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Made in Savannah #26
Takedown in Savannah
If you like clean, cozy mysteries that keep you guessing until the end and fun-filled family sagas, you’ll love the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series by Hope Callaghan!”
RECIPE INCLUDED!
When danger creeps into the cobblestone streets of Savannah, the Garlucci family is once again pulled into a mystery where loyalty is tested, reputations are at stake, and the past refuses to stay buried.
A ruthless criminal gang sets up shop in downtown Savannah, terrorizing locals and businesses, including those in Walton Square.
Because of the gang, business is booming and EC Security Services is overwhelmed with calls for help. Elvira is forced to hire another team of security staff and promotes her friend and employee, former NY mobster Luigi Baruzzo to lead the new security team.
The Savannah police have formed their own task force to deal with the criminals, implementing a successful dragnet to catch the thugs in action. Unfortunately, Luigi is inadvertently caught in the crossfire and picked up by the police who think he’s the ringleader after discovering his “murky” past.
With Luigi’s freedom on the line and a community in fear, will the Garlucci family and friends be able to clear his name and uncover the real ringleader before it’s too late?
Find out when you grab your copy of Takedown in Savannah today!
RECIPE INCLUDED!
When danger creeps into the cobblestone streets of Savannah, the Garlucci family is once again pulled into a mystery where loyalty is tested, reputations are at stake, and the past refuses to stay buried.
A ruthless criminal gang sets up shop in downtown Savannah, terrorizing locals and businesses, including those in Walton Square.
Because of the gang, business is booming and EC Security Services is overwhelmed with calls for help. Elvira is forced to hire another team of security staff and promotes her friend and employee, former NY mobster Luigi Baruzzo to lead the new security team.
The Savannah police have formed their own task force to deal with the criminals, implementing a successful dragnet to catch the thugs in action. Unfortunately, Luigi is inadvertently caught in the crossfire and picked up by the police who think he’s the ringleader after discovering his “murky” past.
With Luigi’s freedom on the line and a community in fear, will the Garlucci family and friends be able to clear his name and uncover the real ringleader before it’s too late?
Find out when you grab your copy of Takedown in Savannah today!
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 21, 2025
271 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Hope Callaghan
184 books766 followersClick the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!
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★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222
★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.
She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
August 22, 2025
Ganging Up On Elvira
Take Down in Savannah is book 26 in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series by the excellent prolific author Hope Callaghan!
The Savannah series has everything a reader could want in a book, mystery, humor, love and a list of characters that seem like getting a newsy letter from family back home. Each character is so well written that you can't help but love them except for one in this Savannah series. From the very first page that Elvira made an entrance on, she has been nothing but a self-serving, money grubbing, pain in the neck. Elvira is the owner of a security firm that is located practically in Carlita's back yard. Elvira has built the security firm into a large enterprise but she barely stays on the good side of the law most of the time.
In Takedown in Savannah, one of the worst gangs has been targeting businesses in and around the pawn shop and the restaurant owned by Carlita. Elvira firm was extra busy providing security in and around Savannah, and had extra shifts running to take up the slack. Elvira promoted Luigi to run another security crew. Luigi, who was her sister Dernice's boyfriend and a good friend of Carlita's family. On Luigi's first night running his own crew, of course, one of the jewelry businesses in Carlita's neighborhood was broken into just as Luigi was doing his rounds. Before he could report the break in, the police grabbed him and no amount of explanation stopped the cops from taking him into the station. He was soon released but they told him he was definitely their main suspect..... Elvira, not wanting to have the police looking around her business, put Luigi on unpaid leave till things were cleared up. Knowing that Luigi was innocent, Carlita and Dernice teamed up to find the real culprit and the story goes on!!
Every series Hope Callaghan writes are really great, cozy wonderful novels. I know better than to start reading a Hope Callaghan story at bedtime because I can't put them down, today my eyes are bleary since I read till 4:30am but oh it was Worth It!!!
Take Down in Savannah is book 26 in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series by the excellent prolific author Hope Callaghan!
The Savannah series has everything a reader could want in a book, mystery, humor, love and a list of characters that seem like getting a newsy letter from family back home. Each character is so well written that you can't help but love them except for one in this Savannah series. From the very first page that Elvira made an entrance on, she has been nothing but a self-serving, money grubbing, pain in the neck. Elvira is the owner of a security firm that is located practically in Carlita's back yard. Elvira has built the security firm into a large enterprise but she barely stays on the good side of the law most of the time.
In Takedown in Savannah, one of the worst gangs has been targeting businesses in and around the pawn shop and the restaurant owned by Carlita. Elvira firm was extra busy providing security in and around Savannah, and had extra shifts running to take up the slack. Elvira promoted Luigi to run another security crew. Luigi, who was her sister Dernice's boyfriend and a good friend of Carlita's family. On Luigi's first night running his own crew, of course, one of the jewelry businesses in Carlita's neighborhood was broken into just as Luigi was doing his rounds. Before he could report the break in, the police grabbed him and no amount of explanation stopped the cops from taking him into the station. He was soon released but they told him he was definitely their main suspect..... Elvira, not wanting to have the police looking around her business, put Luigi on unpaid leave till things were cleared up. Knowing that Luigi was innocent, Carlita and Dernice teamed up to find the real culprit and the story goes on!!
Every series Hope Callaghan writes are really great, cozy wonderful novels. I know better than to start reading a Hope Callaghan story at bedtime because I can't put them down, today my eyes are bleary since I read till 4:30am but oh it was Worth It!!!
August 22, 2025
Real Pirates are a Real Problem!
This is the latest book in Hope Callaghan's fantastic "MADE IN SAVANNAH" series! Carlita Garlucci made a promise to her husband before he died to get her family out of "the family business". Two of her three sons were already already involved. She moved her daughter to the beautiful Walden Square in Savannah where she was able to open a restaurant and pawn shop in the " investment" property her husband had left her.
In this 26th book of the series, a new problem has moved into the peaceful Walden Square...a gang determined to take over with drugs and violence, none of which has ever been seen in this quaint part of town. When Elvira, Carlita's former tenant now neighbor who runs a security company, gets swamped with more security requests than she has staff for, she promotes a former mob security man to head up a new team. Luigi, a close friend of Carlita, is at the wrong place at the right time and is detained by police under suspicion of being involved with the new gang. Carlita must discover who is behind these crimes with the help of her family and friends so that Luigi can be proven innocent and this gang can be stopped. When they discover the tunnels beneath the city have been compromised, Elvira is concerned that any buried treasure she has been seeking will be discovered as well, and you KNOW she won't let that happen!
This book is filled with laughs and intrigue from cover to cover and, just as in all of her books, contains a delicious recipe served during the story! What a great read for the beach or on a rainy day! Every day is a good day for a Hope Callaghan story!!! ❤
This is the latest book in Hope Callaghan's fantastic "MADE IN SAVANNAH" series! Carlita Garlucci made a promise to her husband before he died to get her family out of "the family business". Two of her three sons were already already involved. She moved her daughter to the beautiful Walden Square in Savannah where she was able to open a restaurant and pawn shop in the " investment" property her husband had left her.
In this 26th book of the series, a new problem has moved into the peaceful Walden Square...a gang determined to take over with drugs and violence, none of which has ever been seen in this quaint part of town. When Elvira, Carlita's former tenant now neighbor who runs a security company, gets swamped with more security requests than she has staff for, she promotes a former mob security man to head up a new team. Luigi, a close friend of Carlita, is at the wrong place at the right time and is detained by police under suspicion of being involved with the new gang. Carlita must discover who is behind these crimes with the help of her family and friends so that Luigi can be proven innocent and this gang can be stopped. When they discover the tunnels beneath the city have been compromised, Elvira is concerned that any buried treasure she has been seeking will be discovered as well, and you KNOW she won't let that happen!
This book is filled with laughs and intrigue from cover to cover and, just as in all of her books, contains a delicious recipe served during the story! What a great read for the beach or on a rainy day! Every day is a good day for a Hope Callaghan story!!! ❤
August 24, 2025
Unfortunately I haven’t read this yet because I’m currently reading a book from Cindy Bell’s Dune House Cozy Mysteries; HOWEVER, the moment I’m done with Dune House I’ll be reading this Savannah book because they’re always a hit for me! I love all of Callaghan’s stories because they always feel like I’m at home and they’re all very clean (as in there’s no cussing, violence, and/or risqué moves). What else I love about Callaghan’s books? The Christianity. She has morals and always writes that way. There’s never a ton of God this and Jesus that. She doesn’t shove her beliefs down our throats and she writes about her faith just enough that you know she believes in God; however, these books are for anyone of any walk of faith because the beliefs are so subtle. Try this series even if you’re an atheist or agnostic because you’ll be sure to love it anyway! 😁
As always, Callaghan did it again by writing a great story. This one shook me up because of Elvira and her antics. She was being completely unreasonable and it stunk! We said goodbye to someone we all know well. All except that turned out well in the end and one of the gals got a big surprise. So sweet!
Next is Fatal Fettuccine, but that won’t be published until next year. Boooo. Release date: July 31, 2026.
My next book is Book 49, “Murder in Paradise Park” from Mary Maxwell’s Sky High Pies Cozy Mysteries series.
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 🏴☠️
As always, Callaghan did it again by writing a great story. This one shook me up because of Elvira and her antics. She was being completely unreasonable and it stunk! We said goodbye to someone we all know well. All except that turned out well in the end and one of the gals got a big surprise. So sweet!
Next is Fatal Fettuccine, but that won’t be published until next year. Boooo. Release date: July 31, 2026.
My next book is Book 49, “Murder in Paradise Park” from Mary Maxwell’s Sky High Pies Cozy Mysteries series.
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 🏴☠️
September 27, 2025
Very entertaining!
Another enjoyable and entertaining book in this great series. Having read every novel starting with book one, they still hold my interest. Never stale or old, the author keeps them fresh and interesting. Carlita, who by now seems like an old friend, is faced with multiple worries: the emergence of a sinister gang that is robbing area businesses and leaving evidence of drugs in the neighborhood. Her friend Luigi, working as extra security patrol, is detained by the police for suspicious behavior. Sam, a dear friend and tenant, is moving out, and Elvira is being her usual outrageous self. Fast-paced with witty dialogue and some laugh-out-loud moments. Friends, family, grandchildren, and of course a mystery to keep you guessing is pure entertainment.
Another enjoyable and entertaining book in this great series. Having read every novel starting with book one, they still hold my interest. Never stale or old, the author keeps them fresh and interesting. Carlita, who by now seems like an old friend, is faced with multiple worries: the emergence of a sinister gang that is robbing area businesses and leaving evidence of drugs in the neighborhood. Her friend Luigi, working as extra security patrol, is detained by the police for suspicious behavior. Sam, a dear friend and tenant, is moving out, and Elvira is being her usual outrageous self. Fast-paced with witty dialogue and some laugh-out-loud moments. Friends, family, grandchildren, and of course a mystery to keep you guessing is pure entertainment.
September 12, 2025
Detective Carlitta is On The Case
Join Carlitta Garlucci, her family and her crazy company of neighbors in another romp through the streets and tunnels of beautiful Savannah, Georgia, as they work all the angles to fight the bad guys and keep crime from their doorstep. When it becomes apparent that a gang of thugs is threatening her area of the city and members of her family and friends are caught in the backlash, Carlitta enlists the help of her friends Dernice and Elvira to help her figure out the thugs next move, but things get a little dicey! It's a great cozy read for a fall evening!
Join Carlitta Garlucci, her family and her crazy company of neighbors in another romp through the streets and tunnels of beautiful Savannah, Georgia, as they work all the angles to fight the bad guys and keep crime from their doorstep. When it becomes apparent that a gang of thugs is threatening her area of the city and members of her family and friends are caught in the backlash, Carlitta enlists the help of her friends Dernice and Elvira to help her figure out the thugs next move, but things get a little dicey! It's a great cozy read for a fall evening!
September 2, 2025
Very exciting stuff in Savannah!
I was so thrilled to get back to Savannah with the Garlucci and Taylor gang. There was not a dull moment. Every character is so interesting. I was a little mad at my favorite character, Elvira, for a while. She's always got something going. I was disappointed that Sam moved out but can't wait to see who moves in. I really really liked the ending. I hate having to wait for the next book but it will give me something to look forward to. It's like going on a vacation to Savannah to see old friends.
I was so thrilled to get back to Savannah with the Garlucci and Taylor gang. There was not a dull moment. Every character is so interesting. I was a little mad at my favorite character, Elvira, for a while. She's always got something going. I was disappointed that Sam moved out but can't wait to see who moves in. I really really liked the ending. I hate having to wait for the next book but it will give me something to look forward to. It's like going on a vacation to Savannah to see old friends.
August 27, 2025
I was happy to read a story about Luigi.
I loved reading about the Garlucci family backing up Luigi and helping him for a change. I love how these people take care of each other. This was a wonderful story. For those who have never read books by yourselves. author, you are only cheating yourselves. If you are new, I recommend reading this series from the beginning. It 8s definitely worth it, though.
I loved reading about the Garlucci family backing up Luigi and helping him for a change. I love how these people take care of each other. This was a wonderful story. For those who have never read books by yourselves. author, you are only cheating yourselves. If you are new, I recommend reading this series from the beginning. It 8s definitely worth it, though.
September 5, 2025
Quick, easy read with a very established and fun series. A solid cast of characters with plenty of feel-good action and support for each other. There's always a "character" or so in the mix - yes, you Elvira. But the family and friends are very relatable and fun. No exception with this one. A sort of bittersweet parting with one character, but a nice surprise at the end too. I had sort of guessed that one though. Looking forward to book 27.
October 7, 2025
Fun drama and easy to read
Poor Luigi, trying to get his life together and on track, finds himself accused of being part of a gang while he was working for Elvira's security firm. Mistaken identity but with a past with the mafia, police won't believe him.
Can his friends figure out who is robbing Savannah businesses near tge waterfront to save Luigi from being prosecuted as well as protect their little piece of paradise by find out who is responsible?
Poor Luigi, trying to get his life together and on track, finds himself accused of being part of a gang while he was working for Elvira's security firm. Mistaken identity but with a past with the mafia, police won't believe him.
Can his friends figure out who is robbing Savannah businesses near tge waterfront to save Luigi from being prosecuted as well as protect their little piece of paradise by find out who is responsible?
August 22, 2025
Clean southern cozy
Set in Savannah, widow of a retired mob boss tries to make a living and take care of her family. Carlitta has an eccentric neighbor who runs a security firm and creates calamity. This book has the ladies tring to solve a gang issue. Great read. Very enjoyable
Set in Savannah, widow of a retired mob boss tries to make a living and take care of her family. Carlitta has an eccentric neighbor who runs a security firm and creates calamity. This book has the ladies tring to solve a gang issue. Great read. Very enjoyable
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August 23, 2025Another adventure in Savannah. Not a murder this time, but a family friend suspected by the police of being part of a gang that has infiltrated Savannah. To clear him, the group has to bust up the gang's major heist. While the major mystery is solved, there is a cliffhanger that will hopefully be solved in the next installment.
August 24, 2025
really good series
This is a mystery with no sex, violence or bad language. It might not be the novel of the century, it is one that keeps your interest until the end. It has a cast of characters that you can’t help but like (even Elvira) very enjoyable read. I have read all 27! My family is all from Savannah so it’s fun to read about “home”
This is a mystery with no sex, violence or bad language. It might not be the novel of the century, it is one that keeps your interest until the end. It has a cast of characters that you can’t help but like (even Elvira) very enjoyable read. I have read all 27! My family is all from Savannah so it’s fun to read about “home”
August 26, 2025
Savannah Mystery Series
I was so excited when I saw this book release. I love this series! Hope Callaghan has a unique talent at creating cozy mysteries. The mishaps that Elvira gets her friends into simply keep you guessing. Of course Carlita can’t pass up a good investigation. I definitely recommend reading it.
I was so excited when I saw this book release. I love this series! Hope Callaghan has a unique talent at creating cozy mysteries. The mishaps that Elvira gets her friends into simply keep you guessing. Of course Carlita can’t pass up a good investigation. I definitely recommend reading it.
October 26, 2025
Takedown in Savanah by Hope Callahan
I love the Made in Savannah Mystery Series! It is full of action,emotions,and danger. The Garluchi family finds themselves in the thick of mysterious goings on of a mob gang who has moved in and is robbing and causing havoc in Savannah! I rated it 5 stars! I recommend this book for everyone who likes mysteries and action.
I love the Made in Savannah Mystery Series! It is full of action,emotions,and danger. The Garluchi family finds themselves in the thick of mysterious goings on of a mob gang who has moved in and is robbing and causing havoc in Savannah! I rated it 5 stars! I recommend this book for everyone who likes mysteries and action.
August 24, 2025
Tunnels and a crime team and romance, oh my!
I’ve loved each and every one of the stories in this series, and this one is no exception! Carlita and Dernice band together to investigate this one and they make quite a team. Of course, Elvira is still up to her old tricks, trying to find her elusive treasure! There’s even a little romance toward the end! What’s not to love?! Enjoy.
I’ve loved each and every one of the stories in this series, and this one is no exception! Carlita and Dernice band together to investigate this one and they make quite a team. Of course, Elvira is still up to her old tricks, trying to find her elusive treasure! There’s even a little romance toward the end! What’s not to love?! Enjoy.
August 24, 2025
WOW!
Hope did NOT disappoint!! Once again she has written an Absolutely Fabulous book! If you haven't read the series, start!! I had planned, as usual, to only read 2 chapters a day and ended up, once again, finishing this book in 1!!
Hope did NOT disappoint!! Once again she has written an Absolutely Fabulous book! If you haven't read the series, start!! I had planned, as usual, to only read 2 chapters a day and ended up, once again, finishing this book in 1!!
August 25, 2025
Fun read
Another great book in this series. Sorry to be losing Sam but am looking forward to a new tenant. No killing but a good story about gangs, robbery and drugs. And of course the whole gang working those to solve the crimes.
Another great book in this series. Sorry to be losing Sam but am looking forward to a new tenant. No killing but a good story about gangs, robbery and drugs. And of course the whole gang working those to solve the crimes.
August 26, 2025
Great read
Hope Callaghan's characters are so much fun with enough just enough inconsistency to keep you captivated - she's great at keeping her details accurate and followable clues - she's tops in the good clean mystery/suspense category - love all her books
Hope Callaghan's characters are so much fun with enough just enough inconsistency to keep you captivated - she's great at keeping her details accurate and followable clues - she's tops in the good clean mystery/suspense category - love all her books
August 30, 2025
Where Are the Bad Guys Hiding?
Hope never disappoints her readers. This book is a good mystery which will keep you interested. The characters are ones that you will hate to say goodbye to at the end of the book.
Hope never disappoints her readers. This book is a good mystery which will keep you interested. The characters are ones that you will hate to say goodbye to at the end of the book.
August 30, 2025
awesome read
Awesome read!!! Love this series! I love all of the Savannah books and this one kept me on my toes!! Loved the ending- was surprised with the proposal. Can’t wait for the next book!
Awesome read!!! Love this series! I love all of the Savannah books and this one kept me on my toes!! Loved the ending- was surprised with the proposal. Can’t wait for the next book!
September 6, 2025
A new gang, a new mystery to solve
When Luigi finds himself in hot water with the law, Carlita and the gang go all out to clear his name!
It's like visiting old friends and enjoying their company.
An easy clean read
When Luigi finds himself in hot water with the law, Carlita and the gang go all out to clear his name!
It's like visiting old friends and enjoying their company.
An easy clean read
September 6, 2025
Ahhhhhh
Another win for Hope Callahan! Another successful book. Thanks, and I am looking forward to the next one in any of the genres. I love your stories even the likes of Elvira Cobb.
Another win for Hope Callahan! Another successful book. Thanks, and I am looking forward to the next one in any of the genres. I love your stories even the likes of Elvira Cobb.
October 4, 2025
Absolutely Brilliant!
Hope you are a genius! I LOVED the mystery in this one!
I've been pretty good at predicting how all the other books in this series would turn out. Until this one. I can't wait for the next one! Thanks Hope! Keep up the good work!
Hope you are a genius! I LOVED the mystery in this one!
I've been pretty good at predicting how all the other books in this series would turn out. Until this one. I can't wait for the next one! Thanks Hope! Keep up the good work!
October 8, 2025
another masterpiece
Fantastic book! Learned some things in this book that make me concerned about Victoria health in future books. Looks like a new tenant will be in the building. A good old country boy to mix with the fomer mafia family what can go wrong!
Fantastic book! Learned some things in this book that make me concerned about Victoria health in future books. Looks like a new tenant will be in the building. A good old country boy to mix with the fomer mafia family what can go wrong!
August 22, 2025
Another entertaining story in this series. A well organised gang has moved into Savannah and is causing mayhem. A close friend of the Garlucci family is accused of being involved.
August 23, 2025
really quite good reading
Boy I waited for this one to come out and was not disappointed. Wonderful reading. Highly recommend it.
Please enjoy
Boy I waited for this one to come out and was not disappointed. Wonderful reading. Highly recommend it.
Please enjoy
August 23, 2025
love this series
This is a fun read. I love the family and all the friends. One of my favorite authors. She never disappoints.
This is a fun read. I love the family and all the friends. One of my favorite authors. She never disappoints.
August 25, 2025
Great book
I like Hope stories she writes. The characters are interesting and she gives a feeling of hope. Keep writing Hope.
I like Hope stories she writes. The characters are interesting and she gives a feeling of hope. Keep writing Hope.
August 25, 2025
fun mystery
Cute fun mystery with our fav characters in Savannah. A quick great read with a surprise ending- I enjoyed it!
Cute fun mystery with our fav characters in Savannah. A quick great read with a surprise ending- I enjoyed it!
August 27, 2025
Love the series
I have enjoyed this series the most. Makes me want to go Savannah and check out the city. Can't wait for the next one.
I have enjoyed this series the most. Makes me want to go Savannah and check out the city. Can't wait for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews