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A Savannah Reid Mystery #12
Fat Free and Fatal
When curvy P.I. Savannah Reid signs on to guard the newly svelte body of a star on the comeback trail, she finds herself rubbing elbows with the rich, famous - and deadly. Getting the skinny on the killer soon has Savannah starring in a real-life murder mystery that gives "location shoot" a whole new meaning....
There's nothing like a makeover story to get people hooked, and America is certainly addicted to the weight-loss saga of once celebrated actress Dona Papalardo. Savannah's no exception although she can't imagine wanting to shed her own hourglass figure by undergoing gastric bypass surgery like Dona did. After Dona's personal assistant is shot dead in the star's mile-long driveway, Savannah becomes her bodyguard. The victim was wearing one of Dona's fur coats, indicating that Dona was the target. And when Dona's hunky gardener takes a bullet between the eyes, Savannah and Detective Sergeant Dirk Coulter know they must act quickly to find the killer.
Knocking around Dona's palatial estate gives Savannah plenty of opportunity to hobnob with A-list celebrities and compile a list of suspects that proves some people can never be too rich, too thin, or too vindictive. There's the resentful best friend whose dream of shared singing stardom crumbled when Dona made it big as an actress, instead; the loyal boyfriend who loved Dona through thick and thin but now lacks luster next to the hotties beating a path to her door; and the most potentially dangerous jiltee of Dona's litigious former agent.
But just when Savannah's sure she's had her fill of the macabre, the shooter strikes again, and this time Savannah is nearly caught in the crossfire. Now, as the case turns ever more personal, Savannah's determined to find the truth. After all, it's pretty hard to enjoy 15 minutes of fame - or a double chocolate brownie - from six feet under...
There's nothing like a makeover story to get people hooked, and America is certainly addicted to the weight-loss saga of once celebrated actress Dona Papalardo. Savannah's no exception although she can't imagine wanting to shed her own hourglass figure by undergoing gastric bypass surgery like Dona did. After Dona's personal assistant is shot dead in the star's mile-long driveway, Savannah becomes her bodyguard. The victim was wearing one of Dona's fur coats, indicating that Dona was the target. And when Dona's hunky gardener takes a bullet between the eyes, Savannah and Detective Sergeant Dirk Coulter know they must act quickly to find the killer.
Knocking around Dona's palatial estate gives Savannah plenty of opportunity to hobnob with A-list celebrities and compile a list of suspects that proves some people can never be too rich, too thin, or too vindictive. There's the resentful best friend whose dream of shared singing stardom crumbled when Dona made it big as an actress, instead; the loyal boyfriend who loved Dona through thick and thin but now lacks luster next to the hotties beating a path to her door; and the most potentially dangerous jiltee of Dona's litigious former agent.
But just when Savannah's sure she's had her fill of the macabre, the shooter strikes again, and this time Savannah is nearly caught in the crossfire. Now, as the case turns ever more personal, Savannah's determined to find the truth. After all, it's pretty hard to enjoy 15 minutes of fame - or a double chocolate brownie - from six feet under...
291 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2007
41 people are currently reading
641 people want to read
About the author
G.A. McKevett
34 books730 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 59 reviews
March 2, 2021
Quick, fun in between read.
Set in Southern California Savannah gets to meet a wonderful celebrity on a hiatus from the public eye due to a personal tragedy. Dona Papalardo's personal assistant gets shot by a sniper and Savannah gets to be her personal bodyguard.
Just when things couldn't get worse in the Los Angeles mansion the shooter strikes again with Savannah nearby.
Set in Southern California Savannah gets to meet a wonderful celebrity on a hiatus from the public eye due to a personal tragedy. Dona Papalardo's personal assistant gets shot by a sniper and Savannah gets to be her personal bodyguard.
Just when things couldn't get worse in the Los Angeles mansion the shooter strikes again with Savannah nearby.
May 9, 2009
The characters have definitely grown on me, so I'm really enjoying the Savannah Reid Mysteries, in no particular order.
June 24, 2013
I've always enjoyed this series. Savannah is easily among the most unpretentious book characters you'll ever meet anywhere. She's not the skinny rich girl who so often makes up the ranks of female private detectives. Instead, she's a plus-sized former cop who loves those around her and loves herself for who she is. She doesn't constantly diet, and she doesn't go about wistfully seeking the approval of those who wish she weighed less. The inspiration of her life is her beloved grandma, a woman who raised her and gave her all the down-to-earth knowledge Savannah would need to thrive in a sometimes-superficial world.
She is surrounded in this series by a lovable cast of characters. Her close friend and confident, Dirk, is on the local police force where Savannah used to work. They aren't partners anymore, but Dirk still prefers her association to anyone's on the force. As a result, many of the cases she solves were originally his.
She is assisted in her work by two homosexual former FBI guys who enliven the books in a good way. Their sexual orientation doesn't keep poor Savannah from wistfully dreaming of a relationship with at least one of them. Finally, there's Tammy, the youthful, skinny assistant whose innocence and charm Savannah puts to good use rather often.
As this book opens, a woman is dead, and she is probably dead because she borrowed clothing from her employer; and, from a distance, she resembles that employer. The employer is a movie star who, after packing on the pounds, insisted on gastric bypass surgery. As a result, the movie star has been ill ever since, and she has, alas, taken her frustrations out on her staff, including the woman who it dead.
Dirk brings Savannah in on the case, and soon the entire detective agency is at work trying to protect the star while finding out who killed the look-alike.
The dialogue here is sometimes profane and always snappy and funny. You can't help but love Savannah, the southern girl turned California transplant. Indeed, when her utterly dysfunctional sister shows up with her new husband in tow, Savannah has all she can do to help them get their lives back together and out of her house. There aren't any sexual descriptions in this particular book in the series. If you've not read this series or become acquainted with this character, it's time. Savannah is a woman who firmly believes that chocolate solves far more problems than it creates, and she's really quite good at solving mysteries in her own right. These characters are well developed, and the plots are imaginative and well written.
She is surrounded in this series by a lovable cast of characters. Her close friend and confident, Dirk, is on the local police force where Savannah used to work. They aren't partners anymore, but Dirk still prefers her association to anyone's on the force. As a result, many of the cases she solves were originally his.
She is assisted in her work by two homosexual former FBI guys who enliven the books in a good way. Their sexual orientation doesn't keep poor Savannah from wistfully dreaming of a relationship with at least one of them. Finally, there's Tammy, the youthful, skinny assistant whose innocence and charm Savannah puts to good use rather often.
As this book opens, a woman is dead, and she is probably dead because she borrowed clothing from her employer; and, from a distance, she resembles that employer. The employer is a movie star who, after packing on the pounds, insisted on gastric bypass surgery. As a result, the movie star has been ill ever since, and she has, alas, taken her frustrations out on her staff, including the woman who it dead.
Dirk brings Savannah in on the case, and soon the entire detective agency is at work trying to protect the star while finding out who killed the look-alike.
The dialogue here is sometimes profane and always snappy and funny. You can't help but love Savannah, the southern girl turned California transplant. Indeed, when her utterly dysfunctional sister shows up with her new husband in tow, Savannah has all she can do to help them get their lives back together and out of her house. There aren't any sexual descriptions in this particular book in the series. If you've not read this series or become acquainted with this character, it's time. Savannah is a woman who firmly believes that chocolate solves far more problems than it creates, and she's really quite good at solving mysteries in her own right. These characters are well developed, and the plots are imaginative and well written.
March 5, 2012
I went to the Provo Library on Friday and was thrilled to find more books about one of my favorite private investigators--Savannah Reid, a Southern Belle transplant to Southern California. I love to read about strong women who have a sense of humor, love to eat and are comfortable with themselves. Again, I've been following this series by G.A. McKevett for years and it is just as enjoyable as the first one I read. Savannah is a forty-something former police officer who now has her own detective agency, the Magnolia Moonlight Detective Agency. She has her own team who are also her friends--Barbie-like computer savvy assistant Tammy, gorgeous former FBI agents John and Ryan and police detective, Dirk. She and Dirk used to be partners when Savannah was a police officer. Therefore, they share a close relationship mixed with irritation, deep loyalty, love of food (preferably made and therefore free by wonder cook Savannah) and a love of their work getting the bad guys off the streets. In this one, Savannah is asked to bodyguard a Hollywood actress whose friend and assistant has been gunned down in front of her own home, while borrowing the actress's clothes and chauffeured limo, thereby suggesting the actress was really the target. And the chase is on...with an unexpected twist at the end. The story is intermingled with the sidestory of Savannah's youngest Goth sister, Jesup who shows up on her doorstep having just married another Goth-guy whom she met just a few days before in Vegas. I should mention that Savannah is the oldest of nine siblings from Georgia who were raised by their long-suffering, loving and strong Grandma Reid since their mother lost custody due to her incurable drunkenness. This explains a lot about why Savannah is so strong and vulnerable at the same time and why she puts up with her irresponsible red-neck siblings who are all named after cities in Georgia (Savannah, Atlanta, Macon, etc). There is much humor and laugh out loud moments in this book along with action, all the gamuts of emotions...right up my alley. Ahhhh....:)
June 24, 2012
This series is usually a fun and enjoyable read. This book did not disappoint. I love Savannah and her extended family - most of them helping her in her investigations as private investigator. Dirk, her friend (and possibly more? at least hinted at in this book), is the only one who is a "current" professional - a police homicide detective. (One of her extended family is a former FBI agent.)
Fairly light reads, in terms of being easy to read and not too graphic or grim, but still very engaging and intriguing reads. I don't know where I am in this series and it usually does't matter. I think they can stand up well on their own.
However, this book sees, to indicate that the friendship and partnership she and Dirk have had all these years may be changing. I may need to pay more attention to where I am in the series, so I can monitor this development.
Fairly light reads, in terms of being easy to read and not too graphic or grim, but still very engaging and intriguing reads. I don't know where I am in this series and it usually does't matter. I think they can stand up well on their own.
However, this book sees, to indicate that the friendship and partnership she and Dirk have had all these years may be changing. I may need to pay more attention to where I am in the series, so I can monitor this development.
August 13, 2008
I love Savannah Reid -- all of her siblings are named after cities in Georgia and all are just slightly dysfunctional but loveable -- as is Savannah. This series is one of those you'll-love-the-characters-and-who-cares-who-dunit!
July 23, 2015
I somehow skipped over this book when it was "new"' but picked it up at the library--I honestly wish I was able to rate this book a "10" ********** it was THAT GOOD!!
Having been down in the dumps for 2 days before-hand; really needed the humor especially the ending! Whoo Hee
Having been down in the dumps for 2 days before-hand; really needed the humor especially the ending! Whoo Hee
May 6, 2016
I have enjoyed all her books and have been reading them for a while. The characters are fun to keep up with. Always something different in each book so the plots are not boring or redundant.
January 20, 2010
I like all of her books - easy to read, simple to get through, likable characters.
March 5, 2021
Having just discovered this long-running series, I’m catching up. Savannah Reid, California private investigator and former cop, is a likable and entertaining character. I love her southern charm and the supporting cast, Dirk Coulter, Ryan and John, and Tammy are all good in their roles. Each book also features one of Savannah’s multitudinous family members from back home in Georgia. This works well in some of the books but in this one her younger sister, Jesup (Jessie) and her newly acquired husband do not add anything to the book. This installment would have been better without the family subplot in my opinion. As for the main storyline and mystery, it’s a good one, perhaps the best I’ve found in the series so far. When you think you have it all figured out, you probably don’t.
Many readers list these books as cozy mysteries and they are up to a point, but they do contain elements that don’t exactly fit the cozy genre. I like that about them but some might not. I don’t know how I missed reading these as they came out but it’s fun to have a new series to read through. I’m enjoying them a great deal.
Many readers list these books as cozy mysteries and they are up to a point, but they do contain elements that don’t exactly fit the cozy genre. I like that about them but some might not. I don’t know how I missed reading these as they came out but it’s fun to have a new series to read through. I’m enjoying them a great deal.
February 17, 2024
Not sure why this series has been tbr for so long for me, even when I wasn't reading much these books would of been a comfort in a rough patch of life
Savannah is hired as protection to has been actress when her assistant is gun down in her driveway. Using solid police work, they investigate the background of suspects, follow up leads and enjoy the company of their friendship.
These are quick fast reads for me, and even in the middle of the series we aren't given redone plots ( evanovich series), but the building blocks of how Savannah is running her own business and becoming successful. We see new levels of old friendships. And we get fresh humor from another one of her siblings * they are seem to be train wrecks that end up on her porch*
and my biggest thumbs up is this is a female who doesn't do dumb things to solve a case
Savannah is hired as protection to has been actress when her assistant is gun down in her driveway. Using solid police work, they investigate the background of suspects, follow up leads and enjoy the company of their friendship.
These are quick fast reads for me, and even in the middle of the series we aren't given redone plots ( evanovich series), but the building blocks of how Savannah is running her own business and becoming successful. We see new levels of old friendships. And we get fresh humor from another one of her siblings * they are seem to be train wrecks that end up on her porch*
and my biggest thumbs up is this is a female who doesn't do dumb things to solve a case
December 13, 2016
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.
July 12, 2019
Dona Papalardo, once a sought after actress, has had gastric bypass surgery and reignited her career. When her personal assistant is shot to death in the driveway of Dona's home she was wearing a fur coat lent to her by Dona. Did the killer think it was Dona? Savannah is hired to be her bodyguard.
When, days later, the gardener is also killer with Dona standing near him, it is obvious Dona is the target. Savannah gets a little too close to the danger in this one. I am liking the series less and less. Savannah is fat and I get really sick of her complaining about it and yet stuffing her face with pastries and fattening foods. Dirk appears to be a slob. And, yet another of her obnoxious sisters shows up.
When, days later, the gardener is also killer with Dona standing near him, it is obvious Dona is the target. Savannah gets a little too close to the danger in this one. I am liking the series less and less. Savannah is fat and I get really sick of her complaining about it and yet stuffing her face with pastries and fattening foods. Dirk appears to be a slob. And, yet another of her obnoxious sisters shows up.
June 30, 2017
Savannah is pressed into service as the bodyguard for actress Dona Papalardo after her assistant is murdered. Her friend, Detective Dirk Coulter and Savannah believe that Dona may have the target. While working to track down the killer, Savanah is also trying to understand Dona, and what compelled her to undergo gastric bypass surgery. Much happens in this well crafted and well written mystery, peopled with the interesting characters readers of this series have come to enjoy.
October 31, 2018
Another fun book in the Savannah Reid mystery series. This was a great example of McKevett's tried and true formula for making an interesting plot that is mixed with suspense, wisdom, and fun through her classic characters. I never read this series in order, and it doesn't effect the enjoyment one bit.
April 23, 2019
What could be worse being a bodyguard for a comeback starlet or your dingbat sister and new dingbat brother in law coming for a visit? For Savannah there really isn't much difference. By the end of the day there isn't a big enough box of Godiva to sooth either experience. With the help of her crew and some good soul food Savannah just might make it through her latest adventure.
November 28, 2024
Fat Free and Fatal by G.A. McKevett is the 12th book in the Savannah Reid Mystery series. Private investigator Savannah Reid is hired to protect actress Dona Papalardo after her personal assistant is shot dead. Lots of fun with the crew from the Magnolia Detective Agency as well as Savannah's family. Plenty of twists and action. A wonderful mystery.
May 16, 2018
Great story
I love Savannah Reid and the fact she is a big girl. Lots of action, and her relatives are colorful and fun. The movie star was a good character, and the accurate ness of Bariatric surgery and it’s dangers.
I love Savannah Reid and the fact she is a big girl. Lots of action, and her relatives are colorful and fun. The movie star was a good character, and the accurate ness of Bariatric surgery and it’s dangers.
March 17, 2023
I so enjoy these books Her characters are memorable and likable. I really like that the main character is a plus sized woman who has struggled with accepting herself. I can relate and that she finds a partner who loves every ounce of her is a bonus.
Am enjoying this series very much.
Am enjoying this series very much.
July 20, 2019
One of my very favorite series. This book was pretty predictable, not quite as fun as some of the previous books, but it was still really good.
March 5, 2020
Fans of Savannah will enjoy!
January 17, 2023
Savannah and the Magnolia Detective Agency are at it again. #12 has a lot of unexpected events to keep you guessing the outcomes.
April 13, 2023
Overall, a laid back mystery with a plot twist I didn’t see coming. Likable characters.
June 3, 2019
I enjoy the characters in this series
May 27, 2013
This is another Savannah Reid mystery. The motive for the murders is connected to the serious story based on the problems with the effects of gastric by-pass surgery. The lighter problem involves the youngest of Savannah's siblings (Jesup) who has recently married a young man (Bleak) she just met. Savannah "cures" them of their obsession with the macabre by inviting them to attending an autopsy. Another serious topic is the emotional toll that killing someone can have on police officers/private investigators. During the confrontation, Tammy realizes that she cannot kill another human being, even if her own life is in danger. Savannah reassures her that she (Tammy) is not a weak person for acknowledging this. Not everyone can do it, even police officers, without serious emotional repercussions.
April 29, 2011
another good one, but this time i guessed the lady of the house did it . ok i only guessed toward the end but its the first time in this series i guessed. its a movie star and she killed her assistant and gardener, then she wanted the murderer she hired to kill her too, but she changed her mind and set it up so savanah killed him instead. she had some weight loss surgury that went bad so she was sick all the time. she ended up getting arrested. this one had savanahs sister marry a man she didnt know in LV and they didnt get along and got divorced. they came and stayed with her the week they were married.
it was good!
it was good!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2013
This isn't my favorite series, but I still keep my eyes open for it at the library. I wonder at times if the author is trying to get more and more ridiculous with Savannah's family issues, and this book's token Reid visitation is no exception. On the positive side, there does seem to be more realism in the way the characters deal with major issues like gastric bypass, body image, loss of privacy, and how the taking of a life weighs on one's conscience. What is touching is how the major characters acknowledge how much they need each other and the ways that they demonstrate this.
September 5, 2015
Another good book in the Savanah Reid series ! I just love the characters in this series. The stories are interesting and easy to follow. Reminds me of a Grown-up Nancy Drew. Started reading the series last summer. I have very little time to read due to work, and school full-time. So, summer is my time to put down the textbooks and read for enjoyment. Thank goodness for the author and for the Savannah Reid series. I hope there are more to come in the series!!
February 29, 2016
This is the second one I've read and I liked it so much better. The plot was tighter, the relationships between the characters was better explained and there was some reflection and personal growth. It is in the middle of the series and I'm tempted to see if I can start at book 1 and work my way through.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 59 reviews