Author Joan Doucette has released her debut mystery novel, "The Phantom Wore Red Pajamas," the first installment in a planned series set in the fictional Live Oaks Active Senior Community on Hilton Head Island. The novel follows amateur sleuths Lottie Carter and her husband Arthur as they investigate the suspicious death of a renowned orchestra conductor known as "The Maestro." With the help of their lively friend Minuet ("Minnie") and a retired police officer, the couple navigates a labyrinth of secrets and eccentric suspects to uncover the truth behind the supposed suicide.
Doucette, a retired teacher, drew inspiration for the novel from her own experiences living in the Sun City Hilton Head Retirement Community and her love of classic whodunits with a humorous twist. "I'm thrilled to share this twisty tale with readers," said Doucette. "The Lowcountry setting and the lively characters at Live Oaks are sure to resonate with mystery fans, especially those dreaming of retirement in South Carolina's coastal communities." This personal connection adds authenticity to the portrayal of retirement community dynamics, a growing but often underrepresented setting in contemporary fiction.
The launch of this series is significant as it taps into the expanding market for cozy mysteries and reflects the increasing literary interest in stories centered on older protagonists and retirement life. By setting the narrative within an active senior community, Doucette's work contributes to diversifying the settings and character demographics within the popular mystery genre, potentially appealing to both traditional mystery readers and an older demographic seeking relatable narratives.
"The Phantom Wore Red Pajamas" is now available in hardcover, paperback, and e-book formats at Amazon and independent bookstores throughout South Carolina. For more information about the book and upcoming events with the author, please visit authorjoandoucette.com. The novel's availability across multiple formats ensures broad accessibility for readers, while its South Carolina bookstore presence supports local literary ecosystems. The planned series indicates a sustained creative endeavor that could establish a new niche within regional mystery fiction, highlighting coastal retirement culture.
