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Granny Reid #2
Murder in the Corn Maze
The roots of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency reach back to the 1980s in the little town of McGill, Georgia--where Stella Reid and her seven grandkids enjoy some spooky Halloween fun and stumble into murder . . .
It doesn't take cash, just some good old-fashioned creativity, to turn a pillowcase into a ghost costume or a trashcan into a suit of armor. So even if she has to stick to a budget, Stella Reid always makes holidays like Halloween memorable for twelve-year-old Savannah and the rest of her grandchildren.
After joining the other townspeople for trick-or-treating and the annual parade down Main Street, Granny Reid and the kids head to Judge Patterson's antebellum mansion, where a corn maze awaits. Most of the youngsters are too terrified to make it all the way to the middle. It's lucky for them, because when Savannah and Granny get there, it proves to be even scarier than they expected--half buried in the mud at the center of the maze lies a human skull.
The grisly discovery uncovers a mystery that stretches back decades--and seems to be related to the long-unsolved murder of Granny Reid's own part-Cherokee mother. After all this time, the culprit may be long gone . . . or still hiding among them. It'll be up to Granny to dig into this Southern town's history and a mess of old family secrets . . .
It doesn't take cash, just some good old-fashioned creativity, to turn a pillowcase into a ghost costume or a trashcan into a suit of armor. So even if she has to stick to a budget, Stella Reid always makes holidays like Halloween memorable for twelve-year-old Savannah and the rest of her grandchildren.
After joining the other townspeople for trick-or-treating and the annual parade down Main Street, Granny Reid and the kids head to Judge Patterson's antebellum mansion, where a corn maze awaits. Most of the youngsters are too terrified to make it all the way to the middle. It's lucky for them, because when Savannah and Granny get there, it proves to be even scarier than they expected--half buried in the mud at the center of the maze lies a human skull.
The grisly discovery uncovers a mystery that stretches back decades--and seems to be related to the long-unsolved murder of Granny Reid's own part-Cherokee mother. After all this time, the culprit may be long gone . . . or still hiding among them. It'll be up to Granny to dig into this Southern town's history and a mess of old family secrets . . .
280 pages, Hardcover
First published September 24, 2019
105 people are currently reading
899 people want to read
About the author
G.A. McKevett
34 books728 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 173 reviews
September 9, 2019
This was a new author to me, so I wasn't sure what to expect. 👀 I didn't love it. 👎 I found Stella annoying 🔪 (along with her extremely repetitive lusty thoughts about Manny), 🔥 and her grandkids were brats. 😠 In fact, Stella seems to spend half the time interacting with (chastising) her grandkids then involved in solving the mystery. 😳 Which slowed the story down to a crawl, it also was sadly lacking in anything Halloween related. ⛔ Which was why I requested it in the first place. That said, it wasn't ALL bad. 🙈 The mystery itself kept me engaged and turning the pages. 👍 But even that was rushed and far-fetched in the end. 👀
October 25, 2019
What a great book, took me a bit but I did figure out the mystery. But this is a twist.
September 6, 2019
Another great cozy read by G.A. McKevett as Granny Reid makes her second featured appearance.
Stella Reid is raising her seven grandchildren on her own. Thankfully her BFF Elsie Dingle is always willing to lend a hand and Sheriff Manny Giflord's friendship provides a comfort to all of her family.
When young Savannah finds skeletal remains at the town's corn maze Stella is hit with flashbacks to her discovery of her own murdered mother 40 years before. That Stella knows the latest victim makes it even more important for Stella to help find the serial killer from 40 years ago.
Emotionally moving as the sadness of tragedy that seems to be a large part of Stella's life is offset with the joy of seeing a young Savannah Reid, of Magnolia Detective Agency series, hone her detecting skills.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Press through Net Galley.
Stella Reid is raising her seven grandchildren on her own. Thankfully her BFF Elsie Dingle is always willing to lend a hand and Sheriff Manny Giflord's friendship provides a comfort to all of her family.
When young Savannah finds skeletal remains at the town's corn maze Stella is hit with flashbacks to her discovery of her own murdered mother 40 years before. That Stella knows the latest victim makes it even more important for Stella to help find the serial killer from 40 years ago.
Emotionally moving as the sadness of tragedy that seems to be a large part of Stella's life is offset with the joy of seeing a young Savannah Reid, of Magnolia Detective Agency series, hone her detecting skills.
I volunteered to read an ARC from Kensington Press through Net Galley.
October 11, 2019
Wow! I wish I could give this more than five stars! A terrific Book #2 in the Granny Reid mystery series, Murder in the Corn Maze, by G.A. McKevett, is a home run. Author McKevett knocks it right out of the park with this book about Granny Reid and her granddaughter finding the remains of a murder victim killed some 40 years previously. With the help of handsome sheriff Manny Gilford, Stella Reid (Granny) and oldest granddaughter Savannah Reid spend the rest of the book solving a seriously old crime with current-life implications. We learn much about Granny Reid and get some intriguing insights into the young Savannah (who, of course, has her own great G.A. McKevett series) and her interest in law enforcement techniques. This books makes you laugh, cry, and think! With seven grandchildren to raise, Stella Reid is a mix of wisdom, humor, patience and understandable exasperation (Marietta, we're talking about you!). By the end of each book, you want your own Granny Reid in your life! Hopefully Book #3 is on the way?
August 7, 2021
I dived into this second book in the Granny Reid series and didn't find myself floundering so I'd give it a thumbs up as a series you can read out of order. (Though I'm still going to go back and read book 1 -- it just had a longer hold at my library.)
Definitely a cozy mystery...but a bit more too...not quite suspense or thrillerish but it is about a serial killer and Stella (Granny Reid) has personal connections to these cold case murders. I liked the way the mystery played out, with Stella joining long time friend and sheriff in his investigation.
There's a lot of emotional layers in this novel too, which makes it not quiet cozy-ish as well. :-) But I enjoyed digging deep into Stella's backstory and the town's history as well as her houseful of seven (yes seven!) grandchildren she is now single parenting. I'm especially intrigued by thirteen-year-old Savannah who has a penchant for sleuthing as well. Definitely a series I will continue with.
Please note: some mild language
Definitely a cozy mystery...but a bit more too...not quite suspense or thrillerish but it is about a serial killer and Stella (Granny Reid) has personal connections to these cold case murders. I liked the way the mystery played out, with Stella joining long time friend and sheriff in his investigation.
There's a lot of emotional layers in this novel too, which makes it not quiet cozy-ish as well. :-) But I enjoyed digging deep into Stella's backstory and the town's history as well as her houseful of seven (yes seven!) grandchildren she is now single parenting. I'm especially intrigued by thirteen-year-old Savannah who has a penchant for sleuthing as well. Definitely a series I will continue with.
Please note: some mild language
September 10, 2019
This is the second book in the Granny Reid series. Stella Reid(Granny) has recently gained custody of her seven grandchildren. It's Halloween and Stella and the kids venture out to the annual Halloween parade decked out in their homemade and creative costumes. After the parade they head to Judge Patterson's planation where he has set up a corn maze and thanks to Stella's good friend, Elise, they have free tickets. The younger kids become too frightened to go in so they stay underneath the oak tree listening to the town librarian read The Legend of Sleepy Hollow while Stella takes Savannah and Waycross into the maze. While in the maze they get turned around and Savannah stumbles over a skeleton. Stella recognizes the dress on the body as belonging to Elsie's mother who disappeared forty years earlier. As more information about the case comes together it becomes clear that whoever killed Elsie's mother is the same person who killed Stella's mother many years ago. Stella, along with Savannah, who we get to see start honing her detective skills, help the sheriff, Manny Gilford find a killer.
I always love diving back into this world and its characters. I have long been a Savannah Reid fan and fell in love with Stella throughout the course of the books, so its wonderful for her to have a series of her own. It is so wonderful to see how everything started. We see Savannah as a twelve year old aspiring to be a police officer when she grows up and her relationship with her grandmother. I loved how the mystery was written and how everything was intertwined together. Highly recommend. I received this book from Net galley in an exchange for an honest review.
I always love diving back into this world and its characters. I have long been a Savannah Reid fan and fell in love with Stella throughout the course of the books, so its wonderful for her to have a series of her own. It is so wonderful to see how everything started. We see Savannah as a twelve year old aspiring to be a police officer when she grows up and her relationship with her grandmother. I loved how the mystery was written and how everything was intertwined together. Highly recommend. I received this book from Net galley in an exchange for an honest review.
September 30, 2019
Stella always liked to d all that she can for her grandchildren which includes making Halloween a fun and memorable holiday. She can't afford to buy all of them new costumes but with a little bit of ingenuity making them isn't hard at all and can be quite fun. After the town's Halloween parade is over everyone is looking forward to the annual Corn Maze that a local judge has on his property. Stella's longtime friend has gotten her tickets and the older kids are looking forward to it while the younger bunch get to enjoy story time. While making their way through the maze they become lost, her granddaughter decided to climb a tree to figure out where they are and ends up finding bones. The bones look like they have been there for years and it is a huge shock when Stella realizes she knows who it is. It comes at a bigger shock when she sees that the person was killed in the fashion her own mother was murdered. Stella knows that the bones belong to the mother of her best friend and that she needs to do.everything she can to help find the killer. Follow along as Stella, with the help of the Sheriff, and her oldest granddaughter search out clues to this decades old murder. Will she be able to shake out the murderer and finally know who killed her own kother? This was a great read that hooked me from the beginning, I didn't put it down until I had all the answers!
November 6, 2019
When I read the first book in this series, I didn’t know what to think. The same can be said of book two. Nearly half of the book is devoted to the day-to-day exploits of Granny Stella Reid and her grandchildren. Although the mystery takes up a good chunk of the book, it doesn’t really get going until the second half. Ultimately, though, the intrigue of the mystery overcomes the emphasis on Granny’s family life, making the book an enjoyable read.
The story begins when Stella Reid’s granddaughter, Savannah, stumbles upon a skull buried in the mud in the Halloween corn maze. It turns out to be that of a woman who disappeared decades earlier. The cold case is revived, and Granny’s friend Elsie Dingle must face the fact that her mother has been murdered. Granny, together with her close friend, Sheriff Manny Gilford, vows to help Elsie find out what happened to her mother.
After that shocking discovery, the book devolves into, mainly, an exploration of family (and other) relationships that, while pertinent to the overall story, don’t really advance the mystery plot. Fans of Ms. McKevett’s Savannah Reid series (to which the Granny Reid series is a prequel), may enjoy the repeated references to young Savannah’s intelligence and talent, but having never read the Savannah Reid series, I found them to be over-the-top.
The story takes off, however, when the investigation begins in earnest. There are enough twists and turns -- leading up to a heart-wrenching conclusion – to keep the reader on the edge of her seat. Although the perpetrator becomes obvious, both to the reader and to Granny, the climactic scene packs a powerful emotional punch.
By the end of the novel, any consternation about the excessive relationship arc is largely forgotten. In its place is the memory of an engaging mystery where justice triumphs.
The story begins when Stella Reid’s granddaughter, Savannah, stumbles upon a skull buried in the mud in the Halloween corn maze. It turns out to be that of a woman who disappeared decades earlier. The cold case is revived, and Granny’s friend Elsie Dingle must face the fact that her mother has been murdered. Granny, together with her close friend, Sheriff Manny Gilford, vows to help Elsie find out what happened to her mother.
After that shocking discovery, the book devolves into, mainly, an exploration of family (and other) relationships that, while pertinent to the overall story, don’t really advance the mystery plot. Fans of Ms. McKevett’s Savannah Reid series (to which the Granny Reid series is a prequel), may enjoy the repeated references to young Savannah’s intelligence and talent, but having never read the Savannah Reid series, I found them to be over-the-top.
The story takes off, however, when the investigation begins in earnest. There are enough twists and turns -- leading up to a heart-wrenching conclusion – to keep the reader on the edge of her seat. Although the perpetrator becomes obvious, both to the reader and to Granny, the climactic scene packs a powerful emotional punch.
By the end of the novel, any consternation about the excessive relationship arc is largely forgotten. In its place is the memory of an engaging mystery where justice triumphs.
October 7, 2020
"Who woulda thought that a shaggy ol' brown rug could change a nice little boy into a snarlin', spittin'-mad grizzly bear?"
This is the second trip to McGill, Georgia and the town is celebrating Halloween. Stella and the grandkids get free tickets to the local corn maze from Elsie. Savannah and Stella come out on the wrong side of the maze and discover a body in the woods.
I really enjoy this series. For those that don't read the Savannah Reid series, this is the prequel to it. It follows Savannah's grandmother, Stella as she raises her seven grandchildren.
The characters are well developed and believable. The Southern dialect gets a bit thick at times (and I am from the South!) but it does not generally distract from the story.
I love how strong Stella is. She has had a very hard life. We learn more about her childhood and that of her best friend, Elsie. It was nice to see that she and Sheriff Manny spent more time together. I will continue reading to see where that relationship goes.
The murderer eluded me until Manny realized who it was. I was deeply saddened by some of the revelations.
I enjoy learning about Savannah's life before she grew up and moved to California. You do not need to read her series before starting this one. It does give you some understanding of what is happening but it is not necessary.
I look forward to the next book.
This is the second trip to McGill, Georgia and the town is celebrating Halloween. Stella and the grandkids get free tickets to the local corn maze from Elsie. Savannah and Stella come out on the wrong side of the maze and discover a body in the woods.
I really enjoy this series. For those that don't read the Savannah Reid series, this is the prequel to it. It follows Savannah's grandmother, Stella as she raises her seven grandchildren.
The characters are well developed and believable. The Southern dialect gets a bit thick at times (and I am from the South!) but it does not generally distract from the story.
I love how strong Stella is. She has had a very hard life. We learn more about her childhood and that of her best friend, Elsie. It was nice to see that she and Sheriff Manny spent more time together. I will continue reading to see where that relationship goes.
The murderer eluded me until Manny realized who it was. I was deeply saddened by some of the revelations.
I enjoy learning about Savannah's life before she grew up and moved to California. You do not need to read her series before starting this one. It does give you some understanding of what is happening but it is not necessary.
I look forward to the next book.
September 30, 2022
I enjoyed this book! It is a bit cheesy, but that’s expected in a cozy mystery. I loved the humor in this book. It has some darkness to it when they’re solving the murder, but not too creepy. I don’t like creepy stories and was able to handle this one okay LOL. The story is centered around a grandma in her 50’s who is raising her 7 grandkids on her own. I believe the setting is based in the 80’s in a small town in Georgia. I enjoyed the small town, simple life where no cell phones are mentioned & when people used to sit on front porches to chat.
Triggers: descriptive explanations or murders, Alcohol consumption, mention of porn magazines, spousal & child abuse,
Triggers: descriptive explanations or murders, Alcohol consumption, mention of porn magazines, spousal & child abuse,
August 23, 2020
Well that certainly took a different turn and caught me by surprise.
February 19, 2020
I love Granny Reid and her 7 grandchildren. Throw in a sexy Sheriff and you have a great cast of characters. The story line was fun, fast moving and I couldn't put it down. I love the author's way of interspersing humor in the story teller and you can just see yourself having so much fun with these people. I love getting a chance to see Savannah from her own series earlier years.
July 1, 2021
Stella Reid is raising her seven grandkids, having gotten custody of them after their mom is jailed for abuse and their dad showed no interest in caring for them. Granny has her hands full, but she also has help from her best friend Elsie and her old boyfriend Manny, the sheriff. Savannah is the oldest grandchild and is now in sixth grade, but she is far older in demeanor and brains than her actual age. When she discovers a skeleton by the corn maze, she becomes an interested and helpful member in solving the cold case. This series features Granny Reid and her contemporaries but also gives readers a good look at a young Savannah. The plot is quite intricate and entertaining, but the characters are the most delightful part. The dialogue will take readers right into the south where poor folks had to scramble for a living, but where the goodness and love they have for family and friends, living the way the Bible taught them, shines through . . . despite the occasional sisterly squabbles over hair ribbons.
September 18, 2019
Series: A Granny Reid Mystery – Book 2
Author: G.A. McKevett
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
Publishing Date: September 24, 2019
The new addition to the “A Granny Reid Mystery” cozy mystery series from Kensington Books comes the fantastic captivating book Murder in the Corn Maze by G.A McKevett. This is an emotion-filled mystery full of intrigue, compassion, and ultimately, love. It will leave readers hearts begging for more, and a few tears on their cheeks.
Stella Reid is one of my favorite characters in a cozy mystery. She has a heart as big as the moon and loves her friends and family with all her being. Her seven grandkids, most of all. Even though her life has never been easy, and money is always short, her home and her life have always been filled with love, even at the worst of times. But when she discovers, with the help of one of her granddaughters, the body of a woman who was like a mother to her, it is almost more than she can take. But once again, Stella shows that love and compassion, with a touch of stubbornness and manipulation, can work for the good of those around her.
The characters in this cozy mystery have readers delighted, filled with a sense of right and wrong, good and bad. Stella, along with her mischievous grandkids, and loyal friends that she wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world keep readers content and enthusiastic until the last word is read. The killer learns that not all grannies are equal and some, like Stella, are a force to be reckoned with.
The writing is smooth and flawless. The plot is never far away, and the detail is just enough to keep readers reading with excitement. This cozy mystery book is fast-paced and easy to read. The twists and turns keep coming until the very end and will have readers on the edge of their seats.
I adore Stella Reid; her friends, and grandkids. I am thrilled when I can recommend a book so wholeheartedly and am happy to do so with this cozy mystery series and this the second book in the series. I hope everyone gets their hands on this unique book, and that Murder in the Corn Maze will be as thrilling to them as it was to me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
Author: G.A. McKevett
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Holiday
Publisher: Kensington Books
Page Count: 288
Publishing Date: September 24, 2019
The new addition to the “A Granny Reid Mystery” cozy mystery series from Kensington Books comes the fantastic captivating book Murder in the Corn Maze by G.A McKevett. This is an emotion-filled mystery full of intrigue, compassion, and ultimately, love. It will leave readers hearts begging for more, and a few tears on their cheeks.
Stella Reid is one of my favorite characters in a cozy mystery. She has a heart as big as the moon and loves her friends and family with all her being. Her seven grandkids, most of all. Even though her life has never been easy, and money is always short, her home and her life have always been filled with love, even at the worst of times. But when she discovers, with the help of one of her granddaughters, the body of a woman who was like a mother to her, it is almost more than she can take. But once again, Stella shows that love and compassion, with a touch of stubbornness and manipulation, can work for the good of those around her.
The characters in this cozy mystery have readers delighted, filled with a sense of right and wrong, good and bad. Stella, along with her mischievous grandkids, and loyal friends that she wouldn’t trade for all the money in the world keep readers content and enthusiastic until the last word is read. The killer learns that not all grannies are equal and some, like Stella, are a force to be reckoned with.
The writing is smooth and flawless. The plot is never far away, and the detail is just enough to keep readers reading with excitement. This cozy mystery book is fast-paced and easy to read. The twists and turns keep coming until the very end and will have readers on the edge of their seats.
I adore Stella Reid; her friends, and grandkids. I am thrilled when I can recommend a book so wholeheartedly and am happy to do so with this cozy mystery series and this the second book in the series. I hope everyone gets their hands on this unique book, and that Murder in the Corn Maze will be as thrilling to them as it was to me. I can’t wait to read the next one!
October 7, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is the second book in the Granny Reid Mystery series by G.A. McKevett.
Wow. I felt so sorry for Granny Reid and her grandkids. They had so little and the people who had so much were just dumb buttheads who didn’t appreciate all that they had acquired. I truly felt like this was almost a throwback to a different time when people treated their slaves so badly. I felt the same impact here with Granny and her grandkids. I try to imagine my own mother who is a grandma now trying to take care of a gaggle of kids like that. There is no way she would be able to keep up. But I guess you have to do what you have to do in these situations.
Granny couldn’t afford the one dollar entry fee into the Haunted Corn Maze. But Granny is just spunky and doesn’t take no for an answer. She will work for her and her grandkids way in. The uppity Judge looks down his nose at them all even when her kiddos win the costume contest then have to giveaway their prize to younger children who thought they had won. So grown up of them. More grown up than the judge acted during this story.
On their way through the maze, they lose their way and stumble over a dead body that Granny recognizes. The woman found was thought to have left town long ago. Now the police are finding clues similar to the death of Granny’s own mother. Could they have a serial killer on their hands.
I felt a bit depressed at the beginning just for the sake of how rude some of the people were to the Reids. I contemplated putting the book down since it made me so uncomfortable but I powered through it and I am so glad I did. The book lightened up and gave us some really fun scenes like when Granny cooked the Judge’s food wrong just to get his goat. Then another time Granny needed someone to watch the kids and she gave the town’s biggest gossip a tall tale about her and the sheriff Manny Gilford and some juicy details when she returned.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be picking up another book by this author and adding to my must read list.
Highly recommended.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Granny Reid Mystery series by G.A. McKevett.
Wow. I felt so sorry for Granny Reid and her grandkids. They had so little and the people who had so much were just dumb buttheads who didn’t appreciate all that they had acquired. I truly felt like this was almost a throwback to a different time when people treated their slaves so badly. I felt the same impact here with Granny and her grandkids. I try to imagine my own mother who is a grandma now trying to take care of a gaggle of kids like that. There is no way she would be able to keep up. But I guess you have to do what you have to do in these situations.
Granny couldn’t afford the one dollar entry fee into the Haunted Corn Maze. But Granny is just spunky and doesn’t take no for an answer. She will work for her and her grandkids way in. The uppity Judge looks down his nose at them all even when her kiddos win the costume contest then have to giveaway their prize to younger children who thought they had won. So grown up of them. More grown up than the judge acted during this story.
On their way through the maze, they lose their way and stumble over a dead body that Granny recognizes. The woman found was thought to have left town long ago. Now the police are finding clues similar to the death of Granny’s own mother. Could they have a serial killer on their hands.
I felt a bit depressed at the beginning just for the sake of how rude some of the people were to the Reids. I contemplated putting the book down since it made me so uncomfortable but I powered through it and I am so glad I did. The book lightened up and gave us some really fun scenes like when Granny cooked the Judge’s food wrong just to get his goat. Then another time Granny needed someone to watch the kids and she gave the town’s biggest gossip a tall tale about her and the sheriff Manny Gilford and some juicy details when she returned.
Overall, I really enjoyed this and will definitely be picking up another book by this author and adding to my must read list.
Highly recommended.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
September 29, 2019
I enjoyed this southern mystery and especially Stella and Savanah. Stella is such a sweet detective and it's amazing the strength she has to raise her 7 grandchildren. I love how that aspect is so well described...the chaos of getting the kids to get along with each other and keep track of them seems so daunting. I love that there is a spark of romance developing and I can't wait to learn even more about Stella and her family. Savannah was smart and wonderful and I love how grownup she seems. Her passion for becoming a police officer and her earnestness were adorable and she was a great character (which is a great tie in for the other mystery series about her as an adult detective).
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If you are looking for a very southern themed book, than this is it All of the characters have very southern accents and vocabulary. For me, it got a bit over the top at times - there were entire conversations that seemed to all just be southern slangy expressions. I did love the description of the town, the corn maze, and the fall atmosphere.
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The mystery was very dark, and got way more upsetting as the story went on and more misdeeds were uncovered. All the characters in this book had tragedies in their past and they all became linked in part in this mystery. The ending actually gave me chills and I felt so uncomfortable, which isn't very common for me to feel in cozy mysteries. The details of the past and the murders and trauma from Stella's past were a stark contrast to the cozy atmosphere and other happenings in the book - it was almost a little jarring.
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I look forward to reading more of this series. Thank you Kensington books for a free copy of this book; I was happy to give my honest thoughts.
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If you are looking for a very southern themed book, than this is it All of the characters have very southern accents and vocabulary. For me, it got a bit over the top at times - there were entire conversations that seemed to all just be southern slangy expressions. I did love the description of the town, the corn maze, and the fall atmosphere.
_
The mystery was very dark, and got way more upsetting as the story went on and more misdeeds were uncovered. All the characters in this book had tragedies in their past and they all became linked in part in this mystery. The ending actually gave me chills and I felt so uncomfortable, which isn't very common for me to feel in cozy mysteries. The details of the past and the murders and trauma from Stella's past were a stark contrast to the cozy atmosphere and other happenings in the book - it was almost a little jarring.
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I look forward to reading more of this series. Thank you Kensington books for a free copy of this book; I was happy to give my honest thoughts.
August 9, 2019
Murder in the Corn Maze by G.A. McKevett. 5 stars
This is the second in a series featuring Granny Reid as the main character. But it doesn't take place in the present; the story happens when Stella Reid has just recently taken custody of her seven grandchildren. The Savannah we meet isn't the head of the Moonlight Magnolia Agency, but a child who loves reading Nancy Drew.
The scene opens with her seven grandchildren preparing for the town's Halloween Parade. Savannah and Waycross Reid are dressed as a Hunter and the Bear. The kids get to go to a plantation that has a corn maze. Granny, Savannah and Waycross venture into the maze and get lost. In an attempt to find a way out Savannah climbs a tree and slips. She finds a skeleton around the roots and screams. This is the beginning of an intriguing and well written mystery. All the main characters that populate McGill, Georgia are unique and well developed. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between Stella and Elsie and between Stella and Manny Gifford, the sheriff. This mystery is a reminder that crime and evil deeds have no boundaries and even in small town America there can be a darkness.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next Granny Reid Mystery. I will console myself with the next Savannah Reid Mystery - And the Killer Is.... that will be published in April 2020.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
This is the second in a series featuring Granny Reid as the main character. But it doesn't take place in the present; the story happens when Stella Reid has just recently taken custody of her seven grandchildren. The Savannah we meet isn't the head of the Moonlight Magnolia Agency, but a child who loves reading Nancy Drew.
The scene opens with her seven grandchildren preparing for the town's Halloween Parade. Savannah and Waycross Reid are dressed as a Hunter and the Bear. The kids get to go to a plantation that has a corn maze. Granny, Savannah and Waycross venture into the maze and get lost. In an attempt to find a way out Savannah climbs a tree and slips. She finds a skeleton around the roots and screams. This is the beginning of an intriguing and well written mystery. All the main characters that populate McGill, Georgia are unique and well developed. I especially enjoyed the dialogue between Stella and Elsie and between Stella and Manny Gifford, the sheriff. This mystery is a reminder that crime and evil deeds have no boundaries and even in small town America there can be a darkness.
I loved this book and can't wait for the next Granny Reid Mystery. I will console myself with the next Savannah Reid Mystery - And the Killer Is.... that will be published in April 2020.
Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.
September 7, 2019
This book goes back in time to when Savannah was growing up. It was Halloween and Granny Reid was taking Waycross and Savannah into the corn maze at Judge Patterson's Mansion, while the rest of their siblings listen to 'The Legend of Sleepy Hollow'. When Savannah stumbles across an actual corpse at the edge of the maze, and the body is one Granny Reid knows well, Granny & Savannah do all they can to help the Sheriff find out who the killer was.
I really enjoy reading the Savannah Reid mysteries. The ones with her growing up are set in the deep south, in McGill Georgia. Granny Reid didn't have two nickels to rub together but raised all those grandkids on love (and tough love in the case of Marietta, one of Savannah's headstrong younger sisters). I love the mix of love and wisdom that she sprinkles throughout the book. This is a fun, quick read, with a good mystery....... very enjoyable.
I really enjoy reading the Savannah Reid mysteries. The ones with her growing up are set in the deep south, in McGill Georgia. Granny Reid didn't have two nickels to rub together but raised all those grandkids on love (and tough love in the case of Marietta, one of Savannah's headstrong younger sisters). I love the mix of love and wisdom that she sprinkles throughout the book. This is a fun, quick read, with a good mystery....... very enjoyable.
November 10, 2019
Granny Reid is having issues with the middle grandchildren. They are fighting all the time over everything. When they go to the parade, they are offered tickets to go into the corn maze. While they are in the corn maze, they find the bones of the woman she called her second mother.
I felt that this book was set at an older time. A time where women and children were beaten and nothing was really done to stop it. The children worked with the parents working fields. They married super young to get away from bad situations, sometimes getting into worse ones. She works with the police officer in charge and they work to find out who murdered her mother and her friend's mother since they were both the same.
I really enjoyed this story and would be interested if there was another in the series. I also read these books out of order and have not read the first book.
I felt that this book was set at an older time. A time where women and children were beaten and nothing was really done to stop it. The children worked with the parents working fields. They married super young to get away from bad situations, sometimes getting into worse ones. She works with the police officer in charge and they work to find out who murdered her mother and her friend's mother since they were both the same.
I really enjoyed this story and would be interested if there was another in the series. I also read these books out of order and have not read the first book.
October 26, 2019
I really enjoy this series with Grandma Stella Reid ending up smack dab in the middle of murders in her small town. This newest installment features a cold case murder that tuns out to be a cold case and a serial killer case. This particular murder has close personal ties to Stella making her even more determined to solve the case. The story and mystery moved well and it’s a quick and easy read. There were several surprises along the way including a biggie at the end, that I did NOT see coming. All in all, a super enjoyable Halloween cozy. Can’t wait for the next story!
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
January 26, 2023
A fast cozy read set in Georgia. Stella Reid , a grandmother takes her seven
Grandkids to the Patterson Maze on Halloween where one of the children
Finds a human skull and Stella thinks she knows who it is. She notifies the
Sheriff and an investigation ensues. This mystery gives back decades in
Time and must be solved. There are secrets to uncover and kin to tell.
I recommend this book and series.
Grandkids to the Patterson Maze on Halloween where one of the children
Finds a human skull and Stella thinks she knows who it is. She notifies the
Sheriff and an investigation ensues. This mystery gives back decades in
Time and must be solved. There are secrets to uncover and kin to tell.
I recommend this book and series.
May 19, 2021
Stella is taking her grandkids to a Halloween corn maze. She and two of her grandchildren get lost and stumble upon a skeleton of a woman. Stella recognizes what she is wearing and knows it is her friend’s mother. She , her oldest grandchild and the sheriff have to put all the pieces together to figure out who did it and solve several old murders.
August 24, 2019
This is the second book I've read my this author and it does make me wonder how all the kids turned out. I may have to read the author's other series. I really like Granny Reid, the sheriff and Savannah. I also like getting to know the other characters who live in town. The mystery kept me guessing.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 30, 2021
This was a different kind of book than I usually read. It was good and the mystery was good it just had a little more edge to it than my typical cozy. I’m not sure it is actually considered a cozy but I did get find it interesting and I loved the main character and her grand kids are hysterical!
October 12, 2019
Although this story drags and is pretty slow going, I rather enjoyed it. It's definitely not what I call a cozy.
November 22, 2019
The folksy dialogue quickly becomes rather cloying in this cozy with an old bones/serial killer plot. The second-chance romance provides a pleasant touch.
December 18, 2025
It is a good story. It just didn't keep my attention as I hoped it would
September 27, 2019
We've all fallen in love with Savanah Reid and her quirky family, including glimpses of her big hearted, sharp witted, take no nonsense Granny! Now, in this new series (this is the 2nd book) we get to know Granny Reid and kids as they came to live with her. Their past and Granny's past comes to light. GA McKevett has woven a creative background with interesting stories that read well on their own but also tie in nicely to the Savanah series :) And, I've really enjoyed reading about the young Savanah!
November 24, 2021
I really enjoyed this book. It was a fun read. There was a surprise twist towards the end that I didn’t expect. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
August 19, 2019
A great cozy mystery and a great book.
It’s heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time, it moved and made me laugh.
It’s not easy to write this review because it’s hard to explain all the emotions this great reading experience made me feel.
The plot is well crafted mixing the sad and the funny moments, there’s a lot of character development and I found it entertaining and engrossing.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters from the previous installment and some new. All are fleshed out, Stella is realistic and lovely.
The mystery was darker and more complex than the usual cozy mystery and it kept me guessing.
It’s a book with strong themes like abuse, grief and healing. I think it’s more women’s fiction than a cozy mystery.
I look forward to reading the next .
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine
It’s heart wrenching and heartwarming at the same time, it moved and made me laugh.
It’s not easy to write this review because it’s hard to explain all the emotions this great reading experience made me feel.
The plot is well crafted mixing the sad and the funny moments, there’s a lot of character development and I found it entertaining and engrossing.
It was great to meet again the cast of characters from the previous installment and some new. All are fleshed out, Stella is realistic and lovely.
The mystery was darker and more complex than the usual cozy mystery and it kept me guessing.
It’s a book with strong themes like abuse, grief and healing. I think it’s more women’s fiction than a cozy mystery.
I look forward to reading the next .
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this arc, all opinions are mine
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