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Myrtle Beach Mystery #1
Death on the Boardwalk: A Myrtle Beach Mystery - Book 1
The page-turning mystery series of one man's tragic journey to learn what happened to his wife. Begin the story that will leave you asking one Who killed Autumn?
Bookstore owner, Clark Thomas, is stuck in a rut after his wife died two years ago of a sudden heart attack at her desk. Then he finds the body of a friend rolled up in a rug behind his bookstore early one morning.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is normally an idyllic place, but not today. The victim is a local businesswoman and environmentalist who has many admirers and her fair share of enemies. After receiving a tip from one of the victim's beautiful coworkers who doesn't trust the police, Clark finds himself in a unique position to investigate the crime. But should he?
When it comes to murder, something else drives him he doesn't want to admit. As he launches his own search for the killer, Clark comes across a variety of colorful Boardwalk inhabitants who might have had reason to kill an otherwise beloved person. Can he do it and start putting his wife's death behind him in the process, or will it open up a fresh wound?
Filled with endearing characters and fueled by Clark's sense of humor, Death on the Boardwalk will keep you guessing until the end. An ending that will leave you breathless and will make you want to read the second book in the series immediately.
"I really enjoyed this book. It is so different from anything I've ever read and I now have book 2 in line to read next.. I was 93% finished before I found out who committed the murder and why. I'm challenging the readers of this book to tell me if you can beat that." - Martha A. Cheves, Amazon VINE VOICE Review. .
*Winner of the Pinnacle Award for Best Mystery, 2021
Bookstore owner, Clark Thomas, is stuck in a rut after his wife died two years ago of a sudden heart attack at her desk. Then he finds the body of a friend rolled up in a rug behind his bookstore early one morning.
The Myrtle Beach Boardwalk is normally an idyllic place, but not today. The victim is a local businesswoman and environmentalist who has many admirers and her fair share of enemies. After receiving a tip from one of the victim's beautiful coworkers who doesn't trust the police, Clark finds himself in a unique position to investigate the crime. But should he?
When it comes to murder, something else drives him he doesn't want to admit. As he launches his own search for the killer, Clark comes across a variety of colorful Boardwalk inhabitants who might have had reason to kill an otherwise beloved person. Can he do it and start putting his wife's death behind him in the process, or will it open up a fresh wound?
Filled with endearing characters and fueled by Clark's sense of humor, Death on the Boardwalk will keep you guessing until the end. An ending that will leave you breathless and will make you want to read the second book in the series immediately.
"I really enjoyed this book. It is so different from anything I've ever read and I now have book 2 in line to read next.. I was 93% finished before I found out who committed the murder and why. I'm challenging the readers of this book to tell me if you can beat that." - Martha A. Cheves, Amazon VINE VOICE Review. .
*Winner of the Pinnacle Award for Best Mystery, 2021
244 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2021
1494 people are currently reading
1239 people want to read
About the author
Caleb Wygal
22 books158 followersBe sure to follow Caleb on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/caleb...
Caleb is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Southeastern Writers Association, the author of five novels, social media marketer, woodworker, occasional golfer, reacher of things on tall shelves, beach walker, shark tooth finder, and munchkin wrangler.
His two Lucas Caine Adventure novels, Blackbeard's Lost Treasure and The Search for the Fountain of Youth, were both Semi-Finalists for the Clive Cussler Adventure Awards Competition.
He is currently at work on the next book in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series.
He lives in Myrtle Beach with his wife and son (the munchkin).
Caleb is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Southeastern Writers Association, the author of five novels, social media marketer, woodworker, occasional golfer, reacher of things on tall shelves, beach walker, shark tooth finder, and munchkin wrangler.
His two Lucas Caine Adventure novels, Blackbeard's Lost Treasure and The Search for the Fountain of Youth, were both Semi-Finalists for the Clive Cussler Adventure Awards Competition.
He is currently at work on the next book in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series.
He lives in Myrtle Beach with his wife and son (the munchkin).
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews
May 26, 2021
Clark Thomas runs a bookstore near the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. His days are usually fairly quiet, and he enjoys helping his customers find just the right beach read for their vacation. However, this particular morning, he arrives at work to find a carpet rolled up by his shop’s back door. When he investigates, he discovers that a body is hidden inside the carpet. Worse yet, he recognizes the victim as Paige, one of his regular customers. Clark can’t help but wonder why the body was dumped behind his store. And why would someone want to kill Paige?
I always enjoy getting to visit a tourist destination via a cozy mystery, and this one brought Myrtle Beach to life. Clark’s bookstore was a bonus, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book as well. Since the mystery includes how as well as who and why, there was plenty to keep me engaged as I read, and I especially enjoyed one twist near the end of the book before Clark figured it all out. Once we reached the end, everything made sense. The characters were good, but could be a little more fleshed out. Clark is the strongest of them, mainly because of a tragedy in his past that is talked about some here. The writing was a little rough near the beginning, with some information given to us in a jarring manner. Fortunately, that got better as the book went along. I could see this turning into a fun series. It’s definitely a good beach read whether you can get to the beach this summer or not.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I always enjoy getting to visit a tourist destination via a cozy mystery, and this one brought Myrtle Beach to life. Clark’s bookstore was a bonus, and I enjoyed that aspect of the book as well. Since the mystery includes how as well as who and why, there was plenty to keep me engaged as I read, and I especially enjoyed one twist near the end of the book before Clark figured it all out. Once we reached the end, everything made sense. The characters were good, but could be a little more fleshed out. Clark is the strongest of them, mainly because of a tragedy in his past that is talked about some here. The writing was a little rough near the beginning, with some information given to us in a jarring manner. Fortunately, that got better as the book went along. I could see this turning into a fun series. It’s definitely a good beach read whether you can get to the beach this summer or not.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 19, 2021
It’s so nice reading a book that is based in the town you live, and I certainly didn’t see that ending coming... to be continued
March 1, 2021
I’ve found a new favorite author!
Things I liked:
1) It is an entertaining, clean read. I really appreciate a gifted storyteller that stays true to the genre. No unnecessary profanity or sexual situations in this mystery.
2) It is an intriguing mystery story with just enough red herrings to keep it interesting.
3) Clark Thomas, the main character, is relatable and very likeable. His relationships with his parents, coworkers, and customers show the depth of his character. Having been a widower for two years, I wonder as the series develops if he will have a love interest.
4) I like the personalities of both detectives Gomez and Moody; they complement each other well. Detective Gomez is my favorite of the two. She is professional in both appearance and attitude yet caring.
5) Erica Sullivan, the eager but respectful reporter, is another character that I really enjoyed in the story.
6) I really enjoyed the scenes when Clark visits the home of Julieta, a housekeeper for Seascapes Hotel. His interactions with her family were great.
7) It is a well-written and well-told story; the coastal setting is a bonus for me.
8) It is part of a series that I am anxious to continue reading.
9) The book is part of the Kindle Unlimited Library.
Things I liked:
1) It is an entertaining, clean read. I really appreciate a gifted storyteller that stays true to the genre. No unnecessary profanity or sexual situations in this mystery.
2) It is an intriguing mystery story with just enough red herrings to keep it interesting.
3) Clark Thomas, the main character, is relatable and very likeable. His relationships with his parents, coworkers, and customers show the depth of his character. Having been a widower for two years, I wonder as the series develops if he will have a love interest.
4) I like the personalities of both detectives Gomez and Moody; they complement each other well. Detective Gomez is my favorite of the two. She is professional in both appearance and attitude yet caring.
5) Erica Sullivan, the eager but respectful reporter, is another character that I really enjoyed in the story.
6) I really enjoyed the scenes when Clark visits the home of Julieta, a housekeeper for Seascapes Hotel. His interactions with her family were great.
7) It is a well-written and well-told story; the coastal setting is a bonus for me.
8) It is part of a series that I am anxious to continue reading.
9) The book is part of the Kindle Unlimited Library.
September 25, 2025
Picked this because of the ties to my home state.
Procedural mystery that reads sort of like an old Magnum P.I. show but without an exciting car or helicopter chase. The MC’s POV is first person and he describes in detail what he’s doing. It took an entire page to describe his coffee brewing process. ☕️
I also didn’t care for the way some characters were stereotyped. I hope the author has remedied this in future books.
Procedural mystery that reads sort of like an old Magnum P.I. show but without an exciting car or helicopter chase. The MC’s POV is first person and he describes in detail what he’s doing. It took an entire page to describe his coffee brewing process. ☕️
I also didn’t care for the way some characters were stereotyped. I hope the author has remedied this in future books.
August 14, 2022
I wasn't expecting much from this one but it intrigued me bc it's written based in the city I currently live in. I enjoyed the story but thought there was a lot of fluff to it, but I appreciate the author wanting to add in as much MB as he could. It was quick easy read.
Clark finds a dead body outside of his bookstore in a rug. Helps solve the case by doing detective work, even though he's not a cop.
Clark finds a dead body outside of his bookstore in a rug. Helps solve the case by doing detective work, even though he's not a cop.
February 27, 2025
3.5 I enjoyed this light mystery. Being a “snowbird” in NMB now I loved all the references to places around Myrtle Beach. I plan to read the next book in this series!
April 3, 2022
an interestingly written murder mystery
The author has a unique way of writing which I prefer. In this first book of the series, a man finds the dead body of a woman behind his place of business. The methods he uses in helping the police find the killer are rudimentary but well written.
The author has a unique way of writing which I prefer. In this first book of the series, a man finds the dead body of a woman behind his place of business. The methods he uses in helping the police find the killer are rudimentary but well written.
May 3, 2021
Great writing. Love the twists and turns. Very realistic.
February 18, 2025
A good who dun it based in Myrtle Beach, SC. Book store owner/amateur Sleuth helping the police solve the murder of one of his customers.
December 6, 2020
Death on the Boardwalk - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Clark Thomas gets an unpleasant surprise one Tuesday morning, when he discovers a Cleopatra-like rolled up carpet that's been left on the back doorstep of his shop, Bookstore on the Boardwalk, with one difference - this 'Cleo' won't be needing an asp - she's dead already!
Even more shocking, he recognises the victim as a woman who worked in a nearby health spa. After assisting local police, (and talking to his TV detective-fan Mom), Clark decides to play amateur sleuth and comes up with some clues he didn't expect, about what's going on behind the scenes at OceanScapes...but can the would-be Columbo get it right first time round?
Get your copy of Caleb Wygal's excellent crime-thriller, Death on the Boardwalk, to see if you can guess whodunnit before the police, (or Clark) do!
Clark Thomas gets an unpleasant surprise one Tuesday morning, when he discovers a Cleopatra-like rolled up carpet that's been left on the back doorstep of his shop, Bookstore on the Boardwalk, with one difference - this 'Cleo' won't be needing an asp - she's dead already!
Even more shocking, he recognises the victim as a woman who worked in a nearby health spa. After assisting local police, (and talking to his TV detective-fan Mom), Clark decides to play amateur sleuth and comes up with some clues he didn't expect, about what's going on behind the scenes at OceanScapes...but can the would-be Columbo get it right first time round?
Get your copy of Caleb Wygal's excellent crime-thriller, Death on the Boardwalk, to see if you can guess whodunnit before the police, (or Clark) do!
December 19, 2020
I was able to get an advanced copy of this book & was hooked from the start, a mystery that keeps you guessing and just when you think you have it all figured out, you are wrong !!! Looking forward to the series !
February 18, 2022
I could not get beyond the halfway point, and this book was just over 200 pages. The story was tight and kept moving with lots of dialogue. But the plot itself just didn't hook me. First and foremost, I never bought into the protagonist's reason for investigating the murder. Or the police's relaxed attitude about him running his own inquiry. I just kept thinking, why are you doing this? Add that to the secondary character that he blindly trusts, and you have an unbelievable and frustrating murder mystery.
September 2, 2022
There's a few things that feel unrealistic, but it's always fun to read something set in a place you've spent a bunch of time. The second book apparently involves a faux Medieval Times, and that's enough of a hook to get me back.
April 11, 2021
“It was a nice rug. Except for the body rolled up in the middle of it.”
“To me, the best whodunits were the ones solved through old-fashioned detective skills. Finding leads, chasing leads, putting pieces of the puzzle together.”
“There’s nothing more fragile and valuable than life. If someone kills another person, then justice should be served.”
4.5 Stars Out Of 5
This was a very enjoyable debut cozy beach mystery. I decided to read this while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, so that definitely made it more enjoyable. The author is certainly familiar with the area. I enjoyed Clark, the main character, as he was equal parts likable as well as broken because of his wife’s death two years earlier. The crime itself is unique; Clark discovers the body of a woman he knows wrapped up in a rug in the bookstore he owns, Myrtle Beach Reads. He then gets himself wrapped up in the investigation as he tries to determine means, motive, and opportunity. There are a lot of great red herrings that make it difficult to determine whodunnit. The end was satisfying and the last few sentences show where the series might go next. Will definitely read Book 2 next year while at the beach!
“To me, the best whodunits were the ones solved through old-fashioned detective skills. Finding leads, chasing leads, putting pieces of the puzzle together.”
“There’s nothing more fragile and valuable than life. If someone kills another person, then justice should be served.”
4.5 Stars Out Of 5
This was a very enjoyable debut cozy beach mystery. I decided to read this while vacationing in Myrtle Beach, so that definitely made it more enjoyable. The author is certainly familiar with the area. I enjoyed Clark, the main character, as he was equal parts likable as well as broken because of his wife’s death two years earlier. The crime itself is unique; Clark discovers the body of a woman he knows wrapped up in a rug in the bookstore he owns, Myrtle Beach Reads. He then gets himself wrapped up in the investigation as he tries to determine means, motive, and opportunity. There are a lot of great red herrings that make it difficult to determine whodunnit. The end was satisfying and the last few sentences show where the series might go next. Will definitely read Book 2 next year while at the beach!
February 20, 2021
Clark Thomas a widower and owner of a bookstore on the Myrtle Beach boardwalk finds himself involved in one heck of Mystery. One morning he fiknds a rug cropped up next to the back door of his bookstore. Inside is the body of a woman who works the local health spa, Oceanscapes, and a frequent customer appears. Which leaves Clark into assuming the rule of an amateur sleuth, like the heros\heroines in the mysteries he's read orthe detective shows he's watched. I really enjoyed the book and like the main character, Clark. He was very relatable and felt like a real person to me. The mystery was fun to solve as well.
December 7, 2020
REVIEW:
I was provided this novel free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, there was a good slow build up of the character and the his investigation of the crime – as it allows the reader to see how the protagonist put the clues together (tho, it was rather disconcerting that the detectives with their years of experience couldn't). One part that I found interesting (and at the same time almost out of left field) was that one of the witnesses who helped to place the murderer at the scene of the crime was a tangentially involved character that had only been in the area of the crime because he was waiting for a weekly gathering held at his bookstore.
This is a strong read, that would be easily enjoyed by readers of early James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.
On a rating scale, I would give this book a solid four stars of a possible five stars.
As with all reviews, this is only my five cents worth.
I was provided this novel free of charge by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed reading this novel, there was a good slow build up of the character and the his investigation of the crime – as it allows the reader to see how the protagonist put the clues together (tho, it was rather disconcerting that the detectives with their years of experience couldn't). One part that I found interesting (and at the same time almost out of left field) was that one of the witnesses who helped to place the murderer at the scene of the crime was a tangentially involved character that had only been in the area of the crime because he was waiting for a weekly gathering held at his bookstore.
This is a strong read, that would be easily enjoyed by readers of early James Patterson and Patricia Cornwell.
On a rating scale, I would give this book a solid four stars of a possible five stars.
As with all reviews, this is only my five cents worth.
November 29, 2024
Death on the Boardwalk has you wondering who done it (and why). I for sure didn’t figure it out.
Honestly, this isn’t a “knock your socks off” kind of read. But because Caleb is an author from the Myrtle Beach area and some places/landmarks he mentions truly exist, it makes this book pretty neat. If you are familiar with MB and its surrounding communities, you’ll understand. And for that reason I am giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I do plan to read the others in the series
Honestly, this isn’t a “knock your socks off” kind of read. But because Caleb is an author from the Myrtle Beach area and some places/landmarks he mentions truly exist, it makes this book pretty neat. If you are familiar with MB and its surrounding communities, you’ll understand. And for that reason I am giving this ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I do plan to read the others in the series
December 24, 2020
I've read the 1st four books that Caleb wrote and liked them. Even though I usually prefer fantasy. This book is pretty good, too. Let me put it this way - was at 57% when I started reading this afternoon and I finished it. I had to find out who did it. And then Caleb, you had to put in that cliff hanger, darn it!
July 31, 2021
Death on the Boardwalk
This book pulled me right as a former resident of Myrtle Beach was interested in the book. The local book stores in the area are second to none. The location of the store in reference to the resort is spot on. Clark store owner find a body at his doorstep upon arriving for work. He along with the MBPD to solve who killed Paige the hr director of Ocean Scape Resort . There is mystery great character development and friendship. Great job on book 1 in the series. I lived in Surfside and Benjamin’s Bakery is the best. I love Lee and his crew and always return yearly, I also attended HGTC in the Culinary program. Thanks for the local references.
This book pulled me right as a former resident of Myrtle Beach was interested in the book. The local book stores in the area are second to none. The location of the store in reference to the resort is spot on. Clark store owner find a body at his doorstep upon arriving for work. He along with the MBPD to solve who killed Paige the hr director of Ocean Scape Resort . There is mystery great character development and friendship. Great job on book 1 in the series. I lived in Surfside and Benjamin’s Bakery is the best. I love Lee and his crew and always return yearly, I also attended HGTC in the Culinary program. Thanks for the local references.
June 24, 2021
Death on the Boardwalk
Good book. I originally picked it, because of the location, since I live near Myrtle Beach, but got caught up in the story. Never guessed the killer, though. Would recommend it to anybody
Good book. I originally picked it, because of the location, since I live near Myrtle Beach, but got caught up in the story. Never guessed the killer, though. Would recommend it to anybody
June 25, 2022
A fantastic murder mystery book! My husband is a cop, so I enjoyed diving into the main character's mind while solving a murder case. It was also great to read a book that takes place near my home. I could picture the environment easily. I plan on reading the second book in this series!
July 22, 2024
On the nose
It's good for a mystery novel. A few unnecessary details but a well established storyline. Predictable ending and twist. I did enjoy the jab at Amazon ebooks, which is how I came by this as a free prime read!! I was excited for myrtle beach memories, but it's pretty generic.
It's good for a mystery novel. A few unnecessary details but a well established storyline. Predictable ending and twist. I did enjoy the jab at Amazon ebooks, which is how I came by this as a free prime read!! I was excited for myrtle beach memories, but it's pretty generic.
March 5, 2025
I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed this. A “cozy” murder mystery, or as cozy as it gets. It was an extremely realistic case in my opinion, comparatively to other mystery/thrillers/competition in this genre. I loved getting to support a local author as well.
April 23, 2025
The story is ok, the ending was good and unexpected! However the quality of the book itself was disappointing because for a $16.99 book I expect it to hold together. During my reading , pages were falling out!
July 7, 2025
Loved it. It wasn’t too over the top. Myrtle Beach is near and dear to my heart and we are there so often that I enjoy all the local places that are named. Makes me feel like I’m there living the story. Also, I appreciate the West Virginia references too! 💙💛 looking forward to book number 2!!
September 11, 2025
Im so giving this 5 stars. This was really good and I cant wait to read the others in the series. No drastic language, no gore, I didnt feel that there was any excess information. Read them, they are good.
Read
January 21, 2021This is a finely crafted mystery with a true sense of the locale of Myrtle Beach, SC. A must read in my library and I anxiously await the next installment in this series.
June 4, 2021
Loved this book. Since I live in Myrtle Beach, loved reading about all the places here.
June 18, 2021
This was the first book that I have read by him and I loved his writing style. He is not overly descriptive, which I hate and he keeps you guessing till the end. I did not suspect the killer at all. It was great reading about the places in Myrtle Beach, as I moved here 4 years ago. It's a fast page turner. I'm looking forward to his next myrtle beach book.
July 10, 2021
Good read
This is such a good read about a town I absolutely love. I cannot wait to read book number two!!
This is such a good read about a town I absolutely love. I cannot wait to read book number two!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 172 reviews