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Savannah Martin Mystery #3
Contract Pending
They say that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and Savannah is certainly learning the truth of that statement.
It’s been a month and a half since Rafael Collier left town, and although Savannah knows it would be hideously inappropriate—not to mention supremely stupid—to miss him, she wishes he’d come back soon. His grandmother’s ailing, the nurse he hired to take care of her has disappeared, and somebody is watching the house and following Savannah as she goes about the business of bringing her first real estate transaction to a close.
But when Rafe comes back, things only go from bad to worse. Resident nurse Marquita Johnson is found murdered, and Metro Nashville Homicide Detective Tamara Grimaldi is asked to handle the case. It doesn’t take long for her to focus her interest, once again, on Rafe.
Now Savannah has to make the choice between staying safe by accepting her old flame Todd’s proposal of marriage, or taking a chance on losing her heart and her life by trying to help Rafe, as the term ‘contract pending’ takes on a whole new meaning.
*** Contains an excerpt of Close to Home, Savannah Martin mystery #4
It’s been a month and a half since Rafael Collier left town, and although Savannah knows it would be hideously inappropriate—not to mention supremely stupid—to miss him, she wishes he’d come back soon. His grandmother’s ailing, the nurse he hired to take care of her has disappeared, and somebody is watching the house and following Savannah as she goes about the business of bringing her first real estate transaction to a close.
But when Rafe comes back, things only go from bad to worse. Resident nurse Marquita Johnson is found murdered, and Metro Nashville Homicide Detective Tamara Grimaldi is asked to handle the case. It doesn’t take long for her to focus her interest, once again, on Rafe.
Now Savannah has to make the choice between staying safe by accepting her old flame Todd’s proposal of marriage, or taking a chance on losing her heart and her life by trying to help Rafe, as the term ‘contract pending’ takes on a whole new meaning.
*** Contains an excerpt of Close to Home, Savannah Martin mystery #4
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 27, 2011
119 people are currently reading
340 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bennett
122 books537 followersJenna Bennett writes the USA Today bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries featuring Southern Belle and new-minted real estate agent Savannah Martin in Nashville, Tennessee.
As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.
She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.
aka Jennie Bentley
The DIY series:
FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)
The Cutthroat Business series:
A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)
Soldiers of Fortune series:
FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)
Various:
ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)
As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.
She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.
aka Jennie Bentley
The DIY series:
FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)
The Cutthroat Business series:
A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)
Soldiers of Fortune series:
FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)
Various:
ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
September 18, 2012
I have a hard time believing that the main character doesn't see the obvious. It's a fun read despite the naive main character.
January 5, 2019
I read the first two a few years ago and decided to pick back up in the series. The main character is way too naive and blind to the obvious. It was hard for me to get through this one.
Read
May 16, 2019Despite having reservations about the main character I decided to read the third book in this series since it came as part of a free three book bundle from bookbub. And lo and behold Ms. Savannah Martin has evolved (some. Slowly.) The cliff hanger has me wanting to read book 4.
(Also, for what it’s worth, no one native Southerner says “you want I should.”)
(Also, for what it’s worth, no one native Southerner says “you want I should.”)
October 4, 2017
Como melhorou este 3º volume em relação aos anteriores! Nem acredito que estive para desistir da série depois do 2º livro, ainda bem que não o fiz. A relação de Rafael e Savannah subiu a um nível tão mais alto que ainda nem estou em mim.
Estou mesmo muito ansiosa para ler o 4º livro e agora fui ler a sinopse desse e, OMG! Porque fui fazer tal coisa quando ainda não tenho o livro para ler já?!
Estou mesmo muito ansiosa para ler o 4º livro e agora fui ler a sinopse desse e, OMG! Porque fui fazer tal coisa quando ainda não tenho o livro para ler já?!
February 11, 2013
This was one heck of a series! With a large dose of mystery, murder, action and drama, and yes romance too it completely rocked!
Because I really feel that all of you should read this series I am not going to break each book down but rather give you a summary of sorts, keeping it all as short as possible as to not give it away.
The characters from all three books were memorable ones, the author made sure to let each one carry their weight in the sense that each one was unique. The characterization used by the author was remarkably well written to such a extent that I felt as if I was the one being followed or being placed under threat of murder!
The back drop settings were inspiring as it's descriptions very vividly painted by the author sucked me into a world of suspense and so much mystery it left me mind boggled as to how the author came up with such a wonderfully, powerful and creative life of characters, yes no kidding it was that good!
I definitely know this author will go to the top of her line, and I for one look forward to the next instalment I know I will be in for one heck of a ride!
Brilliant work Jenna!
5/5 star review
Because I really feel that all of you should read this series I am not going to break each book down but rather give you a summary of sorts, keeping it all as short as possible as to not give it away.
The characters from all three books were memorable ones, the author made sure to let each one carry their weight in the sense that each one was unique. The characterization used by the author was remarkably well written to such a extent that I felt as if I was the one being followed or being placed under threat of murder!
The back drop settings were inspiring as it's descriptions very vividly painted by the author sucked me into a world of suspense and so much mystery it left me mind boggled as to how the author came up with such a wonderfully, powerful and creative life of characters, yes no kidding it was that good!
I definitely know this author will go to the top of her line, and I for one look forward to the next instalment I know I will be in for one heck of a ride!
Brilliant work Jenna!
5/5 star review
January 14, 2013
I'm really enjoying this series and this book is a fast-paced read that held me attention enough for me to read it in one sitting. Ms. Bennett does a terrific job bringing the characters to life, and it was nice to see that Rafe becomes a bit more dimensional in this book; more complicated and more sympathetic. I totally pegged the murderer, but it was still a strong plot and I liked the ending quite a bit. A bit of a cliff-hanger at the end, although it's one that's possibility was introduced in the previous book.
Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
Overall, I enjoyed this book quite a bit.
January 4, 2021
REVIEW OF AUDIOBOOK; JANUARY 02, 2021
I enjoy the murder mysteries in this cozy series as much as the developing relationship between Rafe and Savannah. I'm annoyed with Savannah in every book yet I myself listening to each installment back to back.
The pacing is fast and there are no boring fillers unlike many police procedural series, especially the British ones. Savannah is assuring Todd, her erstwhile suitor, that nothing is going on between Rafe and her and she is constantly being warned off that bad boy. Since Rafe turns up whenever he wants and always looks for her, it's kinda difficult to keep everyone there's nothing between them.
Now, Savannah is asked by Rafe to look after his grandmother after her nurse cum housekeeper has vanished. Savannah moves into the house - which only causes more consternation what with Todd stepping up on his efforts to woo Savannah.
Another enjoyable installment but, man, I wish Savannah would tell everyone to stop minding her personal life.
I enjoy the murder mysteries in this cozy series as much as the developing relationship between Rafe and Savannah. I'm annoyed with Savannah in every book yet I myself listening to each installment back to back.
The pacing is fast and there are no boring fillers unlike many police procedural series, especially the British ones. Savannah is assuring Todd, her erstwhile suitor, that nothing is going on between Rafe and her and she is constantly being warned off that bad boy. Since Rafe turns up whenever he wants and always looks for her, it's kinda difficult to keep everyone there's nothing between them.
Now, Savannah is asked by Rafe to look after his grandmother after her nurse cum housekeeper has vanished. Savannah moves into the house - which only causes more consternation what with Todd stepping up on his efforts to woo Savannah.
Another enjoyable installment but, man, I wish Savannah would tell everyone to stop minding her personal life.
June 10, 2017
I enjoyed this book but I did figure out who the killer would be from the previous book. While reading the previous book I also determined that Rafe had a son. The real surprise to me was the author of the bodice ripper books. Wonder what's going to happen with those -- will Savannah take over as author? That would be a real twist and would shock her proper southern family! Speaking of family, now that she has realized that she loves Rafe will she tell her family to mind their own business and follow her heart? Another question which begs an answer is "Will she ever make her first real estate deal?" I think there might be a plot for the next book about the low appraisal on the property for her clients!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2025
I got the first three books of this series through a free giveaway for an honest review.
The series follows a real estate agent as she works through her career choice, love life, and all the murder that happens around her.
Over the course of the three books, she doesn’t sell one house. So I don’t know how much of a real estate agent she can be considered. She has a lot of problematic thoughts and beliefs. Borderline racist beliefs. Which is just the way she is raised, but yikes.
It was a pretty entertaining read. A little predictable. But entertaining all the same. I probably will continue the series, se where she goes with it. Got to see if she ever sells a house. That’s the real mystery!
The series follows a real estate agent as she works through her career choice, love life, and all the murder that happens around her.
Over the course of the three books, she doesn’t sell one house. So I don’t know how much of a real estate agent she can be considered. She has a lot of problematic thoughts and beliefs. Borderline racist beliefs. Which is just the way she is raised, but yikes.
It was a pretty entertaining read. A little predictable. But entertaining all the same. I probably will continue the series, se where she goes with it. Got to see if she ever sells a house. That’s the real mystery!
January 1, 2018
Really exciting series! The murders are a little gruesome but not too graphic or bothersome. Definitely worth reading! Savannah is a Realtor. She is really good friends with Rafe. Several people die and she is trying to figure out why and how the deaths might be related. Very exciting! The culprit was easier to guess in this one but there are still some twists and it is fast paced and intriguing. Plus there are some surprises. This is a fun quick read. Don't get bogged down with the social circles and etiquette, just enjoy this cozy mystery.
February 3, 2024
I very much enjoyed the twisty mysteries at the heart of this book. Though, I didn’t find this one to be quite as distracting as the previous ones; the villain was not a surprise to me. I really appreciated that we’re starting to see Savannah growing from her very sheltered upbringing and becoming more self-aware about how naïve and bigoted her attitudes and opinions are. Where the book ends is kind of a “soft” cliffhanger, and that’s left me very interested in discovering what’s about to happen next.
May 10, 2019
Fun read, although the ‘whodunnit’ was very obvious if you read the first two books. Savannah’s naïveté (immaturity? shelteredness?) is often irksome, but I keep hoping she will grow up and quit worrying about what her mother will think. She’s got potential and hopefully will overcome her elitist, racist upbringing and dare to experience life with the oh-so-interesting Rafe Collier.
June 13, 2020
Third book in this series. More murders, intrigue and romance. Rafe and Savannah grow closer as people they know are dying. There were too many pages of dreaming about Rafe, but it certainly didn't take away from the story. Like the previous books, there are twists and a surprise at the end. Well written and interesting.
June 18, 2021
Wonderful sequel
Okay, normally when there’s more than one sequel I end up getting annoyed with the characters and give up on the series. But so far this series has kept me fully interested to the point that I finished the third book in less than a day!! Hilarious, entertaining, mysterious and romantic - all things I love!
Okay, normally when there’s more than one sequel I end up getting annoyed with the characters and give up on the series. But so far this series has kept me fully interested to the point that I finished the third book in less than a day!! Hilarious, entertaining, mysterious and romantic - all things I love!
February 19, 2025
Hoopla Digital Audiobook Publisher: Findaway Voices
Savannah Martin has been busy as a realtor but after not seeing Rafael Collier for a month he returns and Savannah still has feelings for him. Rafe's grandmother is not well and he hired a nurse, Marquita Johnson to take care of her. Shortly later, Marquita Johnson is found murdered and Metro Nashville Homicide Detective Tamara Grimaldi is handling the case and she is focusing on Rafe. Savannah gets in the path of the real killer because he wants to get to Rafe.
Savannah Martin has been busy as a realtor but after not seeing Rafael Collier for a month he returns and Savannah still has feelings for him. Rafe's grandmother is not well and he hired a nurse, Marquita Johnson to take care of her. Shortly later, Marquita Johnson is found murdered and Metro Nashville Homicide Detective Tamara Grimaldi is handling the case and she is focusing on Rafe. Savannah gets in the path of the real killer because he wants to get to Rafe.
July 14, 2017
I'll admit that the casual racism and snobbery bothered me in the first 2.5 books, but then I came to realize that people don't change that quickly and Savannah is on her way. I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
May 1, 2019
Review for the first 3 books - there’s no way I’ll ever read another....
The main character is such a dunce she only figures out who the killer is when they are about to kill her and she so unlikeable you are almost rooting for the killer to do her next.
The main character is such a dunce she only figures out who the killer is when they are about to kill her and she so unlikeable you are almost rooting for the killer to do her next.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 9, 2020
Compared to last two books, this book is better and the relationships are more defined and better.. I love the relationship between the protagonist and her brother. It's cute and really lovely. Reminds me of my relation with my own brother. Overall, a nice book..
April 16, 2020
The series is good enough but they are a little slower to get into than a lot of books for me. I prefer a heroine with a little more spunk. Savannah is too dependent upon everyone else for validation and lacking so much confidence that it's almost irksome.
August 21, 2017
I can't get enough of the Savannah Martin series. I am enjoying these books and can't wait to see the where the characters are going.
July 17, 2018
Hooked!😰
I am so hooked on this series! As soon as I finish one book I quickly but the next! There goes my book budget.😊
I am so hooked on this series! As soon as I finish one book I quickly but the next! There goes my book budget.😊
May 12, 2019
Jumps forward from second story a few months... And really jumps in regards to the relationships. Looking forward to reading books following this.
October 6, 2019
Poor Savannah. It sucks to have feelings for someone your not allowed to be. It is also sad that her parents are more important them herself. She is strong and this book was great.
February 22, 2021
Compared to the first two books in the series, this one showed drastic improvements, but the main character still has a long way to go in some aspects.
June 14, 2023
😏😏 I’m not sure how I feel about these books
December 27, 2020
Wonderful reading
An excellent very will written romantic thriller mystery in the Savannah Martin Series. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is fast moving with lots of action racing to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend to readers who enjoy action. Enjoy reading 2020 🎩🎉✨
An excellent very will written romantic thriller mystery in the Savannah Martin Series. The characters are interesting and will developed. The story line is fast moving with lots of action racing to the unexpected conclusion. I would recommend to readers who enjoy action. Enjoy reading 2020 🎩🎉✨
March 5, 2017
This one may be a favorite - at least a favorite of the 3 that I've read. Love Rafe. Don't care too much for Todd. Hopefully is finally out of the picture. I REALLY hate the way the books end. I get that it's a series, but don't leave us hanging. At least I have the next book in hand, I would really be upset if I had to wait months for it to release.
December 13, 2011
Fresh off reading HOT PROPERTY I decided to pick up the next book in this series, CONTRACT PENDING. This series just gets better and better and I couldn't wait to find out what happens next!
Savannah is back to trying to sell real estate and trying to not get into too much trouble. However trouble seems to follow her around when Marquita turns up dead, and it seems like someone is out to kill her and Rafe. It's up to Savannah to find the killer and delve into exactly what her growing affections for Rafe mean for her future.
CONTRACT PENDING is my favorite book in this series so far. All the sub-plots in the first two books come together for a dynamite of a novel that I simply couldn't put down.
While I easily guessed who murdered Marquita, I was so caught up in the story that it didn't deflect in my overall enjoyment of the story. In fact even though I knew the murderer I was surprised by some of the plot points surrounding the murder that I hadn't caught on. There was definitely a lot of gasps and ahhs as I frantically turned each page until I reached the end!
This is the third book in the series and I really feel like I've learnt a lot about Savannah in the three books, and I'm continually fascinated by the life of a southern belle...
"Todd ordered for both of us: white wine for me, red for himself. Grilled chicken for me, steak for himself. Black coffee for me, cheesecake for himself. Todd is partial to cheesecake. So am I, if it comes to that; I just can’t eat it while I’m out with him. It’s been firmly ingrained in me that a Southern Belle has a sixteen-inch waist and eats like a bird. So when Todd and I go out, I pick at my food and have black coffee for dessert, while I watch him enjoy his cheesecake. Yes, I resent it, but it’s life. I’m used to it by now."
A meal without dessert? I couldn't handle the southern belle life, although I'm definitely envious of Savannah's shoe collection!
I am absolutely hooked on this series. The murder mystery is always first class. The characters have me glued to every page and I can't wait to find out what Savannah is up to next.
Savannah is back to trying to sell real estate and trying to not get into too much trouble. However trouble seems to follow her around when Marquita turns up dead, and it seems like someone is out to kill her and Rafe. It's up to Savannah to find the killer and delve into exactly what her growing affections for Rafe mean for her future.
CONTRACT PENDING is my favorite book in this series so far. All the sub-plots in the first two books come together for a dynamite of a novel that I simply couldn't put down.
While I easily guessed who murdered Marquita, I was so caught up in the story that it didn't deflect in my overall enjoyment of the story. In fact even though I knew the murderer I was surprised by some of the plot points surrounding the murder that I hadn't caught on. There was definitely a lot of gasps and ahhs as I frantically turned each page until I reached the end!
This is the third book in the series and I really feel like I've learnt a lot about Savannah in the three books, and I'm continually fascinated by the life of a southern belle...
"Todd ordered for both of us: white wine for me, red for himself. Grilled chicken for me, steak for himself. Black coffee for me, cheesecake for himself. Todd is partial to cheesecake. So am I, if it comes to that; I just can’t eat it while I’m out with him. It’s been firmly ingrained in me that a Southern Belle has a sixteen-inch waist and eats like a bird. So when Todd and I go out, I pick at my food and have black coffee for dessert, while I watch him enjoy his cheesecake. Yes, I resent it, but it’s life. I’m used to it by now."
A meal without dessert? I couldn't handle the southern belle life, although I'm definitely envious of Savannah's shoe collection!
I am absolutely hooked on this series. The murder mystery is always first class. The characters have me glued to every page and I can't wait to find out what Savannah is up to next.
January 3, 2013
The third in the Savannah Martin Mystery Series is the best of a good thing. The subtle humor and evolving relationships are two of its greatest strengths. Well, that and the irresistible Rafe.
When Marquita, care-giver for Rafe's grandmother, disappears while Rafe is out of town, Savannah steps in to help out with the sweet but often confused Mrs. Jenkins. Life gets even more complicated when she encounters a hit man look for Rafe. When someone breaks into her apartment, she has to stay at his house which is daunting on two levels; she can't forget the danger she faced in that house just months ago, and the only place to sleep is Rafe's bed. She isn't sure which thought is more frightening. Guess who shows up the next morning.
Through the ensuing danger and confusion, Savannah has to face changes in her relationships with both Todd and Rafe while she figures out where she wants to be in those relationships.
I enjoy watching this southern belle grow into a contemporary woman and love seeing her interaction with Rafe. I also appreciate seeing a bit more of her connection with her brother Dix.
I like cozy mysteries but this series is well above the typical books that I have enjoyed. I had planned to read another series but couldn't wait, had to buy Close to Home and start it immediately!
I received this book in appreciation for writing a review of Hot Property. I hope someone will find something in this review that helps them decide that Contract Pending is worth a try.
When Marquita, care-giver for Rafe's grandmother, disappears while Rafe is out of town, Savannah steps in to help out with the sweet but often confused Mrs. Jenkins. Life gets even more complicated when she encounters a hit man look for Rafe. When someone breaks into her apartment, she has to stay at his house which is daunting on two levels; she can't forget the danger she faced in that house just months ago, and the only place to sleep is Rafe's bed. She isn't sure which thought is more frightening. Guess who shows up the next morning.
Through the ensuing danger and confusion, Savannah has to face changes in her relationships with both Todd and Rafe while she figures out where she wants to be in those relationships.
I enjoy watching this southern belle grow into a contemporary woman and love seeing her interaction with Rafe. I also appreciate seeing a bit more of her connection with her brother Dix.
I like cozy mysteries but this series is well above the typical books that I have enjoyed. I had planned to read another series but couldn't wait, had to buy Close to Home and start it immediately!
I received this book in appreciation for writing a review of Hot Property. I hope someone will find something in this review that helps them decide that Contract Pending is worth a try.
August 14, 2014
I am really beginning to love this series. In the first book, I was a bit put off by the social 'classes' described by Savannah, the divorced southern belle turned realtor. The first book, though, set the stage and the base personalities for the rest of the series. Each book was better than the last and the characters were more developed. This book was well-paced, with lots of action, suspense, and surprises. I only wish Savannah would grow up and make decisions without the constant fear of what her family and friends would think. She makes excuses for her mother's thinking, yet she seems to fall into the same trap. Love the tension created between Todd and Rafe. Her relationship with Rafe, which she firmly denies every chance she gets, puts her in several precarious positions and the ending (or is it just the beginning?) is quite surprising. Glad to see she finally has an epiphany about Rafe's bi-racial background and how it has affected him.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews