Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
After Carlita becomes a prime suspect in a murder investigation; she and Mercedes frantically hunt for Elvira who holds the key to clearing her name.

“Exes and Woes” is Book 14 in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series

BONUS: RECIPE INCLUDED!

---------------------------------------------

With Thanksgiving Day right around the corner, Carlita has big plans to host a friends and family feast at her restaurant. Meanwhile, Luigi is settling in and working for the Garlucci family, but she fears it may not work out.

Her neighbor, Dernice, offers Luigi a job working for EC Security Services since her sister, Elvira, is still MIA. Elvira’s disappearance takes an interesting turn when Dernice signs for a piece of mail belonging to her sister and makes a shocking discovery.

Even in her absence, Elvira manages to turn Carlita’s world upside down when a woman’s body is found inside a building Elvira recently purchased. To make matters worse, Carlita was one of the last people to see the woman alive.

In a desperate race against time, Carlita and Mercedes must track Elvira down and get to the bottom of her involvement in the woman’s death to clear Carlita’s name before it’s too late.

373 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 15, 2020

633 people are currently reading
75 people want to read

About the author

Hope Callaghan

184 books766 followers
Click the FOLLOW button to be notified of Hope Callaghan's new book releases!

Get New Releases, Giveaways, and FREE & Discounted Books at: https://hopecallaghan.com/newsletter
OR Text the word BOOKS to 33222

★ AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR ★
★ 2017 Mom's Choice Award ★

Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books.

She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.

Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.

When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling and reading books.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
760 (70%)
4 stars
241 (22%)
3 stars
66 (6%)
2 stars
8 (<1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
April 18, 2020
Exes & Woes is the fourteenth book in Hope Callaghan’s awesome Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery series. The storyline flows smoothly at a steady pace in this clean and enjoyable read. There are no dull moments as Ms. Callaghan once again provides readers with a well-plotted and intriguing mystery with a great storyline, affable characters, and an intriguing mystery with twists and red herrings that kept me turning the pages and guessing until the final reveal. I highly recommend all the books written by this author to readers who enjoy well-crafted cozy mysteries.

Carlita Garlucci’s businesses, Savannah Swag Pawn Shop and Ravello’s, are both turning a profit, and all of her apartments are rented. Thanksgiving is approaching, and while she will miss two of her sons and their families, she’s looking forward to hosting Thanksgiving dinner for her Savanna, Georgia children and friends. When Luigi Baruzzo, a former mafia bodyguard, made the decision to retire from the “family,” Carlita decided to give him a chance. Luigi rented her vacant efficiency and is working part-time at the pawn shop and restaurant, but things are a little tame for his tastes. Carlita has been worried about her neighbor, Elvira Cobb. Elvira is Carlita’s troublesome ex-tenant, who lives and operates businesses with her sister, Dernice. Elvira fell into a deep state of depression and recently took off, cleaning out one of their business accounts, leaving Dernice struggling to handle things. Carlita agrees to help Dernice figure out what’s happening with her sister, which leads Carlita, Dernice, and Luigi on a wild ride, and Carlita becomes a suspect in the murder of a woman whose body is found inside a building Elvira owns.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Profile Image for Meg.
229 reviews1 follower
May 13, 2020
Carlita has a big heart that always seems to get her into trouble. This time is no different as she tries to help Elvira’s sister Dernice track down information in Elvira’s absence. No matter where she is, Elvira seems to include Carlita and her family in her hair-brained schemes. Add in an additional character like Elvira’s daughter Zulilly, who is supposedly there on her mother’s request, and it is one escapade after another! Carlita is suspected of murder, Dernice has convinced Lugi to work for Elvira’s security service, and Elvira’s daughter seems to be hindering Elvira rather than helping.

Another well-written mystery by Hope Callaghan. I never tire of this series and already look forward to the next. The characters are well-developed and I am happy to see Carlita and Pirate Pete’s relationship is going forward. Ms. Callaghan writes her series with intrigue, humor and a bit of romance. A perfect cozy mystery. I received this book as a gift, all opinions expressed are my own.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,390 reviews
April 18, 2020
Hope Callaghan crafts another page turning well paced who dun it mystery. Explore Savanah history and attractions with a city tour and Tybee Island in the Fall with our delightful sleuth Carlita. Who isn't intrigues with Pirate Tales and Hidden Tunnels? Will Carlita's mafia past come back to haunt her family or will Luigi Baruzzo find a new path to follow? The troubles Carlita encounters makes the reader chuckle, especially since Carlita can never escape her nemesis Elvira, Elvira's sister and now Elvira's daughter Zulilly. The Southern Thanksgiving feast made me hungry. Eggplant Parmesan and Hot Milk Sponge Cake Recipes include.
58 reviews
April 24, 2020
#14 in the Savannah Series, is just as good as 1-13!!
The Garlucci's, Carlita and Mercedes get caught up in one of, neighbor, Elvira Cobb's schemes once again.
Life is always a rocky road where Elvira and murder come together.
We find out that Elvira has a husband and a daughter this time, and of course she disappears because of a land purchase, and other investments that she has secretly made.
Hope can always spin a good, clean, cozy mystery, that keeps your interest, throughout.
This could be a read alone, or as the series progresses, you become more enamored with the developing characters.
I would recommend this series or any of Ms Callaghan's to lovers of clean cozies.
141 reviews1 follower
May 3, 2022
Wow! I didn't see that happening!

Even tho this is book 14 in the series, you won't be bored reading this book. I love how the history of Savannah is weaved into the story line. The characters continue to be entertaining and some are always getting into trouble. A great read even if you haven't read the previous books.
16 reviews
April 24, 2020
This is a book you can't put down once you pick it up. It has scenes of Savannah that are described beautifully and mystery and arguments with the adults. Property in Florida which is being fought over. Murder and who did it.
Profile Image for Joni.
659 reviews
May 25, 2020
Another great book by Hope Callaghan. I love all her books but this series is my favorite. I lived in Savannah and love the city. Things are always interesting when Elvira is around. This book was no exception. A great quick read. Love this series
36 reviews
May 31, 2020
Very good reading!

I have read all 14 of Hope's book's couldn't put them down. Now have to go back to work cannot wait for number 15. Thank You so much for sharing them with me. Made my recovery time from all my surgeries so much better.
Profile Image for Rena.
15 reviews
June 27, 2020
Death on Tybee Island

This was quite the adventure for Carlita. Elvira was under to her old tricks, mostly away from Savannah. Elvira once again managed to ensnare Carlita in her high jinks. I enjoyed this book in the series very much!
Profile Image for Marcia.
549 reviews2 followers
October 6, 2020
Elvira Again

Once again, Elvira proves to be the center of a mess, and of course everyone in her orbit, especially Carlita is swept up into the maelstrom. Lots of twists and turns along with a very unexpected outcome result.
Profile Image for Judy G Spivey.
412 reviews8 followers
October 19, 2020
The week before Thanksgiving and Carlita investigate g another murder

As usual Hope Callaghan takes you on a tour of Savannah and Tybee Island bringing together a !little history, a lot of mayhem and of course murder.
8 reviews
January 29, 2021
I absolutely love this series of books. The characters are one of the things that keeps me ordering them the minute they come out. Plus it all takes place in Savannah, one of my favorite places to go.
Profile Image for Robin Resch.
651 reviews5 followers
February 17, 2021
No good deed goes unpunished

When you try to help and all that person does is great you like dirt I would stop helping. Elvira needs to go, she is not a nice person, she only thinks if herself.
104 reviews1 follower
January 10, 2022
Exes, Most Definitely Woes

Once again I devoured this book like Rave looks customers devour their dishes! Ms. Callaghan does not disappoint and I.am once again sad to see the book end but on to the next installment t!
6 reviews
July 9, 2022
Great but start with First books

The characters feel real. You get to know them, even though they may not be like anyone that you know. I usually stay away from mob stories but this one pulled me into reading all the way.



24 reviews
May 8, 2025
Wow! The plot twist is PHENOMENAL!

You got me good on this one, Hope! Wow! I never saw that ending. I was CONVINCED on who killed her, but I was wrong. Thanks for yet ANOTHER great 1!
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,085 reviews12 followers
April 19, 2020
Great book as usual. I wouldn't expect anything else from Hope Callaghan. Elvira gets Carletta into trouble again and she has to fight to clear her name.
Profile Image for Francine.
143 reviews
May 2, 2020
A fun cozy mystery. Love the characters & the storyline was easy to follow & kept me guessing until the end!
Profile Image for Ann L Bailey.
5 reviews
June 2, 2020
Silly but good

Have read all of the series so far. Cute reads , fast reads. Looking forward to the next one to read.
167 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2020
Great

I enjoyed this trip to Savannah. As always it was a fun story to read. Looking forward to the next
Profile Image for Lynn Ewart.
82 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2020
As Always A Great Read

I love the antics of Elvira and how she always drags Carlita into her wild adventures!! I have a hard time putting it down to get anything done.
114 reviews1 follower
June 7, 2020
Loved it

Can't wait till the next one is done and ready for me to read it. Love the adventures and how they work together to solve the problem
2 reviews
June 16, 2020
Another great mystery solved. Creative and well written as usual. Can’t wait for the next one.
2 reviews
July 20, 2020
Good story

Didnt guess the end. It was a surprise ending. Love the twist about Elvira. Cant wait for the next dilemma
53 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2020
Zulily and Gremlin?

Carlotta and Pete, Mercedes and Sam sounds like a wonderful idea. Cannot wait to Read the rest of the series hopefully there's more!
Profile Image for Brenda.
244 reviews3 followers
August 2, 2020
Exes and woes

Another great Garlucci story. Carlotta sure does get into enough trouble with and without Elvira. Glad there's you g to be #15. Can't wait to see who ends up married.
Profile Image for Shirley Mobley.
47 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2020
Great read

I really enjoyed this book!!!
It was a old fashion book. No foul language, it was an great CLEAN, enjoy to read!!!
14 reviews
August 29, 2020
Another great read

I love this series I just wish Mercedes would finally settle with Sam and I love Elvira I hope Luigi and her get together
84 reviews
October 2, 2020
The family saga continues

I love this series! How the author manages to come up with so many Crazy Situations for all the different Series she writes is beh
Displaying 1 - 30 of 48 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.