And the Killer Is... by G. A. McKevett is book twenty five in the A Savannah Reid Mystery. This is a great series but can be read as a stand alone.
During a stake out with her detective husband, Dirk, Savannah spots a child in a vehicle that is at the drug house they are watching. Getting the child quietly to safety proves the first adventure and brings back childhood memories for Savannah. The child's mother is arrested and the child goes home with Savannah for the night. Before she can get settle in, a former client shows help needing to hire her for an investigation into the murder of his dear friend, Lucinda Faraday. Faraday is ninety years old former movie star now, living in her mansion as a hoarder. Dirk and Savannah find her body in a pile of trash in a not so nice pose, strangled with a pair of silk nylons. Who hated Lucinda is what Savannah wants to know but once she starts questioning people, who didn't hate Lucinda.
There are plenty of suspects that have you guessing until the end, enjoyable characters and critters, a great side story, romance, love of family and humor.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley and Kensington Books for an honest review.

When Savannah learns of the death of Lucinda Faraday, a 90 year old former silver screen siren, she jumps at the chance to investigate especially since there is a reward for finding her killer. Lucinda was killed in her mansion, that has seen better days, by a pair of vintage stockings. She was strangled to death and.left to be found in garbage and some of her own memorabilia. What kind of person would have an axe to grind with such an old woman? Savannah soon learns that Lucinda was no sweetheart, one sordid secret after another pops up as she investigates. The list of people who hated Lucinda astounds Savannah but she knows she must work through each and every name to figure out who the murderer is. Follow along as Savannah visits the past to find some answers, can she out-maneuver a killer or will she end up in the headlines? This is a wonderful series with strong female characters, and exciting plots!

I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I truly hope there will be another twenty-five Savannah Reid books. Every book that comes out is better than the ones before and this book was amazing!!! I could not put it down. The writing is flawless and the characters are superb! Don't miss this wonderful read. Enjoy! 📚

Private investigator Savannah Reid goes on a stakeout with her husband Detective Sergeant Dirk Coulter. Their bust is successful and they end up taking home the drug-dealer’s six-year-old son Brody. While taking care of this abused and neglected boy, Savannah also starts work on a case for one of her former clients, Hollywood heartthrob Ethan Malloy. Ethan has been close friends with the elderly Lucinda Faraday, a movie star from the 1940s and 1950s who was murdered in her home. Dirk, Savannah, and the rest of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency have their work cut out for them in a case that becomes more complicated as more suspects and motives are uncovered.

This book is part of the long-running Savannah Reid series, but I haven’t followed it. The author gives just enough backstory to allow new readers to enjoy the story without being overwhelmed in history and supporting characters. Savannah is originally from Georgia but has now settled in San Carmelita, California. Maybe it’s her southern charm, but even though the book deals with very serious subjects like drug abuse, drug dealing, hoarding, and child abuse, it still keeps an overall entertaining and cozy feel. I enjoyed seeing Savannah on the job and at home with her Granny Reid, husband, and young Brody, who is both wise beyond his years and vulnerable. I wasn’t sold on Dirk in the beginning. He is out-spoken, tactless, and sometimes immature. However, when Savannah called him and asked him to come home as soon as possible because she had bad news she wanted to share with him in person, he rushed home to support her, no questions asked. At that point, he won me over, and he continued to show a softer side throughout the rest of the book.

I like the way Dirk and Savannah work together to solve the case, with research help from Savannah’s capable assistant Tammy and the wise Granny Reid. They uncover some scandalous secrets which open up the number of suspects and it was entertaining to see the investigation progress. I kept changing my mind about who I thought the real killer was and it turned out to be someone not even on my radar. I enjoyed the way the case wraps up and also the sweet ending for Savannah and her family. I enjoyed the book and the developments that occur toward the end have me intrigued to see what is in store for Savannah and Dirk.

~ Christine

PI Savannah Reid and her husband Dirk are on a stakeout on a drug house and end up sheltering a young boy named Brody. Then Savannah learns about a high-profile murder case. Lucinda Faraday was a 90-year former silver screen star turned hoarder. She was strangled to death with a pair of vintage stockings inside her derelict 1920s mansion.

Savannah, the rest of the Moonlight Magnolia Agency and her family are drawn into exploring Hollywood's corruption, addiction and scandals to find Lucinda's killer.

The interactions between Savannah and her crew are as enjoyable as usual in this long-running series but the plot of the story was a bit weak.

I received an eARC from Netgalley and Kensington with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book and provided this review.

A past client contacts Savannah and asks her to investigate the death of a wealthy, elderly woman that was a friend. It turns out that she was a hoarder and the estate is a disaster. The murder is staged to look like a picture of the star when she was 15. Along with all the familiar characters, Savannah has a added a temporary foster child, a neglected boy who was homeless when his mom was jailed for drugs.

This story has everything you love about Savannah and more. I can’t wait for the next book.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book. This new installment in the series had me hooked from the beginning. It is always interesting to see how the characters' lives are evolving, and how the story does not only focus on the murder being investigated by Savannah and her team. Savannah's family is always there, and it adds depth to both the story and the characters. Granny Reid is as lovable as always, and I think we will get to see more of one specific sibling in the next book. The Moonlight Magnolia team solves the mystery of Lucinda's murder with their usual skill and flair. I especially loved the new addition to Savannah's household, I found this part of the story incredibly touching. In this book, G. A. McKevett addresses heart wrenching issues as child abuse and human trafficking. I would like to thank her for reminding us that these problems can unfortunately be present in our communities, and that something needs to be done. While the book is pleasant to read, it also makes us think that we should be better human beings, and find ways to help those who need it most.

While riding along with her husband Dirk during a stakeout of a suspected drug house, Savannah notices a young woman exit a car and enter the house who is clearly under the influence of either drugs or alcohol. Even more disturbing is the fact that there is a young child in the vehicle the woman just exited. Savannah is determined to help the child and when it becomes apparent that the child will be placed in a group home, Dirk and Savannah decide to offer the child a temporary home with them until a suitable foster family can be found. That same night Savannah is contacted by a former client who seeks her assistance solving the murder of his elderly friend, Lucinda Farraday. Lucinda was a silver screen actress who got her start in the late 1940's and early 1950's but has since become a cranky old woman with a serious hoarding problem. The police center their investigation around the only surviving family member, a great grandson who recently became disinherited. Evidence is crucial in solving any murder case however Savannah and the other members of the moonlight magnolia detective agency are finding it difficult to sift out any relevant clues among the massive amount of stuff in the victim's mansion. As the case becomes more convoluted, and a young ward at home depending on them, Dirk, Savannah and the crew must work harder than even to find the killer and bring some normalcy back to their lives.
This long running series keeps getting better with time, a hard feat for any mystery series. Savannah Reid is a sassy, fierce, loving character who surrounds herself with a strong, compassionate friend and family unit that keep readers coming back time and time again. The story touches upon the difficult topic of child abuse but ends on an uplifting note. The mystery and plot itself are fast paced and full bodied, with plenty of humorous family dynamics, witty dialogue, and tough southern love. I highly recommend this series for those looking for a humorous, light yet satisfying read that is sure to leave you uplifted.

Savannah accompanies Dirk on a stake out, that goes well as far as the police are concerned, but Savannah and Dirk end up with a temporary houseguest because the System is overwhelmed. Meanwhile, Savannah's agency is hired to investigate the death of a former star of the silver screen. Who would want to murder a 90-year-old woman, and why?

This is one of my all-time favorite series, and Savannah may be the book character I would most like to be – or at least be friends with :) The recurring characters are like old friends, and I like the introduction of new characters, usually members of Savannah's family relocating from Georgia to California. Each of the books seems to revolve around one or two particular social issues, but not in a heavy-handed way. There are two such issues in this book, one relating to the murder and one relating to Savannah and Dirk's personal lives. I knew what was coming with the personal issue almost from the moment it was introduced in the story, but wasn't really sure about the identity of the murderer until just before it was revealed in the book. I look forward to reading the next book in this series!

I'm always happy to meet again Savannah Reid and the other characters in this series.
This one was a good story but not as good as other, I enjoyed it but I felt it was great in advancing the character development but a bit lacking in the mystery part.
The plot is as enjoyable and entertaining as usual, the cast of characters well thought and there's a lot of character development.
The mystery is solid but it's more of a subplot than the main one.
I think this book can be read as a standalone as it's very enjoyable.
Recommended.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine.

Like meeting up with old friends. Great things are coming for Savannah and Dirk This upcoming release. If you are a fan of Savannah Reid don’t miss this one!

And the Killer Is..... by G. A. McKevett is the 25th book in the Savannah Reid Mystery series, and another great addition. I love this series, and reading a new book is like visiting old friends. Savannah is a private investigator who owns the Midnight Magnolia Detective Agency and her husband Dirk, is a police detective. When Savannah is hired to solve the murder of a 90 year old silver screen legend, the detecting begins. There is also a new person in their lives, who I love. This book made me laugh out loud several times. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I strongly recommend this book.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This series continues to grow and get better. Each new volume pushes the characters to new levels and it is heartwarming to see how they grow as an extended family. This one adds a new foster child and a new mystery that takes the whole Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency to solve. A welcoming addition to the series that I highly recommend!

I've read some of this series and have the rest on my TBR list. I think this is the best yet.
P.I. And former police detective Savannah Reid has been hired bu an old friend to solve the murder of a good friend of his, Lucinda Faraday....right after she and her husband Dirk's drug house survellience was rewarded with a bust. The bust left her with the custody of an angry and abused 6 or 7 year old boy, one that fought tooth and nail to release his mother from Dirk's grip.
They leave the boy on Granny Reid's custody to go to the murder scene, as Dirk caught the case and are surprised and shocked by the scene. The hoarder's paradise they find makes evidence collection difficult, as they interview the companion, it becomes clear someone has to search through the detrius... and a the officer on scene, Dirk is the one.
The pair chase down every bit of information to find out the killer, one that was a surprise as well as get a few more arrests, related but not directly connected.
Ms. McKevett adds a little romance, some wonderful family interaction, supportive friends, humor and a bit of social injustice in the form of child abuse recovery, past and present, to make a tale with a uplifting end. She gives the characters distinct personalities, pointing out their foibles as such, just another facet of their personality.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC ..much to my delight and couldn't put it down til the end.

Savannah has a lot on her plate (doesn't she always?) in this 25th (!) installment in the series = which will be fine - just fine- as a standalone. Savannah and her husband Dirk, a detective, find themselves taking home Brody, a young child, when his mother is unable to care for him. That's enough for her to cope with but then she gets called about Lucinda, a 90 year old former Hollywood star and hoarder. Lucinda's been murdered! She wasn't a nice woman, as regular readers of cozys can guess, so there are multiple suspects. The hunt for the perpetrator is complicated by all the stuff - all the memorabilia, clothes, papers, stuff- in her house. Granny Reid helps, Dirk is patient, and Savannah is her usual amusing self. One of the nice things about this series is the family aspect and the humor, which never gets too broad. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A romp.

I love Savannah, Dirk and the rest of the crew and this latest book didn't disappoint. It is very believable the way the characters interact with each other as the relationships grow.

The mystery is intriguing and well-written. I thought that I had the 'who' but had to keep reading late into the night to see if I was correct.

Although I think that this series is best read in order, the book is written so that it works well as a stand-alone.

I can't wait for the next one in the series!!!

This was a fun read. Savannah and Dirk are interesting and entertaining characters and the storyline itself was a well thought out mystery. Apparently there are other books in this series so now I will go back and read them and I look forward to more adventures of these two. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

And the Killer Is . . . is the twenty-fifth installment in G. A. McKevett’s Savannah Reid Mystery series. The author provides enough character background that this book can be read as a standalone without the reader feeling lost. The storyline is well thought out, and the well-developed characters are affable. The dialogue is witty and engaging, and full of compassion and caring, there’s some adult language, but no graphic violence or sexually explicit situations. This quickly-paced whodunit is well-plotted, with enough suspects, twists, and red herrings kept readers engaged and guessing until the reveal.

Savannah Reid, a former detective turned private investigator, accompanied her husband, Detective Sergeant Dirk Coulter, on a stakeout at a drug house. Savannah spots a woman, who is obviously under the influence of drugs or alcohol, exit her van and enter the home. Savannah realizes there is a young child in the woman’s van and knows they must rescue him before the woman returns. After they secure in their car, they learn CPS’s only option is to place the young child, whose name is Brody Greyson, in a group home, so the compassionate couple makes arrangements to provide him with temporary shelter in their San Carmelita, California home. When a previous client, successful film star, and friend, Ethan Malloy, contacts Savannah that same night, she rushes to the address he provides. Ethan hires Savanna to figure out who murdered his elderly friend, Lucinda Faraday, a silver-screen star from the late forties and early fifties. Since Dirk is assigned to the investigation, Savannah and the members of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency are busy helping him, Granny Reid steps in to help care for Brody. The case is a difficult one, and the investigation is hampered by the fact that Lucinda was a serious hoarder.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

And the Killer Is... by G.A. McKevett 5 stars

This the newest Savannah Reid mystery after last years "Bitter Brew". It is always a delight to visit with the members of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency. We start this story with Savannah and her husband Dirk on a stakeout of a suspected drug house. After some activity and a few arrests that results with Savannah bringing home a little boy named Brody. The mystery part of this book is the murder of a 90 year old former movie star in her 1920"s Art Deco mansion. Ethan Malloy from "Hide and Sneak" returns in this book as the client that hires Savannah to solve the murder of Lucinda Faraday. The mystery itself was OK, but what brings me back time and again to this series is the interaction between characters. During this historic time, we all need a little levity and some Southern attitude and this book supplies it in spades. This book also provides something that was missing in Savannah's and Dirk's life that I will enjoy reading about in future books. I can't wait until next years entry of this series.

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

Im giving this 3.5 stars
Another case for the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency with all the usual characters helping.

I feel that the mystery was fairly easy to figure out this time but was still interesting.

In quite a few other series that have lasted years the characters never change. In the case of the Savannah Reid series they not only grow as characters but the timeline moves on also. The characters aren't stuck doing the same thing all the time and I think this is what I appreciate the most about this series.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book for my honest review.