Poisoned Tarts (Savannah Reid Mysteries) [Mass Market Paperback]

G. A. McKevett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2009 | Series: Savannah Reid Mysteries

What happens when too rich and too thin becomes too deadly? Voluptuous P.I. Savannah Reid is about to find out as she delves into the disappearance of a celebrity hanger - on that soon leads to something more sinister. As Halloween draws near, Savannah will have to learn a killer's deadly 'tricks' before someone else is 'treated' to murder...Halloween in Southern California just doesn't have the frosty bite Savannah's used to, although her latest job promises chills aplenty. The Skeleton Key Three, a celebutante clique so named by the media because of their super-skinny figures and fat trust funds, are in the spotlight again - but this time, it's for something more than partying. It seems the one member of the Three who was neither wealthy nor particularly svelte hasn't been heard from in days.The missing girl's name is Daisy O'Neil, and by all accounts, she had little in common with her so-called friends Tiffy, Kiki, and Bunny. Chubby, smart, and less-than-privileged, Daisy's role in the Three seems to have been primarily to be the victim of their vicious jibes and pranks. When Savannah learns that Tiffy's acting aspirations were threatened by Daisy's genuine talent, the poor little rich girl begins to look big-time guilty.But just when Savannah thinks she has it all figured out - except where the body is stashed - the vibe surrounding the Skeleton Key Three changes from vacuous and suspicious to downright murderous. As preparations are being made for a monster Halloween party, to be held on the Dante compound, the patriarch himself is spotted dressed as Dracula, laid out in his coffin, complete with a real stake through his no-longer-beating heart. Now, with the party seriously pooped and the tabloids on a tear, Savannah will have to put her Halloween candy on the shelf until she's deserving of a reward. And that means finding a killer - fast - before more Hollywood money becomes buried treasure...

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In McKevett's entertaining 13th Savannah Reid mystery (after 2007's Fat Free and Fatal), the California PI agrees to help her old San Carmelita police partner, overworked Det. Sgt. Dirk Coulter, find 18-year-old Daisy O'Neil because she's reminded of a missing girl the pair were unable to find alive nearly 20 years earlier. Daisy's terrified mother suspects Daisy's friends known as the Skeleton Key Three may be involved. Rail-thin tabloid queen Tiffy Dante, along with Bunny Greenaway and Kiki Wallace, are famous for their glam looks, wealth and party-on lifestyle. They view Daisy as a fat hanger-on and claim to know nothing. As Tiffy preps her family estate for a Halloween party, Tiffy's dad turns up in a prop coffin with a stake through his heart. Is there a connection between his murder and Daisy's disappearance? When Savannah's Granny Reid, who's visiting from Georgia, decides to lend a hand in the investigation, things really start popping. McKevett continues to deliver witty crime solving that's both tart and sweet. (May)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books; Reprint edition (January 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0758215533
• ISBN-13: 978-0758215536
• Product Dimensions: 6.7 x 4.2 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #793,801 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

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 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.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A sweet mystery!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!, July 8, 2008

By 

Sassy girl "Sassy" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Poisoned Tarts (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Hardcover)

G.A. Mckevett has done it gain! Wrote a wonderful humorous mystery for all to enjoy. I can't believe this is her 13th mystery. I love coming home to this place where Savannah, Dirk, her Mother, and others live. This is the way a cozy mystery should be written. Solving a mystery is only part of the story. Adding characters with flaws and quirks, definitely adds to the mix. Great job of blending the storyline with the characters. The eye catching book cover, helps you decide to pick this book to take home and read.

I am ready for the next case!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent mystery, May 6, 2008

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Poisoned Tarts (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Hardcover)

The Skeleton Key Three are a paparazzi's dream as the ultra wealthy and super thin wild party-goers are always good for a salacious headline. Tiffy and her pals Bunny and Kiki always create the scene. Recently seen hanging around the trio is non-affluent teenager Daisy O'Neil who her new "buddies" treat her lower than dirt. Tiffy and Daisy try out for a movie role, but the latter gets the part. A raging Tiffy plans to retaliate; just prior to rehearsals Daisy vanishes. Her concerned mother pressures the police to start with the Skeleton Key Three in their missing person's search.

San Carmelita Detective Dirk Coulter catches the case, but he "cons" his friend private investigator Savannah Reid into helping him. After talking to the Skeleton Key Three, both believe that the trio is involved in Daisy's vanishing. However every lead they follow leads only to a dead end. However during the Daisy investigation while at Tiffy's Mcmansion, they find her father lying dead with a stake in his heart in a coffin that is part of a Halloween party decoration. They discover a bullet in his chest. Both the private sleuth and city cop are more determined to solve the two cases hopefully with a live Daisy.

The inquiries are well written so the audience will enjoy tagging along with the two detectives. However the fresh fun in POISONED TARTS come with the appearance of Granny Reid, a colorful character who has been lovingly mentioned by her granddaughter for years, but now has shown up in California in the first person for the first time. THE SKELTON KEY THREE are ultra spoiled with their only interest being self hedonism; readers will find no redeeming qualities amidst these rich bi*ches. It is obvious they are involved in Daisy's disappearance and Tiffy has a motive, but is she the one who remains the mystery.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Chic Lit, March 18, 2009

By 

Herbert A. Gardener "herb gardener" (Boca Raton, FL USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Poisoned Tarts (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

The Savanah Reid series is fun, casual reading. Her character is flawed, yet intelligent and endearing. She's the girlfriend we all wish we had. I've read about half of the available paperbacks, and I've loved every single one.