Local Charleston Novelist Kristen Ness celebrates her debut “At Loggerheads” – Now Available for Purchase

Local Charleston Author Kristen Ness, Charleston resident and alumnus of Duke University and the University of South Carolina School of Law is proud to announce the release of her debut novel, At Loggerheads. This novel is filled with murder, politics and intrigue, but at its heart, it is a love letter to the South Carolina coast. For any fan of mysteries and a celebrated love of the Lowcountry, this is a must read. Let’s learn more about Kristen (in her own words) and the new novel.

About the author – Kristen Ness

I grew up mostly in South Carolina, spending countless days with nature and falling in love with the ocean and its creatures on Isle of Palms, where, for the past ten years, I’ve walked the beach at sunrise each summer in search of sea turtle nests as a volunteer for the Island Turtle Team. While practicing immigration law for twenty years, I’ve been moonlighting in pursuit of my lifelong passion for writing and my obsession with marine biology. Writing, real estate, politics, and even publishing run in my blood as the daughter of an English teacher and a land developer, and the great-granddaughter of the 14th Governor of North Dakota whose family owned and published The Bismarck Tribune. I have a BA in English from Duke University, a JD from the University of South Carolina School of Law. I’m an appointed member of the Coral Advisory Panel for the South Atlantic Fishery Management Council. I live in Charleston, SC, with my husband, our two children, and a cat. At Loggerheads is my first novel.  

About the Novel

Murder on a South Carolina barrier island brings together a sea turtle biologist and a local detective to unravel a mystery that might impact the race for the White House. 

In late May, loggerhead sea turtles should be nesting on Anders Isle and scientist Brooke Edens should feel more at home on the island where she grew up. But something is amiss. When a dead body surfaces along with other big crimes, Brooke finds herself entangled in a homicide investigation with detective Drew Young, her closest friend (and sometimes love interest). At the same time, a favorite candidate is emerging for the upcoming US presidential election, and he happens to be the father of Brooke’s ex-fiancé. While Brooke’s knowledge of sea turtles helps Drew discover and decipher evidence, the many revelations, betrayals, and secrets threaten not only the investigation but also Brooke’s closest relationships and her beloved turtles. 

Will they be able to untangle the web of crimes and catch the killer before it’s too late?

Captivating, clever, and timely, At Loggerheads is a love letter to the barrier islands and coastal towns of the South Carolina Lowcountry, where the often-opposing forces of Mother Nature and human nature influence what people will do for money, for power, and for love. 

Reviews

“[A] welcome summer read for those who enjoy mystery, a colorful and descriptive storyline, as well as slight brushes of heated romance. Ness has woven a delightful story that is not only picturesque, but incorporates a long overdue love story, the environment, politics, greed, and an intriguing murder mystery . . . If At Loggerheads is Kristen Ness’ attempt to become a seasoned author, she is well on her way . . .”
–JEFF WALKER – Entertainment Review with Charleston.com

“I came for the sea turtles and stayed for the mystery and intrigue! At Loggerheads is a delightful debut that deftly shifts from twisty to tender, delivering a page-turning murder mystery while examining the complicated relationship between humans and the incredible creatures we share this world with. 
I loved this book!”
—SHELBY VAN PELT,  – New York Times bestselling author of Remarkably Bright Creatures

“Kristen Ness’s At Loggerheads is a thrilling debut novel intertwined with mystery, nature, romance, and betrayal. Set on a lush barrier island, Ness offers the reader a rich sense of place in a whodunit that reflects on the meaning of home. A must read—especially if you love sea turtles!”
—MARY ALICE MONROE, – New York Times bestselling author of 27 books, including The Beach House series

“Sea turtles, murder, politics, romance . . . This masterful must-read murder mystery has it all. A stunning debut.” —STEPHANIE ALEXANDER, author of the award-winning Tipsy Collins Series

Follow and Purchase

• Click HERE to purchase At Loggerheads
• Click HERE for the Kristen Ness Official Website
• Follow Kristen on INSTAGRAM.