Local Research, Community Leadership, and Events Highlight Release of Death in Surfside, the Ninth Book in the Myrtle Beach Mystery Series

Award-winning mystery author Caleb Wygal released Death in Surfside, the ninth installment in his Myrtle Beach Mystery Series, on March 3, 2026. The new novel continues Wygal’s tradition of weaving suspenseful mysteries through Grand Strand settings, supported by academic collaboration and strong community involvement.

To ensure accuracy and depth in the novel’s coastal and environmental elements, Wygal partnered with Professor Erin Hackett of Coastal Carolina University during the research phase of the book. The collaboration helped ground the story in real-world science and regional insight, adding a layer of authenticity that longtime readers have come to expect.

“This is Caleb’s most ambitious title to date, and we’re thrilled with how it turned out!” said Jordon Greene, Chief Publisher of Franklin/Kerr Press.

The release will be celebrated with two public events. A launch party will be held on March 1 at Bohemian Bull at 3pm, followed by a release-day book signing on March 3 at Back Again Bookshop in Surfside Beach from 11-1.

In addition to the book launch, Wygal will also serve as a judge for the Second Annual Adult Team Spelling Bee benefiting the Palmetto Literacy Council. The event will be emceed by Ed Piotrowski of WPDE, with fellow judges including Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark Kruea, Matt Pivarnik, CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, Pam Dawson of the Horry County School Board, and Destiny Kennedy, anchor and producer of WMBF’s Grand Strand Today.

Death in Surfside follows bookstore owner and amateur sleuth Clark Thomas as a new case pulls him into danger along the South Strand, proving once again that even familiar coastal towns can hide deadly secrets.

Wygal’s Myrtle Beach Mystery Series  has earned national recognition while remaining deeply rooted in the Grand Strand. The series began with Death on the Boardwalk, winner of the Pinnacle Award for Best Cozy Mystery, and continued with Death on the Causeway, which won the Readers’ Favorite Gold Medal for Best Amateur Sleuth Mystery.

For more information about Death in Surfside, event details, or interview requests, visit calebwygal.com