolina and the Charleston area so vividly, you’ll be wanting to move there, and her food descriptions will leave you hungry!
All of these things combined have easily made Trouble’s Turn to Lose my favorite book by my favorite author! I hope that Hadley and Liz team up in future books!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Trouble’s Turn to Lose: A Carolina Tale is book 3 in Susan M. Boyer’s Carolina Tales. It is definitely my favorite so far. It’s a great mixture of humor and suspense. I think the best part for this long time fan of Ms Boyer’s books was bringing characters from her Low Country series and having them interact with Hadley Cooper, the main character of this book. I love how naturally they blended together. Of course, the Sullivan’s Island setting and vivid food descriptions are very appealing and the plot with its twists and turns is intriguing, throw in laugh out loud humor that is the Talbot family's, but for me it’s the friendships that really keep me reading. The characters are so richly detailed that I feel like I know them and root for their happiness. I was sorry to finish this book. Thank you for the early read. I can’t wait for the next one.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Susan M. Boyer is a master of the low country mystery. Her strong female characters and excellent plots make her books particularly engaging and fun to read. I have been a long-time fan of Ms. Boyers and this latest book continues a tradition of excellent books! She has developed a storyline that brings together her current series with her past one and this book gives a wonderful story with two excellent female PIs coming together to solve a tough murder! The book is funny and wonderful! She has always written excellent books, but I think this one tops them all! I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries but is a must read for anyone who loves those low country tales with excellent characters! I always am sad to finish the book and am anxiously waiting to return to the world that Ms. Boyers creates with every book she writes!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I have to say after reading all the books from Susan Boyer since her very first one called Lowcountry Boil in 2012, this may be the absolute best of all. Troubles Turn to Lose is the part of the new Carolina Tales series featuring private investigator Hadley Cooper. She’s a wonderful character as are all the characters in this series.
This book brings together Liz Talbot, also a private investigator, and her family, from the Lowcountry series. The combination of these characters into one book was a fantastic idea! I enjoyed so much visiting with old friends and newer ones. Susan Boyer’s writing style makes you feel as is you are in the story and having a conversation with the characters and the mysteries are always entertaining.
I can’t recommend this book and both the Lowcountry and Carolina Tales series enough.
This book brings together Liz Talbot, also a private investigator, and her family, from the Lowcountry series. The combination of these characters into one book was a fantastic idea! I enjoyed so much visiting with old friends and newer ones. Susan Boyer’s writing style makes you feel as is you are in the story and having a conversation with the characters and the mysteries are always entertaining.
I can’t recommend this book and both the Lowcountry and Carolina Tales series enough.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Susan Boyer has done it again! The third installment in the Carolina Tales series was a delight! I felt like I was with Hadley on her adventures due to the wonderful descriptions; I could see Liz's office so clearly! And the sunrise description made me feel the warmth and wish for the beach!
Bringing in the characters of Liz (and the whole gang from the Liz Talbot series) made it that much more enjoyable. The family dynamics and goings on at the Talbot Easter dinner were hilarious!
I hope to see the return of Hadley's Supper Club group in the next one, though.
There were just enough twists and turns to the story to keep my interest til the end. I'm just sad I'll have to wait a bit for the next one!
Bringing in the characters of Liz (and the whole gang from the Liz Talbot series) made it that much more enjoyable. The family dynamics and goings on at the Talbot Easter dinner were hilarious!
I hope to see the return of Hadley's Supper Club group in the next one, though.
There were just enough twists and turns to the story to keep my interest til the end. I'm just sad I'll have to wait a bit for the next one!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book perfectly combines two of my favorite series—what could be better than that? I loved seeing how Liz is rubbing off on Hadley, and I was especially happy to get more time with North in this installment. The character dynamics continue to grow in such a natural, satisfying way.
I’m also really pleased with the direction this book sets up for the Sullivan’s Island series. It feels warm, familiar, and full of promise for what’s to come.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with charming characters, great twists, and just the right balance of intrigue and heart, this one is an easy recommendation. It’s the kind of book you curl up with and don’t want to put down.
I’m also really pleased with the direction this book sets up for the Sullivan’s Island series. It feels warm, familiar, and full of promise for what’s to come.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery with charming characters, great twists, and just the right balance of intrigue and heart, this one is an easy recommendation. It’s the kind of book you curl up with and don’t want to put down.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Trouble’s Turn to Lose by Susan Boyer is an absolute delight and a true treat for longtime fans. The crossover with Ms. Boyer’s Liz Talbot series is seamlessly done and immensely satisfying, adding depth and familiarity while still feeling fresh. The Sullivan’s Island setting is idyllic, practically a character in its own right, and the subtle touch of paranormal elements adds an extra layer of intrigue without overwhelming the story. With its engaging mystery, appealing characters, and perfect blend of charm and suspense, this book is a standout and a must-read. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.). I can’t wait for the next book in this series!
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
My first five-star read of 2026! ⭐️ I adore Susan Boyer's books and have happily read everything she’s written. I loved the Liz Talbot series and have been thoroughly enjoying her newer books featuring Hadley Cooper, so seeing both characters together here felt like the most delightful mash-up.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that keep you guessing without getting too scary, charming Lowcountry settings like Charleston and Sullivan’s Island, and smart, kind female leads, Susan's books are fantastic. This one was such a treat. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
If you enjoy cozy mysteries that keep you guessing without getting too scary, charming Lowcountry settings like Charleston and Sullivan’s Island, and smart, kind female leads, Susan's books are fantastic. This one was such a treat. Highly recommend!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Love both the Lowcountry and Sullivan's Island series by my favorite author. Was not disappointed in the latest book in the Sullivan's Island series! Loved catching up with Hadley and her handsome boyfriend Cash, and an appearance by Liz and Nate, and the always hilarious Talbot family. Add in ghosts, a murder mystery, lots of plot twists, descriptive scenery and food that makes you long for the Lowcountry, and you have what might be the best book yet! I couldn't put it down, and every time I thought I had it figured out, I was wrong.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I loved it! Going back to Sullivan's Island with Hadley and investigating a murder was a treat we have all been waiting for. Then to have Liz Talbot join in the investigation was a delightful surprise. Their investigation of the murder was intriguing and had me guessing at every turn and the villain was not who I predicted. Carolyn Talbot and the Talbot family added to the warmth of this story. Trouble's Turn to Lose was well worth the wait. I can't wait to visit with Hadley or Liz again in any upcoming books.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I love Susan M. Boyer, and Trouble’s Turn to Lose is exactly why! This Carolina Tales series just keeps getting better, and I’ve been waiting for this one. Slipping back into Hadley Cooper’s world felt like catching up with an old friend. Hadley is full of wit, stubborn determination, and heart! Her friendships add so much warmth and humor to the story, and the Lowcountry setting is one of my favorite parts! The mystery itself kept me guessing, with plenty of twists and suspicious characters. I love these books, and really hope the author keeps these coming!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Trouble’s Turn to Lose continues Susan M. Boyer’s Sullivan’s Island series and it’s a humdinger! So many suspects; so many surprises and readers will be thrilled to find one of their favorite characters in the story. PI Hadley Cooper takes a case that puts her in conflict with her boyfriend, who is the lead police investigator that takes her on quite a journey. Readers will not be able to close this one unfinished. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from NetGalley. Most highly recommend.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Wow! This book was amazing! I have loved everything that Ms. Boyer has written, but I must say that this one was especially good. Her writing just flows so evenly and the books are so fun to read. The setting is always perfect (I grew in Mt. Pleasant). The storylines were unexpected and so very interesting. And…she combined my two favorite antagonists in one story!!! And…the ending was so good that I’m goin’ have to read this again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
By far my favorite book in the series so far. I loved having Liz and Neal return from their own series and become part of this story. It added such a fun layer and made everything feel more connected. The mystery kept me guessing the entire time, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to figure out who was behind it all. Can’t wait for the next book!
Thank you to the author for sending me this NetGalley arc in exchange for my honest opinion
Thank you to the author for sending me this NetGalley arc in exchange for my honest opinion
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!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Hadley Cooper and her friends are a great group to follow, but imagine my surprise when Carolyn Talbot showed up in the Carolina Tales Series! Follow Hadley and some familiar favorites as she solves this page turning case.
Susan M. Boyer quickly became my favorite author and this book was well worth the wait!
Susan M. Boyer quickly became my favorite author and this book was well worth the wait!
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!
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.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Susan Boyer has done it again with a fabulous mystery solved by Hadley with the help of some friends from Boyer’s earlier works. Though the murder the private investigator solves is a great story all its own, the further development of Hadley and her multiple revelations keeps us readers wanting more! Great story and perfect cliffhangers!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
I could not put this book down! Characters from two worlds of Susan M. Boyer’a imagination come together perfectly in one- the world of Trouble’s Turn to Lose. This cozy read comes alive as two main characters team up to solve a mystery and have fun along the way. Susan’s witty writing flows easily, engaging readers from the first page to the last.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Absolutely love to read all of Susan Boyer’s cozy low country mysteries! Trouble’s Turn to Lose: A Carolina tail book 3 is absolutely her best book yet in my opinion. Combine the investigative skills of Hadley Cooper along with Liz Talbott and you have a winning combination. Added to the two PIs, Hadley Cooper’s significant other, Cash Reynolds, is the lead sled agent on the same murder case. You know problems will happen. However, my favorite part of the book was when Liz Talbot’s Mama, Carolyn Talbot, invited Hadley to come for Easter dinner. You have to read the book to see what happens! Way to go Susan Boyer. I am so proud of you! The bar is certainly high for another book in the series.
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