A Decadent Way to Die

A Savannah Reid Mystery #16

by G.A. McKevett

Plus-sized P.I. Savannah Reid prides herself on cracking even the toughest cases. But her latest investigation is leaving her hungry for answers as she tries to unmask the identity of a cunning, would-be killer. His prey? A famous octogenarian with a fortune in the bank and a target on her back...

As the creator of the world-famous Helene doll, legendary designer Helene Strauss is equally well-known for her exquisite taste and her brassy, take-no-prisoners style. While Helene's business acumen made her a huge success, it also made her a quite a few enemies. So when the feisty 80-year-old has several suspicious brushes with death, Savannah Reid is hired to find out why.

Once on the case, Savannah quickly learns that tensions within the Strauss family have been raging for years. To Helene's chagrin, her niece and arch nemesis, Ava, has managed to claw her way to the helm of the family doll company, steering the business in a seedy new direction. Their latest creation--a sexy fashion doll replete with oversized lips and an over-the-top boob job--has Helene particularly rankled... leaving Savannah to wonder if the family ties that bind the Strauss' are tight enough to kill.

With the help of her friend, Detective Dirk Coulter, Savannah discovers that Ava isn't the only one with a motive to do Helene harm. In fact, the Strauss matriarch seems to be surrounded by friends and family bent on inheriting her fortune by any means necessary. Before long, Savannah is sure she has a handle on the case. But when two key players turn up dead in Helene's sizzling hot Jacuzzi, Savannah will have to start from scratch--and question everything she thought she knew about the Strauss's twisted family tree...

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Crime, Chick Lit

293 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 2011

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

[Donna in Southern Maryland · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, let me say that the Savannah Reid Series is one of my favorites, and this book has all the usual characters: Savannah, Dirk, Tammy, John & Ryan, and Granny. It also has an interesting murder mystery, with all the accompanying twists and turns. But this book tackles a much more important issue ---Abuse. I can tell it's something the author has some personal experience with, and feels deeply about. It's handled in a very real way, both in what the abuser does, how the victim behaves, and what can happen as it progresses.

We forget that abuse can occur at any age, any time, any place, by either sex. I hope this book, which ends up with resources available for help, will help readers who find themselves in this position to seek help. Highly recommended.

If this is your first Savannah book, I recommend that you go back and Read IN Order, you will enjoy the journey this characters are on even more!

[Kris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! For a cozy this one was pretty intense. One of my favorite cozy authors and I'm glad I held out on the library waiting list for this one. It did have all the characters that make it a Savannah Reid novel - Tammy, Ryan, John, Dirk, and an appearance by Granny Reid at the end. And we all love Granny Reid! But more than just the "normal" cozy, with the who's trying to kill (or did kill) whomever, this one had a very series message too.

The message was about abuse. This is such a series subject and one that often goes ignored by friends and family because they don't want to get involved for whatever reason. The author does a wonderful job of showing how it looks from someone outside the relationship - someone close to the victim - and all the varying reactions that go along with knowing what's going on. But it shows how it effects everyone involved with the victim, without being 'preachy' about it. Very nice job.

The end had me in tears, seriously, and I can't remember the last time a cozy made me cry (maybe never). I'm not going to say why - but it's so worth finding out!

A great, great read.

Challenges this book counts towards
Cruisin' thru the Cozies
eBook Challenge
Outdo Yourself
Support Your Local Library

~ Kris~

[Ilona · Rating 4 out of 5]

A light, enjoyable read for a summer weekend. Or a cozy winter evening or two, come to that. This is my first in this series, and I really liked Savannah Reid, the cop-turned-private investigator. The mystery was interesting, the untangling of the puzzle satisfactory.

My favourite part of the book was the dynamic between Savannah and her former police partner and now friend (and maybe more-than-friend), Dirk Coulter. I've heard it's not easy to write dialogue, and goodness knows I've read enough clunky, awkward dialogue in my time. The conversations between Savannah and Dirk are such fun to read, in part because I liked the two characters, certainly, but mostly because it sounds so real. I like the way they chat, I like the easy flow of the banter, I like what it reveals about their personalities and their relationship.

A highly satisfying read!

[Moondance · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Land sakes, boy, my tailbone's done taken root to this floor," Savannah Reid said as she shifted from one side of her aching rear to the other.

Savannah is back in the sixteenth book of the series. She and Dirk continue to work together to catch bad guys. Savannah is hired to investigate possible attempts on the life of a elderly doll maker. A back story of domestic abuse is also included.

I just love Savannah! Her Southernisms make me smile and trigger fond memories. The opening line of this book reminded me of my maternal grandmother. She was the ultimate Southern lady and "land sakes" was the strongest words I ever heard her utter.

Savannah and Dirk work so well as a team. It does surprise me how involved she can get in a police investigation even though she is no longer on the force. It has been interesting to see how their relationship has evolved.

Savannah is a strongly loyal woman and cares deeply for her friends. This is shown repeatedly as she worries about Tammy throughout the storyline.

The mystery is well done and a bit sad when you realize how disloyal some people can be.

The ending is rough but definitely sets us up for the next book.

I enjoy my visits with Savannah and crew and look forward to the next book.

[Josh Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fantastic and very entertaining story, I really like it.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really good. I enjoyed the main mystery as well as all the subplots. Good characters keep bringing me back to this series.

[Ann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. It is the first I have read of this series and it was surprisingly good. Savannah Reid is a plus-sized investigator. She is hired by the granddaughter of Helena Strauss, a dollmaker, who has had several "accidents" and is beginning to think someone wants her dead. Savannah and her partner and a group of associates investigate to help solve the mystery. The guilty party is a little obvious but there is a very good understory to this book. I will read more of this series.

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE BEST BOOK OF THE SERIES SO FAR! 😊😊😊😊 I was crying 😭 my eyes out and at the edge of my seat for most of the last half and pausing to get myself under control so I could finish it! This book changed everything that I thought about this series. Great job Ms. McKevett, you made me a fan for life😊.

[Burlington Library · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. My. Gosh. This book. Where to begin? First of all...it's an excellent book! All the books in this series are excellent. I love Savannah, our feisty heroine, and all her friends and family but this book had me loving them even more! For me, the sign of a good series and a good author is when you feel as if the characters are family and you care so much about them. This book-especially the very dramatic ending scene-had me simultaneously cheering, shouting and near tears at how action-packed and emotional it was. I don't want to give anything away but this book does deal with domestic abuse and I want to warn readers who may not feel comfortable with reading about that (which is completely understandable.) This book is not graphic but it is a little more intense than that of a typical cozy. I definitely recommend this book (and the others in the series!) After writing this, I almost want to go re-read this book!

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book.

I've not read a Savannah Reid mystery before, and even though this is book 16 in the series, it was a great introduction to the characters. I felt like I could read this and still get to know the backstory of each major character and instantly felt like a member of that close circle of friends.

Savannah is a lovable character. At first, the dialogue threw me off a little, but it didn't take me long to enjoy the southern sayings and the way she and Dirk played off each other. They make a great team.

This book deals with issues other than murder and greed. It also deals with issues of abuse, so be warned if that is a problem for you. It is dealt with intelligently and carefully, and I think the author did a good job in conveying this important message.

Given the chance, I would definitely read more of this series.

[Teresa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Glad to see the mystery doesn't contain any celebrities or dieting agendas. This time we get a feisty senior citizen who doesn't believe the accidents in her presence are anything more than accidents.

Savannah is hired by a family member to find out who wants her dead. There are several suspects and motive is simple who will inherit the fortune when she dies. It took a while before I was sure of the criminal.

A side story was Tammy and her boyfriend, it does add dimension to the secondary characters but it was painful to watch such an upbeat person get put down by the person she loves. In the end we get a horrible crime and and then a happy ending

[Julie Trapp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helene Strauss, creator of the famous Helene doll, is sure she has had some attempted death attempts. She may have created a popular doll, but has made enemies in doing so. When 2 people are found dead in her jacuzzi, Savannah Reid has her hands full trying to discover the killer. The possibilities include Helene's niece, great-nephew (his interest only seems to be where his next fix will come from), her great-niece as well as hers gardener and housekeeper. Even with bodyguards Ryan and John there, the murders happen. Pretty good. Tammy's storyline in this book seemed contrived.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this m.c. and her partner Dirk and the way they solve the crime of the attempted attack on a prominent doll maker and then two people are electrocuted in her hot tub. All while dealing with a physical threat to their friend and co-worker Tammy's life from a boyfriend. In this one Savannah is targeted and hurt and her romantic life takes a turn. Many subplots and things going on with the characters.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read. Jumped into the middle of this Savannah Reid series. This particular story touches on the subject of abuse. Shining necessary light on the fact that it is not the recipients fault. Look forward to reading another book in the series. There are parts that resonate and make me chuckle to lighten up the serious parts of the story.

[Lindsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Savannah Reid novel. I enjoy them for the quick, fun mystery reads that they are. This one did not disappoint. It's not so good a book I'd want to read it again, but it was a fun escape for the short time that I read it.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savannah is hired to protect the famous creator of the Helene doll. Only to find the feisty lady is exactly that feisty and stubborn. When Savannah discovers the accidents were not accidents she aims to find out who wants to kill Helene Strauss.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two things:
1. Finally! (you know what I mean)
2. Why are women so stupid? (you also know what I mean)

[Alena Plavšić · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great summer read!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Mindy Scroggins · Rating 4 out of 5]

First read for me of this cozy series !! It was a good read and I didn’t have it figured out !! Will read more of this series !

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally!!

[Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed! Savannah gets engaged!!!😍

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love that this series moves the characters along in their personal life instead of revamping the same tired love triangles that other cozies rely on. The mystery was not as interesting as usual.

[Lane]

to stereo typical but the ending was a shocker

[L.M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Big surprise at the end (unless you’ve read the description for the next book). So sweet! Gotta love the characters in this series.

[Chandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in this series. Some major personal developments too.

[Louise King · Rating 5 out of 5]

Surprise ending

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

Don't be fooled by the sunny yellow cover and the luscious slice of berry cheesecake on the cover.
This one is about domestic abuse.
And not a recipe in sight!

[Abby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helene was an amazing woman. As Savannah said, she reminded her of Granny. I enjoyed the story and loved the new doll. Appropriately named.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

No spoilers...

Sort of. Well, it's about damn time! I cannot wait for the next book to see how they adjust to this. Yay!