Peaches and Screams

A Savannah Reid Mystery #7

by G.A. McKevett

Plus-sized private eye Savannah Reid is about to discover the answer to that age-old question: What could be worse than going back home to the Deep South in the height of August humidity? It's going home to a wedding--not your own--without a ring on your finger or a date on your arm. But a hideous bridesmaid's dress is the least of Savannah's problems after her kid brother is arrested for murder...

As the oldest of nine siblings, Savannah has attended her share of family weddings south of the Mason-Dixon Line... several of which have featured her sister Marietta as the bride. But before the fickle Southern belle can traipse down the aisle with her latest Mr. Right, the youngest of the Reid brood is thrown into the slammer. At first, Savannah wonders if unruly Macon really is responsible for killing the Honorable Judge Patterson. But when she learns that the ornery old geezer had more enemies than Marietta's had husbands, Savannah is convinced that her brother's been framed.

Shaking the Patterson family tree nets Savannah an assortment of embittered ex-wives, spurned mistresses, and illegitimate offspring--but no real leads. Now, with hapless Macon stewing in a steamy cell and Marietta pouting about her postponed nuptials, it's time for Big Sis Savannah to turn up the heat and show a cleverly concealed killer that this is one Georgia peach who ain't just whistlin' Dixie...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Crime, Contemporary, Chick Lit

290 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

About the author

Since publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over sixty published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed SAVANNAH REID MYSTERIES under the pseudonym G. A. McKevett.

Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.

Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor. Her Irish novels include: DREAM CARVER, CAROUSEL, DAUGHTER OF IRELAND and the bestselling FAR AND AWAY - the novelization of the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.

Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.

Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.

Reviews

[Marcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Savannah's adventures. In this installment, her return to Georgia was one of my favorites. I absolutely love Granny Reid and relationships between Savannah and her siblings.

Merged review:

I always enjoy Savannah's adventures. In this installment, her return to Georgia was one of my favorites. I absolutely love Granny Reid and relationships between Savannah and her siblings.

[Alan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Private investigator Savannah Reid is back home in McGill, Georgia for her sister's wedding when their younger brother is arrested for murder. Savannah and two of her friends join forces to clear her brother's name.

Full of delightful characters, witty dialogue and authentic Southern charm, this ingenious novel is sheer pleasure.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and this is one very good installment. I enjoyed practically every minute of it. Well done!

[Karina · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun easy read. I got to meet Savannah's crazy Georgian family. When she goes to visit Grandma Reid, Savannah finds her brother Macon in some bad trouble so she has to use her detective skills to try and get his name cleared before he gets accused of shooting and killing a rich neighbor of theirs.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

lots of fun

I enjoyed this entry with Savannah visiting her family in Georgia instead of one of them coming to California. The mystery was enjoyable and I liked that some of the Moonlight Magnolia detective agency came out to help.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book seven in the Savannah Reid series. Savannah is flying home to McGill, Georgia for her sister Marietta's wedding. When she arrives, she finds her brother, Macon has been arrested for the murder of Judge Patterson. Savannah knows her little brother didn't kill anyone, so she sets out to find the true killer. As soon as her partners back in California her about Macon, they fly out to help Savannah with the case.

I always love reading a Savannah Reid book. There is just something about this series that makes me happy. I love these characters and this is one of the few series I reread. Savannah is such a likable character. She is the type of person that i could see myself being friends with forever. What i like about this book in particular is that this is the first time we what like was like for Savannah growing up in Georgia with her grandmother and eight siblings. I really enjoyed this book and will be rereading some others in this series as well as any new books that the author writes.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE ONLY BAD PART OF THIS BOOK IS THAT GRANNY REID WILL NEVER KNOW HOW MUCH I LOVE HER
OK, so maybe this book didn't change my life, but I absolutely loved it and it was a very fun read.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah goes back to Georgia for a sisters wedding and has to solve a murder case her younger brother is accused of. Tammy and Dirk join her to help solve the case. Gran finally sets the family straight.

[Teresa mcgaha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a comfortable series, I read more for the characters than the mystery. This time Savannah is called home to witness her sister Marietta getting married for the third time. Upon arrival she learns that her brother Macon is in jail for murder. Within hours Dirk and Tammy show up for support and to help unravel the truth behind the murder. Along the way we get to see the dynamics of this large southern family and how Granny holds them together. Since the mother is absent in raising her children. Savannah is appaled at how her siblings take advantage of Granny and she plans on handling that after finding out the truth of the death of the judge. This books give me some LOL moments and some closure as Savannah moves on her in her life and Granny puts her foot down on how things will run now

[Karen Ditsch · Rating 2 out of 5]

There is no jurisdiction in the country that would allow a prosecutor to be lead counsel on the murder of his father in law when he is also the witness who found the body. Oh and shockingly he's the killer. I usually like these books but the base here was beyond stupid.

[Daelith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love Savannah's wacky family and her Southern sass.

[L8blmr · Rating 4 out of 5]

I do enjoy the mysteries by this author, even though I have a tough time tracking them down (especially in order). In this story, Savannah returns to her hometown in Georgia and we find out more about her many siblings, her mother, and her beloved grandmother. Oh yes, there is a former boyfriend in the mix to make things even more interesting. The fact that I have lived in Georgia for most of my life merely adds to my enjoyment of the many "Southernisms" that show up in this book. I like reading about Savannah and her friends' adventures and misadventures that take place in California, but this one really appealed to me. I don't know if these stories would fall into the "cozy mysteries" genre, but they are easy reads, humorous and have a homey feeling to them.

[Corale Faltynski]

As the oldest of nine siblings, plus-sized private eye Savannah Reid has attended her share of family weddings south of the Mason-Dixon line--several of which featured her sister Marietta as the bride. But before the fickle Southern belle can traipse down the aisle with her latest Mr. Right, the youngest of the Reid brood, Macon, is thrown into jail. At first, Savannah wonders if unruly Macon really is responsible for killing the Honorable Judge Patterson but when she learns that the ornery old geezer had more enemies than Marietta's had husbands, Savannah is convinced that her brother's been framed.

[Katherine Decker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah is headed home to Georgia for a wedding. She knows it will be a chaotic, but she never expected that she would end up investigating a murder in order to clear her brother. I really enjoyed this book. Often, when the MC of a series travels away from the normal location I don't enjoy it as much. This story however is really well written and the fact that Dirk and Tammy end up coming down to help makes it work. Gram Reid is one cool grandmother and I appreciated the growth we see in her. There are quite a few moments of humor scattered throughout as well. Overall a very enjoyable read.

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Reid, ex-cop and current owner of a detective agency in California, returns to her home in Georgia to attend her sister's wedding. She must deal with the loving grandmother who raised her, her 8 dysfunctional siblings and their families and the news that her youngest brother was just arrested for murder. Throw in her friends and co-workers from California and her ex-boyfriend now deputy in her hometown and you have a lot of wacky characters and Southern charm and humor. And yes, she has two cats and Grandma has a bloodhound.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Savannah goes back to GA for her sister Marietta's 3rd wedding. (All of her 8 siblings are named after GA towns.) Brother Macon has just been arrested and charged with murder and the family feels he is innocent. So, of course, Dirk and Tammy fly in from CA to help on the case. Lots of southern drama, lots of Granny Reid, and lots of Savannah stuffing her fat face again. An okay story in a different setting from the usual.

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plus size PI Savannah Reid returns to GA for her sister's wedding only to find her brother Macon in jail for murdering a local judge. This is #7 in the series. I have been reading them out of order with no problems. I really enjoy the characters, I may go back and start reading them or re-reading them in order.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah's family is something else. It was nice to see where she came from but man her siblings annoyed me to no end. Deputy Tommy trying to get cozy again made me wonder if Savannah was finally going to see Dirk as more than a friend, but so far no go. 😞

[Karen Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like "cozy mysteries", Savannah and Dirk are made for you. Their relationship, which grows with every one of GA McKevett's books in this series, will have you laughing at her "southern-isms" and falling in love with both of them.

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Love this series. Quick, fun reads with great characters and mysteries. This one has Savannah and the rest of the gang headed back to her hometown to solve a murder for which her brother has been accused. So fun to meet the rest of this huge southern family.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soooo Good!

I love these books on Gran Reid and her grandchildren. I intend to read them all and not miss one. Her grandson is in jail for murder and Susannah who is now a PI in California returns home to sort it out. Twists. Turns. Plots galore.

[Arnetta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 3rd book I've read in this series. I love mysteries - I love trying to solve it. Let me just say I have yet to properly guess who the killer is. She surprises me every time - and I love surprises.

[Deborah Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Reid travels home to McGill, Georgia and the adventures with her family begin. Dirk and Tammy come help Savannah when they hear her brother has been accused of murder. Lots of twists and turns and fun to read.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah returns to Georgia for a wedding ... or maybe a wedding. And definitely to help out a family member accused of murder. And pie, there's pie too.

[D. Wickles · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book in the series, Savannah returns to her hometown and there is nothing but trouble.

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 - Good

[Valerie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good mystery

I enjoyed the mystery and I mildly liked the characters. But I didn't like it enough to want to read any further books in the series.

[Bobbie Pollock · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting read

This book is an enjoyable book. I liked the family love between the characters and their loyalty to each other.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah goes back to Georgia where several of her siblings are in deep doody. They're pretty annoying but they get their comeuppance.

[Autumn Chastain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book