Short Story Review: Low Country Crime

Low Tide at Tybee is the final novella in the anthology, Low Country Crime. Author James M. Jackson creates an amusing tale with unexpected red herrings and plenty of twists. 

The protagonist is the star of Jackson's Seamus McCree novel series. In this story, he is trying to enjoy a relaxing vacation with his six-year-old granddaughter and his mother, who is a spry 81. In keeping with the theme of the anthology, they have a rental near the beach on Tybee Island, off the coast of Georgia.

That may sound like a laid-back setting with characters who can't possibly get in any trouble, but McCree is a retired financial crimes investigator. He believes his past has followed him to Tybee, and threatens his granddaughter and mother.

The greatest tension for me was worrying about the six year old, followed closely by fears for McCree's dart champion mother. There are surprises at the end, as all the loose ends are wrapped up in ways I didn't anticipate.

Low Tide at Tybee was a fun read, as were all the stories in this anthology with a Southern setting.

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