Since the 2007 publication of Folly, the first of five novels in the Folly Beach Mystery series, the question I have been asked most often has been, “Why choose Folly Beach as the setting?” Considering that I live in Louisville, Kentucky, I think it’s an excellent question.

My wife and I first vacationed on Folly Beach in 2003.  The third day there we were walking on the beach, and about a hundred yards in front of us, a body washed ashore; the police had just arrived. It proved to be an accidental death, but a small seed of a story was planted in the back of my mind.  After all, that’s not a sight you see every day, and it struck me in such contrast to the peaceful, pleasant vacation we were having.

I didn’t give writing another thought until 2006, when we took my in-laws to Folly for vacation.  As Confucius should have said, a week in a condo with one’s mother-in-law leads to thoughts of murder! So, a drowning a few years earlier, combined with the “inspiration” of my mother-in-law, came together to get me thinking about a murder mystery.

Yes, I know that I still haven’t answered the question of, “Why Folly?” Be patient, I’m getting there. In addition to the two pleasant vacations on Folly Beach, I quickly learned to appreciate the character, and characters, of the unique—and truly fantastic—island.

Folly Beach is close to the drastically different world of Charleston.  The Charleston Visitors’ Guide describes Folly Beach as a “charming bohemian enclave perched on the self-anointed edge of America.” To me, it has an “aging hippy, beer-for-breakfast, shared-with-your-Doberman,” feel. True, Folly Beach has a nice beach, some excellent restaurants, some shopping, great walking areas, and a great view of a historic lighthouse, but its people are what set it apart from anywhere else I have been.

I have been privileged to get to know several residents during my visits the last five years, including some politicians, public safety officers, storeowners and employees, out-of-luck residents with unknown addresses, and even some vacationers who visit year-after-year. I am continually impressed by the friendliness, openness, and caring attitudes of most everyone I have met. The characters in the series are not directly based on anyone on Folly, but several of you have said that they know who they “really” are. I’m pleased that I have captured much of the feel of Folly; for that’s the true inspiration for the books and what I hope to convey—through some humor, some drama, and large doses of Folly Beach.

Folly Beach is not just the setting of the Folly Beach Mystery series; it is a main character in the books. Now, when anyone asks me, “Why Folly Beach?” I simply respond that I couldn’t think of anywhere else I would want my books to take place.

Bill Noel is the author of five novels in the Folly Beach Mystery series: Folly, The Pier, Washout, The Edge, and the most recent installment, The Marsh. His books are available locally at Bert’s Market, the Sugar Shack at the Tides, the Piggly Wiggly, Michelle’s Salon and Spa, and the Ravenous Reader. They are also available on line through amazon.com and Barnes and Noble. More about the books and the author can be found at www.billnoel.com.

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Author Bill Noel

Bill Noel, author of the mystery novels Folly, The Pier, and Washout, will be holding book signings for his latest novel in the Folly Beach Mystery series, The Edge, at four locations on Folly Beach between March 20 and 26. This will be Mr. Noel’s first appearance on Folly Beach since The Edge was released in January.

In a review of Noel’s The Pier, The Clarion notes that, “Noel writes with a fast-paced, easily read style, with plenty of humorous asides … With his smarts nicely calibrated at the average reader’s level, Chris provides a good-humored, engaging entry into the world of Folly Beach.”

And according to a review of Folly by Grand Strand Magazine, “For those who enjoy reading local fiction, or just want a beach read with a bit of a twist, Folly should be right up you alley.”

Folly Beach is unique, the novels are quirky, and the locations of the book signings are unique in the world of literary endeavors! But then again, what’s normal on Folly Beach?

Mr. Noel will be signing and discussing his four books at:

• Michelle’s Salon and Spa, 103 E. Cooper Street, Saturday, March 20, 2 – 6pm
• Piggly Wiggly, 1985 Folly Road, Sunday, March 21, 1 – 4pm
• Lost Dog Café, 106 W. Huron, Tuesday, March 23, 7:30am – 1pm
• Bert’s Market, 205 E, Ashley, Tuesday March 23, 3 – 7pm

South Carolina’s Folly Beach is prominently featured in all four mystery novels. For more information, visit www.billnoel.com.

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