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The Edisto Island Mysteries #6
Edisto Tidings
When the discovery of a body on a vacant lot puts an end to Police Chief Callie Morgan’s surprise birthday party, Christmas week loses some of its charm. Not only does she know the dead man, he’s a relation . . . of sorts.
Soon she’s juggling a murder investigation and a rash of burglaries that may have been committed by the mythical Edisto Santa—a holiday secret Santa, who may have taken a page from Robin Hood’s book and begun robbing from the tourist rich and giving to the local poor.
Since the suspects for both crimes are Edisto residents, no matter how delicately Callie treads, this holiday season will pit Callie against her beloved Edisto and leave her feeling like the Grinch, Scrooge, and Old Man Potter rolled into one. But she has no choice. Murder trumps Santa.
This year Callie is making a list and checking it twice.
Praise for C. Hope Clark:"A sparkling Edisto Island setting, a flawed heroine, a riveting mystery.”—Karen White, New York Times bestselling author.
Hope Clark’s books have been honored as winners of the Epic Award, Silver Falcion Award, the Daphne du Maurier Award.
“Murder, corruption, and page-turning intrigue . . . characters that bring a vivid literary element . . . and create a strong emotional response to their tangled lives.”—Susan Cushman, author of Cherry Bomb and editor of Southern Writers on Writing.
About the Author: C. HOPE CLARK has a fascination with the mystery genre and is the 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.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2019
About the author
C. Hope Clark
33 books662 followersC. 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
October 25, 2019
EXCERPT: 'How many rants have I endured, with you talking about wanting to kill this person, kill that person, kill anyone who got in your way?' Her hand stopped at Callie. 'Like her?'
Callie only raised a brow, switching her focus from Aberdeen to Brice.
'I never said I'd kill anybody,' he said to Callie.
'Like hell you didn't!' Aberdeen yelled. Her voice was stuck on high volume. 'Shooting, drowning, electrocuting ' - she turned to Callie still counting - 'and don't forget poisoning, ' she said.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When the discovery of a body on a vacant lot puts an end to Police Chief Callie Morgan’s surprise birthday party, Christmas week loses some of its charm. Not only does she know the dead man, he’s a relation . . . of sorts.
Soon she’s juggling a murder investigation and a rash of burglaries that may have been committed by the mythical Edisto Santa—a holiday secret Santa, who may have taken a page from Robin Hood’s book and begun robbing from the tourist rich and giving to the local poor.
Since the suspects for both crimes are Edisto residents, no matter how delicately Callie treads, this holiday season will pit Callie against her beloved Edisto and leave her feeling like the Grinch, Scrooge, and Old Man Potter rolled into one. But she has no choice. Murder trumps Santa.
This year Callie is making a list and checking it twice.
MY THOUGHTS: I am afraid that Edisto Tidings is not going to be my favourite Christmas book. Not anywhere near it.
I may be somewhat hampered by the fact that I have not read any of the previous five books in this series, but to be truthful, after this I am unlikely to. I was expecting an entertaining romp featuring a Secret Santa who steals from the rich in this beach enclave, and gives to the poor. I expected eggnog and jingle bells, and a rather merry read with a good deal of Christmas cheer.
Instead, there are complicated family relationships- lets just take Sarah as an example.....she lost her daughter to her lover's wife, and is doomed to watch from afar as they raise her daughter, all the while enduring a miserable marriage to a caustic spouse, and being scorned by Edisto residents following a fatal car accident. And that's only one character!
This was an easy, if not joyous read. In fact it was often a little too simplistic in terms of plot, which may be just as well considering how complex the characters are. I could not make sense of some of Callie's deductions, or lack of them. There were things that stood out that she just didn't see. And that frustrated me!
Not a book that I will be recommending. I was drawn by the cover, a peaceful sea scene. But underneath are strong currents of deception and corruption with little Christmas cheer.
🎅🎅.5
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.
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 Orpington and Dominiquer hens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Belle Books Inc., Belle Bridge Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Edisto Tidings by C. Hope Clark for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
Callie only raised a brow, switching her focus from Aberdeen to Brice.
'I never said I'd kill anybody,' he said to Callie.
'Like hell you didn't!' Aberdeen yelled. Her voice was stuck on high volume. 'Shooting, drowning, electrocuting ' - she turned to Callie still counting - 'and don't forget poisoning, ' she said.
ABOUT THIS BOOK: When the discovery of a body on a vacant lot puts an end to Police Chief Callie Morgan’s surprise birthday party, Christmas week loses some of its charm. Not only does she know the dead man, he’s a relation . . . of sorts.
Soon she’s juggling a murder investigation and a rash of burglaries that may have been committed by the mythical Edisto Santa—a holiday secret Santa, who may have taken a page from Robin Hood’s book and begun robbing from the tourist rich and giving to the local poor.
Since the suspects for both crimes are Edisto residents, no matter how delicately Callie treads, this holiday season will pit Callie against her beloved Edisto and leave her feeling like the Grinch, Scrooge, and Old Man Potter rolled into one. But she has no choice. Murder trumps Santa.
This year Callie is making a list and checking it twice.
MY THOUGHTS: I am afraid that Edisto Tidings is not going to be my favourite Christmas book. Not anywhere near it.
I may be somewhat hampered by the fact that I have not read any of the previous five books in this series, but to be truthful, after this I am unlikely to. I was expecting an entertaining romp featuring a Secret Santa who steals from the rich in this beach enclave, and gives to the poor. I expected eggnog and jingle bells, and a rather merry read with a good deal of Christmas cheer.
Instead, there are complicated family relationships- lets just take Sarah as an example.....she lost her daughter to her lover's wife, and is doomed to watch from afar as they raise her daughter, all the while enduring a miserable marriage to a caustic spouse, and being scorned by Edisto residents following a fatal car accident. And that's only one character!
This was an easy, if not joyous read. In fact it was often a little too simplistic in terms of plot, which may be just as well considering how complex the characters are. I could not make sense of some of Callie's deductions, or lack of them. There were things that stood out that she just didn't see. And that frustrated me!
Not a book that I will be recommending. I was drawn by the cover, a peaceful sea scene. But underneath are strong currents of deception and corruption with little Christmas cheer.
🎅🎅.5
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.
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 Orpington and Dominiquer hens.
DISCLOSURE: Thank you to Belle Books Inc., Belle Bridge Books via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of Edisto Tidings by C. Hope Clark for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.
Please refer to my Goodreads.com profile or the about page on sandysbookaday.wordpress.com for an explanation of my rating system.
This review and others are also published on Twitter, Amazon and my webpage https://sandysbookaday.wordpress.com/...
October 22, 2019
Clark never disappoints and this new novel is no exception. Chief Callie Morgan has her hands full for the holidays. A handsome new restauranteur with a past. Edisto Santa has decided to steal gifts this year. And the dead body found in the councilman’s lot, well let’s just say his death isn’t simple to solve. If you enjoy a good mystery with rich characters you’ll love this one.
October 21, 2019
Yes please, take me to Edisto Island; it sounds like a fascinating place. Edisto Tidings is the 6th book in the series. I have read several of the previous ones, but that's not at all necessary since the author fills in needed background information very early in the book. The action starts on page 1.
It's a week before Christmas and it's Police Chief Callie's surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant on the island. This gives the reader a chance to meet most of the important characters. But by page 8, she has to leave the party to deal with a dead body found in a vacant lot. Murder? Natural causes? It takes nearly the entire book to discern the truth.
While that investigation is going on, island visitors who are renting homes for the holiday week begin reporting missing Christmas presents from under their trees--just one per house, but still . . . And then one of the missing presents, an expensive sweater, shows up on an unemployed local. Could this be the tradition of the Edisto Santa? But thefts were never part of that story. Is the dead body connected to these thefts?
Callie and her staff get some help from two of her acquaintances who are retired police, but it's a lot to track down and figure out with Christmas approaching and the realization that the island visitors are probably only there for the one week. It takes Callie and her team 48 hours without sleep to wrap up the mystery.
The book is a fun and interesting read with lots of good clues dropped along the way, and even a hint about perhaps the next book in the series. My only minor complaints are that there were too many insignificant details with so many street and house names, and I found myself getting completely exhausted as Callie was trying to stay awake and work for two solid days. I needed a rest as much as she did by the time we got through it all.
It's a week before Christmas and it's Police Chief Callie's surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant on the island. This gives the reader a chance to meet most of the important characters. But by page 8, she has to leave the party to deal with a dead body found in a vacant lot. Murder? Natural causes? It takes nearly the entire book to discern the truth.
While that investigation is going on, island visitors who are renting homes for the holiday week begin reporting missing Christmas presents from under their trees--just one per house, but still . . . And then one of the missing presents, an expensive sweater, shows up on an unemployed local. Could this be the tradition of the Edisto Santa? But thefts were never part of that story. Is the dead body connected to these thefts?
Callie and her staff get some help from two of her acquaintances who are retired police, but it's a lot to track down and figure out with Christmas approaching and the realization that the island visitors are probably only there for the one week. It takes Callie and her team 48 hours without sleep to wrap up the mystery.
The book is a fun and interesting read with lots of good clues dropped along the way, and even a hint about perhaps the next book in the series. My only minor complaints are that there were too many insignificant details with so many street and house names, and I found myself getting completely exhausted as Callie was trying to stay awake and work for two solid days. I needed a rest as much as she did by the time we got through it all.
January 16, 2020
This was my first read by the author and series and so I was a bit lost at the beginning. There is a plethora of relationships in the series but the author does a great job of giving background information. Edisto Island is a small community where there are many renters that come and go each week. It is Christmastime on the island and gifts are being taken from the renters' places, one each house with an exception or two. The gifts are taken supposedly by the Edisto Santa, a long time tradition where someone plays Santa, giving gifts to the poor who might not get something otherwise. But in the past, were gifts stolen to fulfill the gesture? Or is this a new act?
Police Chief Callie Morgan moved from the Boston PD to the island where she spent holidays with her family. Her surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant is interrupted when someone clearing a lot owned by a prominent citizen finds a body. The body turns out to be Callie's biological mother's estranged husband, Ben. Sarah has just arrived on the island for Christmas and Callie's birthday and so is a suspect along with others who might have it in for Ben.
Callie and her small police force have their hands full with two investigations but her former retired boss from Boston gives her support. She steps on some toes when she recovers the stolen gifts from the poor recipients but she feels an obligation to the people who purchased the gifts. This is a fine line indeed. Locals stick together.
I enjoyed reading and trying to unravel this mystery and also discovering this new to me author. I plan to check out her other books. This is series has a great setting with a cast of interesting recurring characters. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from Belle Bridge Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
Police Chief Callie Morgan moved from the Boston PD to the island where she spent holidays with her family. Her surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant is interrupted when someone clearing a lot owned by a prominent citizen finds a body. The body turns out to be Callie's biological mother's estranged husband, Ben. Sarah has just arrived on the island for Christmas and Callie's birthday and so is a suspect along with others who might have it in for Ben.
Callie and her small police force have their hands full with two investigations but her former retired boss from Boston gives her support. She steps on some toes when she recovers the stolen gifts from the poor recipients but she feels an obligation to the people who purchased the gifts. This is a fine line indeed. Locals stick together.
I enjoyed reading and trying to unravel this mystery and also discovering this new to me author. I plan to check out her other books. This is series has a great setting with a cast of interesting recurring characters. Highly recommended.
I received a complimentary ARC from Belle Bridge Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
April 19, 2023
Another steller mystery from C. Hope Clark in the Edisto series. Police Chief Callie Morgan has dealt with feeling at odds and unaccepted in the community. These undercurrents hinder her attempts to solve a series of burglaries, as well as a body of a prominent citizen. Her strength and her frailties make this a fascinating portrayal of policing in a small North Carolina tourist town. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 10, 2020
Edisto Tidings
By C. Hope Clark
2020
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
In this sixth book in the Edisto Island Mysteries the author immediately plunges readers into the action and setting.
“POLICE CHIEF MORGAN’S radio crackled. ‘Chief, you there?”
About to exit her patrol car, Callie stopped and freed her mic.
‘What is it, Marie?’
‘A disturbance at the new Mexican restaurant. Thomas called it in.’
This was Edisto Beach in December, three days before Christmas, and Callie’d just rolled up at an old friend’s house on Pompano Drive to pick him up for a long lunch, because nothing happened this time of year. At least not until the small cadre of habitual visitors arrived for a brief Christmas.”
Readers of the previous books in the series will welcome seeing Callie Morgan once more, anxious to know how she will develop in this latest story.
To the author’s credit, however, is that readers who have not read the previous books, like this reviewer, will gather the necessary information of the back story quickly as the author so skillfully proceeds.
One indicator of an excellent book in a series is this ability to stand on its own for the enjoyment of readers.
This mystery presents the clues throughout, keeping readers searching for answers with Callie, but not so blatantly obvious that they take away from the gratifying conclusion.
As stated before, readers don’t need to read the entire series to enjoy this book, but when they finish this book, this reviewer expects they will want to read them all!
https://amzn.to/2tPfrUc
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
By C. Hope Clark
2020
Reviewed by Angie Mangino
Rating: 5 stars
In this sixth book in the Edisto Island Mysteries the author immediately plunges readers into the action and setting.
“POLICE CHIEF MORGAN’S radio crackled. ‘Chief, you there?”
About to exit her patrol car, Callie stopped and freed her mic.
‘What is it, Marie?’
‘A disturbance at the new Mexican restaurant. Thomas called it in.’
This was Edisto Beach in December, three days before Christmas, and Callie’d just rolled up at an old friend’s house on Pompano Drive to pick him up for a long lunch, because nothing happened this time of year. At least not until the small cadre of habitual visitors arrived for a brief Christmas.”
Readers of the previous books in the series will welcome seeing Callie Morgan once more, anxious to know how she will develop in this latest story.
To the author’s credit, however, is that readers who have not read the previous books, like this reviewer, will gather the necessary information of the back story quickly as the author so skillfully proceeds.
One indicator of an excellent book in a series is this ability to stand on its own for the enjoyment of readers.
This mystery presents the clues throughout, keeping readers searching for answers with Callie, but not so blatantly obvious that they take away from the gratifying conclusion.
As stated before, readers don’t need to read the entire series to enjoy this book, but when they finish this book, this reviewer expects they will want to read them all!
https://amzn.to/2tPfrUc
Angie Mangino currently works as a freelance journalist, author, and book reviewer, additionally offering authors personalized critique service and copyediting of unpublished manuscripts. www.AngieMangino.com
October 21, 2019
Unlike other books I have read, this one sets it's pace from the first paragraph and drives on without halting. Many books take at least a third of the book to really get into. I didn't have that problem with Edisto Tidings. Each character (even the minor ones) were vibrant and real. Callie, Stan, Sophie and all of the other characters on the island were like onions with each layer revealing them more. It was as though I took each step with Callie and was allowed to understand her emotion.I felt I was vested in the story.
I prefer to read a series in order, because you know more of the characters history. In this case, I received an advance copy to read from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have not read the first five in the series. That did not stop me from enjoying every minute of this tale.
The characters were well developed, and the plot was believable and rich. I had ideas about who the suspects should be. So, I was pleased to see how things developed. I appreciated that while I analyzed the data as I proceeded through the chapters, I did not have every detail figured out. There were a few little surprises that gave me a pause and a head nod.
Nobody was there to see it, but I had emotional reactions throughout reading this book that ran the gamut. It was probably a good thing, since that only leads to being interrupted to explain why you are belly laughing, crying and have your brows knit together.
Final note: There's a little something personal in Edisto Tidings that connects it to it's author. If you want to know what that is you will just have to read it for yourself.
I prefer to read a series in order, because you know more of the characters history. In this case, I received an advance copy to read from the author in exchange for an honest review. I have not read the first five in the series. That did not stop me from enjoying every minute of this tale.
The characters were well developed, and the plot was believable and rich. I had ideas about who the suspects should be. So, I was pleased to see how things developed. I appreciated that while I analyzed the data as I proceeded through the chapters, I did not have every detail figured out. There were a few little surprises that gave me a pause and a head nod.
Nobody was there to see it, but I had emotional reactions throughout reading this book that ran the gamut. It was probably a good thing, since that only leads to being interrupted to explain why you are belly laughing, crying and have your brows knit together.
Final note: There's a little something personal in Edisto Tidings that connects it to it's author. If you want to know what that is you will just have to read it for yourself.
October 21, 2019
The Edisto Island Mysteries #6
Police Chief Callie Morgan is back with another mystery to solve. It's almost Christmas and Callie is busy getting ready for her son to come home and making sure the Island is safe. The tourists have gone home and things are pretty quiet with just the residents and a few families coming in for a holiday at the beach.
It's also Callie's birthday and her surprise party is just that! A surprise party at the new restaurant in town whose owner is quite hunky and mysterious and her former boss and friend, Stan isn't filling her in on anything. Before she can even enjoy her own party, a body is found on a plot owned by local pain in the bum, Brice! And the dead man is Ben, his attorney and Callie's kind of step-dad.
When renters begin reporting thefts of Christmas gifts, the town seems to want to ignore it. Turns out it is kind of a tradition. Edisto Santa, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. And when Callie demands the gifts be returned, she is suddenly the bad guy.
So what do the thefts and a dead man have in common? You will never guess!
I love this series. Mainly because my Momma is from Charleston and was born in Walterboro and my family still has property on Edisto. But the writing is so good. From the first page, we kick into high gear and never let up! There is no page after page of backstory, just my need to know who this Santa fellow is!!!
Great Tale!
NetGalley/BellBooks October 21, 2019
Police Chief Callie Morgan is back with another mystery to solve. It's almost Christmas and Callie is busy getting ready for her son to come home and making sure the Island is safe. The tourists have gone home and things are pretty quiet with just the residents and a few families coming in for a holiday at the beach.
It's also Callie's birthday and her surprise party is just that! A surprise party at the new restaurant in town whose owner is quite hunky and mysterious and her former boss and friend, Stan isn't filling her in on anything. Before she can even enjoy her own party, a body is found on a plot owned by local pain in the bum, Brice! And the dead man is Ben, his attorney and Callie's kind of step-dad.
When renters begin reporting thefts of Christmas gifts, the town seems to want to ignore it. Turns out it is kind of a tradition. Edisto Santa, stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. And when Callie demands the gifts be returned, she is suddenly the bad guy.
So what do the thefts and a dead man have in common? You will never guess!
I love this series. Mainly because my Momma is from Charleston and was born in Walterboro and my family still has property on Edisto. But the writing is so good. From the first page, we kick into high gear and never let up! There is no page after page of backstory, just my need to know who this Santa fellow is!!!
Great Tale!
NetGalley/BellBooks October 21, 2019
November 8, 2019
Southern Mystery with a Christmas Twist
C. Hope Clark is the master of getting right into the action of a story and not slowing down. In this installment of The Edisto Island Mysteries, Callie Jean Morgan's surprise birthday party is interrupted by the discovery of a body on a vacant lot owned by her biggest critic. She soon has her hands full investigating that death along with a string of petty thefts tied to a long-standing Edisto tradition. She goes into non-stop investigative mode while trying to piece clues together.
I appreciate that Callie has settled into a new normal with work at the center of her life. It doesn't seem healthy, but it mimics real life. We all know someone who has experienced profound losses and buries themselves in work to cover up the pain. Callie is in a much better place, but I see plenty of room for her to grow.
This book ties up one of the "loose ends" from a previous book. It wasn't what I was expecting to happen, so kudos to C. Hope Clark for all of the surprises she tucked away in this book. Once again, I was guessing until the end and I want to see more of Callie Jean Morgan.
Like Clark's other works this is a great weekend read. It is a cozy Southern mystery with a Christmas twist 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. Start at the beginning and enjoy the ride.
C. Hope Clark is the master of getting right into the action of a story and not slowing down. In this installment of The Edisto Island Mysteries, Callie Jean Morgan's surprise birthday party is interrupted by the discovery of a body on a vacant lot owned by her biggest critic. She soon has her hands full investigating that death along with a string of petty thefts tied to a long-standing Edisto tradition. She goes into non-stop investigative mode while trying to piece clues together.
I appreciate that Callie has settled into a new normal with work at the center of her life. It doesn't seem healthy, but it mimics real life. We all know someone who has experienced profound losses and buries themselves in work to cover up the pain. Callie is in a much better place, but I see plenty of room for her to grow.
This book ties up one of the "loose ends" from a previous book. It wasn't what I was expecting to happen, so kudos to C. Hope Clark for all of the surprises she tucked away in this book. Once again, I was guessing until the end and I want to see more of Callie Jean Morgan.
Like Clark's other works this is a great weekend read. It is a cozy Southern mystery with a Christmas twist 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. Start at the beginning and enjoy the ride.
October 15, 2019
3 stars
This was a good book with which to spend an afternoon. It was an easy read and made sense as the storyline went along. I found the writing a little simplistic though. It seemed to take off in tangents that really had nothing to do with the main story. I would almost call it a cozy.
It is a police procedural that focuses on a woman police chief on a small island off the coast of the US. Everyone knows everyone and during the summer there is a boom in population due to the tourist season. Many of the homes and cottages on the island are rented out to these visitors.
When a body is found on a vacant lot about to be cleared, Police Chief Callie Morgan is alarmed to realize that she knows the man. In fact she knows him rather more than she would like to. At the same time, there is a spate of burglaries going on. Christmas presents are being opened and stolen.
Unfortunately, the suspects in both cases are islanders, so Callie must be very careful in her investigation not to ruffle any feathers, so to speak. But determined and thorough police worl captures both perpetrators while ruffling only a few feathers.
I want to thank NetGalley and BelleBooks, Inc./ Bell Bridge Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
This was a good book with which to spend an afternoon. It was an easy read and made sense as the storyline went along. I found the writing a little simplistic though. It seemed to take off in tangents that really had nothing to do with the main story. I would almost call it a cozy.
It is a police procedural that focuses on a woman police chief on a small island off the coast of the US. Everyone knows everyone and during the summer there is a boom in population due to the tourist season. Many of the homes and cottages on the island are rented out to these visitors.
When a body is found on a vacant lot about to be cleared, Police Chief Callie Morgan is alarmed to realize that she knows the man. In fact she knows him rather more than she would like to. At the same time, there is a spate of burglaries going on. Christmas presents are being opened and stolen.
Unfortunately, the suspects in both cases are islanders, so Callie must be very careful in her investigation not to ruffle any feathers, so to speak. But determined and thorough police worl captures both perpetrators while ruffling only a few feathers.
I want to thank NetGalley and BelleBooks, Inc./ Bell Bridge Books for forwarding to me a copy of this good book for me to read, enjoy and review.
October 21, 2019
Edisto Tidings by C. Hope Clark is cozy, but also one of the best books in the series. Chief Callie Morgan is called from her birthday early to find a body in a lot owned by someone who she's clashed with many times. Now she is left with a case to wrap up by Christmas and there are no leads except for a string of burglaries that may or may not tie in. Will she be able to crack the case and still spend Christmas with her son? In this installment, as a long-time reader of the series, I found Callie to be at her very best. For one of the first times, she didn't let emotion take over completely and she was able to focus on what was happening with a clear head despite no sleep for nearly 48 hours! Although I found the backstory to be weeded in without disruption to the story, it was noticeable that there was a lot that happened before this particular book took place. Clark's writing once again is descriptive and compelling. I really like how she (quite literally) puts herself in the novel. The ending was wrapped up a little too quickly, but you feel satisfied none the less. One can also never go wrong with a new and attractive male prospect for Callie in the picture. Such a great read! I definitely recommend this book for an early Christmas present to anyone.
October 22, 2019
I love Christmas! I have my own Christmas corner in my library so I can celebrate Christmas year round. But I must admit, I wasn’t sure how I was going to be able to accept hard-ass Callie having her “It’s a Wonderful Life” epiphany, and taking a week off to celebrate the holiday. But C. Hope Clark didn’t disappoint. The Halls may have been decked throughout Edisto, but Callie worked right through it. So I got my little taste of Christmas that I needed, but didn’t have to see Callie change. Most writing experts tells you to limit your number of key characters. I personally define a key character as one in which when you finish reading the novel, you remember the person’s name, their profession, their significance and what idiosyncrasies they may have. I love the way in almost every new novel, Clark introduces a new strong character that you think, well, how did this series ever survive without this person? Of course, she usually makes room by knocking off another character that you may love, or you hated. I know it has to be difficult to keep coming up with plots for the Edisto series, but I do hope that the author has a few more saved for us, because I am always anxious for the next one.
January 7, 2020
Edisto Tidings by C. Hope Clark is a wonderful mix of holiday mystery and suspense. Police Chief Callie Morgan spends a hectic two days before Christmas trying to track down what exactly happened in the suspicious death of Ben Rosewood. Until Callie receives the report from the coroner, she has to keep an open mind to the possibility that Ben was murdered. How did his body end up on a vacant lot in the middle of the day? She is also on the trail of home burglaries on the island. Some vacationers have had their home burgled and a wrapped Christmas present is missing from under the tree. One holiday rental has three gifts missing. Is there a connection to the burglaries and the Edisto Santa legend? This Edisto Island mystery is fast-paced with interesting characters, and a very tense scene before the ending!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and post my review of this book
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and post my review of this book
October 22, 2019
C Hope Clark is at it again. Her books are addictive and the only antidote is another book. Angela Landsbury and C Hope Clark are in competition for who has the largest trail of dead bodies. Living in Edisto can be hazardous to your health. Edisto may be a Federal Disaster Area. You will not live forever on Edisto Island. There is only one bridge off the island. It is not safe neither. Edisto is loaded with suspects. The statue in the middle of town may be the killer. I ain't telling and I know. Beat the rush at the bookstore and grab your own copy. If you do not already have Murder on Edisto, Edisto Jinx, Echoes of Edisto, Edisto Stranger, Dying on Edisto and now Edisto Tidings. You are wrong in so many ways. Others who already Edisto Tidings will look down their noses at you. For the sake of your standing in your community beg, borrow or steal a copy of Edisto Tidings. Or leave town.
October 21, 2019
Oh my, what a fun read! I love this series and wait anxiously for each new book. Edisto Tidings did not disappoint. I could not put it down, as the story intrigued me and kept me guessing all the way through. Callie Jean Morgan is the perfectly flawed protagonist, who I just adore. So relatable, likable, capable, and human. New characters made appearances, and smaller players from the series took center stage this time around. While this is a standalone story, I loved how the history and various story lines (and even a title from another series!) weaved in and out. I found this most enjoyable indeed! C. Hope Clark has another winner here. Sadly, now I find myself back in waiting mode, as a blew through this great read... Do yourself a favor and savor them all.
October 21, 2019
This book is the 6th in a series. I have not read any of the other Edisto Island Mysteries, (I have read Carolina Slade mysteries) so it was difficult for me to come up to speed on all the characters. A dozen characters and snippets of back their story were introduced in the first 6 pages which was a bit daunting. That said the book is well written, and the story progresses at an easy to read speed. The story reads like a cozy mystery since all the action takes place on an island, and the body is discovered ater it has been murdered. The mixing of an altruistic Christmas-present thief and the suspicious death of a prominent local resident keeps the reader guessing on whodunt it. If you like a good mystery, clean language, and interesting characters, this book is for you.
October 22, 2019
C. Hope Clark has another great story!
The latest Edisto Beach series continues to weave great characters with a solid story! Clark captures the interest of the reader and maintains it throughout the book. She does a great job of describing scenes in great detail and also gives vibrant descriptions of her characters. With this book six in the series, she maintains a strong story, adds some new characters and keeps the suspense alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for her next book in the series, Great southern read!
The latest Edisto Beach series continues to weave great characters with a solid story! Clark captures the interest of the reader and maintains it throughout the book. She does a great job of describing scenes in great detail and also gives vibrant descriptions of her characters. With this book six in the series, she maintains a strong story, adds some new characters and keeps the suspense alive. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can’t wait for her next book in the series, Great southern read!
October 22, 2019
Great book! I've never been to Edisto but feel as if I have lived there from reading this series. The characters are so well developed, and Edisto Tidings just added more depth to each one. It's like stopping by to visit old friends page after page, and the story pulls you in so quickly that before you know it your turning the last page. C. Hope Clark has taken Callie back from a dark edge bringing a suspenseful story, drawing you into the world of Edisto that has you exploring, wondering and falling for a new character. It's a book that you won't want to put down.
October 21, 2019
C.Hope Clark really outdone herself with this book. It keeps you wanting more. Make sure you have plenty of time when you sit down to read this, because you won’t want to put it down. I read this in 2 half days, my hubby said he couldn’t believe I read it so fast. Never read any book this fast. Just loved it and felt like I was there with Callie. That is what I love about this author, she makes you feel like you are in this story. Love love love this book! Love this author!
October 22, 2019
I had the privilege of reading this book before it came out and it was another great Callie Morgan adventure. Trying to get into the spirit of Christmas while unexplained thefts keep happening threatens to make Callie the Grinch of Edisto Beach and alienating everyone she cares about - don't miss it.
December 5, 2019
Ms. Clark
Always satisfying EDISTO TIDINGS brings back a damaged police chief who has an array of friends helping her heal slowly but surely. Characters a human likeable, or dislikeable. Thank you for another wonderful read.
Always satisfying EDISTO TIDINGS brings back a damaged police chief who has an array of friends helping her heal slowly but surely. Characters a human likeable, or dislikeable. Thank you for another wonderful read.
March 30, 2021
What could be better than spending the Christmas holiday in paradise on Edisto Beach without the throngs of the peak season crowds? Unless The Nightmare Before Christmas is your idea of good Christmas cheer, or you believe that Die Hard is a Christmas classic, this is not the year to find out.
As Chief of Police for Edisto, Callie Morgan has no choice. The echoes of “Surprise!” and “Happy Birthday!” shouts had barely quieted when Callie got a call and had to leave her own birthday party. A dead body had been found on an empty lot owned by her archnemesis, Edisto Town Councilman Brice LeGrand. The promised tranquility of a virtually tourist-free time of year had already been interrupted by a number of burglaries in rental properties on and near the beach. Christmas gifts are being stolen, but only one per family in each location.
Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, Callie finds herself wishing for a Christmas miracle. She has three days before Christmas to restore a sense of security and happy holiday magic to the residents and visitors in Edisto.
With the sixth book in the Edisto Island Mystery series, Edisto Tidings, C Hope Clark does what she does best. She catapults the reader headlong into action and suspense from word one and does not let up until the end. Although each book in the series stands alone, you will not be disappointed by reading them all. Clark’s characters have many layers, and by reading all of her books, you will gain a greater appreciation for the different personalities.
The coroner’s report indicates the possibility of foul play. The burglaries, first thought to be the work of the island’s legendary, Edisto Santa, take a twist and turn. With a second look, they appear to have deviated from the original Robin Hood-like Santa’s usual pattern. At one point, it even looks like the murder suspect(s) and thief or thieves could be the same.
Clark’s agricultural roots and intimacy with Edisto shine through her vivid descriptions of the native flora, fauna, and beach terrain. Her background in law enforcement is evident in her credible accounts of police procedures. C Hope’s compassion for people is fleshed out in each of her intricately designed, uniquely flawed, and complex characters. You will love them. You will hate them. Some of them, you will never be sure. What is certain, nothing is left to chance when Callie is on the job. She will not sleep until her island and her people are safe to celebrate Christmas.
As Chief of Police for Edisto, Callie Morgan has no choice. The echoes of “Surprise!” and “Happy Birthday!” shouts had barely quieted when Callie got a call and had to leave her own birthday party. A dead body had been found on an empty lot owned by her archnemesis, Edisto Town Councilman Brice LeGrand. The promised tranquility of a virtually tourist-free time of year had already been interrupted by a number of burglaries in rental properties on and near the beach. Christmas gifts are being stolen, but only one per family in each location.
Instead of dreaming of a white Christmas, Callie finds herself wishing for a Christmas miracle. She has three days before Christmas to restore a sense of security and happy holiday magic to the residents and visitors in Edisto.
With the sixth book in the Edisto Island Mystery series, Edisto Tidings, C Hope Clark does what she does best. She catapults the reader headlong into action and suspense from word one and does not let up until the end. Although each book in the series stands alone, you will not be disappointed by reading them all. Clark’s characters have many layers, and by reading all of her books, you will gain a greater appreciation for the different personalities.
The coroner’s report indicates the possibility of foul play. The burglaries, first thought to be the work of the island’s legendary, Edisto Santa, take a twist and turn. With a second look, they appear to have deviated from the original Robin Hood-like Santa’s usual pattern. At one point, it even looks like the murder suspect(s) and thief or thieves could be the same.
Clark’s agricultural roots and intimacy with Edisto shine through her vivid descriptions of the native flora, fauna, and beach terrain. Her background in law enforcement is evident in her credible accounts of police procedures. C Hope’s compassion for people is fleshed out in each of her intricately designed, uniquely flawed, and complex characters. You will love them. You will hate them. Some of them, you will never be sure. What is certain, nothing is left to chance when Callie is on the job. She will not sleep until her island and her people are safe to celebrate Christmas.
June 8, 2020
Edisto Tidings
An Edisto Island Mystery #6
C. Hope Clark
Bell Bridge Books, October 2019
ISBN 978-1-61194-956-8
Trade Paperback
As you can see, I’m a little out of season with this book as the story takes place at Christmas but, never you mind, a good story is a good story no matter when, right?
And a good one this is. Police Chief Callie Morgan is called to the scene of a murder—or is it a murder? There’s a body for sure, and it was found on a vacant lot owned by a contentious local, but there’s a very personal twist in that the victim is her biological mother’s husband. Obviously, Sarah, Callie’s mother, has to be a prime suspect along with the lot’s owner who also knew the victim.
Meanwhile, Callie also has to deal with a number of thefts that seem to be perpetrated by Santa. Somebody is stealing Christmas presents but might have an altruistic if criminal purpose. The resort town’s short-term rental visitors will be leaving in a few days and, if any of them are involved in these crimes, Callie’s timing had better be good. Fortunately, some of her friends are quite helpful when it comes to solving crimes and the police department staff is intelligent and reliable.
I really like this series, largely because Callie is so normal; she’s not on a power trip, she has heavy-duty baggage but is coping as well as one could hope, she’s smart as a whip and she cares about her job and the people she serves. Callie is a former big city cop so she has some skills not always easily found in small town departments but she also knows that the people of Edisto Island are not the least bit backward or dumb. In other words, she fits in well.
An Edisto Island Mystery #6
C. Hope Clark
Bell Bridge Books, October 2019
ISBN 978-1-61194-956-8
Trade Paperback
As you can see, I’m a little out of season with this book as the story takes place at Christmas but, never you mind, a good story is a good story no matter when, right?
And a good one this is. Police Chief Callie Morgan is called to the scene of a murder—or is it a murder? There’s a body for sure, and it was found on a vacant lot owned by a contentious local, but there’s a very personal twist in that the victim is her biological mother’s husband. Obviously, Sarah, Callie’s mother, has to be a prime suspect along with the lot’s owner who also knew the victim.
Meanwhile, Callie also has to deal with a number of thefts that seem to be perpetrated by Santa. Somebody is stealing Christmas presents but might have an altruistic if criminal purpose. The resort town’s short-term rental visitors will be leaving in a few days and, if any of them are involved in these crimes, Callie’s timing had better be good. Fortunately, some of her friends are quite helpful when it comes to solving crimes and the police department staff is intelligent and reliable.
I really like this series, largely because Callie is so normal; she’s not on a power trip, she has heavy-duty baggage but is coping as well as one could hope, she’s smart as a whip and she cares about her job and the people she serves. Callie is a former big city cop so she has some skills not always easily found in small town departments but she also knows that the people of Edisto Island are not the least bit backward or dumb. In other words, she fits in well.
April 3, 2023
Edisto Tidings
The Edisto Island Mysteries, Book 6
by C. Hope Clark
Was the first book I read by the author and series. The author does a great job of giving background info got through many established relationships in this mystery series. It’s Christmas time on Editso Island where the small community has many temporary renters for the Christmas season. Gifts are being taken from the renters' places, The gifts are taken by the “Edisto Santa”, a long time tradition where someone plays Santa, giving gifts to the poor who might not get something otherwise.
Police Chief Callie Morgan moved from the Boston PD to the island where she spent holidays with her family. Callie’s surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant is interrupted when a prominent citizen finds a body. The body
of Callie's biological mother's estranged husband, Ben. Callie and her small police force now have two investigations. She gets support from her former boss from Boston in trying to get to the bottom OG it all. . She must step on some toes, but she feels an obligatited to the people who purchased the missing gifts. Locals stick together.
I enjoyed the setting and the already established relationships in the community.
I received a complimentary ARC from Belle Bridge Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
The Edisto Island Mysteries, Book 6
by C. Hope Clark
Was the first book I read by the author and series. The author does a great job of giving background info got through many established relationships in this mystery series. It’s Christmas time on Editso Island where the small community has many temporary renters for the Christmas season. Gifts are being taken from the renters' places, The gifts are taken by the “Edisto Santa”, a long time tradition where someone plays Santa, giving gifts to the poor who might not get something otherwise.
Police Chief Callie Morgan moved from the Boston PD to the island where she spent holidays with her family. Callie’s surprise birthday party at the new Mexican restaurant is interrupted when a prominent citizen finds a body. The body
of Callie's biological mother's estranged husband, Ben. Callie and her small police force now have two investigations. She gets support from her former boss from Boston in trying to get to the bottom OG it all. . She must step on some toes, but she feels an obligatited to the people who purchased the missing gifts. Locals stick together.
I enjoyed the setting and the already established relationships in the community.
I received a complimentary ARC from Belle Bridge Books through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.
February 1, 2022
I enjoyed this novel, the fourth I have read in this series. Although Callie still seems to think her training on the Boston police force makes her better suited for her job, she showed a more human side in this book, which made me like her better. The plot is convoluted with lots of twists and turns as Callie tries to catch Edisto Santa and solve what appears to be the murder of a local lawyer. In the end, Ms. Clark ties up all of the plot strands so that the actions make sense.
October 19, 2024
This is a fun read in which the author keeps you involved in the plot. The ending is not anticipated. She also develops relationships among the characters well and the reader gets to know the key players personally.
For anyone who is interested in good mysteries, start with book one because I realized after starting book six that although Ms. Clark makes clear any history needed for the current book, the books do build on one another.
For anyone who is interested in good mysteries, start with book one because I realized after starting book six that although Ms. Clark makes clear any history needed for the current book, the books do build on one another.
August 18, 2020
Excellent read! C.Hope Clark does a beautiful job in bringing each character to life. It is so easy to picture in your mind the events as they unfold. Callie, the heroine of this series comes with a lot of baggage but you can’t help but love her. I am looking forward to her next adventure already!
May 21, 2020
This was pretty good....love the setting and wish I could be there, maybe someday....Callie makes a good and far chief of police...like all her deputies and friends...
June 17, 2021
Nice to watch the lead character evolve.
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