An Interview with Susan Boyer By E. B. Davis

“Somebody pushed Shelby Poinsett Gerhardt out her second-floor library window and it wasn’t her husband. At least that what Charleston’s most prestigious law firm wants Liz Talbot to prove.

Liz must run the spectrum of Southern society, from the local homeless shelter where Shelby volunteered to the one-hundred-year-old book club where Charleston’s genteel ladies are dying to join, to bring a killer to justice” http://www.susanmboyerbooks.com/lowcountry-book-club/ 

There are so many reasons to love Susan Boyer’s Lowcountry series. Liz Talbot and her detective partner/husband, Nate Andrews, have a complex and heartening relationship. Learning of Charleston’s historical past and the detectives’ current case through the eccentric multiple-named residents and their more honest household help captivates readers. Who wouldn’t like a golden retriever named Rhett or Liz’s BF bodyguard/ghost, Colleen, who interferes as much as she protects? Colleen must be heaven sent if she can eat without a body, an incentive Liz utilizes to enlist spectral help.

This traditional/PI/supernatural/comedic series covers my favorite subgenres. Talk about one-stop-shopping—please—welcome Susan Boyer’s return to WWK.                                       E. B. Davis

Shelby, the victim, volunteered at a homeless shelter. Liz speculates that Shelby may have befriended a Charleston Tent City resident who murdered her. Is there really a “tent city” within the

glamour of Charleston? Hey Elaine, and thank you so much for having me back! As you can see from the photo, yes, there actually is—or was—a “tent city” in Charleston. At least when I started this book there was. As of April of this year the residents have been relocated or have left. It was on Department of Transportation land, and they were forced to move. From what I’ve read, at least some of the residents have simply moved to other encampments in less conspicuous locations.

There’s always the hope that our better, more spiritual soul emerges when we die superseding human foibles. But Colleen loves her favorite foods and acts like the seventeen-year-old she was at death. You aren’t an idealist, are you, Susan? That question made me smile. I suppose I am. In my mind, it’s possible to be more spiritual and still love ham biscuits and be a child at heart.

Fraser Alston Rutledge III, the defense attorney for Shelby’s husband/former Army Ranger Clint Gerhardt, has two very different sides. Fraser’s an against-the-odds proponent defending his client, but he’s also a staid Southern man with a static vision of women. Do most Southern men still live in the dark ages? Not in my experience, though I guess some men do regardless of geography. Fraser is a complicated man. He’s definitely Southern to the bone. And he talks like he has caveman tendencies, but in reality, he’s crazy about his wife and respects the intelligence of women around him—Mercedes, his assistant, and Liz. And of course he adored Shelby.

How could Liz not use real mayonnaise? Does it have anything to do with egg yolks and germs? Laughing here again. No, it isn’t the germ thing. She uses Hellman’s made with canola oil because it’s better for you. Most days, Liz tries to eat healthy so it makes up for when she eats at Mamma’s house or The Cracked Pot.

There are two women in this story who suffer from unrequited love. Is unrequited love bitter or sweet? I suppose it depends on the person. But in my view, it must be very sad. I guess it could make one bitter, though I don’t think it always does.

Shelby belonged to a book club, its existence spanning one hundred years. The membership is limited. There’s a waiting list and political factions. Does Charleston have ladies societies/affiliations that old? My sources tell me they do. I’ve never been a member of one, you understand, and I can’t reveal my sources.

Liz and Nate compartmentalize their private and business relationship in time and space. How do they do that? To protect their relationship and prevent burnout, they have a policy to never discuss cases during meals or in the bedroom except in the most urgent circumstances. Sometimes, as Liz will tell you, this is actually helpful to the case, as having a break often brings a fresh perspective.

Is it possible to have a soft heart without being a victim? I believe so. Shelby had a very soft heart—oops—I almost gave something away. You’re tricky, Elaine. Yes, I think you can have a soft heart for other people and not become a victim. You just have to be smart about how and when you help folks.

Now that I live on Hatteras Island, Colleen’s mission of protecting Stella Maris, an island off Charleston, and its residents resounded with me. We have a bridge (which is finally being replaced), but Stella Maris doesn’t. Is there a particular reason you took on the issue of storm evacuation? This is one of those things that arose out of the material as I was writing. But once I started down that path—started talking to folks, and remembering things—I realized how big an issue coastal evacuation in general is.

Do you believe in self-determination or fate? I personally believe what Colleen says—we all have free will. The choices we make determine the course of our lives to a large degree. But there are external events and circumstances over which we have no control. So I guess I’d have to say that I believe every life has elements of self-determination, luck (or lack thereof), and timing (some might call that fate, but I think it’s another form of luck). This is a deep topic. I might need to ponder it longer to give a more thorough answer.

I’ve looked at your event schedule on your website. Somehow you’ve scheduled yourself to appear at beach venues during July and August. My goodness, however did that happen? Hahaha! This was one of those making choices situations.