Bitter Brew

A Savannah Reid Mystery #24

by G.A. McKevett

Although P.I. Savannah Reid always has a lot on her plate, she would drop just about anything for a friend in trouble. But when good intentions pull her into a toxic murder case, Savannah’s days as San Carmelita’s most full-figured detective might be running out...

Savannah is shaken to the core when coroner Dr. Jennifer Liu appears on her doorstep late one night with a disturbing confession. In a potentially career-ruining move, a remorseful Dr. Liu admits to fudging an autopsy report to keep her friend Brianne’s suicide a secret—fulfilling a final promise made before the terminally ill woman administered a lethal drug cocktail. But after Dr. Liu finds the same unique mixture in a second body, she fears the deaths share a dark connection...

Apprehensive about concealing a felony, Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency launch a discreet investigation into Brianne’s rare condition and the deadly concoction linking the two bodies. As chilling evidence points to an undeniable case of double murder, the agency races to slim down the suspect list and blow the lid off a shifty criminal’s poisonous agenda. Savannah only hopes that, like Dr. Liu, her desire to help a friend won’t put her reputation at risk—or, worse, land her on the next slab...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Audiobook, Adult

283 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 30, 2019

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

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

It has been a pleasure for a number of years visiting Savannah Reid, family, and friends. The 24th book was not disappointed as short-lived right along. Dr. Jennifer Liu made a surprise visit late one night. She did an autopsy on a best friend and stated the wrong cause of death. Jeanne did another autopsy another person and the cause of death was the same as her friend. Savannah agreed to investigate and keep it a secret. Dirk is doing a stakeout on a drug house. He doesn't want Savannah around and she is wondering if he wants to leave her. Does Savannah find how two strangers with the same disease managed to kill themselves with the same mixture of drugs? What Dirk up that he doesn't want anyone around?
I highly recommend this book and series.

Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Savannah's friend Dr. Jennifer Liu shows up on her doorstep late one evening to confess something and to ask for her help she becomes worried. Dr. Liu falsified a friends autopsy report from suicide to natural causes but it is starting to look like she was actually murdered. You see the doctor has another body cross her autopsy table and his death looks identical to her friends. He didn't commit suicide so what caused both of them to die. They both have rare disease that runs in their families but it takes the disease a longer time to actually kill the person. Savannah wants to help the doctor figure out what is going on she just isn't use to going at things solo. The doctor asked her not to tell anyone so she will just have to do her best, luckily her husband is having to work a bunch of late nights and double shifts so he won't notice what she is up to. During her investigation she realizes that she needs to pull her people in she just can't go it alone. They soon determine that it is a double homicide and start looking at what the two victims had in common. Will they be able to find the killer before someone else ends up on the autopsy table? Follow along as the agency garners clues into who the killer might actually be. Will the be able to find the killer and keep Dr. Liu from prison. This is a wonderful series that is filled with a group of characters that you will become attached to immediately. I always love the plots that the author comes up with and look forward to visiting with some favored characters.

I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah is upset and shocked when her friend the Coroner shows up at her door saying she had falsified and autopsy and could go to jail. Dr Liu says she covered up her friends suicide because of a promise she made. Dr Liu finds the same poison in another body and is sure it is murder. Savannah agrees and with her husband sets out to find who did it and why. This book did have a serious mood with the talk of rare diseases and how little help there is for them. I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others in the series.

[RO G'ma · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Brew is the 24th book in G. A. McKevett’s Savannah Reid Mystery awesome series. The author provides enough character background that this book can be read as a standalone without the reader feeling lost. The storyline is well thought out, and the well-developed characters are affable. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and full of compassion and caring. The author addresses incurable genetic diseases, and she handles the issues involved with dealing them with great respect and compassion. This quickly paced whodunit kept me guessing until the surprising reveal. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys reading light, cozy mysteries.

Savannah Reid, a former detective turned private investigator, and her husband, Detective Sergeant Dirk Coulter, are about to celebrate their one-year anniversary. Savannah’s friend who is also the local medical examiner, Dr. Jennifer Liu, shows up on her doorstep in the middle of a stormy night with a serious problem she hopes Savannah can help her with. Dr. Liu’s best friend, Brianne Marston, was afflicted by an incurable genetic disease and when she passed away, Dr. Liu believed her friend decided to commit suicide rather than suffer the way her mother did and falsified the autopsy report and death certificate. When Nels Farrow, a successful, local real estate broker who suffered from the same disease, suddenly dies, Dr. Liu’s autopsy reveals Brianne and Nels deaths may have involved foul play. Even though she knows she faces possible imprisonment and the loss of her medical license, she wants Savannah to find the truth, and if Brianne and Nels were murdered, she wants to make sure the murderer pay for his crime. Savannah is the owner of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency in San Carmelita, California, but Dr. Liu asks her to keep the matter to herself. Shortly after Savannah starts looking into things. Dr. Liu agrees to allow Tammy, Savannah’s talented assistant, best friend, and sister-in-law, help because her research abilities are invaluable. Once both Savannah and Dr. Liu are convinced two murders have been committed, they bring in the entire Moonlight Magnolia team to help track down the culprit.


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

[Kathy Nealen · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery took a back seat to Savannah’s personal and family life in this episode. Then it rushed to a conclusion in the last few chapters. It did give the regular characters some more depth.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 24th book in the Savannah Reid series. Reading a Savannah Reid series is like visiting with an old friend. In this installment Savannah is enlisted to help Dr. Liu. She is investigating on her own without the Moonlight Magnolia team because Dr. Liu doesn't want anyone else to know she is in trouble. But Savannah isn't the only one keeping secrets. Dirk is keeping a pretty big one from Savannah.


This book is a little bit different in that the Magnolia team doesn't investigate together until almost the end of the book. Savannah and Dirk also spend most of the book avoiding each other because they feel guilty about keeping a secret from the other. However, the book still had all the things that I love about a Savannah Reid book. It had of course plenty of Granny Reid. And when we saw the Magnolia gang it was like they were involved in the entire book. I loved how the investigation Savannah was working on was to help Dr. Liu and we got to learn more about the doctor that we see in almost every book. All in all this was a great book. I am curious though to see what happens with Tammy and Waycross in the next book.

[Linda Quick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! This one grabbed me from the very first page and kept me hooked until the very last page. In this novel, we get to see another side of, and learn more about, the mysterious Dr. Liu, In a career, and freedom, jeopardizing move, Dr. Liu concealed the cause of death, suicide, of her best friend. When additional events have her questioning that death, she approaches Savannah to discretely investigate.

This is a mystery with depth that touches on people living with, or facing the likelihood of, an untreatable genetic disease. If you, or someone close to you, faces something similar, this will tug on your heart strings, however, the author treats it with respect and compassion. She even went so far as to make up a disease so as to not touch too closely to someone's actual struggle.

If you enjoy a mystery with heart, compassion, and a bit of humor and romance, you will love this book. While this is part of a series, this is a stand alone novel, however, the series is so good that you really owe to yourself to read them all. This one is a must read. The author is on my must read authors' list and this is my favorite book of hers thus far.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah and her family and friends have tackled many mysteries over the years, but this mystery hits too close to home. If she can't solve it, a dear friend will go to jail - forever.

When Savannah's friend, Dr. Jennifer Liu, comes to her with a problem, Savannah is in over her head and for once, can't turn to Dirk for help. Dr. Liu, falsified autopsy results for a close friend to hide the fact that the friend committed suicide. Now, another person has died, in the same manner as Dr. Liu's friend. A murderer is on the loose and no one knows who the next victim will be.

During the search for the killer, Waycross and Tammy are faced with their own life-threatening situation and the Magnolia Detective Agency braces for a possibly tragic event. While this book was very serious and at times sad, G.A.McKevett delivers a book full of compassion and hope that readers will love. I enjoyed the "red herrings" in the mystery and couldn't put the book down,

Reading a Savannah Reid book is like visiting with family and I can't wait for the next visit with the Magnolia Detective Agency.

I received an ARC, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Bitter Brew" earns 5/5 Tainted Tonics...Entertaining & Engaging!

Savannah and Dirk's first anniversary didn't go as planned...sabotaged by his captain and interrupted by questionable professional ethics on display. But, it's coroner Dr. Lui's revelation/confession that sets off a serious examination of a friend's terminal illness and the mysterious connection between some suspicious deaths. Savannah has agreed to help, but she needs to keep it on the "q-t," no telling her detective husband. Her assistance comes in a unique manner. McKevett penned a compelling story in a third-person narrative, and although not my favorite perspective, it was well-written with a steady pace, limited extraneous activities, vivid descriptions, and rich characters. Even with a serious topic, this book was not devoid of humor. I am new to the series, and although I was prepared that much has happened in this now twenty-four books, I didn't feel I was at a disadvantage. Enough references were made about background and character connections to keep me engaged...all the way to a great conclusion!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bitter Brew by G. A. McKevett is the 24th book in the Savannah Reid Mystery series, and another great addition. I love this series, and reading a new book is like visiting old friends. Savannah is a private investigator who owns the Midnight Magnolia Detective Agency and her husband Dirk, is a police detective. When Dr. Liu, the coroner, admits to Savannah that she changed her friends autopsy report so it did not show suicide, and now more people are dying of the same lethal cocktail the investing begins. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.

I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Savannah Reid and family cozy series. Another who-done-it that I didn't figure out until the last chapter.

When Savannah Reid is asked to investigate the death of her her BFF's friend, Brianne Martson Savannah finds herself torn between honoring Dr. Jennifer Lui's request to keep everything a secret and having to tell lies to her husband, Dirk, and fellow team members of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency.

The charming southern belle with her smart mouth, and her full sized figure uses her whiles to get information.

I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington through Net Galley.

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

[Rbucci · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice cozy mystery involving serious subject matter.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first time I've run across a killer whose victims are the terminally ill. Along with that main mystery, there are a couple of mysteries involving interpersonal relationships. These help to flesh out the characters more.

I had a little trouble getting into the book at the very beginning as the author outlined the gift giving trouble between Savannah and her husband Dirk. Honestly, it made him sound very unlikeable. And more, it made it sound like she didn't like him much. It becomes evident as the book goes on that this is not the case. I don't think of this as a spoiler because the characters have a long-standing relationship.

The book moves along at a good pace. I found myself wanting to know what happened next and what the resolution to the mysteries would be.

While this is the 24th book in the Savannah Reid mystery series, there is enough information given so that you can enjoy the book without having read prior books in the series. No doubt though, your experience would be richer if you are already familiar with the characters from previous books.

Overall, I gave this mystery 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written, moves along at a good pace, and has interesting mysteries. The only really slow part for me was the part about the gift giving. I think it was included to add depth to the characters, and for that it works.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This has not influenced my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

[Christopher Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Read! I love this series, reading these books is like visiting old friends. This one had a surprising twist in the end 😊

[Anne · Rating 3 out of 5]

It seems like many of the books I've been reading lately are baby crazy. Vanna, the newest Reid member, is mentioned a lot and Savannah's inability to get pregnant. It eventually ends, but Vanna still pops up.

The mystery aspect was more simple than usual, and, I think, the story shorter . It was nice it featured a little used secondary character even though she could have gotten more page time.

So, I enjoyed the story as usual, but wasn't impressed with it.

2.5/5

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

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I never get tired of this series. Time spent with Savanah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency is reading time well spent. Savanah is a former detective and is newly married to Detective Sergeant Dick Coulter. Along with her close knit team, cases are solved. This time, however, she is asked to do a solo investigation by a professional friend. Dr. Jennifer Liu is the local medical examiner and has a serious problem, one she brings to Savanah, to help her solve. Awhile back, Dr. Liu declared the cause of death of a friend as natural causes rather than suicide, she thought that was that. When another body comes to her morgue with the same profile and she is calling it murder...does the suicide of her friend become a murder as well?
Savanah has never gone solo but is willing to help, that is until it becomes clear to her that she needs the help of her team. It was nice to get to know more about Dr. Liu after many books. The usual humor balances out the more serious themes of the mystery and I found the mystery very satisfying. If you are new to this well written series, no worries, it works as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher, Kensington and to NetGalley, for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Clwseattle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bitter Brew is a very unusual Savannah Reid mystery. It is depressing and sad, lacking the usual Southern charm, sass and wit. And, more than half of it is less a mystery and more a shocking and atypical lack of confidence and optimism by Savannah.

It's clear from the 'Author's Note' (and from reading the book) that the story was written around the suffering of those with fatal genetic disease, rather than Savannah and her posse of loved ones. While that is a worthwhile subject and well covered in Bitter Brew it is done with detriment to the core of the Savannah Reid mysteries we've come to know. Every beloved character is subsequent to the story around the disease. It could have been woven much more tightly so our characters didn't lose what makes them special to us readers.

While I learned quite a bit, the book is a disappointment, which is quite a sting (and I hope not a trend) because I did not enjoy the Granny stand-alone, Murder in Her Stocking either. I abandoned Joanne Fluke's Hannah Swenson mysteries and Leslie Meier's Lucy Stone mysteries a few years ago. I would hate to lose Savannah Reid, too.

Sorry, but only 3 stars.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Princess Fuzzypants here: I love Savannah. I enjoy her southern style and expressions. I love how confident she is within her own body and I love how she is smart, savvy and capable. No damsel in distress here. If there was, as in this book, it is Savannah to the rescue with her trusty team. This time, her friend Lucy needs her help. In trying to hide the fact that her best friend committed suicide Lucy fudges the official death report.
It is not until another similar death occurs that Lucy realizes her friend may not have committed suicide but has been murdered. Revealing her deception will be the end of her career and may put her in prison.
She calls upon Savannah to use utmost secrecy and discretion until they know for sure something nefarious occurred. It seems Savannah is not the only keeping secrets. It appears both her husband and brother are hiding something very serious that could change her life dramatically.
The characters are so well drawn and there is that charming southern wit and humour throughout. If you have yet to meet Savannah, I would recommend an introduction. In fact, her series would make some good vacation reading.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.

[Patricia Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Savannah Reid Mystery #24
Although P.I. Savannah Reid always has a lot on her plate, she would drop just about anything for a friend in trouble. But when good intentions pull her into a toxic murder case, Savannah’s days as San Carmelita’s most full-figured detective might be running out...

Savannah and her Magnolia Detective Agency are back! This quirky group of characters had me from book one. 

This time Savannah is shocked almost speechless when the perfect Dr. Jen confides in her that she has done something awful and needs her help. The catch? She can not tell a soul. Now Savannah is fudging truth with her detective hubby and her granny. When another body pops up with the same thing in their systems, they now are investigating two murders. 

While Savannah is busy finding the truth, she isn't sure what her hubby is up to. He's being very secretive and Savannah is sure he has found someone else. With everything topsy-turvey, Dr. Jen decides to come clean and allow the entire team to work on the case. And my what a shocker!

I learned so much about fatal, hereditary diseases and how different people handle all of the decisions that must be made. This was simply a great read! I cannot wait for #25.

[Grace Koshida · Rating 4 out of 5]

PI Savannah Reid is shocked when her coroner friend Dr. Jennifer Liu arrives in the middle of the night with a disturbing confession. Dr. Liu admits to lying about an autopsy report's findings in order to keep her best friend Brianne’s suicide a secret. Brianne had been suffering from Halsted's disease and took a lethal drug cocktail to end her life. But when Dr. Liu finds the same unique drug concoction in the body of Nels Farrow, she fears both people were murdered. Apprehensive about concealing a felony, Savannah launches a solo investigation into Brianne’s final days. Both Brianne and Nels had been part of a support group for people dealing with rare chronic diseases. Did another member aid them in their quest to end their suffering?

Meanwhile on the personal front, Savannah has to deal with odd behaviours from her detective husband Dirk and her younger brother Waycross.

This was another great read in the long-running Savannah Reid mystery series.

I received an eARC via Netgalley and Kensington with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

[Gwen · Rating 3 out of 5]

In a world where genetics impacts health, this book is timely. The core mystery is whether two people with a hereditary disease were murdered, which in turn leads to other some ethical questions: is a suicide pact ok? is someone who encouraged people to commit suicide, and even livestream it, liable for murder? is the decision to have children who may (or, may not) inherit one's disease up to the individual, or others?

A subplot, however, is about opioid use, and abuse. Is one destined to abuse if other family members are substance abusers? Why does one person, but not another, have a reaction to opiates such that increasing dosages to nothing to lessen the pain, while others do not build up this tolerance?

Savannah and her team, including Gran, sister-in-law Tammy, hubby Dirk, and more get to work to help Dr. Liu, who suspects foul play in two different deaths. The complication? As a favor to her closest and oldest friend, she does not write 'suicide' on the death certificate. In the end, the gang cracks the problem, she confesses and ... things end well, at least, for the innocent.

[J Messina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book in the Savannah Reid series. Thank you NetGalley and Kensington for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. It was a wonderful introduction to the series, and I have purchased all 23 previous books. The book is well written, I really wanted to know more about the main story, as it very well appeared that Brianne had been murdered, and did not commit suicide. The author got me interested in what was going on between Savannah and Dirk, and I really liked Dr. Jennifer Liu, she was quite a character! A favorite for me was Granny Reid - I do hope she is present in many of the previous books. What I liked about Bitter Brew was that there were many things happening simultaneously, Brianne's death was not the only focus of the book, which allowed for more character development and appreciation. While I still have the 23 previous books to read, I am looking forward to the next book in the series, and I will also check out the spin-off series featuring Granny Reid. I will definitely recommend this books to friends and co-workers who read cozy mysteries.

[LittleRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Reid receives a call for help from her friend Dr. Jennifer Liu, the local coroner. It seems when Dr. Liu’s bff died from a horrible, she had promised that she would hide the fact that her friend had committed suicide rather than suffer. But when a second man stricken with the same disease turns up dead, it looks like murder, not suicide and Savannah agrees to look into things.

I simply adore how the author took on several life threatening diseases and addressed them in this book. This is book 24 in the series, but it is my first introduction to it. I absolutely love Southern transplant, Savannah Reid! She’s a strong female character with heart, soul, and smarts. What’s not to love? Love when I find series I enjoy and there are a bunch of previous books I can devour and catch up. Looking forward to this one!

[Kathleen Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dr. Jennifer Lu knows she was wrong when she wasn't honest about Brianne's cause of death. She didn't want Brianne's friends and family to think she committed suicide but now, as she tells Savannah, she's found the same unusual and lethal drug combination in Nels, who, oddly enough, had the same genetic medical condition as Brianne. She's convinced there's a murderer out there and so is Savannah so against good judgment (when has that ever stopped a cozy heroine?) she investigates. She is careful not to involve her husband Dirk, who has enough on his own law enforcement plate. This might be the 24th (!) book in the series but it's perfectly readable and enjoyable as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. The mystery in these books is always less important, to my mind, than the interaction between the characters and McKevett writes good ones.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah Reid owner of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency is always ready to help a friend in trouble. However, she never expected that friend to be Dr. Jennifer Liu. Dr. Liu is the town’s coroner. She fudged her friend’s cause of death to natural instead of suicide. However, now that another person has died of the same disease and has an identical drug cocktail mix in his system, Dr Liu knows something is wrong. In spite of the pending trouble to her career, Dr. Liu wants this investigated.

While investigating, Savannah is worried about trouble with her marriage. Dirk seems to be keeping secrets. And her brother seems to have the flu in addition to his broken leg. Will life ever get back to normal?

This is #24 in the Savannah Reid mysteries. I have enjoyed every one of them. If you haven’t tried these before, now is the time to start with Bitter Brew.

[Nese · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I finish each book in this series, I look forward to the next one because reading it is more like a warm and welcoming visit with loving relatives. The vivid descriptions Savannah’s beautiful garden, delicious food she prepares, loving relations, quirky characters, and a suspenseful murder mystery keep you coming back for more. This book is not different with one exception: a terrifying and twisted individual who belongs to suicide groups to instigate and encourage people with incurable diseases or depression to commit suicide and records it while they are doing it to broadcast after the fact. The murder mystery is well-thought-out but this is a cozy mystery not a horror book. The very end of the book is enough to give me nightmares I don’t know for how long. I don’t like violent books or movies and this is a turn off.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the latest installment of the Savannah Reid series the story follows Savannah as she investigates a potential double murder. A friend of Savannah, medical examiner Dr. Jennifer Liu shows up late one night on her doorstep to confess that she falsified an autopsy report of a friend who she thought committed suicide. Now as she has performed another autopsy she finds this person died of the same drug cocktail as her friend. She begins to question if there isn’t something else going on. She asks Savannah to investigate and keep it quiet. Once they determine they are investigating a double murder the entire team gets involved. This was a very interesting and different mystery dealing with some very sensitive topics. The author handled this all very well. Enjoyed.

[Shari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great entry in the series. The mysteries and problems in this one are all personal as marriages and friendships are tested. Savannah must find a way to help her friend, Dr. Jennifer Liu, out of a personal and professional predicament, while keeping the details from her family and friends, especially her law enforcement husband, Dirk, as it would put him in the middle of an ethical dilemma. But it isn't so easy to keep things from those you love and trust, especially when it seems as if they are keeping secrets as well. Things get more and more complicated until everyone decides to reveal their secrets and trust each other. It takes everyone working together to finally get this family put back together and catch a killer in the process. A great read!

[Genevieve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would have thought that by a 24th book in a series that it would be boring or lost some of it flair. In this case the book just keep getting better and better. Savannah is approched by her friend Jenn the coroner about a case that she can't tell any one not even Dirk about it. Plus Dirk seems to be having his own secrets. Has he gotten tired of Savannah? Is he meeting his mistress when he is out on a stakeout?
I love these characters Savannah and Dirk are a fantastic couple of characters and throw in Granny, Tammy and Waycross and you have a fabulous cast. Ryan and John were very small characters in this book which is a shame since I love them
The story line was great with lots of humor, descriptions and a great mystery. I am waiting eagerily for the next book.