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Savvy Summers #2
Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils
The next delectable mystery featuring quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, owner of a soul food café in Chicago.
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
304 pages, Hardcover
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Sandra Jackson-Opoku
15 books198 followersSandra Jackson-Opoku is the author of the award-winning novel, The River Where Blood is Born and Hot Johnny and the Women Who Loved Him, an Essence Magazine Bestseller in Hardcover Fiction. She also coedited the anthology Revise the Psalm: Work Celebrating the Writing of Gwendolyn Brooks. Her fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic works are widely published and produced in Adi Magazine, Midnight & Indigo, Aunt Chloe, Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction, New Daughters of Africa, Obsidian, Another Chicago Magazine, storySouth, Lifeline Theatre, the Chicago Humanities Festival, and others. Professional recognition includes a Plentitudes Journal Prize, the Hearst Foundation James Baldwin Fellowship at MacDowell Arts, a National Endowment for the Arts Fiction Fellowship, an American Library Association Black Caucus Award, a City of Chicago Esteemed Artist Award, the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award, a Globe Soup Story Award, the Joan Perry Barnes Fellow in Crime Writing at Storyknife Writers Retreat and a Pushcart Prize nomination.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 151 reviews
July 26, 2026
3.5 rounded up to a 4
This really is such a cute little series. It's still a cozy murder mystery, with a talented chef who somehow keeps ending up playing amateur detective and getting herself into situations she absolutely did not need to insert herself into. She never seems to learn, but that's part of the fun.
The characters are definitely the highlight for me. They all have their own personalities, and they come off the page so well that I could easily picture them. They really feel like the kind of group you'd love to hang out with if they were real.
I did knock my rating down a bit because there were a few factual inaccuracies that could've been fixed with some pretty simple research. They weren't deal breakers, but they were noticeable enough to pull me out of the story for a minute.
Overall, though, this was another fun, cozy read, and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble everyone gets into next.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
This really is such a cute little series. It's still a cozy murder mystery, with a talented chef who somehow keeps ending up playing amateur detective and getting herself into situations she absolutely did not need to insert herself into. She never seems to learn, but that's part of the fun.
The characters are definitely the highlight for me. They all have their own personalities, and they come off the page so well that I could easily picture them. They really feel like the kind of group you'd love to hang out with if they were real.
I did knock my rating down a bit because there were a few factual inaccuracies that could've been fixed with some pretty simple research. They weren't deal breakers, but they were noticeable enough to pull me out of the story for a minute.
Overall, though, this was another fun, cozy read, and I'm looking forward to seeing what kind of trouble everyone gets into next.
Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
May 4, 2026
⋆˙⟡ ── ʀᴀᴛɪɴɢ 3★
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
If you get nothing else from this book, you’ll learn a lot about creole food, cooking, history, grammar, and music. The story itself seemed like it would be straightforward, but between the incessant nicknames and movie references, I started to become a bit overwhelmed.
This cozy mystery follows chef “Savvy” who is trying to uncover how a guest at a luncheon falls dead after consuming one of her meals. Since there were many people of interest, I genuinely didn’t have a clue as to whodunnit. Where I started to lose interest was when other non-related plots began developing out of nowhere. I thought they may somehow tie into the main story, but they just..didn’t. With the anticlimactic conclusion of the murder mystery, I felt the other plot lines were just unnecessary and served as space fillers.
Overall, the book was entertaining but not memorable.
ⓘ 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘰 𝘕𝘦𝘵𝘨𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘈𝘙𝘊.
If you get nothing else from this book, you’ll learn a lot about creole food, cooking, history, grammar, and music. The story itself seemed like it would be straightforward, but between the incessant nicknames and movie references, I started to become a bit overwhelmed.
This cozy mystery follows chef “Savvy” who is trying to uncover how a guest at a luncheon falls dead after consuming one of her meals. Since there were many people of interest, I genuinely didn’t have a clue as to whodunnit. Where I started to lose interest was when other non-related plots began developing out of nowhere. I thought they may somehow tie into the main story, but they just..didn’t. With the anticlimactic conclusion of the murder mystery, I felt the other plot lines were just unnecessary and served as space fillers.
Overall, the book was entertaining but not memorable.
July 19, 2026
This series continues to feel like such a refreshing take on the cozy mystery genre. I loved spending more time with Savvy and Penny, whose friendship is quickly becoming one of my favorite parts of the series. Their banter is quick, witty, and genuinely funny, and every conversation between them feels effortless. Savvy especially is such a fantastic heroine, she’s smart, outspoken, and absolutely unwilling to suffer fools.
Beyond the mystery itself, I loved how much this book celebrates Chicago’s South Side and Black culture. It almost felt like I was learning something new with every chapter, but never in a way that slowed the story down. Instead, the history, traditions, neighborhoods, food, and sense of community are woven naturally into the mystery, making the setting feel incredibly immersive. The Creole inspired menu Savvy creates had me hungry the entire time, and once again the food descriptions were absolutely mouthwatering.
One unexpectedly delightful part of the story was the dog that communicates using a button board. I found those scenes completely fascinating—and honestly kind of amazing. Combined with the series’ signature humor, memorable supporting cast, and plenty of clever dialogue, it added another layer of charm to an already entertaining mystery.
Sandra Jackson-Opoku continues to carve out a unique space in the cozy mystery genre with this series. The mysteries are engaging, the characters are endlessly entertaining, and the vibrant sense of place makes these books stand out from the crowd. I’m officially invested in Savvy, Penny, and Essie’s Café, and I’d happily follow them into a third mystery.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Food centered cozy mysteries
* Strong female friendships
* Urban settings with rich community
* Black culture and Chicago history woven into the story
* Sharp humor and witty dialogue
* Cozy mysteries that feel modern and unique
Beyond the mystery itself, I loved how much this book celebrates Chicago’s South Side and Black culture. It almost felt like I was learning something new with every chapter, but never in a way that slowed the story down. Instead, the history, traditions, neighborhoods, food, and sense of community are woven naturally into the mystery, making the setting feel incredibly immersive. The Creole inspired menu Savvy creates had me hungry the entire time, and once again the food descriptions were absolutely mouthwatering.
One unexpectedly delightful part of the story was the dog that communicates using a button board. I found those scenes completely fascinating—and honestly kind of amazing. Combined with the series’ signature humor, memorable supporting cast, and plenty of clever dialogue, it added another layer of charm to an already entertaining mystery.
Sandra Jackson-Opoku continues to carve out a unique space in the cozy mystery genre with this series. The mysteries are engaging, the characters are endlessly entertaining, and the vibrant sense of place makes these books stand out from the crowd. I’m officially invested in Savvy, Penny, and Essie’s Café, and I’d happily follow them into a third mystery.
Perfect for Readers Who Love
* Food centered cozy mysteries
* Strong female friendships
* Urban settings with rich community
* Black culture and Chicago history woven into the story
* Sharp humor and witty dialogue
* Cozy mysteries that feel modern and unique
July 24, 2026
Savvy is back with another incident of murder caused by food poisoning or is it? In this second book that can be read out of order and independently Savvy is still in the kitchen cooking up plenty of soul food Louisiana style and cooking up just as much mess. We get more background on characters and there is even a super smart dog in this one. There are new characters as well and it was fun discovering what was behind it all and I really enjoyed the conversation around food and there are quite a few recipes at the end of the book. That alone gets my money. Another thing I enjoyed about the book are the titles of the chapters they really pace the setting of the book and get you in the mood for what is ahead. Read this if you love cozy mysteries a lot of southern epithets, Louisiana style cooking, and nosey neighbors.
May 19, 2026
I did not expect this book to be as funny as it was. The playful banter between the characters was hilarious. This book is a comedic mystery. This is my first time reading a book like this and I utterly enjoyed it. I did think some spots were a little slow and there were few storylines that didn’t quite tie into the plot but overall this was a really good read.⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own
Thank you Netgalley for this ARC. All opinions are my own
July 21, 2026
While listening to this culinary cozy, I found myself seasoning ribs and baking sweet potatoes as the food comes alive through the sound to your tastebuds. The mystery sometimes feels secondary to the lead character of Savvy Summers but it is appreciated as there is more to her than cooking. Chicago is a wonderful setting for this book and the author adequately surveys the often over looked part of the big city, mainly the south side. Themes of strong female relationships, family as community, generational connectedness, Black community and its economic power and love.
Audiobook narration: There is a colorful sound from this narrator, Karen Chilton that comes off as a great visual of who Savvy Summers and the characters are. The authentic presentation is very real of all characters as it feels down to earth and southern at times. It’s never over the top to mock the tone of the book nor the messages conveyed.
Thanks to MacMillian audio and NetGalley for the ALC. #SavvySummersandthePoboyPerils #NetGalley. I recommend this to anyone who wants a lighthearted story without the heaviness of violence and sexual tones. You will enjoy the banter throughout the whole book. Also recommending this to all who grew up or enjoy a strong family connection as we all love the Aunt Essie and her sayings.
Fav Quote from Aunt Essie - He’s got nothing to offer but breath and britches. Also, whatever way you’re feeling gets cooked into the food.
Audiobook narration: There is a colorful sound from this narrator, Karen Chilton that comes off as a great visual of who Savvy Summers and the characters are. The authentic presentation is very real of all characters as it feels down to earth and southern at times. It’s never over the top to mock the tone of the book nor the messages conveyed.
Thanks to MacMillian audio and NetGalley for the ALC. #SavvySummersandthePoboyPerils #NetGalley. I recommend this to anyone who wants a lighthearted story without the heaviness of violence and sexual tones. You will enjoy the banter throughout the whole book. Also recommending this to all who grew up or enjoy a strong family connection as we all love the Aunt Essie and her sayings.
Fav Quote from Aunt Essie - He’s got nothing to offer but breath and britches. Also, whatever way you’re feeling gets cooked into the food.
July 22, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku was such a fun and entertaining cozy mystery! As a foodie, I especially loved the vivid descriptions of the food—they were absolutely mouthwatering and made me crave a po’boy more than once while reading.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists that made it difficult to figure out who the culprit was. I also really enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and the charming small-town setting, which gave the story a warm, inviting feel.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook as well, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their performance added personality and charm, making the story even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a delightful cozy mystery filled with delicious food, engaging characters, and an intriguing mystery. I would happily read another Savvy Summers adventure!
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku was such a fun and entertaining cozy mystery! As a foodie, I especially loved the vivid descriptions of the food—they were absolutely mouthwatering and made me crave a po’boy more than once while reading.
The mystery kept me guessing until the very end, with plenty of twists that made it difficult to figure out who the culprit was. I also really enjoyed the witty banter between the characters and the charming small-town setting, which gave the story a warm, inviting feel.
I had the opportunity to listen to the audiobook as well, and the narrator did a fantastic job bringing the characters to life. Their performance added personality and charm, making the story even more enjoyable.
Overall, this was a delightful cozy mystery filled with delicious food, engaging characters, and an intriguing mystery. I would happily read another Savvy Summers adventure!
July 13, 2026
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku is the second story in this delightful and enjoyable cozy mystery series.
The plot flows seamlessly from start to finish, making it easy to stay engaged throughout. Sandra Jackson-Opoku continues to craft great characters that feel real and relatable, with distinct personalities that keep the story lively. The dialogue is sharp and interesting, drawing you into each conversation and adding depth to the mystery.
The story is entertaining and full of charm, and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery that leaves me excited for the next installment in the series.
The plot flows seamlessly from start to finish, making it easy to stay engaged throughout. Sandra Jackson-Opoku continues to craft great characters that feel real and relatable, with distinct personalities that keep the story lively. The dialogue is sharp and interesting, drawing you into each conversation and adding depth to the mystery.
The story is entertaining and full of charm, and it’s a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery that leaves me excited for the next installment in the series.
April 27, 2026
(4.5 stars rounded up)
Savvy Summers is taking it easy. After a post-holiday break, she's focused on new recipes and pouring love into her restaurant, Essie’s Place. Just like Aunt Essie always says “Aint nothing to do it but to do it”. Even still, Savvy finds herself mixed up in yet another mystery involving people she cares for. Will she be able to figure out what’s going on in her little corner of Chicago? Most importantly, can she keep herself out of danger while she does it?
I - REALLY enjoyed this book. Savvy made me giggle and yell at my Kindle at the same time with her endless need to figure out the truth. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was that it was so easy to love the characters. They are all so funny and come together so nicely. Throughout the book it truly felt like I was solving the mystery with them, which I really love in a book. Penny was absolutely hilarious during the entire book and I literally have a voice for her in my head.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the inclusion of the different types of food that Savvy was cooking throughout the novel. I am a food motivated girl, so truly I was halfway drooling for most of these pages because the descriptions of the food were so detailed. It was also really interesting to be able to learn the history of a lot of popular dishes in Black culture. Specifically, how they have evolved, originating in places like Africa and the Islands and moving through the South and eventually making it to places like Chicago. I definitely enjoyed the sweet treat at the end of the book, that was definitely the cherry on top for me!
I also just have to say that I loved the shout out to a speech pathologist in the book. I'm a speech pathologist and rarely see us represented in a book, so that was really cool to see. In general, this book just felt really relatable in terms of popular references. It really made it feel like the book was happening in real time and like this was something that was going on actively in the moment. I found myself really immersed in the story, and as the plot really picked up it was hard for me to put the book down. I really feel like most people would enjoy this book. It's a quick and easy read, but had me guessing the entire time. Truly a very well done novel!
Thank you, Sandra Jackson-Opoku, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Savvy Summers is taking it easy. After a post-holiday break, she's focused on new recipes and pouring love into her restaurant, Essie’s Place. Just like Aunt Essie always says “Aint nothing to do it but to do it”. Even still, Savvy finds herself mixed up in yet another mystery involving people she cares for. Will she be able to figure out what’s going on in her little corner of Chicago? Most importantly, can she keep herself out of danger while she does it?
I - REALLY enjoyed this book. Savvy made me giggle and yell at my Kindle at the same time with her endless need to figure out the truth. One of the things that I really enjoyed about this book was that it was so easy to love the characters. They are all so funny and come together so nicely. Throughout the book it truly felt like I was solving the mystery with them, which I really love in a book. Penny was absolutely hilarious during the entire book and I literally have a voice for her in my head.
Another thing that I really enjoyed about this book was the inclusion of the different types of food that Savvy was cooking throughout the novel. I am a food motivated girl, so truly I was halfway drooling for most of these pages because the descriptions of the food were so detailed. It was also really interesting to be able to learn the history of a lot of popular dishes in Black culture. Specifically, how they have evolved, originating in places like Africa and the Islands and moving through the South and eventually making it to places like Chicago. I definitely enjoyed the sweet treat at the end of the book, that was definitely the cherry on top for me!
I also just have to say that I loved the shout out to a speech pathologist in the book. I'm a speech pathologist and rarely see us represented in a book, so that was really cool to see. In general, this book just felt really relatable in terms of popular references. It really made it feel like the book was happening in real time and like this was something that was going on actively in the moment. I found myself really immersed in the story, and as the plot really picked up it was hard for me to put the book down. I really feel like most people would enjoy this book. It's a quick and easy read, but had me guessing the entire time. Truly a very well done novel!
Thank you, Sandra Jackson-Opoku, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur books, for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
July 21, 2026
This is the second book in the Savvy Summers Cozy Mystery Series. Savvy is asked to cater an event. While there, she meets Minevra, who is a stealer of food. The next day she is dead, and the cause of her death is one of Savvy's Po'boys.
Savvy and her kitchen help, Penny, are soon on the case, even though the police say stay out of it.
The characters are so fun. They are well developed and grow, which is a plus in any book. Jackson-Opoku kept me engaged in book. There was one twist that got me. It hits shelves today, July 21, 2026.
Thanks Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Sandra Jackson-Opoku for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley #Stmartinspress #minotaurbooks #sandrajacksonopoku #SavvySummersandThePo'BoyPerils
Savvy and her kitchen help, Penny, are soon on the case, even though the police say stay out of it.
The characters are so fun. They are well developed and grow, which is a plus in any book. Jackson-Opoku kept me engaged in book. There was one twist that got me. It hits shelves today, July 21, 2026.
Thanks Netgalley, St. Martin's Press, Minotaur Books and Sandra Jackson-Opoku for the E-ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
#Netgalley #Stmartinspress #minotaurbooks #sandrajacksonopoku #SavvySummersandThePo'BoyPerils
July 27, 2026
Savvy Summers is back in a new cozy murder mystery. Dori, a friend of Savvy's late husband, hires her to cater for her company's presentation. Of course, someone ends up dead. There's no shortage of suspects but all signs point to Dori. Savvy tries to help prove Dori's innocence while, at the same time, wondering just how close was Dori's 'friendship' with her late husband. I enjoyed this a bit more than the 1st book. It was good reconnecting with the characters Savvy, her crazy/funny assistant Penny, and her ex-husband Fanon that keeps coming around.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this ARC.
July 23, 2026
This is the second installment in the series. I don’t really think it’s essential to have read the first book because there is enough background given in this one. The pacing was better in this book - not as slow and seemed a bit more focused on the mystery. Characters and setting are entertaining. A good solid cozy mystery.
Did Not Finish
July 23, 2026DNF @ 62% - I didn’t read the first, so I’m clearly missing some stuff. But it just didn’t work for me and I found the characters annoying. Has a good premise, but didn’t hit.
May 7, 2026
I really like this 2nd volume of the Savvy Summers series. I felt much more invested in the characters and I like the deeper dive into their back stories. This mystery felt more complicated than in the first volume. It feels like this series is developing and I can’t wait to read the next installment—hints of great things happening!
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for this ebook to read. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for this ebook to read. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku (July 2026) [reading in April]
Savvy Summers Mysteries #2
280-page Kindle Ebook story pages 5-249
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Culinary Mystery, African-American Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Featuring: Bibliography for Sandra Jackson-Opoku, Titled Chapters, Café and Catering, Caterers, Chicago, Illinois; Inaccurate Tidbits, Soul Food, Boomer MC, Widow and Divorcée, Police Officer Ex, Investigation, Sexual Innuendos, Small-Town Drama, November, Detectives, Gossip, Great-Aunt Essie’s Epithets, Aunt Essie’s Table - Recipes, Acknowledgments
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🥪🍤⚜️
My thoughts: 📖 26 - Ruben Blades - Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna, Ricky Martin - Enrique Martín Morales, Marc Anthony - Marco Antonio Muñiz, and Benjamin Bratt - English-German father. A stage name is not your surname.
🔖Page 52 of 280 Chapter 6: A Double-Sided Coin - It's busy and slow. I'm going to have to set aside some days to get through this one.
🔖74 Chapter 9: Samson and the Cpd - I am going to sit down tomorrow and really read this book so far it's just too slow to get into. she is constantly dropping music and shows and that takes me out the story.
📖 95 - Jambalaya is a Creole dish similar to paella there is a occasion version of it but it did not originate with Cajun cuisine gumbo on the other hand is a mixture of multiple cultures and there is a disagreement in whether gumbo comes from the Bantu word for okra, ki ngombo or quingombo, or if it's from Choctaw word for filé, kombo. gumbo is used in both Cajun and creole cuisine. so this theory about someone calling gumbo occasion dish being absurd is a huge pothole and then labeling jambalaya a straight-up Cajun dish is another major plot hole I'm so over this story.
🔖163 Chapter 20: Why Did the Rangale Cross the Road? ‐ the more I read this story The more it's starting to feel like a Fern Michaels story for a younger generation, not mine but maybe someone born in the 60s.
This story's tone is a departure from its predecessor. First off, it's cozier, all the profanity and not-so-subtle innuendos were omitted. This one pretty much follows established cozy mystery rules, presenting a clean and wholesome experience. However, in my opinion, it lacked an engaging plot. It's jam-packed with tidbits that feel more like filler than plot development, and it's even more annoying when several those informational snippets are misleading factual assertions. The author acknowledges her unfamiliarity with the Creole cuisine and culture, a point that was obvious from Chapter One and consistently problematic throughout the story. Besides being slow and inaccurate, the mystery was pretty weak. I think this story works if you're into authors like Fern Michaels and Joanne Fluke, but if you like cozies with plots that are light-hearted but still have some punch, this one just doesn't hit the spot. There are eight recipes to enjoy, so it's not a total bust, it's just not for me. I think it's intended for a more mature audience who may prioritize nostalgia and gentle humor over factual precision, perhaps not my mom, but certainly someone's. There is definitely a market for this series, but I think my journey may end here.
Recommend to others: Maybe. Book One was definitely the better of the two stories, this one is more of a traditional cozy but there wasn't enough story here for me.
Savvy Summers Mysteries
1. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes (2025)
2. Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils (2026)
Songs for the soundtrack: "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy, "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It" by John Anderson, "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" by Hank Williams, "Minnie The Moocher" by Cab Calloway and The Blues Brothers, "Soon I Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World" by James Cleveland, "Creep" by Radiohead, "Come Jesus Come" by CeCe Winans, "The Best in Me" by Marvin Sapp, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" by Carol Channing, "Something Isn't Right Here" by Campbell, Eva, Steven, Skylar and Kylar; "Something Just Ain't Right" by Keith Sweat, "Too Much" by Spice Girls "Little Green Apples" by O. C. Smith, "Little Green Apples" by Patti Page, "The Center Of My Joy" by Richard Smallwood, "It’s My Party" by Lesley Gore, "Out of Your Mind" by True Steppers featuring Dane Bowers and Victoria Beckham, "Lookin' For Love" by Johnny Lee, "What's Love Got To Do With It" by Tina Turner, "Just You Wait" by Eliza Doolittle, "Brown Skin" by India.Arie,
"Money, Money"Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli, "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word" by Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmates, "Somebody’s Watching Me" by Rockwell, "Symphony No. 5" by Ludwig van Beethoven, "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, "Memory" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" by Crystal Gayle, "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars, "Love's Gonna Last" by Jeffree, "Home on the Range" by Daniel E. Kelley and Brewster M. Higley,
"I'll Fly Away" by Albert E. Brumley, "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Albert King, "Soon As The Weather Breaks" by Bobby Bland, "What A Diff'rence A Day Made" by Dinah Washington, "The Appetite" by DevilDriver, "Proud Mary" by Ike & Tina Turner, "Nearer, My God, to Thee" by Sarah Flower Adams, "Too Good To You Baby" by B.B. King, "This Bitter Earth" by Dinah Washington
Books and Authors mentioned: Proverbs, Jack and the Beanstalk by Joseph Jacobs, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner [based on] My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe [and/based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shawn; Agatha Christie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Joseph Fields, Anita Loos, Leo Robin, and Jule Styne, [based on] Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos; Bring It On: The Musical by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Green, and Jeff Whitty [based on] Bring It On by Jessica Bendinger; The Honeymooners by Jackie Gleason, Cabaret by Jay Presson Allen [based on] Cabaret by Joe Masteroff[based on ] I Am a Camera by John Van Druten [and based on] Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood; Get Out by Jordan Peele, Scent of a Woman by Bo Goldman [based on] Il buio e il miele by Giovanni Arpino; The Chronicles of Narnia by Ann Peacock, Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely [based on] The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis; Frozen by Jennifer Lee [based on] The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen [and] The Ice Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber [based on] Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot; The Rainy Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ghostbusters by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin, McGruff the Crime Dog by Dancer Fitzgerald Sample, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, Where's Waldo Series [aka Where's Wally?] by Martin Handford, South Pacific by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II [based on] Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener; Cinderella by Charles Perrault, Snow White by the Brothers Grimm, The Princess and the Frog by Ron Clements, John Musker, and Rob Edwards [based on] The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker [based on] The Frog Prince by Brothers Grimm;
Paul Robeson by Gwendolyn Brooks, Little Red Riding Hood by Charles Perrault, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Driving Miss Daisy screenplay by Alfred Uhry [Based on] Driving Miss Daisy play by Alfred Uhry; Perry Mason by Erle Stanley Gardner, Tracy Clark, Mia P. Manansala, Lori Rader-Day, LD Barnes, Susanna Calkins, Eleanor Taylor Bland, Sara Paretsky
Savvy Summers Mysteries #2
280-page Kindle Ebook story pages 5-249
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Culinary Mystery, African-American Fiction
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Featuring: Bibliography for Sandra Jackson-Opoku, Titled Chapters, Café and Catering, Caterers, Chicago, Illinois; Inaccurate Tidbits, Soul Food, Boomer MC, Widow and Divorcée, Police Officer Ex, Investigation, Sexual Innuendos, Small-Town Drama, November, Detectives, Gossip, Great-Aunt Essie’s Epithets, Aunt Essie’s Table - Recipes, Acknowledgments
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️🥪🍤⚜️
My thoughts: 📖 26 - Ruben Blades - Rubén Blades Bellido de Luna, Ricky Martin - Enrique Martín Morales, Marc Anthony - Marco Antonio Muñiz, and Benjamin Bratt - English-German father. A stage name is not your surname.
🔖Page 52 of 280 Chapter 6: A Double-Sided Coin - It's busy and slow. I'm going to have to set aside some days to get through this one.
🔖74 Chapter 9: Samson and the Cpd - I am going to sit down tomorrow and really read this book so far it's just too slow to get into. she is constantly dropping music and shows and that takes me out the story.
📖 95 - Jambalaya is a Creole dish similar to paella there is a occasion version of it but it did not originate with Cajun cuisine gumbo on the other hand is a mixture of multiple cultures and there is a disagreement in whether gumbo comes from the Bantu word for okra, ki ngombo or quingombo, or if it's from Choctaw word for filé, kombo. gumbo is used in both Cajun and creole cuisine. so this theory about someone calling gumbo occasion dish being absurd is a huge pothole and then labeling jambalaya a straight-up Cajun dish is another major plot hole I'm so over this story.
🔖163 Chapter 20: Why Did the Rangale Cross the Road? ‐ the more I read this story The more it's starting to feel like a Fern Michaels story for a younger generation, not mine but maybe someone born in the 60s.
This story's tone is a departure from its predecessor. First off, it's cozier, all the profanity and not-so-subtle innuendos were omitted. This one pretty much follows established cozy mystery rules, presenting a clean and wholesome experience. However, in my opinion, it lacked an engaging plot. It's jam-packed with tidbits that feel more like filler than plot development, and it's even more annoying when several those informational snippets are misleading factual assertions. The author acknowledges her unfamiliarity with the Creole cuisine and culture, a point that was obvious from Chapter One and consistently problematic throughout the story. Besides being slow and inaccurate, the mystery was pretty weak. I think this story works if you're into authors like Fern Michaels and Joanne Fluke, but if you like cozies with plots that are light-hearted but still have some punch, this one just doesn't hit the spot. There are eight recipes to enjoy, so it's not a total bust, it's just not for me. I think it's intended for a more mature audience who may prioritize nostalgia and gentle humor over factual precision, perhaps not my mom, but certainly someone's. There is definitely a market for this series, but I think my journey may end here.
Recommend to others: Maybe. Book One was definitely the better of the two stories, this one is more of a traditional cozy but there wasn't enough story here for me.
Savvy Summers Mysteries
1. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes (2025)
2. Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils (2026)
Songs for the soundtrack: "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy, "If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It" by John Anderson, "Jambalaya (On the Bayou)" by Hank Williams, "Minnie The Moocher" by Cab Calloway and The Blues Brothers, "Soon I Will Be Done With The Troubles Of The World" by James Cleveland, "Creep" by Radiohead, "Come Jesus Come" by CeCe Winans, "The Best in Me" by Marvin Sapp, "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" by Carol Channing, "Something Isn't Right Here" by Campbell, Eva, Steven, Skylar and Kylar; "Something Just Ain't Right" by Keith Sweat, "Too Much" by Spice Girls "Little Green Apples" by O. C. Smith, "Little Green Apples" by Patti Page, "The Center Of My Joy" by Richard Smallwood, "It’s My Party" by Lesley Gore, "Out of Your Mind" by True Steppers featuring Dane Bowers and Victoria Beckham, "Lookin' For Love" by Johnny Lee, "What's Love Got To Do With It" by Tina Turner, "Just You Wait" by Eliza Doolittle, "Brown Skin" by India.Arie,
"Money, Money"Joel Grey and Liza Minnelli, "He Never Said a Mumblin' Word" by Louisiana State Penitentiary Inmates, "Somebody’s Watching Me" by Rockwell, "Symphony No. 5" by Ludwig van Beethoven, "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel, "Memory" by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Trevor Nunn, "Don't It Make My Brown Eyes Blue" by Crystal Gayle, "Atomic Dog" by George Clinton and the P-Funk All-Stars, "Love's Gonna Last" by Jeffree, "Home on the Range" by Daniel E. Kelley and Brewster M. Higley,
"I'll Fly Away" by Albert E. Brumley, "Born Under a Bad Sign" by Albert King, "Soon As The Weather Breaks" by Bobby Bland, "What A Diff'rence A Day Made" by Dinah Washington, "The Appetite" by DevilDriver, "Proud Mary" by Ike & Tina Turner, "Nearer, My God, to Thee" by Sarah Flower Adams, "Too Good To You Baby" by B.B. King, "This Bitter Earth" by Dinah Washington
Books and Authors mentioned: Proverbs, Jack and the Beanstalk by Joseph Jacobs, Macbeth by William Shakespeare, Winnie-the-Pooh by A. A. Milne, My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner [based on] My Fair Lady by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe [and/based on] Pygmalion by George Bernard Shawn; Agatha Christie, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Joseph Fields, Anita Loos, Leo Robin, and Jule Styne, [based on] Gentlemen Prefer Blondes by Anita Loos; Bring It On: The Musical by Tom Kitt, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Amanda Green, and Jeff Whitty [based on] Bring It On by Jessica Bendinger; The Honeymooners by Jackie Gleason, Cabaret by Jay Presson Allen [based on] Cabaret by Joe Masteroff[based on ] I Am a Camera by John Van Druten [and based on] Goodbye to Berlin by Christopher Isherwood; Get Out by Jordan Peele, Scent of a Woman by Bo Goldman [based on] Il buio e il miele by Giovanni Arpino; The Chronicles of Narnia by Ann Peacock, Andrew Adamson, Christopher Markus, and Stephen McFeely [based on] The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis; Frozen by Jennifer Lee [based on] The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen [and] The Ice Queen by Hans Christian Andersen; Cats by Andrew Lloyd Webber [based on] Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats by T. S. Eliot; The Rainy Day by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, Ghostbusters by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis, Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Adventures of Rin-Tin-Tin, McGruff the Crime Dog by Dancer Fitzgerald Sample, Scooby-Doo, Where Are You! by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears, Where's Waldo Series [aka Where's Wally?] by Martin Handford, South Pacific by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II [based on] Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener; Cinderella by Charles Perrault, Snow White by the Brothers Grimm, The Princess and the Frog by Ron Clements, John Musker, and Rob Edwards [based on] The Frog Princess by E. D. Baker [based on] The Frog Prince by Brothers Grimm;
Paul Robeson by Gwendolyn Brooks, Little Red Riding Hood by Charles Perrault, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Driving Miss Daisy screenplay by Alfred Uhry [Based on] Driving Miss Daisy play by Alfred Uhry; Perry Mason by Erle Stanley Gardner, Tracy Clark, Mia P. Manansala, Lori Rader-Day, LD Barnes, Susanna Calkins, Eleanor Taylor Bland, Sara Paretsky
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils once again proves that Savvy cannot simply feed people in peace. This woman tries to cater one little office luncheon with some Creole flair and suddenly somebody’s dead, everybody’s lying, and her café’s reputation is hanging on by a thread like a bra strap in a slasher movie.
And honestly? The second Savvy walked into that office building, I knew we were cooked. Not literally. Although the food in this series continues to sound so good that I would absolutely ignore several obvious warning signs to eat it. If Savvy handed me a po’boy and said, “There’s a small chance this becomes evidence later,” I’d still be reaching for hot sauce.
This time around, Savvy’s catering for her old friend Dori at Lefty Lucy, a company that specializes in products for left-handed people, which already sounds like the setup for the weirdest Parks and Recreation subplot imaginable. Then we meet the employees and suddenly it becomes very clear this office survives entirely on gossip, passive aggression, and whoever’s brave enough to refill the coffee pot. Everybody hates each other just enough to make murder feel less like a tragedy and more like an unfortunate team-building exercise.
The workplace drama in this book honestly deserves its own reality show. One employee keeps stealing people’s food like a raccoon with health insurance, another’s carrying enough bitterness to season a cast iron skillet, and every conversation feels two seconds away from becoming an HR incident. Meanwhile Savvy’s just trying to protect Essie’s Place from becoming known as Chicago’s most dangerous lunch spot.
Savvy herself continues to be the best part of this series for me because she feels like an actual grown woman with bills, history, grief, pride, and exactly zero patience for foolishness. She’s not running around acting invincible. She’s exhausted. She’s stressed. She’s trying to keep her business afloat while getting dragged into another murder investigation because apparently God looked down and said, “What if Jessica Fletcher had better recipes and lower tolerance for nonsense?”
And Penny. God bless Penny. Penny moves through this book like she’s one inconvenience away from bursting into either song or gossip, whichever arrives first. Her dynamic with Savvy still feels so natural and lived-in, like two women who have absolutely seen each other cry in a storage room and immediately pretended it never happened. Every time she popped up with another random observation or chaotic comment, I was back in.
What I really like about these books is that the mystery almost feels secondary to the neighborhood itself. The South Side setting, the food history, the auntie wisdom floating through every conversation, the way everybody knows everybody’s business before they know their own, it gives the story so much personality. Even when the plot occasionally wanders off like somebody’s uncle telling a story that somehow turns into three separate side quests before circling back, the warmth keeps it engaging.
That said, this one did feel a little looser than Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes. The pacing drifts in spots, and there are moments where the investigation seems less like active sleuthing and more like Savvy accidentally overhearing life-threatening information while trying to have a normal afternoon. But honestly, I was still having fun because the banter carries so much of the weight. The humor in this series feels conversational in a way I really enjoy, like sitting at the table with people who are simultaneously feeding you and judging you.
Also, tiny shoutout to this series for continuing to make middle-aged chemistry feel hotter than half the romance books currently trying to convince me a man saying “good girl” counts as a personality. The tension between Savvy and Fanon has that divorced-but-still-know-each-other-too-well energy that always hits. They argue like people who still remember each other’s favorite songs and worst habits, which unfortunately is my favorite flavor of romantic dysfunction.
Overall, this landed at a very solid 3.5 stars for me. The mystery itself didn’t fully knock me out, but the characters, humor, community, and food absolutely did. At this point I’d happily read twelve more books about Savvy solving crimes between catering orders and trying not to lose her mind dealing with other people’s nonsense.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Office Potlucks While Simultaneously Craving a Po’boy So Bad I’d Ignore Several Red Flags to Eat One
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. If book three gives me one more suspicious death tied to comfort food, I will be seated immediately.
And honestly? The second Savvy walked into that office building, I knew we were cooked. Not literally. Although the food in this series continues to sound so good that I would absolutely ignore several obvious warning signs to eat it. If Savvy handed me a po’boy and said, “There’s a small chance this becomes evidence later,” I’d still be reaching for hot sauce.
This time around, Savvy’s catering for her old friend Dori at Lefty Lucy, a company that specializes in products for left-handed people, which already sounds like the setup for the weirdest Parks and Recreation subplot imaginable. Then we meet the employees and suddenly it becomes very clear this office survives entirely on gossip, passive aggression, and whoever’s brave enough to refill the coffee pot. Everybody hates each other just enough to make murder feel less like a tragedy and more like an unfortunate team-building exercise.
The workplace drama in this book honestly deserves its own reality show. One employee keeps stealing people’s food like a raccoon with health insurance, another’s carrying enough bitterness to season a cast iron skillet, and every conversation feels two seconds away from becoming an HR incident. Meanwhile Savvy’s just trying to protect Essie’s Place from becoming known as Chicago’s most dangerous lunch spot.
Savvy herself continues to be the best part of this series for me because she feels like an actual grown woman with bills, history, grief, pride, and exactly zero patience for foolishness. She’s not running around acting invincible. She’s exhausted. She’s stressed. She’s trying to keep her business afloat while getting dragged into another murder investigation because apparently God looked down and said, “What if Jessica Fletcher had better recipes and lower tolerance for nonsense?”
And Penny. God bless Penny. Penny moves through this book like she’s one inconvenience away from bursting into either song or gossip, whichever arrives first. Her dynamic with Savvy still feels so natural and lived-in, like two women who have absolutely seen each other cry in a storage room and immediately pretended it never happened. Every time she popped up with another random observation or chaotic comment, I was back in.
What I really like about these books is that the mystery almost feels secondary to the neighborhood itself. The South Side setting, the food history, the auntie wisdom floating through every conversation, the way everybody knows everybody’s business before they know their own, it gives the story so much personality. Even when the plot occasionally wanders off like somebody’s uncle telling a story that somehow turns into three separate side quests before circling back, the warmth keeps it engaging.
That said, this one did feel a little looser than Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes. The pacing drifts in spots, and there are moments where the investigation seems less like active sleuthing and more like Savvy accidentally overhearing life-threatening information while trying to have a normal afternoon. But honestly, I was still having fun because the banter carries so much of the weight. The humor in this series feels conversational in a way I really enjoy, like sitting at the table with people who are simultaneously feeding you and judging you.
Also, tiny shoutout to this series for continuing to make middle-aged chemistry feel hotter than half the romance books currently trying to convince me a man saying “good girl” counts as a personality. The tension between Savvy and Fanon has that divorced-but-still-know-each-other-too-well energy that always hits. They argue like people who still remember each other’s favorite songs and worst habits, which unfortunately is my favorite flavor of romantic dysfunction.
Overall, this landed at a very solid 3.5 stars for me. The mystery itself didn’t fully knock me out, but the characters, humor, community, and food absolutely did. At this point I’d happily read twelve more books about Savvy solving crimes between catering orders and trying not to lose her mind dealing with other people’s nonsense.
Whodunity Award: For Making Me Distrust Office Potlucks While Simultaneously Craving a Po’boy So Bad I’d Ignore Several Red Flags to Eat One
Huge thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC. If book three gives me one more suspicious death tied to comfort food, I will be seated immediately.
July 22, 2026
Rating: 4* of five
The Publisher Says: The next delectable mystery featuring quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, owner of a soul food café in Chicago.
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I gained fifteen pounds off the bread-pudding description alone. I would *kill* for some right now! I'd kill for some buttermilk biscuits, honestly, but these, and the perfect bread pudding...*drool*
As I said of Author Jackson-Opoku's work before, this series is going to fatten me right up into blimp-sized, belching satiety. Savvy's knack for landing in hot water is still credible to me, seasoned old reader that I am, because it doesn't come from some out-of-character contrivance but from accepting a job her business needs.
It seems clear that the series is going to do a lot of wandering around. It's not my first preference for the way a murder mystery unfolds, but it very much is my preference for a character-driven polyphonic novel of a community that feels real in its tight-knit gossipy love. Even though ugliness is inherent in murder mysteries, death is always a blow to a group, the deep interconnections are strong enough to heal the wound. With time, and as an aftermath to justice being served.
Savvy herself is a fun character to follow around as she talks to people, caring about them, listening to them. Penny is a scene-stealin' sass-dealin' delight as always. It's a hallmark of Author Jackson-Opoku's chops that I felt welcomed back into a charmed circle of lovely friends most of the time during this read. It takes skill to make that a reader's experience of a series story.
Savvy and Fanon (love that name, so resonant for someone born when and where he most likely was) have the kind of chemistry I myownself prefer: hot, but at a simmer that can turn into a boil quickly if there's just a *little* nudge of the thermostat. It's believable these two connected as hard as they did; it's believable they couldn't make it work full-time, but also are so finely attuned to each other that they have an unbreakable connection.
I really enjoyed being invited back into the community, welcomed with a so-enticing spread of delights, and told all the tea while everyone tried to be the one to spill it hardest. Not the greatest shakes on the mystery front...another deeply unlikeable crudbucket dead that not one soul should mourn the loss of...but as a novel, and a way to spend time rewardingly, it's up there for 2026.
The Publisher Says: The next delectable mystery featuring quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, owner of a soul food café in Chicago.
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
I RECEIVED A DRC FROM THE PUBLISHER VIA NETGALLEY. THANK YOU.
My Review: I gained fifteen pounds off the bread-pudding description alone. I would *kill* for some right now! I'd kill for some buttermilk biscuits, honestly, but these, and the perfect bread pudding...*drool*
As I said of Author Jackson-Opoku's work before, this series is going to fatten me right up into blimp-sized, belching satiety. Savvy's knack for landing in hot water is still credible to me, seasoned old reader that I am, because it doesn't come from some out-of-character contrivance but from accepting a job her business needs.
It seems clear that the series is going to do a lot of wandering around. It's not my first preference for the way a murder mystery unfolds, but it very much is my preference for a character-driven polyphonic novel of a community that feels real in its tight-knit gossipy love. Even though ugliness is inherent in murder mysteries, death is always a blow to a group, the deep interconnections are strong enough to heal the wound. With time, and as an aftermath to justice being served.
Savvy herself is a fun character to follow around as she talks to people, caring about them, listening to them. Penny is a scene-stealin' sass-dealin' delight as always. It's a hallmark of Author Jackson-Opoku's chops that I felt welcomed back into a charmed circle of lovely friends most of the time during this read. It takes skill to make that a reader's experience of a series story.
Savvy and Fanon (love that name, so resonant for someone born when and where he most likely was) have the kind of chemistry I myownself prefer: hot, but at a simmer that can turn into a boil quickly if there's just a *little* nudge of the thermostat. It's believable these two connected as hard as they did; it's believable they couldn't make it work full-time, but also are so finely attuned to each other that they have an unbreakable connection.
I really enjoyed being invited back into the community, welcomed with a so-enticing spread of delights, and told all the tea while everyone tried to be the one to spill it hardest. Not the greatest shakes on the mystery front...another deeply unlikeable crudbucket dead that not one soul should mourn the loss of...but as a novel, and a way to spend time rewardingly, it's up there for 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This series just keeps getting more fun! I received this as an ARC from Netgalley, and while it builds on the charm of the first book, Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils really leans into both the mystery and the community dynamics in a satisfying way. While this isn’t technically my first read by Sandra Jackson-Opoku, it continues to make me glad I picked her up in the first place. Savvy Summers remains such a standout main character being sharp, resilient, and deeply connected to her café, Essie’s. This time, she steps outside her usual comfort zone when she agrees to cater a corporate luncheon, creating a delicious Creole-inspired spread (those mini po’boys and bread pudding honestly stole the show). But of course, nothing goes smoothly when someone turns up dead in the conference room, Savvy once again finds herself at the center of suspicion.
What I really liked here was how naturally Savvy gets pulled into the investigation. Her investment isn’t just about proving her innocence it’s about protecting her business and her reputation in a community that clearly means everything to her. You really feel the stakes this time around. Penny Lopés continues to be the perfect partner in crime-solving. Her curiosity and willingness to dig into uncomfortable situations balance Savvy’s more practical instincts, and their banter adds a lot of warmth to the story. Their teamwork feels even more established here, which makes the investigation flow more smoothly and feel more believable. The mystery itself is nicely layered. The office setting introduces a whole new group of suspects, and the plot leans heavily into gossip, workplace tension, and miscommunication, which made the case feel messy in a very realistic way. Everyone seems to be hiding something, and the way Savvy pieces together those small details was really engaging to follow. The twist worked well for me because it’s not overly dramatic, but it’s smart and ties back into the tangled relationships and misunderstandings among the characters. I appreciated how the reveal made earlier interactions click into place, especially with how certain coworkers’ behavior was initially easy to dismiss. We also get the return of familiar pressures, Savvy’s business still feels fragile in the wake of everything, and there are lingering personal dynamics (including familiar faces from her past) that complicate both her investigation and her peace of mind. It adds a nice ongoing thread to the series. If I had a small critique, it’s that I wanted just a bit more urgency in the final act the buildup is great, but the resolution felt slightly too neat for how chao, the South Side Chicago setting feels vibrant and grounded, and Essie’s still feels like the heart of the story. The food descriptions alone are worth it. Overall, Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils is a cozy, flavorful, and character-driven mystery that’s easy to sink into. If you love strong female leads, community-centered stories, and mysteries that simmer rather than explode, this series is definitely one to keep on your radar. I’ll absolutely keep reading because Savvy has officially won me over. #netgalley #savvysummersandthepoboyperils
What I really liked here was how naturally Savvy gets pulled into the investigation. Her investment isn’t just about proving her innocence it’s about protecting her business and her reputation in a community that clearly means everything to her. You really feel the stakes this time around. Penny Lopés continues to be the perfect partner in crime-solving. Her curiosity and willingness to dig into uncomfortable situations balance Savvy’s more practical instincts, and their banter adds a lot of warmth to the story. Their teamwork feels even more established here, which makes the investigation flow more smoothly and feel more believable. The mystery itself is nicely layered. The office setting introduces a whole new group of suspects, and the plot leans heavily into gossip, workplace tension, and miscommunication, which made the case feel messy in a very realistic way. Everyone seems to be hiding something, and the way Savvy pieces together those small details was really engaging to follow. The twist worked well for me because it’s not overly dramatic, but it’s smart and ties back into the tangled relationships and misunderstandings among the characters. I appreciated how the reveal made earlier interactions click into place, especially with how certain coworkers’ behavior was initially easy to dismiss. We also get the return of familiar pressures, Savvy’s business still feels fragile in the wake of everything, and there are lingering personal dynamics (including familiar faces from her past) that complicate both her investigation and her peace of mind. It adds a nice ongoing thread to the series. If I had a small critique, it’s that I wanted just a bit more urgency in the final act the buildup is great, but the resolution felt slightly too neat for how chao, the South Side Chicago setting feels vibrant and grounded, and Essie’s still feels like the heart of the story. The food descriptions alone are worth it. Overall, Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils is a cozy, flavorful, and character-driven mystery that’s easy to sink into. If you love strong female leads, community-centered stories, and mysteries that simmer rather than explode, this series is definitely one to keep on your radar. I’ll absolutely keep reading because Savvy has officially won me over. #netgalley #savvysummersandthepoboyperils
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
BOOK REPORT
Received a complimentary copy of Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils, by Sandra Jackson-Opoku, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 1.5 ⭐
Well, phooey.
This second in a series was so boring that I quite literally passed out (stone-cold sober in the light of day) multiple times while attempting to read it.
I mean, I was in the mood for something light and fluffy yesterday, but y’all? There was just barely any there there, if you know what I mean.
Characters were definitely caricatures, mystery was just a mess, and I was disappointed because I had enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to more. I mean, heck, it didn’t even make me want a shrimp po’boy. I did finish, though, just because.
Even if this book (which, if it had been a cake, would be considered “flatter than a flitter,” as my mother used to say) was just an extreme example of sophomore slump, I’m still not going to bother with any more of Savvy Summers.
Sigh.
Onward.
DESCRIPTION
The next delectable mystery featuring quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, owner of a soul food café in Chicago.
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
Received a complimentary copy of Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils, by Sandra Jackson-Opoku, from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books/NetGalley, for which I am appreciative, in exchange for a fair and honest review. Scroll past the BOOK REPORT section for a cut-and-paste of the DESCRIPTION of it from them if you want to read my thoughts on the book in the context of that summary.
⭐ 1.5 ⭐
Well, phooey.
This second in a series was so boring that I quite literally passed out (stone-cold sober in the light of day) multiple times while attempting to read it.
I mean, I was in the mood for something light and fluffy yesterday, but y’all? There was just barely any there there, if you know what I mean.
Characters were definitely caricatures, mystery was just a mess, and I was disappointed because I had enjoyed the first book and was looking forward to more. I mean, heck, it didn’t even make me want a shrimp po’boy. I did finish, though, just because.
Even if this book (which, if it had been a cake, would be considered “flatter than a flitter,” as my mother used to say) was just an extreme example of sophomore slump, I’m still not going to bother with any more of Savvy Summers.
Sigh.
Onward.
DESCRIPTION
The next delectable mystery featuring quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, owner of a soul food café in Chicago.
Savvy has her work cut out when an old friend hires her to cater a company luncheon at a nearby office building on Chicago's South Side. Stepping out of her traditional soul food comfort zone, Savvy whips together a menu of Creole classics, with her own spin, of course—mini po’boys with assorted fillings, sunburst salad, and bread pudding using Great Aunt Essie’s famous buttermilk biscuits.
But when someone is found dead in the company’s conference room, Savvy’s culinary creations are suddenly in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. While the focus should be on their delicious flavors and inventive techniques, Savvy’s beloved café instead becomes the center of a murder investigation once again.
Caught within a messy web of gossip, miscommunication, and fraught coworker relationships, Savvy will have to settle the confusion to clear her name. Somebody’s hiding something, and with the help of her trusty assistant manager, Penny Lopés, Savvy sets out uncover exactly who is to blame. With familiar faces turning up the heat on her investigation and her café still in hot water, will Savvy be able to save her reputation before it’s too late?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Authenticity is paramount to Sandra Jackson-Opoku, a risk-taker who is entirely willing to push the traditional boundaries of the cozy mystery genre. Her series debut, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes, won starred reviews in Library Journal and was nominated for several major mystery awards. While the unwritten rule of cozies is often to keep the formula exactly the same in the sequel, Jackson-Opoku listened to her muse and brushed that trope aside.
Instead of soul food, Savvy dives into investigating Creole cooking. While this culinary heritage was new to me, it is deeply rooted in Chicago's history. Alongside the primary Great Migration from the Mississippi Delta, a significant population of folks from Louisiana brought their vibrant flavors to the city. It makes perfect sense, then, that the food served here—and in Savvy's catering side business—features this style of cooking. In fact, the food descriptions were tempting enough that I had to stop reading and rustle up a batch of Dirty Rice!
Another bold departure from the first book is the stakes of the mystery. Savvy finds herself defending an old friend who may or may not have a long-standing crush on Savvy's first husband. This friend—Dori, nicknamed "Eeyore" due to her relentless negativity—becomes incredibly hard to defend when she skips town to avoid a police interrogation. One of Dori's employees is dead, and Dori believes she was the actual intended target. Savvy goes after her, leading to a passage involving camping, wolves, and a necessary sit-down to hash out the complicated relationship between the two women.
Throughout the novel, the dialogue is crackling and completely on-target for the authentic speech patterns of Chicagoans. Jackson-Opoku also introduces a wonderful new element: Sgt. Stubby, a companion dog to Jimmie Blue, a homeless man who becomes another tragic victim in the case. Sgt. Stubby is the absolute perfect pup—charming, big, and incredibly smart. Alongside a vivid cast of both returning and new characters, the action keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Jackson-Opoku remains a fierce champion of the South Side of Chicago. Touches like mentioning the Obama Presidential Library beautifully ground the story in the present day, leaving me eagerly hoping for another adventure with Savvy and her crew.
Instead of soul food, Savvy dives into investigating Creole cooking. While this culinary heritage was new to me, it is deeply rooted in Chicago's history. Alongside the primary Great Migration from the Mississippi Delta, a significant population of folks from Louisiana brought their vibrant flavors to the city. It makes perfect sense, then, that the food served here—and in Savvy's catering side business—features this style of cooking. In fact, the food descriptions were tempting enough that I had to stop reading and rustle up a batch of Dirty Rice!
Another bold departure from the first book is the stakes of the mystery. Savvy finds herself defending an old friend who may or may not have a long-standing crush on Savvy's first husband. This friend—Dori, nicknamed "Eeyore" due to her relentless negativity—becomes incredibly hard to defend when she skips town to avoid a police interrogation. One of Dori's employees is dead, and Dori believes she was the actual intended target. Savvy goes after her, leading to a passage involving camping, wolves, and a necessary sit-down to hash out the complicated relationship between the two women.
Throughout the novel, the dialogue is crackling and completely on-target for the authentic speech patterns of Chicagoans. Jackson-Opoku also introduces a wonderful new element: Sgt. Stubby, a companion dog to Jimmie Blue, a homeless man who becomes another tragic victim in the case. Sgt. Stubby is the absolute perfect pup—charming, big, and incredibly smart. Alongside a vivid cast of both returning and new characters, the action keeps you turning pages late into the night.
Jackson-Opoku remains a fierce champion of the South Side of Chicago. Touches like mentioning the Obama Presidential Library beautifully ground the story in the present day, leaving me eagerly hoping for another adventure with Savvy and her crew.
July 25, 2026
***ARC received from Minotaur Books and NetGalley, opinions are all my own. Thank you!***
Savvy Summers is back and unfortunately for her, so is her bad habit of ending up around murders that are strangely tied to her food. I’m really thankful that this series is back.
Savvy is just as delightful in this book as in the first, I suppose my favorite part about her in this book is the first felt more about solving a mystery and clearing her name while this book builds more on the relationships that Savvy has built and the desire to protect those people. Savvy and her incredibly caring attitude is balanced by Penny who cares but definitely has a bit more bite to her. They balance out the story and play off each other so well.
Similar to the first book, the mystery is there and it moves along with the story but it isn’t the main motivating factor of the book which I think is why I like this series so much. These are very character driven stories that just happen to center around Savvy and the fact that she seems to have very bad luck when it comes to her food being involved in deaths. The author takes her time to flesh out her secondary characters, giving them backgrounds and motivation that make sense within the story.
The food in the first book was pure southern comfort food while this book Savvy is starting to branch out and work on finding some creole recipes to learn. The food truly is the star of the show as the author takes the time to craft the food as much as she does the story that she creates. I’m hoping that this will be a theme if the series continues, Savvy adventuring into new foods, especially as she focuses on opening Essie’s Place in a new location. It adds something new to the series and makes you want to go back for more new food recipes.
A setting can be as much a character as those that have dialogue and Chicago is that character. We get to leave the South Side of Chicago, if only for a little while and it was fun to explore other parts of the city and the author balances out including modern events that are happening to give you a time period but never to make it feel set in a single date.
I hope that Savvy will be back soon to solve another mystery and feed us with more delicious recipes.
Savvy Summers is back and unfortunately for her, so is her bad habit of ending up around murders that are strangely tied to her food. I’m really thankful that this series is back.
Savvy is just as delightful in this book as in the first, I suppose my favorite part about her in this book is the first felt more about solving a mystery and clearing her name while this book builds more on the relationships that Savvy has built and the desire to protect those people. Savvy and her incredibly caring attitude is balanced by Penny who cares but definitely has a bit more bite to her. They balance out the story and play off each other so well.
Similar to the first book, the mystery is there and it moves along with the story but it isn’t the main motivating factor of the book which I think is why I like this series so much. These are very character driven stories that just happen to center around Savvy and the fact that she seems to have very bad luck when it comes to her food being involved in deaths. The author takes her time to flesh out her secondary characters, giving them backgrounds and motivation that make sense within the story.
The food in the first book was pure southern comfort food while this book Savvy is starting to branch out and work on finding some creole recipes to learn. The food truly is the star of the show as the author takes the time to craft the food as much as she does the story that she creates. I’m hoping that this will be a theme if the series continues, Savvy adventuring into new foods, especially as she focuses on opening Essie’s Place in a new location. It adds something new to the series and makes you want to go back for more new food recipes.
A setting can be as much a character as those that have dialogue and Chicago is that character. We get to leave the South Side of Chicago, if only for a little while and it was fun to explore other parts of the city and the author balances out including modern events that are happening to give you a time period but never to make it feel set in a single date.
I hope that Savvy will be back soon to solve another mystery and feed us with more delicious recipes.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
5/5 stars: This is Jackson-Opoku's second entry in the Savvy Summers series which is a BIPOC Culinary Cozy Mystery set in Chicago, Illinois' South Side. Following a widowed retired educator turned soul-food cafe owner and caterer who finds herself turning sleuth, with the help of her trusty assistant manager, after an extra spicy office prank – one of her shrimp po'boy's were doctored with a some super hot hot sauce – turns deadly leading to an unrepentant food moocher's death. When it's determined someone poisoned the sandwich, she'll have to wade through a messy web of office gossip, miscommunication and fraught coworker relationships, to uncover the culprit, clear her name and save her beloved cafe. Because somebody’s got something to hide and if she doesn't work fast and catch the killer she might be next.
With plenty of twists and turns, Jackson-Opoku has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Witty, charming and heartfelt, Jackson-Opoku's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Includes plenty of the MC's late great-aunt's colorful epithets and southern sayings.
• Features food descriptions throughout that are to die for and includes some absolutely yummy sounding Creole drink and food recipes.
Jackson-Opoku touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, Jackson-Opoku has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Witty, charming and heartfelt, Jackson-Opoku's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a great secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Includes plenty of the MC's late great-aunt's colorful epithets and southern sayings.
• Features food descriptions throughout that are to die for and includes some absolutely yummy sounding Creole drink and food recipes.
Jackson-Opoku touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and check out the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
July 21, 2026
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Sandra Jackson-Opoku’s debut book in the Savvy Summers series, and I was super excited to read the second installment. Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils is a highly entertaining, charming, and fun book. This delightful, engaging, and cozy mystery is absolutely perfect for summer reading. I love everything about this book series, from the spirited, independent-minded Savvy Summers, who is no nonsense but kind, to the quick-witted relationship that Savvy and her assistant Penny have, and the fact that the storyline takes place in the heart of Chicago’s South Side neighborhood makes it even better. A huge thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the eARC of the book.
In this latest whodunnit, Savvy Summers is hired to cater a corporate luncheon by an old friend. This isn’t her typical job, but of course, Savvy steps up and pulls together a fantastic menu of delicious Creole cuisine, including her Great Aunt’s scrumptious buttermilk biscuits. But things don’t go according to plan. When someone turns up dead in the building and it is determined that the person might have been poisoned. All eyes are now on Savvy and her Po’boy sandwiches as the culprit. She and her trusted assistant, Penny, must navigate through messy office gossip, communication breakdowns, and tense coworker relationships. Someone in this office is hiding behind a secret, and someone knows the truth. Can Savvy, along with Penny’s help, get to the bottom of this deadly luncheon to figure out who is at fault and redeem her culinary reputation?
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils is filled with memorable characters, witty banter, lots of Chi-town culture, delicious soul food that will leave you hungry, and plenty of unexpected, suspenseful twists that make this culinary mystery exceptionally satisfying. If you are looking for a fantastic cozy mystery series to read I highly recommend the Savvy Summers series.
In this latest whodunnit, Savvy Summers is hired to cater a corporate luncheon by an old friend. This isn’t her typical job, but of course, Savvy steps up and pulls together a fantastic menu of delicious Creole cuisine, including her Great Aunt’s scrumptious buttermilk biscuits. But things don’t go according to plan. When someone turns up dead in the building and it is determined that the person might have been poisoned. All eyes are now on Savvy and her Po’boy sandwiches as the culprit. She and her trusted assistant, Penny, must navigate through messy office gossip, communication breakdowns, and tense coworker relationships. Someone in this office is hiding behind a secret, and someone knows the truth. Can Savvy, along with Penny’s help, get to the bottom of this deadly luncheon to figure out who is at fault and redeem her culinary reputation?
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils is filled with memorable characters, witty banter, lots of Chi-town culture, delicious soul food that will leave you hungry, and plenty of unexpected, suspenseful twists that make this culinary mystery exceptionally satisfying. If you are looking for a fantastic cozy mystery series to read I highly recommend the Savvy Summers series.
July 30, 2026
⭐⭐⭐✨☆ (3.5/5 stars)
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku was another fun, food-filled cozy mystery with a great sense of community and a cast of characters who are easy to enjoy spending time with.
Savvy is focused on Essie’s Place, experimenting with new recipes and trying to keep life relatively calm, but of course she ends up pulled into another mystery involving people she cares about. She is smart, outspoken, and endlessly curious, even when that curiosity puts her in situations she absolutely should have avoided.
The characters were definitely the strongest part of the book for me. Savvy and Penny’s friendship brought a lot of humor, and their banter kept the story light even when the mystery became more serious. I also loved the way the book highlighted Chicago’s South Side, Black culture, family traditions, and the importance of community. Those details made the setting feel lively and specific instead of simply serving as a backdrop.
The food descriptions were another highlight and made me hungry throughout most of the book. I appreciated how the story connected different dishes to their cultural history without making those moments feel like a lecture. The mystery itself was entertaining, although it occasionally felt secondary to Savvy’s personal life, the restaurant, and the relationships around her.
There were also a few details that pulled me out of the story, and Savvy’s constant need to investigate could be frustrating at times. Still, that is part of the charm of a cozy mystery heroine who never seems capable of minding her own business.
Overall, this was a quick, warm, and enjoyable read with strong female friendships, plenty of humor, and a wonderful sense of place. I would happily return to Essie’s Place and see what kind of trouble Savvy finds next.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils by Sandra Jackson-Opoku was another fun, food-filled cozy mystery with a great sense of community and a cast of characters who are easy to enjoy spending time with.
Savvy is focused on Essie’s Place, experimenting with new recipes and trying to keep life relatively calm, but of course she ends up pulled into another mystery involving people she cares about. She is smart, outspoken, and endlessly curious, even when that curiosity puts her in situations she absolutely should have avoided.
The characters were definitely the strongest part of the book for me. Savvy and Penny’s friendship brought a lot of humor, and their banter kept the story light even when the mystery became more serious. I also loved the way the book highlighted Chicago’s South Side, Black culture, family traditions, and the importance of community. Those details made the setting feel lively and specific instead of simply serving as a backdrop.
The food descriptions were another highlight and made me hungry throughout most of the book. I appreciated how the story connected different dishes to their cultural history without making those moments feel like a lecture. The mystery itself was entertaining, although it occasionally felt secondary to Savvy’s personal life, the restaurant, and the relationships around her.
There were also a few details that pulled me out of the story, and Savvy’s constant need to investigate could be frustrating at times. Still, that is part of the charm of a cozy mystery heroine who never seems capable of minding her own business.
Overall, this was a quick, warm, and enjoyable read with strong female friendships, plenty of humor, and a wonderful sense of place. I would happily return to Essie’s Place and see what kind of trouble Savvy finds next.
A big thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
“Savvy Summers and the Po’boy Perils” serves up another cozy mystery full of humor, soul food, and small-community drama. When an acquaintance dies after eating one of Savvy’s shrimp po’boys, one of her friends becomes the prime suspect, and Savvy is determined to clear her name while uncovering the truth about the victim and her connection to Savvy’s late husband.
What really makes this series shine is the atmosphere. Sandra Jackson-Opoku brings Chicago’s South Side to life with warmth, personality, and plenty of mouthwatering food descriptions that will absolutely leave readers craving po’boys and Creole comfort food. The neighborhood dynamics, colorful cast of characters, and Aunt Essie’s wisdom give the story a strong sense of community that feels just as important as the mystery itself.
Savvy continues to be such a refreshing main character—smart, capable, funny, and grounded in real-life pressures. Her relationship with Penny remains one of the highlights of the series, bringing humor and heart to every scene. There are also plenty of entertaining side characters, including a homeless man and his talking dog, which add even more charm and personality to the story.
The mystery itself is more character-driven than fast-paced, focusing heavily on workplace gossip, personal relationships, and community ties rather than nonstop twists and turns. While the pacing occasionally wanders and some side plots feel a little loose, the witty banter, cultural history, and engaging characters keep the story enjoyable throughout.
Fans of culinary cozy mysteries will especially appreciate the rich food culture woven into the book, along with the recipes included at the end. Overall, this is a fun, cozy, and flavorful mystery that balances humor, heart, and soul food with an entertaining whodunit.
What really makes this series shine is the atmosphere. Sandra Jackson-Opoku brings Chicago’s South Side to life with warmth, personality, and plenty of mouthwatering food descriptions that will absolutely leave readers craving po’boys and Creole comfort food. The neighborhood dynamics, colorful cast of characters, and Aunt Essie’s wisdom give the story a strong sense of community that feels just as important as the mystery itself.
Savvy continues to be such a refreshing main character—smart, capable, funny, and grounded in real-life pressures. Her relationship with Penny remains one of the highlights of the series, bringing humor and heart to every scene. There are also plenty of entertaining side characters, including a homeless man and his talking dog, which add even more charm and personality to the story.
The mystery itself is more character-driven than fast-paced, focusing heavily on workplace gossip, personal relationships, and community ties rather than nonstop twists and turns. While the pacing occasionally wanders and some side plots feel a little loose, the witty banter, cultural history, and engaging characters keep the story enjoyable throughout.
Fans of culinary cozy mysteries will especially appreciate the rich food culture woven into the book, along with the recipes included at the end. Overall, this is a fun, cozy, and flavorful mystery that balances humor, heart, and soul food with an entertaining whodunit.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I enjoyed this episode in the life of Savvy Summers and her great-aunt Essie's soul food cafe more than the first one, I did find the continual references to various pieces of music and knick-names (Tigger, Eeyore, etc.) annoying and distracting. They really didn't seem to contribute to the story in a positive fashion. They sometimes felt like a they were taking the reader down a rabbit trail instead. The main plot of the story was interesting and I enjoyed most of the characters. I especially enjoyed meeting Savvy's daughter and learning more about Francis Summers, her deceased husband.
Savvy has decided to add a Cajun twist to her soul food offerings and finds herself catering a luncheon for one of her regular customers, Dori. Things go a bit off the rails as Savvy visits Dori's office and she meets the staff of Left Lucy, Dori's company. When one of them dies and is found to have been poisoned, Dori is a suspect. She swears she is innocent so Savvy has her "wasband" (ex-husband) Chicago police sergeant, Fanon Franklin help find her an attorney. Meanwhile things get a bit more dicey when Dori disappears and Fanon's ex-partner is named the lead investigator. As Savvy navigates her day in and day out in the cafe, she encounters Jimmy Blue and his dog Sergeant Stubby. Jimmy is a homeless gent who hangs about the cafe and the building housing Dori's offices. While Savvy is off on a hunch looking for the missing Dori, Jimmy is poisoned. What's a girl to do, Dori couldn't have poisoned Jimmy. All the while Fanon and Detective Sharp keep telling Savvy to stay out of their investigation. Will she listen, will she end up on a slab at the morgue or will she solve the case? Read it to find out!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
Savvy has decided to add a Cajun twist to her soul food offerings and finds herself catering a luncheon for one of her regular customers, Dori. Things go a bit off the rails as Savvy visits Dori's office and she meets the staff of Left Lucy, Dori's company. When one of them dies and is found to have been poisoned, Dori is a suspect. She swears she is innocent so Savvy has her "wasband" (ex-husband) Chicago police sergeant, Fanon Franklin help find her an attorney. Meanwhile things get a bit more dicey when Dori disappears and Fanon's ex-partner is named the lead investigator. As Savvy navigates her day in and day out in the cafe, she encounters Jimmy Blue and his dog Sergeant Stubby. Jimmy is a homeless gent who hangs about the cafe and the building housing Dori's offices. While Savvy is off on a hunch looking for the missing Dori, Jimmy is poisoned. What's a girl to do, Dori couldn't have poisoned Jimmy. All the while Fanon and Detective Sharp keep telling Savvy to stay out of their investigation. Will she listen, will she end up on a slab at the morgue or will she solve the case? Read it to find out!
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I love cozy mysteries and thought the plotline in this book would be interesting based on its synopsis. This is the second book in the Savvy Summers series, and while I hadn't read the first book, I was able to follow along with the characters and the mentions of what happened in the first book. Savvy Summers is a woman who owns a soul food cafe in Chicago, and when a friend of hers hires her to cater a company luncheon with a Creole menu, although it's not her usual fare, she's game to learn some new skills and agrees. Unfortunately, the day after the luncheon, someone from the company that hired her is found dead in the conference room after eating a po'boy sandwich that Savvy made especially for her friend. Savvy decides to investigate the murder when she feels like the police aren't focusing on the right person.
I wasn't sure what to think of this book, I must admit. I thought the storyline was interesting, and I was kept guessing who the murderer was for the majority of the story. The descriptions of the different foods were wonderful and the setting, which moved around a bit, was described very well. Unfortunately, I couldn't really connect with any of the other characters in the book, outside of Savvy and her ex. Her employee was extremely annoying because she would make rude comments behind people's backs and would just start singing the words of songs that she felt applied to just about every conversation she had. Savvy kept telling her to knock it off but never really did anything about it, which was also annoying. That definitely detracted from my ability to get immersed in the story.
All in all, this wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
3/5 stars
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Sandra Jackson-Opoku for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I wasn't sure what to think of this book, I must admit. I thought the storyline was interesting, and I was kept guessing who the murderer was for the majority of the story. The descriptions of the different foods were wonderful and the setting, which moved around a bit, was described very well. Unfortunately, I couldn't really connect with any of the other characters in the book, outside of Savvy and her ex. Her employee was extremely annoying because she would make rude comments behind people's backs and would just start singing the words of songs that she felt applied to just about every conversation she had. Savvy kept telling her to knock it off but never really did anything about it, which was also annoying. That definitely detracted from my ability to get immersed in the story.
All in all, this wasn't a bad book, it just wasn't for me.
3/5 stars
*** I would like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Sandra Jackson-Opoku for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you @StMartinsPress and @Minotaur_Books for the free book! #SMPEarlyReader
⚜️ Savvy Summers and the Po'Boy Perils by Sandra Jackson Opoku
⚜️ Savvy Summers #2
⚜️ Pub day: July 21, 2026
This was fun! A murder mystery set in a Chicago soul food cafe, featuring a charming cast, snappy dialogue, and mouth-watering food descriptions.
Savvy Summers must use her amateur sleuthing skills to clear her restaurant's name after a company luncheon she catered ends in a suspicious death.
Savvy is a very likable character. She's smart, observant, fiercely independent, and protective of her friends, staff, and business reputation. She has a deep love and natural talent for culinary arts, and she may be a bit of a reluctant sleuth, but she's a formidable one! A great supporting cast surrounds her, especially her trusty assistant manager, Penny, and her ex-husband Fanon, a police detective with whom she has a friendly relationship. I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters, complete with references to Shakespeare, pop culture, and the wise sayings of her deceased great-aunt Essie, who started the restaurant Savvy now runs.
The atmosphere is vibrant and culturally rich. Savvy's restaurant is located in a big city, but it's a cozy neighborhood hub. The food descriptions are incredible, so do not read this one on an empty stomach!
There's a good sized suspect pool, and the investigation takes some twists and turns. But Savvy reads people well, and her observations make it hard for the culprit to hide. A light, humorous, cozy mystery, complete with some delicious recipes at the end. And even though this is book 2, I was able to jump in here with no problem.
I look forward to reading more of this enjoyable series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted review copy
⚜️ Savvy Summers and the Po'Boy Perils by Sandra Jackson Opoku
⚜️ Savvy Summers #2
⚜️ Pub day: July 21, 2026
This was fun! A murder mystery set in a Chicago soul food cafe, featuring a charming cast, snappy dialogue, and mouth-watering food descriptions.
Savvy Summers must use her amateur sleuthing skills to clear her restaurant's name after a company luncheon she catered ends in a suspicious death.
Savvy is a very likable character. She's smart, observant, fiercely independent, and protective of her friends, staff, and business reputation. She has a deep love and natural talent for culinary arts, and she may be a bit of a reluctant sleuth, but she's a formidable one! A great supporting cast surrounds her, especially her trusty assistant manager, Penny, and her ex-husband Fanon, a police detective with whom she has a friendly relationship. I enjoyed the witty banter between the characters, complete with references to Shakespeare, pop culture, and the wise sayings of her deceased great-aunt Essie, who started the restaurant Savvy now runs.
The atmosphere is vibrant and culturally rich. Savvy's restaurant is located in a big city, but it's a cozy neighborhood hub. The food descriptions are incredible, so do not read this one on an empty stomach!
There's a good sized suspect pool, and the investigation takes some twists and turns. But Savvy reads people well, and her observations make it hard for the culprit to hide. A light, humorous, cozy mystery, complete with some delicious recipes at the end. And even though this is book 2, I was able to jump in here with no problem.
I look forward to reading more of this enjoyable series.
Thank you to St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for the gifted review copy
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
As a huge fan of cozy mysteries, I was immediately drawn to this one. The premise sounded like a fun mix of mystery, intriguing characters, and delicious food, so I was excited to dive into the second installment of the Savvy Summers series.
Overall, I had mixed feelings. The mystery itself was definitely the strongest part of the book. The investigation kept me engaged, and I found myself constantly changing my mind about who the murderer might be. I always appreciate a cozy mystery that keeps me guessing until the end, and this one certainly delivered on that front.
One of my favorite aspects was the atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the food were absolutely mouthwatering, and the different settings throughout the story were brought to life with enough detail that I could easily picture each location. Those elements added a warm, cozy feel that fans of the genre will likely enjoy.
Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with most of the characters. Aside from Savvy and her ex, the supporting cast never really clicked for me. In particular, Savvy’s employee Penny became more of a distraction than a source of comic relief. Her constant habit of making rude comments behind people’s backs and randomly breaking into song lyrics that somehow related to every conversation quickly became repetitive. Even though Savvy regularly told her to stop, there were never any real consequences, making the behavior feel frustrating rather than entertaining.
Because I never became invested in many of the characters, it was difficult to fully immerse myself in the story despite enjoying the mystery itself. While the engaging whodunit, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food descriptions kept me turning the pages, the character dynamics prevented this one from being a standout read for me.
Overall, I had mixed feelings. The mystery itself was definitely the strongest part of the book. The investigation kept me engaged, and I found myself constantly changing my mind about who the murderer might be. I always appreciate a cozy mystery that keeps me guessing until the end, and this one certainly delivered on that front.
One of my favorite aspects was the atmosphere. The vivid descriptions of the food were absolutely mouthwatering, and the different settings throughout the story were brought to life with enough detail that I could easily picture each location. Those elements added a warm, cozy feel that fans of the genre will likely enjoy.
Unfortunately, I struggled to connect with most of the characters. Aside from Savvy and her ex, the supporting cast never really clicked for me. In particular, Savvy’s employee Penny became more of a distraction than a source of comic relief. Her constant habit of making rude comments behind people’s backs and randomly breaking into song lyrics that somehow related to every conversation quickly became repetitive. Even though Savvy regularly told her to stop, there were never any real consequences, making the behavior feel frustrating rather than entertaining.
Because I never became invested in many of the characters, it was difficult to fully immerse myself in the story despite enjoying the mystery itself. While the engaging whodunit, cozy atmosphere, and delicious food descriptions kept me turning the pages, the character dynamics prevented this one from being a standout read for me.
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