Sugar and Spite (Savannah Reid Mysteries) [Mass Market Paperback]

G. A. McKevett (Author), G.A. McKevett (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001 | Series: Savannah Reid Mysteries

Savannah Reid, the "full-figured" private detective who wowed critics and readers alike in G.A. McKevett's acclaimed mysteries, is back with a vengeance. This time out, it's Valentine's Day and the former Dixie belle with the take-no-prisoners attitude is turning her voracious appetite toward a case that hits very close to the heart. When her ex-partner's ex-wife is found dead in his trailer, it's up to Savannah to clear Dirk's name and find the real criminal.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Delightful and spunky, California private detective Savannah Reid, always enticed by food, turns her talents toward clearing her ex-partner of the murder of his ex-wife. Never a dull moment, so be sure to buy this one.
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Booklist

Savannah Reid, erstwhile police officer and current PI, has deep Georgia roots and close ties to the family of friends she's built in Southern California, especially Dirk, her former partner and buddy. When Dirk's ex-wife is found in his trailer, shot with Dirk's gun, it looks very bad indeed. But never you mind: Savannah, armed with a passion for food and oozing steel-magnolia charm, sees what needs to be done. The plot encompasses skinheads, a Renaissance fair, stupid e-mail tricks, and abusive boyfriends; there are also amusing bits involving zaftig Savannah's skinny assistant, Tammy, and the sartorially perfect and perfectly charming gay couple, Ryan and John. This is a tale of revenge, finally: Savannah gets to stick it to the guy who fired her, to her deadbeat dad, to a clueless neo-Nazi teen, and even, in a way, to Dirk's ex-wife. Romping good fun, and don't forget the chocolates. GraceAnne A. DeCandido --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Kensington Books (January 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575666375
• ISBN-13: 978-1575666372
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #146,061 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

30 of 32 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A fun addition to a lighthearted mystery series, December 23, 1999

By 

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

This review is from: Sugar and Spite (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Hardcover)

Savannah Reid lost her San Carmelita police job when she challenged the authority of her ruthless superior Chief Norman Millquist. Savannah opened up the Moonlight Magnolia Detective agency offering private investigative services. Norman plans to be the next mayor of the small California town. Still loyal to her former police partner Dirk Colter, Savannah helps him on stakeouts when she can. When Dirk's former wife Polly returns to town, Savannah expects trouble. Polly dumped Dirk for a younger musician, but now wants something from the cop.

Savannah's instincts prove accurate as a hysterical Dirk tells her that Polly is dead. The murder weapon is Dirk's gun. Dirk claims he was taking a shower, heard a shot, and ran outside to observe an intruder bending over Polly's body. Dirk never catches the culprit. The police arrest him for premeditated murder. This leaves it to Savannah and her cohorts to find the real killer.

Savannah Reid is a sexy, voluptuous person who loves to eat and does not care that she is a full figured woman. She believes in herself and her worth, rejecting those who belittle her. G.A. McKevett provides a strong mystery that showcases Savannah's abilities. The pieces to the puzzle are in front of the reader, but placing them in the right positions is difficult and fun. The secondary characters are a group of eccentrics while the background of a Renaissance Fair adds to the overall enjoyment. SUGAR AND SPITE is a wonderful entry in a superb series.

Harriet Klausner

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars As Great As Chocolate!, August 20, 2001

By 

Carla Williams (Florence, AL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sugar and Spite (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)

I thought this book was really great, even though this was the first Savannah Reid Mystery I had ever read. It's about a PI, named Savanah & her ex partner Dirk,who is arrested for the murder of his ex wife, Polly. Well Savannah has to clear his name, so the book is basically about all the things she will do for Dirk & it also shows how strongly friendships can be (now i know that sounds cheesy, but its true!). So all in all i thought this book was really great!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Love, friendship, and loyalty..., May 6, 2004

By 

Thomas Duff "Duffbert" (Portland, OR United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Sugar and Spite (Savannah Reid Mysteries) (Hardcover)

Another Savannah Reid mystery... Sugar And Spite. And I'm still liking this series a lot...

Savannah's ex-partner on the force, Dirk, is called by his ex-wife Polly (who Savannah can't stand) in what looks like a kiss and make up attempt. But Savannah gets a call from Dirk that turns their world upside down. Polly is dead, shot in Dirk's trailer, with Dirk's sidearm, her blood is all over Dirk, and neighbors heard them fighting before the gunshots. He says he came out of the shower to find someone there who had just shot Polly, but was unable to grab him before the intruder escaped. The chief of police seems to have it out for Dirk, and pushes hard to bring him up on murder charges. Savannah and the members and friends of her detective agency have to figure out who really did it and save Dirk from a lifetime of jail or worse.

The subplot here involves why the chief might want to have Dirk out of the picture, and what he may know about the crime. There is also a Savannah family subline (as there are in all the stories) that didn't work quite as well as the ones in the other stories. Her father who deserted the family when she was young has shown back up and wants to talk with her.

Fun read, good pacing, and some excellent themes of friendship, love, and loyalty. Probably one of the more emotionally satisfying stories I've read to date in this series.