At Loggerheads

by Kristen Ness

Brooke Edens, a scientist who studies loggerhead sea turtles, has longed for a sense of home and belonging ever since her return to Anders Isle. But something is amiss on the Lowcountry island where she grew up. For years, loggerheads have been disappearing from the beach and development has been encroaching on the island's natural beauty and maritime forest. When a dead body is found on the same day as a mutilated loggerhead, Brooke uses clues from her knowledge of sea turtles to help Detective Drew Young, her closest friend and potential love interest, investigate the many big crimes beginning to surface on their small island. Brooke's life is further complicated by her ex-fiancé, Charlotte-based attorney Caldwell Madden, who appears on the island for a work trip and to support the presidential campaign of his father, a US Senator. More than just a whodunit, this murder mystery includes romance, nature, politics, real estate, and science. With a captivating sense of place, the story unfolds as a love letter to the barrier islands and coastal towns of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the often-opposing forces of mother nature and human nature influence what people will do for money, for power, and for love. Amid the many revelations, betrayals, and twists that threaten to pull Brooke and Drew apart, will they be able to untangle the web of crimes, catch the murderer and, ultimately, find a way back to each other?

Genres: Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Thriller, Book Club

358 pages, Hardcover

First published May 23, 2023

About the author

KRISTEN NESS grew up in South Carolina and serves as a volunteer for the Island Turtle Team on Isle of Palms, SC. A graduate of Duke University and the University of South Carolina School of Law, she is an immigration attorney obsessed with marine biology. She lives near the coast in Charleston, South Carolina, with her family. At Loggerheads is her first novel.

I'm tall. I write. I stay up late.

Reviews

[Olive Fellows (abookolive) · Rating 3 out of 5]

This got corny as all get out at times. Loved the turtle stuff, though.

[Kelley Dykes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read this twice now. It’s hard to believe this is Kristen Ness’ debut, because the writing is just stunning. She perfectly transports us to an island off the South Carolina coast, into the world of sea turtles, politics and murder. It’s not even the type of book I normally enjoy, but the cover caught my eye so I picked it up, and I’m so glad I did. I’ll definitely be buying anything she comes out with in the future, and recommending this one to friends and the patrons at the bookstore I work at.

[Fraley · Rating 4 out of 5]

For this to be this authors first book, I was throughly impressed!! I love the ties to South Carolina and the low country feel to the book. That plus the turtle plot line to this story made for a great read. The mystery aspect was deep enough and not too twisty where it can’t be tied up in the end. I also enjoyed the author dabbling into a romance scene! Will definitely read another on of her books as she’s from Charleston & love to support.

[Olivia]

I picked this book up at a independent bookstore in Charleston - I got to meet the author who signed my copy! A good read - I didn’t know how it was gonna end, even if I thought I guessed it halfway through!

[Mari Carroll · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite new activities is to immerse myself in activities featuring local authors, when possible. Back in April, I was lucky enough to attend (with my husband) the Townsend Prize for Fiction Awards Ceremony and not only enjoy a lovely dinner and dessert, but listen to wonderful speakers. I was excited to meet one of my newly found favorite authors (Daniel Black) and catch up with George Weinstein and meet his lovely wife, Kim.

A few Sundays ago, I was presented with another magnificent opportunity to embrace the local scene, and I went to the Johns Creek Literary Fair. Once again, the day was once in a lifetime; Kristin Harmel was the keynote speaker, and as much as I enjoyed her beauty in truth, my favorite part of the event was the panel discussion with "Southern Storytellers". Even more amazing was meeting these authors, buying their books (autographed copies!) and fangirling, complete with selfies :)

This past weekend was a whirlwind of events, and I finally found the time to settle in with "At Loggerheads" which was truly delightful. Give me a book that refers to "pluff mud" and describes the coastal beauty of South Carolina, and I am in. Add to it a murder mystery with some political scandal/misuse of power and the ante is upped. Now add in romance and the environmental quest to save the logged erhead turtles and that is the complete package!

This is Kristen Ness's debut novel, and I enjoyed it from start to finish. It was delightful to follow the adventures of Brooke and Drew and the thoughtfulness put into the murder investigation was well researched and realistic.

Not to mention, Kristen was simply a delight to speak to at the event! Somehow I knew I would be choosing her book first to read out of my pile of (11) that I bought, though I do look forward to reading ALL of my purchases!

[Barbara Williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a gift from my son, who lived in both North and South Carolina. When he read about this book he knew it would hit home for me. A mixture of the mystery that was set in the beauty and culture of the area. Good story. Loved learning abou the turtles habitat and their behaviors mixed with the mystery.

[Nancy Mulvany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mary Alice Monroe recommend this book. Thank you. I loved it. I always wanted to be a Turtle Lady. Wasn’t there at the right times. Maybe some day.

[Sarah N Belaustegui · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder (in more ways than one) mystery based in South Carolina. I felt it was well written with a complete conclusion that left me feeling satisfied.

[Vicki Hallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. Could hardly put it down.

[Karen Wahl · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. A good story and I loved all the details about the sea turtles! Was amazed it was the author’s first book. Hope she will continue to write.

[Patti Menges · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story was really well written. The plot was good and it kept my attention. The characters were thought out and believable. The beginning didn’t flow as well as the second half of the book. I figured out the”who done it” but was surprised about one of the people involved. All this to say.

I won’t be reading any other books written by this author for the following reasons: the language was over the top and the sexual count was too much. Neither of these added anything to the story line, in fact it detracted from it. I found myself having to skip paragraphs. They story was good without adding this in. I get that some people feel it’s necessary but in reality it really isn’t. I know this was a first book but my hope is that if you continue to write, you might consider having a whole lot less language and sexual content, it isn’t necessary. Just one readers opinion. I actually met you at the Barnes and Noble in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Was there for the meet and greet for Katherine Reay.

[Katie Ferrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you love sea turtles, grab this book! If you love protecting the environment, grab this book! If you love murder mysteries, grab this book! I promise you will not be able to put it down. There are so many twist and turns that you’ll be on the edge of your seat.

[Alisha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don’t typically read murder mysteries, but as a Charleston girl, I appreciated the setting. It was obvious this was a first novel at times, but it was an overall enjoyable read. I wouldn’t hesitate to pick up another by this author if she were to write one.

[Kathleen Abrams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great book that kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time! I liked the short chapters that made it easy to read, I loved that this book revolves around turtles bc it made me miss Turtle Patrol so much, the book did get kinda scary at times but that may just be bc I don’t usually read murder mysteries or thrillers, and overall the book was very interesting…I didn’t predict who the murderer was, but I did get most of the other plot points correct
This book lost a star bc the romance wasn’t my fav which is unusual bc I usually love the romance between characters, but I just thought Brooke could do better than Drew and ngl I was kinda rooting for Caldwell bc it seemed like he had a true change of heart…I get that Brooke and Drew grew up together but honestly I just didn’t love Drew as a character…also, the romance between them was obviously gonna happen (which I love) but I thought it was gonna be more of a slow burn but then it went from 0 to 10 all of a sudden and I was like whatttt noooo we need more buildup
Anyways, a fantastic book that I would recommend to anyone, especially people who love the coast and love sea turtles…I can’t believe it was this author’s first novel bc it was amazing and i am now second guessing why I didn’t become a marine biologist and just do Turtle Patrol every summer but that just means this was a great book!

[Cheri M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I picked this book at an event for local authors (I live outside Charleston) and had the pleasure of meeting the author Kristen Ness, who was very sweet and friendly!

I shared my signed copy as my “grab bag” Xmas gift with my book club, unread. The woman who received it picked it as our book club book for this month, and I’m so glad!

The characters and relationships are well developed and believable, and I like that the love scenes are not heavy handed. I did guess the major plot points (as I usually do). But the story is quick and lively and the mystery is different than the usual fare; it’s complex enough to be intriguing without being too technical or outlandish. And yay turtles!

My favorite thing by far is how lovely the writing is - descriptive and meaningful without being overdone. I love her style and tone. Especially beautiful images of the low country.

I read this in just a couple days and was sad when it was over! I look forward to Kristen’s future work!

[Lisa Ponti · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very quick read. Short chapters and the mystery pulled me in. Found the story of the sea turtles very interesting. Definitely saw one plot point coming and not all of it seems consistent with the character but still entertaining.

[Caroline · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5! really had fun with this, loved the mystery and the turtles. but, the fact brooke was able to be so involved in a police case was unrealistic and distracting

[Katie Stevenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s pretty rare that I enjoy any author’s debut novel. The cover of the book drew me in and when I saw that it is based in North and South Carolina (where I am) I knew I had to give it a chance.
There were just enough characters to keep the story from feeling stale, but not so many that you were unable to keep up with them all. I loved that the mystery wasn’t just who the murder was but also multiple other unanswered questions. It made it more interesting and difficult to figure it out too early while reading. The romance was sweet. The spice level was minimal, so this is a book I wouldn’t be embarrassed to recommend IYKYK. I LOVED all the references NC and SC.

[Brianne Heape · Rating 4 out of 5]

At Loggerheads is a sweet, coastal read with heart. Kristen Ness does a great job weaving together themes of family, healing, and protecting what matters—especially the sea turtles! A few parts felt a little expected and at times cheesy, but overall it’s a meaningful and peaceful story worth the read. 🐢

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was great especially since it was the authors debut! She did a phenomenal job with the ties to The Carolinas. I picked up the book for the turtles and stay for the mystery! Cannot wait for her to write more books.

[Nicholas · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this novel. I loved the combination of local lore, imagery, and lifestyle of the Carolina coast with a gripping mystery. I hope more authors follow this formula to bring to life local places they know and love with a story to inspire ones imagination about the specials places. A story can bring to life and change ones attitude about place better than anything else. I also loved the conversation tie in, I personally feel more inspired to join a local conservation group in my area knowing I may run into characters and events that could change my whole perspective!

[Linda Burrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ness takes us to the low country of SC and we are soon caught up in the life of Brooke, a biologist working with loggerheads turtles. From missing turtles to a murder and Brooke’s love life, Ness takes us on a fabulous adventure. You will be drawn in by her words and stay for this twisted tale of murder but oh so much more than just murder.

[Katie Peck · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and it was a pleasant surprise. I was hesitant to read it but was part of my neighborhood bookclub pick.

The storyline kept me reading from the start and I loved how the stories of the characters unfolded. I rooted for the FMC and Drew to fall in love deeply with each other which they did. But I did enjoy that it was not a perfect love story and how all of the other characters entwined into the murder mystery.

It was filled with murder, mystery, deep deep love, grief and psychological wounds that begin to heal.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked this book just by the cover and I am so happy I did. It grabbed my attention from the beginning and was hard to put down. It has everything you can ask for in a book. The characters were well done. This is a book I highly recommend.

[Jennie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I could not put this book down! It is a great mix of "who dun it", sea turtle conservation, with an added splash of romance, and big business/political corruption. I will definitely be recommending to all my reading friends!

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I literally could not put this book down until I knew everything that happened. A twisty murder mystery set on a fictional SC barrier island - Brooke, a marine biologist is investigating the disappearance of sea turtles and Drew, a small beach town police detective, is investigating a murder. When their investigations align, sparks fly. Childhood-friends-to-lovers! Atmospheric beach vibes! So glad I stumbled upon this book at an indie bookstore in Mt. Pleasant.

[Jami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ness captures the low country islands with her vivid descriptions of nature as well as of the inhabitants - human, reptile, and avian. The protagonist Brooke is relatable, and the mystery kept me turning the pages late into the night.

[Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book!! I was hooked on page one and could not put it down!! Perfect book for those who love some romance and murder mystery in the low country. I am looking forward to this authors next book!

[Lizie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mix of murder mystery and romance and nature if that’s your thing. Did take an unexpected turn there at the end which I liked because it did seem a bit too predictable there for a while. Overall good summer read

[Whitney Bouknight · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it!