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Granny Reid #1
Murder in Her Stocking
Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can't keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side.
This season, there are plenty. First, an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit's identity, and it turns out that Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list. Soon, suspects are piling up like presents on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the future of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th....
This season, there are plenty. First, an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit's identity, and it turns out that Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list. Soon, suspects are piling up like presents on Christmas morning.
Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the future of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th....
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 30, 2018
418 people are currently reading
2535 people want to read
About the author
G.A. McKevett
34 books727 followersSince 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.
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 262 reviews
October 30, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking by G.A. McKevett is the first book in the new A Granny Reid Mystery series. This series however seems to be a prequel spin off series to the author’s long running Savannah Reid series featuring Savannah’s grandmother Stella Reid.
Stella Reid is a grandmother to seven young children who’s mother isn’t the best role model ever often choosing to go out and drink than watch her kids leaving Stella to pick up the slack. Stella is not one to back down to anyone or any challenge though and those kids mean the world to her.
When Stella is out one night though she hears a scream and when going to investigate she finds Prissy Carr in the alley behind the tavern. With the help of her grandkids Stella knows a murderer is on the loose and she’ll do whatever it takes to find them before Christmas.
Again I have accidentally stumbled into a series that while this is the beginning it’s also a spin off leaving me the feeling that I was missing something or other when I started reading. For me that feeling that things weren’t introduced as new to readers leaves me a bit disconnected to a story.
Stella “Granny” Reid also seemed to be doing a lot more interacting with the kids than solving a murder, which makes sense when her granddaughter will become a sleuth herself one day, but that also seemed to slow this down a bit. I think fans of the original series will probably love this one but not being familiar with it myself it was just an OK read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
Stella Reid is a grandmother to seven young children who’s mother isn’t the best role model ever often choosing to go out and drink than watch her kids leaving Stella to pick up the slack. Stella is not one to back down to anyone or any challenge though and those kids mean the world to her.
When Stella is out one night though she hears a scream and when going to investigate she finds Prissy Carr in the alley behind the tavern. With the help of her grandkids Stella knows a murderer is on the loose and she’ll do whatever it takes to find them before Christmas.
Again I have accidentally stumbled into a series that while this is the beginning it’s also a spin off leaving me the feeling that I was missing something or other when I started reading. For me that feeling that things weren’t introduced as new to readers leaves me a bit disconnected to a story.
Stella “Granny” Reid also seemed to be doing a lot more interacting with the kids than solving a murder, which makes sense when her granddaughter will become a sleuth herself one day, but that also seemed to slow this down a bit. I think fans of the original series will probably love this one but not being familiar with it myself it was just an OK read.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
December 17, 2018
I absolutely loved this book. I can not wait for the next one. This is a story of a 50+Grandma taking care of her 6 grandchildren because their mom is a drunk and their dad would rather stay away than come home and raise them. This Grandma is no nonsense but also loves them with all her heart. To teach them values and wrong from right and there are consequences and they love her in return. There is a part at the beginning when her grandson had me laughing so hard because of something that a man had said to Stella in front of the kids. Also there is a murder and Stella helps the sheriff solve it. Also Stella's best friend and neighbor is dealing with an abusive husband. I could not stop reading this.
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
I received this from NetGalley for an honest review.
March 7, 2020
The main characters to get into are Stella & Sheriff Gilford.
Stella “Granny” Reid is the heroine, with courage & humility solving any problem in the small town of McGill. The town’s sheriff...and her “close” friend is Sheriff Gilford.
Stella has 7 grandchildren, Savannah, the oldest, protects her other sisters against her abusive “mom” & tells Stella “everything”. Shirley (her mom) is always in the town’s “Bull Dog” tavern - a drunk & drug addict.
Shirley is Stella’s daughter-in-law. Stella is Savannah’s grandmother.
Savannah helps her sisters escape threats from mom, reporting mom’s abuse, drinking & drug problems to Stella.
At the town’s “Bull Dog” tavern, Shirley claims she sees a stranger strangling someone escaping in a alley.
One mystery Stella & Sheriff Gilford have is to get Shirley’s confession seeing a “strange” man murder the “naughty” woman at the tavern, a “dirty” long haired bearded man - her drug dealer? And arrests him with a long-term prison charge.
Shirley needs to confess lies, eliminate “abuse” child charges, change her life of drugs/drinking & better love her 7 children - in order to see her own children again.
I enjoyed the book. The relationship between Stella & Sheriff Gilford grow “close”with a Merry Christmas especially as the couple goes on in the book.
Savannah’s relationship with Stella “Granny” Reid grows. Stella/Sheriff Gilford always running/solving mysteries together makes it a fast read.
Stella “Granny” Reid is the heroine, with courage & humility solving any problem in the small town of McGill. The town’s sheriff...and her “close” friend is Sheriff Gilford.
Stella has 7 grandchildren, Savannah, the oldest, protects her other sisters against her abusive “mom” & tells Stella “everything”. Shirley (her mom) is always in the town’s “Bull Dog” tavern - a drunk & drug addict.
Shirley is Stella’s daughter-in-law. Stella is Savannah’s grandmother.
Savannah helps her sisters escape threats from mom, reporting mom’s abuse, drinking & drug problems to Stella.
At the town’s “Bull Dog” tavern, Shirley claims she sees a stranger strangling someone escaping in a alley.
One mystery Stella & Sheriff Gilford have is to get Shirley’s confession seeing a “strange” man murder the “naughty” woman at the tavern, a “dirty” long haired bearded man - her drug dealer? And arrests him with a long-term prison charge.
Shirley needs to confess lies, eliminate “abuse” child charges, change her life of drugs/drinking & better love her 7 children - in order to see her own children again.
I enjoyed the book. The relationship between Stella & Sheriff Gilford grow “close”with a Merry Christmas especially as the couple goes on in the book.
Savannah’s relationship with Stella “Granny” Reid grows. Stella/Sheriff Gilford always running/solving mysteries together makes it a fast read.
August 25, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking is an exciting start to the new Granny Reid series by G. A. McKevett.
This story goes back to a time that will leave you laughing and crying, and hoping the story never ends.
We learn how all 7 of her grandchildren come to live with Granny Reid and the heroics of a young Savannah.
I read this book in two days, only because I had to get some sleep in between.
I love this first in a new series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
This story goes back to a time that will leave you laughing and crying, and hoping the story never ends.
We learn how all 7 of her grandchildren come to live with Granny Reid and the heroics of a young Savannah.
I read this book in two days, only because I had to get some sleep in between.
I love this first in a new series and cannot wait to read the next book in the series.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.
October 21, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking by G. A. McKevett is a stand alone mystery that is also a prequel to her popular Savannah Reid mystery series. As a mystery it stands alone, but much of the book is also exposition for Savannah Reid and others of the Reid family. Because this was the first book in the series for me, I was somewhat at a loss as it began, feeling as if I should know these characters better than I did.
The story of the Reid family, and Granny Reid in particular, is more prominent than the mystery itself. Throughout the novel there was emphasis on creating the atmosphere of the poverty stricken Reid family in the hardscrabble town of McGill, Georgia. The narrative was made up of an abundance of colloquialisms and other southern phrases, some more famous than others. There was a familiarity in these initially that helped to create the book’s atmosphere, but they became somewhat redundant as they were used so often they created a feeling the author had a list of sayings she was determined to include before the book ended.
Overall, the story of the Reid family comes across as a bit cliche. It’s the typical portrayal of the simple, but good, uneducated southerners who have hearts as good as gold and an abundance of common sense. The story is written to occur at Christmas, during a cold winter, but the feel is more consistent with barefoot children shuffling down a dirt road on a long hot summer’s day and adults spending the majority of their time gossiping about the other adults in their small community while fanning themselves with a hand-held funeral home fan.
Until the final few chapters, it was only with an occasional reference to the cold, or to a typical Christmas activity such as buying a tree, that would remind me the story actually took place in December. The timing was made clear in the prologue of the story, but was quickly forgotten as I became engaged in the story itself.
I found the mystery of “who done it” easy to solve, as well as the process to lead to the unmasking of the murderer which was a bit of a mystery of its own. Because the solution of the murder was not as central to the book as some of the other storylines, there were some good clues, but not many red herrings. This resulted in the feeling more of reading a novel about the Reid family than a mystery novel with well identified suspects, clues and false trails. As such, it may be more enjoyable for people who are acquainted with the Savannah Reid mystery series and who would like more information on her early days, along with more in depth information on the early years of her family.
The story of the Reid family, and Granny Reid in particular, is more prominent than the mystery itself. Throughout the novel there was emphasis on creating the atmosphere of the poverty stricken Reid family in the hardscrabble town of McGill, Georgia. The narrative was made up of an abundance of colloquialisms and other southern phrases, some more famous than others. There was a familiarity in these initially that helped to create the book’s atmosphere, but they became somewhat redundant as they were used so often they created a feeling the author had a list of sayings she was determined to include before the book ended.
Overall, the story of the Reid family comes across as a bit cliche. It’s the typical portrayal of the simple, but good, uneducated southerners who have hearts as good as gold and an abundance of common sense. The story is written to occur at Christmas, during a cold winter, but the feel is more consistent with barefoot children shuffling down a dirt road on a long hot summer’s day and adults spending the majority of their time gossiping about the other adults in their small community while fanning themselves with a hand-held funeral home fan.
Until the final few chapters, it was only with an occasional reference to the cold, or to a typical Christmas activity such as buying a tree, that would remind me the story actually took place in December. The timing was made clear in the prologue of the story, but was quickly forgotten as I became engaged in the story itself.
I found the mystery of “who done it” easy to solve, as well as the process to lead to the unmasking of the murderer which was a bit of a mystery of its own. Because the solution of the murder was not as central to the book as some of the other storylines, there were some good clues, but not many red herrings. This resulted in the feeling more of reading a novel about the Reid family than a mystery novel with well identified suspects, clues and false trails. As such, it may be more enjoyable for people who are acquainted with the Savannah Reid mystery series and who would like more information on her early days, along with more in depth information on the early years of her family.
November 2, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking is a great start to a new series that is an off shoot to the Samantha Reid series. I have not read the series but this story has gotten me interested in looking into it. As the story starts, Stella "Granny" Reid is spending time with her adult grandchildren and friends at Christmas time when she is thinking back to another Christmas thirty years ago in McGill, Georgia-a Christmas that was good but also had some sadness. I was drawn in from the beginning and laughing out loud at the dialect, witty conversation between Granny and her seven "grand-angels," all named for towns in Georgia where their mother had lived. Stella is the only responsible person in the children's life. Their father, Macon, Stella's son, is on the road all the time and never around to help with the children while their mother, Shirley, spends all of her time at the local tavern. Savannah is the oldest and is very mature for a twelve year old because she has to look after the others. Waycross is the only boy and second to the oldest. Savannah devours Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys books and plans to become a policewoman when she grows up.
She gets her chance at detective work when she and Stella along with Waycross hear a dying scream one night while taking care of some mischief that Waycross had gotten into. The local lady of the night, Priscilla Carr, has been injured and is dying when Stella reaches her after securing the kids at the sheriff's office. Many wives in the town have reason to kill Prissy but so do others-men who spent time with her. Besides the mystery of who killed Prissy, there is a secondary mystery when Bud, the abusive husband of Stella's friend Flo's, disappears after a big fight with Flo.
This story is rich with small town colorful characters who love to gossip and know each other's business but also show support in a time of need. Stella and her son's family are poor as dirt but she is rich in love and respect for others, especially with her grand-angels. When Christmas Day arrives, Stella and the children have a special day with friends and a few lovely surprises.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. The opinions stated are mine only.
She gets her chance at detective work when she and Stella along with Waycross hear a dying scream one night while taking care of some mischief that Waycross had gotten into. The local lady of the night, Priscilla Carr, has been injured and is dying when Stella reaches her after securing the kids at the sheriff's office. Many wives in the town have reason to kill Prissy but so do others-men who spent time with her. Besides the mystery of who killed Prissy, there is a secondary mystery when Bud, the abusive husband of Stella's friend Flo's, disappears after a big fight with Flo.
This story is rich with small town colorful characters who love to gossip and know each other's business but also show support in a time of need. Stella and her son's family are poor as dirt but she is rich in love and respect for others, especially with her grand-angels. When Christmas Day arrives, Stella and the children have a special day with friends and a few lovely surprises.
I received a complimentary ARC from Kensington Publishing through NetGalley for an honest review. The opinions stated are mine only.
December 21, 2018
Definitely my favorite cozy of the year! This was the sweetest book. Part women's fiction, dash of romance and gentle cozy. Loved granny Reid so much!
September 8, 2018
I love G A Mckevett Savannah Reid series so I was excited to learn Granny Reid was getting her own series. This story takes place before the Reid kids came to live with Granny. Granny, Savannah and Waycross are out and her a woman scream. Granny sends the kids to the police station and goes back to help the person. She is of course too late. The sherif asks for her help and of course Savannah helps as she wants to be a policewoman when she is older.
The book also shows how the kids came to live with Granny and how living with their mother was like. I enjoyed seeing the kids when they were small and to see that their personalities didn't change when they got older. I liked seeing Savannah and Granny team up just like always. This book had everything that I love about this series . It always makes me happy to read about the Reid family. I know need to reread all of my Savannah books now. That's how much I love this book. Great first book in a series .
The book also shows how the kids came to live with Granny and how living with their mother was like. I enjoyed seeing the kids when they were small and to see that their personalities didn't change when they got older. I liked seeing Savannah and Granny team up just like always. This book had everything that I love about this series . It always makes me happy to read about the Reid family. I know need to reread all of my Savannah books now. That's how much I love this book. Great first book in a series .
November 12, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking by G.A. McKevett is the first book in the new A Granny Reid Mystery series. This is actually a prequel series to her successful Savannah Reid series. This series goes back to the 1980s when Stella, Granny Reid, is taking care of her grandchildren as her no-good son isn't around and her daughter-in-law is drinking and carousing instead of being home looking after her seven children. Those kids mean the world to her, and she will do whatever she can to keep them safe and make them happy.
The children are fun, normal kids who are not bad, but do make some inappropriate decisions. When Stella, and two of the kids are out fixing a mistake made by Waycross, they hear a scream. When going to investigate Stella finds Prissy Carr in the alley behind the tavern, dying. She sends the kids to the sheriff's office and she stays with Prissy hearing her dying words. She feels bad about the murder, even though most of the women in town are rather happy that their husbands will no longer be stepping out with Prissy. With so many not caring about the death, Stella is determined not to let someone get away with murder.
This is an introduction to a new series, as well as a prequel to another, so this book seems to spend more time on the family and their situation than on the actual mystery and sleuthing. That being said, I did enjoy the southern setting, expressions and situations. This story takes place during the recession of the 80s so there is a lot of financial issues as well, but the town comes together to make sure the kids have a wonderful Christmas. I loved the expressions used by Stella and the kids.
"You don't have the sense God gave liverwurst, and your heart's nothin' but a thumpin' gizzard."
"When that child has a mind to, she clams up tighter than a bullfrog's keister in a bucket of ice water."
This is a book that although this is a mystery to solve, is also about a family dealing with financial issues, a dysfunctional mother, a loving grandmother who wants to help, and a town that sticks together to help one another. I will read the next book in this series to see if the mystery becomes the central part of the story or just a back story to the family situation. If you enjoy a book with a down home southern feel, some humour, family angst and a mystery, then this series will be for you. I listened to this book and enjoyed the author's narration, especially with the southern drawl, although many of the voices sounded the same.
The children are fun, normal kids who are not bad, but do make some inappropriate decisions. When Stella, and two of the kids are out fixing a mistake made by Waycross, they hear a scream. When going to investigate Stella finds Prissy Carr in the alley behind the tavern, dying. She sends the kids to the sheriff's office and she stays with Prissy hearing her dying words. She feels bad about the murder, even though most of the women in town are rather happy that their husbands will no longer be stepping out with Prissy. With so many not caring about the death, Stella is determined not to let someone get away with murder.
This is an introduction to a new series, as well as a prequel to another, so this book seems to spend more time on the family and their situation than on the actual mystery and sleuthing. That being said, I did enjoy the southern setting, expressions and situations. This story takes place during the recession of the 80s so there is a lot of financial issues as well, but the town comes together to make sure the kids have a wonderful Christmas. I loved the expressions used by Stella and the kids.
"You don't have the sense God gave liverwurst, and your heart's nothin' but a thumpin' gizzard."
"When that child has a mind to, she clams up tighter than a bullfrog's keister in a bucket of ice water."
This is a book that although this is a mystery to solve, is also about a family dealing with financial issues, a dysfunctional mother, a loving grandmother who wants to help, and a town that sticks together to help one another. I will read the next book in this series to see if the mystery becomes the central part of the story or just a back story to the family situation. If you enjoy a book with a down home southern feel, some humour, family angst and a mystery, then this series will be for you. I listened to this book and enjoyed the author's narration, especially with the southern drawl, although many of the voices sounded the same.
November 7, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking is the first Granny Reid mystery, and it's the first book I've read by G.A. McKevett. I loved the uniqueness of this cozy mystery. This story is set in the 80s and visits Stella Reid and her grandchildren during the Christmas season. There's been a murder and Stella is trying to help the sheriff solve it. In addition to that, she is dealing with her daughter-in-law Shirley mistreating her seven children. There was a great deal of character and story development taking place outside of the mystery. This read a lot like an inspirational/women's fiction featuring a mystery. Murder in Her Stocking dealt with heavier issues than you would typically find in a cozy and made for a solid story.
The story is tender and full of Christmas magic. Being set in Georgia, there was plenty of Southern sayings and some had me laughing out loud. I am looking forward to visiting with Granny Reid and her grand-angels again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in preparation for a book tour. My opinion is my own and isn't influenced in any way.
The story is tender and full of Christmas magic. Being set in Georgia, there was plenty of Southern sayings and some had me laughing out loud. I am looking forward to visiting with Granny Reid and her grand-angels again.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley to read in preparation for a book tour. My opinion is my own and isn't influenced in any way.
September 16, 2018
Granny Reid, from the Savannah Reid Mystery series, is the headliner of this new series.
It's all about the love as the Moonlight Magnolia Agency gathers on Christmas Eve, remembering the events leading up to the first Christmas the Reid children spent with their beloved Granny as their guardian is the basis of this story.
Raising 7 children ages 11-6 in small town McGill Georgia has Stella Reid stretched. Finding herself holding Prissy Carr as she takes her last breath, Stella is determined to do right by Priscilla by helping Sheriff Manny Gilford investigate the murder.
Meeting a young Savannah and seeing the dynamic woman who shaped her was a true cozy experience.
I am looking forward to more Granny Reid stories.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley
It's all about the love as the Moonlight Magnolia Agency gathers on Christmas Eve, remembering the events leading up to the first Christmas the Reid children spent with their beloved Granny as their guardian is the basis of this story.
Raising 7 children ages 11-6 in small town McGill Georgia has Stella Reid stretched. Finding herself holding Prissy Carr as she takes her last breath, Stella is determined to do right by Priscilla by helping Sheriff Manny Gilford investigate the murder.
Meeting a young Savannah and seeing the dynamic woman who shaped her was a true cozy experience.
I am looking forward to more Granny Reid stories.
I volunteered to read an ARC through Net Galley
August 5, 2020
Murder in her Stocking by G.A.McKevett is the first book in the Granny Reid Mystery series. An offshoot of the Savannah Reid mysteries and told as a flashback to Christmas 30 years ago, it tells the story of how Granny Reid gains custody of her grandchildren while together with 12 year old Savannah helps with solving the murder of Prissy Carr, the towns prostitute. I love the Savannah Reid series and it was nice to be taken back to see how Savannah got her interest in solving crimes. It was interesting to learn more about her grandmother, Stella Reid, her parents and her many siblings. A lovely, warm and cozy story although I still prefer the original series.
October 30, 2018
I've written this review for Really Into This
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
MURDER IN HER STOCKING BY G.A. MCKEVETT BOOK REVIEW
A cozy mystery set in the South with a strong matriarch? Heck, yes!
PREQUELS FOR THE WIN
Similar to Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke, Murder in Her Stocking revisits a beloved mystery series with a prequel. truth be told, I’m brand new to the Savannah Reid series. But, as soon as I saw the heartwarming holiday cover for Murder in Her Stocking, I was desperate to read it. Starting a new series is so exciting, If you love the characters and the setting, you know you’ll be in for a long road of beloved stories. Luckily for readers, the Granny Reid series is a winner.
STELLA REID
Stella is such an awesome character. First, she’s hilarious & keeps it REAL. She’s not putting on airs, trying to be someone else. When the going gets tough, she looks at the task at hand & figures out a way to get the job done.
While this is a cozy mystery, G.A. Mc Kevett doesn’t shy away from serious issues. For example, Stella is so involved with her grandkids because her son, a long haul truck driver, is basically absent from their lives. Their mother, who can often be found on a barstool, is not any better. Now, I usually like my cozies to be absent of anything too rough, but this storyline melts my heart. We all know people in a similar situation as Stella. I’m talking about the people who sign up to care for kids when they need it most. This is Stella Reid. if her grandkids need her, she’s there for each & every one of them. She will fight tooth & nail to make sure they get what they need.
GEORGIA SETTING
Oh, I just love that this series is set in McGill, Georgia. This means the characters speak with a Southern dialect. YES! For me, this makes the story all the more real. G.A. McKevett throws some awesome sayings into the dialogue that will have you rolling with laughter.
In Murder in Her Stocking, Mc Kevett introduces us to a cast of characters I’m looking forward to learning more about. Well, there’s the sheriff & I may see some sparks flying between him & Granny. There’s Stella’s neighbor with troubles of her own. Undoubtedly, Mc Kevett will continue to explore the dynamic between Stella & her son & daughter-in-law as well. Basically, I’ve met these folks & I want to know more about them!
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book. I love starting a new series & I’m really excited about this one!
Check out my interview with the author, G.A. Mc Kevett aka Sonja Massie here.
Special thanks to G. A. McKevett & Kensington Books for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
Check out all of our reviews at https://reallyintothis.com
Happy Reading, friends!
MURDER IN HER STOCKING BY G.A. MCKEVETT BOOK REVIEW
A cozy mystery set in the South with a strong matriarch? Heck, yes!
PREQUELS FOR THE WIN
Similar to Christmas Cake Murder by Joanne Fluke, Murder in Her Stocking revisits a beloved mystery series with a prequel. truth be told, I’m brand new to the Savannah Reid series. But, as soon as I saw the heartwarming holiday cover for Murder in Her Stocking, I was desperate to read it. Starting a new series is so exciting, If you love the characters and the setting, you know you’ll be in for a long road of beloved stories. Luckily for readers, the Granny Reid series is a winner.
STELLA REID
Stella is such an awesome character. First, she’s hilarious & keeps it REAL. She’s not putting on airs, trying to be someone else. When the going gets tough, she looks at the task at hand & figures out a way to get the job done.
While this is a cozy mystery, G.A. Mc Kevett doesn’t shy away from serious issues. For example, Stella is so involved with her grandkids because her son, a long haul truck driver, is basically absent from their lives. Their mother, who can often be found on a barstool, is not any better. Now, I usually like my cozies to be absent of anything too rough, but this storyline melts my heart. We all know people in a similar situation as Stella. I’m talking about the people who sign up to care for kids when they need it most. This is Stella Reid. if her grandkids need her, she’s there for each & every one of them. She will fight tooth & nail to make sure they get what they need.
GEORGIA SETTING
Oh, I just love that this series is set in McGill, Georgia. This means the characters speak with a Southern dialect. YES! For me, this makes the story all the more real. G.A. McKevett throws some awesome sayings into the dialogue that will have you rolling with laughter.
In Murder in Her Stocking, Mc Kevett introduces us to a cast of characters I’m looking forward to learning more about. Well, there’s the sheriff & I may see some sparks flying between him & Granny. There’s Stella’s neighbor with troubles of her own. Undoubtedly, Mc Kevett will continue to explore the dynamic between Stella & her son & daughter-in-law as well. Basically, I’ve met these folks & I want to know more about them!
THE VERDICT
I am Really Into This book. I love starting a new series & I’m really excited about this one!
Check out my interview with the author, G.A. Mc Kevett aka Sonja Massie here.
Special thanks to G. A. McKevett & Kensington Books for providing our copy in exchange for an honest & fair review.
December 24, 2020
This one really worked for me. Can't wait to read the next one!
Happy holidays, everyone!
Happy holidays, everyone!
December 17, 2020
2.5 Stars
I read this book for a book club and if it wasn't for that, I probably would've quit halfway through. There is so much information on the family and the family drama that it takes away from the mystery. When I pick up a cozy mystery, I know that there will be small town drama. This one had just a little too much of that and not enough mystery.
Also, I read a couple reviews and now know that this is a prequel to the author's more popular series. I can see that, but I don't read the other books and I feel like only fans of that series will enjoy this. I will not continue with the series.
I read this book for a book club and if it wasn't for that, I probably would've quit halfway through. There is so much information on the family and the family drama that it takes away from the mystery. When I pick up a cozy mystery, I know that there will be small town drama. This one had just a little too much of that and not enough mystery.
Also, I read a couple reviews and now know that this is a prequel to the author's more popular series. I can see that, but I don't read the other books and I feel like only fans of that series will enjoy this. I will not continue with the series.
October 24, 2018
If you have read the Savannah Reid books and always loved Grandma Reid, here's your chance to learn how the Reid gang came to live with Grandma. The story begins in present day as Grandma Reid meets her newest great-grandchild, then takes us back to the early days of the Reid family's life. So much heartache, but all those children turned out so well, thanks largely to their grandmother. I look forward to the next book in the Granny Reid series
December 27, 2020
Murder in Her Stocking by G.A. McKevett was much more than the cozy mystery I was expecting it to be. This book had so much depth and while it is definitely plumb full of mysteries, there are also a lot of very serious moments, and some focus on abuse of different types. I can tell you that is not what I thought I was going to get, but it was a pleasant surprise to get something with so many important topics mixed in. It is set in the 1980s but didn't quite feel like it, and there are a lot of things that will transcend the years for the reader. I didn't put together that this series is a spin off from the author's Savannah Reid series until today, so I feel like I should dig into that one next before moving on. I did get the sense I was missing quite a bit of backstory, so I think it might be best to have read the other series first.
Even though I did feel like I was missing things, this book was still good as a standalone/beginning to a new series. I loved Stella and quite a few of the other characters, and the grandchildren were all so endearing. I also LOVED the setting of McGill, Georgia and was excited that this was Southern fiction on top of being both mysterious and heartfelt. There are some laugh-out-loud moments mixed in which I appreciated, and I felt like I was wrapped in a warm blanket while I was reading it. I did listen to the audio, which is narrated by Mil Nicholson, but I think I might go with reading the other books unless they are narrated by someone else. She did a good job but there were 'mouth' sounds that I could hear that bothered me.
Overall, Murder in Her Stocking is an enjoyable if sometimes sad read, and I will now be going back to the Savannah Reid series so I can relate myself with that storyline before coming back to these. If you like kickass grandmas who solve mysteries, this would be a great one to check out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
Even though I did feel like I was missing things, this book was still good as a standalone/beginning to a new series. I loved Stella and quite a few of the other characters, and the grandchildren were all so endearing. I also LOVED the setting of McGill, Georgia and was excited that this was Southern fiction on top of being both mysterious and heartfelt. There are some laugh-out-loud moments mixed in which I appreciated, and I felt like I was wrapped in a warm blanket while I was reading it. I did listen to the audio, which is narrated by Mil Nicholson, but I think I might go with reading the other books unless they are narrated by someone else. She did a good job but there were 'mouth' sounds that I could hear that bothered me.
Overall, Murder in Her Stocking is an enjoyable if sometimes sad read, and I will now be going back to the Savannah Reid series so I can relate myself with that storyline before coming back to these. If you like kickass grandmas who solve mysteries, this would be a great one to check out!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an advance review copy of this book, all opinions and thoughts are my own.
August 9, 2021
This first book in the Granny Reid Mystery series spends a good amount of page time setting the stage for future books to come, so, while there is a mystery, it plays second fiddle to the drama in Stella's domestic life.
Widowed for six years, she has a difficult relationship with her n'er do well daughter-in-law and is estranged from her absentee son. And that leaves Stella's seven (yes, seven!) grandchildren in dire straits. The kids are a riot, their mother infuriating and Stella's determination to love and nourish these neglected waifs inspiring. Loved this aspect of the story very much.
We're also introduced to some intriguing secondary characters, including a love interest for Stella. and the southern small town the series is set in. I'd consider this more of a women's fiction novel than a cozy mystery -- though the mystery is solid and packs a surprising punch. Have to say I'm a fan of the Reid clan and am eagerly moving on to book #3 now that I've read the first two.
Please note: some coarse language.
Widowed for six years, she has a difficult relationship with her n'er do well daughter-in-law and is estranged from her absentee son. And that leaves Stella's seven (yes, seven!) grandchildren in dire straits. The kids are a riot, their mother infuriating and Stella's determination to love and nourish these neglected waifs inspiring. Loved this aspect of the story very much.
We're also introduced to some intriguing secondary characters, including a love interest for Stella. and the southern small town the series is set in. I'd consider this more of a women's fiction novel than a cozy mystery -- though the mystery is solid and packs a surprising punch. Have to say I'm a fan of the Reid clan and am eagerly moving on to book #3 now that I've read the first two.
Please note: some coarse language.
October 10, 2018
Murder in Her Stocking is the first book in G. A. McKevett’s Granny Reid Mystery series. This delightful read had me laughing aloud one moment and then reaching for a box of tissues the next. The storyline is well thought out, the well-developed characters are affable, is full of compassion and caring, and the dialogue is witty and engaging. There’s some adult language, but no graphic violence or sexually explicit situations. This quickly paced whodunit kept me guessing until the reveal.
The Reid family and friends are gathered together on Christmas Eve in California and while Granny Reid is rocking her newborn great-granddaughter, Vanna Rose, she reminisces about the past. Her focus is on a Christmas season over thirty years earlier in McGill, Georgia, when her seven precious children came to live with her. Stella’s son, Macon, is an absentee father and her daughter-in-law, Shirley, neglects and abuses the children and spends too much time drinking in bars. While Stella Reid and two of her grandchildren, Savannah and Waycross, try to repair the town’s recently acquired nativity display that an “anonymous” person vandalized, trouble breaks out in the alley behind a tavern. After taking Savannah and Waycross to the nearby police station, Stella returns to the alley to help the person in distress and ends up holding Priscilla “Prissy” Carr in her arms as she takes her last breath. Prissy had a well-deserved reputation as a loose woman, but that doesn’t stop Stella from wanting to find her killer and provide peace in the afterlife for her. Savannah, who wants to be a policewoman when she grows up, wants to help her granny and Sheriff Manny Gilford solve the case. Small towns are notorious for their gossip circuits, and Stella stirs McGill’s up looking for clues. Stella and even Savannah, help Manny with his investigation into Prissy’s death and locating the “missing” husband of her friend, Florence Bagley.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
The Reid family and friends are gathered together on Christmas Eve in California and while Granny Reid is rocking her newborn great-granddaughter, Vanna Rose, she reminisces about the past. Her focus is on a Christmas season over thirty years earlier in McGill, Georgia, when her seven precious children came to live with her. Stella’s son, Macon, is an absentee father and her daughter-in-law, Shirley, neglects and abuses the children and spends too much time drinking in bars. While Stella Reid and two of her grandchildren, Savannah and Waycross, try to repair the town’s recently acquired nativity display that an “anonymous” person vandalized, trouble breaks out in the alley behind a tavern. After taking Savannah and Waycross to the nearby police station, Stella returns to the alley to help the person in distress and ends up holding Priscilla “Prissy” Carr in her arms as she takes her last breath. Prissy had a well-deserved reputation as a loose woman, but that doesn’t stop Stella from wanting to find her killer and provide peace in the afterlife for her. Savannah, who wants to be a policewoman when she grows up, wants to help her granny and Sheriff Manny Gilford solve the case. Small towns are notorious for their gossip circuits, and Stella stirs McGill’s up looking for clues. Stella and even Savannah, help Manny with his investigation into Prissy’s death and locating the “missing” husband of her friend, Florence Bagley.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
November 11, 2018
This is my introduction to the author and a new series entry intended as a prequel to the well-established Savannah Reid series. As such, this functions well as a standalone, although it took me a few chapters to get into the unique writing style. Very folksy; had me thinking it was not so much a cozy as literary fiction and slow southern, small town, down-home style of McGill, Georgia, at that.
Not so sure it is as much mystery as it is the story of the Reid family. Strong characterizations--Granny is bigger than life. Granny Reid, is the self-proclaimed caretaker of her seven grandchildren, her grand-angels. And Savannah (who will grow up to be second generation sleuth), the oldest at twelve, has had to grow up very quickly due to the fact that her absentee trucking father is on the road--most of the time and their mother occupies her bar stool--daily--and almost exclusively.
The story starts with Stella Reid (better known as Granny Reid) holding her great-grandchild at a Christmas gathering. She begins musing thirty years previous to more tumultuous times and a whole other Christmas. The artfully laid out plot is heavy with clichéd sayings and little glimmers of Granny's wisdom bestowed with love and guidance to the little ones. Heaven knows they get none from their mother, Shirley.
There is a murder and Granny takes on some sleuthing, along with Sheriff Gilford, though I loved that the sleuthing doesn't control the story--the Reid family does.
It's a sweet story told in slow, cozy style. It is, however, well paced, keeping the reader engaged. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley for this book tour and greatly appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Recommended as a great Christmas season entry to your TBR. This narrative will captivate cozy readers, literary fiction readers, and those who enjoy the work of women sleuths.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
Not so sure it is as much mystery as it is the story of the Reid family. Strong characterizations--Granny is bigger than life. Granny Reid, is the self-proclaimed caretaker of her seven grandchildren, her grand-angels. And Savannah (who will grow up to be second generation sleuth), the oldest at twelve, has had to grow up very quickly due to the fact that her absentee trucking father is on the road--most of the time and their mother occupies her bar stool--daily--and almost exclusively.
The story starts with Stella Reid (better known as Granny Reid) holding her great-grandchild at a Christmas gathering. She begins musing thirty years previous to more tumultuous times and a whole other Christmas. The artfully laid out plot is heavy with clichéd sayings and little glimmers of Granny's wisdom bestowed with love and guidance to the little ones. Heaven knows they get none from their mother, Shirley.
There is a murder and Granny takes on some sleuthing, along with Sheriff Gilford, though I loved that the sleuthing doesn't control the story--the Reid family does.
It's a sweet story told in slow, cozy style. It is, however, well paced, keeping the reader engaged. I received this ebook download from the publisher and NetGalley for this book tour and greatly appreciate the opportunity to read and review. Recommended as a great Christmas season entry to your TBR. This narrative will captivate cozy readers, literary fiction readers, and those who enjoy the work of women sleuths.
See my full review at https://rosepointpublishing.com/2018/...
October 10, 2018
This is the first Granny Reid Mystery that I have read and I really loved it. Besides the story around and finding the murderer which was hard to figure it out. Just when you thought you had it, you didn't., you had a story along with it relating to Granny Reid's family which really was a sad situation. You also saw the amount of friends that Granny had and how the small town came together for them plus her love of many years. There is a lot in this book to absorb but I just thought it was a wonderful mystery as well as story and would recommend this book highly for any one looking for a great story.
December 19, 2020
This is a good story; the mystery, however, is more of a side plot than anything else. What it really is about a struggling family in a small town in Georgia during the 1980s and the family bonds and friendships that gets one through trials and tribulations and, perhaps, the magic of Christmas. I really like the relationships within the family (except for one, which will become obvious as the reader progresses through the book) and the friendships that Granny has. Overall, it reads like general fiction but whatever you call it, it is a good story.
December 12, 2020
Eh...
Charming characters but the story moved too slowly.
And it was just a little too “folksy” for me.
I wondered why this started w/a flashback but apparently, this is a prequel series to the Savannah Reid Mysteries that this writer does. Granny is a character in those and this explains the childhood of Savannah & her early interest in crime solving.
And as someone who hadn't read that one, i wasn't lost which is a positive.
so if you're a fan of that series, i'd recommend this to you.
Charming characters but the story moved too slowly.
And it was just a little too “folksy” for me.
I wondered why this started w/a flashback but apparently, this is a prequel series to the Savannah Reid Mysteries that this writer does. Granny is a character in those and this explains the childhood of Savannah & her early interest in crime solving.
And as someone who hadn't read that one, i wasn't lost which is a positive.
so if you're a fan of that series, i'd recommend this to you.
October 11, 2018
This is the first book I've read by this author and it was a fun read. I hope for many more in this series. It was interesting enough for me to add her to my TBR pile. Granny Reid is a great character.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review - try this book even if you haven't read her other series.
I received an eARC from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review - try this book even if you haven't read her other series.
November 9, 2018
I have loved each and every Savannah Reid story many times over, so I was super excited for the very first Granny Reid mystery as she is an absolute favorite book character in out house and I was not disappointed far from it this book is an absolute treasure.
December 22, 2021
2.5 stars
I had no clue this was a prequel to another series when I picked this up. I think it caters mostly to already established fans of that series, to be honest. It failed to draw me in completely and it didn't contain as much Christmas spirit as I had hoped, judging by the cover.
I was expecting a kind of classic, cosy mystery with an old granny solving a "cosy" murder during Christmas, but what I got was instead a heartbreaking story about children being neglected and other kinds of human suffering.
It was a good enough story, but not what I expected or had mentally prepared for so it clashed perhaps a bit with my XMas spirit of planning to listen to something very cosy while decorating the tree.
I liked granny Reid. Feisty lady.
Her grandchildren sort of blurred together, except for the oldest. The one that's got a series of her own, I gathered.
The murders weren't all that exciting though. The first one was more tragic than anything else and the second one had it coming. Mostly, the murders took the backseat to the issue with the grandchildren and their problematic mother.
But it all worked out well. The horrible people got what they deserved and that felt good.
All in all enjoyable, but not the best book I've come across this year.
I might look into book two since it seems like a Halloween themed story - and Halloween is my one true weakness.
I had no clue this was a prequel to another series when I picked this up. I think it caters mostly to already established fans of that series, to be honest. It failed to draw me in completely and it didn't contain as much Christmas spirit as I had hoped, judging by the cover.
I was expecting a kind of classic, cosy mystery with an old granny solving a "cosy" murder during Christmas, but what I got was instead a heartbreaking story about children being neglected and other kinds of human suffering.
It was a good enough story, but not what I expected or had mentally prepared for so it clashed perhaps a bit with my XMas spirit of planning to listen to something very cosy while decorating the tree.
I liked granny Reid. Feisty lady.
Her grandchildren sort of blurred together, except for the oldest. The one that's got a series of her own, I gathered.
The murders weren't all that exciting though. The first one was more tragic than anything else and the second one had it coming. Mostly, the murders took the backseat to the issue with the grandchildren and their problematic mother.
But it all worked out well. The horrible people got what they deserved and that felt good.
All in all enjoyable, but not the best book I've come across this year.
I might look into book two since it seems like a Halloween themed story - and Halloween is my one true weakness.
August 6, 2020
"This has to be the absolute best Christmas ever."
This is the first book in the Granny Reid series. We are taken back 30 years to see where Savannah Reid started. A local woman with questionable morals is murdered and Granny along with Savannah jump into the investigation.
It was nice to get more information about Savannah's childhood and how she and her siblings ended up with her grandmother. I've always enjoyed when Granny Reid comes to visit Savannah in her own series.
The mystery had a few red herrings with lots of possible suspects. I enjoyed getting to know the townspeople of McGill, Georgia. Stella Reid is a good strong character that i really liked.
The element of child neglect was well handled. I was happy that Savannah, Marietta, Alma, Vidalia, Waycross, Cordelia and Jesup ended up with Stella. I had hoped that Sheriff Gilford would end up in the mix as well.
This was a quick easy read and I look forward to visiting Stella again soon.
3.5 stars
This is the first book in the Granny Reid series. We are taken back 30 years to see where Savannah Reid started. A local woman with questionable morals is murdered and Granny along with Savannah jump into the investigation.
It was nice to get more information about Savannah's childhood and how she and her siblings ended up with her grandmother. I've always enjoyed when Granny Reid comes to visit Savannah in her own series.
The mystery had a few red herrings with lots of possible suspects. I enjoyed getting to know the townspeople of McGill, Georgia. Stella Reid is a good strong character that i really liked.
The element of child neglect was well handled. I was happy that Savannah, Marietta, Alma, Vidalia, Waycross, Cordelia and Jesup ended up with Stella. I had hoped that Sheriff Gilford would end up in the mix as well.
This was a quick easy read and I look forward to visiting Stella again soon.
3.5 stars
March 18, 2019
Granny Reid is a fresh voice in the mystery scene, even though she's been in the background for many years. These books are set 30 years in the past, when Savannah and the rest of her siblings are just youngsters, growing up dirt poor in Georgia. Stella is just trying to be a good grandma, helping out when she can, but it's difficult when her son is never home and her daughter-in-law is drunk most of the time. So when a murder happens in the small town and Granny and two of her grandchildren are close enough to hear it, she gets her chance to show just what she's made of, and it's some tough stuff!
Read
October 30, 2018In this first book we are introduced to characters we are familiar with but are taken back thirty years to when they were kids and Granny was much younger. It's Christmas time in McGill, Georgia and the Reid children are staying with their Granny Reid while their mother is off partying. When the local nativity scene is vandalized and people are upset Granny has a feeling she already knows who the culprit is but not why he did it. Knowing that the vandalism must be fixed she comes up with a solution that should make everything better. While in the midst of fixing the nativity a scream rings out into the night. Granny immediately sends two of her grandkids for help while she checks out the situation. She comes across a young woman, Prissy, who is at deaths door. Prissy is known as the town whore and has no problem sleeping with married men. The list of suspects starts out small but when Granny realizes just how many married men the young woman has been with it seems never ending. Follow along as Granny tries to figure out who the killer is and at the same time keep her grandkids safe from a neglectful mother. Will she be able to find a killer? Will her grandkids pay for her wanting to take care of them? Dive in and answer these questions and more.
What a great start to what I hope is a long running series filled with characters I already love!
What a great start to what I hope is a long running series filled with characters I already love!
July 6, 2025
I love Granny Reid. My husband asked me why I was smiling. This book has plenty of humor to bring a smile. Plenty of diverse incidents. Plenty of fun, diverse characters. A cozy murder mystery with a touch of romance and faith in God. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
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