Every Body on Deck

A Savannah Reid Mystery #22

by G.A. McKevett

Plus-sized P.I. Savannah Reid has no problem mixing business with pleasure - especially if that means a free trip while on the job. But when a gruesome murder rocks the boat, Savannah may finally be in over her head.

Nothing satisfies Savannah's soul like nabbing bad guys - except maybe indulging in a juicy novel. So when famed mystery writer Natasha Van Cleef invites the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency on an Alaskan cruise in exchange for some personal protection, Savannah is instantly onboard with the idea. The voyage goes smoothly - at least, until Natasha and her husband flee the ship without explanation and get killed in a suspiciously explosive crash.

Awash in regret, Savannah and the MM crew won't return home to San Carmelita until they expose whoever caused the fatal "accident". But Savannah and her team have their work cut out for them when they discover that Natasha's life was far more dramatic than any of her best sellers. Not only were her marriage and literary career splattered with bad blood, but the author also had a crazed fan tracking her every move. With suspects and clues flooding in by the boatful, it's all hands on deck as Savannah rushes to seize the murderer before she lands herself in hot water next.

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

304 pages, Hardcover

First published April 25, 2017

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

[Anastasia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Body on Deck by G.A. McKevitt is the 22nd book in the Savannah Reid Mystery series. Mystery writer Natasha Van Cleef hires the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency for protection on an Alaskan mystery cruise after receiving anonymous death threats. A fabulous book with all the right elements- a terrific mystery, with a wonderful setting. The best part about this series is that we are able to catch up with all the characters. Dirk and Savannah are happily married and Tammy and Waycross are expecting their baby. I love that Granny Reid is included and plays a big part in this book with her sensible and practical ideas. A captivating and fun book.

[Christopher Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It's number 22 in the Savannah Reid series. These books just get more and more fun. It's like catching up with old friends you haven't seen in awhile. Loved the plot twist at the end and the constant change and growth of the characters. I can't wait till #23 is released 😊

[Betty · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have long been a fan of this series and enjoyed Savannah and friends. I was looking forward to the new adventure. I was sadly disappointed in the book. The characters advance in the story which I enjoyed. The writing did not flow slowly as it jump from the mystery to personal comments. The plot is not original and I have seen it a few times. I knew the killer about a third of the way through the book. I have difficulty determining the time of the story. It has been a long time since Alaska has been that primitive. The characters had campus but no cell phones. The author has done better.
The Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency is hired to protect Natasha Van Cleef, a famous author on a cruise to Alaska. The author has received death threats. Natasha feels the cruise is a necessary as her fans are expecting to meet her. The MM Agency is given an expense free trip for the cruise. Will Natasha survived the trip?

Disclosure: I received a free copy Kensington Books through NetGalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Johnna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my all time favorite series!! Outstanding!!

[Susan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Savannah and the rest of her detective agency (including husband Dirk, a policeman) are hired to provide security for Natasha, Savannah's favorite author, who plans a mystery cruise off the coast of Alaska. Everything is fine until Natasha and her husband get off the ship at their first stop and are killed in a very suspicious accident. But why did Natasha jump ship without notifying her bodyguards? There's also a subplot about Savannah's very pregnant assistant, who goes on the cruise against her doctor's advice.

[Dee Haddrill · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's a guaranteed awesome ride when we get back together with Savannah and the gang.

This time, Savannah, Dirk and the rest of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency are invited to join Savannah's favourite author on a murder mystery cruise around Alaska. Needless to say, the gang jump at the chance, but pretty soon the murder mystery part becomes very very real when the author and her husband are killed in what was supposedly a tragic accident. Of course, Savannah and Dirk don't believe that for a second, and they set about finding out just what happened.

I know I say this every time I review a Savannah Reid mystery book, but it's only because it is true every single time - reading one of these books is like visiting with beloved family. They are so well-written, and the characters so likeable and familiar - added together with a mystery that jeeps yours guessing until the very end, and the very sweet love stories that are so perfectly entwined, make these books a series that you will never regret starting. Another five star winner for a very talented author.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you don't know Savannah Reid and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency you've missed out on approximately 19 good southern charmed mysteries.

In this episode, the entire team find themselves on an Alaskan Cruise after Savannah accepts the challenge to keep mystery author Natasha Van Cleef safe from a person making death threats. This oddball cast of characters includes Granny Reid, the very pregnant Tammy Hart,and Dirk's birth parents Dora & Richard Jones.

The wilds of Alaska, the luxury cruise ship and not so luxurious cruise accommodations provide exciting backgrounds as Savannah & Dirk find themselves trying to adjust to their newlywed situation in crowded sleeping quarters.

Great fun, plot twists and an easy read.

I received a copy of this book from Kensington through Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

[Kimberly Ann · Rating 2 out of 5]

I do believe as I have gotten older that my taste in mysteries has changed! I once loved this series, it was fun, light & entertaining.... but with the advent of Savannah's marriage, her Granny moving to CA, & her bother moving to LA as well..... It has gotten to be too much Southern Family Goodness for me to contend with.

Savannah was once on the San Carmelita Police Force... shit hit the fan & she quit. Now she works as a PI beside her husband Dirk, who is still a detective on same police force.

Savannah's company, Moonlight Magnolia Agency, is hired by a very well known mystery writer to protect her on an Alaskan Cruise there the theme is murder & mysteries....

The plot was interesting, I guessed a portion of it.... It was all the goodness & family & Deep Fried Southern affection that finally put me off...

Another series I am throwing to the side of the road.

[Lori · Rating 2 out of 5]

Okay, I'm not done yet and I've read all of these books in order, but I am troubled by the fact that the mystery writer pays for the cruise fares of SIX people to protect her but they fail to watch her 24/7 and she's in trouble after the first (unwatched) night. Seems like the MMGang kinda dropped the ball big-time and it's a bit ridiculous. If I needed protection, I would not hire this group!

[Katharine Coggeshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book by McKevett! The team goes on a cruise to Alaska where they have to solve a murder mystery. It isn't easy to predict the culprit, and the plot is fun and entertaining, as usual. Tammy gives birth on the ship. The author captures the authenticity of the birth, Alaska, and the cruise so well.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every Body on Deck is the 22nd book in G. A. McKevett’s Savannah Reid Mystery series. This is the second book I’ve read in this series author and I enjoyed Ms. McKevett’s writing style. The author provided enough character background that this book can be read as a standalone without the reader feeling lost. The storyline is well thought out, the characters well developed, and is full of compassion and caring. There are lots of laughs and no adult language, graphic violence, or sexually explicit situations. This engaging mystery kept me guessing until the reveal. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy mysteries.

Savannah Reid, a former detective turned private investigator, her husband, Dirk, a detective, and Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency, are mixing business and pleasure because they’ve been hired to protect Savannah’s favorite author, Natasha Van Cleef, while she is on an Alaskan cruise. Even though Natasha hired the agency for protection, she and her husband leave the ship without telling Savannah their plans. Savannah and Dirk trace their movements and discover they rented a car and discover it’s been involved in a fiery crash and both passengers perish. Savannah is devastated her clients lost their lives on her watch and is determined to find out what happened. At first, it’s thought the crash was just an unfortunate accident but Savannah doesn’t agree. The local authorities are competent but have little experience investigating murders and welcome Savannah and Dirk’s help.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

[Sheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series of mysteries with Savannah Reid and Dirk. I liked this one because it happened on a cruise ship and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency members get put off the ship to solve the murder of the famous author who they were to protect but she is killed with her husband. Lots of twists and turns in fictional Saaxwoo, Alaska. And the ending is so satisfying.

[Mich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah and gang experience the wilds of Alaska in the only way they know how. Fun easy entertaining

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Midnight Magnolias are on a cruise to Alaska. Really cool setting and storyline. Some series fizzle out over time but I think this one is getting better and better!

[DelAnne Frazee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Every Body on Deck - Savannah Reid Mystery Bool\k 22
Author: G. A. McKevett
Publisher: Kensington Books
Published: 4-25-2017
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers & Suspense
Sub-Genre: Private Investigator; Cozy Mystery;
ISBN: 9781496700827
ASIN: B01JEJC8PM
Reviewed For NetGalley and Kensington Books
Reviewer: DelAnne
Rating: 4.5 Stars



The twenty-second book in the series, but can still be read as a stand alone. The Magnolia crew is hired to protect a mystery author on a murder mystery cruise, but she and her husband leave the cruise without telling the detectives and later turn up dead. Ruled a tragic accident, but Savannah isn't buying it and begins to investigate.


Enjoy the beauty of the Land of the Midnight Sun as you get to know these eclectic characters and their quirky personalities. The plot is well written and thought out. The is only one major thing that stands out and that is of the cell phones. Alaska does have working cell phones in the populated areas. So unless a tower is down or sabotage has occurred they should work. Now understand there are undeveloped wild areas, but the populated areas are usually modern and has most conveniences.


My rating is 4.5 out of 5 stars. I hope this review is helpful in finding and enjoying G. A. NcKevett's Savannah Reid's Mysteries.


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[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Around the Year in 52 Books 2017 Reading Challenge. A book published in 2017.

Wealthy author of murder mysteries, Natasha Van Cleef, asks Savannah and her entire detective agency staff to accompany her, her husband, her assistant, and her editor on an Alaskan cruise. It seems she has been getting threatening letters. Then once they are onboard she doesn't want Savannah or any of her people anywhere around her. It's certainly difficult to protect someone who doesn't want protection. I love Granny. She is a treasure. I like John and Ryan who own/run a restaurant. I'm glad Tammy is finally growing up, BUT if they wish to avoid a lawsuit, they need to have a serious conversation with her about what is/is not legal. UNFORTUNATELY, this is not the first book in the series, BUT it is the first in the series I have read. I have to wonder how Richard and Dora ever got together as a couple or for that matter how Savannah and Dirk got together. There are a couple of problems with the book. It is a stretch to believe that 3 days before a cruise the ship would still have 5 rooms available! Even though Tammy does state that her doctor told her not to go on this trip, the truth is NO airline is going to accept a passenger who is 8 and 1/2 months pregnant; I doubt any cruise line would either. They don't want to be sued if she goes into labor and something goes wrong. It could be a breech birth; the cord could wrap around the baby's neck; the placenta could separate prematurely. Walk any older cemetery. Lots of women died in childbirth. Saaxwoo, Alaska doesn't exist. Any cruise ship going from Seattle to Alaska is going to stop first at Ketchikan. I have to wonder why she didn't use that town. There is a discrepancy in the text. Read pages 74, 80, and 103 very carefully. Inconsistent!

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah, that's the third disturbance call this week!

Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency are hired to provide protection for a well known mystery writer after she receives death threats. Much to their delight. the assignment lands them on an all expense paid Alaskan cruise. The writer's demeanor becomes a bit sketchy once they are on the ship and Savannah finds it hard to provide her with the protection she needs. Savannah and crew must solve the mystery of the author's death after she and her husband die in an accident on a shore leave.

This is one of my favorite series. I love all the Southernisms that spring from Savannah's mouth. Having Granny along is a double treat. I was seriously worried about Tammy coming along considering the pending delivery of her child. Dirk's parents are a new addition. His mom is quite something!

The mystery is well done although I pretty much pegged part of what happened early on. This in no way distracted from the book.

These characters seem like old friends every time I pick up a book. I always feel like I could be friends with all of them. I like that Savannah and Kirk have actual knowledge of the law and do not just go out blindly trying to break the case.

So much fun! I look forward to the next book.

[Carmen Lang · Rating 4 out of 5]

Been a fan of the Savannah Reid series for a long time. Plus size Private Investigator Savannah is not a twenty something, classically beautiful, fitness buff. This instantly makes her more relatable to the average woman. I also enjoy the comraderie of the characters in this series. Her husband Dirk, friends John, Ryan, Tammy and relatives: Granny & Waycross are featured. Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency and in laws embark on an Alaskan cruise to protect famous mystery author Natasha Van Cleef. Of course, trouble comes along on the cruise, also. Natasha and husband leave the ship and are killed in an explosion. Savannah and crew begin an investigation to find out who is responsible. There are laughs and clues along the way. This is a cozy mystery and cozy mysteries typically do not have the most complicated plot or edge of your seat suspense. Cozies draw you into the book thru the characters and making you feel at home and comfortable with them while guessing the outcome. Every Body on Deck succeeds with the cozy formula. I was given an ARC copy of this book thru Netgalley for an honest review.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved! This is another winner in the Savannah Reid Mystery series. In it, a popular author approaches Savannah and her team about providing protection for her after she receives threats. As the author is scheduled to leave on a cruise, the entire Moonlight Magnolia team travels with her on an Alaskan dream cruise. Sometimes, though, dreams turn into nightmares and, almost before they know it, the team is investigating a series of frightening events.

This is an engaging mystery with lots of humor that will make you smile even while keeping you guessing as to what's actually happened. It had me turning pages just as quickly as possible.

Fans of the genre will love this book. While this is part of a series, it is a stand alone novel. However, you will enjoy it so much more if you've read the prior books in the series and they're so good that you really owe it to yourself to read them all. The author is on my must read authors' list.

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

I always love to read books set on cruises since I love to cruise. Unfortunately, I usually find out the author doesn't do a great job of using the setting or are accurate with details. I realize this author is not writing a guide book, but there's no disclaimer that she's played with the facts to suit the story. She did accurately describe a bathroom scene that I had to laugh at.

I also had some other issues that bothered me and really weren't necessary to the story. Savannah and crew aren't the most professional (despite what they think), but Savannah taking time out to have a personal talk with someone given the client's situation and the limited time in port was off to me. Another issue was Savannah and Dirk sharing a rollaway bed. I worked in hotels for over 10 years, they are twin sized at most, some are even narrower than a standard twin bed. Savannah and Dirk are not svelte people, no way do they share a twin even fairly newly married. Alaska may be wilder than the lower 48, but you wouldn't find a bear in the same situation in a town in 2017. Only in a few places can a notary do what the one does in this book and it wouldn't happen on a ship which would undoubtedly be registered in a foreign country.

I don't know why I notice so many things to pick about in one book and not another. I was really looking forward to reading this book and I do like the series. So what did I like enough to give the book a like rating? The story really clipped along. I liked that the whole group of usual characters were in the story even though John and Ryan got little page time (yet more than usual lately). Granny was also a part of the group and the author has changed her situation so it's more realistic for her to be around so often. I do find it interesting that at least the last 3 stories have taken place outside of town.

I was trying to figure out what happened and I have to say while I got the main element right, I did not put all the pieces together. Partially because we, and Savannah, aren't given the clue(s) until quite late. It is quite a convoluted and twisted tale until the end.

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Angela · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this installment to the Savannah Reid series. Unlike some series I have read, this series isn't losing steam. The storytelling is good and hasn't fallen too far into the formula trap that many longtime series seem to get themselves into after twenty-something books. This edition finds Savannah and the entire Moonlight crew setting sail to Alaska to protect their latest client,a mystery author who's been receiving death threats. The mystery remained front and center for the majority of the book with the personal side stories filling in the spaces. I admit I did figure out a big part of the solution almost right away, but I didn't know the how's and why's until they were revealed. Overall a great read with a very sweet ending for Savannah as well. I still look forward to new releases of this series.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Reid and her entire Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency have just been given the job of a lifetime - they are to act as bodyguards for the famous mystery author, Natasha Van Cleef as she is the featured speaker on an Alaskan Cruise! Talk about the best of both worlds! A cushy job and a dream trip, all rolled up in one easy package. Or so it would seem. But life is never that easy. Neither is fiction. Almost as soon as Savannah and her team begin their job on deck, they meet with a major obstacle; Natasha herself, who doesn't seem to want to be protected. When Natasha and her husband are killed in a freak car accident while on a shore excursion, everyone except the detectives are willing to attribute it to accidental causes. It's a good thing Savannah is smarter than the average Alaskan bear!

[Nese · Rating 3 out of 5]

As much as I like this series, this book is disappointing since it doesn’t read like a regular Savannah Reid Mystery: quirky characters are not themselves, and their interactions are so different than how they behave in previous books, which are some of my favorites. During the first hundred pages of the book, Savannah gets a new client, and the employees of the Magnolia Moonlight Detective Agency embark on a cruise ship. Halfway through the book, the client gets murdered in Alaska. Not only the killer is so obvious from the beginning, but the story doesn’t make sense on so many levels. (The client and the agency employees who are supposed to protect the client stay in different locations on an eight story cruise ship, and so many other details.)

[Kathy · Rating 1 out of 5]

Quotable:

You have to make your own choices and then live with them. That’s the worst and the best of being an adult.

Granny didn’t abide what she called “rank filthiness.” Many times Savanah had heard her say, “Even the poorest among us can afford the price of one bar of soap. There’s no excuse for being dirty. None a’tall.”

“Have you ever lost somebody you loved, Savannah Reid? Somebody you loved with all your heart.” “Yes, I have. I lost my grandfather, and he was very, very dear to me.”
“Then you know that it changes you. You don’t get over it. You don’t “find closure,” whatever the hell that’s supposed to mean. You don’t reach the end of your grief and ‘go on’ with your life. Your life will never be the same once they’re gone, and neither will you. That’s the truth about grief.”

[Elizabeth Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

i love these books covers. so fun!! quirky. neat-O!! i did get these from my local library leaning program ...kindle reads. can i pick a favorite. i know that Murder at Mabel's Motel is a totally different series. so, if i pick from Savannah Reid series .. "A Few Drops of Bitters", is the one i will pick to my ultimate favorite from that series. but don't get me wrong. i enjoy the others as well. get to reading.
book 10: Murder a la mode (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
A Body To Die For (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 26: A Few Drops of Bitters (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
Murder at Mabel's Motel (Granny Reid Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 22: Every Body on Deck - G.A. McKevett

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Reid mysteries are not great literature, but they fill a PG-13 position between cozies and thrillers. In this novel, Savannah is hired to protect an author who has received multiple death threats but who is obligated to meet and greet her fans on a cruise. The whole crew - Savannah's husband Dirk, her Granny, research assistant Tammy, Tammy's fiance / Savannah's brother Waycross, fellow investigators John and Ryan, and Dirk's parents - eagerly join the Alaska cruise to assist in the protection.

Someone dies. Suspects are questioned. Clues appear. Case closed.

Quick, entertaining read.

[Lisa Christopher · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series. I've read every single one. It has come to the point that the mystery itself isn't that important. I just love reading about the whole Moonlight Magnolia Family. I love the way the series has progressed over the years. This one is no exception. The mystery itself was great and the the family aspect was very touching. I can't wait for the next one to come out. You would think after writing so many books in the series that it would start to lose its appeal, but no! Each one is better than the last.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

In this 22nd entry in the Savannah Reid series, Savannah and her husband, grandmother, in-laws, and all her associates in the private detective agency are hired by one of her favorite mystery authors to provide personal protection on a cruise to Alaska. When the author and her husband are found dead in a burned out car at the first port they stop at in Alaska, Savannah is determined to find out who the murderer is, despite push back from the cruise line. There are some nice plot twists, and the usual wacky relative incidents, making this another enjoyable quick read in this series.

[Nancy H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like the Savannah Reid mysteries and this one was no exception. In this one, Savannah and her detective crew go to Alaska to provide security for a famous author and her husband. Unfortunately that is not a simple job, and there are many complications that make it nearly impossible for Savannah to accomplish that goal. With the rest of her gang in tow, though, she finds her way through the tangled web to the truth and to a neat resolution to the story. I am eagerly awaiting the next one in this series.

[Kat · Rating 3 out of 5]

another good savannah book. this time the whole family and friends are on a cruise ship to alaska to protect a favorite author from death threats. the author and her husband snuck off the ship to see a glacier and their car was set on fire and 2 bodies found in it.

turned out it was the lady herself who set it up, the author! she killed her husband and implicated the woman he was having the affair with. she wanted to live alone in a cabin and read

but savannah figured it out. tammy went into labor and had a girl she named after her