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If you think going home again is hard, try being a plus-sized PI with a troubled family legacy. But Savannah Reid is no shrinking violet. She's ready for her high school reunion, complete with mean girls, ex-beaus—and murder charges....

When Savannah Reid fled McGill, Georgia, all those years ago, everyone figured the chubby girl from the wrong side of tracks wouldn't be back. But with the hope of seeing her beloved Granny Reid, Savannah makes a triumphant return with her handsome husband on her arm, ready to face the past at her 25th high school reunion. When her old nemesis Queen of Mean Jeanette Parker shows she hasn't changed her stripes one bit, Savannah rises to the challenge—and finally comes out on top. Until Jeanette's dead body shows up in the swamp and just about everyone is ready to pin Savannah for murder....

Of course, Savannah's own Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency comes to her rescue. But even her best buds are having trouble keeping Savannah out of jail, despite the fact that Jeanette has more than enough enemies—and quite possibly the blood of her recently deceased husband on her hands. Savannah never thought going back to school would be so hard. But she's learned a thing or two in her time away, and she's ready to finally make the grade when it comes to the ultimate high school redemption....

336 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 29, 2016

181 people are currently reading
586 people want to read

About the author

G.A. McKevett

34 books728 followers
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.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews
Profile Image for Mandy.
320 reviews415 followers
August 20, 2016
Always enjoy these books! Savannah, Dirk, granny, Tammy, and Waycross always make for colorful characters! Great series, highly recommend!
Profile Image for Cozybooklady .
2,177 reviews119 followers
February 15, 2016
Plus size P.I. Savannah Reid is returning to McGill, Georgia. Visiting Granny Reid for her birthday is only one of the events she is returning for. The other is her high school reunion. Savannah isn't sure she is ready to face the past at her 25th high school reunion, she doesn't have many happy memories from that time in her life. When her old nemesis Jeanette Parker shows up and quickly resumes her verbal nastiness on Savannah, Savannah sees she hasn't changed one bit.Savannah bites her tongue, but that isn't quite enough. When she finally strikes out at Jeannette she feels vindicated, but only for a short while. When Jeanette's dead body shows up in the swamp, just about everyone is ready to pin Savannah for murder…including her childhood crush, who is now the sheriff.

I adore this series. The characters are so real and this one has a great story behind it. Class reunions can be fun or fatal and in this case it was definitely the latter.

I hope you all enjoy this wonderful book by the talented G.A. McKevett .

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for my fair and honest review.


141 reviews5 followers
March 23, 2016
The feisty Savannah Reid returns to Georgia to attend her high school reunion with her new-ish husband Dirk in this latest iteration of the wonderful Savannah Reid Mystery series by author G.A. McKevett. Sassy Savannah approaches her high school reunion like many of us, disliking the extra pounds, and the angst inducing wardrobe worries, in typical Savannah style, which has you laughing from the first chapter of the book to your final smile at the end of the book.
I am not going to recap the story (see the excellent synopsis), but a small hurrah came from me when Savannah stands up to the meanest of the Mean Girls. Unfortunately, when mean girl Jeanette’s murdered body is later found in the swamp, everyone eyes Savannah for the crime. This is truly a delightful book, and I would recommend it to all cozy mystery readers. The murder mystery is cleverly plotted, with multiple red herrings, which leaves you wondering “who done it” till the very satisfying ending. The characters are wonderfully multi-dimensional; Savannah’s dysfunctional family is hilarious, Granny Reid continues to be wonderfully supportive with her down home wisdom and fantastic meals, Dirk continues to grow as a husband, and Savannah faces her childhood demons. There are so many wonderful lines in the book I could not put this down, and read it from cover to cover in one day (well, maybe into the wee hours of the next day). I have a test for great books, which I call Just One More Chapter (JOMC) which is the phrase I mutter to myself while reading an exhilarating book such as this. This book ranks way up there on the JOMC scale.
I have read almost all of the books in this series, and loved watching Savannah’s growth, but I am convinced that it would also stand on it’s own for those unfamiliar with the series. G.A. McKevett brings all readers into the series, weaving background from prior books elegantly into this one.
In full disclosure, I received a copy of the book through Netgalley, in return for my feedback. My final thought: this is so much fun I believe it would make a great vacation read, and is worthy of that scarce resource, carryon or suitcase space.
Profile Image for Moondance.
1,188 reviews62 followers
November 18, 2021
Staring across the table at her dearly beloved, relatively new husband, Savannah Reid wondered if any man in the history of the world had been bludgeoned to death at the kitchen breakfast table because he read his newspaper to loudly.

Savannah and crew are back as she and Dirk travel to McGill, Georgia for her 25th high school reunion and to celebrate Granny Reid's birthday. Savannah ends up arrested after a "mean girl" from her graduating class turns up dead.

This series is so easy to fall into. I have skipped around a bit while reading it and never feel lost. Savannah is a strong independent woman and can really hold her own against pretty much anyone. We see some of her insecurities when she returns to her hometown but she has Granny to thank for knowing how to hold her head up high.

Savannah's former high school sweetheart is know the police chief and there are some interesting dynamics between them. Dirk, of course, has his own strong opinions about the man.

I love visiting with Savannah and the Reid clan. I don't know how she puts up with some of her siblings.

The mystery is well done and I enjoyed seeing how everything played out.

I look forward to reading the next book.

Profile Image for Christopher Hicks.
369 reviews7 followers
June 7, 2016
Another great book in the Savannah Reid series!! This one takes place in her childhood home of Georgia. I always love when Savannah's siblings and Granny are in the storyline. It was a fun read from start to finish. These books Never disappoint.
Profile Image for Shawna Shaheen.
332 reviews23 followers
October 24, 2022
Book 21. Well Savanna is about to go her Class Renioun. The Utter Torture of that. But she will be visiting her GrannyS' house. Where her and her 7 siblings were raised and brought up by their Gran. In a small town where she was ridiculed from other classmates of her bringing up by her gran ( her mom was a slut and beat the he'll out of them) (The dad was Gran's son) Savanna and one of her sister the 2nd oldest could not stand each other. Once she tried to get real flirty with Dirk. ( a cop in California and Savannah Spouse) It was going to be Granny's Birthday too while Savannah was there. Savanna was worried about the Reunion but her husband Dirk said put your head up. When they finally got there. She saw some of the people that were alright to her. And her ex lover Tom now another Sherrif. But mostly she was dreading the worst one of all Jeanette and her BFf Lisa. She was always so so unkind to Savannah. ( And Jeannette's out most rich husband passed and gave her everything.) So all in all Savannah stayed away. But after the evening was over Savannah waited for Dirk to pick her up a the curb. And she seen Amy ( one of the nicer girls that father is a undertaker and is in a relationship with Jeannette. ) and Lisa talking Lisa was crying to Amy about Jeannette. That she thought something was fishy with Jeanette. Then Jeannette and Amy dad were walking up to Amy after Lisa left and all He'll Broke Loose Literally! Lets just say Savannah after finding Jeannette dead in a lake with a wound to her temple. She was very very in trouble ( Savannah). These series always have a heartwarming message that I love about them. Have read these series for ages
Profile Image for Patty.
1,555 reviews1 follower
April 3, 2016
Killer Reunion by G.A. McKevett is the 21st book in the Savannah Reid Mystery series, and my first book by this author. Where have I been? This is my first book in the series, and I loved it. I need to read the rest of the series. I love southern cozy mysteries, and this is one of the best. The characters are very well developed, and so is the plot.

Savannah is a plus size private detective who along with her husband Dirk, a Detective Sergeant live in California. Savannah and Dirk are flying to Georgia, Savannah's home town of McGill to go to her 25th high school reunion, and to celebrate Grandma's birthday. Savannah is dreading seeing the mean girls of high school, especially Jeanette Parker. When Jeanette turns up dead after an confrontation with Savannah, she is the main suspect in the murder. Savannah and Dirk set out to find the real murderer.

I can not say enough positive things about this book. No only is the mystery well written, the crazy family dynamics, and the town's Sheriff old relationship to Savannah just makes you want to keep reading page after page to see how it all turns out. You won't be disappointed. I am looking forward to going back to book one and reading the series. I strongly recommend this book for all cozy mystery lovers out there, you won't be disappointed.

I received this book in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for judy.
947 reviews28 followers
August 5, 2016
The Savannah Reid Southern cozies are a guilty pleasure. This one, that actually took place in Georgia, may be the best. It was quite touching and revealed the surprising depth of some of the beloved characters. A very special addition to a delightful series.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
March 26, 2016
Killer Reunion is the 21st book in G. A. McKevett’s Savannah Reid Mystery series. This is the first book I’ve read written by this author and I enjoyed her writing style. Even though I haven’t read the previous books in this series, Ms. McKevett provided enough character background that I didn’t feel lost jumping in so late in the series. The storyline is well thought out and the characters well developed. There are lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit situations. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy mysteries.

Savannah Reid and husband, Dirk, travel from California to Savannah’s hometown of McGill, Georgia to attend her 25th high school reunion and celebrate Granny Reid’s birthday. Savannah is looking forward to seeing her family but doesn't have many happy high school memories and isn’t thrilled about attending her reunion. Jeanette Parker, her high school nemesis, verbally strikes out at her and Savannah loses her temper and physically strikes out at her. When Jeanette's body is discovered, it seems that everyone except her family is ready to pin the murder on Savannah. Savannah, Dirk, and the Moonlight Magnolias set out to solve a murder since the local sheriff, who is her ex-boyfriend, seems to be in over his head investigating a murder.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley.
2,227 reviews30 followers
March 20, 2016
Savannah and her husband, Dirk, travel to her home town for two reunions- one with her family and one with her high school class. She girds herself to deal with her nemesis throughout her school days, a rich bully whom neither time nor experience has mellowed.
When the woman is murdered right after an altercation with Savannah, and the evidence mounts, Savannah finds herself accused of her murder. Since both Savannah and Dirk know their way around a crime scene, it is up to them and a few chosen members of her family, to solve the murder and exonerate her.
This book was highly entertaining. It had a good story to which most readers will be able relate. THe characters are believable, never stooping to the absurd despite the humour.
Thomas Wolfe said you can never go home again. Savannah proves that not only can you, but you can resolve some of the issues that have haunted your life and come to terms with them.
Definite five purrs and two paws up.
Profile Image for Book Lover.
552 reviews43 followers
October 28, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley for an honest review.
I love this series! Savannah Reid is a plus size PI. Her husband Dirk is a detective on the police force. This book gives us more into Savannah’s background/growing up and how it shaped her into who she is. Savannah is smart, plucky, determined, self aware, and very protective of those she loves. I love Granny Reid! All of Savannah’s siblings are a cast of characters, all named after cities in Georgia! The Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency is a very tight group of friends and family. I love Ryan and John, but we don’t get to see them but for a quick conversation in this book. If you haven’t read this series, I highly recommend starting at the beginning and reading them all. I have thoroughly enjoyed watching the evolving relationship between Savannah and Dirk. The mysteries are intriguing. I look forward to the next one in the series!!
Profile Image for Anastasia.
2,258 reviews102 followers
April 1, 2024
Killer Reunion by G.A. McKevett is the 21st book in the Savannah Reid mystery series. Savannah returns to her hometown McGill, Georgia to attend her 25 year High School reunion and celebrate her grandmother's birthday. The celebrations are marred when Savannah is arrested after one of her old bullies is murdered just after an altercation with her. Another brilliant book in the series. It was good to catch up again with the gang from the Moonlight Magnolia detective agency who with additional help from Granny Reid and Savannah's extensive family helped Savannah and Dirk to clear her. Fun and entertaining as always.
Profile Image for Nancy H.
3,123 reviews
August 25, 2017
All too often, a series that starts out good becomes mediocre in the middle. That is so NOT the case with the Savannah Reid mystery series! This book is just as intriguing and fresh as the books at the beginning of the series. The characters are still great and the plot hooks the reader into turning pages as fast as possible. G.A. McKevett definitely has a winning series here and I hope it continues for a very long time. I can't wait to see what Savannah and Dirk have to solve next. This series is definitely a good read!
Profile Image for Krystal.
390 reviews42 followers
June 15, 2017
The characters reminded me of the cast on the tv show "Mike and Molly"

This was a cute and funny book, with lots of mystery. The killer was not at all who I thought it would be, the author was really good at keeping that a mystery until the very end of the book. Usually I guess who the culprit is very early on.
From the first page to the last this story had me. Usually I get kinda bored and start quickly skimming through a lot of mysteries because i've read so many and they can be very generic and predictably boring, but this book had me all the way.

It was the first time i've read anything from this author, i'm hoping that her other mysteries will be as intriguing as this one, I can't wait to read more from her.
Profile Image for Dawn.
96 reviews
April 2, 2024
Not the first book in the series but was my introduction to the Savannah Reid character. I'm glad I started with this story. It included her whole family which was a "hoot" as they would probably say. The dialogue was so fun and the mystery was never slow. Definately characters I would want to read more of.
Profile Image for Mich.
1,484 reviews33 followers
May 16, 2025
Catching back up w Savannah and gang. Fun mindless PERFECTION
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,227 reviews40 followers
April 7, 2016
Savannah is back and heading home with her hubby Dirk for a high school reunion and to celebrate Granny Reid's birthday what could possibly go wrong....lol

I'm reading along laughing out loud a lot through this story Savannah is such a favourite character of mine I seriously love her. Savannah is a southern lady living in California, she is full of southern charm, sass and sarcasm, as an ex-cop turned PI Savannah also carries a gun and knows how to kick some serious butt, she is a women not to be messed with and if you ask her hubby Dirk that goes ten fold now with Savannah going through menopause......lol yes Dirk is living on the edge every time he mentions Savannah and going through 'the change' in the same sentence.
When Savannah and Dirk arrive at her school reunion I really love how supportive Dirk is with Savannahs bad high school memories and coming face to face with mean girls who made her childhood even more of a living hell than it already was. Then everything goes to hell in a hand basket, Savannah gets into it with Jeanette the meanest of mean girls then Jeanette ends up dead and it looks like Savannah is being pegged for murder.
I do love how the Reid siblings fight each other but when someone else causes trouble for one of them look out, they band together in an unbreakable family bond and do what they have to.

I'm glad Savannah eventually finds closure from her past especially the torture she endure throughout her school years and everything she went through with Tommy, going home to visit will be a much more pleasant experience from now on and it's always good to let go of the past.

Savannah and Dirk with the help of the Magnolia investigation team and Savannahs family work overtime to solve this case and I really love the ending its going to make the next book even sweeter.
Profile Image for Jennifer Dicenzo.
440 reviews
February 15, 2016
I love Savannah Reid! She is such an amazing character, full of spit and vinegar. And her together with Dirk, swoon! They are the perfect partnership. This book we get a visit back to McGill, Georgia, where Savannah grew up, for her to attend her high school reunion. She is looking forward to going home to see family, but not so much the girls she went to high school with. But with Dirk by her side she can get through anything! Even if that anything involves her ex being sheriff and the girl he cheated on her with still being the vindictive person she is, who just so happens to get herself murdered and leaving Savannah as the likely culprit. Now we all know Savannah didn't do it, but can she and Dirk find out who did before Savannah spends 20 to life?
I was given an ARC of this book by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
836 reviews10 followers
March 31, 2016
Killer Reunion

Savannah & husband Dirk go back to Georgia to help her Granny celebrate her birthday & attend Savannah's 25th high school reunion. Unfortunately as reunions go, this one was a real killer. The school bitch/slut who made Savannah's life pure hell as a young girl, continues her campaign against Savannah even 25 years later. When the bitch shows up dead, it is Savannah that is accused of her murder. The action kicks up as Savannah & crew try to prove her innocence. This book, as well as the series, is loaded with oddball characters. Savannah, herself, is gutsy & determined, & loves her family & husband fiercely. I found it to be an entertaining whodunit with lots of laughs & yet several instances where it tugs at your heart strings. I really enjoyed the ending & hope that this is not the end of the Savannah Reid stories. I really enjoy this series!
Profile Image for Dee Haddrill.
1,848 reviews29 followers
April 7, 2016
I've said this before and I'm saying it again - reading a GA McKevett novel is liking coming home to family. We have come to know and love Savannah and Dirk and the rest of the team (and of course Savannah's family) so well and this book is a beautiful testament to them.

Warning - spoilers for previous books from here on (but no spoilers for this one).

While I love the mystery (and I never guessed the killer up until its reveal), for me, the true heart of this story is the relationships. And top of that is the love that Dirk and Savannah have for each other. In fact, my favourite quote from the book is this -

"While Dirk's edges were a bit rough, and his idiosyncrasies somewhat difficult to ignore, Savannah never had to wonder if she was the center of his universe. He made that abundantly clear every day. "

Fantastic book in an amazing series.
Profile Image for Linda Quick.
1,329 reviews30 followers
February 8, 2016
Another winner in the Savannah Reid series. In this novel, Savannah and her new husband, Dirk, travel to Georgia so Savannah can attend her high school reunion. Since she spent most of high school working and poor, Savannah is nervous about attending. Once there, she finds that the mean girls have stayed the same, which irritates her to no end.

One of Savannah's classmates meets with an untimely end, which leaves Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolias to solve a murder. The local sheriff is her old boyfriend and he seems over his head in investigating a murder. Add in all the quirky characters in Savannah's family, and there are plenty of amusing antics that will make you smile.

This is a fun and engaging mystery that fans of the genre will love.
Profile Image for Laura.
2,557 reviews
March 29, 2016
This is a great book; this is part of the Savannah Reid Mysteries series by G.A. Mckevett. Savannah Reid is a plus sized PI with a troubled family legacy. Savannah is headed back to McGill, Georgia for her 25th high school reunion. When her old nemesis “Queen of Mean”, Jeanette Parker turns up dead, everyone is ready to pin the murder on Savannah. When Savannah’s coworkers and friends come to help find the real killer before Savannah ends up in jail. If you are looking for a great mystery, that will keep you guessing until the end. Then you need to read this one. I am looking forward to the next book by this author. A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
Profile Image for Mayda.
3,835 reviews65 followers
April 25, 2016
Savannah has mixed emotions about returning home for her class reunion. She gets to see her family, especially Granny Reid, but then, she has to see her family, especially her sister, Marietta. But while she can control her temper with her sister, when Savannah’s old nemesis from high school, Jeanette, pushes too hard and insults policemen, Van has had enough and decks her in the parking lot. Unfortunately, when Jeanette turns up dead, Van is the prime suspect. Tracking down the real killer may just be beyond the talents of Savannah’s own Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. She needs a break to solve the case and save her skin, but will she get it? This delightful tale, number 21 in one of the best mystery series around, is both entertaining and engrossing.
244 reviews11 followers
March 25, 2016
Is it possible to have more than one favorite author or series. Every author I read is my favorite and their current book is my favorite. Truthfully I hope there is no cure for this malady.
G.A. McKevett, aka Sonja Massi has given her readers 21 (i hope I got that right) books in her Savannah Reid mysteries. Savannah and her new husband, Dirk are just as real and likable as your next door neighbors, just the type of people that would be welcomed in any neighborhood.


FTC Full Disclosure - A copy of this book was sent to me by the publisher in hopes I would review it. However, receiving the complimentary copy did not influence my review.

Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,144 reviews8 followers
March 20, 2017
Such fun! The author's voice makes every character come alive in this who done it. The characters aren't crazy and unrealistic yet they're funny and smart. The crime's solution made sense but I hadn't put it together. The relationships are strong and full of personality with dialogue between Tom and the main character easy to identify with, southern charm, colloquial atmosphere and special bonds between each. Wish I read the previous books in the series and plan on reading more. The end of this one opens up a new chapter for them all.
Profile Image for Ian.
385 reviews32 followers
April 30, 2016
ARC honest review for Kensington Books via NetGalley.

To be honest this is the first time that I have read any of the G.A. McKevett 'Savannah Reid Mysteries'....and boy, look what I have been missing!

Loved it! Had me chuckling all the way through the book with Savannah's Southern Charm!

Nicely balanced plot and characters, that will make you want to go back for more.

So much so that I'm going to be getting the first in this series...Just Desserts. And work my way through.

Please visit my blog @ https://finalchapterreadersgroup.word... ... like and follow.
Profile Image for Val.
2,144 reviews12 followers
April 4, 2016
Savannah Reid returns to McGill, Georgia for her 25th high school reunion. She brings along her new husband, to make her confidence level higher. In high school, she wasn't one of the popular girls since she was so poor. But small towns being what they are, memories are long and the popular girl is still making the rules. At least she is until she is found murdered after the reunion and Savannah is the prime suspect. Savannah's very entertaining family contribute to the search for the real killer.
Profile Image for kathy.
1,462 reviews
May 6, 2016
I love this installment in the latest in this wonderful mystery series. We get a lot of Savannah's family in this book. Plus a look into her past growing up in Georgia. I'm so happy that Dirk and Savannah are married. That Tammy and Waycross have found love. A nice little ending in this book worth waiting for!! Can't wait for the next book! I hope the author doesn't stop writing this series. I'm always happy with the characters and what's happening with them, interesting plot lines and well written stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 117 reviews

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