Cover Image: A Few Drops of Bitters

A Few Drops of Bitters

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

Loved it. A fantastic addition to a great series. The little boy adds much laughter and charm, even though he seems wise beyond his years. Some situations may seem implausible and others obvious, but that does not detract from the story. Go with the flow. Many heartwarming and heart wrenching moments add to the murder mystery. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley.

Was this review helpful?

This is the 26th book in this series, but only the second I have read! It's a charming, quick read, with just the right amount of reality touches, to be totally believable, but a hint of cozy mystery, to keep it from being a police procedural. It's an interesting twist for a mystery- everyone saw the victim die, and countless people were around him, so who could have killed him without being seen? And just when you THINK you have it figured out, there's a quirky little twist to make you rethink a few things. A definite page turner, it's a good intro into the series as well!

Was this review helpful?

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. A Few Drops of Bitter is the latest book in the Savannah Reid series. This time, Savannah investigates the death of a very unpleasant surgeon. This character has a very brief appearance in the book (fortunately), and Dirk ends up having to officially investigate his death. There are a few suspects to choose from, and the mystery is resolved quickly enough, in terms of the time elapsed in the book. While I was happy and satisfied to have the conclusion, I had imagined a completely different explanation that did not materialize in the book. I think I really had my brain working into overdrive this time, it was not as complicated as I first thought.

An aspect of the book I particularly enjoyed was Savannah and Dirk as foster parents. Ms. McKevett writes with finesse and sensitivity about child neglect and abuse, as well as the impact and wounds it can leave. I always find it sad when some aspects of Savannah and her siblings' past is brought up. While it helps better understand and appreciate the characters, it still gets to me. At the same time, it shows that there is hope for a better life. An excellent book, not to be missed!

Was this review helpful?

Most series that go on for 26 books tend to get too formulaic and you lose a lot of what attracted you to the series in the first place. But this is one series that continues to grow and get better. I love that the cast of characters seems to grow with each book as new people come along and get adopted into the fold. The mysteries also have seemed to get more personal. This one starts as Savannah and Dirk attend a party for their foster sons favorite veterinarian. When someone drops dead, it is up to Savannah and her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency to solve the crime. Plus, Savannah and Co are getting ready to adopt another new member into the fold with her sister Alma's wedding approaching. This was a fun book and worth the read!

Was this review helpful?

I love Moonlight Magnolia Agency. Savannah Reid and her extensive family have provided years of enjoyment.

Savannah & Dirk are foster parents of 6 yr old Brody Greyson. Providing a loving home to an abused child is a lot of extra responsibilities rewarded with overwhelming love and experiences. Brody's best friend is veterinarian Dr. Carolyn Erling. When Carolyn's abusive husband, Dr, Steven Erling, drops dead at his 50th birthday party, Dirk is assigned the investigation. The plot has a lot of people to eliminate.

Savannah's youngest sister, Alma, is marrying romance-movie star Ethan Malloy. Being matron of honor is a special time of bonding between these sisters.

Thank you G.A. McKevett (aka Sonja Massie) for a heart warming afternoon with these characters.

Was this review helpful?

Savannah, Dirk and the members of the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency are at it again. This time they need to bring a murderer who picked poison to justice. The victim was hated by all who met him so they had no shortage of suspects. But once again they solved the case for the police. Open this book and go along for the ride and see if you can figure out who dun it!

Was this review helpful?

It’s hard to believe that A Few Drops of Bitters is #26 in the series. This is a series that I have read from the very beginning and have never even once thought of abandoning the ship. This book is no different. I love the additions of Mr. Brody Greyson, Savannah and Dirk’s 6 year old foster son, Savannah’s sister Alma, and her now husband Ethan and his son Freddie. If you are new to the series, it’s ok to jump in without a lot of confusion, but then read the rest because it’s a wonderful series. This murder was a little trickier for me to figure out. The author always does a wonderful job of throwing in enough red herrings so that it’s not always easy to solve the crime. The wedding at the end was beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I was sad when the book ended! Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for the ARC. All opinions expressed are my own.

Was this review helpful?

Yay! A new book to visit the Savannah, Granny and the read of the Magnolia Detective Agency. This is one of my favorite series because I love the characters and the way that the relationships have grown.

This is a Southern mystery that just happens to take place in California. Well-written and the characters have a lot of heart.

Was this review helpful?

Absolutely loved this book! Every single thing about it! I always enjoy catching up with Savannah and her family. This book was so sweet with the new additions to the family and the mystery was great! Don't hesitate to read this book!

Was this review helpful?

Savannah Reid is and her detective husband, Dirk, are adjusting to having their foster son living with them. He is helping out at a veterinary clinic and Savannah and family are invited to the veterinarian, Dr. Carolyn's, husbands birthday. A murder occurs at the home while they are there. Carolyn's husband dies under suspicious circumstances and Carolyn hires Savannah and her detective agency so find out who killed him.
I really enjoy this series. It is so warm and inviting. I love the characters. It is so fun to see how the series and characters have progressed . Savannah is a great lead character. I love the interactions between her and her foster son Brody. I love seeing her and Dirk as parents.

The mystery was good. I wasn't surprised by the who the killer was.. I liked the overall story and am excited to read more in the series.

Was this review helpful?

NetGalley ARC Educator 550974

We're back with the Reid's and extended family. This time the deceased is an evil playboy, destroying hearts and lives. Some of the favorite characters are back with some new ones. There are laugh out loud segments, those that will make you cry, sigh and just furious.

There's a wedding and at the core family. You will dive into this book and can finish it in one sitting. It's a part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Can't wait for the next installment.

Was this review helpful?

This is my first exposure to G.A. McKevett's A Savannah Reid Mystery series, and I loved it! It is such a joy to be exposed to truly likeable, good-hearted people, all mixed with an expert and surprising mystery. I must admit there were a few tears shed, and I for one am going to go back and start at the beginning of the series. I have confidence it will be as wonderful as 'A Few Drops of Bitters'.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions express in this review are entirely my own.

Was this review helpful?

cozy-mystery, private-investigators, law-enforcement, family-dynamics, friendship, murder, murder-investigation, situational-humor, verbal-humor*****

Savannah Reid is the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency and investigates alongside her police detective husband Dirk who had long ago resigned himself that she would wind up doing murder investigations and risk her own life. The publisher's blurb is a pretty good hook so no need to repeat it. The family madness is fun and the whodunit is very well done. Loved it!
I requested and received a free temporary ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Was this review helpful?

Another excellent addition to Savanna Reid series, one of my favorite.
It''s entertaining and poignant, more women's fiction than mystery even if I loved what I read.
Savannah character is evolving and it was interesting reading about her challenges with mothership.
The mystery was interesting and the solution came as a surprise.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Was this review helpful?

One of my favorite series! I haven’t missed a book yet! Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency have their work cut out for them with this mystery.
Honestly one of the best long running series that you never tire of. Can’t wait for the next adventure!

#AFewDropsofBitters #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

Savannah and her detective husband Dirk are settling in as foster parents to six year Brody, an abused child and preparing for the wedding of Alma, Savannah's sister.
While attending the birthday party of her veterinarian's husband, a well known surgeon, he suddenly collapses and dies. Dirk is handed the case when it is determined it is murder, While looking into the surgeon's life, it becomes evident in addition to being disliked by many of his acquaintances, he was also a womanizer.
As Savannah investigates the murder for her client the veterinarian, she is also figuring out the best way to parent an abused child.
Always enjoy catching up with Savannah , her family and friends.

Was this review helpful?

Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency are back in A Few Drops of Bitters by G. A. McKevett. Savannah and Dirk are fostering Brody, who has settled in as a member of the family. An animal lover, Brody helps out at Dr. Caroline Erlings veterinary office in the afternoons. After wrangling an invitation to Dr. Caroline's husband's birthday party, Brody convinces Savannah and Dirk to attend with him. Dr. Caroline's husband turns out to be a jerk, who dies during the party and is clearly not going to be missed.

After a bit of a slump in the crime department Savannah and Dirk investigate the death, which turns out to be a murder. A meeting with Brody's teacher reveals fears he has of being returned to his mother. Between investigating and parenting, Savannah feels like she has neglected preparations for Alma and Ethan's upcoming wedding.

Thank you to Kensington Books and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

This latest I’m the Savannah Reid, PI mystery series is a must read. I love how the author has really expanded Savannah’s life and we get to follow her in her journey.
In this book Savannah’s son, Brody, has befriended the local vet. Whose husband is subsequently murdered at his own birthday party. It’s the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency to the rescue.
A bonus to this story is Alma Reid’s wedding that we get to experience with Savannah and the “family of her heart”.
I hope the author continues to write this series for many years to come.

Was this review helpful?

A Few Drops of Bitters by G.A. McKevett (Savannah Reid #26) 4.5 stars

Savannah Reid is enjoying her life, being a first time mom to her foster son Brody and arranging the wedding of her sister Alma to Hollywood superstar, Ethan Malloy. (from "Hide and Sneak" Savannah Reid #23) Brody loves all animals and is helping at the vet's office for fun. The vet, Dr. Caroline Erling, invites Brody to her home to attend a birthday party honoring her husband, Dr. Stephen Erling. Unfortunately, during the party, Dr. Stephen Erling keels over and dies. He was a jerk, a womanizer, and abusive. This makes the wife, Dr. Caroline the prime suspect. Can Savannah find the real killer among a large group of suspects or will Dr. Caroline be charged for murder in the first degree.

This was a wonderful read due to the interactions between Savannah, Dirk, the Reid Family and close friends. The mystery itself was more mundane and I didn't have all the suspects on my radar until the very end. I though the insight into their roles as parents gave Savannah and Dirk an added richness and depth to their characters. The conversation between Savannah and Ethan had me in tears and gave the whole book a triumphant flourish. I look forward to the next book in this series

Thank you Netgalley and Kensington Books for this ARC.

Was this review helpful?

A great addition to a fabulous series. Savannah and the gang solve the mystery of the death of a vet, he is not much mourned but she is much loved. It is great-Savannah and Dirk as parents is a beauty to behold!

Was this review helpful?