Between the Mourning Doves: A Savannah Sleuthing Mystery

Savannah Sleuths #2

by Veronica Mixon

Three old friends. One missing woman. And a twelve-year-old girl who refuses to be forgotten.

When a sharp-eyed, sharp-tongued twelve-year-old shows up on Emma Lynn Whitmore’s porch claiming her sister didn’t run away—no matter what the police say—Emma Lynn can’t turn her away. Not when the girl’s headed straight for the foster system. Not when the story feels all too familiar.

With the help of her lifelong friends—meticulous Margaret and steady Graham—Emma Lynn agrees to dig into the disappearance. Just a few days. Just to see if the girl’s instincts are right. But what they find pulls them deeper into Savannah’s shadows, where a young woman’s trail winds through secrets, danger, and a past someone’s desperate to keep buried.

And as the clock ticks and the authorities close in, the trio must decide how far they’re willing to bend the rules—for a girl who has no one left but them.

Perfect for fans of Southern charm, found family, and cozy mysteries with heart and grit.

214 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 20, 2025

About the author

Veronica, an Amazon Chart-Topping author, and Florida native has spent the past two decades embracing the beauty of Georgia’s scenic coast, where she realized her lifelong dream of writing mystery and suspense.

Known for her gripping tales that navigate the shadowy depths of Savannah’s haunting allure, Veronica pulls readers into a labyrinth of mystery and suspense, making it impossible to put down her books until the last twist is revealed.

In her downtime, Veronica enjoys a fulfilling life with her husband, her steadfast partner in love and adventure, and their lively Australian Labradoodle, Fiddler.

She can be found at veronicamixon.com

Reviews

[Dave Wheeler · Rating 5 out of 5]

An exciting read and a step up from the first book in the series. Although that was good in itself, I found this one even better.

When Emma gets an early knock on the door it's surprised her that it's not the painters and decorators that are due to arrive, but a young girl worried about her missing sister. This quickly develops into an intriguing mystery for Emma, Margaret and Graham, the 3 intrepid friends from way back in their distant school days.. it has connections to their previous case that of the missing friend of Emma's grandma Delilah. However that's probably too much information, it can be read as a stand alone, but it's well worth reading the previous one in my opinion..What you need to know is the young girls older sister is missing. Emma is worried, and soon her friends will join the hunt

This case, mystery has all the angst of a mystery. Some great twists, and interesting characters, and as is Veronica's style it's a really well-told story that will hook you very early on, probably from page one. i can't see how anybody would rate this below 5, but I know we all have our own tastes, but this, for me, it's a wonderful read, and I think you will probably highly enjoy it, especially if you like a good mystery.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book in the series is fantastic. We are drawn in from the beginning when young 12 year old Maise shows up on Emma's front porch asking for help. Her older sister, Jaycee is missing and she knows she didn't run away since she's been caring for her all this time. When their mother died, Jaycee and Maise kept themselves low since they didn't want to go to a foster home. But now, Jaycee is missing. And Maise remembers her sister saying something about Emma solving a previous mystery, so she shows up on Emma's porch. Of course, the the Savannah Sleuths, Emma, Margaret and Graham are on the case. This is a fun read that keeps you totally engaged until the very end. Not only do I recommend this book, but I recommend the first book, as well and can't wait to see what the Savannah Sleuths get into next. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jaycee, a young 19 year old woman, stumbles upon fraud and corruption. Realizing the magnitude of her findings, she disappears to protect her 12 year old sister, Maise. Jaycee and Maise have been living under the radar in various cities since their mother died two years ago. But, it's after they land in Savannah, that Jaycee stumbles on this information while trying to earn extra money.
When she's been missing for 4 days, Maise shows up on Emma Lynn's front porch. Why Emma Lynn? Because she and Jaycee had read the story about she, Margaret and Graham solving the mystery surrounding Delilah's death. Jaycee had wondered aloud if they could help her with this information by telling her what to do.
Of course, The Savannah Sleuths pick up the challenge. An investigation that will reveal so much fraud and corruption within city management that it will make your head spin.

[Kathy Schrieber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

I live south of Savannah and go there often. Usually for business however it is fun to be the tourist sometimes. I greatly enjoy the books, especially since I can picture every p!ace mentioned. Her descriptions of Southern sweet tea and deserts are right on, as well as the wonderful but high priced sugar they call praline. I look forward to reading more of the Savannah Sleuths.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you love a cozy mystery then this is the book for you. Delightful characters, a twisty plot and easy reading that engages from the first page. A great book to take on holiday or to simply unwind with after the kids are in bed..

[Jody Weems · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great sequel

I loved the further sleuthing by the Savannah Sleuths, this time they try to solve the disappearance of a young woman taking care of her younger sister. They end up diving into corruption, again.

[Theresa Padula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring!

I have followed this group of brave souls. I want to believe that there are people like them and others will follow. The 3 friends enjoy each other, showing that all though they are all different they still are can act as one.

[diane c tice · Rating 5 out of 5]

So happy I discovered this author. I’m completely immersed in the characters and stories. I’m ready for book 3!

[Sylvia Maconaghy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good relaxing read

This book is the kind of book you want to relax with and enjoy. A simple mystery that make a good way to hide from the world for a little while.

[Rebecca Anderson]

Enjoyed continuing the journey with the 3 investigators. Love the added characters too. Have read both book 1 and 2 now. Will continue with the series .

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Southern fiction at its best

This work is what made me begin to love reading. Beautiful metaphors with southern allusions and just enough tech to keep them current.