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Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery #1-5
Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection
She’s a Chicago detective hiding in a Gulf Coast town…
Piper Sandstone is about to embark on her most dangerous mission ever while hiding in Savory, Alabama. When some dirty cops put a price on her head, Piper is forced to go undercover as a waitress at a local café. But when a dognapping and murder shake up the local community, Piper finds herself tangled in the mystery. Now, she must hide her unique talents and maintain her cover if she wants to make it home alive.
Savory, better known as Alligator Alley, is not your typical tourist Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it's home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show. But before she can get any answers, chaos erupts when a body turns up in the bayou and she’s at the center of the crime scene. To top things off, the handsome sheriff is asking too many questions.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of sweet older ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side. These quirky amateur sleuths are a force to be reckoned with and they’ve taken a special interest in Piper’s unique skills. Now, they must join forces to solve the mystery and catch the killer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Murder and Grits, the Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection, is a fun, suspenseful cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming.
Piper Sandstone is about to embark on her most dangerous mission ever while hiding in Savory, Alabama. When some dirty cops put a price on her head, Piper is forced to go undercover as a waitress at a local café. But when a dognapping and murder shake up the local community, Piper finds herself tangled in the mystery. Now, she must hide her unique talents and maintain her cover if she wants to make it home alive.
Savory, better known as Alligator Alley, is not your typical tourist Gulf Coast town. Why? Because it's home to the three-time AKC champion poodle Victory Cup Valentino, but this year bad things are about to go down. Even before Piper can get unpacked, there is a murder, and the poodle goes missing right before the Westminster Dog Show. But before she can get any answers, chaos erupts when a body turns up in the bayou and she’s at the center of the crime scene. To top things off, the handsome sheriff is asking too many questions.
Fortunately for Piper, a group of sweet older ladies known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad is on her side. These quirky amateur sleuths are a force to be reckoned with and they’ve taken a special interest in Piper’s unique skills. Now, they must join forces to solve the mystery and catch the killer before another Savory resident winds up dead.
Murder and Grits, the Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection, is a fun, suspenseful cozy mystery that will keep you riveted to your seat with twists and turns that you won’t see coming.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2021
298 people are currently reading
101 people want to read
About the author
Karen McSpade
35 books228 followersRaised in the Arkansas River Valley, Karen McSpade grew up with a fishing pole in one hand and her trusty .410 shotgun in the other. Exploring the creeks and woods around her hometown while hunting with her father kept her “entertained and out of jail,” as her mom likes to say.
As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.
Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.
When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.
As a child, her most prized possessions were her books and her Michael Jackson album collection. These led her to a brief venture into breakdancing and poetry slamming before discovering her true passion, bringing stories and characters to life. Today, she focuses on the two things that still inspire her creativity—her love for food and dishing up mysteries with a dash of humor.
Karen’s novels feature compassionate and strong-willed leading ladies determined to uncover the truth and seek justice. She loves creating stories filled with mystery, romance, magic, and adventure that allow readers to join her characters on their journey, leaving behind the real world for a few hours at a time.
When she’s not writing, Karen’s favorite things are spending time with family, traveling, cooking, reading, gardening, and enjoying nature. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her family and a very spoiled Wheaten Terrier who doubles as her writing assistant.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
April 27, 2022
This is a cleverly written story with a great plot with an emphasis on character development. I do like our main protagonist. Obliviously, she makes mistakes as she goes that one would not necessarily expect from a detective in one of the world’s largest city’s; however, it is also her main selling point as she personally cares about others and gets ahead of herself sometimes. It is what makes “Sharon” real. I also really like the dentures and diamonds crew. As for our esteemed sheriff, he’s a piece of work isn’t he? I. Am hoping as the parts develop in “Sharon’s” story, we will get to know him better. Looking forward to moving on to the next three parts of the story. If you are a cozy reader, you are going to enjoy these stories.
I throughly enjoyed these five “books.” Each one Carrie’s approximately 1/5 of the story. At first, I was a bit worried about length and if readers would be annoyed by paying for a full book and seeming to get only one part. You really need to read all five to get full story. Because of this, I highly recommend buying for The five book box set! It’s a real bargain!
I got the first few of these books free through book funnel, but purchased the bundle as a way to read all five parts at the same time. This review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
I throughly enjoyed these five “books.” Each one Carrie’s approximately 1/5 of the story. At first, I was a bit worried about length and if readers would be annoyed by paying for a full book and seeming to get only one part. You really need to read all five to get full story. Because of this, I highly recommend buying for The five book box set! It’s a real bargain!
I got the first few of these books free through book funnel, but purchased the bundle as a way to read all five parts at the same time. This review is voluntary and my honest opinion.
January 2, 2022
What happens when a big city detective must go into hiding in a small southern town keep a low profile? Add to that the need to not get involved in anything with possible press or identity-revealing angles while fighting a desire to continue detective work when the opportunity arises. Then add to the mix the town "detectives," a group of senior citizen women who adopt the northern detective, and you get a somewhat wacky story with numerous humorous spots, the possible beginning of a romance, and an ending which while complete could easily lead to another tale. The books were fun to read and the story not only entertaining, but actually mostly plausible. As a bonus, there are several southern recipes at the end for dishes such as crab cakes and "As Good as Your Mama’s” Creole Jambalaya.
The author suggests reading the books' prequel (Hash Browns and Homicide) first. I agree with that assessment as it provides background information that helps understand some elements in the 5- book collection.
I would have picked 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The author suggests reading the books' prequel (Hash Browns and Homicide) first. I agree with that assessment as it provides background information that helps understand some elements in the 5- book collection.
I would have picked 4.5 stars if Goodreads allowed it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 30, 2021
The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection (Books 1-5)
By Kate McSpade
Murder and Grits
Book 1
Exciting Reading
Piper Sandstone is now in hiding as Sharon living in the Gulf Coast town of Savory, Alabama or Alligator Alley. She becomes close friends with a group of retired ladies known as the Delta Queens or Dentures and Diamonds Squad. These ladies are a force to be reckoned with as they watch out for each other.
Local Sheriff Jake Johnson wants Sharon to talk but she can’t or won’t.
A dog named Victory was stolen and it is assumed that the dog’s handler who was caught on a security camera leaving the back of the property with Victory is the culprit. The ladies want to catch the person responsible.
Meanwhile Piper is called back home to Chicago and has to leave right away. It remains to be seen what will happen next.
This is an easy read with lots of action and suspense. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Red Beans and R.I.P.
Book 2
The Mystery Continues
Piper gets involved in the search for dog trainer Susan Tate and Victory, the dog she was last seen with. Sneaking around in Susan’s house puts her in hot water with the sheriff.
I’m enjoying the series and can’t wait for the next book. It has a great plot and interesting characters.
Mystery on the Half Shell
Book 3
Another Spine Tingling Mystery
Piper Sandstone is still living in Savory, Alabama as Sharon where her friends in the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are always ready to investigate a crime. This time a dead body has been found in the water and the ladies are on the case. Sharon sticks her nose where it shouldn’t be searching through the dead woman’s house for clues. Unfortunately for Sharon, Jake catches and arrests her. Thankfully the crime squad steps in and bails her out of jail.
Adam Kane, Valorie, and Channing seem to be suspicious characters. Are they planning something sinister?
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens next with Sharon and the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad.
Killer Gumbo
Book 4
Good Suspense Mystery
This book has Sharon knee deep into finding the killer despite run ins with Jake who doesn’t approve of her activities. The Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are ready to assist Sharon’s efforts.
I am enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book to find out what happens.
Crab Cake Criminal
Book 5
Lots of Action with a Great Ending
Sharon aka Piper Sandstone along with the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are frantically looking for the killer. Whenever they think they have figured out who the culprit is, they hit a blank wall and have to go back to the drawing board with the information they have gathered on the crimes. They band together and leave no stone unturned in their search.
This book was so good that I finished it in a few hours. The author has done a great job with the plot leaving red herrings to help determine the culprit but I still didn’t figure it out.
I heartily recommend this book and am sorry to see the series end.
I look forward to more books from this author.
By Kate McSpade
Murder and Grits
Book 1
Exciting Reading
Piper Sandstone is now in hiding as Sharon living in the Gulf Coast town of Savory, Alabama or Alligator Alley. She becomes close friends with a group of retired ladies known as the Delta Queens or Dentures and Diamonds Squad. These ladies are a force to be reckoned with as they watch out for each other.
Local Sheriff Jake Johnson wants Sharon to talk but she can’t or won’t.
A dog named Victory was stolen and it is assumed that the dog’s handler who was caught on a security camera leaving the back of the property with Victory is the culprit. The ladies want to catch the person responsible.
Meanwhile Piper is called back home to Chicago and has to leave right away. It remains to be seen what will happen next.
This is an easy read with lots of action and suspense. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Red Beans and R.I.P.
Book 2
The Mystery Continues
Piper gets involved in the search for dog trainer Susan Tate and Victory, the dog she was last seen with. Sneaking around in Susan’s house puts her in hot water with the sheriff.
I’m enjoying the series and can’t wait for the next book. It has a great plot and interesting characters.
Mystery on the Half Shell
Book 3
Another Spine Tingling Mystery
Piper Sandstone is still living in Savory, Alabama as Sharon where her friends in the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are always ready to investigate a crime. This time a dead body has been found in the water and the ladies are on the case. Sharon sticks her nose where it shouldn’t be searching through the dead woman’s house for clues. Unfortunately for Sharon, Jake catches and arrests her. Thankfully the crime squad steps in and bails her out of jail.
Adam Kane, Valorie, and Channing seem to be suspicious characters. Are they planning something sinister?
I can’t wait to read the next book to find out what happens next with Sharon and the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad.
Killer Gumbo
Book 4
Good Suspense Mystery
This book has Sharon knee deep into finding the killer despite run ins with Jake who doesn’t approve of her activities. The Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are ready to assist Sharon’s efforts.
I am enjoying this series and looking forward to the next book to find out what happens.
Crab Cake Criminal
Book 5
Lots of Action with a Great Ending
Sharon aka Piper Sandstone along with the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad are frantically looking for the killer. Whenever they think they have figured out who the culprit is, they hit a blank wall and have to go back to the drawing board with the information they have gathered on the crimes. They band together and leave no stone unturned in their search.
This book was so good that I finished it in a few hours. The author has done a great job with the plot leaving red herrings to help determine the culprit but I still didn’t figure it out.
I heartily recommend this book and am sorry to see the series end.
I look forward to more books from this author.
August 13, 2024
Hash Browns and Homicide, the prequel to Karen McSpade's Savory Mystery Series, is a short, fun, quirky novella that sets the scene for the rest of the collection. The storyline is compact and well written. The characters are interesting and engaging. Overall, Hash browns and Homicide is a pleasure to read, and should definitely kick off the Savory Mystery Series for you!
Murder and Grits, the first installment in Karen McSpade's Savory Mystery Series, is a great introduction to Piper AKA Sharon's new life in Savory, Alabama. Gone are her detective days in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Now her days are filled with waitressing and small town living.
This is a new author for me, and I've enjoyed getting to know her writing style. Her books are not so much short as compact. The storyline is concise, fast paced, well written and professionally edited. I would like a little more story, but I'm sure it will unfold as we progress through the series. The characters are well developed and engaging. Piper is just quirky enough to be enjoyable without appearing to be a ditz. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast. Overall, Murder and Grits is a great start to what is hopefully a fantastic collection!
Red Beans and R. I. P. is the second book in Karen McSpade's Savory Mystery Series. It was just as good, if not better, than the first. The storyline continues to be concise and well written. The characters remain entertaining, especially the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. Many times I found myself laughing out loud at their antics. Overall, another win for Ms. McSpade!
Mystery On The Half Shell is absolutely delightful! Piper/Sharon and her crime fighting crew of senior citizens are at it again. Will they be able to solve the recent murder and dognapping? Or will they just end up again on Sheriff Jake's radar as a meddlesome pain in the rear?
Killer Gumbo is Karen McSpade's 4th installment in her Savory Mystery Series, and hold on to your hats because it's a doozy! Filled to the brim with action, intrigue and adventure, this episode has the residents of Alligator Alley really on edge wondering who will be the next to die. Twists and turns abound as the storyline takes us on a rollercoaster ride alongside Piper/Sharon and the crime fighting foursome known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad.
Crab Cake Criminal is part 5 in Karen McSpade's Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Collection. As the finale, it does a fine job wrapping up the murder case that's been plaguing Savory, Alabama's police force and citizen's alike. Sharon/Piper and the Delta Queen's do some impressive undercover spy work to identify and catch the killer. But are they in time before he can strike again, or will another innocent victim lose to his personal motives? Definitely read Crab Cake Criminal to finally find out who has been causing all of this trouble for the quaint southern town.
Murder and Grits, the first installment in Karen McSpade's Savory Mystery Series, is a great introduction to Piper AKA Sharon's new life in Savory, Alabama. Gone are her detective days in the hustle and bustle of Chicago. Now her days are filled with waitressing and small town living.
This is a new author for me, and I've enjoyed getting to know her writing style. Her books are not so much short as compact. The storyline is concise, fast paced, well written and professionally edited. I would like a little more story, but I'm sure it will unfold as we progress through the series. The characters are well developed and engaging. Piper is just quirky enough to be enjoyable without appearing to be a ditz. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the cast. Overall, Murder and Grits is a great start to what is hopefully a fantastic collection!
Red Beans and R. I. P. is the second book in Karen McSpade's Savory Mystery Series. It was just as good, if not better, than the first. The storyline continues to be concise and well written. The characters remain entertaining, especially the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. Many times I found myself laughing out loud at their antics. Overall, another win for Ms. McSpade!
Mystery On The Half Shell is absolutely delightful! Piper/Sharon and her crime fighting crew of senior citizens are at it again. Will they be able to solve the recent murder and dognapping? Or will they just end up again on Sheriff Jake's radar as a meddlesome pain in the rear?
Killer Gumbo is Karen McSpade's 4th installment in her Savory Mystery Series, and hold on to your hats because it's a doozy! Filled to the brim with action, intrigue and adventure, this episode has the residents of Alligator Alley really on edge wondering who will be the next to die. Twists and turns abound as the storyline takes us on a rollercoaster ride alongside Piper/Sharon and the crime fighting foursome known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad.
Crab Cake Criminal is part 5 in Karen McSpade's Piper Sandstone Savory Mystery Collection. As the finale, it does a fine job wrapping up the murder case that's been plaguing Savory, Alabama's police force and citizen's alike. Sharon/Piper and the Delta Queen's do some impressive undercover spy work to identify and catch the killer. But are they in time before he can strike again, or will another innocent victim lose to his personal motives? Definitely read Crab Cake Criminal to finally find out who has been causing all of this trouble for the quaint southern town.
December 31, 2021
Piper Sandstone is a Chicago police detective who is currently hiding out in Savory, Alabama under an assumed name. She works as Sharon, a waitress, at a local eatery, and is becoming fond of a group of older women who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad. These ladies are determined to find out the truth about a murdered dog trainer, and they've taken on 'Sharon' as one of their own.
Piper is a Chicago police detective who is hiding out waiting for the trial of dirty cops -- cops she exposed prematurely and is now waiting to be able to go back home. But living in Savory isn't as easy as she thought -- and her cops senses are alerted when the body of a dog trainer is found in the swamp, and the dog reappears, apparently unharmed.
With no one knowing who the killer is, Piper and her friends come across more than one mystery, and a murderer who might not be done killing. The ladies get themselves into some situations that are downright funny, but they manage to get themselves out again without being found out.
When everything comes together, it's interesting and done very well, and everything comes together nicely. I loved this series and am looking forward to joining Piper and her friends in the next book. Highly recommended.
Piper is a Chicago police detective who is hiding out waiting for the trial of dirty cops -- cops she exposed prematurely and is now waiting to be able to go back home. But living in Savory isn't as easy as she thought -- and her cops senses are alerted when the body of a dog trainer is found in the swamp, and the dog reappears, apparently unharmed.
With no one knowing who the killer is, Piper and her friends come across more than one mystery, and a murderer who might not be done killing. The ladies get themselves into some situations that are downright funny, but they manage to get themselves out again without being found out.
When everything comes together, it's interesting and done very well, and everything comes together nicely. I loved this series and am looking forward to joining Piper and her friends in the next book. Highly recommended.
October 26, 2022
This was a fun series to read. It tells the story of a Chicago PD detective who is forced to go into hiding after exposing some dirty cops in Chicago who want her dead. She is relocated to Savory, Alabama, where she meets a group of retired ladies who call themselves the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad.
Together Piper and the ladies investigate the disappearance of a show dog and her handler ( who later on turns up dead) as well as another murder in this quiet coastal town. It’s a page turning adventure
for sure and having all the books in one easy to read book set means all you have to do is turn the page to continue the story.
I recommend you get this box set and enjoy this series! The books only take a little over an hour to read so you can read the whole series in a day barring interruptions. You’ll want to go from one book to the next just to see what happens and who is responsible for these murders, dog napping spree! You’ll find out it’s not best to underestimate women who are retired and a detective in hiding!
When you finish this set, you’ll probably want to get the next box set entitled Bacon, Bodyguards and Ballistics where the girls continue to look into murders and crime to help the local sheriff solve the crimes in this sleepy southern town.
Together Piper and the ladies investigate the disappearance of a show dog and her handler ( who later on turns up dead) as well as another murder in this quiet coastal town. It’s a page turning adventure
for sure and having all the books in one easy to read book set means all you have to do is turn the page to continue the story.
I recommend you get this box set and enjoy this series! The books only take a little over an hour to read so you can read the whole series in a day barring interruptions. You’ll want to go from one book to the next just to see what happens and who is responsible for these murders, dog napping spree! You’ll find out it’s not best to underestimate women who are retired and a detective in hiding!
When you finish this set, you’ll probably want to get the next box set entitled Bacon, Bodyguards and Ballistics where the girls continue to look into murders and crime to help the local sheriff solve the crimes in this sleepy southern town.
October 31, 2024
Piper Sandstone is a detective from Chicago. She turned in some bad cops, and now she is hiding out in Savory, Alabama, under witness protection. Piper is supposed to lay low for a while, but on her first day in Savory, a world-champion dog is dognapped, and someone is murdered.
The mystery and suspense alone, not to mention all the twists and turns, will keep you glued to each page, unable to turn your eyes away for one second with these sweet older ladies on the scene.
I have thoroughly enjoyed following Piper and the ladies as they investigated the case of the missing champion poodle Victory and the murder cases. The suspense kept me glued to the story through each book in the series.
The Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad ladies will keep you entertained for hours if nothing else in the story does. The mystery deepened with more twists and turns that kept me hanging on every page as I tried to help Piper and the ladies solve the case.
I highly recommend Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection to all fans of sweet cozy mysteries! Grab a copy of Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection today to start this wonderful series!
The mystery and suspense alone, not to mention all the twists and turns, will keep you glued to each page, unable to turn your eyes away for one second with these sweet older ladies on the scene.
I have thoroughly enjoyed following Piper and the ladies as they investigated the case of the missing champion poodle Victory and the murder cases. The suspense kept me glued to the story through each book in the series.
The Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad ladies will keep you entertained for hours if nothing else in the story does. The mystery deepened with more twists and turns that kept me hanging on every page as I tried to help Piper and the ladies solve the case.
I highly recommend Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection to all fans of sweet cozy mysteries! Grab a copy of Murder and Grits: The Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection today to start this wonderful series!
January 8, 2022
Wonderful, Laugh Out Loud, Fast, Fun Cozy Mystery in a small town of Savory, Alabama!!!
This box set is a completed 5 books for a Piper Sandstone Cozy Mystery series.
Chicago detective Piper Sandstone is hiding out in a Gulf Coast town, Savory, Alabama, working as a waitress at a local café after she exposed the dirty cops and need to wait until the corrupt cops land behind bars. When a poodle goes missing and a murder happen in town Piper needs to join force with a group of old ladies who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad to investigate to solve the crime and stop the murderer.
I really like this book, it's a very entertaining, fun, fast-paced exciting cozy mysteries with a lot of actions, suspense, humor, romances with delightful quirky characters. It's full of twist and turn that keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder, it's filled with good plots in each book that keep me guessing right up to the end, very hard to put down. I'm looking forward to read more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This box set is a completed 5 books for a Piper Sandstone Cozy Mystery series.
Chicago detective Piper Sandstone is hiding out in a Gulf Coast town, Savory, Alabama, working as a waitress at a local café after she exposed the dirty cops and need to wait until the corrupt cops land behind bars. When a poodle goes missing and a murder happen in town Piper needs to join force with a group of old ladies who call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad to investigate to solve the crime and stop the murderer.
I really like this book, it's a very entertaining, fun, fast-paced exciting cozy mysteries with a lot of actions, suspense, humor, romances with delightful quirky characters. It's full of twist and turn that keeps me entertained as I try to figure out the mystery and murder, it's filled with good plots in each book that keep me guessing right up to the end, very hard to put down. I'm looking forward to read more books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 4, 2022
Overall I'd say this serial story was a pretty good one. For a while I wasn't sure I was loving it. It was a solid decent story all the way through but just felt like something was missing. The characters were fun but I didn't really connect with them and Piper was my least favorite through a lot of it. Some moments I liked her okay but there were also a lot of moments I could not stand her attitude. She was so full of herself. The ending came together nicely though. It had me smiling and the characters were really starting to grow on me, even Piper who just might be coming down to Earth a little bit thanks to Savory and her new friends. I think Jake and Patty Sue were the ones I liked most and the ones that kept me reading even when I was unsure. I'm happy I stuck with it and feel it was worth it in the end. I recieved a free copy of this series from the author and am reviewing voluntarily.
December 24, 2021
I feel getting a box set with 5 books from a series is a must-have. When you finish one book you can easily move on to the next without skipping a beat. I found reading the e-boxset like watching my favorite show without the commercials.. Total win!
This series is a fast-paced, fun-loving cozy mystery. The main character is Piper Sandstone but she has her faithful sidekicks the dentures and diamonds. I personally would love to see the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad have their own series. They set out to solve several mysteries (all tied together) in each book. The box set provides you with the whole picture, so you are not left with unanswered questions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars
This series is a fast-paced, fun-loving cozy mystery. The main character is Piper Sandstone but she has her faithful sidekicks the dentures and diamonds. I personally would love to see the Dentures and Diamond Crime Squad have their own series. They set out to solve several mysteries (all tied together) in each book. The box set provides you with the whole picture, so you are not left with unanswered questions.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
4.5 Stars
January 2, 2022
Murder & Grits
Piper Sandstone, A Chicago detective messed up a police sting. Her life is now in danger. She has been sent to Savory, Alabama. Her name is now Sharon and she works as a waitress at a local café. She met four older ladies called The Delta Queens. They liked to call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad.
They are retired rock stars and now investigate crime. Of course, Piper gets involved with them.
There may be a romance between Piper and the sheriff.
These are all a delight to read. Great characters, well thought out plots, and very well written with some humor. The suspense will keep you turning pages
I voluntarily received a copy of these books and I'm voluntarily posting a review
Piper Sandstone, A Chicago detective messed up a police sting. Her life is now in danger. She has been sent to Savory, Alabama. Her name is now Sharon and she works as a waitress at a local café. She met four older ladies called The Delta Queens. They liked to call themselves the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad.
They are retired rock stars and now investigate crime. Of course, Piper gets involved with them.
There may be a romance between Piper and the sheriff.
These are all a delight to read. Great characters, well thought out plots, and very well written with some humor. The suspense will keep you turning pages
I voluntarily received a copy of these books and I'm voluntarily posting a review
January 3, 2022
The Books were a rip-roaring good time! Piper Sandstone aka Sharon Sanders has left Chicago PD, at least temporarily, to live and work as a waitress at a popular seafood restaurant in Savory, Alabama. jShortly after she arrives, kidnapping, murders and mysteries begin to happen. The Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad befriends and adopts her into their group. They know nothing about her past but they like her attitude and the way she thinks and acts. There is a young, handsome sheriff whom becomes a bit suspicious of her. There are a few twists and a couple of red herrings.. Great whodunnit!
Red Robin
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Red Robin
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 29, 2022
Collection?
If you buy this thinking you're getting a set, "collection" of books, think again. This is a collection on the sense that every book that has Chapters is a collection. Smacks of false advertising IMO.
As for the contents, the actual mystery was sufficiently convoluted to keep you from solving it to the end. The main characters are interesting, a quartet a seniors who were once a rock band retired but still active together and intensely curious and refer to them selves as the Diamonds and Dentures detectives, each with a distinctive individual personality. Piper and Jake provide the hint of a possible romance but both need more character development, IMO.
If you buy this thinking you're getting a set, "collection" of books, think again. This is a collection on the sense that every book that has Chapters is a collection. Smacks of false advertising IMO.
As for the contents, the actual mystery was sufficiently convoluted to keep you from solving it to the end. The main characters are interesting, a quartet a seniors who were once a rock band retired but still active together and intensely curious and refer to them selves as the Diamonds and Dentures detectives, each with a distinctive individual personality. Piper and Jake provide the hint of a possible romance but both need more character development, IMO.
February 26, 2022
Undercover
This is the only way I enjoy reading a serial story like this. The set is perfect so I can complete the story without cliff-hangers that take years to finish. Detective Piper Sandstone is sent out of Chicago, undercover. for her safety. She is a waitress that keeps keeps getting found by the sheriff at crime scenes and can’t explain why she is so mosey. She works with some older women that love to investigate crimes. They need to connect an award winning dog that was dognapped by his trainer (who has disappeared), with a man who drops dead in front of a diner full of witnesses. Clues are elusive and they are running out of time. Can they find the last pieces to put it all together before the last victim dies?
This is the only way I enjoy reading a serial story like this. The set is perfect so I can complete the story without cliff-hangers that take years to finish. Detective Piper Sandstone is sent out of Chicago, undercover. for her safety. She is a waitress that keeps keeps getting found by the sheriff at crime scenes and can’t explain why she is so mosey. She works with some older women that love to investigate crimes. They need to connect an award winning dog that was dognapped by his trainer (who has disappeared), with a man who drops dead in front of a diner full of witnesses. Clues are elusive and they are running out of time. Can they find the last pieces to put it all together before the last victim dies?
January 4, 2022
Cozy Mystery Fans will Love this Series
A most enjoyable set of mysteries! Each book has all the elements of a good cozy mystery. The characters are complete personalities, including the zaniest, but I’ll not mention names. Of course the plots are full of intrigue and humor. I laughed and cried. And you gotta have murder or two…
Plus there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout each story, culminating in surprise when the murderer is finally revealed! Each story is a page- turner and will hold your interest throughout.
All in all I give it 5 stars - and it’s worth it!
A most enjoyable set of mysteries! Each book has all the elements of a good cozy mystery. The characters are complete personalities, including the zaniest, but I’ll not mention names. Of course the plots are full of intrigue and humor. I laughed and cried. And you gotta have murder or two…
Plus there are plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing throughout each story, culminating in surprise when the murderer is finally revealed! Each story is a page- turner and will hold your interest throughout.
All in all I give it 5 stars - and it’s worth it!
January 5, 2022
Piper is a detective who stumbled when trying to uncover some dirty cops.
hiding out in Savory, a Florida town along alligator alley, can she trust her instincts, or will she get burnt again- or worse?
The Delta Queens are a bunch of sassy life worn ladies with a wide array of talents who work together to help their neighbors, and. adopt Piper as one of their own.
can they trust local law enforcement? too hunky to trust? too connected to the wrong folks?
hilarious sisterhood and small town adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
hiding out in Savory, a Florida town along alligator alley, can she trust her instincts, or will she get burnt again- or worse?
The Delta Queens are a bunch of sassy life worn ladies with a wide array of talents who work together to help their neighbors, and. adopt Piper as one of their own.
can they trust local law enforcement? too hunky to trust? too connected to the wrong folks?
hilarious sisterhood and small town adventures
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2022
Disappointed
Described as The Complete Savory Mystery Series, I expected several novels with recurring characters. No so. More like the old magazine serials where each installment of a story appeared in each issue and ended with "to be continued". Reviews claimed a resemblance to the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich or the Miss Fortune Novels by Jana Deleon. Again, 'taint so. Piper is no Stephanie or Fortune. Jake is no Joe or Carter, and certainly, no Ranger. The Delta Queens couldn't keep up with Ida Belle, Gertie, not even Grandma Mazur. Probably a good read if you have never read Janet or Jana's books. Just glad I got then on Kindle Unlimited.
Described as The Complete Savory Mystery Series, I expected several novels with recurring characters. No so. More like the old magazine serials where each installment of a story appeared in each issue and ended with "to be continued". Reviews claimed a resemblance to the Stephanie Plum novels by Janet Evanovich or the Miss Fortune Novels by Jana Deleon. Again, 'taint so. Piper is no Stephanie or Fortune. Jake is no Joe or Carter, and certainly, no Ranger. The Delta Queens couldn't keep up with Ida Belle, Gertie, not even Grandma Mazur. Probably a good read if you have never read Janet or Jana's books. Just glad I got then on Kindle Unlimited.
May 19, 2022
Karen McSpade's Complete Savory Mystery Series Collection is full of humor, fun characters, and exciting adventures. Detective Piper Sandstone, a.k.a. Sharon, goes undercover in Savory, Alabama, after a sting operation goes wrong and her cover is blown. In Savory, she works as a waitress (a good way to hear gossip) meets a group of older ladies known as the Delta Queens. They like to solve mysteries, and they bring Piper into their group. When a prize-winning dog goes missing and then murder ensues, they are on the case! This series is written as a series of short novellas (or episodes) that kept me reading until the final reveal!
April 5, 2024
I was so confused by this book, mainly because it’s supposed to be a series of novellas, but it’s actually a single book split into 5. But in order to give each a cliffhanger, the plot is quite patchy and to me it was not the best. I don’t understand this need to break this up into 5, it didn’t add anything to the reading experience, aside from mild annoyance at how the titles made no sense.
I have no real memory of the characters, Piper was okay, but I thought the group of older women would be more fleshed out and would play a bigger role than they do.
It was overall an inoffensive read but I really didn’t get to care about it, and I have already forgotten most of the story.
I have no real memory of the characters, Piper was okay, but I thought the group of older women would be more fleshed out and would play a bigger role than they do.
It was overall an inoffensive read but I really didn’t get to care about it, and I have already forgotten most of the story.
December 29, 2021
I loved it from the first book. The "girls" of the Denture and Diamond club, with Sharon as a welcome tag-along. are older-like fine wine- gals that are hmmm-quirky. but their hobby is solving missing
pets, people/ -it is a missing person right?- and murder victim.
Sharon is laying on the down low and incognito, she saw too much and just had to open... no spoilers!
Just like the kids game of wack-a-mole, just when the D&D Club with Sharon get one solved or worked out here is your free refill-want it or not! You will laugh out loud during reading their adventures.
pets, people/ -it is a missing person right?- and murder victim.
Sharon is laying on the down low and incognito, she saw too much and just had to open... no spoilers!
Just like the kids game of wack-a-mole, just when the D&D Club with Sharon get one solved or worked out here is your free refill-want it or not! You will laugh out loud during reading their adventures.
December 29, 2021
4.5 stars overall
Fun short books for a new murder mystery series. I'm glad McSpade is releasing them all together in one "unit." This was an enjoyable way to 'meet' a new (to me) author with the serial release of the story, but I'm a rather impatient reader who likes to be able to finish the mystery without too much time in-between story segments. This allows that to happen!
I do hope McSpade will share more of Piper's Chicago story; I'd like to see that conflict resolve too.
Worth a read for a quick mystery that keeps you engaged.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Fun short books for a new murder mystery series. I'm glad McSpade is releasing them all together in one "unit." This was an enjoyable way to 'meet' a new (to me) author with the serial release of the story, but I'm a rather impatient reader who likes to be able to finish the mystery without too much time in-between story segments. This allows that to happen!
I do hope McSpade will share more of Piper's Chicago story; I'd like to see that conflict resolve too.
Worth a read for a quick mystery that keeps you engaged.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
January 2, 2022
This is much better than reading the books in installment form. Put all together the installments have become a full length novel that can be read in one sitting instead of waiting for each installment like a weekly soap opera. I really did enjoy the book. The characters are endearing an entertaining and the small town life is well described and engaging. This has turned out really well as a complete collection.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
I received a free ARC of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.
January 9, 2022
Thoroughly enjoyed this!
These are actually novellas that put together make one full story. They would not be good stand-alone stories. They need to be read in sequence. But put together these are packed with humor. Crazy wacky characters. Old ladies playing Detective. A supposed to be cop in the witness protection program laying low but can't help herself and gets all involved in these Mysteries and murders. I had to keep reading to see how it was all going to come out! And I have heard there will be more!
These are actually novellas that put together make one full story. They would not be good stand-alone stories. They need to be read in sequence. But put together these are packed with humor. Crazy wacky characters. Old ladies playing Detective. A supposed to be cop in the witness protection program laying low but can't help herself and gets all involved in these Mysteries and murders. I had to keep reading to see how it was all going to come out! And I have heard there will be more!
August 14, 2022
I find myself a very favorable cozy mystery fan. I loved the wholesomeness about them, they make you just feel good. That’s what I felt when I read murder and grits. I very much wanted to be Sharon/Piper in the story so I could be an honorary member of the dentures and diamond crew. This book had me guessing to the very end who the culprit was which is great because who likes to read a book that you know who did it like halfway through. Great book! laugh out loud parts, suspense, and a Buding possible Romance?
September 10, 2023
Murder and Grits (1-5 book set)
This 5book set is a comical outlook about a young lady who has been placed under cover! Its not what she wants to do but she doesn't want to meet the people with whom she has a private gripe! Not only is this an amazingly great read but it brings new people into her life in a much smaller town! She gets quickly and wholly accepted by the town! She gets herself in rough patches and a dog finds a new friend! I absolutely adore this book series and can't wait to start the next one!!
This 5book set is a comical outlook about a young lady who has been placed under cover! Its not what she wants to do but she doesn't want to meet the people with whom she has a private gripe! Not only is this an amazingly great read but it brings new people into her life in a much smaller town! She gets quickly and wholly accepted by the town! She gets herself in rough patches and a dog finds a new friend! I absolutely adore this book series and can't wait to start the next one!!
December 28, 2021
This is a fun and quickly read series which I really enjoyed! The story starts as a Chicago detective is sent undercover to Savory, for her protection while the dirty cops she outed are arrested. The fun begins when Piper meets the Delta Queens, a group of retired ladies, and joins them as they solve mysteries and murders! An interesting and often funny read that I highly recommend for those who enjoy cozy mysteries.
December 28, 2021
This is a really good series of a police officer forced to go into hiding. The place might as well have been on the other side of the earth, it is so different from Chicago for Piper. New place, new identity, new crimes to solve. It's time to meet the Dentures and Diamonds Ladies too! Can't wait for more on this series. I voluntarily reviewed each one of these stories as they came out, the box set is wonderful!.
January 1, 2022
I loved this series. I would recommend to read the Epilogue to provide a little more background but it isn't fully needed. I usually don't read mysteries but this was a really good one where I couldn't put the story down. I needed to read it from start to finish all in one shot. A great story, great characters and a ton of laughs. Looking forward to reading more from Karen.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 10, 2022
Come with me to Savory and explore this small town in Alabama where Chicago Detective Piper Sandstone is hiding in plain sight under an assumed name. You will meet a fun-loving group of seniors who are known as the Dentures and Diamonds Crime Squad who unbeknown to help will assist Detective Sandstone in solving various mysteries. What a fun, entertaining series. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
July 19, 2022
Piper is very excited over the opening of a private investigating agency and her romance with the sheriff .But danger follows her as the dirty cops in Chicago still want her dead. Piper with her senior pals who were in a rock band before pal up to do sleuthing with her on the Bancroft art heist. There is a lot of suspence and excitement in this series. I enjoyed this seriesand I leave an honest review. I also recommend this book to other readers.
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