The best in the series yet!

The case of the cheating husband is not making Beth Kirby being interested in the slightest. So sleazy! But when the said husband is found dead, Beth fights as a lioness for the innocence of his sweet wife Elizabeth.

Ms Ellis gets better and better! I have thoroughtly enjoyed this book - captivating, smart, and with the best character developments in the series yet.
Yay for the romantic development between Michael and Beth! This move was a bit visible in the previous novel, but here it is in the full bloom - with all the stumbles, tension and mistakes. I love them individually and I love them together. Michael transitioned from the nerdy to the hunky believably (which is not always the case) and Beth can well see that - so well that she is willing to risk to fight her insecurity about being in a relationship.
The case is the best in the series - intelligent, smart, with a lot of brisk moves and cues solved along the way.
And Kaitlyn seems as a great addition - I hope there is a novel in works about her!

The Price Investigators are on the job and working a case of infidelity that turns into a murder case. I enjoyed all of the twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end. This book labeled as a Christian, Murder & Thriller. I found it a wonderful mix that had all three with.. yes, a nice romance as well!

Needs More Heart

I’m most familiar with Mary Ellis’s writing because of her superb Amish writings (Wayne County series, the New Beginnings, the Miller Family series, and a host of wonderful novellas.) Ellis has a way of charming her readers in to a storyline. So when I was given the opportunity to read her latest release, Sunset in Old Savannah, even though it was not Amish, I jumped at the chance.

Sunset in Old Savannah is second in her Secrets of the South Mysteries series and follows private investigator partners Beth Kirby and Michael Preston. They are sent on assignment from their Mississippi office to Savannah, Georgia. In Savannah, their mission is to spy for one of Savannah’s high-society husbands. What IS he up to? All too soon this seemingly easy gig becomes a story of intrigue and unanswered questions. Can Beth and Michael unravel it all before it’s too late?

I was given Sunset in Old Savannah in exchange for my honest review. While it can be read as a stand-alone, many references are made from the first novel. So it looks like I need to catch up! As a Georgia girl, I will say that Ellis captured the southern vibe very well…and I think I’d like to have PI Beth as one of MY friends! That being said, Sunset in Old Savannah is not my favorite by Mary Ellis. She’s a fantastic storyteller – I just prefer her Amish writings, which seem to have more depth and more “heart.” But decide for yourself and check it out!

Sunset In Old Savannah by Mary Ellis is a marvellous murder mystery which had me engrossed and guessing.
An intricate plot kept me on my toes. As the body count rose, I found it impossible to guess the perpetrator of the crimes. All was neatly tied up at the end.
The novel has many themes including that of the love of money being the root of all evil. The love of money corrupts and characters spiral downwards.
In contrast, having an open handed approach and generous attitude to money breeds good, kind hearted characters.
Naturally in a murder mystery, there is the theme of trust.
There is also the theme of friendship. And the gut instinct as to who can be liked from the start.
The novel shows a clear divide between the police and the private investigators. Both want to solve the crime but both take different approaches whilst being diligent.
I really enjoyed Sunset In Old Savannah and am loving this Secrets Of The South series. It can be read as a stand-alone. I enjoyed meeting up with familiar characters. It was a fabulous read. I hope there will be many more books in this marvellous series.
I received this book for free. A favourable review was not required and all views expressed are my own.

A bit of mystery and a dash of romance. That's how I'd describe this title.

While it is book #4 in the series, I felt that the author did a great job writing it for people to read as a standalone or introduction to the series. There was enough backstory woven into the novel that you knew there are books which came before this one.

Another great read for nights when you want something a little light, but still have a puzzle to solve as you go along. I haven't read the other titles which came before it, but plan to seek them out soon.

This is the first book in the Secrets of the South Mysteries that I have read. Actually, this is the first book that I have read written by Mary Ellis. This book is the fourth in the series and I really wish I had read the previous three before picking up this one. I think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had read the books in order.

The mystery and suspense portions of the storyline were very good. I definitely sprinted to the end of the book to try to figure out who had done it.

The characters themselves I could not connect with well. Reading the third book where Beth and Michael make their appearance would have helped since it would have laid the foundation of their relationship. I was confused during most of their "outside of work" relationship because there wasn't really any hint at how they felt about each other until, all of a sudden, they were both in love. Their romantic relationship seemed almost an after-thought in the plot and felt too contrived.

Michael is definitely the non-stereotypical unlikely hero, which I did appreciate. I had a hard time connecting with Beth and couldn't understand her. Beth and Michael did have some funny dialogue but I felt lost in some of their banter and couldn't follow their conversation at times.

Still, the story was fascinating and Savannah is quite beautiful. I received ARC from Harvest House Publishers via NetGalley. I was not required to give a favorable review. All comments and opinions are solely my own.

After having left the Natchez Police Department, Beth has started working in pairs with her colleague Michael Preston as a private investigator. One day, their agency informs them that they have to take care of a new case in Savannah, a characteristic little town in Georgia. When they go there, Beth and Michael meet Mrs Doyle, an old lady who, after a 40-years-long marriage, suspects that her husband has an affair with another woman. For the sake of privacy, she's hired Beth and Michael from abroad. Almost as soon as the job starts, they find out that nothing is what it seems to be. Mrs Doyle's husband really has a relationship with another woman, but Mrs Doyle doesn't seem to care. Why? The situation becomes less and less clear when Mrs Doyle calls them in the middle of the night to denounce an attempt to kill her on the shore. The couple of private investigators seems to have a lot to find out during their forced vacancy in old Savannah...



I really appreciated this book which is the fourth title of "The secret of the South Mysteries" series. The characters are perfectly analysed and they're really enjoyable, especially through their interactions. Indeed, I think that the real value of this book has to be found in dialogues. As I writer, I can testify that dialogues are the most difficult part to write, but Mary Ellis is perfectly capable of sorting them out.

The setting is always well depicted and it makes you think you just want to be there, in old Savannah, walking and watching everything around you. I'm sure I'll read the other books of this series because Mary Ellis is an author who is worth following.

Another masterpiece by Ms Ellis...always enjoy her writing/novels.

Southern comfort. A charming and delightful tale. Teaser...great gift for the protagonist's efforts in solving the mystery. Entertaining and engaging. I look forward to reading the next one.

An enjoyable read and mystery. I really loved this author's writing style and use of the characters. Makes me want more!

I am several days late in posting this review for release day. I apologize to the author and publisher.

I read the other books in this series before starting this one. After reading the first 3 books I felt it was necessary to understand everything in the fourth book. It really is not necessary but it helped with all the background characters and why who does what.

I picked this book to read/review for several reasons. The main one was that it is set in the south. Living on the Mason-Dixon line I prefer books with a Southern setting.

I first thought this book and series was a cozy mystery. I was sadly wrong. This book is a Romantic Mystery without any sex. I do not have a problem with no sex in romance. But the book is in the mystery and thriller genre. No mention of any romance. I am not saying I would not have read it if I knew about the genre difference. However, I would have thought about it more.

I enjoyed how the author pulled in the history of Savannah. I did not like how the author took a married character and placed him in a sexual affair.

The story is mainly about Mike and Beth. But I felt they were not fair to each other. They went out but they did not offer each other deep incite into their past. This was a major drawback for me.

Then the author brings in Kaitlyn. A character with a mysterious past. A past that will probably show up in the next book.

I enjoyed this book to a point. My point was stated above about the genre mix-up. I would recommend this book to any who enjoy a romantic mystery.

Not having read the previous novels in this series, I felt a bit lost with all the backstory that I didn't know. I thought the story was a bit slow and I really lost interest along the way but I did keep reading to find out "Whodunit?!" Maybe if I had read the previous books, I would have had more of a vested interest in this one.

Another delightful book in an excellent mystery series. With memorable characters and an excellent mystery this keeps one on the edge of your seat.

This is a fantastic suspense. Mary Ellis always delivers a top notch book. Great plot with many twists and turns that kept me guessing. I have read the entire series and they are all fabulous reads.

This is the fourth book in this series that I have read and it kept me page turning from beginning to end.
This case has Beth and Mike away from Mississippi and in Savannah Georgia, and they are there to help and elderly woman learn that her husband is philandering, and then sadly to help prove she didn’t murder him.
We meet prejudice head on in this wealthy community, and if you can turn your back on it, this sounds like one awesome place to live. I’d eat on the patio and watch the waves crash, but alas that is not about to happen, but I loved reading about it.
We are kept on our feet as my mind went from one suspect to another, and I had a niggling about a suspect way back in my mind, but was I right, the only way to find out is to read this book that will keep you up as we try to find whom is responsible. We also meet and interview a new PI, and I’ll bet we are about to find her in our next story, and she has a quite a story on her own.
We are going on a culinary journey, along with some sparks of romance, run in with the law, and sadly a good murder mystery. All through the book we find people with great faith in God, and they seem to move on with adversity with the help of Him.
I can’t wait for the next book in this series, and being able to catch up with old friends is an added bonus. Enjoy!
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Harvest House, and was not required to give a positive review.

I just love books about Savannah, Charleston, etc. The setting itself is almost a character. But to get the book right, the author must know the ins and outs of the cities. These cities beg to be explored and if you've never been there, it's quite difficult to fake it.

Either Mary Ellis has either visited Savannah, lived there or done extensive research. She presents it like a native.

I have not read the first three books so my frame of reference concerning characters is a bit off but that will be remedied this spring break. I was able to see why this was a good cozy series and the mystery itself was a dandy. The plot follows the investigation of two PIs who travel from Natchez, MS in search of leads for a cheating husband case. Their target winds up dead and the duo are off to solve it. Solid mystery!

3 stars to Mary Ellis's Sunset in Old Savannah, the fourth in her "Secrets of the South" mystery series. In this book, the Price Investigation team heads to Savannah to investigate a new case and enjoy this lovely view:



This was my introduction to the series, as I received a free ARC from NetGalley and Harvest House Publishers in exchange for an honest review. I will go back to read the first few books, and I suggest reading this series in order to ensure you understand all the history. This was a good ole' cozy, leaving me interested in reading more, but didn't spark a major love-fest with the series quite yet. Let's hit the slopes...



Story
As I didn't read Books 1 thru 3, I'm not sure I have the full background, but here's the gist: Michael Preston and Beth Kirby have been working together for a short time as PIs in the Price Investigation Firm. Beth's a former cop who left the force after a bad experience with a former partner. Michael resigned from his accounting position to take up more investigative work. Their boss sends them from their hometown in Natchez, Mississippi to Savannah, Georgia to help a wealthy woman, Evelyn Doyle, determine if her husband is cheating. Seems a few fights and sparks have happened between Michael and Beth in previous books, but that's all so far.

After a few days in Savannah, they prove Evelyn's husband was having an affair with a woman young enough to be his daughter. Evelyn thanks them and mentions she will forgive him and ask him to stop, after all, she is a good, Christian woman. Beth thinks the woman's a little crazy, but later finds kinship with her, almost looking at her as a mother-figure. The boss encourages the pair to take a few paid days off and relax after finishing the case early. But when they do, they start getting a little romantic and wondering whether there could be more between them. Suddenly, Evelyn calls from jail, needing help to get a lawyer and release -- hubby's dead!



Along the path, Beth and Michael discover some shenanigans in the husband's insurance business, a brother with a grudge, a confused and bitter jilted lover and some secrets about where the wealth came from. Michael and Beth split the work, track down clues and try not to piss off the local police who want them out of town ASAP. Beth comes closest to tracking down the ultimate culprit and finds herself in need of a rescue at the end.



But the boss, who has too much work in Savannah, asks them to recruit another PI to work out of Savannah for future cases... while solving the murder and helping their client Evelyn, the pair interview potential candidates and take-on a new case at a sushi restaurant where the owner suspects someone's stealing.



Key Thoughts
1. The setting is beautiful. Love hearing about the old town squares, the weather, the big homes, the views of the ocean. Helps bring a clear picture into focus for the story.

2. The banter between the two leads can be amusing part of the time. But on the whole, their dialogue felt a bit stiff and planned. Too much unnecessary drama for a couple starting to date. They fell into all the traps of the boring get to know you details.



3. Beth Kirby can be very annoying. In the first few chapters, she's a complete and utter train wreck to her partner and the client. She seems to think she's better than everyone else, has a snotty reply that can only be taken one way, and she has trust issues. I'd have dropped her right away... but she gets better throughout the book. Only issue is, there were times where I thought she wasn't likable enough to read another book. Part of her attitude becomes a little bit of charm along the way, even though she cries several times, which makes me think she's not well-balanced to handle a job as a PI. Sometimes it's funny. Sometime's it's not.

4. The POV alternates between Michael and Beth, or the focus of their activities does -- one or the other. Doesn't feel 100% consistent. Then when the third detective is added, and a different case being discussed, it feels a little off. While it was a fun short diversion, it won't work for all readers.



Final Thoughts
So while parts of the book fell a bit flat, the overall story arch, the characters, the setting, etc. had some good points and I'd be curious to see another book by this author. It's a decent read, the normal cozy you can handle over a few days and drift off into someone else's world without getting too caught up. Take it for a spin and get comfy in the historic charm of Old Savannah.

Another not-so-cut-and-dried mystery in this fun series set in the Deep South!
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. The mystery kept me guessing up until the action-filled ending!

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.)

Thoughts:

In reading SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH (Secrets of the South Mysteries Book 4) by Mary Ellis, I am uncovering more books to read inside this funny, mystery-laden series!

Working inside Price Investigations, we are on a case where infidelity leads to murder. As we are grasping at clues, digging up suspects, and falling in love, we’re taking chances, facing danger, and at times, coming into narrow escapes from creepy characters.

The senior investigator is Elizabeth Kirby, and she is forming a reason for this hire before meeting our client. However, once she meets Evelyn Doyle, the costly divorce case she’s envisioning hits a few bumps. Yes, this socialite believes her wealthy husband is cheating, but she is not looking to net his money. Evelyn Doyle wants to win her husband’s heart, again. As this couple is not young nor is their marriage, they are not just suffering the loss of a honeymoon mentality, but by all accounts, these folks have a time-tested relationship where mistakes can be overcome. Nevertheless, can the known meet the unknown in relationship issues and still find forgiveness?

Meanwhile, Michael Preston was once the newest member of the team, and Elizabeth Kirby, in fact, trained him. Michael is coming into his own with investigations, and his accounting skills and computer investigation techniques bring more scope into the facts. His findings will outweigh her take at times, but his feelings for her seem to grow with his admiration of her. Again, their boss determining to uncover the facts teams them up only the truth is hiding away from their home office.

Traveling together brings other problems into a case that can make or break working relationships. Add to this, the lies and secrets interjected by the death of their latest subject and the guilt piles on even as we meet the newest member of Price Investigations.

Having been introduced to this series inside book four, SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH (Secrets of the South Mysteries Book 4), I fell in love with two characters falling love. I am looking forward to meeting the rest of the Price Investigations team and to learning their stories!

***This opinion is my own.***

Preview:

SUNSET IN OLD SAVANNAH (Secrets of the South Mysteries Book 4) by Mary Ellis turns a broken vow into a twister and the price of a misstep can be murder!

Evelyn Doyle is an upper crusted member of the elite living on Tybee Island. As her husband has been stepping out on her, she decides to hire an outside investigator to find out the facts. Her years of this marriage tell her this misstep can be a midlife crisis. He is not a womanizer by nature, and she is willing to forgive once everything is on the table.

Price Investigations is now on a potential divorce case, but it is not the standard fare as they usually trend.

The two investigators assigned are Elizabeth Kirby and Michael Preston. These two make great friends and a great team, but things can get rocky inside a case where death comes into the mix. Their case moves swiftly from a routine investigation to them searching for a killer while keeping an open mind about the innocence of their client becomes impossible.

A husband dies from unnatural causes, and the prime suspect isn’t far from home. Evelyn’s knowledge of his affair plus her hiring of private investigators makes her the police chief’s target.

Price Investigation’s roster of suspects is growing rapidly while the police chief’s focus does not seem to budge.

From sleazy business arrangements and their cohorts to a black sheep brother, the murderous pool increases even beyond the kept woman and her friends.

The firm’s reputation is getting more cases than it can handle, and the boss puts out a call for them to make another investigative hire. In walks, Kaitlyn Webb whose past comes to meet present and danger hovers all around!

Will everyone survive to bring the guilty party to justice?