Seaside Southern Mysteries
Seaside Southern Mysteries

Trouble’s Turn to Lose

Trouble's Turn to Lose

About the Book

Private Investigator Hadley Cooper has a knack for finding trouble—and this time, it’s wearing pearls.

Life on Sullivan’s Island is about as close to bliss as it gets—bike rides at sunrise, cases that don’t make headlines, and a romance with SLED agent Cash Reynolds that’s finally on solid ground. They have one ironclad rule: never work the same case.

When a wealthy Charleston socialite turns up dead, Cash charges her housekeeper, Bridget Donovan, with murder. But the young single mother has a formidable ally in Carolyn Talbot, a local matriarch who implores Hadley to help. Hadley’s heart overrides her head, and her agreement with Cash is gone like confetti in a hurricane.

Soon she’s wading through a tangle of suspects—blue bloods with deadly secrets, her client’s scheming ex-monster-in-law, and the greatest unknown country singer in Nashville. But Hadley’s also grappling with a mystery closer to home—one that will shake everything she thought she knew about her family.

To find justice for Bridget, Hadley will have to risk her heart, her life—and maybe her grip on reality.

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Book Reviews

“Susan Boyer’s TROUBLE’S TURN TO LOSE is a cozy mystery with a Southern accent–heartwarming characters, a coastal setting, and a surprise ending you won’t see coming makes this a book for everyone’s reading list.” —Karen White, New York Times Bestselling Author

“Boyer delivers a well-drawn mystery that will keep readers guessing until the conclusion. While the investigation is compelling on its own, subplots involving Hadley’s personal life, including the friction that the investigation causes in her relationship with Cash (‘we both said this wasn’t good for us’), allow for more complex character development. The ghosts sprinkled throughout the book add a supernatural element that many will enjoy. Hadley is a smart and capable protagonist and narrator; her associates and friends are equally well developed. Readers will especially appreciate Hadley’s strong, supportive, and collaborative relationships with other women. A well-executed murder mystery featuring smart women, strong friendships, and ghosts.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Smart, suspenseful, and emotionally satisfying, Trouble’s Turn to Lose delivers both comfort and intrigue. Fans of cozy mysteries, Southern fiction, and strong female protagonists will find plenty to enjoy in this layered and thoroughly enjoyable story.” —Book Excellence

“Trouble’s Turn to Lose continues Susan M. Boyer’s Sullivan’s Island series and it’s a humdinger! So many suspects; so many surprises and readers will be thrilled to find one of their favorite characters in the story.” —Jane Whitmeyer, NetGalley Reviewer

“If you enjoy cozy mysteries that keep you guessing without getting too scary, charming Lowcountry settings like Charleston and Sullivan’s Island, and smart, kind female leads, Susan’s books are fantastic. This one was such a treat. Highly recommend!” —Brittney Storm Rankin, NetGalley Reviewer

“This book could be Susan Boyer’s best book ever!! I did not want it to end!! There’s tears, laughter, SUSPENSE, family relationships, private investigations, ghosts, chickens, cats (yes, cats), all wrapped up into one bundle of fun!!” —Jamie, Goodreads Reviewer

“To begin with, I’m a born and bred Southern girl. Susan speaks, and writes, my language. As I read through her books, it’s like I’m having a conversation with my best friend. Whether you have read the previous books in her series, all it takes is reading the first page of one of her books and you’re hooked.” —Debbie, Goodreads Reviewer

“Imagine if you will, the girls from Designing Women as a southern version of Charlie’s Angels, and you should have it just about right. Hold on tight, there are more than a few secrets to unravel in this one.” —Shannon, Goodreads Reviewer

Book Details

Trouble’s Turn to Lose (Carolina Tales Book 3)
Publisher: Stella Maris Books, LLC
Published April 7, 2026

Hardcover:
ISBN-13: 978-1-959023-39-5

Paperback:
ISBN-13: 978-1-959023-37-1

Large Print:
ISBN-13: 978-1-959023-38-8

Ebook:
ISBN-13: 978-1-959023-36-4
ASIN: B0FRKBPKNF

Audio:
ISBN-13: 978-1-959023-40-1

Genres / Categories: Southern Fiction / Cozy Mystery / Women’s Detective Fiction / Sisters Fiction / Women Sleuth Mysteries / Women Sleuths / Women’s Domestic Life Fiction / Women’s Fiction / Contemporary Women’s Fiction

The Series

Available Now: Trouble’s Turn to Lose

Trouble’s Turn to Lose Excerpt