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The Kingdoms of Savannah
Savannah may appear to be “some town out of a fable,” with its vine flowers, turreted mansions, and ghost tours that romanticize the city’s history. But look deeper and you’ll uncover secrets, past and present, that tell a more sinister tale. It’s the story at the heart of George Dawes Green’s chilling new novel, The Kingdoms of Savannah.
It begins quietly on a balmy Southern night as some locals gather at Bo Peep’s, one of the town’s favorite watering holes. Within an hour, however, a man will be murdered and his companion will be “disappeared.” An unlikely detective, Morgana Musgrove, doyenne of Savannah society, is called upon to unravel the mystery of these crimes. Morgana is an imperious, demanding, and conniving woman, whose four grown children are weary of her schemes. But one by one she inveigles them into helping with her investigation, and soon the family uncovers some terrifying truths—truths that will rock Savannah’s power structure to its core.
Moving from the homeless encampments that ring the city to the stately homes of Savannah’s elite, Green’s novel brilliantly depicts the underbelly of a city with a dark history and the strangely mesmerizing dysfunction of a complex family.
It begins quietly on a balmy Southern night as some locals gather at Bo Peep’s, one of the town’s favorite watering holes. Within an hour, however, a man will be murdered and his companion will be “disappeared.” An unlikely detective, Morgana Musgrove, doyenne of Savannah society, is called upon to unravel the mystery of these crimes. Morgana is an imperious, demanding, and conniving woman, whose four grown children are weary of her schemes. But one by one she inveigles them into helping with her investigation, and soon the family uncovers some terrifying truths—truths that will rock Savannah’s power structure to its core.
Moving from the homeless encampments that ring the city to the stately homes of Savannah’s elite, Green’s novel brilliantly depicts the underbelly of a city with a dark history and the strangely mesmerizing dysfunction of a complex family.
304 pages, Paperback
First published July 19, 2022
1696 people are currently reading
16579 people want to read
About the author
George Dawes Green
7 books265 followersGeorge Dawes Green is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of the Moth. His first novel, The Caveman's Valentine, won an Edgar Award and became a motion picture starring Samuel L. Jackson. The Juror was a bestseller in more than 20 languages and the basis for the motion picture starring Demi Moore and Alec Baldwin. Ravens was chosen as one of the best books of the year by the Los Angeles Times, the Wall Street Journal and many other publications. Green grew up in Georgia and now lives in Brooklyn, New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 974 reviews
July 26, 2022
**Many thanks to NetGalley, @CeladonBooks, and George Dawes Green for an ARC of this book! Now available as of 7.19!!**
When you step outside of your genre comfort zone, one of two things normally happens:
1) You are pleasantly surprised, intrigued, and grateful you took a chance on something new
OR
2) you retreat back to your Comfort Corner, feeling a bit lost and disappointed...and wondering what on earth is WRONG with you?
When it comes to Kingdoms of Savannah, all of the genre bending and some pesky pet peeves popping up landed me solidly (and somewhat unsurprisingly) under option two.
It's just another night at the local tavern, Bo Peeps (referred to as simply 'Peeps' for most of the book) until tragedy strikes: a murder has occurred. Society debutante Morgana get swept up in the mystery, much to the chagrin of her children. As the book dives from locale to locale throughout Savannah, can the bizarre mystery of these 'Kingdoms' be uncovered and will the killer be unearthed? Or is Morgana the next to be 'disappeared'?
I can't remember the last time when I felt such a strong disconnect from a book as I did with this one. After a strong and interesting start, I then realized the entire book only has FIVE CHAPTERS.
Five.
This is purposeful, for reasons of exploring the different areas/Kingdoms, but if there's one thing that bothers me, long passages with little break is probably at the top of that list. Then I realized that not only was the book set up this way, but there is character upon character upon character...another personal pet peeve. So many of these people were completely irrelevant, yet new ones kept being introduced all the time. SO frustrating when you already feel a bit lost and just want to feel grounded...and I was in desperate need for this for the entire book.
Perhaps it's over my head, but I have to be honest and say that for about 70% of the book, I felt like all I was doing was reading a mishmash of Savannah history juxtaposed against characters 'gossiping' or telling old stories about people from the past. Since I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction unless it's interesting or small town talk, well, ever, I did not connect with the plot at all. I felt some of the atmosphere was there, but each time I tried to get lost in that feeling, a character would pop up and go on a rant about something or someone else.
Sad to say, but the only aspect of this book I'll probably remember after this week is that a character actually referred to one of the World's Best Candies as "Reese's Butter Cups."
🙄
Not exactly the takeaway I was looking for when picking up a mystery book.
I'm always game for trying something new, and although I was 1000% not the right sort of reader for this book, fans of Southern noir, fantasy, ghost stories, and historical fiction (probably safest if you're into all four of them) will probably fare better than I did.
3 stars
#KingdomsofSavannah #partner
When you step outside of your genre comfort zone, one of two things normally happens:
1) You are pleasantly surprised, intrigued, and grateful you took a chance on something new
OR
2) you retreat back to your Comfort Corner, feeling a bit lost and disappointed...and wondering what on earth is WRONG with you?
When it comes to Kingdoms of Savannah, all of the genre bending and some pesky pet peeves popping up landed me solidly (and somewhat unsurprisingly) under option two.
It's just another night at the local tavern, Bo Peeps (referred to as simply 'Peeps' for most of the book) until tragedy strikes: a murder has occurred. Society debutante Morgana get swept up in the mystery, much to the chagrin of her children. As the book dives from locale to locale throughout Savannah, can the bizarre mystery of these 'Kingdoms' be uncovered and will the killer be unearthed? Or is Morgana the next to be 'disappeared'?
I can't remember the last time when I felt such a strong disconnect from a book as I did with this one. After a strong and interesting start, I then realized the entire book only has FIVE CHAPTERS.
Five.
This is purposeful, for reasons of exploring the different areas/Kingdoms, but if there's one thing that bothers me, long passages with little break is probably at the top of that list. Then I realized that not only was the book set up this way, but there is character upon character upon character...another personal pet peeve. So many of these people were completely irrelevant, yet new ones kept being introduced all the time. SO frustrating when you already feel a bit lost and just want to feel grounded...and I was in desperate need for this for the entire book.
Perhaps it's over my head, but I have to be honest and say that for about 70% of the book, I felt like all I was doing was reading a mishmash of Savannah history juxtaposed against characters 'gossiping' or telling old stories about people from the past. Since I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction unless it's interesting or small town talk, well, ever, I did not connect with the plot at all. I felt some of the atmosphere was there, but each time I tried to get lost in that feeling, a character would pop up and go on a rant about something or someone else.
Sad to say, but the only aspect of this book I'll probably remember after this week is that a character actually referred to one of the World's Best Candies as "Reese's Butter Cups."
🙄
Not exactly the takeaway I was looking for when picking up a mystery book.
I'm always game for trying something new, and although I was 1000% not the right sort of reader for this book, fans of Southern noir, fantasy, ghost stories, and historical fiction (probably safest if you're into all four of them) will probably fare better than I did.
3 stars
#KingdomsofSavannah #partner
August 4, 2022
Twenty-two year old Luke Kitchens, a big guy with an infectious laugh, was at Miss Bo Peeps, his favorite bar in Savannah, Georgia. His drinking partner, forty-three year old Stony (Mathilda Stone) was a contract archeologist. Jaq, the bartender, served up the drinks. Jaq was an inquisitive, spunky, future documentarian. Seemingly, Stony was a "poor homeless woman who thinks she lives in a fairy kingdom...The King's soldiers are the only free people to ever live in the State of Georgia...". That night, Luke would be killed and Stony disappeared.
Morgana Musgrove was the patriarch of "Old Fort", a Romanesque revival mansion circa 1880s. To the community, she was a gracious and generous benefactor who supported worthy causes. Annually, she hosted the Spring Soiree for the Disabled. To her four children, she was disparaging. A stay at "Old Fort" would allow Morgana to "find a way to get her claws in you and you'll be finished." A visit by her accountant would soon stir things up.
As manager of Musgrove Investments, accountant Cooper informed Morgana that she was in possession of a small detective agency. How timely! A slumlord named Guzman had been arrested for the murder of Luke Kitchens. Luke, having squatted on the second floor of one of Guzman's dilapidated properties, could not escape the raging fire downstairs. Strong evidence pointed to Guzman, including the gas can found in his garage. "Musgrove Investments need(s) to take my case because your bank accounts are leaking like a sieve. Every business you own is losing money". He offered a retainer of $200,000. It sure will help Morgana keep up appearances! During a visit to Guzman in jail, he does something unprecedented. "He opens his mouth wide-inside a card propped up by his tongue...Stone Kings...Treasure...Keep safe and Give my Love." The plot thickens.
Morgana browbeats her children into cooperating with her to try to solve the mystery of Luke's death, Stony's disappearance, and search for the King's Treasure, amid threats received. Who are their true friends? Who are their real foes? At Morgana's insistence, son Ransom helps her. After a seven month stint in prison, Ransom has resettled in one of the forty-odd homeless camps in Savannah. His encampment lies under the exit ramp of the Harry S. Truman Parkway. He lives there by choice. Morgana's granddaughter, Jaq, has her pulse on the investigation, despite dangerous interludes, and her camera, always at the ready to videotape.
The rich, varied tapestry of Savannah was presented within the context of this historical fiction novel. Author End Notes included a discussion of the underground tunnels used by bootleggers during Prohibition and family wealth and privilege amassed through slavery. This captivating read is highly recommended.
Thank you Celadon Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Morgana Musgrove was the patriarch of "Old Fort", a Romanesque revival mansion circa 1880s. To the community, she was a gracious and generous benefactor who supported worthy causes. Annually, she hosted the Spring Soiree for the Disabled. To her four children, she was disparaging. A stay at "Old Fort" would allow Morgana to "find a way to get her claws in you and you'll be finished." A visit by her accountant would soon stir things up.
As manager of Musgrove Investments, accountant Cooper informed Morgana that she was in possession of a small detective agency. How timely! A slumlord named Guzman had been arrested for the murder of Luke Kitchens. Luke, having squatted on the second floor of one of Guzman's dilapidated properties, could not escape the raging fire downstairs. Strong evidence pointed to Guzman, including the gas can found in his garage. "Musgrove Investments need(s) to take my case because your bank accounts are leaking like a sieve. Every business you own is losing money". He offered a retainer of $200,000. It sure will help Morgana keep up appearances! During a visit to Guzman in jail, he does something unprecedented. "He opens his mouth wide-inside a card propped up by his tongue...Stone Kings...Treasure...Keep safe and Give my Love." The plot thickens.
Morgana browbeats her children into cooperating with her to try to solve the mystery of Luke's death, Stony's disappearance, and search for the King's Treasure, amid threats received. Who are their true friends? Who are their real foes? At Morgana's insistence, son Ransom helps her. After a seven month stint in prison, Ransom has resettled in one of the forty-odd homeless camps in Savannah. His encampment lies under the exit ramp of the Harry S. Truman Parkway. He lives there by choice. Morgana's granddaughter, Jaq, has her pulse on the investigation, despite dangerous interludes, and her camera, always at the ready to videotape.
The rich, varied tapestry of Savannah was presented within the context of this historical fiction novel. Author End Notes included a discussion of the underground tunnels used by bootleggers during Prohibition and family wealth and privilege amassed through slavery. This captivating read is highly recommended.
Thank you Celadon Books and Net Galley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 31, 2022
”Flannery knew. Flannery got out, what a lucky girl.”
I was just thinking about Wise Blood the other day. Who among us can forget Hazel Motes? Or the fragile creature, Flannery O’Connor, who brought him to life? Morganna Musgrove, doyenne of Savannah society, might think that Flannery got out, but people who grow up there never really leave Savannah behind. The Spanish moss that hangs from the live oak trees will always brush their faces. The music will always sway their hips. The thunderstorms and the dripping rain will always haunt their memories. The scent of the magnolia trees will always permeate their senses. It’s a city of nostalgia, pinning for… what? I don’t think anyone is ever really sure. They just know they don’t like the present day, but living at any point in the past would require embracing something best left in the pages of history.
Flannery might have got out, but Savannah rippled beneath her skin, a memory impossible to shake.
This book isn’t about Flannery, but she haunts the pages as she haunts me from time to time. Maybe it is just impossible for me to read any book set in Savannah that doesn’t have me also thinking about Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The author, John Berendt, described that book as a nonfiction novel, which puts it in the same category as In Cold Blood. This designation allows a writer to embellish and leaves the reader to wonder what is true, what is sort of true, and what is complete fabrication. I was working in the book biz when the Berendt book was published, and it was a rare person who came into the shop who didn’t leave with a copy. Readers in large numbers chose to read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil because it was soaked in blood, intrigue, and scandal.
George Dawes Green’s creation, the Musgrove family, is not unfamiliar with scandal. Their worst scandals are hidden in the folds of their family history, conveniently forgotten. Most people they know have similar problems with their past, so like with most things that can’t be fixed, it is just best to leave the past right where it’s supposed to be.
When her husband passed away, Morganna Musgrove, along with a generous portfolio of investments, inherited a detective agency. She is tied into every aspect of Savannah society, respected by most, envied by more than a few, and distrusted by all four of her children. When a real estate developer is charged with arson and murder, he solicits the help of Morganna to clear his name, not because she owns a detective agency, but because of her connections that will allow her to ask the questions that people don’t generally want to be asked.
Meanwhile a key witness has gone missing, a homeless archeologist who keeps muttering about a treasure of the Kingdom, a historical, near-mythical place that may have existed in some form two hundred years ago, but how does this tie into murder and arson? Morganna will need the help of all four of children and especially the help of her vivacious granddaughter Jaq, who keeps inveigling her way deeper and deeper into the dank and dark underworld that is far removed from the shrimp & grits, dinner parties, and mint juleps.
George Dawes Green captures a Savannah few of us will ever see, from the homeless encampments that encircle the city to the maze of tunnels beneath the city streets to the gates of the old world mansions that were built on the backs of slaves. Green is an eighth-generation Savannahian, so this city is as much a part of his DNA as the chromosomes of his ancestors. The atmosphere in this novel is so evocative that at many different points I believed that I could smell the pink azaleas, coral honeysuckles, and violet lilacs permeating the air with their lush fragrances.
The historical aspects that become entwined with this plot are based on real events, and in the back of the book, Green gives the reader further information about the existence of the Kingdom and other historical data that became relevant to the plot. So even though Green chose not to venture into the muddy waters of a nonfiction novel as did Capote and Berendt, every page felt like I was being given a tour of the real Savannah, Georgia.
I want to thank Celadon Books for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. @CeladonBooks #KingdomsofSavannah #CeladonReads
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten and an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffreykeeten/
I was just thinking about Wise Blood the other day. Who among us can forget Hazel Motes? Or the fragile creature, Flannery O’Connor, who brought him to life? Morganna Musgrove, doyenne of Savannah society, might think that Flannery got out, but people who grow up there never really leave Savannah behind. The Spanish moss that hangs from the live oak trees will always brush their faces. The music will always sway their hips. The thunderstorms and the dripping rain will always haunt their memories. The scent of the magnolia trees will always permeate their senses. It’s a city of nostalgia, pinning for… what? I don’t think anyone is ever really sure. They just know they don’t like the present day, but living at any point in the past would require embracing something best left in the pages of history.
Flannery might have got out, but Savannah rippled beneath her skin, a memory impossible to shake.
This book isn’t about Flannery, but she haunts the pages as she haunts me from time to time. Maybe it is just impossible for me to read any book set in Savannah that doesn’t have me also thinking about Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. The author, John Berendt, described that book as a nonfiction novel, which puts it in the same category as In Cold Blood. This designation allows a writer to embellish and leaves the reader to wonder what is true, what is sort of true, and what is complete fabrication. I was working in the book biz when the Berendt book was published, and it was a rare person who came into the shop who didn’t leave with a copy. Readers in large numbers chose to read Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil because it was soaked in blood, intrigue, and scandal.
George Dawes Green’s creation, the Musgrove family, is not unfamiliar with scandal. Their worst scandals are hidden in the folds of their family history, conveniently forgotten. Most people they know have similar problems with their past, so like with most things that can’t be fixed, it is just best to leave the past right where it’s supposed to be.
When her husband passed away, Morganna Musgrove, along with a generous portfolio of investments, inherited a detective agency. She is tied into every aspect of Savannah society, respected by most, envied by more than a few, and distrusted by all four of her children. When a real estate developer is charged with arson and murder, he solicits the help of Morganna to clear his name, not because she owns a detective agency, but because of her connections that will allow her to ask the questions that people don’t generally want to be asked.
Meanwhile a key witness has gone missing, a homeless archeologist who keeps muttering about a treasure of the Kingdom, a historical, near-mythical place that may have existed in some form two hundred years ago, but how does this tie into murder and arson? Morganna will need the help of all four of children and especially the help of her vivacious granddaughter Jaq, who keeps inveigling her way deeper and deeper into the dank and dark underworld that is far removed from the shrimp & grits, dinner parties, and mint juleps.
George Dawes Green captures a Savannah few of us will ever see, from the homeless encampments that encircle the city to the maze of tunnels beneath the city streets to the gates of the old world mansions that were built on the backs of slaves. Green is an eighth-generation Savannahian, so this city is as much a part of his DNA as the chromosomes of his ancestors. The atmosphere in this novel is so evocative that at many different points I believed that I could smell the pink azaleas, coral honeysuckles, and violet lilacs permeating the air with their lush fragrances.
The historical aspects that become entwined with this plot are based on real events, and in the back of the book, Green gives the reader further information about the existence of the Kingdom and other historical data that became relevant to the plot. So even though Green chose not to venture into the muddy waters of a nonfiction novel as did Capote and Berendt, every page felt like I was being given a tour of the real Savannah, Georgia.
I want to thank Celadon Books for providing me with a free copy in exchange for an honest review. @CeladonBooks #KingdomsofSavannah #CeladonReads
If you wish to see more of my most recent book and movie reviews, visit http://www.jeffreykeeten.com
I also have a Facebook blogger page at:https://www.facebook.com/JeffreyKeeten and an Instagram account https://www.instagram.com/jeffreykeeten/
August 25, 2022
4.5 This book contained so many of the things I look for in fiction. The setting, the sultry atmosphere of the historical city of Savannah, where the wealthy in their stately mansions live surrounded by the homeless in their various camps. A very unusual matriarch of a wealthy and prominent family whose actions have divided her family. Cons, grifts, corruption and scandals that show the underbelly of a place known for its graciousness and charm. A young woman who has learned the secret of the Kingdom of Savannah a place where many years before escaped slaves had formed their own community and lived free. Unique characters from different walks of life greatly add to the story.
The audio book was fantastic and the story as a whole, thoroughly addictive. I think you'll be surprised by how much actual history was weaved throughout, as made evident by the authors concluding note.
The audio book was fantastic and the story as a whole, thoroughly addictive. I think you'll be surprised by how much actual history was weaved throughout, as made evident by the authors concluding note.
September 25, 2022
As someone who has visited Savannah, I was so excited to pick this book up.
Beginning at “Miss Bo Peep’s,” a bar, the locals find out a man is murdered and his friend mysteriously disappears. Morgana Musgrove is not really a detective, though she finds out she owns a detective agency, but she’s determined to solve these crimes. I don’t even know how to summarize her within the space here; but what a card! What a character. This is a complex story I don’t want to spoil, and wow, is it ever well-written. The dynamics of Morgana’s family are… well, they are extremely complex, too.
At the heart of this story is a dark, sweeping, all-consuming mystery. Scandal, corruption, cons, conniving people… George Dawes Green lets it all hang out. All is not as it appears, and the fun is in discovering it all.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
Beginning at “Miss Bo Peep’s,” a bar, the locals find out a man is murdered and his friend mysteriously disappears. Morgana Musgrove is not really a detective, though she finds out she owns a detective agency, but she’s determined to solve these crimes. I don’t even know how to summarize her within the space here; but what a card! What a character. This is a complex story I don’t want to spoil, and wow, is it ever well-written. The dynamics of Morgana’s family are… well, they are extremely complex, too.
At the heart of this story is a dark, sweeping, all-consuming mystery. Scandal, corruption, cons, conniving people… George Dawes Green lets it all hang out. All is not as it appears, and the fun is in discovering it all.
I received a gifted copy.
Many of my reviews can also be found on my blog: www.jennifertarheelreader.com and instagram: www.instagram.com/tarheelreader
May 11, 2022
This book reminded me of three other books I have read: Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson, Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters and Our Town by Thornton Wilder. George Dawes Green is a master weaver who is able to thread the the lives of individuals into a tapestry of mystery and suspense that covers a whole town. Morgana Musgrove is a truly unique addition to detective fiction; precisely because she does not fit the stereotype of what a 'detective' is. The dynamic between 'society' Morgana and 'family' Morgana adds to the tension and disorientation that builds as secrets are discovered. Truly original and atmospheric - highest recommendation.
December 5, 2022
The Kingdoms of Savannah was a riveting and chilling historical fiction novel about the colorful and sometimes shameful history of Savannah particularly around the issue of slavery written by George Dawes Green. A few years ago, we were able to spend a week in Savannah and were struck by its beauty from the beautiful landscaped squares and parks surrounded by its beautiful turreted antebellum mansions shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. This historical gem on the coast of Georgia separated from South Carolina by the Savannah River where one can enjoy the lovely Riverwalk and its many shops and cafes. You can also spend a lovely evening on one of the rooftop patios and enjoy a glass of chilled sauvigon blanc as you gaze at the river barges and the beautiful bridge spanning the Savannah River. There are also countless beautiful museums with history coming to life, the Telfair Museums a favorite.
But in The Kingdom of Savannah we are introduced to the underbelly of Savannah as we also are witness to the dysfuntion of the many generations of the Musgrove family as they are all summoned to be part of Morgana Musgrove's determination to investigate a murder and a disappearance on a hot and muggy Southern night. Morgana Musgrove is a most unlikely detective because of her standing in Savannah society but she does have a detective agency, after all. Her four grown children resist being pressed into service for different reasons but all becoming involved including her beautiful biracial grandaughter, Jacqueline. They all are trying to resolve the mystery of "The Kingdoms of Savannah." As this story unfolds, one is drawn deeper into the mysteries and hidden horrors of Savannah and its history.
There is a chapter entitled FLANNERY KNEW. FLANNERY GOT OUT, WHAT A LUCKY GIRL! And that haunts me because after reading the writing of Flannery O'Connor, I described being gobsmacked by her stories. I am left to wonder that although Flannery got out, she may have taken some of the horrors with her.
But in The Kingdom of Savannah we are introduced to the underbelly of Savannah as we also are witness to the dysfuntion of the many generations of the Musgrove family as they are all summoned to be part of Morgana Musgrove's determination to investigate a murder and a disappearance on a hot and muggy Southern night. Morgana Musgrove is a most unlikely detective because of her standing in Savannah society but she does have a detective agency, after all. Her four grown children resist being pressed into service for different reasons but all becoming involved including her beautiful biracial grandaughter, Jacqueline. They all are trying to resolve the mystery of "The Kingdoms of Savannah." As this story unfolds, one is drawn deeper into the mysteries and hidden horrors of Savannah and its history.
There is a chapter entitled FLANNERY KNEW. FLANNERY GOT OUT, WHAT A LUCKY GIRL! And that haunts me because after reading the writing of Flannery O'Connor, I described being gobsmacked by her stories. I am left to wonder that although Flannery got out, she may have taken some of the horrors with her.
April 11, 2022
I received this Advance Readers Copy from Celadon Books for an unbiased review.
This book is a novel but what got my interest was that it was based on fact. The story weaves around Morgana Musgrove as she recruits her children to investigate a murder and disappearance. The author weaves the past history of Savannah into the story. I found the author’s comments at end of book most interesting. I am so interested I started looking for a biography on Charles Augustus Lafayette Lamar. Maybe it was the writing about a dysfunctional southern family, but I felt that George D. Green had a hint of Tennessee Williams in his writing.
I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel based on historical facts. The ARC soft back was 287 pages.
This book is a novel but what got my interest was that it was based on fact. The story weaves around Morgana Musgrove as she recruits her children to investigate a murder and disappearance. The author weaves the past history of Savannah into the story. I found the author’s comments at end of book most interesting. I am so interested I started looking for a biography on Charles Augustus Lafayette Lamar. Maybe it was the writing about a dysfunctional southern family, but I felt that George D. Green had a hint of Tennessee Williams in his writing.
I enjoyed reading the book and recommend it to anyone looking for a good novel based on historical facts. The ARC soft back was 287 pages.
July 30, 2022
To Kingdom Come...
A man is murdered and a woman disappeard. As a mismatched camaraderie, Luke and Stony were well liked by many of the colorful frequenters of Bo Peeps, a local watering hole.
What really happened to them that night?
Inquiring minds want to know... Not the least of whom is doyenne Morgiana Mustgrove, successor to her ex husband's slightly shady detective agency. And with the promise of an impressive payday, she's moved into action investigating the incident - dragging her reluctant son Ransom with her.
I could tell from the beginning that this would be more than a standard mystery. The exemplary writing extended beyond the usual to create atmosphere without trying too hard with physical descriptions. An underlying sinister vibe while caring for some characters and despising others is subtly created between the lines. I love reading books like this!
In addition, the author included after notes detailing the true underbelly of some of the darker elements of Savannah's history. Very interesting indeed.
This review is overdue and I apologize for the delay. Thank you to Celadon Books and George Dawes Green for my gifted print copy. It’s much appreciated!
A man is murdered and a woman disappeard. As a mismatched camaraderie, Luke and Stony were well liked by many of the colorful frequenters of Bo Peeps, a local watering hole.
What really happened to them that night?
Inquiring minds want to know... Not the least of whom is doyenne Morgiana Mustgrove, successor to her ex husband's slightly shady detective agency. And with the promise of an impressive payday, she's moved into action investigating the incident - dragging her reluctant son Ransom with her.
I could tell from the beginning that this would be more than a standard mystery. The exemplary writing extended beyond the usual to create atmosphere without trying too hard with physical descriptions. An underlying sinister vibe while caring for some characters and despising others is subtly created between the lines. I love reading books like this!
In addition, the author included after notes detailing the true underbelly of some of the darker elements of Savannah's history. Very interesting indeed.
This review is overdue and I apologize for the delay. Thank you to Celadon Books and George Dawes Green for my gifted print copy. It’s much appreciated!
July 22, 2022
Morgana Musgrove is one of Savannah’s most respected, prominent and charitable women but behind the doors of her stately red-brick Romanesque home, she heads a fractured family. Her four grown children that have little time nor patience for their difficult mother. Her two daughters have little respect for her views and traditions and her two sons have no love for one another. After a local man is murdered, Morgana is hired to do investigative work for a local, wealthy developer who has been arrested as the prime suspect. A woman has also gone missing. The case unleashes dark secrets that the elite of Savannah would prefer to remain hidden.
In this highly atmospheric and suspenseful book, a fascinating side of Savannah is revealed. In contrast to the city’s privileged, there is a parallel society of poor, homeless and disenfranchised people trying to survive. Two members of Morgana’s family are part of this world and find themselves involved in the investigation and could also be in danger. Sins of the past come to light and threaten those who run the city. Author George Dawes Green has woven in parts of Savannah’s true and complicated history which makes the story even more impactful.
Many thanks to Celadon Books and CeladonReads for the opportunity to discover this impressive work of literary suspense. It was unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. The Kingdoms of Savannah will released in July - keep an eye out for it.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
In this highly atmospheric and suspenseful book, a fascinating side of Savannah is revealed. In contrast to the city’s privileged, there is a parallel society of poor, homeless and disenfranchised people trying to survive. Two members of Morgana’s family are part of this world and find themselves involved in the investigation and could also be in danger. Sins of the past come to light and threaten those who run the city. Author George Dawes Green has woven in parts of Savannah’s true and complicated history which makes the story even more impactful.
Many thanks to Celadon Books and CeladonReads for the opportunity to discover this impressive work of literary suspense. It was unlike anything I’ve read in a long time. The Kingdoms of Savannah will released in July - keep an eye out for it.
Rated 4.25 stars.
Review posted on MicheleReader.com.
July 18, 2022
A pretty good atmospheric mystery thriller. There's some historical bits woven into the story and the author provides some context at the end of the book. Probably doesn't quite meet the historical fiction definition but what he chose to loosely base the story around was interesting nonetheless. At the very least it felt like I learned a few things rather than my sole focus be on the whodunit aspect of the story.
Every town has secrets and so does every family, right? Savannah, Georgia is the setting and a man has been murdered and his companion is missing. The Musgrove family ahs long been a part of Savannah society and have a variety of income streams, including a private investigation business. Widow and mother of four adult children, Miranda Musgrove, enlists the help of her family to dig up info about the recent murder. And let's just say that will create some issues for this already dysfunctional family.
The story gets off to a intriguing start but fizzles soon afterward. I'd say it took about 100 pages before I was able to really hit a nice reading groove. Not sure what the problem was, could have been life stuff just creeping into my mind and messing with my concentration. But once it got my interest back, I was all in.
The story alternates between many characters in the town including various family members. Other than a few minor people here and there it was fairly easy to keep track of everyone. This is not a simple mystery in the sense the author added some complex layers regarding the history of the South. It's what elevated the story as did the rather messed up Musgrove family. To be honest I can't say I really got to know every character in-depth but I don't consider that a bad thing. I doubt the writer will feature another book with this family but I'd be first in line to read it because I think there's a ton more to explore with these characters.
A book can be read anytime of the year but this one practically begs you to read it on a hot summer day with a cold beverage nearby.
Thank you Celadon Books for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
Every town has secrets and so does every family, right? Savannah, Georgia is the setting and a man has been murdered and his companion is missing. The Musgrove family ahs long been a part of Savannah society and have a variety of income streams, including a private investigation business. Widow and mother of four adult children, Miranda Musgrove, enlists the help of her family to dig up info about the recent murder. And let's just say that will create some issues for this already dysfunctional family.
The story gets off to a intriguing start but fizzles soon afterward. I'd say it took about 100 pages before I was able to really hit a nice reading groove. Not sure what the problem was, could have been life stuff just creeping into my mind and messing with my concentration. But once it got my interest back, I was all in.
The story alternates between many characters in the town including various family members. Other than a few minor people here and there it was fairly easy to keep track of everyone. This is not a simple mystery in the sense the author added some complex layers regarding the history of the South. It's what elevated the story as did the rather messed up Musgrove family. To be honest I can't say I really got to know every character in-depth but I don't consider that a bad thing. I doubt the writer will feature another book with this family but I'd be first in line to read it because I think there's a ton more to explore with these characters.
A book can be read anytime of the year but this one practically begs you to read it on a hot summer day with a cold beverage nearby.
Thank you Celadon Books for providing me with an advance copy! All thoughts expressed are my honest opinion.
July 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this story. I will admit it took a little bit for me to really get into it, but once I did I was hooked and the story breezed by. The writing was good, and I loved the history being tied into the modern day mystery. I also really liked the characters, I feel like I’ve been on a run of stories with unlikeable characters, but this book broke that streak. Even characters that seemed capable of bad like Morgana also carried a lot of redeemable qualities and interest. I especially loved Jaq and her fierce desire for justice. The city of Savannah has a lot of secrets, but some more are discovered when a man is burnt alive in a building and the rich man who owned that building is charged with the murder. Every player has their own reason for getting involved. Morgana and the detective agency she owns (inherited, she is not a detective) needs the money. Jaq is determined for justice for the murdered as he was her friend and their friend Stony is missing and Jaq is also determined to find her. But there are mysterious players working against them and it is a race against time.
Read
September 29, 2022No rating. DNF After rereading the first 20 pages I cannot make any order for this. And the language is too vulgar to plow through. I don't even understand the conversations. Nor the character tally. Other than Luke is dead. On to English I can connote.
July 12, 2022
Haunting, complex, and intense!
The Kingdoms of Savannah is a charged, gripping mystery that sweeps you away to Savannah, Georgia, and into the lives of the prominent, dysfunctional Musgrove family as they reluctantly, at the persistence of their matriarch Morgana, band together to solve the callous murder of a young homeless man and the disappearance of a middle-aged woman who seems to have discovered some long-buried secrets that at least one person is willing to kill to keep hidden in the past.
The prose is powerful and polished. The characters are flawed, ruthless, and self-absorbed. And the plot is a captivating, menacing mix of life, loss, secrets, deception, privilege, resentments, greed, corruption, homelessness, familial drama, and harrowing truths.
Overall, I found The Kingdoms of Savannah to be a gritty, provocative, tight novel by Green that’s a must read for anyone who loves a well-written mystery interlaced with a dramatic, family saga all mired in the dark, racially toxic history of the south.
Thank you to Celadon Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The Kingdoms of Savannah is a charged, gripping mystery that sweeps you away to Savannah, Georgia, and into the lives of the prominent, dysfunctional Musgrove family as they reluctantly, at the persistence of their matriarch Morgana, band together to solve the callous murder of a young homeless man and the disappearance of a middle-aged woman who seems to have discovered some long-buried secrets that at least one person is willing to kill to keep hidden in the past.
The prose is powerful and polished. The characters are flawed, ruthless, and self-absorbed. And the plot is a captivating, menacing mix of life, loss, secrets, deception, privilege, resentments, greed, corruption, homelessness, familial drama, and harrowing truths.
Overall, I found The Kingdoms of Savannah to be a gritty, provocative, tight novel by Green that’s a must read for anyone who loves a well-written mystery interlaced with a dramatic, family saga all mired in the dark, racially toxic history of the south.
Thank you to Celadon Books for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
I will start with saying that this book was intense, and absolutely a great book. I am glad to have been given the chance to read this book.
A book with a mystery that claws it's hands out and grips you hard because that is how I felt while reading it. I liked the pieces of history of Savannah that was put into this story.
To read a towns dark side, it's secrets is intriguing in itself. I could not believe it but as i read and uncovered. A great whodunit book that was well written. I will admit that the cover really caught my attention at first, so not only is it well written but it's cover is eye catching and beautiful. There's a lot of history in every corner of the world and to read about Savannah was very exciting, i got invested in the characters and the mystery. I honestly think this is a book that everyone will like to read.
It is a great southern tale that makes me want to go to Savannah myself.
A book with a mystery that claws it's hands out and grips you hard because that is how I felt while reading it. I liked the pieces of history of Savannah that was put into this story.
To read a towns dark side, it's secrets is intriguing in itself. I could not believe it but as i read and uncovered. A great whodunit book that was well written. I will admit that the cover really caught my attention at first, so not only is it well written but it's cover is eye catching and beautiful. There's a lot of history in every corner of the world and to read about Savannah was very exciting, i got invested in the characters and the mystery. I honestly think this is a book that everyone will like to read.
It is a great southern tale that makes me want to go to Savannah myself.
June 16, 2022
I'm not quite sure how I feel about this book. I really enjoyed the First Impression on BookishFirst and was drawn in to the immediacy of Luke's and Stoney's situation. But from there it just meandered a bit too much.
Maybe Southern Gothic isn't my thing, but I struggled to get emotionally invested in this story.
The setting is gorgeous. It's so incredibly atmospheric - dark, gritty, makes you want to take a shower at the end to get clean. Author George Dawes Green draws such a convincing picture of Savannah that vividly jumps off the page (yet at the same time makes me never want to take a visit there).
But the story itself fell a little flat for me. It lacked the tension I was hoping for and there were so many POV switches that it left me scrambling to remember who was who and what their role was in the story. I guess I wish that there were fewer people that were fleshed out more. For example, the book revolves around how horrible Morgana was and how she destroyed her children, but we never really see that--we're told, but in the book itself, Morgana doesn't really seen like the evil demon woman she supposedly is.
It just all left me with a very "so what?" feeling.
I wouldn't *not* recommend this book. The writing is lovely and that's what kept me involved. I also appreciated the history and obvious attention to detail the author had for his former home. Those who love this type of Southern noir would like it I'm sure. It just wasn't the book for me.
Thanks very much to Celadon and BookishFirst for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.
Maybe Southern Gothic isn't my thing, but I struggled to get emotionally invested in this story.
The setting is gorgeous. It's so incredibly atmospheric - dark, gritty, makes you want to take a shower at the end to get clean. Author George Dawes Green draws such a convincing picture of Savannah that vividly jumps off the page (yet at the same time makes me never want to take a visit there).
But the story itself fell a little flat for me. It lacked the tension I was hoping for and there were so many POV switches that it left me scrambling to remember who was who and what their role was in the story. I guess I wish that there were fewer people that were fleshed out more. For example, the book revolves around how horrible Morgana was and how she destroyed her children, but we never really see that--we're told, but in the book itself, Morgana doesn't really seen like the evil demon woman she supposedly is.
It just all left me with a very "so what?" feeling.
I wouldn't *not* recommend this book. The writing is lovely and that's what kept me involved. I also appreciated the history and obvious attention to detail the author had for his former home. Those who love this type of Southern noir would like it I'm sure. It just wasn't the book for me.
Thanks very much to Celadon and BookishFirst for providing me with an early copy of this book in exchange for a review.
December 25, 2022
So I know there is a lot of literature based in and around Savannah, which is a city in Georgia famous for ghost tours and it’s complicated southern history. I liked reading the author’s historical and personal notes as he drew much of the book from either personal experiences or those of his friends, and from real events. The result was a strong feeling of authenticity in setting and environment that sucked me into the story.
The balmy days, the rain, the locales, the iced tea and alcohol, the old ladies from old money maneuvering for social position… I kind of likened the reading experience to something that Wilbur Smith would put out, except maybe a little less exciting. I would love to see that author collaboration though *wink wink*
Ok back to Kingdoms – the mystery was exciting enough, except I thought that it went from zero to solved WAY too quickly and easily. One minute they had a few leads, and the next Morgana had solved it? I kind of followed her train of thought but I needed something more linking points A to Z.
As far as the characters… I liked them. I think Green did a good job with their personalities and interactions and showing how the family tended to ebb and flow in their relationships with each other. Read that as – the book nails southern Gothic. Is it bad that my favorite character was probably Gracie the dog though? Ha, no for real though I liked the cast of family, friends, and all the homeless people, there were again just soooo many names. My last and final thought is to mention that huge open ending! I won’t speculate for want of being spoiler free but I definitely wonder. If anyone wants to chat about it, I’m here for you
Overall, this one was super readable. It was 100% a Celadon book: literary and atmospheric. There were only 5 chapters though, very long, more like parts of the book that were divided into separate mini sections. It made the read feel slower. The pacing was a little difficult but I was never bored while reading and did enjoy all the history and culture of Savannah. The book club materials were awesome too – I’m not in a book club but I liked the map, further history, author interview, drink recipes, and all the discussion questions seemed well curated.
Definitely recommend for fans of family drama, southern literary fiction, mysteries
The balmy days, the rain, the locales, the iced tea and alcohol, the old ladies from old money maneuvering for social position… I kind of likened the reading experience to something that Wilbur Smith would put out, except maybe a little less exciting. I would love to see that author collaboration though *wink wink*
Ok back to Kingdoms – the mystery was exciting enough, except I thought that it went from zero to solved WAY too quickly and easily. One minute they had a few leads, and the next Morgana had solved it? I kind of followed her train of thought but I needed something more linking points A to Z.
As far as the characters… I liked them. I think Green did a good job with their personalities and interactions and showing how the family tended to ebb and flow in their relationships with each other. Read that as – the book nails southern Gothic. Is it bad that my favorite character was probably Gracie the dog though? Ha, no for real though I liked the cast of family, friends, and all the homeless people, there were again just soooo many names. My last and final thought is to mention that huge open ending! I won’t speculate for want of being spoiler free but I definitely wonder. If anyone wants to chat about it, I’m here for you
Overall, this one was super readable. It was 100% a Celadon book: literary and atmospheric. There were only 5 chapters though, very long, more like parts of the book that were divided into separate mini sections. It made the read feel slower. The pacing was a little difficult but I was never bored while reading and did enjoy all the history and culture of Savannah. The book club materials were awesome too – I’m not in a book club but I liked the map, further history, author interview, drink recipes, and all the discussion questions seemed well curated.
Definitely recommend for fans of family drama, southern literary fiction, mysteries
July 18, 2022
I love a novel when the city or town is a character and with the Kingdoms of Savannah you get that - a broody, eccentric and atmospheric Savannah, always present and always unpredictable.
If you loved Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, then you have the excellent opportunity to read it's contemporary cousin. This beautifully rendered novel is based on actual Savannah history.
In Kingdoms, we meet Morgana Musgrove, a grand dame and matriarch of an old and wealthy family. It's her grandchild Jaq, however, that is the heroine and star of the story in my opinion. Jaq's friend dies in a house fire that must be arson and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Along the way we meet a variety of relatives and characters that are truly larger than life. It's a beautiful story of murder and intrigue and the dark familial secrets that draw so many of us to thrillers. Best yet, George Dawes Green marries the secret and hidden underclass of Savannah, the day to day paycheck workers, the homeless and the mentally ill. If I haven't sold you on this book, let me tell you this - you will not forget it any time soon and you might book for your next vacation to Savanah as soon as you finish! If you love an atmospheric gothic, a larger then life, based on real-life story, or just want a complex familial thriller, then The Kingdoms of Savannah is for you! #Celedaon #ThekingdomsofSavannah #georgedawesgreen #savannah
If you loved Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, then you have the excellent opportunity to read it's contemporary cousin. This beautifully rendered novel is based on actual Savannah history.
In Kingdoms, we meet Morgana Musgrove, a grand dame and matriarch of an old and wealthy family. It's her grandchild Jaq, however, that is the heroine and star of the story in my opinion. Jaq's friend dies in a house fire that must be arson and she is determined to get to the bottom of it. Along the way we meet a variety of relatives and characters that are truly larger than life. It's a beautiful story of murder and intrigue and the dark familial secrets that draw so many of us to thrillers. Best yet, George Dawes Green marries the secret and hidden underclass of Savannah, the day to day paycheck workers, the homeless and the mentally ill. If I haven't sold you on this book, let me tell you this - you will not forget it any time soon and you might book for your next vacation to Savanah as soon as you finish! If you love an atmospheric gothic, a larger then life, based on real-life story, or just want a complex familial thriller, then The Kingdoms of Savannah is for you! #Celedaon #ThekingdomsofSavannah #georgedawesgreen #savannah
February 5, 2023
A unique mystery set in the underbelly of Savannah. Some interesting tie-ins to some historical figures in Savannah's checkered past. If you enjoyed "Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil" you would enjoy this book.
September 14, 2022
Founder of the Moth and Edgar award-winner George Dawes Green models the art of brilliant storytelling in his latest novel, The Kingdoms of Savannah. This work of historical fiction, Southern noir, and literary suspense invites us into the balmy neighborhoods of Savannah, with its old money mansions and homeless encampments, while juxtaposing a haunting past with corruption being the thread that ties the two together. And solving this modern-day murder mystery is the key to exposing a past that needs to be illuminated.
Morgana Muskgrove, a Savannah doyenne, who also inherited a struggling private investigation firm from her late husband, is hired by a notorious local developer to clear his name after he is accused of burning one of his buildings for insurance money and killing a local homeless man who was sleeping inside. His innocence is highly suspect, but this doesn't deter Morgana from the $500K paycheck that could be hers if she plays the game. She enlists the help of her four children and niece, Jaqueline (Jaq) and we get a front-row seat to the swirling dysfunction that is the Musgrove family.
In investigating this murder, the family is led to a search for another major character, Mathilda Stone (Stoney), a black contract archeologist and friend of the victim. No one has seen or heard from her since the night Luke Kitchens died. They realize that the search for Stoney will answer the questions and motives behind the death of Luke, and the subsequent deaths that occur while this mystery reaches a fever pitch. Who are the good guys? Who can be trusted? And is it possible for people to be both good and bad?
These questions are explored alongside themes of class, race, identity, social injustice, and retribution. The story unearths the ugly aspects of the past that many would prefer to forget and points to the conclusion that retribution and healing have to start with the truth.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Celadon books for a copy of this twisty treasure in exchange for my honest review.
Morgana Muskgrove, a Savannah doyenne, who also inherited a struggling private investigation firm from her late husband, is hired by a notorious local developer to clear his name after he is accused of burning one of his buildings for insurance money and killing a local homeless man who was sleeping inside. His innocence is highly suspect, but this doesn't deter Morgana from the $500K paycheck that could be hers if she plays the game. She enlists the help of her four children and niece, Jaqueline (Jaq) and we get a front-row seat to the swirling dysfunction that is the Musgrove family.
In investigating this murder, the family is led to a search for another major character, Mathilda Stone (Stoney), a black contract archeologist and friend of the victim. No one has seen or heard from her since the night Luke Kitchens died. They realize that the search for Stoney will answer the questions and motives behind the death of Luke, and the subsequent deaths that occur while this mystery reaches a fever pitch. Who are the good guys? Who can be trusted? And is it possible for people to be both good and bad?
These questions are explored alongside themes of class, race, identity, social injustice, and retribution. The story unearths the ugly aspects of the past that many would prefer to forget and points to the conclusion that retribution and healing have to start with the truth.
Thank you to Goodreads Giveaways and Celadon books for a copy of this twisty treasure in exchange for my honest review.
July 20, 2022
Thank you, Celadon Books, and George Dawes Green for the opportunity to read this book! It was released, yesterday, July 19th, 2022!
“The soldiers of the King, they were free men. They weren’t slaves. Sharper, he lived in the Kingdom, and he was a free man.”
THE KINGDOMS OF SAVANNAH
Yesterday, I participated in the Little Free Library Book Drop for The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green. If you look up the hashtag, you can see where there are copies at Free Little Libraries from all around the country, and trust me, you want to read this book. The book begins with friends Luke and Stony meeting their friends at a bar. However, the night doesn’t turn out as planned, Stony is missing and Luke is murdered. The man who is suspected of murder is a notorious slumlord. He hires Morgana Musgrove who owns a detective agency. Her son, Ransom, and niece, Jaq has close ties with the homeless community and they investigate Luke’s murder. Their investigation takes them from the homeless communities to the homes of the elite and uncovers one of Savannah’s most important secrets.
I loved the synopsis, everything drew me in. The prologue intrigued me. But then I hit the first chapter and I wasn’t sure if I would love it. Then I hit chapter two and I was hooked. I was fully immersed in this mystery with extremely complex characters. I think the one thing that really caught my attention is the dialogue. It is emotional, but full of wit.–Especially from Morgana. She is not a great mother, but you can’t help but enjoy her candor. I love Jaq and Ransom’s relationship, they are truly there for each other and want justice. However, I did appreciate the dive into the dysfunction of the Musgrove family.
At first glance, this seems like a casual murder mystery, but the murder is committed to uncovering a secret in Savannah, one that many would die to protect. It really shows the darker side of Savannah, rather than the expansive plantations. I also want to point out that it is imperative that readers also read the historical note at the end. It adds so much depth to this mystery.
“The soldiers of the King, they were free men. They weren’t slaves. Sharper, he lived in the Kingdom, and he was a free man.”
THE KINGDOMS OF SAVANNAH
Yesterday, I participated in the Little Free Library Book Drop for The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green. If you look up the hashtag, you can see where there are copies at Free Little Libraries from all around the country, and trust me, you want to read this book. The book begins with friends Luke and Stony meeting their friends at a bar. However, the night doesn’t turn out as planned, Stony is missing and Luke is murdered. The man who is suspected of murder is a notorious slumlord. He hires Morgana Musgrove who owns a detective agency. Her son, Ransom, and niece, Jaq has close ties with the homeless community and they investigate Luke’s murder. Their investigation takes them from the homeless communities to the homes of the elite and uncovers one of Savannah’s most important secrets.
I loved the synopsis, everything drew me in. The prologue intrigued me. But then I hit the first chapter and I wasn’t sure if I would love it. Then I hit chapter two and I was hooked. I was fully immersed in this mystery with extremely complex characters. I think the one thing that really caught my attention is the dialogue. It is emotional, but full of wit.–Especially from Morgana. She is not a great mother, but you can’t help but enjoy her candor. I love Jaq and Ransom’s relationship, they are truly there for each other and want justice. However, I did appreciate the dive into the dysfunction of the Musgrove family.
At first glance, this seems like a casual murder mystery, but the murder is committed to uncovering a secret in Savannah, one that many would die to protect. It really shows the darker side of Savannah, rather than the expansive plantations. I also want to point out that it is imperative that readers also read the historical note at the end. It adds so much depth to this mystery.
February 26, 2023
I think I just learned a ton about Savannah's history in this atmospheric and engaging read by George Dawes Green. The Kingdoms of Savannah is crime fiction with a strong dose of history, and I loved that Dawes Green included some historical notes at the end. This is a slower burn of a story, but I didn't want to put it down and managed to finish it in just one day. I loved Morgana and Ransom, as well as a great many of the other characters, and even though there are quite a few viewpoints, I didn't find them difficult to keep straight. The author has extremely strong characterization and every single person in this story no matter if you get their POV directly or not, felt vivid and real.
The audiobook is basically a masterpiece as well and is narrated by a full cast of characters which was definitely necessary for the story. Ariel Blake, Jeanette Illidge, Karen Commins, Kathleen McInerney & Lee Osorio all did an amazing job, and I would have no issues listening to The Kingdoms of Savannah again and again. Since it is very character and history driven, I did find the plot to be a bit of a slower mover (as mentioned), but I was so lost in the story that I didn’t mind at all. As hard as it was to read at times, I’m glad I got to learn more about history through this book, and I will definitely be seeking out more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook is basically a masterpiece as well and is narrated by a full cast of characters which was definitely necessary for the story. Ariel Blake, Jeanette Illidge, Karen Commins, Kathleen McInerney & Lee Osorio all did an amazing job, and I would have no issues listening to The Kingdoms of Savannah again and again. Since it is very character and history driven, I did find the plot to be a bit of a slower mover (as mentioned), but I was so lost in the story that I didn’t mind at all. As hard as it was to read at times, I’m glad I got to learn more about history through this book, and I will definitely be seeking out more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
November 12, 2022
First, I'll say that I did enjoy large swaths of this book. Some of the Southernisms made me laugh, I enjoyed some of the Southern Gothic flourishes & appreciated the historical background, including learning about this horrific event in GA history (that I had not previously heard about), as well as the rumors surrounding an (unknown/hidden) island along the GA coast where "escaped slaves" coexisted & lived free since the Revolutionary War days (referred to in the book as America's "Masada").
Great. I am glad the history is being brought to the light of day, even if it's not fully explored yet. There are similar stories from other locations, including in this 2016 Smithsonian article talking about similar places in the VA & NC swamps. The existence of this American "Masada" is the crux of the action in the book, the big secret, the "treasure" to be protected, etc. I'm skipping ahead to a major plot point here (p. 241):
Reader, I looked. Does the site give some historical insight? No, it's the motherfucking publisher's page about the book! There are four short video "interviews" (one to two minutes each) of Savannah people on the page so I thought maybe they would add to the history related to the crux of the story. Nope.
Just wtf? Really, your big reveal in the story itself is to point you to the publisher's page for... a book you're already reading!?!
That pissed me off an inordinate amount.
(And, honestly, the dude giving up the secret gave it up pretty quickly & easily if it was info he was supposed to be protecting.)
Some other things that pissed me off about the book:
-- Stony, an African-American contract archaeologist, is portrayed as a homeless woman. I get that she travels for her work but....
-- Jaq, another African-American woman & main protagonist, is part of an old Savannah family through marriage (a mixed-race lesbian couple). Which is fine but it felt like a forced, let's get all the tropes in move. I can't pinpoint why I felt that, but it just gave me that vibe.
-- The bad cop is of Greek descent (so not a traditional white dude, I guess).
-- The female judge had an interaction with Stony's mother that did not (imo) fit her character, at least based on the rough sketch of her. Plus, the judge (multiple times) is surreptitiously checking herself out in a little compact mirror while she's on the bench overseeing cases. Hey, author, do you think this is how females in powerful jobs act?
-- The back has some historical notes which are helpful & appreciated. But some of them refer to links that are either no longer working or require subscriptions (such as to the Washington Post) in order to read the actual article. So... not entirely helpful.
I don't know exactly when I passed the point from enjoying the story to starting to get a chip on my shoulder about it but I certainly did do a 180 while reading the entire thing. Which is too bad. It started pretty well & I thought I was in for a good story. By halfway through, I was feeling kind of grudging. And when the "secret" (of the book's website) was dropped & I realized it's a marketing ploy (I guess?), I was just pissed.
Starting out, I might have given it four stars for fun. Then maybe three. After ruminating, I feel generous if I give it a two.
Just... what a disappointment.
Great. I am glad the history is being brought to the light of day, even if it's not fully explored yet. There are similar stories from other locations, including in this 2016 Smithsonian article talking about similar places in the VA & NC swamps. The existence of this American "Masada" is the crux of the action in the book, the big secret, the "treasure" to be protected, etc. I'm skipping ahead to a major plot point here (p. 241):
"But he doesn't go. He looks up into the shimmering silver sheets of rain in the church floodlight. He says, "By the way, I don't have that treasure but I do know where to find it."
"You do?"
"Stony told me not to tell anyone unless something happened to her. I guess it's time."
"Where is it?"
"The. Treasure. Of. The. Kingdom. Dot com. One word, no spaces, no caps. Thetreasureofthekingdom dot com. I hope Stony will be OK. I hope your uncle will be OK.""
Reader, I looked. Does the site give some historical insight? No, it's the motherfucking publisher's page about the book! There are four short video "interviews" (one to two minutes each) of Savannah people on the page so I thought maybe they would add to the history related to the crux of the story. Nope.
Just wtf? Really, your big reveal in the story itself is to point you to the publisher's page for... a book you're already reading!?!
That pissed me off an inordinate amount.
(And, honestly, the dude giving up the secret gave it up pretty quickly & easily if it was info he was supposed to be protecting.)
Some other things that pissed me off about the book:
-- Stony, an African-American contract archaeologist, is portrayed as a homeless woman. I get that she travels for her work but....
-- Jaq, another African-American woman & main protagonist, is part of an old Savannah family through marriage (a mixed-race lesbian couple). Which is fine but it felt like a forced, let's get all the tropes in move. I can't pinpoint why I felt that, but it just gave me that vibe.
-- The bad cop is of Greek descent (so not a traditional white dude, I guess).
-- The female judge had an interaction with Stony's mother that did not (imo) fit her character, at least based on the rough sketch of her. Plus, the judge (multiple times) is surreptitiously checking herself out in a little compact mirror while she's on the bench overseeing cases. Hey, author, do you think this is how females in powerful jobs act?
-- The back has some historical notes which are helpful & appreciated. But some of them refer to links that are either no longer working or require subscriptions (such as to the Washington Post) in order to read the actual article. So... not entirely helpful.
I don't know exactly when I passed the point from enjoying the story to starting to get a chip on my shoulder about it but I certainly did do a 180 while reading the entire thing. Which is too bad. It started pretty well & I thought I was in for a good story. By halfway through, I was feeling kind of grudging. And when the "secret" (of the book's website) was dropped & I realized it's a marketing ploy (I guess?), I was just pissed.
Starting out, I might have given it four stars for fun. Then maybe three. After ruminating, I feel generous if I give it a two.
Just... what a disappointment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 16, 2022
4 southern stars
This is my second Savannah book recently and I do love Southern fiction! This atmospheric book features ghosts, tourists, lovely old mansions, and even homeless camps.
The author is not afraid to dig into Savannah history and most of it isn’t pretty! One of my favorite characters in this one is Jaq, she’s a bartender at a Savannah bar and connected to one of the oldest families in town.
The book starts out with a murder and a kidnapping, and the rest of the tale is trying to unravel those events.
Morgana is the matriarch of Savannah society and just happens to still own a detective agency, a legacy from her late husband. She’s been retained to clear the name of a prominent Savannah citizen and she draws her whole family in to help. Her adult children are very interesting characters as well. Her two sons can’t stand each other, and her two daughters don’t like her views on things.
As the investigation continues, family secrets and danger swirl around the characters. I really had to hold my breath to see if my favorite characters would survive to see the end of the book. I had to wonder, just what is the Kingdom of Savannah and why is it important?
The ending has me a bit conflicted and I enjoyed reading the author’s notes at the end. It was interesting too that real historical elements are incorporated into the book.
This one made for a great buddy read with Mary Beth and it would be great for book clubs too.
My thanks to Celadon for the printed ARC. This one is scheduled to publish July 19, 2022.
This is my second Savannah book recently and I do love Southern fiction! This atmospheric book features ghosts, tourists, lovely old mansions, and even homeless camps.
The author is not afraid to dig into Savannah history and most of it isn’t pretty! One of my favorite characters in this one is Jaq, she’s a bartender at a Savannah bar and connected to one of the oldest families in town.
The book starts out with a murder and a kidnapping, and the rest of the tale is trying to unravel those events.
Morgana is the matriarch of Savannah society and just happens to still own a detective agency, a legacy from her late husband. She’s been retained to clear the name of a prominent Savannah citizen and she draws her whole family in to help. Her adult children are very interesting characters as well. Her two sons can’t stand each other, and her two daughters don’t like her views on things.
As the investigation continues, family secrets and danger swirl around the characters. I really had to hold my breath to see if my favorite characters would survive to see the end of the book. I had to wonder, just what is the Kingdom of Savannah and why is it important?
The ending has me a bit conflicted and I enjoyed reading the author’s notes at the end. It was interesting too that real historical elements are incorporated into the book.
This one made for a great buddy read with Mary Beth and it would be great for book clubs too.
My thanks to Celadon for the printed ARC. This one is scheduled to publish July 19, 2022.
June 30, 2022
This book was so fascinating. An indepth dive into Savannahs sordid history. The amount of white and male washed history out there is like 85%. But the stories are out there just not always being told to entertain the tourists.
This family was very dysfunctional with very interesting relationships that were controlling. One of them lived in the homeless encampments to stay away from his rich controlling southern mama. This i think was an important viewpoint. In humanizing the homeless experience. It's an epidemic in this country and although there are resources not everyone wants to be in society. Some are by choice, lack of money or employment, drugs or alcohol, untreated mental health issues, the list goes on. Society isn't a one size fits all box and it always reminds me of the factionless in Divergent. You don't fit in you get pushed out.
I really enjoyed this one! The mystery was there and poor Stoney. There were a few suspects that could've been it. It wasn't exactly who I thought it was but you know it all boils down to money and land.
There was history in this that was under the fictional story and the Gothic and lovely mossy trees of Savannah came through.
Thank you Celadon books for the gifted copy
This family was very dysfunctional with very interesting relationships that were controlling. One of them lived in the homeless encampments to stay away from his rich controlling southern mama. This i think was an important viewpoint. In humanizing the homeless experience. It's an epidemic in this country and although there are resources not everyone wants to be in society. Some are by choice, lack of money or employment, drugs or alcohol, untreated mental health issues, the list goes on. Society isn't a one size fits all box and it always reminds me of the factionless in Divergent. You don't fit in you get pushed out.
I really enjoyed this one! The mystery was there and poor Stoney. There were a few suspects that could've been it. It wasn't exactly who I thought it was but you know it all boils down to money and land.
There was history in this that was under the fictional story and the Gothic and lovely mossy trees of Savannah came through.
Thank you Celadon books for the gifted copy
May 20, 2022
Savannah is one of my favorite cities full of charm, grace, and beauty. At least, the Savannah that I know is. This novel reveals the ugly underbelly not limited to the homelessness that surrounds it; corruption abounds. The city’s hideous history of slavery is ignored particularly by those with standing in Savannah’s high society. Nothing remains a secret forever.
August 1, 2022
Involving, atmospheric, flawed. Just like its setting. Savannah, with her complicated history, plays a large role in this entertainment, and I found myself more intrigued with the details of history that George Dawes Greene sprinkles throughout, himself a native. There is a mystery, but the characters keep on coming, and this audible recording employs a large cast. Thoroughly enjoyable.
July 21, 2022
I don’t get it.
October 4, 2024
Savannah society doyenne Morgana Musgrave and her family detective agency are retained by a property developer who’s facing charges in the death of a young man whose body was found in a torched building. Morgana’s granddaughter, a young film student/bartender, knew the young man and his now-missing companion, whom she’s determined to find. Meanwhile Morgana’s son, a disgraced lawyer sleeping rough, also comes on board to help his mother.
Very plotty, lots of characters, in a way that felt like the reader was expected to be invested in them from the get-go, which wasn’t the case. But the plot involves Savannah’s dark history, and the contrast between what tourists see and all its lumps and bumps, and that was very engaging, particularly having been for a brief trip there myself several years ago. The historical notes at the end were fascinating too. 3.5.
Very plotty, lots of characters, in a way that felt like the reader was expected to be invested in them from the get-go, which wasn’t the case. But the plot involves Savannah’s dark history, and the contrast between what tourists see and all its lumps and bumps, and that was very engaging, particularly having been for a brief trip there myself several years ago. The historical notes at the end were fascinating too. 3.5.
July 5, 2022
This was an excellent whodunit. Set in the picturesque Savannah, Georgia this is a real southern-based mystery. The author did a magnificent job of weaving an elaborate plot with evocative characters. I especially enjoyed Morgana Musgrave, the shrewd matron socialite with a Creula Devillesque appeal. Although the mystery was good, I was honestly invested in the characters more. Recommend if you like a good ol'fashioned mystery with a southern vibe.
Thank you Celadon books for this complimentary copy.
Thank you Celadon books for this complimentary copy.
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