BOOK REVIEW: ALL IS NOW LOST – LAURA ELIZABETH

Book Review: All Is Now Lost – Laura Elizabeth

Welcome to Mongin Island, the South Carolina Lowcountry home of Carr Jepson and the cozy Books & Brew bookstore, where hot and cold tea are not the only things brewing.

Book #1 of The Island Mysteries series finds Carr Jepson arriving alone on Mongin Island, ready to start the next chapter of her life. Accessible by boat, Mongin Island has very few cars, no busy roads, no crowds, no traffic lights, no bridge, but boasts gloriously oak-lined roads, beaches of powdery white sand, marshes with tall beach grasses and an empty storefront that speaks to an unanswered dream in Carr’s heart: creating a gathering spot that happens to sell books.

Recognizing that the Books & Brew’s bare walls could use some “island life,” Carr decides to photograph the glorious island scenery. Promising a truly unique sunrise photo, Carr’s friend Barb takes her to Governor’s Point, an abandoned property that was supposed to be an exclusive waterfront neighborhood. The now neglected property is overgrown and is Barb’s secret hideaway for enjoying some of the island’s most spectacular water views. But what the two women find in the water that morning sets off a mystery that crisscrosses the island and surfaces the many reasons, some of them deeply rooted in the island’s once-turbulent history, that families have come to love this spot in the Atlantic for many generations.

This cozy mystery, All Is Now Lost by Laura Elizabeth was an amazing read, when Laura offered to send it to me, I was more than overjoyed, as I love this genre.

The plot is centered around Carr Jepson, seeking a fresh start, arrives on the serene and secluded Mongin Island in South Carolina’s Lowcountry. Enchanted by the island’s oak-lined roads, white sandy beaches, and tranquil marshes, she is inspired to open Books & Brew, a bookstore and community hub. As she strives to bring the island’s essence into her store through photography, her friend Barb takes her to Governor’s Point for a spectacular sunrise shot. There, at an abandoned, overgrown property, they stumble upon a startling discovery in the water. This unexpected find unravels a mystery that intertwines with the island’s rich and turbulent history, revealing deep-seated secrets and the enduring love families have for this Atlantic haven.

I love the way Laura seamlessly blends her knowledge of the island’s history and her story to create a beautiful novel. She even adds her own kinks to the story by creating her own fiction name for the island, personalizing her story.

She creates a perfect cozy mystery by creating authentic and lovable characters while also concocting a thrilling mystery that keeps readers hooked.

The descriptive words and vivid imagery add to the story making it a truly immersing read. Carr, the main character is amazingly brave, witty, and friendly, making her an adoring character.

The only problem there really was the grammatical errors.

Laura’s ability to paint a picture with her words and imagine lovely characters help her make an amazingly well-written and wonderfully engaging novel. This enthralling read is sure to capture fans of cozy mysteries or beach reads.

b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b b