Death on the Boardwalk by Caleb Wygal

A Myrtle Beach Mystery – Book 1

Franklin/Kerr Press (February 2, 2021)

 

A quiet bookstore, a hidden body, and a reluctant sleuth—nothing stays peaceful for long on the Grand Strand.

Bookstore owner Clark Thomas is still grappling with the loss of his wife when a shocking discovery shatters his routine: a friend’s body, hidden behind his shop along the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk. The beloved local businesswoman had plenty of admirers—yet someone wanted her gone.

When a worried coworker asks for Clark’s help, he reluctantly steps into the role of investigator. What begins as a simple favor soon pulls him into a tangle of secrets, rivalries, and colorful personalities up and down the boardwalk. Each new lead reveals another layer of the victim’s life—and another possible motive.

As Clark follows the trail, he must balance his growing determination to solve the case with the unresolved grief he carries. Every clue brings him closer to the truth… and closer to facing what he’s been avoiding for far too long.

This is Book One in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, where each case stands on its own but rewards readers who keep going with a compelling storyline that you’ll want answers to.. Expect short chapters, steady momentum, and a cast of recurring characters that make each book feel like coming back to a place you know—just in time for the next mystery.

Filled with heart, humor, and an amateur sleuth readers will root for, Death on the Boardwalk delivers a mystery full of charm, unexpected twists, and a finale that will leave you eager for the next book in the series.

– Winner of the Pinnacle Book Award for Best Mystery

REVIEW

I’ve had this on my eReader for a few months. Discovered the series and wanted to read because I’m relocating to this area soon.

Death on the Boardwalk is a cozy mystery that had me guessing until the end. The story has twists, suspense, and varied cast of characters. I enjoyed all the mentions of local landmarks and I’m looking forward to exploring Myrtle Beach to find them or the places they represent. The main character, Clark, is a widower who can’t help himself but start investigating the case on his own. He fumbles a bit, but in the end, he helps solve the case. I enjoyed the book and will continue the series.

Reviewed by Comfy Chair Books/Lisa Reigel (February 25, 2026)

Purchased eBook/special edition signed paperback

#DeathOnTheBoardwalk #Caleb Wygal #MyrtleBeachMysteriesSeries #tbr #mysterynovel @calebwygal #cozymystery

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Caleb Wygal is the author of twelve novels, including two award-winning series: A Myrtle Beach Mystery series, and Lucas Caine Adventure series.

He is a member of the International Thriller Writers and Mystery Writers of America. He was also a Mystery Writing Instructor with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institution at Coastal Carolina University.

Caleb is also an occasional woodworker, rare golfer, reacher of things on tall shelves, beach walker, shark tooth finder, and stay-at-home dad. 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).

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