Books read in 2026: No. 6 -- The Mystery of Smuggler's Cove

by Retro Myrtle Beach Guy

Started: May 23

Finished: May 24

Notes: The author of this one is a YouTube content creator who focuses most of his material on the Myrtle Beach area. His content tends to be fun and family oriented, and he's created a couple of indie films as well as a number of other projects, including a handful of books, such as this one. As I'm entertained by him and enjoy his work, I thought I'd give one of his books a shot for more fun.

Mini review: Just a fun, silly little adventure of two pals, Retro and Tiki, as they attempt to thwart a villain in the Myrtle Beach area. Fans of Myrtle Beach should enjoy this one as there are a number of local landmarks and establishments mentioned, and the focus is on building community and helping local, smaller businesses. The Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce should stock copies of this book in their offices, especially as they turn out to be one of the heroes of the tale!

Books read in 2026: No. 5 -- Long Time No See

by Ed McBain

Started: May 18

Finished: May 23

Notes: My readings so far this year have been on the heavier side, so I decided it was time for something lighter. Yes, for me, murder is lighter. At least when it's written by Ed McBain.

Mini review: Someone is murdering blind people. Why? That's what Detective Steve Carella and the rest of the 87th gang have to determine. Not the best of this series, perhaps even one of the more predictable of these books, or maybe I've just read so many of them I've become overly familiar with the author's style. That being said, it's still an 87th Precinct book, which means it's like pizza ... even when it's not great, it's still pretty darn good.

Books read in 2026: No. 4 -- The Marquis de Sade: A Life

by Neil Schaeffer

Started: April 22

Finished: May 17

Notes: For some while I've been intrigued by the mad figure of the Marquis de Sade, so when I came across this biography, I had to snatch it up.

Mini review: Much as I thought, this book seems to say that Sade was a more complex and misunderstood figure not only today but in his own time as well. That's not to say he was a nice guy, but it does mean his reputation was worse than the reality, at least according to historical records of which there were many. And I've said for some while now that while one might not approve of Sade's material, the man could write. Was he insane? Likely not, though I think it's beyond doubt that he had some emotional and possibly mental issues. Was he a murderer? Rapist? Pedophile? That's not how it looks in the historical records we have. Still, not someone I'd want to hang out with, but he could write.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Rolling Rock Light

Beer score: 5.4

Still searching for a lighter beer for warm weather, one I've not had before or at least not in a long time, so I thought I turn to the Rolling Rock brews. And was I surprised this one was no longer in production.

As a side note, I've also seen this beer sold as Rock Green Light or Rock Light, but those aren't around either.

Whatever the name might be, this one wasn't bad for a light beer.

As can be expected, this one poured an almost-clear yellow color with scents of corn, typical for most premium or mass-produced beers.

Smooth. There was a little of the corn sweetness in the taste, and it was slightly watery.

Beer of the Week Blast from the Past: Caguama Light

Beer score: 3.2

Warm weather is approaching and I thought I'd try a lighter beer I'd not had in a while. Thinking I'd go for something unusual, at least for me, I sought out the Caguama brews and found they are no longer being made. Still, I have some notes from the last time I had one of these in the light version.

Poured a bright golden color while giving off scents that reminded me of plain cereal. It tasted like a premium light beer with some corn and a little bread. Touches of sweetness, a hint of bitter, not much more.

This one wasn't nearly as smooth as the non-light version of Caguama. It had way too much fizz, though that's fairly typical for light beers. Still, like the non-light version, this one was fairly cooling on hot days and went decent with spicy foods, and it made a decent bar beer.

Beer of the Week: Lowenbrau Dunkel

Beer score: 4.9

Company: Lowenbrau
ABV: 5.2
IBU: 18

Sometimes this beer is labeled as Lowenbrau Premium Dark, but it's the same beer.

Pours a dark brown color in a clear glass while giving off scents of burnt chocolate and toffee.

This is pretty weak for a dark beer. There is a little of the expected burnt taste, but not much. However, there is a little sweetness here, almost like caramel.

For the price, you can do better, but still not the worst beer around.