Sunset in Old Savannah (Volume 4) (Secrets of the South Mysteries)

Wonderful .... Enjoyed all the Southern Series by Mary Ellis & looking forward to next release about Charleston

I am predominately a historical reader—something about visiting a different time and place appeals to me. Reading this mystery, however, I felt almost as if I had been transported to another time, and without a doubt, to another place.

The culture of Savannah, and its unique layout and parks, is very different from any place I have yet visited, but after reading this novel I am intrigued enough to add it to my “someday” travel list. The setting is very much a character in this novel and the descriptions in the book greatly add to the atmosphere and suspense as the book progresses.

The main characters in this installment are Beth and Michael, the PI partners assigned to the mystery outside of their usual environs of Natchez. Both of them have unique quirks and the interplay between the two of them, the give and take of the partnership, is a lot of fun to read. As the romance began to develop, I felt that the awkwardness and hesitancy were realistic, and the overarching loyalty and concern that each had for the other was a refreshing break from what can sometimes be decidedly one-sided in friends-turned-more stories.

Despite the book being a murder mystery, there is a lot of humor that, along with the romance, keeps things from becoming too dark or morose. The Christian beliefs and reliance on God also lends a hopeful feel to the novel, even when it comes from imperfect characters. Overall, the characters are people that I wanted to root for and that kept me invested in the book as the pages turned.

Those who enjoy cozy mysteries will likely enjoy this book, too. It is not necessary to have read previous books in the Secrets of the South Mysteries to understand everything going on, but readers who like to follow recurring characters (even though different ones are highlighted in different books) should go back and enjoy these mysteries from the beginning.

I received a free copy of this book from the author but no compensation for this review. I was not required to write a favorable one and the opinions expressed are both honest and my own.

Love all the Secrets of the South books.

The fourth book in the Secrets of the South Mysteries finds Mike and Beth in Savannah, Georgia. The funny thing to me is that I have been there twice and never knew all that I was missing. Of course, I am forever grateful that I missed out on the mystery, murder, and mayhem that kept Mike and Beth busy, even though I enjoyed reading about their experiences. The rich lady whom they had gone to help find out if her husband was cheating on her was quite a character. It seemed Beth would never get away from her with her frequent calls. I have also been to Tybee Island but I only went to see the lighthouse. The descriptions of the home alone makes me want to go back and find that house. It sounded like such a beautiful setting with amazing views of the ocean. What appeared to be a growing relationship between Mike and Beth was quite interesting to follow. I think I recall Mike telling Beth that they were no longer in the eighth grade but at times they acted more like school kids than adults as they seemed to tiptoe around each other, unsure about the next step. Frankly, I found that more real than some stories I read where the characters are experiencing all kinds of tingling in their spines, jolts in their bellies, and toes turning up just from a single touch. The assignment for Mike and Beth becomes much more involved than finding proof that a husband has a girlfriend on the side. As the story ended, I wanted to learn that there is another book in the series, but I was left in suspense. One can always hope.

Holy smokes! Ms. Ellis is amazing! I'm used to reading her Amish books, so when the chance to read her Sunset In Old Savannah novel, I jumped on the chance. I wanted to see her talent at work in a suspenseful genre. It was not disappointing, that's for sure. I lost myself among the pages of this gripping novel and I wasn't expecting the ending that I got! I love a book like this.

Ms. Ellis created a novel that all readers will love. It's a touch of romance, Godly messages woven through out, a whole lotta twists, and a dash of humor. Beth and Michael's characters will quickly work their way into your heart and they will stay there. They will take you on the whirl wind that is investigations, and lead you on a roller coaster ride that is evident with murders. Following Michael and Beth along the streets of Savannah (I've been once, and fell in love with the quaint town!) was so much fun! I was definitely on the edge of my seat for each page and stayed up long into the night reading.

Ms. Ellis is a wonderful author. I haven't had the pleasure of reading books 1-3 in this Secrets Of The South Mysteries series, but this 4th installment didn't leave me confused. I was easily drawn in and had so much fun trying to figure out the clues.  The plot twists are perfectly written and the ending is amazing! I am looking forward to going back and seeing where these awesome mysteries began and meet the characters of this series from the start. I highly recommend this read with 5 stars and hats off.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review, positive or negative.*

As Described

I enjoyed tagging along as Price Investigations solved their mysteries! It was fun traveling to Savannah, Georgia. The twist and turns kept me turning the pages. This is a fabulous story for those who enjoy a good who-dun-it.

(I won a copy of this book in a giveaway. I was not required to write a review. This is my honest opinion.)

The combination of a good storyteller able to paint vivid word pictures using solid background detail is golden. Mary Ellis lives and writes by her motto, “Because life runs on faith” and is a true wordsmith. She backs her faith with excellent writing, hard work, dedication and attention to detail as she personally researches each setting and situation. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the previous three murder mysteries/light romances in this “Secrets of the South” series and like this one the best so far. I hope this is not the end of the series as the characters all have intelligence, realistic portrayals and tremendous charm. As stand-alone novels or as a series, these novels are well-crafted cozy mysteries with enough substance for book club aficionados.

Ms. Ellis, is a favorite author of mine from her Amish Books to the southern plantation ones. SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH, was a truly enjoyable read for me. It took me back to my one time in New Orleans which I enjoyed so much. When you get Beth Kirby and Michael Preston working as a team, you can expect most anything. They can be serious and also funny. I am not sure I prefer to be in the middle of them when they get into whys and what for situations.
When the assignment sent this team to check out a husband who may be cheating on his wife, it went into much" deeper waters and there was many more fish to catch". Evelyn Doyle was sure her husband was cheating and upon meeting this lovely lady, Beth instantly took a liking to her.Evelyn was giving the team a job assignment but also time to really enjoy the historic sections of Savannah. You get to "see" the old homes in this area and also a much quieter ocean front setting.
Reading this book made me want to join them and just set back and relax while they did their job. The Price Investigation Team met some unusual challenges in their spying on Mr. Doyle and you get to meet some interesting charactors in the pages of this wonderful book.
The ending is truly one of surprised but to get to that point, Ms. Ellis takes you down several roads until you are second guessing the motives of many.
The is one of the series Secrets of the South but can be read alone. You will want to go and get the other books in this series once you read this one as they are all so well written and will cause you to want to read on and on. It's a wonderful page turner.

The Price Investigation team from Natchez, Mississippi gets sent on the road to Savannah, Georgia by their boss, to work on what was to be a simple case. When things get complicated, Beth and Michael dig their heels in, as their client becomes number one suspect in a murder.

Another not-so-cut-and-dried mystery in this fun series set in the Deep South! Beth and Michael from the last book have a lot of banter that seems to be teetering at times between professional and playful. Beth is kind of rough around the edges, but seemed to be softening up finally as she sees Michael in a different light, appreciating him and trusting him more. A new addition to the team, one with secrets of her own, seems to hint that the series will hopefully continue.

Recommend to readers who enjoy a mystery with a bit of romance. This book is fourth in the series, but fine to read as a stand alone.

(An e-book was provided by NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions are my own.)