Southern Heat
by David Burnsworth
There is plenty of drama, action, mystery and characters that you like and want the best from.
~readalot
…a really good read. A fast paced page turner from page 1. David Burnsworth has created enjoyable characters that are engaging, and the setting is beautiful.
~Tea and A Book
I am just amazed that this was David Burnsworth first novel…let me tell you this is an author to watch!
~Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book
Hardcover: 304 pages
Publisher: Five Star; first edition (February 19, 2014)
ISBN-13: 978-1432828004
E-Book ASIN: B00IF9FAKS
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My Review
Brack Pelton’s life changes in an instant after witnessing the murder of his uncle. The police suspect him and a beautiful, persistent reporter puts him in the spotlight.
Much comes to light after his uncles death. Brack inherits his uncles ramshackle bar, Pirate’s Cove, his old beach house, and some valuable undeveloped land.
I couldn’t help but compare some of this book to my neck of the woods. Pirate’s Cove sounds so much like a local bar we used to have called Judge Roy Bean’s. I spent many afternoons there, sharing good times with the other regulars. And the scenery described is such that I felt like I was home.
I just loved Brack. He never took himself seriously. Some scenes had me laughing out loud. He’d claim to know about women and be so off the mark. It seemed like every few pages something he’d do or think would have me chuckling. Gotta love him.
And his dog, Shelby. Brack loves that dog and does everything to make sure he’s safe and happy when things start getting dangerous. In the south, it’s not uncommon for people to have multiple dogs and they go where their owners go.
As Brack digs into his uncles murder, two detectives hound his every move. Brack was such a rascal. He pulled all kinds of stuff on the two poor fellas. One I actually came to like was Wilson. He had potential to become a good guy.
When the powers that be come after the land Brack inherited, goons come out of the woodwork, bullets fly, and people get hurt.
Gripping and intense, David Burnsworth has written a winner. The southern atmosphere is as thick as the humidity and the mystery and suspense make the story fly.
I was thrilled to receive a print copy of Southern Heat and was thrilled when I discovered that after removing the book flap, the actual book still displayed the same beautiful scene. Often a book is blank under the cover, but not this one.
Living in the south, I’m always drawn to stories that have a southern setting and I had a blast with this book. I must have marked so many pages with post-its so I could tell you about something that leaped out at me, though I didn’t use most so I wouldn’t spoil the mystery.
The author did everything right with this exciting mystery and I’m anxious to see what he writes next. Hopefully more about these flawed yet lovable characters.
5 Stars
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Synopsis:
Gunshots echo down an antebellum Charleston alley. Brack Pelton, an ex-racecar driver and Afghanistan War veteran, witnesses the murder of his uncle, Reggie Sails. Darcy Wells, the pretty Palmetto Pulse reporter, investigates Reggie’s murder and targets Brack.
The sole heir of his uncle’s estate, Brack receives a rundown bar called the Pirate’s Cove, a rotting beach house, and one hundred acres of preserved and valuable wetland along the Ashley River. A member of Charleston’s wealthiest and oldest families offers Brack four million dollars for the land. All Brack wants is his uncle’s killer.
From the sandy beaches of Isle of Palms, through the nineteenth-century mansions lining the historic Battery, to the marshlands surrounding the county, Southern Heat is drenched in the humidity of the lowcountry.
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About This Author
David Burnsworth became fascinated with the Deep South at a young age. After a degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Tennessee and fifteen years in the corporate world, he made the decision to write a novel. Southern Heat is his first mystery. Having lived in Charleston on Sullivan’s Island for five years, the setting was a foregone conclusion. He and his wife along with their dog call South Carolina home.
Author Links: Website ~ Facebook ~ Twitter
I have one Print copy of Southern Heat to giveaway!
To enter, please leave your email address so I can contact you if you win and answer this question:
“Do you look for stories written in familiar settings?”
Giveaway ends May 16th.
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Tour Participants
May 6 – A Blue Million Books – Interview
May 7 – readalot – Review
May 8 – Tea and A Book – Review, Guest Post
May 9 – Mystery Playground – Interview, E-Book Giveaway
May 10 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – Review
May 11 – fuonlyknew – Review, Print Giveaway
May 12 – Lori’s Reading Corner – Guest Post, Print Giveaway
May 13 – Omnimystery News – Guest Post
May 14 – View from the Birdhouse – Review
May 15 – Brooke Blogs – Review, E-Book Giveaway
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