KILLER REUNION is Book 21 in G.A. McKevett's "Savannah Reid" cozy mystery series. Although KILLER REUNION works as a stand-alone novel, reading one or two of the previous books in the series will give the reader a better feel for the main character and the group dynamic. As a longtime fan of this "Savannah Reid" series, reading KILLER REUNION has made me want to re-read PEACHES AND SCREAMS -- the last book that featured Savannah going home to Georgia. High school reunions are easy enough to become a source of anxiety, but being suspected of murder adds another level of distress for private detective extraordinaire Savannah Reid.

When local bad girl and Savannah's nemesis from high school winds up dead, things pick up very quickly as Savannah, her friends, and devoted hubby race to clear her of the crime. G.A. McKevett does a superb job capturing the claustrophobic feeling of being accused of a serious crime you didn't commit, and having almost everything and everyone set against you. I love the teamwork and easy banter between Savannah and her husband Dirk. The moments of humor and romance between the married dynamic duo balance the tension in KILLER REUNION.

In any discussion about strong female protagonists, G.A. McKevett's private detective Savannah Reid is always near the top of my list. As somebody who was a former police officer, currently married to one, and can take a bad guy down whether by gun, brute strength, or verbal dissection, Savannah more than satisfies all of the qualifications for the title of warrior queen. All this she does with humor and southern belle quirks - depending upon the situation. However, in KILLER REUNION, fear over her possible loss of freedom and being separated from her loved ones shows how sensitive Savannah is underneath the tough outer coating. The moments of poignancy involving Savannah and her family -- both biological and dyed-in- the-wool friends -- make a wonderful counterpoint to the danger and mystery.

KILLER REUNION is equal parts homespun southern charm, craziness, and corruption. G.A. McKevett's attention to detail when it comes to beloved, and not so beloved, supporting characters make KILLER REUNION such a gem. I love this "Savannah Reid" series and look forward to the next installment.

Book Summary

If you think going home again is hard, try being a plus- sized PI with a troubled family legacy. But Savannah Reid is no shrinking violet. She's ready for her high school reunion, complete with mean girls, ex-beaus--and murder charges…

When Savannah Reid fled McGill, Georgia, all those years ago, everyone figured the chubby girl from the wrong side of tracks wouldn't be back. But with the hope of seeing her beloved Granny Reid, Savannah makes a triumphant return with her handsome husband on her arm, ready to face the past at her 25th high school reunion. When her old nemesis Queen of Mean Jeanette Parker shows she hasn't changed her stripes one bit, Savannah rises to the challenge--and finally comes out on top. Until Jeanette's dead body shows up in the swamp and just about everyone is ready to pin Savannah for murder….

Of course, Savannah's own Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency comes to her rescue. But even her best buds are having trouble keeping Savannah out of jail, despite the fact that Jeanette has more than enough enemies--and quite possibly the blood of her recently deceased husband on her hands. Savannah never thought going back to school would be so hard. But she's learned a thing or two in her time away, and she's ready to finally make the grade when it comes to the ultimate high school redemption…