News Summary
Retired police officer Brian Thiem is set to release his crime fiction novel, ‘The Mudflats Murder Club,’ focusing on a retired detective’s investigation into a neighbor’s murder. The book, set in South Carolina’s Lowcountry, merges crime, community, and culture while connecting to a historical unsolved case. A book launch party is scheduled to celebrate this thrilling new read.
Bluffton, SC – A new crime fiction thriller titled The Mudflats Murder Club, authored by retired police officer Brian Thiem, is set for release on July 29. This novel represents the first installment of a four-book series and is deeply embedded in the rich culture of South Carolina’s Lowcountry, featuring a fictional barrier island called Spartina Island, which draws inspiration from Hilton Head.
Set within a fictional retirement community named Sea Island Plantation, the story centers around Sean Tanner, a retired police sergeant and detective. As Tanner begins to enjoy his idyllic retirement, the tranquility is abruptly shattered by the murder of his neighbor, Nancy Russo, prompting him to become involved with a group of retired detectives, prosecutors, and forensic experts known as the Mudflats Murder Club. This group, which investigates cold cases in collaboration with the sheriff’s office, is modeled after Thiem’s actual experience volunteering with the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office cold case team.
The plot intensifies as the murders not only impact the community but also connect to a 38-year-old unsolved case, threading a compelling narrative that intertwines past and present. Thiem positions the book as an engaging read for fans of mystery and crime genres, similar to the works of Richard Osman and the television series Only Murders in the Building.
To celebrate the launch of The Mudflats Murder Club, a book launch party has been planned for August 1 at the SOBA “Schoolhouse” located at 8 Church Street in Bluffton. Guests can enjoy free refreshments while having the option to meet the author, engage in discussions about the book, and purchase signed copies. Thiem’s latest work is expected to be a “great beach read,” catering to the summer crowd looking for thrilling literary adventures.
Brian Thiem is not new to the world of crime fiction; he has previously published the Detective Matt Sinclair Mystery series, which includes titles such as Red Line, Thrill Kill, and Shallow Grave. With a solid background in law enforcement, Thiem dedicated 25 years to the Oakland Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant after a significant tenure in homicide investigations. In addition, he served for 28 years in the Army, retiring as a lieutenant colonel and gaining experience as an Iraq War veteran.
Thiem is a member of several literary organizations, including Mystery Writers of America, and received an MFA in creative writing, adding further credibility to his writing endeavors. His journey as a published author began in 2015 with the release of Red Line, which set the stage for his burgeoning career in mystery writing.
The launch of The Mudflats Murder Club not only highlights Thiem’s passion for storytelling and his writing prowess but also offers readers a glimpse into the intersection of crime, community, and culture in the South Carolina Lowcountry. Readers and crime fiction enthusiasts alike are anticipated to find the book both captivating and thought-provoking, with the potential to resonate in the picturesque settings reminiscent of Lowcountry life.
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HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- Bluffton Today
- Wikipedia: Crime Fiction
- Island Packet
- Google Search: Brian Thiem
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Crime Genre
- Google News: South Carolina Crime Fiction
Author: STAFF HERE BEAUFORT
The HERE Beaufort Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Beaufort community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background: Local Roots in Beaufort : Our team includes lifelong Beaufort residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sale of the historic Crofts Block Building, Beaufort’s equestrian heritage, and growth in local tech and education sectors (e.g., BeaufortTechnical College programs). Collective Experience: With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Beaufort Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality: Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
