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A Savannah Reid Mystery #14
A Body to Die For
A plus-sized private detective investigates a diet guru accused of making her husband eat lead in this cozy mystery by the author of Poisoned Tarts.
Weight loss diva Clarissa Jardin became a household name after she transformed herself from flabby to fit with an exercise program she designed. Raking in millions of dollars, Clarissa has the whole world in the palm of her hand—that is, until her husband, Bill, is found mysteriously shot to death.
Detective Dirk Coulter calls PI Savannah Reid to the crime scene, and it isn't long before Clarissa’s squeaky-clean image starts to unravel. With the whole world watching this celebrity whodunit, Savannah must crack the case fast—before another victim gets their just desserts . . .
Praise for A Body to Die
“Lively. . . . McKevett . . .delivers another amusing tart-tongued cozy that goes down like a yummy guilt-free dessert.” —Publishers Weekly
“As usual, her tongue is the muscle that gets the most exercise as lively Savannah sets one and all straight.” —Kirkus Reviews
Weight loss diva Clarissa Jardin became a household name after she transformed herself from flabby to fit with an exercise program she designed. Raking in millions of dollars, Clarissa has the whole world in the palm of her hand—that is, until her husband, Bill, is found mysteriously shot to death.
Detective Dirk Coulter calls PI Savannah Reid to the crime scene, and it isn't long before Clarissa’s squeaky-clean image starts to unravel. With the whole world watching this celebrity whodunit, Savannah must crack the case fast—before another victim gets their just desserts . . .
Praise for A Body to Die
“Lively. . . . McKevett . . .delivers another amusing tart-tongued cozy that goes down like a yummy guilt-free dessert.” —Publishers Weekly
“As usual, her tongue is the muscle that gets the most exercise as lively Savannah sets one and all straight.” —Kirkus Reviews
321 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
118 people are currently reading
594 people want to read
About the author
G.A. McKevett
34 books727 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 81 reviews
October 16, 2019
I love Savannah Reid cozy mysteries! She's a Southern gal with a Baretta. I wish she was my friend in real life. Hilarious, sassy and sweet. Good, fast read in between a more dramatic story. This is a fun series that doesn't need to be read in order. (I'm all over the place with it!
This particular story is about, Claire, a gym and healthness guru that's a total skinnygirl. She criticizes overweight people to the point of disgust. Savannah is suddenly involved with the death of her husband. Lots of secrets to her success. And Savannah hates her even more bc Savannah is a healthy girl with a big appetite one can call stealthy and voluptuous.
This particular story is about, Claire, a gym and healthness guru that's a total skinnygirl. She criticizes overweight people to the point of disgust. Savannah is suddenly involved with the death of her husband. Lots of secrets to her success. And Savannah hates her even more bc Savannah is a healthy girl with a big appetite one can call stealthy and voluptuous.
May 13, 2010
savannah is just funnier than hell.. i mean seriously,many people compare charaters to steph plum and then fall short... savannah doesnt... she and bubbles strohmeyer(an entirely different character/book) are the closest to LOL comparison. only thing, i would def say read these books in order b'c the relationship between dirk and savannah does grow.. yeah it works as a stand alone but why miss 13 other great books?
September 9, 2016
oh what fun!!!!
Fast paced, brilliantly written! Will have to rush to find the beginning of the series! :D
I was laughing so often, that even the fact I predicted "whodunit" ahead of time, did not make the reading less enjoyable!
really good one! :D
Fast paced, brilliantly written! Will have to rush to find the beginning of the series! :D
I was laughing so often, that even the fact I predicted "whodunit" ahead of time, did not make the reading less enjoyable!
really good one! :D
Read
November 10, 2011so far so good....and savanah's(the main gal) sister is absolutely dreadful it's like you want to pull her out of the book scream GET OVER YOURSELF and calmly put her back......
November 15, 2019
Another enjoyable Savannah Reid mystery novel. I love how she solves a murder while dealing with that crazy family of hers.
September 22, 2020
I always like visiting
With Savannah and her crew. They always make me feel better, and there is always a twisty mystery to unravel!
With Savannah and her crew. They always make me feel better, and there is always a twisty mystery to unravel!
January 30, 2018
This one was about as subtle as a sledgehammer. The characters and their interactions all had a sort of two-dimensional slap-stick feel to them. I was constantly irritated by characters unnecessarily perving and basically acting like cats on heat around anyone (and I mean anyone) of the opposite sex. Gay guys add a bit of class in a stereotypical sort of a way (but they are rich, handsome, homonormative "gay best friend" types) and of course there is no same-sex attraction between women.
Somehow I still enjoyed my journey through this extremely flawed and very guessable novel (Savannah is naive to be so many steps behind the reader). At times it threatens to get serious and complex over issues like whether meat production is cruel or unethical (we get given no easy answer to that one) or the ethics and effectiveness of imprisoning people (especially questions over which young people end up in gaol). These sections were endearing and didn't offer black and white answers.
It was problematic for me that Savannah (an ex cop) works for the very toxically masculine Dirk FOR FREE, meanwhile having a patronising and exploitative attitude to her own assistant and then he also spends about half the book trying to extract food and emotional labour from her. I also felt that characters let other characters trespass on their personal space and walk all over them too much. The first chapter or so was irrelevant...granted it had one of the main characters hovering in the background but it actually had nothing to do with the book itself and seemed like just an excuse to show that Savannah was going to let Dirk get away with being a horrid sleaze. I was quite put off by it...but the story did get better. Savannah also needs better relationships with women (any woman at all) and the casual and constant references to violence within various family and romantic relationships need to be toned down or better still eliminated (how does that work with the actual murderer simply doing the same thing)?
The book moved cheerfully and perfectly paced forward at all times. I enjoyed the fat positivity (without anyone expressly stating that Savannah was fat per se which was also good). I won't rule out the possibility of reading this series again since on balance there was more enjoyment than the irritation (albeit both were present). This is junkfood for the soul, but I don't mind junkfood now and then if it at least adds enjoyment.
Somehow I still enjoyed my journey through this extremely flawed and very guessable novel (Savannah is naive to be so many steps behind the reader). At times it threatens to get serious and complex over issues like whether meat production is cruel or unethical (we get given no easy answer to that one) or the ethics and effectiveness of imprisoning people (especially questions over which young people end up in gaol). These sections were endearing and didn't offer black and white answers.
It was problematic for me that Savannah (an ex cop) works for the very toxically masculine Dirk FOR FREE, meanwhile having a patronising and exploitative attitude to her own assistant and then he also spends about half the book trying to extract food and emotional labour from her. I also felt that characters let other characters trespass on their personal space and walk all over them too much. The first chapter or so was irrelevant...granted it had one of the main characters hovering in the background but it actually had nothing to do with the book itself and seemed like just an excuse to show that Savannah was going to let Dirk get away with being a horrid sleaze. I was quite put off by it...but the story did get better. Savannah also needs better relationships with women (any woman at all) and the casual and constant references to violence within various family and romantic relationships need to be toned down or better still eliminated (how does that work with the actual murderer simply doing the same thing)?
The book moved cheerfully and perfectly paced forward at all times. I enjoyed the fat positivity (without anyone expressly stating that Savannah was fat per se which was also good). I won't rule out the possibility of reading this series again since on balance there was more enjoyment than the irritation (albeit both were present). This is junkfood for the soul, but I don't mind junkfood now and then if it at least adds enjoyment.
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.
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.
June 8, 2023
i did get these from my local library leaning program ...kindle reads. can i pick a favorite. i know that Murder at Mabel's Motel is a totally different series. so, if i pick from Savannah Reid series .. "A Few Drops of Bitters", is the one i will pick to my ultimate favorite from that series. but don't get me wrong. i enjoy the others as well. get to reading.
book 10: Murder a la mode (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
A Body To Die For (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 26: A Few Drops of Bitters (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
Murder at Mabel's Motel (Granny Reid Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 22: Every Body on Deck - G.A. McKevett
book 10: Murder a la mode (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
A Body To Die For (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 26: A Few Drops of Bitters (Savannah Reid Mystery Series) - G.A. McKevett
Murder at Mabel's Motel (Granny Reid Series) - G.A. McKevett
book 22: Every Body on Deck - G.A. McKevett
February 18, 2019
Clarissa jardin went from fat to fit and now has her own gym. Savannah and Tammy just finished helping Dirk catch a peeping Tom at the gym. Then Clarissa's hubby is found shot to death. His mother hires Savannah to find out the killer - hoping it was Clarissa. We get that Savannah is fat (not voluptuous or anything close) and her world revolves are food. But do we have to be constantly reminded of what that food is, or that Dirk is a slob who wouldn't survive on a police force in real life.
April 26, 2019
Family...you can't live with them and their not worth spending the rest of your life in prison for killing them. 😊 Savannah needs to move, tell no one (except Granny👵) where she went and never get drop in visits from her screwy family again. Trying to earn a living, Savannah is investigating the disappearance then murder of a guy👦 you can't keep his zipper👖 shut. With so many people wanting this guy dead it's just possible that the wrong person might go to jail. Toss in a visit from Savannah's man eating sister and we might all be needing the Godiva chocolate 🍫. 😊
April 27, 2022
I was looking for something a bit different, and this fit the bill. I liked Savannah a lot, but I also liked that this case - that of a in-your-face diet coach - pushed her buttons. It brought body images to the forefront, but did so without being preachy, with Savannah even admitting it brought out the worst in her. It also took quite a few twists and turns before the end. It wasn't quite as funny as I was hoping, but it was enjoyable, and I'll probably track down the earlier entries in the series now.
March 7, 2024
recently rediscovered this series, and I am binge reading it.
Once again Savannah tags along with Dirk, as he investigates a missing person. Upon discovery of his car and body many suspects could be possible for his death. The author gives a few red herrings to throw you off the right path.
the ending made sense, but it came out of nowhere.
Once again Savannah tags along with Dirk, as he investigates a missing person. Upon discovery of his car and body many suspects could be possible for his death. The author gives a few red herrings to throw you off the right path.
the ending made sense, but it came out of nowhere.
October 7, 2017
Another fun book in the series. I really enjoy the detailed and predictable characters that McKevett has created in the world of Savannah Reid. It's like rejoining a group of friends each time I pick up one of her stories. This one includes a visit from Marrietta, a hilarious sibling of Savannah's. I do recommend this series.
February 17, 2018
I love Savannah, but I really wish McKevett would leave out the annoying family members. Does one of them really need to come all the way from Georgia to California in every book? There are enough great characters and the mystery is always face paced without adding an annoying family member in the mix. Luckily, this one did not make an extended appearance.
July 29, 2019
Hmmmm ... Mean characters but good mystery
The male and female lead characters are awfully mean to each other as is the assistant. I suppose it was meant to be funny banter but did not quite hit the mark. The mystery itself was good though and held the mystery of it until the very end.
The male and female lead characters are awfully mean to each other as is the assistant. I suppose it was meant to be funny banter but did not quite hit the mark. The mystery itself was good though and held the mystery of it until the very end.
July 16, 2019
I think this will be my last read of this series. They all seem to have the same plot of a diet diva of some sort and the constant family member dropping in unannounced or invited. Just not holding my attention any more.
July 10, 2022
Clarissa's House of Pain and Gain is not a place I would want go to exercise and be yelled at. But' when Clarissa's husband is found murdered Savannah tries to put her disgust aside and solve the murder. It turns out there are secrets that Clarissa would not the public to know about.
May 22, 2017
I really do enjoy this series, but I wish Savannah wasn't such a pushover in regards to her siblings.
April 13, 2019
Loved it! Sweet!😍
July 25, 2019
Quick Savannah Reid mystery series.
August 23, 2019
Lots of twists and turns in this one. Fortunately Savannah's annoying sister didn't play a large role in this book as her siblings have in some of the previous books. Great series!
September 21, 2019
I’m not usually into “cozy” mysteries, but I enjoyed this, especially the food descriptions! Great light travel book.
March 13, 2020
Feisty Savannah solves another
October 8, 2021
Fun. Like Stephanie plum light with fewer car crashes. Hoopla via dpl
February 3, 2023
Lots of twists and turns solving this whodunnit. Love Savannah, Dirk, Ryan, John + Tammy.
May 1, 2023
Really enjoying this series. Really like that the characters are not picture perfect beautiful people. Nice to have protagonists who are real.
August 29, 2023
This was my first book I read from the series and the plot twist was very good! I enjoyed getting to know the characters
November 22, 2024
Fast and funny Savannah and Dirk are great characters that stay focused although you see there is love between them.
November 24, 2024
Excellent read. Easy to follow. Lots of twists and turns. Rather entertaining; lots of funny humor. The plot and storyline are excellent. Well written. Loved the characters. Highly recommend.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews