Savannah Secrets

Vigilantes for Justice #2

by Alan Chaput

When Patricia Falcon's husband Trey is kidnapped, she is plunged into a complex race that crosses continents and decades and will push her to her emotional and mental limits.Patricia's investigative talents are further challenged because her husband's ransom isn't money.Desperate to ensure the safe return of Trey, Patricia reaches out to a Catholic bishop, a local witch doctor, and two secret organizations hoping to piece together the clues she needs to find and deliver what the kidnappers want before it's too late.

Genres: Mystery

Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

Reviews

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Socialite Patricia Falcon is a strong woman, but how much can woman take? When a friend is murdered, and her husband kidnapped, Patricia has to use all of the resources she can to get Trey back safe and sound. With the Russian Mob, the Catholic Bishop and Secret organizations all playing a part in the story, it’s almost as if Mr Chaput is grabbing some of these straight out of the headlines of today’s news stories!

What I love most about Mr. Chaput’s writing is that he has written a strong female character. Secondly I love how he weaves in bits and pieces of real Savannah into his stories. It’s a winning combination for me as a reader!

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets by Alan Chaput is the second book in the Vigilantes for Justice series. I loved the characters and the setting for this mystery. I could not stop reading this cozy mystery filled with intrigue and southern charm. I have not read the first book in this series, but I am looking forward to reading it and the third book in this series. I voluntarily reviewed an Arc of this book.

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun caper

Mr Chaput brings the charm, old Savannah brings the secrets and a cast of larger than life characters brings the intrigue. Patricia has to save her beloved Trey this time. A fun, page turning read steeped in Southern mystery. A great follow up to Savannah Sleuth

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Savannah Secrets and couldn't put the book down or turn the pages fast enough as I sat on the edge of my seat through the intrigue, twists and complexities of this well-crafted mystery. I really like Patricia Falcon who uses her investigative talents to find her husband Trey who is kidnapped as he leaves his law office. Mr. Chaput knocked my socks off with this second book in the Vigilantes for Justice series and I can't wait to see what he has for Patricia in book three. I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author and this is my voluntary and unbiased review. I liked it so much I purchased a copy for my Kindle so I can read it again later.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new to me author. I really enjoyed this story. It kept moving along and I liked the characters. Savannah has many secrets and defenders. Patricia's husband, Trey, is one of the defenders and he has gone missing. Patricia is in danger also. There is no ransom call and they have to figure out who took him and why. Once Patricia realizes the kidnapper wants a relic that the Catholic church is also looking for, she will not stop until she finds it and gets Trey back. Will the church try to stop her from exchanging the relic for her husband? Patricia has a few tricks up her sleeve. She will get him back.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Exciting and full of adventures. Intriguing, full of secrets, double lives and violent enemies or are they enemies? This is full of energy, excitement and I loved every page of it. At times my heart pounded as if I was watching a drama unfold. I can not wait to read the other books in this series. There is a whole slew of interesting characters but I really enjoy the main characters, Trey and Patricia Falcon. Alan Chaput is a new author to me but not for long.

[Lisa Gillette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wasn't familiar with this author or series before I read "Savannah Secrets," but the description sounded interesting, and I've always been fascinated by Savannah and its rich history. I actually wish the city played a bit bigger role in the story, but there is plenty of action without it.

The heroine of the book, Patricia Falcon, and her lawyer husband Trey have an enviable marriage, a college-age daughter, and lots of danger surrounding them thanks to Trey's underground involvement in efforts to keep organized crime from invading Savannah. His disappearance early in the book triggers lots of cloak-and-dagger activity aimed at rescuing him while locating a mysterious religious relic that his captors seek.

Overall, I liked this book -- it has elements that are reminiscent of books by Robert Ludlum and Dan Brown, but having a strong woman as the main protagonist is a welcome twist. So many different factors come into play: the Catholic church and its focus on securing the relic (perhaps at Trey's expense?); the mystic whose insight into the relic's potential power intrigues a young journalist; the Russian mafia who show their muscle in frightening ways.

I especially enjoyed the various technology and gadgetry employed to protect Patricia and her daughter while spying on various characters and trying to secure Trey's release; I find that kind of thing fascinating. I don't know how much of it is real, but it's certainly cool. One thing that bothered me, however, was some mistakes made by Patricia's stoic bodyguard, Simon -- given his training and what was at stake in the story, they seemed somewhat implausible. But the way Patricia and her daughter finally solve the mystery is pretty ingenious.

If you want a page-turning suspense story and don't mind the somewhat dark tone and need to suspend disbelief in a few places, this well-written book is worth your time.

NOTE: I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the characters and the plot of this series. It is a unique approach for a cozy mystery with secret societies, meddling/investigating wives, investigative priests and Russian gangsters to round out the medley of characters. The stories tend to be action packed and fast moving with realistic actions and reactions made by the characters. While I see it as a positive that the bad guy often isn't caught as it tells you that there is going to be a next book, some people will not respond well to that. The cozy genre typically ends with the bad guy caught and everyone else in a happy place, don't read this series with that expectation and you will greatly enjoy these books. In this one in particular, the husband of our main character has gone missing and since he is one of the leaders of the secret society there are a myriad of potential suspects that may have helped him disappear. You really need to read to see what happens next!

[Toni Nyman · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a little trouble starting Mr. Chaput's books because I hadn't read the first one. Once I got past that I was totally invested in helping Patricia find her husband Trey. There were so many plot lines all leading back to Trey that made it hard to put down. I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the religious relics and what the church would do to find missing ones. Who would have thought there was a secret coalition in Savannah that kept the city protected. It was just one surprise after another. A must read.

[Vicki May · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It was difficult for me to understand the dynamic of this book since I had not read the first in the series but as I continued reading I got immersed in the story and enjoyed it quite a bit. The complex characters and plot made this a good mystery read. I look forward to going back now to read the first book and continuing with this complex series to see where the stories take me.

[Reu]

****4.0 Stars****

The moment that I began reading this book- the whole story began to unravel in my mind like a movie. Alan Chaput has done an excellent job bringing the characters in this story to life, where one can actually see & experience the conversations and scenes transpiring. The way that Chaput creates the scene & setting within this book brings the reader right to that place & time. I found this a very skillful craft & art of the author.

I feel like I could empathize with Patricia- & the emotional battles that she was facing. The opening scene of the book where she was involved, had me hooked & created an excitement in me that could not wait to be experienced. Writing in this style & fashion is what makes a reader, read & enjoy the aspects of life that sometimes can only be created within a book.

I am going to want to read the first book in this series- so that I can indulge myself on more of the style of writing that this author provides. Very well done book Alan!! Keep up with this amazing art & talent that you have been given!

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story grabs you from the start and doesn't let go. When Trey is a no show for a dinner party his wife is concerned but hours later when she finds a snake with his wedding ring in their bed that concern turns to panic.

The author does a good job of setting the scene and conveying the tension and suspense from the very first chapter all the way to the end. The only problem I had was since I have not read the first book (this is the second book in the Vigilantes For Justice series) there were a few times when I felt like I was lacking important information.

I received this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Vbloemer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah, Georgia, is a place full of mystery. In Savannah Secrets, mystery and international intrigue take center stage. A local lawyer suddenly goes missing, and his wife is concerned when he doesn’t show up for a dinner gathering. Patricia, the wife, calls on the police, but when they don’t seem to have any leads, she contacts a local secret group to help her find her missing husband. After what they had gone through before, Patricia was on high alert. Her personal body guard, Simon, steps in and helps coordinate the search for her husband. The search takes them through some dark places, especially for Patricia. The mystery behind her husband’s kidnapping, gives them plenty of intrigue as they try to discover why he has been taken and by whom. It also takes them back in time, as the clues start to pop up that there is more going on than meets the eye. Secret societies, the Church, and a missing relic all play a part in the mystery of this story. This book will have you full of questions but also wanting to help search for clues. It caught my attention from the very beginning even though I hadn’t read the first book in the series. It kept my attention as they continued to find hidden clues that had been in plain site without anyone really knowing. By the time you get to the end, it all makes sense. The way Alan Chaput ended the story makes you wonder what is going to happen next in their lives. I look forward to reading book one in the series and any other books that come out in the series. I’ve received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review. I can honestly say, I have found a new favorite author.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets is the second book in the Vigilantes for Justice series. The story starts out strong, but with many suggestions of a back story that made me wonder what had happened in the first book. At first this was a little bewildering, but soon I came to accept that it was like a new friend and sometimes you just don't know what happened before you met them. I really enjoyed the multiple layers to the mystery and the last chapter whets your appetite for the next book incredibly well. Patricia proves that a person can be affected by the past and still overcome it to succeed in very difficult times. The city of Savannah becomes an actor in the story and made me yearn to visit. The history and old-worldliness make it an incredibly interesting city. All of the characters are all people that behave as you would expect if you know a Bishop or a bodyguard or an extreme banker or a witch doctor. The cast is varied and complex. While I enjoyed this story very much I would suggest that the books be read in order so all of the nuances make sense as you are reading. The are too many allusions to the backstory that took place in the first book to allow you to fully connect with the story. I have ordered the first book to fill in the blanks. Even though I feel I need the backstory I can hardly wait for the next book to see what happens next.

I received a copy of this book from the author the opinions expressed are my own.

[Sara Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets was quite an impressive book, I enjoyed it immensely! I will be reading the first book as soon as I can get a chance. It started right in on the action and never quit. I like how it hopped from scene to scene, so that we can see what more than one character is doing through out the story-line. Many other books only follow the main character and don't give much incite into the thoughts or activities of other characters, the author Alan Chaput put a lot of thought into each individual and it made for a really fun to read book.
Trey Falcon and his wife Victoria are affluent members of the Savannah community, Trey is a lawyer and member of a secret society and Victoria a socialite who partakes in vigilante crime solving. Risky business to begin with, but once you add in negotiating with crime bosses, things get worse quickly. Trey is abducted and Victoria is put on lock down in her home, but she can't sit by useless, and begins looking for clues with the help of some friends from the church. The secret society is also on the case, using resources that are beyond that of the police. Strange coincidences begin popping up, linking various people, places and things to each other, until it becomes apparent that nothing is a coincidence at all and everything comes down to a Saint's missing arm bones. Victoria is prepared to do just about anything to get her husband back, but it seems like nothing is working, will taking matters into her own hands be his saving grace or will it speed up his untimely demise?

I received this book from the publisher/author to read for free, this fact has not in any way swayed my opinion of this book.

[Marie Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this book from the author for a fair and honest review. This is the second installment of the Vigilantes for Justice series. While the book can stand on it’s own, incidences in the first book are referred to but not restated which could leave the reader’s mind questioning what had happened. This cozy doesn’t fit the cookie cutter mold that a lot of cozies do with a murder, a very nosey heroine, a love interest that helps solve the crime, heroine in a dire situation, and then the murder is solved. That is part of the books magic that held my interest. The story unfolds through several groups/people. The pace is relatively quick as it shows glimpses of what each group/person is doing. This is a more seriously toned cozy through out the book. The characters are believable in that the author shows their raw emotion, faults, and vulnerabilities along with their determination and an actually reason to be pursuing the kidnapper. However, the characters do not resemble any one I associate with. I did find the ending to be abrupt without all the answers I had wanted, but it otherwise suited the book. Overall, I enjoyed reading this book and often found it hard to put down. I look forward to reading the third installment of this book when it is released.

[Cyndy Bailes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets by Alan Chaput is the second book in the Vigilantes for Justice series. The main focus is on Patricia Falcon along with a number of well-developed characters including her husband Trey who is kidnapped at the beginning of the story. Although the Cotton Coalition is supposed to be finding Trey who belongs to this secret group Patricia also becomes actively involved in the search with some friends. I found myself barely able to put the book down from page one on. The book has good depth and held my attention all the way through. The atmosphere of Savannah lent a wonderful background to the story. I did find it a bit hard to rate the book though for two reasons: one, I hate snakes which do show up occasionally, and two, I found the ending a bit confusing. But I decided to ignore the critters and give a good rating because all-in-all I highly recommend it. I did receive an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets by Alan Chaput brings old South charm, interesting characters, a great setting and suspense then wraps it up into a  page turning, suspenseful, can't put it down read.

When Patricia's husband Trey  is kidnapped she has to put all her cunning wits, smarts and courage together to rescue her husband and find what she has been asked to get in exchange for her him.  Can she do it?

This is the first book I have read from Alan Chaput but it will not be the last. I like that Patricia is so resourceful and smart. The journey we are taken on in this book keeps it so exciting and you just can not put it down. It does have a lot of complex twists and it keeps you guessing.  While I was reading this it reminded me a little of the conspiracies of a Dan Brown novel which I like.

If you like a cozy with a hint of conspiracy, twists and turns, unique characters, themes and settings then
you need to read this one. I enjoyed this book.

I received this book for my honest opinion and review

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Patricia Falcon's husband is kidnapped, she must find the strength to save him. I was amazed at her resourcefulness under stress. She's a heroine that I admired. She can face the enemy with Southern sweetness while she pumps them for information. What a woman! Trey, her husband, is a powerful character. I liked his determination and admired his work for The Cotton Coalition. He's at his best in a dangerous situation. I couldn't put this book down. Savannah Secrets was suspenseful. The characters grabbed me and wouldn't let go. Trokev, the vicious Russian mobster, was a man that I loved to hate. He personified evil. His passion for religious relics added a powerful and deadly twist. The cast of characters was amazing. The dialogue was crisp and the beauty of Savannah added charm. My hat is off to Alan Chaput. I couldn't put this book down until I had closure.

[April Schilling · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 2 of the Vigilantes for Justice series and I really enjoyed it.

When Patricia's husband is kidnapped, she must find a way to get him back. The kidnappers don't want money though and that makes things a tad complicated for Patricia.

Great book with many twists and turns!

I volunteered to read and give an honest review of this book in exchange for a free copy.

[Nina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets: Vigilantes for Justice pulled you in from the first chapter - with enough suspense to keep you invested and intrigued. I especially enjoyed that, while I have not read the original Savannah Secrets yet, I was able to feel for the characters and, more importantly, not solve the mystery at the very beginning. Mr. Chaput very clearly puts time and effort into his characters and plot development, and this book and the ones to come will keep you on your toes.

[Paula Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I would have read the 1st book in the series prior to reading Savannah Secrets. Once I over came that it became a good southern mystery read. Really enjoyed the setting and Patricia in her search to find her kidnapped husband. A fast paced well written mystery.

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

New author and series to me. This was a really good read. Characters were fun and interesting. Very well written and I look forward to more from the author.

[Cassidy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this sequel! I read the first one and was excited to have one this one as well. This was a great sequel that I enjoyed more. The characters came together very well and the plot was very easy to follow but still kept me guessing to the end as the solution. I like the dynamic between the bodyguard and Patricia as well. I am very excited to read the next book!!

[Gisela Hausmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being a Southerner, I read Alan Chaput’s first novel which plays out in one of the most beautiful cities in the South – Savannah. In his new novel Chaput adds elements and persons not typically found in the South. The result? An intriguing novel playing out on an international scale.

The first surprise – Patricia Falcon’s husband Trey gets abducted. While Trey has a “supportive” role in the first book of this series, this time, he becomes the hostage of an international crime ring, looking for a relics attributed to Saint Gregory the Illuminator. Chaput does a nice job showing both Trey’s and his wife Patricia’s vulnerable sides.
Trey’s abduction is not the only crime. A poisonous snake in Patricia’s bed, friend Allsion Hope murdered, a Russian mobster ring led by a mysterious, ultra rich Russian by the name of Grigory Trokev that wants to set up a series of high class brothels in Savannah; obviously the Cotton Coalition will have none of it.

The charm of Chaput’s writing style is that in the midst of developing a sinister plot he uses comparisons, “...Like a bass fisherman who’d just hooked a trophy fish, excitement built...”

Again, like in his first novel, Chaput does a great job integrating specific elements unique to Savannah’s history into the plot: (after somebody tries to break into Patricia’s house)
... “It’s a ballast stone. Old clipper ships used the stones as ballast when sailing here empty, then left them behind when they returned to England laden with the local cotton. The stones are plentiful down by the harbor. River Street is paved with them.”...

While Trey is abducted, he and Patricia communicate occasionally via Skype. For me these dialogues are some of the cleverest elements of the novel. Patricia and Trey communicate in “code language”:
“... “She says she ran into her first grade principal. He’s doing great.”
“That’s good to hear. I’ve always liked Gregory.”
Since Hayley’s first grade principal had been a woman, Patricia tried to think of who or what he might be referencing. Certainly Grigory Trokev qualified, but so did Saint Gregory’s relic and Saint Gregory’s cathedral...”
It’s a clever mystery. Patricia realizes quickly that Trokev and his men aren’t joking. They are offering Trey’s life and safe return in exchange for the relic, and that’s it. The main problem? Though it is rumored that the relic is hidden in Savannah nobody knows where. With everybody from the Cotton Coalition to the Church trying to play things “slow and safe”, sleuth Patricia goes to work.

Chaput’s mysteries are bound to please people from the South or who love the South and peopple who enjoy following a challenging, intelligent mystery rather a trail littered with bodies.
5 stars,
Gisela Hausmann, author & blogger

[Judi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have just finished reading Savannah Secrets (Vigilantes for Justice #2) by Alan Chaput. This is the first book by this author that I have read and I did enjoy it very much! The story reminded was like a cross between Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code and Fern Michael's vigilante series. Much of it focusing on a religious relic that is well-hidden but much sought after and there is a constant theme of getting rid of corruption in Savannah, GA.
The main character, Patricia, was well-developed. Even though I'd not read the first book in this series, I was able to easily grasp her background. Patricia's husband is kidnapped and held hostage for nearly the entire book and Patricia is determined to get him back no matter what it takes. She is fortunate to have money and connections with a vigilante justice organization in Savannah, GA. However, many attempts to get her husband back fail. I have to admit some of the breaches in the security on Patricia's home seemed a bit far-fetched. It seemed like the Russian enemies were going to win this game of wills. But Patricia did things her way and did finally prevail. Her husband was returned safely.
There was a lot of build-up throughout the story and I was expecting a really big finish but it seemed to be all wrapped up too quickly. In my mind, I was expecting either Patricia's husband or one of the people involved with the vigilante justice group to turn bad - it would have explained why the Russians were able to find and terrorize Patricia (and her college-student daughter) so easily.
Overall, it was a very good read, though, and I intend to go back and read the first book in the series now!
**I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first book by Alan Chaput. It is the second in his Vigilantes for Justice series. While I was able to follow along and get involved in the book, I honestly wish 8 had read book 1 first. So you can read it out of order but I don’t recommend it.
I thought the characters were well written. I like many of them, especially Patricia and Meredith. The mystery, though, was awesomely written. In my opinion this is not a cozy mystery, though I can see why it has been called that. It is a clean book, even though the sex industry and organized crime are part of the story. I give the author major kudos for pulling that off. I was raised by a mother who always said if you need to curse a lot you should invest in a dictionary. *Truth confession: I need to invest in a good dictionary.* Mr Chaput wrote a very good mystery mixing in characters and elements where you often find colorful language and he did it without relying on “adult” language. He also did not rely on graphic sex and violence. Some may think this would be a somewhat boring read but I assure you it is not.
My recommendation is that if you are looking for a mystery that is clean reading but has a complicated plot with a few things going on, this is a series for you. I would suggest you start with book 1 but if you really want to read book 2 without reading 1, it is doable.

[Debbie Erickson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Secrets is the second book in the Vigilantes for Justice Series. I found this book to be a very quick read with the action starting right at the beginning and continuing to move the story right to the end. I had not read the first book in this series, so the cast of characters was a bit overwhelming at first, but I soon got them straight in my head. Patricia Falcon's husband Trey is abducted and she scrambles to figure out what he was involved in and who might have taken him. The story is centered around Savannah and Patricia and her husband are part of the wealthy society in the town. In fact Trey is a member of the secret Cotton Coalition that has their own way of handling matters. Patricia's investigations unearth talk of ancient relics, a Russian mob trying to infiltrate Savannah and local witch doctors. Patricia fears for the safety of her daughter, herself, and most of all her missing husband and embarks on a mission to get him back, no matter what it takes. I really enjoyed this book, even though it is not a "cozy" mystery. I plan to read the first book in this series and will look forward to next book as well. I received a copy of this book from the author.

[Nikki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this second novel in the Vigilantes for Justice series. I liked that the setting was in a calm and relaxed town, even though the town saw murder and abduction. The author did a great job of portraying a town that does not see much crime.

I also enjoyed that the reader was able to learn a little about some religious artifacts. I don't know anything about this subject so I was able to find out some things by reading the novel.

The townspeople join together to help find Trey Falcon and do not stop no matter what happens.

I will definitely be reading more of this series as they are published!

I received a free copy of this novel from the author and publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa Lowrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the story captured my attention from page one, I also initially felt a bit frustrated that I had missed out on too much of the backstory by having not read book one in this series. It seemed like I was looking at a photo with slightly blurry edges. However, the more I continued reading, the less this bothered me. The main character, Patricia Falcon is a strong female “lead” in this book and her determination to find her missing husband Trey is unmatched. Throughout the book, the twists and turns of the main story are woven with the secret societies that exist in Savannah.

Overall I found this book to be a fast-paced, well written story and would recommend it to others.