A Decadent Way to Die (Savannah Reid Mystery, #16)

A Decadent Way to Die (A Savannah Reid Mystery #16)

4.05 of 5 stars 4.05  ·  rating details  ·  397 ratings  ·  54 reviews
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 S...more
Hardcover, 293 pages
Published February 1st 2011 by Kensington (first published January 14th 2011)
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Jackie
Sometimes you just need a bit of solid fluff (sort of a contradiction in terms, but accurate, I think) to read. Something deep enough to really get into, but not so deep that you end up scratching your head trying to absorb it all. The Savannah Reid series pretty much fits the description.

I enjoy Savannah Reid - she's not too "larger than life" - just right; someone that you could share some chicken and dumplings with, or some ice cream, and be perfectly comfortable.

I've only read a couple boo...more
Kris
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...more
Babs
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.
Donna in Southern Maryland
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, an...more
Mayda
What’s not to like about Savannah Reid! A Southern gal, raised with good manners instilled in her by her loving grandma, she is always polite to her elders even while pointing her Beretta at the bad guys. In this tale, an elderly doll maker seems to be targeted for death. Reminding her so much of her own granny, Savannah is determined to save her new friend and find the monster with the motive, even if this person is part of the doll maker’s twisted family tree. When Savannah’s assistant becomes...more
Philip
This is the 16th in the Savannah Reid series of mysteries and by far one of the very best. Aside from the wonderful and well-written characters of Savannah, Dirk, Ryan, John, Tammy, and of course Granny Reid, the mystery was great too. It is amazing how so much is woven into a book but aside from the mystery, there was an excellent side story of domestic abuse. Not a knock you over the head preachy story but one nonetheless that taught a most important lesson to everyone. An excellent book that...more
Ann
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.
Susan
Private investigator Savannah Reid is hired by Emma, who's concerned for the safety of her elderly, wealthy, feisty grandmother Helene. But at least half of Savannah's mind is preoccupied with her young assistant and best friend Tammy. Something about Tammy's new boyfriend is ringing alarm bells in Savannah's ex-cop mind. Still, as Emma's case turns into murder, Savannah has to concentrate on who in Helene's dysfunctional family is a killer.
Trisha
I knew I had read this before but didn't remember a lot of it. I loved Helene's personality. It made her such a kindred spirit for Savannah. Storyline of the murder was pretty good as well. The murderer wasn't too much of a mystery but shouldn't have been since this was a re-read. Savannah and Dirk's relationship was fun as always. The end was a bit unexpected (if you hadn't already known about it) but I really liked it. Now, I'm ready for the next book!
Angie
I have no idea what the title of this book has to do with the book. This is the first novel I have read in the Savannah Reid series. I thought it was good. If you have like the Stephanie Plum series or JoAnn Fluke's Hannah Swenson series - you'll think this series. Do not start with this book though. There are major, major plot developments that would be better appreciated if you had read the series.
Marcia
This is a later Savannah Reid. It has all the usual characters and a murder for Savannah & Dirk to solve. The addition of domestic abuse/battery to Tammy adds a chilling note, which sets up the second climax. Dirk finally admits and acts upon his feelings for Savannah. This has been hinted at in previous stories. Sometimes, it takes a critical situation to spur action.
Ainslie
One of my favourite cosy mystery series. It's not great literature, it's not particularly clever plotting. It's the characters which make this series for me. Sometimes you just need something nice. And this series is, despite some of the subject matter.

And just let me say... Finally. Finally!!!! I'll be interested to see how this plays out.
Robin
I finished this book, should have read in sequence since there was some action that happened in a prior book that I wasn't aware or informed about. Most of the same cast of characters in this book. Most of the Reid contingent were in this one. I love books that show interactions between a whole mess of people. This one did not disapoint me.
judy
Not my favorite book in this "plus-size Southern detective" series. Not nearly enough chocolate and no recipes. (yes, I do actually read this series because Savannah never eats anything remotely boring, low calorie or healthy). Still, if you read this series or have read even enough of them to know the characters, this volume is a must read.
Kim
Apr 19, 2011 Kim rated it 5 of 5 stars
Shelves: mystery
Somehow I missed book 15 and landed on this one. That's o.k. since you can follow this one anyway. Twist at the end I didn't see coming. Topics in this one include a story line about domestic abuse, so some readers may have a hard time with this one.
Anita
Once again, Savannah comes to the rescue and being that I am
born and raised in the South-I say, you go girl. And what a
great ending. And be sure to read Author's Notes. Always a
pleasure to read Savannah Reid.
Cassie Daniel
A popping story line from start to finish. I just wish I had known that it was like 16th out of 18 books! I love these characters. I listened to this on AudioBook and it was very enjoyable!
Heather
This tops the list in all of the Savannah Reid mysteries, in my opinion. I love the characters anyway, but different sides of everybody really came out in this book. I actually cried in the last couple of chapters. Finally, FINALLY (I'll leave it at that....)! =)
Caroline
G.A. McKevett does it again! The Savannah Reid saga continues and takes a wild curve. If you like these mysteries that include good food, friendship and humor, this is a good one.
Lbaker
I accidentally read the next book in the series before this one - recently! That made me aware of some things that I kept looking for.

The side story about abuse has important messages and information.

As always, Savannah is someone I'd like to meet and eat with.
Linda
I did not care for this book or the characters...I thought many of them were so over-the-top. I wouldn't read this author again.
E
#16 in the Savannah Reid series. I missed Wicked Craving (#15). I'll have to go back and read it. This is a fun series--detective in San Carmelita, a small beach town north of LA.
Rebecca Talkie
This is the latest in a series of books with the pudgy former policewoman, Savannah Reid, as the main character. I like the character because she has flaws as does her cast of friends. No perfect people running around these pages. The people also grow and change which many detective novels don't seem to allow. Looking forward to the next installment.
Mich
Found myself laughing smiling and tearing up. Oh my. Love savannah and dirk and the rest of the gang!
Deena
Some cozy mysteries are funnier than others. This one was pretty average and used ellipses far too much.
Catherine Woodman
This has the look of kind of a hoary murder mystery But it is much better than that
Molly Lynch
This is the 16th book in the series and I am happy to say the books remain entertaining.
Christine
I absolutely loved the ending. All I can say its about time.
Lorraine M. Thompson
I like the Savannah Reid series and this one did not disappoint
Lori Mason
Not the best in the series - but excellent info on domestic violence.
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Since publication of her first novel in 1986, Sonja Massie has authored over fifty 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 inci...more
More about G.A. McKevett...
Just Desserts (A Savannah Reid Mystery #1) Death by Chocolate (Savannah Reid, #8) Murder a la Mode (Savannah Reid, #10) Bitter Sweets (A Savannah Reid Mystery #2) Cereal Killer (Savannah Reid, #9)

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