Helpful Score: 3
Now I am not sure if this series falls under the traditional Cozy genre since there isn't the warm fuzzy feel, but there is a small town, there are cats, and of course a woman on the tail of a killer. But that is where the comparison to cozy ends.
After a couple of so-so cozies in my recent past, it was nice to finally get drawn in by a writer that knows how to keep the plot moving forward without relying on clichés and cats with above human intelligence.
Savannah Reid, is a police detective in the small town of San Carmelita, that is until she steps on one too many toes and finds herself out of a job and still on the trail of a brutal killer. Not having a badge or a police issued weapon doesn't stop her, she has a job to do and with her southern charm and wit she is going to find out who killed Jonathan Winston even if it does take her ex-partner and a rather dashing ex-CIA agent Ryan Stone, who with his partner, John Gibson, add quite a bit of splash to a rather dull life.
This first in a series book definitely makes you want to read the rest. If you are a fan of Stephanie Plum you will without a doubt find a new lead character that has you laughing and scratching your head at the same time.
After a couple of so-so cozies in my recent past, it was nice to finally get drawn in by a writer that knows how to keep the plot moving forward without relying on clichés and cats with above human intelligence.
Savannah Reid, is a police detective in the small town of San Carmelita, that is until she steps on one too many toes and finds herself out of a job and still on the trail of a brutal killer. Not having a badge or a police issued weapon doesn't stop her, she has a job to do and with her southern charm and wit she is going to find out who killed Jonathan Winston even if it does take her ex-partner and a rather dashing ex-CIA agent Ryan Stone, who with his partner, John Gibson, add quite a bit of splash to a rather dull life.
This first in a series book definitely makes you want to read the rest. If you are a fan of Stephanie Plum you will without a doubt find a new lead character that has you laughing and scratching your head at the same time.
Helpful Score: 2
At forty, with a black belt in karate, Memphis-born Detective Sergeant Reid is in her element cruising for crime in one of southern California's most exclusive enclaves ... until a shocking murder rouses San Carmelita from its star-studded stupor - and places Savannah in the center of a sensational case that soon erupts into a media feeding frenzy. Speaking of food ... When Savannah uncovers evidence that places a high-ranking, married politician in bed - literally - with the local law, she's not only taken off the case, she's told she's too fat to stay on the force. Surrendering her badge, Savannah reacts in her usual fashion: by drowning her sorrows in deep-dish pizza and chocolate cheesecake. But nothing keeps a savvy Southern belle down for long ... and soon Savannah and a sexy fellow cop are working together to take a bite out of this crime. With suspects abounding - and a cast of characters that includes an ex-CIA agent and a computer genius with the know-how to take the case into the 21st century - Savannah finds herself sifting through a nasty mess of sex, adultery and down-and-dirty politics that could prove the creme de la creme of her detecting career. If she can use her own appetite for justice to unmask a cunning killer.
Helpful Score: 2
This book wasn't quiet what I was expecting...which was a cozy mystery. I couldn't get past the first 2 chapters...there were many curse words & a very violent, graphic murder, just in the first few pages. Probably not a big deal for most people, and doesn't make this a bad book....but it was a shock for me, as I was expecting "Diane Mott Davidson" quality. Entirely my fault, and I should definitely do more research on a book & read more reviews before requesting it.
Helpful Score: 1
Savannah is a fun sleuth to read about. I like her and her spunk. I'll definitely read the rest in the series. This was well written and a good mystery.
Helpful Score: 1
A great,great first in a series. I can't wait to read more.
From back cover:
She's got a Dixie peach complexion and a blackbelt in karate. She's Savannah Reid, a big, sexy southern sleuth who believes in enjoying life to the fullest. She likes good friends, good food, and good lovin' not necessarily in that order!
She's got a Dixie peach complexion and a blackbelt in karate. She's Savannah Reid, a big, sexy southern sleuth who believes in enjoying life to the fullest. She likes good friends, good food, and good lovin' not necessarily in that order!
I read Peaches & Screams, Cooked Goose & Sour Grapes all before this one & liked them better.
Book one of series
Savannah may have some Southern Belle qualities, but she is no cream puff. Voluptuous and voracious, she fights for what is right whether it's a comfortable position or not (and it is mostly not). First in a series that promises much entertainment to come.
From Publishers Weekly: "McKevett's debut, set in San Carmelita, Calif., is an uneven mix of police procedural and gumshoe cliches. Georgia-born detective Savannah Reid and her staid partner, Dirk Coulter, are split up after the body of city councilwoman Beverly Winston's husband is found shotgunned. In an unprecedented move, Savannah is given the case alone and is told to concentrate on suspects other than Beverly. She learns why: Beverly and police chief Norman Hillquist are lovers. After refusing to abridge her investigation and discovering that Hillquist confiscated a piece of evidence, she is fired, ostensibly for being overweight. Then a prime suspect hires Savannah to find the real killer. In her private life, Savannah worries as her naive younger sister is wined and dined by a notorious pimp. An anonymous tipster, a gay detective couple and a computer nerd who finally breaks the case join Savannah and the ever-loyal Dirk as they careen from one implausible situation to the next, failing to settle into credible detecting."
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal: "This first-in-a-series starring police detective Savannah Reid proves once again that southern California is a world to itself. Savannah, a displaced Southern belle of buxom figure, heads an investigation into the murder of a prominent councilwoman's husband. When she refuses to go along with a police coverup, however, her boss fires her?for exceeding departmental weight regulations! Savannah proceeds, though, hampered only by her frequent dessert indulgences, her ingenuous 16-year-old sister, and her lust for a handsome bodyguard. The infectious heroine and self-deprecating humor override the predictable plot, exaggerated characters, and slick prose." Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal: "This first-in-a-series starring police detective Savannah Reid proves once again that southern California is a world to itself. Savannah, a displaced Southern belle of buxom figure, heads an investigation into the murder of a prominent councilwoman's husband. When she refuses to go along with a police coverup, however, her boss fires her?for exceeding departmental weight regulations! Savannah proceeds, though, hampered only by her frequent dessert indulgences, her ingenuous 16-year-old sister, and her lust for a handsome bodyguard. The infectious heroine and self-deprecating humor override the predictable plot, exaggerated characters, and slick prose." Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc. --
This was a new author for me. Loved the characters. Love the exchange between characters. I was surprised at the end. A who done it that didn't tell me at the beginning. Very good. Will continue to read these.
Marlene W. (KansasSunflower) -
Absolutely great series. All of them are great.
First in the Savannah Reid series ... she's delightful and the intro of other characters keeps me wanting to read more.
Savannah Reid wasn't my cup of tea - but a well written book.
1st in series
excellent read! 1st in series about Savannah Reid, a Memphis-born police detective in Southern California & the beginning of how she becomes the owner of a new private detective agency. She likes good friends, good food, and good lovin', not necessarily in that order. She's got a Dixie peach complexion and a black belt in karate & she's not a "petite miss" & proud of it~most of the time!
I LOVE Savannah Reid - hooray for the big girls! Great cozy series. "She's got a Dixie peach complexion and a black belt in karate. She's Savannah Reid, a big, sexy southern sleuth who believes in enjoying life to the fullest. She likes good friends, good food, and good lovin'... not necessarily in that order."
I thought it was good, but I was expecting more background
and for it to set the foundation for the other books that
followed, disappointedly it did not!
Giggi
and for it to set the foundation for the other books that
followed, disappointedly it did not!
Giggi
these books are wonderful reading!!!
Second in a series.
