Cereal Killer

A Savannah Reid Mystery #9

by G.A. McKevett

In a world where stick-thin women adorn fashion magazines and silver screens, plus-sized private eye Savannah Reid is grateful for the wild success--and fabulous fashion tips--of full-figured model Cait Connor. When Cait is found dead after months of extreme dieting, everyone assumes the risky regimen did her in. But then a second full-figured model meets an untimely end, and it's time to weigh the facts. . .and search for suspects.

At first it seems that Cait's death is a clear case of dieting run amok. As the new spokesperson for Wentworth's Slenda Flakes, Cait needed to lose thirty pounds in sixty days and apparently died trying.

It all seems cut and dried until Kameeka Wills, another plus model working--and starving--for Wentworth, is killed by a hit-and-run driver while jogging at four a.m. Now Savannah's really suspicious, and determined to avenge her curvaceous sisters. . .even if it means going undercover for the camera. There are more models on the Slenda Flakes campaign who could be at risk, and enough suspects to keep Savannah hopping. But she's determined to satisfy her craving for justice--before a cunning killer strikes again. . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Chick Lit

256 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

About the author

Since publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over sixty published works, including the highly popular and critically acclaimed SAVANNAH REID MYSTERIES under the pseudonym G. A. McKevett.

Sonja's novels range from Irish historicals to contemporary thrillers. Her earthy humor and fast-paced plots delight her fans, while critics applaud her offbeat characterizations and incisive observations on human nature.

Irish by ancestry, Sonja has authored two non-fiction books on the history of Ireland: THE COMPLETE IDIOT'S GUIDE TO IRISH HISTORY AND CULTURE and IRISH PRIDE: 101 REASONS TO BE PROUD YOU'RE IRISH. Both books impart detailed knowledge of the complex and controversial Irish story with a light hand and plenty of humor. Her Irish novels include: DREAM CARVER, CAROUSEL, DAUGHTER OF IRELAND and the bestselling FAR AND AWAY - the novelization of the Ron Howard movie starring Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman.

On nationwide tours, Sonja lectures to published and "pre-published" authors in her workshop, "The Novel Approach," a seminar which covers such topics as: story structure, characterization, plotting, pacing, and marketing manuscripts.

Sonja has taught numerous courses at university and adult continuing education facilities including: general fiction, historical research, and mystery writing. She was managing editor at "Single Living" magazine and has functioned as a manuscript doctor and storyline editor for major publishers. Earlier in her career, she was a prolific ghostwriter, authoring both fictional and non-fictional books for celebrities and professionals.

Having lived in Los Angeles, Toronto, and County Kerry, Ireland, she now resides in New York.

Reviews

[Karina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Savannah Reid cozy mysteries series! She's all Southern twang with a hidden Beretta in her back pocket. No need to read in order either which is fantastic for my senses. I love the sweet gruffness of Savannah and Dirk's relationship. The story telling is full of witty comments and LOL moments. The characters are likable and realistic.

The story is about 3 plus-sized models being killed. To be sexy skinny or to fulfill a cereal contract?

Recommend if you need a light and funny in between.

[Corale Faltynski]

In a world where stick-thin women adorn fashion magazines and silver screens, plus-sized private eye Savannah Reid is grateful for the wild success-and fabulous fashion tops-of full-figures model Cait Conner. When Cait is found dead after months of extreme dieting, everyone assumes a risky regimen did her in. But then a second full-figures model meets an untimely end, and it's time to weigh the facts-and search for suspects. It all seems cut and dried until Kameeka Wills, another plus model working, and starving, for Wentworth Cereal is killed by a hit-and-run driver while jogging at four a.m. Savannah's really suspicious and determined to avenge her curvaceous sisters, even it if means going undercover for the camera. There are more models on the Slenda Flakes campaign who could be at risk. There's Kevin Conner and his high-stakes lawsuit; Charles Wentworth III whose struggling company can't afford a weight-loss cereal that packs on pounds; and Jerrod Beekman, a desperate ad executive whose agency's fate is aligned with Wentworth's. Savannah's bowl is more than full but she's determined to satisfy her craving for justice.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not one of her better ones. A little less on the food and a lot less on the family member would have helped it along.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fast past murder mystery. Easy read and intriguing to find out who did it.Detectives worked together to solve the case before another plus size super model looses her life. Good read.

[Julie Trapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Full-figured model Cait Connnor is found dead in her bedroom. She had been on a diet of Wentworth's Slenda Flakes to lose 30 lbs in 60 days. This was thought to be a result of extreme dieting, but when another of the plus sized models from the same agency is found dead (murdered?) questions rise. The model agency head hires Savannah to find answers. To do this, Savannah has to show up at a shoot as a new model for the agency. Soon after this, another of the models goes missing. Between Savannah, slob Dirk (her ex-partner on the police force), Tammy and the handsome couple John and Ryan they have their work cut out for them. Added to this is Savannah's obnoxious sister, Marietta. We already saw Marietta 's 3rd marriage now happen 2 books age. She is back again meeting someone she met online. That goes just as one might expect. Marietta is worse than Cordele. I am sick of her sisters and her obsession with food. If she isn't happy with her body, she needs to do something other than complain and keep stuffing her face.

[Val · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah has by far the most important case of her career. The death of a plus size (if you think a size 12 is plus size) model. At first it's ruled a accidental death, but when another plus size model (her really good friend) is found dead the very next day Savannah and Dirk both think it's murder. When yet another plus size model is kidnapped its a race against time to find the killer and the missing girl. Throw in a little Marietta love 😍 life drama 😢 just for good measure and a heart stopping kiss 💋 or two and you have a sizzling good story.

[Katherine Decker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah learns a bit about the world of modeling, specifically plus size modeling. What looks like an accidental death becomes something more when a second victim turns up. Savannah, Dirk, Tammy, John and Ryan are back at it. I love the group and their interactions with each other. Savannah is also dealing with another surprise family visitor, and his time her sister Marietta. Another fun read in a great series.

[Corvid · Rating 2 out of 5]

First book this year that I actively regretted reading. Also first book this year that I legitimately considered setting on fire halfway through. The only reason I'm not is that I think someone else might be less irritated by the storyline if I put it in the little free library. I did bite my copy hard enough to leave marks on both covers though.

[Vivien · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the series. The characters are like-able and there is humor in the story lines. They are quick, light reads. They do not have to be read in any particular order, which is a plus in my mind.

[Deborah Weston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah is hired to discover why 2 plus sized models have died. While she is investigating her sister, Marietta shows up. I have to say that her sisters visits are distracting and annoying. No one ever lets Savannah know they are coming and than act ridiculous while they are there.

[D. Wickles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoy this southern mystery series. Poor Savannah Reid has a large, crazy family that keeps her busy on top of solving murders.

[L.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this series and this one has a good message. Unfortunately one of Savannah's awful sisters shows up and acts like a monster!

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable mystery!

[Mary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

'

[Louise King · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savanna fans will enjoy

[Irv Kantrowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

A delightful book.

[Janet · Rating 3 out of 5]

3+ stars

[Irene Marston · Rating 5 out of 5]

very interesting mystery

[Monica Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love a Savannah mystery. Brings smiles to my face.

[Sharon Arrigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy fun and mysterious

[Kelly Chester · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great book lots of mystery

[Dorothy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was ready to give this a 4 then I felt it was just not ready for one.

[Chanda M · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy G.A. McKevett's Savannah Reid Mystery Series. The cast of characters are spunky and memorable even if I've been away from the series for awhile. This was 9th in the series and followed the same tried & true format all the others have as well. The mysteries are never too intense and are typically an easy, quick read. And generally manage to have a splash of comedic relief as well. I highly recommend this series.

[Jess · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savannah Reid's personality is really easy to follow and understand in the book. It's not just her inner personality, like her opinions, but how people interact with her. Like younger sister Marietta (note: the Reid family seem to all be named after cities in Georgia) and former police detective partner Dirk.

It's nice to see a protag in her 40s with positive body image and the ability to appreciate models younger than her. There's a solid sense of self and it's uncompromising when facing an uncomfortable initiation into the world of modeling.

The plot may have been a little thin at parts but it definitely has a pretty good ending. Reminded me a lot of Diagnosis Murder when the team would meet up at the BBQ restaurant. I would have liked more interaction between the wailing Marietta and 'Van', honestly. Mari seemed a bit underdeveloped in this book even though some of her back story was included. That's the only real critic I have on the book for the most part. It didn't quite match the rest of the book's mood.

[June Ahern · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, alright already - I know I just read one last week, but I was hungry and I have to say first - if you don't gain weight while reading Ms. McKevett's mystery novels, hurrah to you! Even though this book, "Cereal Killer" is about big, beautiful (full figure) gals, the private detective, Savannah Reid, doesn't care to diet and munches her way through solving the case with her friend and perhaps more, police detective, Dirk, who also has a big appetite. In fact it seems most characters - outside the models - have a big appetite whether for food or money. The killings begin to mount up: Two famous big models down giving more room to grow in fame for two others. Can it be one of them? Or, the husband? Or, the .... so many to chose from that the ending is a surprise. I enjoy this series, hungry for more I'll leave weight watchers behind me as I read more of the Savannah Reid series. Easy, enjoyable reads without a lot of thinking...a lazy afternoon book.

[Barbara ★ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Plus-sized models for Slenda Foods are dropping like flies. Is it due to extreme dieting to maintain their contracts or something sinister? Plus-sized PI Savannah Reid, with the help of Dirk Coulter, her ex-police partner, is going undercover to find out.

This is the first Savannah Reid cozy mystery that I've read and I enjoyed this plus-size heroine and her self-deprecating manner so will certainly be reading more in this series. Hey, anyone who sees a megabyte as a mouthful of candy or a giant cookie, is ok in my book. I also liked Dirk and wouldn't be surprised to see a romantic development between him and Savannah. They have such an interesting relationship...she knows he's a jerk but likes him anyway. They never really said but from the way he eats (he keeps up with Savannah) I'm guessing a a tad bit hefty too.

[Dharia Scarab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...

1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.

2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.

3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.

4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.

5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another Savannah Reid mystery with all the usual ingredients--- a gig for her detective agency, a visit from a family member, a murder (2 in fact), and a brief look at a serious topic (obesity/eating disorders). The story moves around a lot with not much happening until the end. Two Plus-size models are killed and one kidnapped. Savannah, Dirk, and Tammy investigate. Ryan & John make a brief appearance and give their usual technical help. The end has a little twist for the reader when a character perhaps not thought of as an accomplice turns out to be one. Even though the plot may seem simplistic at first, it does has some turns that may surprise most readers.

[Teresa mcgaha · Rating 3 out of 5]

I start so many series and get sidetracked with new ones. I went back to this series and reread this book since I prefer to read in order. This book was marked 3 stars with no comments.


this time it is more two stars no LOL moments and a predictable mystery, this book could of had a bigger message about body image but it went for the sterotypes and it just felt forced.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

just started it this morning! april 8


april 9
its good so far, cant tell who did it. plus size models are being killed, 3 so far and savannah and her friends are trying to figure out who did it. the models agent is paying savannah , tho she was helping dirk anyway. wonder if the agent 'did it' if savannah would still be paid, dont think so , so hopefully she isnt the one!

it was a good book