Uncertain Terms

Savannah Martin Mystery #12

by Jenna Bennett

Savannah’s husband, TBI agent Rafe Collier, is back in disguise and undercover, getting into the middle of a gang war. And since he wants to keep his pregnant wife out of harm’s way, Savannah agrees to spend a couple of days under her mother’s roof in her quaint and quiet hometown of Sweetwater, Tennessee.But out of harm’s way doesn’t necessarily mean out of trouble. When her brother’s receptionist asks Savannah’s help in looking for her birth parents, Savannah is happy for the distraction, even when the search takes them to places she’d rather not go again.From Doctor Denise Seaver and the Tennessee Women’s Prison, to St. Jerome’s Hospital and then back to Sweetwater again, the hunt is on. But when the final denouement reveals lifelong deception and betrayal much too close to home, Savannah wonders whether knowing the truth really is better than blissful ignorance.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance

294 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 19, 2016

About the author

Jenna Bennett writes the USA Today bestselling Cutthroat Business mysteries featuring Southern Belle and new-minted real estate agent Savannah Martin in Nashville, Tennessee.

As Jennie Bentley, she writes the New York Times bestselling Do-It-Yourself Home Renovation mysteries from Berkley Prime Crime, featuring designer and amateur sleuth Avery Baker and her boyfriend, handyman Derek Ellis, who renovate houses in Waterfield, Maine.

She also writes a variety of romance for a change of pace.

aka Jennie Bentley

The DIY series:

FATAL FIXER-UPPER (November 2008)
SPACKLED AND SPOOKED (August 2009)
PLASTER AND POISON (March 2010)
MORTAR AND MURDER (January 2011)
FLIPPED OUT (October 2011)
WALL TO WALL DEAD (September 2012)
HOME FOR THE HOMICIDE (December 2013)

The Cutthroat Business series:

A CUTTHROAT BUSINESS (May 2011)
HOT PROPERTY (June 2011)
CONTRACT PENDING (July 2011)
CLOSE TO HOME (September 2011)
A DONE DEAL (December 2011)
CONTINGENT ON APPROVAL (November 2012)
CHANGE OF HEART (May 2013)
KICKOUT CLAUSE (October 2013)

Soldiers of Fortune series:

FORTUNE'S HERO (December 2012)

Various:

ISLAND GETAWAY (October 2012)
VIRGINIA CREEPER (October 2013)
BEFORE YOU (March 2014)

Reviews

[Meg · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5* While I enjoy this series and all the players in the stories I have to rate this one lower than the rest as I felt the mc had a couple tstl moments that had me cringing. Good story (Rafe in dreadlocks? Too, too funny); good mysteries. The next one is on the list...

[Cheri Long · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read but not her best

Reading this book, I could see where the author was going with the story. This one focused more on how much better Savannah was at figuring things out for herself without the help of Rafe and Grimaldi. It showed Savannah's more independent side and gave the reader more about her family. However, I missed the interaction between the couple as the phone calls just seemed a little stilted and unnatural, not to mention there was a lot of story repetition. But the mystery was good and fast-paced, keeping me interested. There also seemed to be a setup for the next book perhaps involving the death of Yvonne's boss Buelah.

Since the ending has already been mentioned in other reviews, I will say I disliked it quite a bit. For one, the fact that Rafe was sleeping with any another woman while Savannah was recovering from her earlier miscarriage would have been hard enough to forgive but she's just supposed to accept a baby? And Rafe's reaction to grin and act so cavalier seemed out of character for a guy who has one kid he's not raising already not to mention he seems oblivious on how this is going to effect the woman he supposedly loves. This portion of the book just didn't seem well written to me.

I was also less than pleased with the cliffhanger ending. One of the reasons I read these books is every adventure is a book unto itself and with this ending that was spoiled. And Jenna doesn't need to resort to that as an author, these books are well written enough to make me buy the next one to see the next mystery without having contrived cliffhanger endings.

[Bette Stanek · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love, LoVe, LOVE this series! Rafe and Savannah are at it again. Rafe has gone undercover and is confident that Savannah is out of harm's way in Sweetwater at the Martin mansion. Well, as confident as he can be where Savannah is concerned. While Rafe is busy protecting his three interns and breaking up gang bangers, Savannah is trying to help a friend find her birth mother. Little does she realize exactly where that's going to lead, but in for a penny, in for a pound as they say.

Like any other time, Savannah can't stop at just one intrigue. Nope. While trying to find Darcy's birth mother, she's called on to help a seventeen-year-old in a desperate situation. It just so happens that Rafe's and Savannah's projects may intertwine.

Rafe and Savannah are one of my all time favorite book couples. They are so darn stinkin' cute! I can't get enough of them.

[Sonia Cristina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Chegada a este tempo, até me arrepio só de pensar como estive próxima de desistir desta série que agora me dá tanto prazer.

Em "Uncertain Terms", logo de início fartei-me de rir com o aspeto de Rafe, com um dente de ouro, dreadlocks e calças de ganga com os fundilhos pelos joelhos LOL Tudo em nome do trabalho, claro.

O que mais fica na mente depois de terminar é mesmo o facto de Darcy ser meia irmã de Savannah e dos irmãos. Coitada da Margaret, a mãe deles, saber agora que a melhor amiga de há mais de 30 anos teve uma filha do marido dela, de Margaret, mesmo que ele não soubesse de nada e que engravidasse antes de Margaret e o marido se conhecerem. Quando a Savannah foi almoçar com a mãe e Audrey e lhes contou que ia ajudar Darcy a descobrir a mãe biológica, vi logo que tinha de ser Audrey. Não pensei é que o pai fosse o pai de Savannah.
E a Alexandra Pucker - grávida aos 17 anos?! Que vai sair dali agora? Será que fica com Jamal?

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another Exciting Cozy Mystery - Savannah Martin book #12

This series is addicting and hard to put down! It is exciting and fast-paced with a great mystery, interesting & intriguing characters, family drama, and some romance. Savannah goes to Sweetwater for a few days while her husband Rafe is undercover to help one of his TBI students. Savannah ' s family plays a big part in this one. Savannah helps Darcy find out who her biological parents are. Her friend, Alexandra needs advice. Lots going on to keep Savannah busy! The end is a bit of a cliffhanger. I am not happy about it, but not as disappointed as I thought I would be. We will see how it is resolved. Jenna Bennett is an amazing author and I can't wait for the next book!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book seemed to have several plot lines. Could have made at least 2 books by delving a little deeper into each plot. There is even a third plot line that I’m wondering if we will see expanded in a future book. Again, Savannah does some really stupid things that put her in harms way. No way this could happen in real life making some of it unrealistic. But, after all, this is a work of fiction. That being said, I’m going to stick with Savannah till the end. In some ways, I’m kind of jealous of her exciting life

[Bette A Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Four stars

I'm pretty sure all the previous Savannah books earned five starts. There were too many returning characters and too much of the book covered previous story lines. I liked the new bad girl of her mother, she's not so perfect after all. But, I knew Audrey was Darcy's birth mother when she was first mentioned in this book in fact I thought several books ago she would figure in somehow with Robert Martin. I do love this series.

[Kristen Lewendon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uhmmmm… Wow. That’s about all I have left at the end of this. There’s so much going on and so many secrets are revealed, I kind of don’t know what to say that won’t give all of them away. One of the secrets I already suspected, but the rest of them have kind of left my brain in meltdown. And now that those are out in the open, I’m a little desperate to see what Rafe and Savannah’s future is about to look like.

[Chris Blackton · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had so much potential but as happened previously the sloppy editing put me off! I loved the way Savannah nonchalantly mentioned how she had previously encountered dead bodies like it was an every day occurrence. I figured most of the plot early but still enjoyed the way it played out.

[Kathryn Moore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rafe is undercover again and not looking too good .
Savannah helps a friend find her birth parents and they are closer than she can imagine.

[Marcia-Lee Finocchio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome series!!!!

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 12th book of the series, and if you haven't read books 1-11, you need to stop right now and correct that situation! In this series, you MUST read them all and in order or else most of the book will have you going, huh??? (Who is she? Who is she? What connection to Rafe does he have? and more questions will arise!)
Now that we are on the same page, how can you not read this book, right? It is a mix of mystery and sleuthing that reaches into past issues as well as moving forward, Since Rafe is busy undercover, Savannah detects on her own with successful and surprising results. I thought it was a pretty darn good story, and other than vague suspicions, I had no idea who was going to be the birth parents of Darcy. Other surprises included Alexandria Puckett contacting Savannah.(Alexandria was the daughter of Brenda Puckett, a fellow realtor who Savannah found murdered in what is now her and Rafe's house.) Being motherless, Alexandria turns to Savannah for advice with a problem she isn't ready to share with her dad. Savannah takes all the requests for help in stride as she helps friend Darcy find her birth parents and juggles life with Rafe and visits to her mother.
I enjoyed the book because it moves the story forward as we wait for the birth of Savannah and Rafe's baby, but also because it shows how Savannah has become a better investigator and is able to resolve problems without depending on Rafe or Grimaldi to lead the way.Nice to see her come into her own as a detective even though she didn't do much at the real estate office in this book!
Another good book by Jenna that leaves me wanting more. Read it yourself-you'll be glad you did!

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Certainly Delivers!!

Jenna Bennett always delivers a fantastic read. Savannah & Rafe are great characters! Savannah is feisty & brave even with a gun pointed in her face, but yet still the quintessential southern belle. Rafe is the bad ass with a heart of gold, especially where Savannah is concerned. I love how their relationship has evolved. The plot twists kept me turning the pages nonstop! There were a couple of huge surprises presented in this book that could possibly have life altering consequences! Uncertain Terms is definitely a stellar standout with a couple of gigantic cliffhangers that make hope the next book releases very soon!

[Tina Gummerson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great story

I have liked Savannah from the beginning. Some books I have liked better than others. This one was great! Savannah is up to her antics. There is drama, surprises, and all of our favorite characters. I did think the writing was a little different in this but I decided I have to reread a previous because maybe I just didn't notice before. I didn't like that some of the dialogue was sort of missing. Savannah had some sort of thought that we read then it just says "and I told him so". It was a great story and this little annoyance was easily overlooked! So stop looking here and start reading.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite author and favorite series did not disappoint. There was a lot of talk from readers about the ending. However, I think it is a tribute to Jenna'S writing that people feel so strongly about the characters. Savannah is true and brave and is fiercely protective of the people she loves and cares about. There are a couple of new developments in this book that hopefully will be fully addressed in the next book. Savannah again is involved in sleuthing, murders and violence in this book. Rafe is undercover to capture some gang members. An enjoyable book.

[Denise Malone · Rating 5 out of 5]

I tried as hard as I could to not read this book too quickly. However, Jenna's books almost demand to be read quickly, simply because I always want more...more Savannah learning to let her hair down; more Rafe being warm, protective, understanding, and loving; more of the rest of the characters just being themselves. This one did not disappoint. I'd go live in this world if I could just because I love these characters and all their little quirks. I'll wait anxiously for the next installment. A series re-read may be in order in the meantime.

[Linda Andrews]

Another Great Addition

I love Rafe and Savannah's story. This book is a bit of a departure from the other series in that Savannah is investigating the birth and adoption of her brother's receptionist. There are plenty of bodies, thanks to Rafe's recent assignment, but she's not investigating them. It was funny to see how much she'd changed from the first time she discovered a body until this book. Can't wait for the next installment.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Done too soon.

Another great installment in the Savannah Martin mysteries. I was definitely not ready for this book to end. I did figure out Darcy's parentage very early on, but it was interesting watching the characters get there.
I'm anxious to know what happens with Yvonne and also all these babies. This book was pretty much a teaser and I want the next installment. Terms are definitely uncertain.

[Lillian Huffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Story

I love the Savannah Martin now Savannah Collier mystery series books. They all fit well with the theme that what is happening in Savannah's life mimics the mysteries she is trying to solve. I am very much looking forward to the next book in this series. If you haven't read any other books in this series start at the first book. The author refers back to other mysteries Savannah has solved. The whole series is well worth the time.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good but not great

I have loved the other 11 books in this series. I liked this one but not as much as the others. There wasn't enough Rafe with Savannah. And I didn't feel the beginning where Savannah carried on about Rafe's undercover persona was true to who she has become. Also, I don't want Carmen's baby to be Rafe's. That will spoil some of the joy. Just sayin'...

[Jeanie Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely loved Uncertain Terms! In Rafe and Savannah, Ms B has created a couple that readers love and want to know more about. The plot as in all of her books pull the reader page after page. Wonderful!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the book -- as usual, but it was over too soon and now I have to wait for the next book!

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

I especially like the end.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

I love Savannah and Rafe they are such a great couple. This is number 12 in the series and they just keep getting better. I can't wait for the next book in this series.

[Stacie Marquart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read. Loved it.

[Teresa Snyder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series, but I did not like the beginning of this book - Savannah was a real BRAT to Rafe - or the ending - it left us hanging. Because I was a late comer to the series I have the next book ready to read, but I would have been very unhappy if I had to wait six months for the next book.

I'm so looking forward to Savannah having the baby - maybe book 15? - I hope that it's a girl; actually, I'm hoping for twins!!! How fun would that be?

[Lorraine Bennett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and entertaining

Love the relationship between Rafael and Savannah. Good story about unintentional hidden family secrets. Even Savannahs mother is opening up.