Dying on Edisto

The Edisto Island Mysteries #5

by C. Hope Clark

One death. Two detectives. And unexpected backup.A Callie Morgan and Carolina Slade crossover! (A standalone mystery)When a renowned—and now dead—travel blogger washes ashore on the banks of Indigo Plantation, Police Chief Callie Morgan of Edisto Beach agrees to head the investigation as a favor to the county sheriff, whose reasons are as questionable as the death itself. When death turns to murder and a watchdog from the county makes her investigation difficult, Callie reluctantly turns to Carolina Slade and Wayne Largo, vacationing agents with the Department of Agriculture. Because poison is growing on this plantation, and someone knows how to use it well."Page-turning...[and] edge-of-your-seat action...crisp writing and compelling storytelling. This is one you don't want to miss!" —Carolyn Haines, USA Today bestselling author"Her beloved protagonist, Callie, continues to delight readers as a strong, savvy, and a wee-bit-snarky police chief.”—Julie Cantrell, NY Times and USA Today bestselling author C. HOPE CLARK has a fascination with the mystery genre and is author of the Carolina Slade Mystery Series as well as the Edisto Island Mysteries, both set in her home state of South Carolina. In her previous federal life, she performed administrative investigations and married the agent she met on a bribery investigation. She enjoys nothing more than editing her books on the back porch with him, overlooking the lake, with bourbons in hand. She can be found either on the banks of Lake Murray or Edisto Beach with one or two dachshunds in her lap. Hope is also editor of the award-winning FundsforWriters.com.

Genres: Mystery, Southern

262 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 29, 2019

About the author

C. Hope Clark was born and reared in the South, from Mississippi to South Carolina with a few stints in Alabama and Georgia. The granddaughter of a Mississippi cotton farmer, Hope holds a B.S. in Agriculture with honors from Clemson University and 25 years’ experience with the U. S. Department of Agriculture to include awards for her management, all of which enable her to talk the talk of Carolina Slade, the protagonist in most of her novels. Her love of writing, however, carried her up the ranks to the ability to retire young, and she left USDA to pen her stories and freelance.

Lowcountry Bribe‘s won several awards to include finalist status of the Daphne du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense sponsored by Romance Writers of America. The novel enjoyed semi-finalist status (top 100 out of 10,000) in the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. The book went on to win the Silver Falchion Award for Crime Fiction twice and the EPIC E-book Award for Best Mystery three times.

Her books cover three mystery series in the Carolina Slade Mysteries, the Edisto Island Mysteries, and the Craven County Mysteries.

Hope is married to a 30-year veteran of federal law enforcement, a Senior Special Agent, now a contract investigator. They met on a bribery investigation within the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the basis for the opening scene to Lowcountry Bribe. Hope and her special agent live on the rural banks of Lake Murray outside of Chapin, South Carolina, forever spinning tales on their back porch, bourbon and coke in hand, when not tending a loveable flock of hens.

She also currently manages FundsforWriters.com, a weekly newsletter service she founded that reaches 28,000 writers to include university professors, professional journalists and published mystery authors. Writer’s Digest has recognized the site in its annual 101 Best Web Sites for Writers for two dozen years.

She’s published in The Writer Magazine, Writer’s Digest, and other trade and online publications. She speaks at writers’ conferences, book clubs, libraries and more, and has taught many webinars for the Writer's Digest University world. Hope is a member of Mystery Writers of America.

Reviews

[Sue Em · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evidently, Clark has two series and this book, DYING ON EDISTO, brings them both together in a standalone. Both series feature strong independent women with ties to investigation and law enforcement based in different areas of North Carolina. Both books have been winners with local detail and atmosphere combined with good plotting and characters you want to meet again. A murder of a hospitality blogger sets off conflicting jurisdictions and priorities in the search for the truth. Highly recommended. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Bonnie Tharp · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope nailed this one

I've loved every one of Hope's novels. This one was especially fun when the heroines of her two series meet and work together. Her characters are well rounded and her mystery complex. I laughed. I shuddered, sharing in Slade's discomfort with what lies beneath dark water. I highly recommend all of Hope's novels.

[Michanne Reese · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had been counting down the days for C Hope Clark’s most recent release, Dying on Edisto. Not only because I always count down from one Clark book to the next, but because I knew Dying was a crossover and going to bring together my beloved Callie from the Edisto Island Mysteries and the fabulously fiercely free-spirited Slade from the Carolina Slade Mysteries. I was over the moon when I got home from work and found the book in the mailbox. I was looking forward to kicking back, relaxing and enjoying the experience. I was convinced I could make this one last. I really should have known better because, in the history of all of C Hope’s books, she does not write books to be read at a slow pace. I usually have a hard time finding enough of a pause in the action of her books to even take a potty break. Dying on Edisto was no exception to this standard that C Hope has set. Don’t get me wrong! I savored every second and enjoyed it more than any of the others yet, BUT did so in ONE sitting, which lasted into the wee hours as I simply could not put it down.
C Hope seamlessly weaves the characters together. There is never a time during the course of their interaction that feels forced or unnatural like the characters were just where they were for the sake of putting them in the same story. There is never a spot where the reader wonders how the characters came to be together. I also have always liked the way Clark gives just enough back story that the reader doesn’t feel like they are missing something if they haven’t read the other books in either series.
Due to C Hope’s having grown up in the south, the pictures she paints of her characters are authentic; their voices are genuine. Because of her 25-year tenure with the Department of Agriculture, the scenarios she builds are on a strong foundation of fact. I always wonder how much of what we read in her stories has been fabricated, or if it’s a case of “the names have been changed” kind of thing, and we are getting to delve into her true-life events. Over the years I have grown to wonder if Callie and Slade are alter egos of Clark herself. This belief added a fun dimension to the story for me. I couldn’t stop my mind from playing a reel of the original Parent Trap. As Hayley Mills played both sisters, Susan and Sharon, my mind was watching C Hope Clark playing Callie and Slade. Alas, I digress …
Chief Callie and the spunky Slade are the perfect yin and yang, with Wayne as the calm voice of reason. My own soul sista’ Sophie is back with all her color and cosmic wisdom, and a supporting cast of characters including a descendant of Blackbeard the Pirate, a blogging restaurant critic with celebrity status and a Grandmother who could give the Godfather a run for his money. Throw in a murder, some drug runners, a grieving mother, some poison, a cop undercover, an undercover agent not undercover, high-speed boat chases and more twists and turns than the South Carolina Lowcountry’s jungle-like trails and you have Dying on Edisto – solidly C Hope Clark’s best book yet.

[Valerie Moody · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, this one did not disappoint! I love how C. Hope Clark was able to mesh my 2 favorite characters into one novel. Anxiously awaiting the next novel!

P.S. Loved meeting you in Newberry. #authorsrock
#signedcollectiongrowing

[Lee Carey · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Hope Clark gives us the best of both worlds in Dying on Edisto, the 5th book in the Edisto Island series. Fans of Clark are bound to love having their two leading ladies (Callie Morgan and Carolina Slade) come together to solve this case, while new comers will be intrigued to read about each of them in their own settings.

Clark starts this book right up and we are soon at the scene with a floater in the water and it seems like an old familiar place, the water and grassland of South Carolina Lowcountry. We are quickly aware that Callie and Slade our not in their own jurisdictions and that there are politics involved in Callie leading the case. Slade and her boyfriend Agent Wayne Largo are on vacation and work for the US Department of Agriculture so Callie puts them on the case to do some digging around and everyone just thinks they are guests. We also meet Detective Chuck Roberts who is from Charleston County and should lead this case. There is such an imbalance in the relationships between these characters that you really find yourself wanting Callie to stick it to Roberts, but Clark does a great job of letting you in Callie’s head so you know she is rationalizing why she needs to stay level headed. The relationships and twists and turns really keep the pages turning and before you know it you wishing it wasn’t almost done.

The development of characters is done brilliantly by Clark. This book has many characters in it and somehow Clark invites you into their world and you feel like you know them, even the “insignificant” ones. I absolutely loved the ease of getting to know all these new characters that will always remain in Dying on Edisto and never venture out to another book by Clark. I also enjoyed revisiting some old familiar characters like Sophie and the one we love to hate, Brice Legrand. There is a bit of an insight into how Callie feels about their relationship that she has never admitted to until now…we shall see if it stands with time.

Overall this book is another mystifying and intriguing book that keeps the reader going to learn more about the politics of the murder and the use of innocence to take care of the heartache of past happenings. There are also twists with characters that are written in to this story unbelievably well. I can’t wait to read the next book released by C. Hope Clark no matter who the characters are, she is always a great read!

[Jessica Crooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

After a long break, I was happy to dive into another story with Slade, and I was not disappointed. Dying on Edisto has a great mix of danger, mystery, and funny moments. As can be expected, trouble seems to follow Slade, so it is no surprise what happened on Edisto. It all starts with Slade finding a body and alerting her loving boyfriend, Special Agent Wayne Largo to her find. This death leads to a whole lot of intrigue, danger and some appropriately placed funny moments to lighten the tension. Like Slade, I am always fearful about what lies beneath the surface of dark waters.

Dying on Edisto brings together two characters from different C. Hope Clarke novels. I so wanted to see the interplay between my favorite character, Slade from the Carolina Slade Mysteries and the feisty Chief Callie Morgan from Edisto Island Mysteries. I was not disappointed. Tensions mount as both Slade and Callie are caught up in this drama even though the crime occurred outside their jurisdiction. This is made even more intense since the detective in charge is not a really nice person. How did things work out between our two strong females? I won’t tell, you need to read the book to share the tension and the excitement as this mystery unfolds.

The characters are brought to life and you feel a real connection. Even the secondary characters have a life of their own. I loved that the women were able to show the men that they are no shrinking violets. Of course, I am all for truth and justice and this book had them both.

I am not American, so trying to keep up with all the acronyms was tedious. While I understand the need to include them, I would have loved a list to help me grasp them quickly. In addition, I felt like the book was trimmed down, making some of the scenes a little light. I really would have loved to read more of this story.

I am a fan of the author and once again, she did not disappoint me. The story was exciting, yet funny. I found myself laughing even when I did not intend to do so. I just could not help myself. I didn’t want the story to end.

I am looking forward to the next book by C. Hope Clarke.

Note: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for writing my honest opinion.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Complete transparency: this is the first Edisto book I have read all the way thru, even though I have all of the others. I support many writers and there are only so many hours in the day. This one interested me due to the cross-over of Chief Callie Morgan (Edisto) and Carolina Slade of C Slade Mysteries, which I have read.
First the complaints - I was given to understand this book was a stand-alone to both series. I can see that, in fact I can see that this book would entice one to read both of the series to get a better handle on both characters, however what I cannot do is decipher all of the law enforcement acronyms. Frustrating. Maybe just a list in the back of the book?
Although I felt pressed for time in wanting to get the book read and the review completed, I believe this book could have been longer. A few of the characters and subplots felt thin or skimpy - hope that makes sense.
Additionally, I would have loved to read a detailed account of growing and processing of indigo!
At one point Morgan says she does not know what a shelling table is...I cannot imagine anyone from that part of the state not knowing what sort of table that is.
Finally, on page 113, start of Chapter 16 "Sade" instead of "Slade". Had to do a double-take, did one of my favourite singers suddenly show up in this book? Surprisingly sloppy editing.
What I enjoyed - truth, justice, and the (Southern) American way triumph in the end. All the snooty and ridiculous men got their comeuppance, one of them turned out to be a good guy in disguise, Clark writes exceptional and diverse descriptions of heat and humidity. Morgan finally shows a crack in her reserve near the end in conversation with Slade, but who wouldn't? Slade is a firecracker. Morgan was the major character, and written in third person, although I did see one editing slip into first person; Slade on vacation, had less chapters, and written in first person. Good call and helped keep the characters apart. Sophie is a hoot - love her!
This is a must read for both series, so now I am headed back to fully read the other Edisto books.

[Jerry L. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Akin to the old chicken or the egg conundrum, C. Hope Clark’s Edisto series has given me such an enigma of deciding; Do I love her Edisto series because I fell in love with the Island when I visited it 4 years ago? Or do I love the Island because I fell in love with her books?

I live in southwest Virginia, but spend about 50 days a year at our Myrtle Beach condo. Once a year, I make my pilgrimage to Edisto Beach. But in between, I satisfy my longing by reading Clark’s latest release where I can re-live the happiness I find in spending an hour in The Edisto Book Store, or buying fresh seafood at the marina, or watching the dolphins run in St. Helena sound.

And now, just when I was about to find peace with my chicken or the egg conundrum, Clark merges Carolina Slade into the story. Now my turmoil has started all over again. OK, am I being unfaithful to the ever professional but deeply flawed Callie by finding myself being drawn to the happy-go-lucky, almost klutzy Carolina Slade? Oh, as the song says, I’m Torn Between Two Lovers.

The ever present conflicts between she and Brice LeGrand (I empathize Callie, I had a council member just like him once), Callie’s latest savior dedicated to saving her from self-destruction, and solving the latest who-did-it has always made all of Clark’s Edisto books impossible to lay down.

There are few regular stand-bys, but in each book Clark has been able to introduce new, intriguing characters. But now with Dying on Edisto, she reaches a whole new level when she throws in a pain-in-the-ass detective, a very eccentric pirate, an surreptitious resort staff and the very unlikely pair of Carolina Slade and Wayne Largo, every chapter has its own “Oh Crap” drama.

So Callie, find Carolina and Wayne a good realtor, and let them buy a place, because I’m Dying to read the next release.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read all of the Slade books and grown very attached to her. She is a tough, working mom in a man dominated field. I was able to relate to her quite a bit. I liked her brazen yet vulnerable demeanor. I love that Slade kept her delicious snark, with the entire basket weaving gift for her boss. It's that sharpness that I really love about her.

This was my first introduction to Callie. She seemed borderline unkind and judgemental of Slade, despite that they are both women in generally male dominated fields. Callie's description of Slade as an "oddball" and "off the wall woman" threw me for a loop. Rereading the passages, I had a hard time seeing Slade in this light.

The Callie character was so difficult and abrasive, that despite her tragic story-line, I had a hard time taking to her. She pushed everyone in the story away, to the point where she almost pushed me away as a reader. I struggled to be empathic to her despite her history. It was almost a relief when she finally accepted help on the murder case from Wayne and by default Slade.

The characters, setting and tight knit community shines. Grandma and the respect paid to her by her family, the traditions and the taking care of things within the family, resonated with me. It is an old, and dying way, filled with history, firmness, no nonsense love. Hopefully, we will see more of her and the interesting people that make up her family.

The Island was written with such obvious affection, that upon finishing the book, I just had to jump online and learn more about the area. With every C. Hope Clark book, I learn something; be it peanuts or how the Dept. of Agriculture works, or hemlock. It keeps me coming back!

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Combine a good sprinkling of mystery, death, poison, conflict, drugs, big personalities and bad guys and you end up with C. Hope Clark's offering - Dying on Edisto.

This is the fifth of the Edisto Island Mysteries books, but completely stands alone. The author has a couple of mystery series - this book combines the primary protagonist of the Carolina Slade Mysteries with the Edisto Island Mysteries cast, allowing for an appealing and compelling mix. The description of the story sounded intriguing and certainly had worthiness and quality.

Set on Edisto, one of the South Carolina Atlantic Islands, I really enjoyed C. Hope Clark's well executed story that allowed me to get to know both Callie and Carolina, as well as Wayne, Carolina's side-kick and able colleague and their very different personalities kept me turning the pages. Although strangers until now, they eventually came across as though had known each other for ages after their initial mutual distrust, but they still had times of great conflict.

Some of the American dialogue took a while to get used to, but when I did get there, this was an interesting and fast-paced story that I really enjoyed. Well plotted, with each chapter delivering new leads and a multitude of potential motives, getting to the truth behind travel writer Addison Callaway’s suspicious death proved to be an absolute minefield.

Once started, Dying on Edisto was a story that demanded to be finished and I was only too happy to oblige. This was such a terribly good, engrossing, crime-mystery that I have no hesitation in recommending to fans of the genre.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Bell Bridge Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Delores · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first pages drew me immediately into the story. The unusual item this time was the introduction to each other of two known heroines of C. Hope Clark mystery series. Carolina Slade and Edisto Police Chief, Callie Morgan.
What starts out as a mandatory vacation for Carolina Slade quickly becomes an investigation of the corpse she literally bumps into in the prologue. Meanwhile, Police Chief Morgan, at a tourism venture she neither wanted to attend, nor had positive vibes about, is called away to news of a murder.
So, the meeting of characters, methods and mixed opinions of the two excellent detectives.
Clark is adept at bringing readers up to date with history and baggage of her of her characters. Readers are either reminded of the past events of the series, or are filled in about what went on previously, and may want to go back to earlier books in the series.
Clark’s expertise at description put me right in the midst of the action. I felt the ooze of the water laden body. I wiped perspiration from my brow, recalling the discomfort of the southern heat and humidity. I was there in every way but actually.
The action is riveting, which is the most I’ll say, because I’m somewhat prone to spoilers if I go on. An interesting phenomenon for me was figuring out whose side I was on. Not between good guys and bad guys, but between Slade and Callie. Having read the books in both series, I formed allegiance with each of them. Seeing them working together, but with mutual disapproval of tactics at times, jarred me a bit. It certainly didn’t stop me from devouring the book. I loved it! I’d be curious to know if any other C. Hope Clark had any similar feelings.

[Marika P. Elliott · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I received my review copy of Dying on Edisto, I was excited to learn what Police Chief Callie Jean Morgan had been doing in my absence from her neck of the woods on Edisto Beach in the South Carolina Low country. The protagonist is a seasoned character whose strengths and weaknesses evolve with each book in the series making her likeable and believable. Callie’s frustrations with her career, her past wounds and loves live beyond the pages.
The book opens with an opportunity to soak in the finely drawn characters , detailed settings and rich plot. Readers approach feeling clothes-soaking humidity and anticipating a cool swim and icy drink. Buzzing and hungry insects accompany their trek through roadside vegetation as they search for an old oak tree that measures some six feet in diameter and offers a canopy of amazing shade.
Meanwhile a master craftsman combines the elements of mystery into fast-paced action as Callie must decide who killed the food critic/travel blogger few people liked. Suspects run the gambit from a deputy who fights her search for justice, the owner of the refurbished Indigo Plantation Resort, or the infamous pirate claiming kinship to Blackbeard. Having her back in this lonesome task is an unusual couple from the Dept. of Agriculture vacationing at Indigo where the crime occurred. I appreciate C. Hope Clark’s effort to bring us a well-crafted book, well written and well plotted. No reason why one day we won’t see her on the Best Seller List!!!

[Lelia Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

When an author has two really good series, it’s nice when the main characters come together in a crossover as in Dying on Edisto which combines Callie Morgan of the Edisto Island Mysteries and Carolina Slade of the Carolina Slade Mysteries. This particular pairing works quite nicely and readers new to Ms. Clark’s work will find themselves enticed to try the two series after this one.

In any crossover, balancing the two halves can be a little dicey but I felt that Ms. Clark created a story that allowed me to get a good “read” on both Callie and Carolina aka Slade, not to mention Wayne, and their very different personalities kept me reading into a very late night. These people, strangers until now, eventually behave as though they’ve known each other for years and have become a well-oiled investigating machine after their initial mutual distrust but they still have moments of real conflict. After all, local law enforcement and the feds don’t always see eye to eye, do they?

With a plethora of leads and multiple potential motives, not to mention an obnoxious detective who actually has jurisdiction, getting to the truth behind travel writer Addison Callaway’s suspicious death proves to be a road full of potholes, if you will. Half the fun of this story lies in watching all these law enforcement folks follow the clues and try to maintain a more or less professional, if somewhat adversarial, professional détente. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and, although it’s supposed to be a standalone, I hope to see this crew together again sometime.

[Pandora · Rating 5 out of 5]

C. Hope Clark's Dying on Edisto is finally here and boy, is it riveting! As a reader who is familiar with both characters (with a personal preference for Callie), I couldn't wait to see how Callie reacts to her first meeting with Slade and it is totally unexpected. This isn't Hollywood, so her response is very human and I am sure we can all relate. Once again, I am swept into the page and I can feel the cool ocean breezes and the hot sun on my back, sweat beading on my forehead. I wouldn't recommend reading this on an empty stomach though, because you can literally smell and taste the food enough to make your mouth water. The plot will seem very similar to all readers and this familiarity is what draws you in! It is like a girl's night out on a case as you follow Callie in the third person and become Slade in the first person. I think this back and forth between characters was subtle, pretty true to character, didn't detract from the story, and added more depth to the plot. Not to mention, Wayne Largo was there. Need I say more? The secondary characters are also described well and we either want to see them again or are glad to see them leave. I always look forward to what happens in the end and how everything ties together for better or worse. You don't read too many books like this which leave such a lasting impression! All in all, I think everyone will enjoy this book. You might even find yourself wanting to visit Edisto one day...

[Sharon Grow · Rating 3 out of 5]

When a body is found floating in the water, Carolina Slade (from the Carolina Slade series by Ms. Clark) calls it to the attention of her boyfriend, Senior Special Agent Wayne Largo. While Carolina keeps watch over the body to make sure no one disturbs the scene (and to make sure the body does not float away), Wayne contacts the police. The body is identified as a travel writer who has a reputation for staying under the radar and writing very unkind reviews. Was this why he was killed? Police Chief Callie Morgan of Edisto Beach along with Deputy Don Raysor of the Colleton Sheriff’s Office happen to be at the Indigo Plantation when the body is found. Although the sheriff has jurisdiction over the crime, he asks that Callie head the investigation. Working with the detective, who thought the case was his, has made the investigation even more difficult. Callie will have her work cut out for her once the true cause of death is determined. I enjoyed the mystery, but I think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read the Carolina Slade series. I received an advance review copy at no cost and without obligation for an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

[Cassidy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A dead body is never good for business. And when it is found by vacationing federal investigators Carolina Slade and Wayne Largo while Police Chief Callie Morgan happens to be visiting the newly opened resort, the potential for conflict is no surprise. Especially when it is outside their respective jurisdictions and the local detective is not a nice guy. The author provides the reader with insights into both Callie and Slade, their motivation, their pasts, and their relationships with others.
The plot was intricate and well developed, with twists and turns leading to a satisfying resolution and vivid descriptions of a picturesque southern community. An enjoyable mystery.
This was my first time reading anything by this author. I liked this book, though I suspect it might be easier to get into for fans of both series who are already acquainted with the two main characters. That said, I just might go back and read the earlier books in those series.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book as part of this blog tour. This has not affected the content of my review in any way.

[Beverly Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I realized this book was going to throw the protagonists from Ms. Clark's two series into one story, I had to read it. On the surface, Carolina Slade and Callie Morgan couldn't be more different. And their initial reaction to each other reflected that. But by the end of the story, each had come to realize they had more in common than they thought. I thought Ms. Clark did an excellent job of keeping the 'voice' of each of these characters true. Even if she had not noted at the beginning of each chapter which character we were with, I would've known from the distinctive way each woman speaks and reacts.

I have read both series and have enjoyed each. But loved the blending of the two. Perhaps Butterbean and Cowboy do need to buy that vacant lot on Edisto so there would be more stories involving both.

And a final note for Ms. Clark: I grinned at the mention of Blenheim Ginger Ale. As someone who has made a trek to the South Carolina beach yearly for 30 years, I am familiar with the drink. My husband discovered it during a trip to a Piggly Wiggly years ago. While I am a fan of the Hot Blenheim, I'm more of a Cheerwine girl myself. :-)

[Forest · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope Clark has written her best Edisto novel yet!

Callie and Slade (the strong female main characters from the two mystery series that Hope Clark has written) get to work together in this tensely written mystery novel.

As expected, they both are a little cautious, but soon grow to mutually respect each other. Their job: find out who killed the travel blogger/food critic who had checked in at the newly opened Indigo Plantation. What was the motive? Was it because of his abrasive personality and negative nasty reviews?

There are some jurisdiction difficulties for Callie to deal with, as if she didn’t have enough on her plate. A sample quote from Detective Roberts that she will have to work with: “Listen, little lady. This is my county, and if you don’t mind, I’ll take it from here.” The weather, some rain storms, and the heat and humidity are other problems they have to deal with.

All in all, another full fleshed, engaging murder mystery by C. Hope Clark. I’ll be waiting for the next one!

[Shelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Exciting Southern Mystery - Callie and Slade Together

Once again, C. Hope Clark dives head first into the action and doesn't slow down. In this, the fifth installment of The Edisto Island Mysteries, Callie Jean Morgan crosses paths with Clark's other heroine, Carolina Slade. Slade continues to be annoyingly intrusive while Callie is reluctant to get close to anyone. The two women learn to respect each other as they learn more about each other.

I only gave it four stars because the transition to Slade seems forced at times. It left me feeling like something was missing. I do appreciate that Clark stays true to the perspectives of each series. Slade is written in first person and the reader only sees things from her point of view. Callie is written as third person and the reader sees a bigger picture.

This is very much a stand-alone Southern mystery that doesn't heavily involve the usual cast of Edisto characters.Any book in this series could be a stand-alone mystery, but I do not recommend that. The depth of the main characters relies on the series.

[Skye Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having read and very much enjoyed both the Carolina Slade and Edisto series, I was eager to see where Ms. Clark would go when these two very different ladies met and I was not disappointed. Her use of point of view to see Callie Jean Morgan through the eyes of Carolina Slade and vice versa added spice to the story as we got to see both women in very different ways than we had before in their individual series. The story itself was well plotted and full of twists and turns with an ending I never saw coming. It was also fun to see Wayne, Slade’s “Lawman” as people other than Slade see him. He’s such an interesting character and we got to see more of his personality, and charm in Dying on Edisto. Every pivotal character in this story was so well drawn and interesting I felt like I was on the case with Callie and Slade and I didn’t want to put the book down. Snap this book up as soon as it is out and you won’t be disappointed.

[Tom Bentley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun (and occasionally tense, in a good way) romp for me, because I'd read several of the Edisto mysteries and was an admirer of protagonist cop Callie Morgan in those. Here Callie tangles with the lead of Hope's other mystery series, fed agricultural investigator Carolina Slade. Nice job with integrating the two and ratcheting up credible conflict between their different personalities and approaches to investigation.

Alternate chapters are seen from the POV of each, and being in the minds of two well-played distinctive characters is fun.

Oh, a murder happens too. Lots of good atmospherics, "who's the bad guy" questions, and a well-drawn rendering of a luxury waterside resort trying to keep the polish on its newly opened business while everything goes topsy-turvy. More Morgan and Slade would be just fine.

[Terri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Callie meets Slade

V. Hope Clark is the author of two series,but set in South Carolina. In this book, she had the protagonist of each series meet,an ambitious undertaking,and guess what! It works!
A new business is opening,where Spade is visiting. Callie is called to investigate a murder. The two women do not hit it off initially,and it's interesting to see how this plays out.
There were references to incidents in other books,enough to make someone curious about each series,but this book did well on its own. The characters are strong and realistic,and the book flows well between the points of view. The reason I have 4stars instead of 5 ( I would give 4 1/2 if possible) is that I felt the ending with Calli e and Slade ended rather abruptly. However, overall i really enjoyed the book and am looking forward to more!

[Georgia Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love C. Hope Clark's Carolina Slade mysteries. I also enjoy her Edisto Beach series with Chief Callie Morgan at the helm. All are great stand alone reads, but together, you get great character development. This book cleverly combines them for a crossover book that will delight fans of both series as they solve a mysterious death near Edisto Beach.
I think you'll love the way the women interact and slowly come to see each other skills and fine points. The ending is a wonderful joining of their commonalities and the differences that have made them who they are. You know the death will be solved. I recommend you enjoy this book with a palmetto beach in mind and perhaps a bottle of Blenheim's hot Ginger Ale. A very enjoyable book; C. Hope Clark has not let us down!!

[Linda Bittle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Real Treat

I've enjoyed all of the Edisto Island and the Carolina Slade books. I had concerns about how the characters would work together since they are very different women. There's no need to worry. Combining the two works very well!

While on vacation, Slade discovers a body. Callie is nearby. They don't know if they can trust each other - or even if a crime has occurred. And it's in someone else's jurisdiction.

The supporting characters add both color and complications. There's a pirate, and I hope to see Grandma return in a future book.

It's a fun book. Both characters have some pretty dark chapters in their pasts. I enjoyed the humorous moments in this one.



A

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 5 in the Edisto Island Mystery series. It can be read as a stand alone with no problems. When Carolina Slade discovers a body while on vacation she and Wayne are asked by the police to help with the case. (Carolina and Wayne are from The Carolina Slade series by Ms. Clark) This is a crossover between the two series. Callie Morgan, the chief, is recovering from her last big case and feels like she needs their help. With poison, drugs and bad guys running around Edisto something needs to happen fast. A great collaboration between the two series. I've read several of each. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Sheri McGuinn]

Clark has Carolina Slade bump into a murder victim while visiting Edisto. Of course she gets involved in the investigation, putting Clark's feisty female protagonists together. The chapters slip from one to the other, with Callie having the most chapters (it is her series, after all). Clark maintained the character of each in part by using Carolina Slade's usual first person voice, while Callie's chapters are in third person like the rest of the Edisto series. The first few chapters, the transition back and forth was difficult, but later it was an easy signal that we were switching to Slade's point of view. As always, an excellent plot and a delightful array of characters.

[Susan Vereen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dying to solve the mystery; I read it straight thru not

Wanting to miss anything. All the characters are good ones but I was confused with some of the story line. It confused me to blur the two different sets of characters and their blended usual settings. All in all, it was a typical Hope Clarke mystery. I loved the storyline which was not your normal cozy mystery but was difficult to put down. I did not "see" the plot development of the blending of character but enjoyed perusing the end and solving the puzzle.just can't stop reading this amazing author

[Alisha Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by C. Hope Clark and I'm officially hooked!! I can't wait to find more to get lost in and the best part is it was set in my home state, South Carolina!!
Dying on Edisto by C. Hope Clark is set on Edisto Island and it brings her two series, Carolina Slade and Edisto Mysteries, together in one wonderfully written story. If you've never read anything by this author than I highly recommend it to anyone that enjoy's mysteries or not.

[Barbara Tobey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A few tears are shed. Some chuckles along the way. Several surprises. Clever mystery. I am eager for the next Edisto Island Mystery. Also hope to read another Carolina Slade mystery soon. Two terrific protagonists. Fun crossover. The descriptions of the area are so good that I feel as if I am there perspiring, too. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

[Mary Cronkhite · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another must read

When a book captures you and brings you into the story you never want it to end. Spending summers at Edisto River, you can feel the heat and humidity reading, I found myself laughing and crying throughout the series. Hopefully there will be a next one. Waiting to see some happiness for Callie.