And the Killer Is...: A Savannah Reid Mystery

The murder of nonagenarian Lucinda Faraday, a former screen siren whose hoarder mansion in San Carmelita, Calif., has literally become a deathtrap, drives McKevett’s exceptional 25th Savannah Reid mystery (after 2019’s Bitter Brew). Hollywood heart throb Ethan Malloy, who discovered the body, hires his friend PI Savannah to find the killer just as Savannah’s policeman husband, Det. Sgt. Dirk Coulter, gets the call to investigate Lucinda’s death. Lucinda’s only living relative is her dirtball great-grandson, but her longtime housekeeper says she’s the sole beneficiary in Lucinda’s most recent will. Meanwhile, Dirk’s arrest of a druggie mom leads to the woman’s six-year-old son being temporarily placed with Dirk and Savannah until a place in foster care becomes available. Savannah and the rest of her transplanted Georgia family assist, including her feisty Granny, as well as everyone considered part of Savannah’s Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. McKevett tempers coldhearted murder with heartwarming relationships as she highlights serious social issues. Cozy fans will rejoice. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Assoc. (May)