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Savannah Martin Mystery #14
Bad Debt
When every member of a rural Sweetwater family is murdered in their beds, Maury County sheriff Bob Satterfield calls on the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for help.While Savannah’s husband, TBI agent Rafe Collier, heads to their shared hometown to help the sheriff figure out who and what is behind the grisly massacre, Savannah goes along to assist her old friend Yvonne McCoy’s quest to gain ownership of Beulah’s Meat’n Three restaurant.But when Beulah Odom’s death turns out to have been murder, suddenly Yvonne’s on the hot seat. And with the sheriff occupied elsewhere and Beulah’s family gunning for Yvonne, it’s up to Savannah to figure out the truth before her old friend lands in jail... or six feet under.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
310 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 6, 2017
89 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
Jenna Bennett
123 books538 followersJenna 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)
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)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 6, 2018
4 estrelas porque, enfim, são Rafe e Savannah, um daqueles poucos casais que fica na memória para sempre.
Acho que, pela primeira vez em 14 livros, Tamara Grimaldi não aparece. A sua ausência é contrabalançada pela adição da cadela Pearl, uma coisa fofa (e má, mas a culpa não é dela).
O caso policial é que foi desinteressante; à partida o assassínio de 7 pessoas da mesma família, chamaria a atenção e chamou a minha no início, mas o entusiasmo perdeu-se, ou antes, ficou para trás pois Savannah não se podia envolver muito e sendo os livros narrados por ela, os leitores só veem o que ela vê. O assassino foi a pessoa mais improvável e os seus motivos tão insonsos que, à partida, não faria sentido; no entanto, se pensarmos em como o ser humano é cada vez mais egoísta e como faz tudo e mais alguma coisa para conseguir uma coisita qualquer a mais, que lhe interesse, este assassino e os seus motivos acabam por ser muito credíveis. Não percebo é como é que Savannah não se atirou a Rafe, a insistir que lhe revelasse de quem suspeitava, quando ele lhe disse que desconfiava de uma pessoa. Eu não o largava enquanto não me revelasse quem era o seu suspeito LOL
Aquele enredo ainda em volta de Yvonne e Beulah ainda parecia que ia dar alguma coisa mas acabou também por não ir a lado nenhum.
Resumindo: este livro valeu pelo casal protagonista, claro, pela cadela Pearl e Anne Marguerite, a mãe de Savannah, que nem parece a mesma de até há poucos livros atrás.
Estou ansiosa para conhecer o bebé de Savannah e Rafe :)
Acho que, pela primeira vez em 14 livros, Tamara Grimaldi não aparece. A sua ausência é contrabalançada pela adição da cadela Pearl, uma coisa fofa (e má, mas a culpa não é dela).
O caso policial é que foi desinteressante; à partida o assassínio de 7 pessoas da mesma família, chamaria a atenção e chamou a minha no início, mas o entusiasmo perdeu-se, ou antes, ficou para trás pois Savannah não se podia envolver muito e sendo os livros narrados por ela, os leitores só veem o que ela vê. O assassino foi a pessoa mais improvável e os seus motivos tão insonsos que, à partida, não faria sentido; no entanto, se pensarmos em como o ser humano é cada vez mais egoísta e como faz tudo e mais alguma coisa para conseguir uma coisita qualquer a mais, que lhe interesse, este assassino e os seus motivos acabam por ser muito credíveis. Não percebo é como é que Savannah não se atirou a Rafe, a insistir que lhe revelasse de quem suspeitava, quando ele lhe disse que desconfiava de uma pessoa. Eu não o largava enquanto não me revelasse quem era o seu suspeito LOL
Aquele enredo ainda em volta de Yvonne e Beulah ainda parecia que ia dar alguma coisa mas acabou também por não ir a lado nenhum.
Resumindo: este livro valeu pelo casal protagonista, claro, pela cadela Pearl e Anne Marguerite, a mãe de Savannah, que nem parece a mesma de até há poucos livros atrás.
Estou ansiosa para conhecer o bebé de Savannah e Rafe :)
July 29, 2017
This is still one of the best ever series that I've read. Savannah and Rafe are cute, quirky, and impossibly adorable. They can solve any crime you throw at them and do it with style. Technically, they're not partners, but it always seems to take both of them to get it done.
Savannah is almost at the end of her pregnancy and Rafe is as protective as ever. So, when he gets the call from Sheriff Satterfield to come to Sweetwater to help solve the murder of seven people he's not too keen on having Savannah tag along. Savannah has other ideas. Since Rafe is going to Sweetwater, where they both grew up, she decides a visit to her mother is in order. How can Rafe argue with that? Except he knows Savannah. She's not likely to sit with her mother in the Martin mansion. Nope, Savannah will get involved somehow, either in his case or another one. She's too curious by half.
Join Rafe and Savannah in their latest crime caper and see if you can solve who dunnit before the reveal. You'll have plenty of suspects to choose from! These two are still my favorite book couple and I can't get enough of them. Unlike other series, the latest book is still as refreshing of a read as the first one was, maybe even better. Yep, definitely better. Keep 'em coming, Jenna Bennett!!!
Savannah is almost at the end of her pregnancy and Rafe is as protective as ever. So, when he gets the call from Sheriff Satterfield to come to Sweetwater to help solve the murder of seven people he's not too keen on having Savannah tag along. Savannah has other ideas. Since Rafe is going to Sweetwater, where they both grew up, she decides a visit to her mother is in order. How can Rafe argue with that? Except he knows Savannah. She's not likely to sit with her mother in the Martin mansion. Nope, Savannah will get involved somehow, either in his case or another one. She's too curious by half.
Join Rafe and Savannah in their latest crime caper and see if you can solve who dunnit before the reveal. You'll have plenty of suspects to choose from! These two are still my favorite book couple and I can't get enough of them. Unlike other series, the latest book is still as refreshing of a read as the first one was, maybe even better. Yep, definitely better. Keep 'em coming, Jenna Bennett!!!
March 10, 2017
"Mired in Molasses"
This addition to the series takes Rafe and Savannah back to Sweetwater, where Rafe has been asked to help with a murder investigation. Drugs and pit bulls used in illegal fights point in the direction of a possible organized crime connection, but there are few other clues to help in solving the crime. The Columbus police chief wants in on the investigation, but settles for sending one of his officers. Meanwhile, a seven months pregnant Savannah helps in her own way by asking questions, offering theories and rescuing one of the 'pits'.
This adventure moves a little slower than previous books, as did the case, prompting Rafe's comment about the case being "mired in molasses". Still, the book reveals the continuing evolution of Rafe and Savannah's relationship as they move toward becoming a family. And they still remain one of my favorite "book couples", quirks and all.
This addition to the series takes Rafe and Savannah back to Sweetwater, where Rafe has been asked to help with a murder investigation. Drugs and pit bulls used in illegal fights point in the direction of a possible organized crime connection, but there are few other clues to help in solving the crime. The Columbus police chief wants in on the investigation, but settles for sending one of his officers. Meanwhile, a seven months pregnant Savannah helps in her own way by asking questions, offering theories and rescuing one of the 'pits'.
This adventure moves a little slower than previous books, as did the case, prompting Rafe's comment about the case being "mired in molasses". Still, the book reveals the continuing evolution of Rafe and Savannah's relationship as they move toward becoming a family. And they still remain one of my favorite "book couples", quirks and all.
March 12, 2017
This is the 14th book in the series! What is so amazing is just when you think Savannah and Rafe have had every problem in the book, Ms Bennett comes along with a new book and a whole different set of problems! This time Rafe is called by the Sheriff of Sweetwater and asked if he could come and help him solve a murder of six family members. Savannah doesn't want to be left behind, so off they go to gruesomeness unknown. Along the way Rafe tells Savannah that the family that has been killed happens to be the same boys that beat him up the one time Savannah made Todd give Rafe a ride from Columbia to Sweetwater when they were in high school.
On their way to the murder scene, Rafe decides to stop and check on the third brother only to find him dead as well. All that is left living is the starving dog chained up to the trailer where the victim lived.
As Animal Control comes to get the dog, Savannah goes in to town to support her friend who is at the courthouse. There is a hearing going on that is to prove/disprove the mental wellness of her friend's recently deceased boss. The relatives claim she was incompetent and her will should not stand. Why? Because instead of leaving her restaurant business to the widow and daughter of her late brother, the business was left to Savannah's friend who was an employee at the restaurant.
Meanwhile, Savannah's very proper mother hasn't gotten over the news of her former best friend having a child with her husband before they were married. Now she isn't speaking to her friend of over 30 years.
If this isn't enough, remember Savannah is 7 months pregnant and rescues the dog from the murder scene. Amongst the horrors of murder, the audacity of the relatives accusing an innocent woman of manipulating and even murdering her beloved boss, and the dog's antics and Savannah's reactions to it, well there are some funny moments as well as a lot of angst and evil.
There is a good balance between the characters, and old enemies don't seem to be quite as negative about Rafe as in the past. I like the feeling that not only Savannah and Rafe are becoming a family, but her family is also becoming his family as well. This mystery took place in the Sweetwater area, and the concerns and people from Nashville don't come into play this time. It makes for a good change of pace from the last book.
I think the series is getting better as time goes on. But when will that baby get here? It must be the world's longest pregnancy!
On their way to the murder scene, Rafe decides to stop and check on the third brother only to find him dead as well. All that is left living is the starving dog chained up to the trailer where the victim lived.
As Animal Control comes to get the dog, Savannah goes in to town to support her friend who is at the courthouse. There is a hearing going on that is to prove/disprove the mental wellness of her friend's recently deceased boss. The relatives claim she was incompetent and her will should not stand. Why? Because instead of leaving her restaurant business to the widow and daughter of her late brother, the business was left to Savannah's friend who was an employee at the restaurant.
Meanwhile, Savannah's very proper mother hasn't gotten over the news of her former best friend having a child with her husband before they were married. Now she isn't speaking to her friend of over 30 years.
If this isn't enough, remember Savannah is 7 months pregnant and rescues the dog from the murder scene. Amongst the horrors of murder, the audacity of the relatives accusing an innocent woman of manipulating and even murdering her beloved boss, and the dog's antics and Savannah's reactions to it, well there are some funny moments as well as a lot of angst and evil.
There is a good balance between the characters, and old enemies don't seem to be quite as negative about Rafe as in the past. I like the feeling that not only Savannah and Rafe are becoming a family, but her family is also becoming his family as well. This mystery took place in the Sweetwater area, and the concerns and people from Nashville don't come into play this time. It makes for a good change of pace from the last book.
I think the series is getting better as time goes on. But when will that baby get here? It must be the world's longest pregnancy!
March 15, 2017
I adore this series and Bad Debt is the best book for the moment. I say that because this is one of those series that I love so much that the book I just read is always my favorite. Jenna Bennett sold me on Savannah long before she became the strong women she is today but the growth that she has allowed Savannah is part of what makes this series special. Now we get to see that strict minded (often narrow minded) southern mother of hers begin to recognize that there is a whole other world out there from the one she was raise in and to marvel as she becomes open to the changes that come into her life; Rafe Collier, bad boy from the other side of town and her new son-in-law, is not just allowed in her home, he is welcomed with open arms!!! In Bad Debt, Margaret Martin gets the third of 3 really big shocks in her recent life while she is still processing the big one from a few months earlier.
As readers are likely to know Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Rafe is called back to their home town when some kills 7 members of a family in cold blood. Although less directly involved, Savannah can't keep from doing her bit to solve this terrible crime and one of her newer friend is facing trouble back home, so that gives our very pregnant amateur sleuth something safer to be curious about.
If you don't read this book for any other reason, check out Rafe Collier, one of the sexiest guys in fiction.
As readers are likely to know Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Agent Rafe is called back to their home town when some kills 7 members of a family in cold blood. Although less directly involved, Savannah can't keep from doing her bit to solve this terrible crime and one of her newer friend is facing trouble back home, so that gives our very pregnant amateur sleuth something safer to be curious about.
If you don't read this book for any other reason, check out Rafe Collier, one of the sexiest guys in fiction.
March 9, 2024
I enjoyed this book. And I’m really enjoying seeing the way the relationships in Savannah’s family are growing and evolving. Like the previous book, this one gave us a second mystery running alongside the main. But unlike the previous one, this was left kind of open-ended and I’m not sure I like that at all. Since this particular situation has lasted a couple of books already, I guess it’s to be expected, but I was hoping to see something definitive about it. My fingers are crossed that maybe the next book will bring closure to the issue.
January 17, 2018
Another awesome book in the Savannah Martin series!
This series is incredible! Exciting, addicting, great mysteries, awesome romance, a little drama, and a bit of fun! Rafe gets called to Sweetwater to help with the murder of a family of 7. So Savannah goes too. She is helping Yvonne get the restaurant Beulah left her in her will that relatives contested. The mystery had a twist at the end that surprised me. This is the best series I have read in a while!
This series is incredible! Exciting, addicting, great mysteries, awesome romance, a little drama, and a bit of fun! Rafe gets called to Sweetwater to help with the murder of a family of 7. So Savannah goes too. She is helping Yvonne get the restaurant Beulah left her in her will that relatives contested. The mystery had a twist at the end that surprised me. This is the best series I have read in a while!
March 30, 2018
Another Savannah adventure! Savannah didn’t get herself in quite as much trouble in this escapade. I like the way her mother is evolving, gives a little insight into the real person behind all the proper southern persona. I do feel that one area in the overall plot line was left a little unfinished. Will it be revisited in a future sequel? Guess we’ll have to wait and see! Overall, a very good addition to this series
October 8, 2018
Jenna Bennett continues to be a favorite for me. Usually by book 10, a series begins to feel old and repetitive. I haven't found that to be the case with the Savannah Martin series.
While all of these books have murder, mayhem, and Savannah's inability to stay out of a good mystery in common, this one really threw me for a loop! I thought I had it all figured out but was definitely way off course. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
While all of these books have murder, mayhem, and Savannah's inability to stay out of a good mystery in common, this one really threw me for a loop! I thought I had it all figured out but was definitely way off course. I'm looking forward to reading the next one!
May 21, 2017
This is the 14th book in the series. I found Savannah less annoying than in the past. It was probably because she is 7 months pregnant and less able to insert herself into her husband's cases. It is interesting to trace the growth of the characters and witness the thaw in her husband's relationship with her family. This one had a twist that I didn't see coming!
May 22, 2017
Very entertaining!!
I loved this book. I love all the characters in this series and have enjoyed every book. This one has so many fun and loveable "tidbits" pop up throughout the book, like about the dog. And the story and the way it flowed were great! (I hope Savannah has the baby in the next book!)
I loved this book. I love all the characters in this series and have enjoyed every book. This one has so many fun and loveable "tidbits" pop up throughout the book, like about the dog. And the story and the way it flowed were great! (I hope Savannah has the baby in the next book!)
March 15, 2017
This book was another great addition to this series. While not as action packed as some, the mystery was on point and there was great character growth that gives you a lot of faith in a person's ability to change.
April 21, 2018
The more book I read in this series the more I like them. Now that Savannah is not whining about her mother, she is also not so insecure about her relationship with Rafe, this allows the plot and story to,progress much smoother. Looking forward to the next in the series.
April 26, 2019
I have read this series from book one. it is my go to series when I get tired of reading the other "stuff", and need a laugh. The character growth is excellently developed in a very believable way
believable. It's like spending time with old friends.
believable. It's like spending time with old friends.
March 14, 2017
Another great one
Love this series and the characters. Can't wait til the next one! Keep them coming! Looking forward to the baby;)
Love this series and the characters. Can't wait til the next one! Keep them coming! Looking forward to the baby;)
August 4, 2017
3.5 stars.
July 17, 2017
Great #14
One of the best mystery series I've ever read. I love the interaction between Rafe & Savannah. Hope #15 finally has the baby born.
One of the best mystery series I've ever read. I love the interaction between Rafe & Savannah. Hope #15 finally has the baby born.
November 6, 2017
Another good one
I gave it this rating because it is excellent as usual for this author and this series. What else can I say ?
I gave it this rating because it is excellent as usual for this author and this series. What else can I say ?
August 23, 2019
Love these characters and the book
March 7, 2017
Maybe the best so far
I loved this book. A little different than some of the previous ones. Savannah's mother is an integral part of the story and shows a different side than we usually see. I love the addition of Pearl to the mix. Rafe is called by Sheriff Satterfield to help in the investigation of 7 murders. Savannah who is 7months pregnant is right by his side. The plot has many twists and turns and the conclusion is surprising. The other plot which is going on is whether Yvonne will be able to inherit Beulah Odom's restaurant or if her family will find a way to stop it. The relationship between Race and Savannah is a true partnership and it seems like she has been pregnant for way more than 7months. The sort was riveting and I enjoyed seeing how Margaret is developing and how she is able to remain strong and take charge when needed. I am just now wondering what their next adventure will be.
I loved this book. A little different than some of the previous ones. Savannah's mother is an integral part of the story and shows a different side than we usually see. I love the addition of Pearl to the mix. Rafe is called by Sheriff Satterfield to help in the investigation of 7 murders. Savannah who is 7months pregnant is right by his side. The plot has many twists and turns and the conclusion is surprising. The other plot which is going on is whether Yvonne will be able to inherit Beulah Odom's restaurant or if her family will find a way to stop it. The relationship between Race and Savannah is a true partnership and it seems like she has been pregnant for way more than 7months. The sort was riveting and I enjoyed seeing how Margaret is developing and how she is able to remain strong and take charge when needed. I am just now wondering what their next adventure will be.
March 13, 2017
Bad Dept
Seven people dead . Killer on the loose, plenty of mystery, action, and of course suspense. This is an awesome series, I enjoyed all of her books, and love the characters in this series.
Seven people dead . Killer on the loose, plenty of mystery, action, and of course suspense. This is an awesome series, I enjoyed all of her books, and love the characters in this series.
March 8, 2017
A Winning Combination!
I can't wait for each Savannah Martin (Collier!) book to release. I download & immediately devour it!! This one is an absolute thrill ride!! TBI Agent Rafe Collier is called back to Sweetwater to help investigate multiple murders. Seven months pregnant wife, Savannah, decides to hitch a ride & visit with her family. Lots of red herrings abound as the plot thickens & becomes more entangled. Throw in the wonderfully loving, high-charged relationship between Savannah & Rafe, & you have a phenomenal book! Jenna Bennett does it again!
I can't wait for each Savannah Martin (Collier!) book to release. I download & immediately devour it!! This one is an absolute thrill ride!! TBI Agent Rafe Collier is called back to Sweetwater to help investigate multiple murders. Seven months pregnant wife, Savannah, decides to hitch a ride & visit with her family. Lots of red herrings abound as the plot thickens & becomes more entangled. Throw in the wonderfully loving, high-charged relationship between Savannah & Rafe, & you have a phenomenal book! Jenna Bennett does it again!
March 11, 2017
Love this series. Great book
March 10, 2017
My favorite series!!
I love this series and can't wait for the next book. I am waiting for tje baby and hoping it's a girl!
I love this series and can't wait for the next book. I am waiting for tje baby and hoping it's a girl!
September 10, 2024
Loved it!!!! As always. I love the story. I love the relationships that between the characters. I enjoy Rafe and Margret building a relationship. I wish the dog would've went with Savannah but staying with her mom works too. I wish I could a read book from Rafe point of view but beggars and all. I like this series I'm gonna hate when it ends. It's my brain candy that I read over and over.
July 15, 2019
Loved the entire series. Is there hope for more from Savannah and Rafe and the new baby? And we need to know about Yvonne too!
March 14, 2017
I love this series but this book wasn't what I expected. The mystery was there, and a lot was happening but their were not many suspects so when it did end I wasn't surprised as to who it was. And then the reason was like seriously… But I'm looking forward to the next installment.
March 27, 2017
Woohoo!!
Another great Savannah mystery! The fabulous author always delights with great plots, twists and unexpected turns!! I just hope she us busy with book #15 in the series as I can't wait for more!!
Another great Savannah mystery! The fabulous author always delights with great plots, twists and unexpected turns!! I just hope she us busy with book #15 in the series as I can't wait for more!!
April 2, 2017
Great but left opening for another book.
Great but left opening for another book, so I can't wait. Just read 6 0f them in a row. Still needs better proofing.
Great but left opening for another book, so I can't wait. Just read 6 0f them in a row. Still needs better proofing.
April 14, 2017
One of the best in this series!
Really good story. I liked how each of the characters keep evolving. I love the humor in the books and the relationships among the characters. I'm looking forward to Savannahs and Rafes baby being born. I hope this series continues. I would miss the characters and the storylines. Ms. Bennett gets better with every book.
Really good story. I liked how each of the characters keep evolving. I love the humor in the books and the relationships among the characters. I'm looking forward to Savannahs and Rafes baby being born. I hope this series continues. I would miss the characters and the storylines. Ms. Bennett gets better with every book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews