Killing Time in Georgia

Savannah Time Travel Mysteries #1

by Susan Kiernan-Lewis

Step into the exciting and tumultuous world of 1920's Savannah with 2023 police dispatcher Georgia Belle who is thrust into the past and into the center of a sinister mystery with personal ties to her future. As the body count rises, she joins forces with 1920’s police detective Sam Bohannon to find the killer. Book 1 in this electrifying new historical mystery series combines romance, suspense, and intrigue for a thrill ride that will have fans of Golden Age Mysteries on the edge of their seats.

Genres: Time Travel, Mystery, Historical Fiction, Romance, Historical, Amazon, Ebooks

360 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 2, 2023

Reviews

[Jojo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting and I definitely enjoyed the two different timelines - it was eye opening to read about the social graces of 1923. It just wasn't very well written. It was cute, but I'm glad it was free.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Police dispatcher Georgia Belle travels back in time from 2023 to 1923 in Savannah, when racial bigotry was rampant along with a lack of women’s rights. Confused about how she got there, Georgia is taken in by the kindly Mary, a single woman living independently. Those were dangerous times considering a serial killer was on the loose, and current crime fighting methods didn’t exist. When an innocent man ends up in jail, Georgia vows to clear his name. But first she must put herself in danger to find the real killer. Detailed descriptions lend an aura of authenticity to this time travel tale that quickly becomes a page turner as Georgia narrows the suspects. Can she solve the crime before she returns back to the future? Mystery, history and romance mingle in this delightful series debut. I’ll definitely be looking for the sequel.

[Jessica Duffy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't get past 30% it wasn't pulling me in and I was bored with it. I liked the idea of time travel and solving murders but it just wasn't for me.

[Bethany-Lauren Robins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was vaguely intrigued by the story here which is why I kept reading. However, there were many issues throughout the book including grammar and punctuation. It was as if the piece was never proofread in some parts. Also, the main plot line of ‘saving’ a character appears to come from no where and isn’t very convincing and the ending is pretty abrupt. An okay read, but could do with some more TLC from the author/editor I’d suggest.

[Virginia LeBrun · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best twists on time travel I have read in a long time. It starts with an oil painting, one that was painted a long time ago. Georgia Belle works as a dispatcher in the police department, her dreams of being an officer dashed due to her inability to conquer her fears. This doesn't mean she is a mouse, she is one fiercely independent woman. Then Georgia, determined to help catch a scam artist, puts herself in danger. But instead of waking up in a hospital in 2023 Savannah, she finds herself in a hospital in 1923 Savannah! She then meets two wonderful people, Mary who owns the wonderful Victorian home she is invited to stay at and Detective Sam Bohannon, an incredibly good looking and proper southern gentleman (pretty rare for Detective in the corrupt time period of 1923 Savannah). Georgia has to play the "amnesia victim" in order to cover for her strange ways and knowledge of police investigation, as Sam is investigating her being "attacked" and the murders of two young women.

As I said, this is not a "by the book" time travel story. You will be engrossed in Georgia's ways of adapting as she learns how she is able to move back and forward through time. I have already downloaded book 2 of the 4 book series and I am excited to see how our little time traveling Miss Belle learns to adapt to the 1920s. (and the attentions of Detective Sam Bohannon both professional and personal).

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Time’s a tickin’

I’m a fan of the mystery genre, and time travel has always piqued my interest. What’s more is that if you’re a fan of the Golden Age aka the Roaring 20’s, historical fiction — these are all elements that will appeal to you.

The only major issues I had were to do with some editorial pieces that could use some correction, but…overall, this was enjoyable to read.

Back to the good stuff- our author Susan Kiernan-Lewis does a great job with keeping the characters authentic to their era. And for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, you know how important it is to have accuracy with the major plot points, and things that are ‘extra decor’ so to speak, can have some liberties.

I do like a good cliffhanger- I won’t spoil anything but there are a few characters you wonder about their motives and want to know more.

A few other general critiques I would have to add is that the language not being of the correct era- modern language when the folks in the 20’s didn’t speak that way threw me for a bit of a loop…but overall fun to read.

It definitely feels like a first novel written by this author, and a first novel one is always getting their full ‘sea legs’ on finding their voice. Though I have to say it was fun to read overall and it’s worth taking a look.

Hopefully the following installments show us more of the ‘I have questions and a lot of them’ and more whodunits.

[Linda Rorex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the Savannah Time Travel Mysteries series by Susan Kiernan-Lewis. Georgia Belle is a modern-day police dispatcher from 2023 who travels back to 1920’s Savannah. There, she finds herself in the middle of a chilling murder investigation—one that may be tied to her own future. As the body count rises, she teams up with 1920’s police detective Sam Bohannon to search for the killer. Georgia must navigate a world of flappers, prohibition, and old-school policing, while hiding her true identity. The mystery deepens with personal stakes, as Georgia uncovers secrets that link the past to her present. Georgia discovers that she is able to time travel when she is feeling threatened. This enchanting blend of historical fiction and time-travel romance swept me off my feet. With richly drawn characters, evocative settings, and a love story that defies centuries, the novel delivers emotional depth and an irresistible narrative. A beautifully crafted journey through time that left me both swooning and inspired.

[Andy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book's premise was an interesting one. Georgia gets thrown back in time to the 1920s and then has to deal with being a modern woman stuck in the past. While there she gets involved in trying to solve a mystery where two women have been killed. Georgia was an okay character pov, she handled being a woman out of time well for the most part. The mystery was at times intriguing. I think I had two problems with the book. One, it went on way too long, I think some of the extraneous scenes could have been cut out and the book would have been better for it. Also at times, it felt like the plot was just meandering along without anything interesting happening. Two, I just didn't buy the ending, it felt too abrupt, and I think she should have been more torn between the two choices. Maybe in the next book, we get that, but it didn't work for me the way the author wrote it. YMMV though.

[Lise · Rating 4 out of 5]

A freak accident sends Georgia Belle one hundred years into the past and into the middle of a police investigation.

Georgia had me in her pocket by the end of the first chapter. I was so ready for a good time travel mystery, and the author absolutely delivered it! Though I tried to stagger my reading, I found myself enraptured and failed to put the book down until dawn, when I finally finished it.

There were, however, a couple of bothersome errors. One character's name switched back and forth, and some facts needed checking. Though these things did not impede the story, they took my attention away from the delightful time I was having. (Hence the four-star review.)

I see that the next book in the series is out. I'll be reading it as soon as I can get my hands on it! I very much recommend this one.

[Nadia Vriendt · Rating 2 out of 5]

What a weird book... I almost DNF'd it but by then I was over halfway so I figured I might as well finish it. Though I did start reading diagonally just to get it over with.

There are also errors in the storyline: Georgia finds out she's traveled back in time and that the date is May 10 1923. She meets a man named Henry. Then, later when she's back in her own time, she learns that this Henry was lynched in April '23...

And why do we switch POV from the heroine's 1st person to the detective's 3rd person somewhere in the middle?

No, I'm sorry, but this book is not worth your time. I'm glad I got it for free...

[kathleen Mattiace · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a "kooky" story. Sort of Back to the Future" theme. I liked it. I enjoyed the character Georgia Belle and her escapades into 1923 Savannah Georgia,

There was a lot of mystery in the story and I feel sorry "things" did not work out for Sam but he would have been over a hundred years old if they were to be married. This would not be an ideal relationship.

I will probably read the next sequel "Savannah Burning".

Thanks, Susan Kiernan-Lewis for [providing many hours of my reading pleasure with all your characters worldwide.

Looking forward to Maggie Newberry's next adventure which should be out soon.

[Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't like time travel books. When I borrowed this, only the title was listed so I didn't realize. The book was fine but there were things that didn't make sense. Why did the cook tell Georgia there was a woman to see her? And no follow up with Cook whose job didn't seem to be affected. Georgia had a week off from work. It wasn't indefinite but that little detail seems to be forgotten. And the ending....how in blue blazes is that going to work? A bit of a cliff hanger there. I'd like to know but not enough to purchase the next book. If the library has it, fine but otherwise, it's a pass.

[Teri Easterling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grabbed me

I got caught up in the story, then hit the cliff hanger at the end. Darn! Exciting, action-packed time travel story. Georgia learns things about herself and overcomes some problems while working on solving a crime 100 years ago.

One confusing thing the writer did several times was change the month in which the action took place. The first reference is May 10. Then it is “the height of summer” June. Then it is April, all in the space of 3 or 4 days of the same year. Decide on one and stay there.

[Audrey Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killing Time in Georgia was an engaging and enjoyable read, especially if you love time travel and mystery. The concept of a woman from 2023 traveling back to 1923 to solve a serial killer case is intriguing, and the story keeps a great pace throughout.

I appreciated how clean and approachable the book is—no inappropriate language or content—just solid storytelling and strong character development. It’s an easy, immersive read that blends the space-time continuum with historical mystery really well. A definite five-star recommendation.

[Vlada G. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love mysteries, and time travel is one of my favorite tropes, so this book was a good fit for me. Even though the writing contains a few grammar and usage errors throughout, the story is enjoyable overall and a consistent page-turner up to the last sentence. Each chapter ends with a tantalizing cliffhanger which makes you want to read the next one (and they are pretty short). The ending is also a cliffhanger, with too many loose ends still dangling, so now I want to read the next book in the series. There is romantic interest but no smut.

[Kim Paulus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning..this story will keep you up until you finish it. It was so good. I had A hard time putting it down to get stuff done. 😉 Georgia is a young woman working as a police dispatcher wanting to become A detective in 2023. She stumbles onto a suspect and is attacked and wakes up in 1923, in a Savannah hospital. How the mystery really begins on so many levels. This book can be read as a stand alone. But there are three more books in this series. I will be reading them for sure.

[Paula Withrow · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed time travel books. Throwing a really good mystery and I’m perfectly satisfied.

I would’ve given it five stars, but there were some areas where I just think that 21st century or the modern era clashed with 1923
A few credibility gaps, but they did not lessen suspense of the story.
In fact, I was so wrapped up in the book. I finished it didn’t one evening.
I would recommend it if you’d like time travel if you like justice prevailing, and a good mystery

[Maggie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very hard to put down. Only dire emergencies like bathroom breaks or food made me pause in turning the pages. I loved the author's premise of how the time-travelling happened. The characters are first rate, and the city of Savannah (then and now) gleams through the crisp writing. My favorite line? "you're barking up the wrong dogwood tree." Recommended.

[Carol Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Adventures of a Lifetime… or Two

Killing Time in Georgia by Susan Kiernan-Lewis is a time travel mystery that will knock your socks off the and catapult you back a hundred years in a blink of an eye with a young woman named Georgia Belle.
And there, Georgia will have the adventures of a lifetime… or two.

[Karen greer · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow, oh, wow!

This is a new author for me and I am so glad I decided to buy this book. I normally do not read this type of story but it pulled me in from the first page and it was so hard to put down. I loved the story and the characters. I cannot wait to read book two. I highly recommend this book.

[Lynda · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was an interesting time travel story. However it needed better editing. Some chapters were written in the first person but a few were in third person with no real reason why. Also some mistakes were missed such as when Georgia and Mary were waiting for meatloaf dinners and on the next page Mary was eating fried chicken. I didn't enjoy it enough to read any more in the series

[Alyson Mutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

i would rate this 3.75 out of 5. the story is great, as are the characters, i enjoyed the book however it is not well written. probably the first time i have just continued on reading and finished a book that was written so poorly, and then gone on to rate it so well. i do love my time travel, what can i say?

[Sandra Linebaugh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time Travel, Southern Belles , and Murder

Killing Time in Georgia is a fabulous time travel / murder mystery novel. It definitely keeps the reader's attention from start to finish with plot twists, a little romance and a fiesty young woman named Georgia Belle. Add this novel to your "must read" list!!

[Anastasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was really slow and almost overly detailed at the beginning. But once things started turning, they STARTED TURNING. I loved the suspense and how it through every possible suspect at us. The ending I’m 50/50 about. But it made sense to be fair.

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a book!

I fell in love with all the characters. The story had me right from the beginning. It is well written and easy to read. It opened my eyes to how differently women were treated. It is a wonderful mystery and it is hilarious at times. Is was surprised by the end!

[Betsy Fatzinger · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve ever read!! It kept my attention from page one and I was sorry when the book ended! The story had mystery and romance and a bit of science fiction…don’t want to say more on that. Truly a captivating work of fiction.

[Susan Komandosky · Rating 4 out of 5]

interesting storyline

It took me a little while to get into this book. The author did a good job of setting the scene in a muggy, hot Savannah in both timelines. I thought she made the heroine about too careless about using modern terminology in the hundred year timeline. It seemed as though she could have found a way to fit in better. I did enjoy the mystery though I guessed “who done it” before it was revealed in the story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this fun mystery!

I read this on Kindle. Loved the story. However, the editing left something to be desired. The story caught my attention from the first page to the last. I plan on reading the second book in the series right away.

[Ardnas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great storyline: Time Traveling. I don't know about the heroine. She seems a little self possessed. There is no need to be stupid just because you can. I will keep reading the series because I do like the story

[Anthony R Woods · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent story

A great story, very well written. Great plot with several storylines. Fantastic characters, very sweet descriptions of how Savannah was in 1923 vs 2023. I love Savannah and it's history.