Book Review: Death on the Boardwalk by Caleb Wygal

Death on the Boardwalk
Author: Caleb Wygal
Series: A Myrtle Beach Mystery (Book 1)
Publication: Franklin/Kerr (February 2, 2021)

Description: THE BOARDWALK IS BEAUTIFUL—UNTIL SOMEONE TURNS UP DEAD.

Welcome to Myrtle Beach, where the sunsets are vibrant, the sea breeze carries secrets, and murder lurks just beneath the surface. Clark Thomas, a grieving bookstore owner trying to rebuild his life, makes a chilling discovery: the body of a friend rolled up in a rug behind his shop.

As Clark digs into the mystery, he’s pulled into a web of suspects that include business owners, environmental activists, and even the victim’s own coworkers. With the police focused elsewhere, a beautiful and suspicious tipster encourages Clark to investigate the crime himself.

But is he ready to face what he might uncover—and confront the ghosts of his own past along the way?

Perfect for fans of Southern mysteries, amateur sleuths, and small-town secrets, Death on the Boardwalk is a witty, fast-paced read that blends charm, suspense, and heart.

Don’t miss your chance to start the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series—where every charming corner hides a secret.

My Thoughts: Myrtle Beach bookstore owner Clark Thomas finds himself in the middle of a mystery when he finds a body wrapped in a rug outside the rear door of his bookstore. He recognizes the woman as a frequent customer and employee of OceanScapes resort.

Stuck in a holding pattern after the sudden death of his wife two years earlier, Clark finds his curiosity rousing. He has read many, many mysteries and works as a ghostwriter of thrillers, but he's never come face-to-face with a real murder. 

When one of the other employees of OceanScapes asks Clark to look into the crime, he lets his curiosity take control. He's lucky to get some covert help from the detective on the case and from a local reporter. Even his avid mystery lover mother throws in some hints. 

This was a fun mystery that begins a series. I enjoyed it and the Myrtle Beach setting. 

I got this free book via BookBub April 27, 2025. You can buy your copy here.