The first book in the Murder by the Sea series by Carol Ann Ross There are three communities on Topsail Island - Surf City, Topsail Beach, North Topsail Beach. Residents of all three enjoy a low key, laid back lifestyle most months of the year. Folks stop and chat for a few minutes at the grocery store romantic souls stroll leisurely along the beach, searching for sand dollars and shark's teeth. Many relax by fishing and boating in the calm coastal waters. Yes, life is easy. But when summer arrives and vacationers flock to the Island, things change. The pace quickens as the population quadruples. Smells of suntan lotion and outdoor barbeques permeate the air. A constant ripple of wakes made by boaters fills the waterways and beaches become crowded with sunbathers and surfers frolicking in the Atlantic. There is no doubt that tourist season is a far cry from the easygoing off-season months. To most, it is a time for fun in the sun on Topsail Island. But for a few, it's just plain old murder.
Thallasophile - lover of the ocean. That's me. I have a strong affinity for that entity and express those feelings through my writing--my books. They may span many genres but are all connected to the place I call home. Genres published: historical fiction, literary, murder, essays--they all are set on Topsail Island where I grew up. It is my way of perserving this wonderful place and the people with whom I share my life. The first book in the Murder by the Sea series is WATERLOGGED. Don Belkin is a former Marine, now a detective with the Surf City Police Dept. He's a conflicted man, to say the least, as he struggles to accept his past and find solace in the small beach town. Bitterness runs deep between the locals who have populated the area for generations and the "new" folks who think they've found paradise. Oh, Topsail Island may be the perfect tourist attraction, but in the summer it's just plain MURDER. (there are 5 more books in the series)
Waterlogged is the first book in this seven book series. It is one of my favorites, with all the same characters throughout, unless I killed them off. :)
My go to people are a detective, a retired US Marshal, an FBI guy and of course, local law enforcement, all of whom help me with rules, laws and regulations.
Bridge Tender- #2
The Tower-#3
The Mermaid Did It-#4
Shark's Breath-#5
All These Little Things-#6
Tickler Chain-#7
I'm presenting this list so that my readers will know them in order. Often they are not listed that way. Hope this helps and I hope that y'all enjoy these stories. Thanks!
Book Excerpt
Waterlogged
It was typical springtime on Topsail Island, the weekend before Memorial Day, so it was relatively quiet. This time of year was referred to by most locals as the calm before the storm.
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