One of the great things about being a book blogger, and let me assure you that there are many, is that sometimes a publisher will send you an email on Friday that says, here’s a book for you to read this weekend and sometimes that book will be something like The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green that just intrigued me so much that I didn’t want to put it down. So, thank you, Celadon for that email.

The Kingdoms of Savannah begins with the introduction of Luke Kitchens and Stony, both are homeless but do scrape up dollars to have drinks at their favorite bar, Bo Peeps, where Jaq is bartender. Jaq is a granddaughter of Morgana Musgrove, a complicated woman of Savannah’s upper crust. When tragedy strikes, both Jaq and her grandmother begin investigating.

So many characters in this book are dual entities, how they are represented and how they really are. Take Morgana, for instance, who has moved through three periods, country girl in the big city, disappointed drunken rich mother and then to wise grandmother, still manipulative, but malleable wanting to do the right things by the family she loves. In mysteries, this depth of character keeps a reader on their toes. This also integrates with the twists and turns.

Green has done a lot of research which lends itself to creating an atmospheric story. I was endlessly fascinated by the Savannah he presented or created, all of the background; the different factions; the sad, frequently appalling, history interwoven; the fiction of ghost tours that ignores how the stories actually happened in order to display something more melodramatic, sensational.

At 304 pages, the novel moves along quickly, almost too quickly for me. I would have happily read another couple hundred. The dysfunctional Musgrove family were riveting and to be showcased in one mystery story didn’t seem quite enough. I really wanted more.

Thankfully, The Kingdoms of Savannah has been an introduction to George Dawes Green whose back titles I shall now seek out and hope that they’re as satisfying as this one.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I was told this was going to be a thriller, with death and mayhem galore. It's set in Savannah, Georgia, a place with ghosts and spooky happenings. I'm all for that. Only the ghosts are limited to stories told to tourists and the spooky happenings are human driven. There are deaths, murders no less, and mayhem, mostly off-screen. There is a big mystery, lots of history, colorful characters and tunnels. You can't really fault a story with characters named Boiled Liza, the Musician, Hatchet Head, Ransom and Jaq.
The story moves like a hot Savannah summer, which is slowly. Morgana Musgrove, mother to Ransom and grandmother to Jaq, is the linchpin of the book. She, like Nero Wolfe, send people out to get information. Once they return and report, she put their information together, trying to solve the mystery. What are (or is) the Kingdoms? What and where is the treasure? How can knowledge of the Kingdoms or the King's Soldiers be dangerous? Why is Matilda Stone, an archaeologist who mostly verifies building sites aren't ancient burial graveyards for local developers, missing? If I answered any of these questions here, you would not need to read the book yourself. It is a charming read for a mystery. I think you will enjoy it.
I received the copy of the book I read for this review from the publisher on Netgalley. I also read parts in a print copy I received from BookishFirst.

**Many thanks to NetGalley, @CeladonBooks, and George Dawes Green for an ARC of this book!**

When you step outside of your genre comfort zone, one of two things normally happens:

1) You are pleasantly surprised, intrigued, and grateful you took a chance on something new

OR

2) you retreat back to your Comfort Corner, feeling a bit lost and disappointed...and wondering what on earth is WRONG with you?

When it comes to Kingdoms of Savannah, all of the genre bending and some pesky pet peeves popping up landed me solidly (and somewhat unsurprisingly) under option two.

It's just another night at the local tavern, Bo Peeps (referred to as simply 'Peeps' for most of the book) until tragedy strikes: a murder has occurred. Society debutante Morgana get swept up in the mystery, much to the chagrin of her children. As the book dives from locale to locale throughout Savannah, can the bizarre mystery of these 'Kingdoms' be uncovered and will Lucas' killer be unearthed? Or is Morgana the next to be 'disappeared'?

I can't remember the last time when I felt such a strong disconnect from a book as I did with this one. After a strong and interesting start, I then realized the entire book only has FIVE CHAPTERS.

Five.

This is purposeful, for reasons of exploring the different areas/Kingdoms, but if there's one thing that bothers me, long passages with little break is probably at the top of that list. Then I realized that not only was the book set up this way, but there is character upon character upon character...another personal pet peeve. So many of these people were completely irrelevant, yet new ones kept being introduced all the time. SO frustrating when you already feel a bit lost and just want to feel grounded...and I was in desperate need of this for the entire book.

Perhaps it's over my head, but I have to be honest and say that for about 70% of the book, I felt like all I was doing was reading a mishmash of Savannah history juxtaposed against characters 'gossiping' or telling old stories about people from the past. Since I'm not a huge fan of historical fiction unless it's interesting or small town talk, well, ever, I did not connect with the plot at all. I felt some of the atmosphere was there, but each time I tried to get lost in that feeling, a character would pop up and go on a rant about something or someone else.

Sad to say, but the only aspect of this book I'll probably remember after this week is that a character actually referred to one of the World's Best Candies as "Reese's Butter Cups." Not exactly the takeaway I was looking for when picking up a mystery book.

I'm always game for trying something new, and although I was 1000% not the right sort of reader for this book, fans of Southern noir, fantasy, ghost stories, and historical fiction (probably safest if you're into all four of them) will probably fare better than I did.

3 stars

#KingdomsofSavannah #partner

At its core, The Kingdoms of Savannah is an outstanding, riveting, contemporary detective story. It’s got the shady characters, suspect motives, vague clues and unexpected connections. But it’s so much more. It’s an unpleasant history lesson about real events and real people that are generally hidden. And it’s these sinister facts and actions that are at the heart of this mystery, and that make this book a gripping literary thriller.

There’s an air or decadence, debauchery, danger, and deceit that permeates this story. Families and relationships are dysfunctional at best, scandalous and murderous at worst; everyone has an agenda, memories are long, grudges held to the extreme. Relationships from the past continuing to the present are snarled like a ball of string – or a ball of snakes. Locations are lushly described. Savannah feels like a fable or fairy tale. Beautiful landmarks, old mansions, riverside communities. We might think of it as a beautiful old large town, but in fact it’s tiny, full of little enclaves – kingdoms – side by side but not mixing. Except when something sinister overlaps and draws them all together.

And the fable or fairy tale past? Not so much. Many Savannahians honored with statues and buildings and stories of bravery or goodness are tarnished when the true history is revealed. Like the Black soldiers who founded their own hidden encampment on an island after the Revolutionary War rather than return to slavery, and how that tale isn’t allowed to be told as an acceptable part of Savannah’s glorious history. Or the story of Charles Lamar who helped engineer the Civil War with the hopes of building an Empire of Slavery, including transporting shiploads of Africans to the South to make them slaves, knowing this would enrage the North.

The Kingdoms of Savannah is captivating. The words are rich and the story flows smoothly. I was quickly caught up in the mystery and history and couldn’t stop turning pages. A story not to be missed. Thanks to Celadon Books for allowing me as a Celadon Reader to read and review an advance copy of The Kingdoms of Savannah. All opinions are my own.

Mystery and intrigue…family…friends…helping…talented author…red herrings…character driven novel…this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…slow at times..

This story is told in third person by multiple narrators and follows a family pulled into the investigation of a murder and missing person in Savannah. The chapters are long with short sections switching back and forth following the various family members and other characters as they search for answers or pull strings for their own objectives.

The descriptive narrative made Savannah come to life before my eyes with vivid, flawed characters many who were combative with their manipulative matriarch, Morgana, but were pulled into the investigation because of their love for their family, friends and home or just what their conscious tells them is right.

This family’s a real piece of Southern work! I came for the mystery and stayed for the characters and they have so infiltrated my head that I feel like I’m writing this review with a slow southern drawl. Several characters, including Morgana, have perfected the art of Southern charm. You know the type I mean, where they’re beautifully polite to your face then walk away leaving you feeling like you’ve been insulted six ways from Sunday.

Recommended for those interested in Savannah’s atmospheric setting and dysfunctional southern families.

Thank you to Netgalley and Celadon Books for the free copy provided for an honest review.

Dark, gritty and full of secrets the author brings to light some of the harsh history that fills Savannah, GA. This story centers around the drama of a town murder and how evil and corrupt people can be. With a dysfunctional family amidst the middle of all this the reader is taken through twists and turns as the truth is shed.

Though it is easy to get lost within all many the many different characters and the story line, I found myself captivated from the very start. When I thought I knew what happened something completely different appeared and I liked how the story kept me guessing.

This is a great book for anyone looking for a thriller that is etched with a haunting historical tale of the Savannah’s past. Thank you Celadon books for the advanced copy of this book!

Wow! Just wow! I think this will be my favorite book for 2022. I have never been to Savannah. I need to rectify this in the near future. I did stop reading this book the first time I started. I found myself being lost as to who was who as there were so many characters. I gave it a rest for a couple of days. I made a character chart and event chart. This took away my frustration, and I quickly became involved in the story. I like that the historical events were true. George Dawes Green is a master story teller. My favorite part of the book was when Jaq goes to the Historical Society and works with Arthur Haverty. I enjoyed their interactions as she discovers her family’s history and discovers the Lamar family connection. This book is a historical mystery, and it is also the story of the Musgrove family. The matriarch, Morgana Musgrove has four children with two lawyers (one who is homeless), a judge and a nurse. My favorite characters were Ransom and Jaq. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. My thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The opinions in this review are my own.

Savannah, Georgia has always been on my extensive bucket list of places to visit. After reading The Kingdoms of Savannah I feel like it needs to be bumped closer to the top of that list. While the novel is dark and gritty and we spend a lot of time in the seedy underbelly of the city, the author brings to life a city full of history that is often overlooked or pushed aside because it is cruel and ugly. And we need to bring these stories to the present so we can be aware of such tragic events and know how they shaped cities and societies and from them we learn to just do better.

Morgana Musgrove is a prominent figure in Savannah with deep family roots. When a man is murdered, and a woman seems to have gone missing, Morgana is called upon by the suspected killer to help prove his innocence. Morgana brings together estranged members of her family to help her uncover the lies and solve the mystery.

The Kingdoms of Savannah is an immersive and atmospheric mystery with a history lesson all mixed into one compulsive read. A fictional story with real events woven into the plot line, the author is a master storyteller, well researched and he brings to life a cast of characters that were authentic and believable. I love when characters are relatable and flawed and you clearly know who you should root for and against but also are caught off guard in your assumptions of who a person is. One of the things I found unique in the author's style was how the conversations were presented in the story. Often times character x begins talking to an "unknown" character. It will be a character discussed/described earlier in the book so when the reader realizes who the second character is there is this moment of "oh, I know who this is" and there's a connection made to the character. Like we are part detective and we just worked out the problem. Not sure if I am explaining this perfectly, it was just something I felt while reading. I highly recommend this book to .. well everyone. But especially if you like a little historical fiction with a mix of family drama and mystery.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an opportunity to read and honestly review an advanced digital copy.

This story starts off slow but stick with it! It is an atmospheric mystery with lots of twists. I enjoy visiting the beautiful city of Savannah and was looking forward to reading this story. I also love the added notes at the end of the book. Great read for lovers of gothic mysteries. Thank you for my copy!

At first blush, I thought I wouldn’t like this novel only because the beginning was a bit slow. But like most novels, one needs to get past the 30% point before giving up. I’m glad I stayed the course.

The Kingdoms of Savannah reads like a gothic noir. It’s dark, it’s seedy, it’s suspensul, and reeks of corruption.

There are a number of characters in the novel. But only a select few are the major players. And those players really carry the story. For the most part, I liked all of the characters for their roles — whether it be villain or hero.

The plot contains a number of twists and that’s what kept me going forward. Other than that, there were a lot of hills and valleys. Patience pays off toward the end where the reader is rewarded with a somewhat unexpected outcome. Four satisfying stars.

I received a digital ARC from Celadon Books through NetGalley. The review herein is completely my own and contains my honest thoughts and opinions.

Thank you Celadon Books for the complimentary copy of this novel to place in my Free Little Library.

Savannah may look like a sweet Southern belle, but she keeps a dark secret. Kingdoms of Savannah incorporates the cities racially toxic history and its current rank as the most haunted city in the world for a murder mystery.

The introduction of Morgana Musgrave and her families sleuthing leads to drama in the detective work and at home. Secrets lurk on a small island on the outskirts of the city that will be have implications on the Musgrave’s and Savannah forever.

This story is truly original and atmospheric. Savannah should be added to travel bucket list, as I have been twice. FACT: Savannah was built, literally, on its dead. Homes and buildings sit atop Native American burial grounds; roads cover forgotten cemeteries of slaves and colonialists.

Have you ever traveled to Savannah? Or have you ever done a haunted tour in a city? We’ve done 2 haunted tours in Savannah at night. WOW its haunting!

Morgana, an elite socialite of Savannah society, has been called upon to solve a murder and a kidnapping. She owns a failing detective agency. So, she jumps at the chance to try and salvage her business and her reputation. But, as the truth starts to unfold, the city of Savannah may be under attack and Morgana can do nothing to save its hierarchy.

I had such high hopes for this book and I realize I am in the minority with this review. The majority of the reviews are 5 stars. But, I never connected to the characters much and the story itself is a bit disjointed. But, the mystery and the intensity kept me reading. So, it could just be me!

But, I loved the setting of Savannah. It is one of my favorite places. The author did a fabulous job with the quirks and the historical lore surrounding this wonderful city.

Need a book with a fabulous setting…THIS IS IT! Grab your copy today!

I received this novel from the publisher for a honest review.

This book was a total miss for me. The only reason I chose to read it was due to it being set in Savannah, a city I recently visited this summer for the first time so some of the topography was very fresh in my mind.
I also liked the historical notes the author provided. Otherwise, I just couldn’t get into the groove of the story.

This was my first by George Dawes Green. The Kingdom of Savannah is a southern thriller you do not want to miss.
A family matriarch, a son gone rogue and a family of hard headed women! A must read!

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC!

One of the most atmospheric and topical thriller/mysteries you'll read this year. Jaq Musgrove is working as a bartender in a Savannah dive bar while putting together her application for film school; Luke and Stony are two of her regulars. She's shocked when her grandmother Morgana takes on the case of the corrupt developer accused of killing Luke in an arson fire but puts in with her and the test of the family to not only find the real murderer but also where Stony has gone. Stony, an archeologist of sorts has been talking about the Kingdom and treasures and someone wants to know what and where it is. Jaq's uncle Ransom, who has dropped out of the family and is homeless, also answers Morgana's call, as do her other two daughters Willou and Bebe. Together they wind their way through the elite and corrupt of Savannah. While much of the focus is on Jaq, all of the characters (up to and including Gracie the dog) are standouts. Morgana was not born to wealth or standing in the city but she's inculcated herself and she knows where many bones are buried. Will Ransom and Jaq find Stony and what is the Kingdoms? No spoilers from me but there's terrific history here (do not under any circumstances skip the afterword) and Green has done a wonderful job with the pacing. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. This one kept me guessing- it's a great read.

This is my first novel by George Dawes Green and what a treat it was. The writing is beautiful and atmospheric - unexpected from a dark suspense novel.

On the surface, this book centers around the murder of a homeless man and the disappearance of his friend, Stoney. Jaq, a friend of both victims, is convinced a local slum lord is guilty and worse, that justice won't be served. Her own grandmother (head of a detective agency), however, thinks he's being framed and solicits the help of her (reluctant) family to help flush out evidence of what actually happened. As they dive deeper into the mystery and more blood is spilled, it becomes apparent that there is more at stake than meets the eye and that if Stoney is alive, her time is running out.

This story is set in Savannah and incorporates some of its historical atrocities. Because of the detail, it is more of a slow burn; but the gritty backstory is worth some exchange of pace.

There were a lot of characters and it was somewhat difficult to keep track of them all. This is not a book you would want to read in pieces on a lunch break, but one you'd want to read in an afternoon or two without distractions.

Thank you to Netgalley, Celadon Books and George Dawes Green for the opportunity to read and review! Review to be posted on Goodreads, Amazon, Bookstagram (Books_beaches_and_tea) and Barnes and Noble.

The first chapter hooked me. The book does a slow build taking us through the seedy parts of Savannah and the large amount of homeless people. Having been to Savannah many times I can hardly imagine the places he mentions. There’s quite a few of interesting characters all working to solve a mystery. I’m a bit surprised with the epilogue.It’s a well written book that I thought got better as the story unfolds.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the early copy

Green is an American author, who has had two previous books adapted for film, "The Caveman's Valentine" and "The Juror". This new release is a mystery set in Savannah, Georgia and while it is set in present times, the premise of the plot revolves around the shady history of the city. When a woman (a local archeologist) is taken, the man with her killed. A local developer is charged with murder, when the man's body is found in a building of his that has been set on fire. Morgana, a society lady, owns a detective agency and is asked to help the developer prove his innocence. Meanwhile her granddaughter looks for her missing friend. This very atmospheric story reminded me of the "Lightning Strike" by William Kent Krueger and the "Natchez Burning" books by Greg Iles and is a good recommendation for fans of that type of book.

The Kingdoms of Savannah is a tale of the South, but one steeped in the years of white supremacy, wealth and corruption, providing a dark background to the story, which starts with an archaeologist disappearing and her friend being murdered. Coverups and ulterior motives abound, and the man who's accused of killing Luke by burning him alive in a property hires local matriarch Morgana Musgrove and her detective agency to prove otherwise. I'm not really sure Morgana actually needs the detective agency, as she has her fingers in multiple pots as well as family members she recruits to ferret out information. On her own, Morgana's granddaughter Jac has her own motives. Luke was a friend and Stony, another friend is missing. Not one to sit on the sidelines, Jac begins doing her own investigations as well. The Musgrove family finds out that Stony has knowledge of The Kingdom, a place where free Blacks lived after being granted clemency by the Spanish, that could disrupt a planned property venture that many of the scions of the Savannah elite do not want to see scuttled. The book itself does not have the high paced intensity of many thrillers out there; in true Southern fashion it slowly sucks you as you realize deeply entrenched the rot is in the community. Green bases this fictional story on factual details about the Savannah community. In some regards they should feel unbelievable, but the sad truth of the matter is none of what happened to Black and poor people to advance the wealth and power of white elites is surprising. This isn't for someone who wants a page-turner; rather it is a literary thriller that is well researched and well worth the time for someone looking for something a little deeper. A copy of this book was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.