Buried in Buttercream: A Savannah Reid Mystery

If the crazies would take a break, Savannah Reid could finally tie the knot with her former police partner, Det. Sgt. Dirk Coulter, in McKevett’s entertaining 17th mystery featuring the San Carmelita, Calif., PI. But between the torching of their original wedding venue and the murder of their wedding planner, it’s clear the only way this duo will get hitched is by first catching the bad guys. Savannah is recovering from near-fatal gunshot wounds received in the previous entry, 2011’s A Decadent Way to Die, a detail overly focused on without any clear explanation for those who missed it. Meanwhile, Tammy Hart, Savannah’s associate in Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency, and Savannah’s brother, Waycross, begin a mutual attraction as Waycross lends a hand with some sleuthing. Readers will relish the author’s trademark wit, though some may find that the broad and sketchy suspect list narrows too abruptly. Agent: Richard Curtis, Richard Curtis Associates. (Apr.)