Collard Greens and Catfishing: A Funny Culinary Cozy Mystery

Seasoned Southern Sleuths #2

by Kelsey Browning

The Golden Girls meet Dirty Harry....

From USA Today best-selling authors

Southern matriarch Lillian Summer Fairview is settling right nice into prison, until Big Martha, the toughest broad on the cellblock, comes asking for a favor. Her niece has fallen for a guy she met online, and Martha’s convinced Mr. Too-Good-To-Be-True is up to no good. All Lil’s friends have to do is investigate the guy and report back.

Already tied up with a cantankerous septic system on Lil’s family estate, the grannies don’t have time for detective work. If Summer Haven isn’t in shipshape before the historic society’s inspection, they’ll be in deep you-know-what. But Big Martha is as persuasive as she is tough, and when the gals poke around, they find the guy doesn’t really exist.

Will these amateur sleuths be able to track down the elusive Romeo in the scam-filled world of online dating without alerting the local police to their shenanigans, or will they find themselves in trouble right up to their granny panties?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Ebooks, Humor

Audible Audio

First published October 21, 2014

About the author

Kelsey Browning writes sass kickin’ love stories and Southern cozy mysteries.

Originally from a small Texas town, Kelsey has also lived in the Middle East and Los Angeles, proving she’s either adventurous or downright nuts. These days, she hangs out in northeast Georgia with Tech Guy, Smarty Boy, Bad Dog and Pharaoh, a former Canine Companions for Independence puppy. She’s currently at work on the next book in her Texas Nights contemporary romance series and The Granny Series cozy mysteries.

For info on her upcoming releases, subscribe to her Sass Kickin’ News or drop by www.KelseyBrowning.com.

Reviews

[Madison Warner Fairbanks]

Collard Greens and Catfishing by Nancy Naigle and Kelsey Browning
Seasoned Southern Sleuths series #2. Small town cozy mystery. Older characters. Can be read as a stand-alone but better in series order.
Lillian Summer Fairview is having trouble with Big Martha while she’s in the federal pen. Martha has asked for a favor and Lil has passed on the request to the grannies living in her family estate in Summer Shoals, GA.
Back at the estate, Maggie, Abby and Sera are dealing with an old septic system, and an upcoming inspection of the house for an event plus investigating a questionable dating agency. Filling out a dating application in your “seasoned” years might require a little creativity.

A capable group with plenty of experience although maybe not exactly the kind needed. Amusing situations and several laugh out loud moments. These ladies are a hoot. I can’t wait to continue to the next book on the series.

[Michelle Steffen]

This second book in the Granny Series doesn't disappoint! Lillian Summer Fairview is still on her extended "vacation" at the Walter Stiles Federal Prison Camp trying to maintain a low profile to keep Big Martha and her gang of gals from causing her trouble and just maybe she'll be granted an early release. Meanwhile the other over 50 grannies, Maggie, Abby Ruth, and Sera are taking care of business at Summer Haven, Lillian's beloved mansion.
When the septic system at Summer Haven tanks, it's too much for fix it granny Maggie to handle, and with no funds for the fix, Big Martha gives Lillian a proposal, she'll get someone to come make the repairs if the grannies agree to investigate ThePerfectFit.com, a website dating service her niece got involved in, and find out the identity of OnceUponATom who Big Martha is certain is trying to swindle her niece somehow.
Love is in the air this time around when the grannies enroll themselves at ThePerfectFit.com, especially for Maggie. And handsome Sheriff Teague, when Abby Ruth's daughter Jenny, the love of his life comes to town.
The grannies need to beat the clock in their investigation so the septic problem can be fixed before the Historical Preservation Committee comes out for their annual inspection at Summer Haven.
Can the grannies solve the mystery of the dating site and get the repairs done in time for the inspection?
It's amazing how these ladies get things done with the funny antics! A good read and I definitely can't wait for the next book in the series, great job Nancy Naigle and Kelsey Browning!

[Karen ReadsALot]

Good to know old gals are still learning and having adventures. There is hope!

[Laura]

Lil's still MIA (although a few people really know where she is) but Maggie and her new roommates are hard at work prepping and repairing Summer Haven for the Historic Committee inspection.
This time they are more than ankle deep in troubles but Lil's new bestie-by-necessity says she can help them out. All she needs in return is a "small favor."
This leads the ladies on an online chase into the romance world, otherwise known as online dating.
Hilarity ensues as it will when mature women take on something totally foreign to them.

Will the ladies solve a crime before local cop Teague figures out what they are doing?
Will Lil's adventures in the big house help her find her way home?
Nonstop action on all fronts!

[Mahoghani 23]

These older women are hilarious but truly determined to get to the bottom of things. They’ll keep you laughing and that southern drawl will keep you in stitches throughout their shenanigans.

[Larae Thomas]

While I still enjoyed it, I feel that the first book was better. It was a good escape read during a time that we all must want to escape!

[Bonnie R]

In book two, the estate has no money for repairs. No mention is made of the one hundred thousand dollars they picked up at the end of the first book. This is odd and the lack of continuity is disheartening. Book two abruptly ends in an attempt at a cliffhanger. For these reasons I gave it two stars.

[Sandy Bartles]

I just love this series. Four "over-50's" women tackling their world, one or more problems at a time, while one of them is in prison. I especially love that we get to meet Jenny in this book. In this story, the ladies join up for online dating. Hilarious! I highly recommend this book!

[Joanne]

I'm in love with the grannies!! If you are looking for a just a fun read, then this series is for you!

[Terri]

I love these books and these characters so much! It takes a lot to make me laugh out loud while reading, but this series sure does it. The "ladies of a certain age" are up to their armpits in a backed up septic system and trying to find a certain guy on a dating service that may be trying to pull one over on Big Martha's niece. Lil is rooming with Big Martha in jail now and really needs her friends to find the guy in order to keep Martha happy. In return, Martha will help them with their sewage problems that could keep Lil's home from making the cut for the Christmas Candlelight Tour of Homes. The grannies always get their man, but boy do they get themselves in fixes along the way. These ladies are hilarious!
One of my favorite parts of the book involves mammograms. The ladies are at the clinic to snoop, but get roped into having mammograms done. Here's a peak (pun intended): "The tech spun Abby Ruth around, then arranged her like she might a Barbie doll. One arm here, one arm there, back arched, one foot pointed, one foot flat. 'Hmm. Can you tippy-toe a little? Yes. Perfect.' "
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narration by Pam Dougherty was hilarious. She has Southern ladies down to a T!
You've just go to read this series!
I was gifted this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.

[Kathleen]

This is the second book in the series. I listened to it on Author’s Direct. I did not read the first book.
I loved how the ladies are passing off Lillian Summer Fairview’s stay at Walter Stiles Federal Prison Camp as an extended "vacation."
The other over 50 women, Maggie, Abby Ruth, and Sera are care takers of Summer Haven, Lillian's beloved mansion, while Lillian is on vacation.
The septic system at Summer Haven is on the fritz. Big Martha, another prisoner, offers Lillian a proposal. Big Martha will get someone to repair the septic system if the ladies investigate ThePerfectFit.com. Her niece has a date with OnceUponATom and Big Martha doesn’t have a good feeling about it. The septic problem needs to be repaired before the Historical Preservation Committee comes out for their annual inspection at Summer Haven.

It took me awhile to get into this book. I had a hard time giving two hoots about them or their plight.

It seemed to get much better by the halfway mark.
They did discover who was behind the dating app, I was surprised.

[Patricia Kiyono]

In Book 1, we met Lillian, owner of Summer Haven, a historic but crumbling estate, and her friend Maggie. Maggie is taking care of the state while Lillian is in jail serving time for fraud (I’m not certain that her actual crime was ever explained) along with Sera and Abby Ruth. The septic system at the estate has gone haywire, and there’s not enough money or woman power to fix it. Martha, one of the queen bees at the prison finds out and makes Lillian an offer: Lillian’s friends need to find out who’s romancing her niece online, and she’ll pull strings to get the work done at Summer Haven. Like Book 1, this story had me laughing out loud as they solve the mystery, while keeping the home at the Historic Society’s standards. I was all set to purchase #3, but a note on the series description says that in order to follow events chronologically I need to read #6 next, so that’s what I’ll do.

[Catrina]

I really enjoyed my introduction to the ladies of Summer Haven. Even though this is book 2 of the series, I had no trouble jumping right in and figuring out the important parts of what happened in the first book.

These ladies are a hoot! They all have very different personalities, and with the way they interact, I couldn't help but chuckle throughout. Kelsey Browning and Nancy Naigle really did a marvelous job with this story.

Pam Dougherty was the perfect choice to narrate. I've enjoyed some of her other performances, and she once again did a fantastic job. I especially loved her portrayal of Maggie... exactly as I imagined she's sound.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and I have voluntarily left this review.

[Linda J.]

2.25 STARS

I purchased this as part of a 3 book bundle by this author called SEASONED SOUTHERN SLEUTHS - Box Set 1.

This story was so hard to get into. It talked mostly about fixing the septic system and the crud they had to walk through. Another part featured the elderly lady who owns the house. She is in prison and she needs the help of friends to keep upkeep on her house and help another prisoner in jail with a problem.

It was very slow at times, with some villain that was cheating women. That part of the story was wrapped up quickly. The reason was very lame why the villain did what he did.

You get crud talk, no romance, HEA and no sex. (ljb)

[Pat McGhan]

Love the humor and friendships of these not so young characters they Summer Shoal. It's wonderful to have spunky characters of my generation that get things done. The scenes between Abby, Maggie, and Sera are fun as they get the impossible done and bond ever closer. I love Lil and all her interactions at the prison, rising above defeat and making lemonade out of lemons. You can't help cheering Teague on with his Jenny. And I am waiting for Angelina to soften. Love this series with laugh out loud moments!

[Debora Quinn]

This is the second in a series of fun, silly mysteries where a group of senior ladies solve crimes while trying to maintain the family home for another elderly woman, Lillian, who is currently unable to be much help, as she is trying to get out of a mess she found herself in, in the first book. Maggie and her new friends are dealing with a wrecked septic system, an upcoming home inspection by the unpleasant head of the historical committee, and a strange online dating website that isn't what it seems. It's a fun read.

[Corrine]

Another hit in the Southern Sleuths series that focuses on the antics of an older group of women who unintentional find a renewed sense of self and adventure by investigating mysteries and looking after a mansion for their friend who got herself into some trouble. I like all the characters as they have such different quirks that it makes it fun and interesting. I was constantly wondering what they would do next. It was fun and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Louisa Jones]

I liked this book more than the first one. I guess knowing more about the characters’ background added to my appreciation. Big Martha seemed to be mellowing out, but the warden is getting on my nerves. I don’t think she cares about her inmates as long as she gets her points for the correction center. She’s riding on Lil and Martha’s accomplishments. I don’t think the warden will follow up on the promises that she’s made. I’ll find out in the next books in the series.

[Ms Rita Crawford]

Not as funny as the first but still a very much enjoyable read and won't stop me from reading the third in the series
I like how all the characters are on the surface so so different but all share the same values of friendship loyalty and supporting each other.
The story line about an on line dating site was funny but also addressed concerns we have about using them with humour

[Judi]

The G series, or granny series, is quite funny. The mix of character personalities is fun. Since I am in the same age group, it is hilarious reading about what they “think” they can do and how they go about it. Took the granny quiz and it said I was most like Lil but I would have bet on Maggie. Just a fun summer read with no scary parts.

[Terry L]

Great book

I got the first in the series since it was free. Read it every chance I could and bought the second 4.99 only , again read every chance I can. No time to waste I have to keep reading. I have told my friends about this series. I have been laughing out load to their antics and as a Georgia Peach, my self. I know southerners!

[Tami McMenimen]

A happy, little mystery. Clean, laugh out loud zingers. It has a definite warmth and joy. The ending, whole incredibly predictable, arrived rather suddenly, as if the author was suddenly told her had a word limit. This isn't going to win a Pulitzer, but it's a good, cozy mystery. I will read these authors again.

[Matt]

Novella set at christmas, not really the main characters but romance between the only characters still young. Odd little feature...one of the authors apparently writes more risque, less cozy books and they linked to alternate chapters that were on her website that were "sexier". Went from Rated G to PG-13

[Beverley Lombardi]

I thought the first book in the series, "In for a Penny" was very good. But, I didn't like this one. Too, much filler. The author spent page after page describing a little league baseball game. The sex jokes were not funny either.

[Eryca Caldwell]

I love this mystery series!

I bought the first book on a one day deal . The authors have written this well. I love how they solve the crimes in each book. The humor and relationship building is great. Glad I found these books.

[Suzie Seibel]

Love the grannies

I just love these books! I am reading them for the second time, which i rarely do and they are just as good. The characters are hilarious! I hope they keep.writing them!

[Pat]

Prison with style, online dating mystery, a broken septic system, and 3 women who rise to the challenge!!

[Debbie]

Continued adventure and mystery for our entertainment.

[Diane Vieira]

Enjoyable Read

This was a light enjoyable read. I would recommend it for beach days or packed in your suitcase for vacation reading.

[Lisa Burdette]

Enjoyed the book; easy reading and light hearted sleuthing.