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A Savannah Reid Mystery #3
Killer Calories
Private detective Savannah Reid isn't your average crime-fighting heroine.
Middle-aged and overweight--at least by society's skinny-winnie standards--Savannah has the audacity to love herself anyway. If there's anything the sassy Dixie belle enjoys more than cooking soul-satisfying food for her friends and family, it's nabbing bad guys and plopping them on the scales of Lady Justice. Having relocated to Southern California, this unconventional Georgia peach and the equally eccentric members of her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency live to take a tasty bite out of crime in the sleepy, seaside town of San Carmelita.
Under ordinary circumstances, deliciously gluttonous, private detective Savannah Reid wouldn't be caught dead in a toxin-cleansing, exercise-till-you-drop, eat-seaweed-goop health spa. But murder is no ordinary circumstance, and Savannah has to catch a killer. Of course, to do that she has to stay alive, and she's starting to think this place and its grueling regimen (not to mention the bowls of gruel) will be the death of her. She's wondering what her official Cause of Death will be: starvation, exhaustion, or murder in the first degree, in KILLER CALORIES.
Middle-aged and overweight--at least by society's skinny-winnie standards--Savannah has the audacity to love herself anyway. If there's anything the sassy Dixie belle enjoys more than cooking soul-satisfying food for her friends and family, it's nabbing bad guys and plopping them on the scales of Lady Justice. Having relocated to Southern California, this unconventional Georgia peach and the equally eccentric members of her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency live to take a tasty bite out of crime in the sleepy, seaside town of San Carmelita.
Under ordinary circumstances, deliciously gluttonous, private detective Savannah Reid wouldn't be caught dead in a toxin-cleansing, exercise-till-you-drop, eat-seaweed-goop health spa. But murder is no ordinary circumstance, and Savannah has to catch a killer. Of course, to do that she has to stay alive, and she's starting to think this place and its grueling regimen (not to mention the bowls of gruel) will be the death of her. She's wondering what her official Cause of Death will be: starvation, exhaustion, or murder in the first degree, in KILLER CALORIES.
199 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 1997
55 people are currently reading
639 people want to read
About the author
G.A. McKevett
34 books728 followersSince publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over sixty published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed SAVANNAH REID MYSTERIES under the pseudonym G. A. McKevett.
Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.
Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor. Her Irish novels include: DREAM CARVER, CAROUSEL, DAUGHTER OF IRELAND and the bestselling FAR AND AWAY - the novelization of the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.
Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.
Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.
Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.
Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor. Her Irish novels include: DREAM CARVER, CAROUSEL, DAUGHTER OF IRELAND and the bestselling FAR AND AWAY - the novelization of the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.
On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.
Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.
Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
October 7, 2020
This series will never be five stars but they are fun to read in between serious reads. Did Kat Valentina accidentally drown or was she murdered for her scandalous lifestyle? Savannah is my favorite character; kind, funny and a strong female character is always welcome.
Although I recommend these to cozy mystery readers, they are not keepers. I read and give away kindly.
Although I recommend these to cozy mystery readers, they are not keepers. I read and give away kindly.
March 10, 2017
This is the 3rd book in the Savannah Reid Mystery- It's a cozy mystery- enjoyable- pop corn for the brain when you need something light, cute , funny - and yes, you just have to remind yourself that when things get silly- well- a cozy is a cozy- and that is what we read them for-
If you are a fan of the cozy- then start with book one, and keep reading - if you only like a cozy here and there- by all means - start with book one and read them when you feel a brain candy rush!
If you are a fan of the cozy- then start with book one, and keep reading - if you only like a cozy here and there- by all means - start with book one and read them when you feel a brain candy rush!
August 11, 2020
3.5 stars. Since I've read this series out of order it's fun getting to read some of the books at the beginning to see how things have changed over the series. This was very enjoyable and a little different as Savannah had a mystery client. I do find it amusing how characters in books always get stuck at the not so good spas. I did like the setting there though and how it gave Savannah access to detect. I was kept guessing on the mystery and was not thinking the way it ended at all.
January 25, 2010
G. A. McKevett's Savannah Reid is a southern belle who has been displaced to Southern California. She was once a police officer, but after being kicked off the force, she has now opened her own business as a private investigator. With the help of her apprentice Tammy and her former police partner Dirk, Savannah solves crimes in this mystery series. Killer Calories is the third book that chronicles Savannah's mystery-solving skills.
The business world becomes personal when Tammy's other employer is found dead at the spa she owned. Kat Valentina was once a beautiful and famous actress. After her career fizzled, she opened a spa in southern California with her husband and manager. The spa is a health-oriented one that serves green sludge disguised as breakfast and almost kills its visitors with exercise morning, noon, and night. But it's also a troubled spa, complete with a stalker security guard, a quack of a doctor, and elderly, spying neighbors. When Savannah gets an anonymous letter in the mail stuffed full of cash, asking her to investigate, she and Tammy jump at the chance to find out if Tammy's former actress/boss met death by her own hand or someone else's. Or was her murder just an accident -- too many margaritas mixed with an overly-heated mud bath?
Savannah is fun -- lots of it. And she likes to eat; she has Dirk sneak her out of the spa several times to eat bad breakfast food and burgers. She also enjoys fine dining with her friends John and Ryan, an elegant gay couple. She offers one-liners with style, and fights crime with her black belt in karate. McKevett's mystery is what Danna from Cozy (& Not So Cozy) Mystery Books and DVDs would call a cozy mystery. What does that mean, you might ask? Well, Danna includes an essay on what makes a mystery a "cozy mystery." Here is how McKevett's book fits to that definition:
* Savannah "is an amateur sleuth. . . . Her education and life’s experiences have provided her with certain skills that she will utilize in order to solve all the crimes that are 'thrown her way.' [And:] she is usually a very intuitive, bright woman." Yes, Savannah used to be a police officer. However, she was kicked off the squad. And she isn't doing very well as a private investigator -- she has bills piled up on every surface of her house. So that makes her an "amateur" in my opinion.
* San Carmelita is in southern California, but it is still "a small town or village... The small size of the setting makes it believable that all the suspects know each other [and the spa setting feeds into that even more. Savannah is:] a very likeable person who is able to get the community members to talk freely (i.e. gossip) about each other. There [are multiple people who are:] very knowledgeable and nosy (and of course, very reliable!) characters in the book who are able to fill in all of the blanks, thus enabling [Savannah:] to solve the case."
* Savannah is "not a medical examiner, detective, or police officer [-- even though she used to be -- but:] her best friend [and former partner Dirk:] is. This makes a very convenient way for her to find out things that she would otherwise not have access to."
* "The local police force [except for her friend Dirk:] doesn’t take [Savannah:] very seriously. They dismiss her presence, almost as if she doesn’t exist. This of course, makes it convenient for her to 'casually overhear' things at the scene of a crime." And in Savannah's case, they even let her examine the body; of course, none of her meetings with the medical examiner yield any results -- the medical examiner is convinced that Savannah is crazy for investigating the case and that all initial test reports were complete.
* "In [this:] series, [all of:] the characters are likeable, so that the reader will want to visit them again. The supporting characters are equally important to the reader. It is for this reason that there are so many funny, eccentric, and entertaining secondary characters," such as Tammy, Dirk, John, & Ryan.
There are more ways Savannah & friends fit into the idea of a cozy mystery, but you should read Danna's definition of a cozy mystery for yourself for more information... and links to her other lists, of course.
I've already checked the fourth book in the series out at the library (for some reason, the first and second books aren't available) and I will be reading it soon. Also -- more on this later, but for now -- you can see the entire list for this series on my Series site, so that you read in order and don't miss anything!
The business world becomes personal when Tammy's other employer is found dead at the spa she owned. Kat Valentina was once a beautiful and famous actress. After her career fizzled, she opened a spa in southern California with her husband and manager. The spa is a health-oriented one that serves green sludge disguised as breakfast and almost kills its visitors with exercise morning, noon, and night. But it's also a troubled spa, complete with a stalker security guard, a quack of a doctor, and elderly, spying neighbors. When Savannah gets an anonymous letter in the mail stuffed full of cash, asking her to investigate, she and Tammy jump at the chance to find out if Tammy's former actress/boss met death by her own hand or someone else's. Or was her murder just an accident -- too many margaritas mixed with an overly-heated mud bath?
Savannah is fun -- lots of it. And she likes to eat; she has Dirk sneak her out of the spa several times to eat bad breakfast food and burgers. She also enjoys fine dining with her friends John and Ryan, an elegant gay couple. She offers one-liners with style, and fights crime with her black belt in karate. McKevett's mystery is what Danna from Cozy (& Not So Cozy) Mystery Books and DVDs would call a cozy mystery. What does that mean, you might ask? Well, Danna includes an essay on what makes a mystery a "cozy mystery." Here is how McKevett's book fits to that definition:
* Savannah "is an amateur sleuth. . . . Her education and life’s experiences have provided her with certain skills that she will utilize in order to solve all the crimes that are 'thrown her way.' [And:] she is usually a very intuitive, bright woman." Yes, Savannah used to be a police officer. However, she was kicked off the squad. And she isn't doing very well as a private investigator -- she has bills piled up on every surface of her house. So that makes her an "amateur" in my opinion.
* San Carmelita is in southern California, but it is still "a small town or village... The small size of the setting makes it believable that all the suspects know each other [and the spa setting feeds into that even more. Savannah is:] a very likeable person who is able to get the community members to talk freely (i.e. gossip) about each other. There [are multiple people who are:] very knowledgeable and nosy (and of course, very reliable!) characters in the book who are able to fill in all of the blanks, thus enabling [Savannah:] to solve the case."
* Savannah is "not a medical examiner, detective, or police officer [-- even though she used to be -- but:] her best friend [and former partner Dirk:] is. This makes a very convenient way for her to find out things that she would otherwise not have access to."
* "The local police force [except for her friend Dirk:] doesn’t take [Savannah:] very seriously. They dismiss her presence, almost as if she doesn’t exist. This of course, makes it convenient for her to 'casually overhear' things at the scene of a crime." And in Savannah's case, they even let her examine the body; of course, none of her meetings with the medical examiner yield any results -- the medical examiner is convinced that Savannah is crazy for investigating the case and that all initial test reports were complete.
* "In [this:] series, [all of:] the characters are likeable, so that the reader will want to visit them again. The supporting characters are equally important to the reader. It is for this reason that there are so many funny, eccentric, and entertaining secondary characters," such as Tammy, Dirk, John, & Ryan.
There are more ways Savannah & friends fit into the idea of a cozy mystery, but you should read Danna's definition of a cozy mystery for yourself for more information... and links to her other lists, of course.
I've already checked the fourth book in the series out at the library (for some reason, the first and second books aren't available) and I will be reading it soon. Also -- more on this later, but for now -- you can see the entire list for this series on my Series site, so that you read in order and don't miss anything!
April 14, 2021
I like Savannah. I like Tammy. I like Dirk. So that's the whole lot of them (plus two more, but Ryan and John don't have too much page time in this book). Savannah has the Georgia girl southern sass going for her and she doesn't do peachy keens and y'all (I'm a little upset there's no y'all, I like y'all). She's also on the plus side and she likes her food so what do you do about it, yes? Good for her, I know what that's like. You only live once anyway so you might as well smuggle some contraband truffles into health spa (more like one of those religious monasteries where humiliation of the flesh or something like that was how you attained god).
But anyway, this wild child former actress decided to settle down in the one red area of California (yes I know I'm exaggerating), and continued her shenanigans/naked orgies where people could see (out of telescopes, but that's being nitpicky) and then she dies seemingly accidentally. But did she really. Someone with wads of cash hires Savannah to investigate and she does by checking herself into the aforementioned health jail.
Like I said I like Savannah and Tammy and Dirk. I have some issues with the books, but they're funny and light and they're okay for an afternoon's read. I thought the mystery was rather thin and Savannah should have at least figured out sooner who hired her (she didn't ask the one question that I thought she should have asked first). But it was still fun to follow this ridiculous spa experience. I'll read the next few books at least.
But anyway, this wild child former actress decided to settle down in the one red area of California (yes I know I'm exaggerating), and continued her shenanigans/naked orgies where people could see (out of telescopes, but that's being nitpicky) and then she dies seemingly accidentally. But did she really. Someone with wads of cash hires Savannah to investigate and she does by checking herself into the aforementioned health jail.
Like I said I like Savannah and Tammy and Dirk. I have some issues with the books, but they're funny and light and they're okay for an afternoon's read. I thought the mystery was rather thin and Savannah should have at least figured out sooner who hired her (she didn't ask the one question that I thought she should have asked first). But it was still fun to follow this ridiculous spa experience. I'll read the next few books at least.
January 24, 2022
It's kind of difficult to enjoy the big reveal when you like the murderer a lot better than the "victim". I nearly thought that the conclusion to Killer Calories was going to be way too similar to the one in Bitter Sweets with the sympathetic killer conveniently dying after confessing to the
crime. A neat little twist, although not a very surprising one, prevented that from happening.
A decent mystery but the "full-figured" aspect of P. I. Savannah Reid is beginning to wear a bit thin.
crime. A neat little twist, although not a very surprising one, prevented that from happening.
A decent mystery but the "full-figured" aspect of P. I. Savannah Reid is beginning to wear a bit thin.
Read
April 22, 2019Forgot about this series. Didn’t get very far in it. Start again? Yes? No?
March 5, 2009
Savannah Reid, the southern sweet-talking, sweet loving ex-cop-turned PI is back. This time she is hired anonymously to investigate the murder of the 70s Disco Queen turned health spa owner. Savannah and her assistant, Tammy, check into the spa to investigate. Spa life is a challenge for the round-happy-with-my-shape-everyone-else-thinks-I-need-to-lose Savannah. She continues to investigate, sneaking out to meet with her ex-cop partner and others, all the while sneaking in pie a la mode.
Good mystery, great characters, and snappy dialogue. The journey is worth it, even if the revelation of the murderer is not justice revealed, but a sad situation. McKevett creates great characters you care about.
Good mystery, great characters, and snappy dialogue. The journey is worth it, even if the revelation of the murderer is not justice revealed, but a sad situation. McKevett creates great characters you care about.
June 9, 2012
I really like Savannah, her kick-ass attitude and her southern charm but...and it's a big but I'm having trouble with the books. As much as I enjoy the main character and even how she interacts with those around her as she goes about trying to solve whatever crime she's investigating the story is dragging for me. It's just not holding my interest, which explains why it took me 10 days to get through it...and the only reason I finished was it was due at the library tomorrow. I'm sad to say that I won't be trying any additional books in this series. Although it had great potential, it just didn't play out and there are too many other really good things out there to read.
July 25, 2022
Schlemmende Detektivin
Sie hat ein mörderisches Gespür … nicht nur für Schokolade
Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid ermittelt in der High Society
Ihr neuester Fall führt die schokoladensüchtige Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid in ein luxuriöses Spa Hotel. Die Besitzerin des Wellness Tempels und Kult-Schauspielerin Kat Valentina wurde tot in einem ihrer Whirlpools aufgefunden. Die Gerichtsmedizinerin diagnostiziert einen unglücklichen Mix aus zu vielen Margaritas und heißen Dämpfen, doch Savannah glaubt nicht an einen Unfall. Auch an Verdächtigen mangelt es nicht: von Ex- und Möchtegern-Liebhabern bis hin zu Angestellten des Spas und eifersüchtigen Schauspiel-Kolleginnen. Savannah muss den Fall schnell lösen, denn wenn das strenge Trainingsprogramm und die karge Spa-Küche sie nicht umbringen, gibt es immer noch einen Mörder in der Nähe …
Den letzten Band dieser Reihe habe ich vor einiger Zeit auch schon gelesen, daher war klar, dass ich auch den neuen Band lesen muss.
Das Cover ist im gewohnten Stil der Reihe gehalten. Ganz im Stil der Südstaaten, wo Savannah herkommt. Immerhin ist sie eine echte Südstaaten-Diva.
Der Schreibstil ist gewohnt locker und leicht zu lesen. Leider haben sich einige Rechtschreibfehler eingeschlichen, die nicht entdeckte wurden. Auch der ein oder andere Übersetzungsfehler ist im Buch drin. Da sollte vielleicht gründlicher Korrekturgelesen werden. Allein im Klappentext auf der DP-Website haben sich schon 2 Fehler eingeschlichen. Dies kreide ich der Autorin natürlich nicht an, aber im Verlag sollte da vielleicht besser drauf geachtet werden.
Ich kann nun mal leider nicht über Rechtschreibfehler hinweglesen. Sie stören meinen Lesefluss.
Das Buch ist bis zum Ende spannend und ich habe es sehr flott durchgelesen. Die optimale Urlaubslektüre 😊
Sie hat ein mörderisches Gespür … nicht nur für Schokolade
Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid ermittelt in der High Society
Ihr neuester Fall führt die schokoladensüchtige Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid in ein luxuriöses Spa Hotel. Die Besitzerin des Wellness Tempels und Kult-Schauspielerin Kat Valentina wurde tot in einem ihrer Whirlpools aufgefunden. Die Gerichtsmedizinerin diagnostiziert einen unglücklichen Mix aus zu vielen Margaritas und heißen Dämpfen, doch Savannah glaubt nicht an einen Unfall. Auch an Verdächtigen mangelt es nicht: von Ex- und Möchtegern-Liebhabern bis hin zu Angestellten des Spas und eifersüchtigen Schauspiel-Kolleginnen. Savannah muss den Fall schnell lösen, denn wenn das strenge Trainingsprogramm und die karge Spa-Küche sie nicht umbringen, gibt es immer noch einen Mörder in der Nähe …
Den letzten Band dieser Reihe habe ich vor einiger Zeit auch schon gelesen, daher war klar, dass ich auch den neuen Band lesen muss.
Das Cover ist im gewohnten Stil der Reihe gehalten. Ganz im Stil der Südstaaten, wo Savannah herkommt. Immerhin ist sie eine echte Südstaaten-Diva.
Der Schreibstil ist gewohnt locker und leicht zu lesen. Leider haben sich einige Rechtschreibfehler eingeschlichen, die nicht entdeckte wurden. Auch der ein oder andere Übersetzungsfehler ist im Buch drin. Da sollte vielleicht gründlicher Korrekturgelesen werden. Allein im Klappentext auf der DP-Website haben sich schon 2 Fehler eingeschlichen. Dies kreide ich der Autorin natürlich nicht an, aber im Verlag sollte da vielleicht besser drauf geachtet werden.
Ich kann nun mal leider nicht über Rechtschreibfehler hinweglesen. Sie stören meinen Lesefluss.
Das Buch ist bis zum Ende spannend und ich habe es sehr flott durchgelesen. Die optimale Urlaubslektüre 😊
August 15, 2022
Ein Krimi mit Wohlfühlatmosphäre
Savannahs Ermittlungsarbeit in einem Spa
Die sexy Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid ist vielleicht auf Komfort und nicht auf Schnelligkeit ausgelegt, aber sie mag sich so, wie sie ist, sehr gern. Der einzige Weg für sie, einen Fuß in ein Wellness-Center zu setzen, ist eine Leiche - die eines anderen - und ein saftiges Honorar, um den Deal zu versüßen.
Die unwiderstehliche Kombination aus Mord und Geld bringt Savannah nach Royal Palms, um den Tod der Spa-Besitzerin und ehemaligen Kultfilmschauspielerin Kat Valentina zu untersuchen. Der Gerichtsmediziner spricht von einer tödlichen - aber versehentlichen - Mischung aus Alkohol und einem heißen Whirlpool, aber Savannahs anonymer Kunde ist anderer Meinung. Savannah erfährt schnell, dass es an möglichen Verdächtigen nicht mangelt, von Ex-Liebhabern und Möchtegern-Liebhabern bis hin zu Angestellten und früheren Co-Stars mit unrühmlicher Vergangenheit. Für Savannah und ihre Vorliebe für Süßes könnte sich dieser Fall als kostspielig erweisen. Denn wenn das strenge Trainingsprogramm und die ekelhafte Spa-Küche sie nicht umbringen, ist ein Mörder in der Nähe, der bereit ist, den Job zu beenden ...
Das Cover ist wieder richtig schön geworden und passt zur Story. Der Schreibstil ist wieder schön flüssig und es wird nie langweilig. Der Charakter Savannah Ried wird mir immer sympathischer, weil ich gerne süße Sache esse. Auf jeden Fall ist es wieder ein schöner Cosy-Krimi zum Wohlfühlen. Ich kann das Buch jeden empfehlen der Cosy-Krimis und Krimis im Allgemeinen mag. Ich freu mich schon auf den 4. Band der Reihe und bin gespannt, wie es Savannah weiter geht.
Savannahs Ermittlungsarbeit in einem Spa
Die sexy Privatdetektivin Savannah Reid ist vielleicht auf Komfort und nicht auf Schnelligkeit ausgelegt, aber sie mag sich so, wie sie ist, sehr gern. Der einzige Weg für sie, einen Fuß in ein Wellness-Center zu setzen, ist eine Leiche - die eines anderen - und ein saftiges Honorar, um den Deal zu versüßen.
Die unwiderstehliche Kombination aus Mord und Geld bringt Savannah nach Royal Palms, um den Tod der Spa-Besitzerin und ehemaligen Kultfilmschauspielerin Kat Valentina zu untersuchen. Der Gerichtsmediziner spricht von einer tödlichen - aber versehentlichen - Mischung aus Alkohol und einem heißen Whirlpool, aber Savannahs anonymer Kunde ist anderer Meinung. Savannah erfährt schnell, dass es an möglichen Verdächtigen nicht mangelt, von Ex-Liebhabern und Möchtegern-Liebhabern bis hin zu Angestellten und früheren Co-Stars mit unrühmlicher Vergangenheit. Für Savannah und ihre Vorliebe für Süßes könnte sich dieser Fall als kostspielig erweisen. Denn wenn das strenge Trainingsprogramm und die ekelhafte Spa-Küche sie nicht umbringen, ist ein Mörder in der Nähe, der bereit ist, den Job zu beenden ...
Das Cover ist wieder richtig schön geworden und passt zur Story. Der Schreibstil ist wieder schön flüssig und es wird nie langweilig. Der Charakter Savannah Ried wird mir immer sympathischer, weil ich gerne süße Sache esse. Auf jeden Fall ist es wieder ein schöner Cosy-Krimi zum Wohlfühlen. Ich kann das Buch jeden empfehlen der Cosy-Krimis und Krimis im Allgemeinen mag. Ich freu mich schon auf den 4. Band der Reihe und bin gespannt, wie es Savannah weiter geht.
March 17, 2025
After finishing a 700 page slog of a Stephen King book that was this past month’s buddy read (thanks, little sister >.<) followed by two hard DNFs and one soft one, I was on the verge of a slump. This little gem pulled me back from the edge wonderfully!
A cozy mystery featuring a sweet-talking, wisecracking southern private eye? Sign me up!
Savannah, the MC, was always just the right amount of sass, sympathy, or smooze, depending on the situation. She was never over the top or annoying, which is something that could easily have been the case considering the main shtick of the series is that she’s “plus-sized” (she’s a size 14, c’mon now 😑).
Speaking of the shtick, it’s actually well balanced in this book! Although it’s often pointed out how Savannah is not like the other girls (sarcasm intended) and often allusions are frequently made about her wanting food, I never felt it was trite or mean spirited in nature. She’s also very body positive about her weight and most others show her respect as well (even a medical professional! 😮)
The cast of characters surrounding Savannah are fun and likable. We even got some positive LGBTQ+ representation!
The plot was serviceable. I probably won’t remember it a week from now but it was entertaining enough for the time I spent with it.
All in all, the perfect slump buster!
A cozy mystery featuring a sweet-talking, wisecracking southern private eye? Sign me up!
Savannah, the MC, was always just the right amount of sass, sympathy, or smooze, depending on the situation. She was never over the top or annoying, which is something that could easily have been the case considering the main shtick of the series is that she’s “plus-sized” (she’s a size 14, c’mon now 😑).
Speaking of the shtick, it’s actually well balanced in this book! Although it’s often pointed out how Savannah is not like the other girls (sarcasm intended) and often allusions are frequently made about her wanting food, I never felt it was trite or mean spirited in nature. She’s also very body positive about her weight and most others show her respect as well (even a medical professional! 😮)
The cast of characters surrounding Savannah are fun and likable. We even got some positive LGBTQ+ representation!
The plot was serviceable. I probably won’t remember it a week from now but it was entertaining enough for the time I spent with it.
All in all, the perfect slump buster!
February 10, 2019
Kat Valentina, spa owner and former cult movie actress, is found dead. Savannah and Tammy join the spa (a live-in spa) to get evidence. Cause of death was ruled accidental because of mixing booze and the hot tub. However, an anonymous client (via letter with cash retainer) thinks it was murder. There is a long list of suspects. Savannah doesn't exactly stick to the exercise or diet regimen. If Savannah is not happy with her size 14 body, do something about it. Her slob of a former partner, Dirk, is just as bad. Half of the book is what fattening, high-caloric crap they are eating. Cut that out and the book would be half its size. I am not a size 4 or even a size 6, but if I am unhappy with my weight and large behind I will do something about that or shut up. It's getting annoying.
Read
June 12, 2019P.I. Savannah Reid may be built for comfort and not for speed, but she likes herself just fine as she is. So the only way she's likely to set foot in a health spa is over a dead body--long with a hefty fee to sweeten the deal. The irresistible combination of murder and money brings Savannah to Royal Palms to investigate the death of spa owner and former cult-flick actress Kat Valentina. The medical examiner called it a fatal--but accidental--mixture of booze and a hot tub, but Savannah's anonymous client thinks otherwise. If the strict regimen of exercise and nasty spa cuisine doesn't kill Savannah, there's a murderer close by who's prepared to finish the job.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2025
Not as enjoyable as other books I have read in the series. The relationship between Savannah and Tammy is not fun and comical in this one; they do not seem like good friends, and Savannah exhibits a mean streak towards Tammy. Also the friendship between Savannah and ME Jennifer Liu is strained as Savannah challenges her autopsy report that the death was accidental; Savannah suspects murder but with no proof. Otherwise Savannah is obsessed with all the handsome men around her - the handsome but gay actor, the handsome doctor who is the first suspect, and the rich reclusive neighbor. The only one who is interested in her is the overweight slob cob who is her inside source in the PD.
August 7, 2021
Ok cozy. The Southern homespun sayings cloyed quickly. The protagonist, Savannah, dislikes the country at night and clearly identifies as a city girl, yet describes (inconsistently) her childhood Georgian home as rural. Very rural. "No indoor plumbing just an outhouse" rural. Since she's only in her 40s and the book is set in present day, I'm not sure what part of rural city Georgia she comes from. This is the only one in the series I've read. I won't read another. The mystery was easy to solve. The overdone Southernisms bordered on offensive.
January 23, 2019
Not my favorite in the series. In fact, if this was the first one I read I wouldn't have pursued the others. Nevertheless, Savannah Reid is a feisty Southern woman detective and there aren't enough of those in the world. My main objection was with her ex-partner's language. Maybe I'm remembering wrong, but I don't recall him talking like that before. I didn't find it entertaining.
Sincerely,
Ms. Prude (not)
Sincerely,
Ms. Prude (not)
March 29, 2019
Savannah is trying to figure out how to pay the bills at her PI business when she receives a envelope full of cash. The catch? She has to prove that the local sex siren who just died didn't die by accident but was murdered. Savannah, her extremely air headed assistant and Dirk work the case from every angle and finally start get answers. When two suspects end up in the hospital, Savannah finally figures out who the killer is but, how to prove it?
August 2, 2019
Just discovered this author when I picked up the newest book and saw it was a series...this is the third book of this series about an investigator who used to be a police officer. The main character is name Savannah and along with her partner Tammy, they set out to find out if the death of a spa owner is all that appears...book reminded me of Janet evenvoich Stephanie plum series with laughter and two partners who are polar opposites...can’t wait to read more of this series...
February 17, 2018
This is the third book in the series. I’m really enjoying them so far!
I had an idea who the killer was, but it wasn’t obvious. I loved how it was presented.
There were just a couple times I had to roll my eyes at Savannah always sneaking out of the spa to get some real food, but then I thought to be honest, I’d do the same thing. 😂
I had an idea who the killer was, but it wasn’t obvious. I loved how it was presented.
There were just a couple times I had to roll my eyes at Savannah always sneaking out of the spa to get some real food, but then I thought to be honest, I’d do the same thing. 😂
October 10, 2019
Savannah works to find out the truth behind the mysterious death of a health-spa owner. Did the former actress's bad habits finally catch up with her, or is there a darker truth behind the staff's healthy smiles?
I love Savannah Reid and I can't get enough of her adventures! Definitely recommended.
I love Savannah Reid and I can't get enough of her adventures! Definitely recommended.
January 14, 2019
I am thoroughly enjoying the Savannah series! Glad I read the "prequel" which was Murder in her Stocking. That set me to find these books and I really love that there are a great many in the series!
October 30, 2019
I liked this one. The characters were snappy and funny with believable dialogue. The main character was likable and funny. The plot wasn't painfully obvious and the reactions and actions in the legal system weren't so shockingly stupid that I had to cringe. I'll read the other books in this series.
August 6, 2020
OK, they cannot all be winners, but I have not given up quite yet on this cute series. My detailed review is here: https://bookreviewsbykristie.wordpres...
September 16, 2024
Humorous with good characters and plot though I did guess the murderer well before the end. Immerse a southern girl with curves and a love of food undercover in a questionable spa and it's bound to be entertaining.
December 10, 2025
Quick enjoyable read. Cute characters. Not much depth, but nice to finish a book without much effort for a change. I have plenty of criticisms, but I read this fully knowing I just needed a distraction and it delivered.
October 9, 2018
It is a delightful fun read that warms the mind.
I would trio all my friends to read this book. It was fun and interesting to follow the trek that Savannah took me on..
I would trio all my friends to read this book. It was fun and interesting to follow the trek that Savannah took me on..
October 20, 2018
Best one in the series so far
February 16, 2019
Savannah and Tammy go to a spa in this book. Lots of fun and interesting characters, great setting, quick read.
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