Killer Physique

A Savannah Reid Mystery #19

by G.A. McKevett

Plus-sized P.I. Savannah Reid gets a taste of the high life when she attends a Hollywood premiere on the arm of husband Dirk Coulter.

Savannah may be a newlywed, but even she gets weak in the knees when she meets celebrity-athlete-turned-movie-star Jason Tyrone. So imagine how she feels when the star’s rock-hard body is found rock-hard dead.… Some guys have everything.

With his stunning looks and dazzling charm, Jason Tyrone is America’s favorite new action hero. Make that was. Once so spectacular in action, the blockbuster idol was found dead in his hotel room after his latest premiere. Despite his chiseled physique, Jason is never getting up again.…

Though the autopsy reveals Jason may have gotten his killer body through doping, no one wants to believe the beloved athlete is a fraud, least of all Savannah. Soon she’s deeply immersed in the dark world of body enhancing drugs, and wondering if the world-class gym where Jason worked out is really just a front for a lucrative drug ring.

Was Jason’s death the price he paid for threatening to expose other celebrities caught in the clutch of keeping a flawless image? Or was everyone’s favorite hero a victim of his own desire to always be at the top of his game? No stranger to society’s obsession with image, Savannah is determined to get to the truth. And for the voluptuous investigator, this time it’s personal….

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Chick Lit

321 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

Since publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over sixty published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed SAVANNAH REID MYSTERIES under the pseudonym G. A. McKevett.

Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.

Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor. Her Irish novels include: DREAM CARVER, CAROUSEL, DAUGHTER OF IRELAND and the bestselling FAR AND AWAY - the novelization of the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.

Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.

Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's been 3 years since I read a book from this series. I don't know why, no reason that I can come up with. I've always enjoyed this series as a light, easy read. The characters are so fleshed out that I feel like I know them personally, or I want to.

Savannah Reid, a smart talking tough Southern girl who now lives in California working as a PI.
Dirk Coulter, Homicide Detective who was Savannah's ex-partner from when she was on the force and now partner for life who is definitely rough around the edges.
Tammy, Savannah's assistant who is 100% California girl who loves a good mystery and is a size on the research and technology ends of things.

And always some number of Savannah's 8 siblings and Grannie who visit California and bring some interesting flavor with them.

You could read these in any order but as always with a series like this it's best to start at the beginning and get to know the characters fully. It will not be 3 years until I read #20

[Tess · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new Savanna book, my life can’t get much better than that! Savanna and I go way back, but I have just recently met the author, she is such a warm kind lady. I’m very thankful for this social networks, I have connected with many authors of books that I love.

Savanna and Dirk have returned from their honeymoon, already there is a long honey do list waiting for Dirk. Recently Dirk and is connected with his birth parents who had to put him up for adoption at birth. They will be visiting shortly and savanna is in a panic preparing for their visit. There friends John and Ryan invite savanna and Dirk to attend a red carpet showing of a new movie. The male star of the movie is a friend of John and Ryan. Soon after the premiere he is found dead in his hotel room, apparently a suicide. The gang, although a little shorthanded, set out to prove the cause of death. Was a suicide or murder?

Although I love the book, as I always do, I certainly missed Granny and the rest of Savanna’s loony family. The Moonlight Magnolia team was very quiet without them. The only team members present were the ever faithful Tammy and Savanna’s younger brother Waycross, who happens to be dating Tammy. Come along and join savanna and the gang and let’s see how much trouble will get into this time.

[Marrita Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Killer Physique is another "killer" mystery from my favorite author G.A McKevett!! I absolutely love reading about the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency and Savannah Reid. This book continues Savannahs adventures as she is accompanied by her newlywed husband,Dirk, to a movie premier. Little did they know that the "heartthrob" actor of said movie would be found dead a few hours later. A sad tragedy quickly turns into a quest for truth for Savannah and her husband.
I don't what to reveal too much of this book because I really encourage anyone looking for a good mystery to pick this up and discover for themselves what a brilliant writer G,A, McKevett truly is. Once you start reading about Savannah and her cohorts I promise you.....you won't be able to put the book down. I tried to read this slow because I wanted to take in every little nuance that G.A. conveyed on her pages....but I was so excited to see what happens next that I was finished reading before I knew it.
I have read all the Savannah Reid mysteries and this is another classic. It was beautifully written and I encourage you to pick this book up IMMEDIATELY!!! I know this book just came out....but I am already anxious for the next chapter in the life of Savannah Reid!!! Definitely A++++++++++

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another winner here. Great story and I have to love the whole Moonlight Magnolia group.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Still relative newly weds, California PI, Savannah Reid, and police detective Dirk Coulter are invited to a movie premiere featuring current heart throb, Jason Tyrone. Jason is also a close friend of Ryan and John, Savannah's long time friends and cohorts in her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. When Jason is found dead only a few hours later, apparently of a tragic accident, Savannah and Dirk both feel there is more to the case than meets the eye. In their inimitable style, they search for the truth.

Every time you pick up one of the Savannah Reid mysteries, it feels like coming home. This one, I feel, even more so. While the mystery is still in depth and keeps you guessing until the last, I felt that this one delved more into the relationships of the group. I love the dynamic between Savannah and Dirk as they navigate the minefield that can arise with newly weds who are still getting used to living together; especially with a couple that have spent so much time living alone. As with previous books in this very enjoyable series, there is plenty of intrigue, laughs and mouthwatering food. Another winner by GA McKevett.

[Watchingthewords · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Savannah Reid Mysteries follow plus-size California PI Savannah Reid, a former police officer and owner of Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. With assistance from a great supporting cast which includes her new husband Dirk, her employee Tammy, and her friends John and Ryan, along with her seemingly endless Southern family members.

In Killer Physique, newlyweds Savannah and Dirk attend a movie premier with John and Ryan. When the leading man, and John & Ryan’s friend, is found dead in his hotel room the initial evidence points to death due to doping. Unbelieving, Savannah and Dirk promise John & Ryan that they’ll get to the bottom of things. Meanwhile, Savannah desperately tries to get ready for the first meeting with Dirk’s birth parents.

Another fun installment in this series, the mystery was engaging and it’s interesting to watch Dirk & Savannah trying to settle into their new married life. I did miss Granny, maybe she’ll be around next time…

See more at www.watchingthewords.com

[Alannah Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easily the best cozy mystery I've read this year (and I've gotten my hands on a surprising number of really good ones since 2016 started!). The newlyweds, plus-sized Southern belle Savannah Reid and her Yankee groom Dirk Coulter, are still getting used to sharing a space when murder intrudes. There is a lot going on, between the murder, the relationships between all of the involved parties, and the solution of the mystery, but the author handles it deftly and makes us care. The scene in which Savannah discovers all too late that her new hubby has left the toilet seat up...that would seem a scenario as old as the West Virginia mountains, but the author wrote it in such an entertaining way that I was literally screaming with laughter. My neighbors were probably ready to call the police, or the rescue squad. And then there was the car accident scene, which had me crying like the proverbial baby. All in all, this is a book that every cozy fan must read.

[Donna in Southern Maryland · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read the Savannah Reid series. Not really COZY, and not quite HARD Boiled. McKevett always tackles very real topics; each book also furthers the story of the Moonlight Magnolia Dectective Agency and family members. This one looks into the multi million dollar industry of fitness and supplements. Savannah and gang do this, while trying to prepare to meet new husband birth parents.

There is one scene having to do with a toilet seat that was one of the funniest things I've ever read.....it must have happened to the author at some point in time.

While you could pick this up as your first experience with Savannah and friends, but I think you'll enjoy more if you Read In Order.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed being reconnected to The Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency team again, it had been too long. Savannah and Dirk start off with glitz and glamour at a movie premiere and then head straight into a homicide investigation. Former FBI hotties Ryan and John were friends of the victim Jason Tyrone and are helping to discover why Jason was killed. This book is filled with Southernism's, food- lots of food, near death experiences and the best teamwork between a husband and wife. I can't wait to read and find out what happens in the next book.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book,

I rated this book five stars. I liked the mystery and seeing how the characters are changing. I'm looking forward to reading the nepxt book in the series.

[K · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want mystery, humor, and life lessons this book is for you. LOVE the Savanna Reid series!!!!! Can't wait for the next one. The only complaint I have is the delicious food mentioned made me hungry :D

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish I could have 2 new Savannah Reid books each year instead of 1.

[Theresa Wesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the Savannah Reid are great especially the meals she always fixing and the drinks.These books are as as the Domestic Diva Book by Krista Davis,and Miss dimple Mystery Books.

[Laura · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great mystery by McKevett. I love Savannah Reid and have enjoyed each of her adventures.

[Miranda Owen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strong, confident female P.I., fun cozy mystery, great characters.

Full review:

http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id...

[Jane · Rating 1 out of 5]

have lost interest in this series. hubby's a bit too much of a goon. no more from this author.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 19th book in one of my favorite series. The Moonlight Magnolia Detectives are on the case again! This story was more personal to the group as one of Ryan and John's close friends died. I liked the search of trying to figure out if their friends deatn was an accident or murder. Savannah and Dirk are newlyweds figuring out their new relationship while still being the amazing detective team. The story includes the introduction of dirk's biological parents and the blossoming romance of Waycross and Tammy. I found myself laughing so hard I had tears while reading this book and actual tears in parts. Each book brings more warmth and depth to these wonderful characters. I really enjoyed this one and can't wait to start the next.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my second foray into the world of Savannah Reid and I have to say I didn't enjoy this as much as the first book I read of the series. While the mystery itself was okay, I found the interactions between Savannah and Dirk to be bordering on nauseating. Some of the dialogue was just too sugar-coated and over-cute. It honestly didn't me want to keep reading this one, but I forged ahead, mainly because I wanted to find out the culprit.

As cosy-mysteries go, it's nowhere near the best I've read. I enjoyed some of the support cast, but not to the extent I would in other series. I found the visit of Dirk's parents entertaining. They were a bit of a hoot.

I think I'll give this series another try, mainly because I enjoyed the first book I read so much.

[Joanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Part of a series. Savannah Reid is a PI and she is now married to her former police partner, Dirk Coulter. Dirk will be meeting his birth parents soon and in the midst of spiffing up the house for their visit and adjusting to their different views on housekeeping, a dead body of a well-known action figure is found in his hotel room. The mystery was solid and ventured into the body building world and jealousy of lovers.

For me, the bonus of this series is Savanah’s southern roots (Georgia), her wisdom and recipes from Granny Reid and the funny sayings. She’s an excellent cook so there are many meals enjoyed in the book and the characters are bonded as family.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

What could be worse than meetings your in-laws for the first time? Meeting your PARENTS for the first time. Dirk and Savannah are so nervous 😓 about meeting the Joneses 👫 (both for different reasons) that they are looking for any excuse to postpone the visit. They might just get their wish when a friend of Ryan and John's 👬 unexpectedly passes away. The death of the young Hollywood heartthrob isn't your typical case and the Magnolia 🌺family finds out just how ruthless the killer really is.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sassy as ever

Savannah is one of my favorite cozy mystery PI characters. She is smart and sassy. I must say I had this one figured out before she did this, but it was still an enjoyable read. The back story on Dirk was a heart-warming part of the story as well. On to the next one in the series.

[susan r hammitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lots of fun .

I love the characters in this book. They are such a mixed group and love each other. The writing is great, no sloppily put together or edited poorly. Lots of laughs. You know of course the good guys will win, but a fun ride for the duration.

[Abbey · Rating 1 out of 5]

It was really boring and slow for me. It also seemed to talk about the same 5 things over and over again. If you like fast faced mysteries with a lot of clues and people involved-this is not the book for you!

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another solid entry, though this time, I figured it out almost immediately.

[Susan Moxley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A real page turner with lots of twists and turns and lots of mystery and action to the very end of the book.

[Deborah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun addition to the series. I always enjoy visiting Savannah and the gang.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series, as always.

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book answered a few long-time questions about some characters. A lot of different things happen that tied together very well and led to a very happy ending.

[Ruth Barrineau-Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah shines

Savannah and Dirk find that family, friends, and fiends create a deadly, emotionally charged scenario. Loved the latest in this wonderful series.

[Heidi Scarletta · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow book number19.

The authors characters are good ones. You can picture the character Savannah brother with his red hair. Good dog added.