I LOVED reading Bitter Brew.

The story is about Savannah being shaken to the core when coroner Dr. Jennifer Liu appears on her doorstep late one night with a disturbing confession. In a potentially career-ruining move, a remorseful Dr. Liu admits to fudging an autopsy report to keep her friend Brianne’s suicide a secret—fulfilling a final promise made before the terminally ill woman administered a lethal drug cocktail. But after Dr. Liu finds the same unique mixture in a second body, she fears the deaths share a dark connection . . .

Great storyline and very well-crafted characters made this a wonderful read.

This book had it all. I have never read any of the books in this series nor books by this author. I absolutely must do so now. This is an established series but I didn’t realize how established until after I finished reading this book. Let’s get to it specifically. This can absolutely be read as a stand-alone and I didn’t pick up any spoilers for previous books. I loved the characters. I loved the dialogue, the plot, and that despite dealing with a fairly heavy topic, it didn’t weigh you down into a depression. The mystery was superbly done. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to NetGalley, Kensington Books, and G.A. McKevett for giving me the chance to read this story and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.

I have been a Savannah Reid fan from book one. G.A. McKevett keeps me reading because I can never figure out who did it until the very end. This one was so interesting with two very important health messages. Please read this book, I read until the end and again couldn't put it down. I love Savannah and her family

This is the 24th book in the series.

I am sorry that I can't finish this book. I have tried multiple times to read it and can't get past the husband.
The husband, to me, is so self-involved he can't be bothered to know his wife enough to even get her a simple gift! Inexcusable, and yet the book tries to make light of the deplorable lack of interest in his partner by making it appear he is so busy working, he has so very much on his important male mind that the needs, dreams, and desires of the little wife are just beyond his ability, but he has time for a quickie (the only thing she is good for other than keeping house I guess). I would get furious every time I picked it up to read. I think I got as far as chapter 5 at one point. I won't be reviewing on my blog because I have too many books that I actually enjoyed to review.

"Bitter Brew" earns 5/5 Tainted Tonics...Entertaining & Engaging!

Savannah and Dirk's first anniversary didn't go as planned...sabotaged by his captain and interrupted by questionable professional ethics on display. But, it's coroner Dr. Lui's revelation/confession that sets off a serious examination of a friend's terminal illness and the mysterious connection between some suspicious deaths. Savannah has agreed to help, but she needs to keep it on the "q-t," no telling her detective husband. Her assistance comes in a unique manner. McKevett penned a compelling story in a third-person narrative, and although not my favorite perspective, it was well-written with a steady pace, limited extraneous activities, vivid descriptions, and rich characters. Even with a serious topic, this book was not devoid of humor. I am new to the series, and although I was prepared that much has happened in this now twenty-four books, I didn't feel I was at a disadvantage. Enough references were made about background and character connections to keep me engaged...all the way to a great conclusion!

I love this series so much!! They have been read over and over again! Savannah and the Moonlight Magnolia crew are just some of the best characters ever written in a mystery series. I was happy to see Dr Lui in this story. She has been a great character in previous books.
Again, another hit as far as I am concerned with this series and this author!

I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by NetGalley.

This book touches on a very delicate subject that for me, can leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Mind you, not the book itself, the book was a very good read. The plot brought to light something that I wasn't aware of but I give kudos to the author in the way that she approached it. Especially in her notes at the end, by how she encouraged you to educate yourself on this subject.

Sadly, too many people in our world take their lives, for a variety of reasons. But way too many of the precious lives are taken because of fatal diseases. The murders in this book were based around a group that helped people with suicides. Yes, this sounds gruesome, but this is a real thing. I was aware of people out there that formed groups, but I didn't realize that there were people that would feed off hurting people that were in pain, who were just reaching out for help in their time of need.

I realize I'm just talking in circles, and I encourage you to read this book, just to open up your eyes to a world that I wasn't aware existed. There are so many out there who truly need our help, to see that they aren't alone. If you have never been touched by someone who has taken their life, then I guarantee you know a friend who has, or a friend of a friend. Let's stop this here and now, reach out and heal their pain. Help them with words, kind words. A smile, an ear to listen. It all starts somewhere, let it start with us, shall we?

I have loved Savannah and her friends since the very first book. I am never disappointed by G A McKevett. I loved the mystery, I never have it figured out early. I love the charaters, they are old friends now. This book had me from the first page to the last. Can't wait till the next one! Thanks to netgalley for the gift of the arc. The opinions are my own.

P.I. Savannah Reid is pulled into a case that could implicate lots of her friends. This case is about either murder or assisted suicide. This is a heavy subject but Savannah Reid puts light into with some humor and good detective work. This is book 24 in the Savannah Reid series and she sure has progressed in both her personal life and her business. A stand alone read if you've missed the previous books. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Princess Fuzzypants here: I love Savannah. I enjoy her southern style and expressions. I love how confident she is within her own body and I love how she is smart, savvy and capable. No damsel in distress here. If there was, as in this book, it is Savannah to the rescue with her trusty team. This time, her friend Lucy needs her help. In trying to hide the fact that her best friend committed suicide Lucy fudges the official death report.
It is not until another similar death occurs that Lucy realizes her friend may not have committed suicide but has been murdered. Revealing her deception will be the end of her career and may put her in prison.
She calls upon Savannah to use utmost secrecy and discretion until they know for sure something nefarious occurred. It seems Savannah is not the only keeping secrets. It appears both her husband and brother are hiding something very serious that could change her life dramatically.
The characters are so well drawn and there is that charming southern wit and humour throughout. If you have yet to meet Savannah, I would recommend an introduction. In fact, her series would make some good vacation reading.
I give it five purrs and two paws up.

Firstly, I have to mention the fabulous cover for this book which is so appealing and is partly why I elected to read "Bitter Brew!"

This was a wonderful story. I can't believe that this is the first of this series that I've read and it won't be my last!

From the start, this was a brilliant story and It worked well for me as a stand-alone read. The plot was tight and full of surprises. The author's characterisation was excellent and I wished that some of them were actually in my life. The subject matter was very well presented and I will be reading all of this series, although it might take some time! Very highly recommended and a well deserved five stars.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this novel, at my own request, from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

While this is the 24th book in the Savannah Reid mystery series, there is enough information given so that you can enjoy the book without having read prior books in the series. No doubt though, your experience would be richer if you are already familiar with the characters from previous books.

In this book, Savannah is approached one stormy night by Dr. Jennifer Liu, the coroner, who confesses a terrible thing. She may have inadvertently covered up a murder. She thought she was covering up a suicide as a promise to her terminally ill friend, but when the same cocktail of chemicals in the exact same amounts appears in a second body, she is forced to conclude that something fishy might be going on.

At first, Savannah investigates on her own. Then her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency gets involved as they investigate the connection between Brianne and the other man who died. They are hoping to find out who did it before the killer strikes again.

This is the first time I've run across a killer whose victims are the terminally ill. Along with the main mystery, there are a couple of mysteries involving interpersonal relationships. These help to flesh out the characters more.

I had a little trouble getting into the book at the very beginning as the author outlined the gift giving trouble between Savannah and her husband Dirk. Honestly, it made him sound very unlikeable. And more, it made it sound like she didn't like him much. It becomes evident as the book goes on that this is not the case.

The book moves along at a good pace. I found myself wanting to know what happened next and what the resolution to the mysteries would be.

Overall, I gave this mystery 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written, moves along at a good pace, and has interesting mysteries. The only really slow part for me was the part about the gift giving. I think it was included to add depth to the characters, and for that it works.

Bitter Brew by G.A. McKevett was published April 30th, 2019 by Kensington.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This has not influenced my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.

It seems like many of the books I've been reading lately are baby crazy. Vanna, the newest Reid member, is mentioned a lot and Savannah's inability to get pregnant. It eventually ends, but Vanna still pops up.

The mystery aspect was more simple than usual, and, I think, the story shorter . It was nice it featured a little used secondary character even though she could have gotten more page time.

So, I enjoyed the story as usual, but wasn't impressed with it.

3.5/5

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

As always, G.A. McKevett delivered! I have never been disappointed by anything that she has ever written! The mystery was great and I had no clue who it was until the end. I really enjoyed getting to catch up with Savannah and her friends and family. I feel like I know them personally. Don't hesitate to buy this book!

Savannah and her family and friends have tackled many mysteries over the years, but this mystery hits too close to home. If she can't solve it, a dear friend will go to jail - forever.

When Savannah's friend, Dr. Jennifer Liu, comes to her with a problem, Savannah is in over her head and for once, can't turn to Dirk for help. Dr. Liu, falsified autopsy results for a close friend to hide the fact that the friend committed suicide. Now, another person has died, in the same manner as Dr. Liu's friend. A murderer is on the loose and no one knows who the next victim will be.

During the search for the killer, Waycross and Tammy are faced with their own life-threatening situation and the Magnolia Detective Agency braces for a possibly tragic event. While this book was very serious and at times sad, G.A.McKevett delivers a book full of compassion and hope that readers will love. I enjoyed the "red herrings" in the mystery and couldn't put the book down,

Reading a Savannah Reid book is like visiting with family and I can't wait for the next visit with the Magnolia Detective Agency.

I received an ARC, from NetGalley, for a fair and honest review of this book.

I never get tired of this series. Time spent with Savanah and the Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency is reading time well spent. Savanah is a former detective and is newly married to Detective Sergeant Dick Coulter. Along with her close knit team, cases are solved. This time, however, she is asked to do a solo investigation by a professional friend. Dr. Jennifer Liu is the local medical examiner and has a serious problem, one she brings to Savanah, to help her solve. Awhile back, Dr. Liu declared the cause of death of a friend as natural causes rather than suicide, she thought that was that. When another body comes to her morgue with the same profile and she is calling it murder...does the suicide of her friend become a murder as well?
Savanah has never gone solo but is willing to help, that is until it becomes clear to her that she needs the help of her team. It was nice to get to know more about Dr. Liu after many books. The usual humor balances out the more serious themes of the mystery and I found the mystery very satisfying. If you are new to this well written series, no worries, it works as a stand alone.

BITTER BREW is book 24 in G.A. McKevett's Savannah Reid cozy mystery series. Coroner Dr. Jennifer Liu has been a recurring character in this series for a long time and, in BITTER BREW, readers finally get a better sense of who she is. P.I. Savannah Reid and her Moonlight Magnolia Detective Agency crew have solved many cases over the years, but they are fierce when it comes to defending one of their friends or family members. Dr. Liu feels a little like both, even though they don't know much about her personal life. Dr. Liu finds herself in quite a predicament and it leaves several tantalizing mysteries for the reader and the fictional investigators to unravel. I always enjoy mysteries that make the victim center stage and make figuring that person out critical to solving the mystery of what happened to them. BITTER BREW is full of endearing familiar characters as well as plenty of unsavory and generally icky ones.

What makes this case so fascinating is that the cause of death is in serious doubt and a huge part of the mystery is trying to determine if it was natural causes, suicide, or murder. Having the cause of death be so up in the air puts a unique spin on the traditional murder mystery. Although BITTER BREW is a cozy mystery, several of the main characters tackle some dark themes. G.A. McKevett does a great job of taking on some sensitive topics, making them compelling and pertinent to the mystery at hand and balancing the story with some lighter scenes to break up the tension.

BITTER BREW contains a plethora of puzzles to delight any mystery fan. Initially, Savannah starts the case out trying to go it alone, but it's not long before she gets the much- needed support from her detection team. The good guys are severely tested in this mystery but, ultimately, they persevere. Friendship and love triumph over greed and obsession. I eagerly await the next Savannah Reid mystery.

Bitter Brew by G. A. McKevett is book twenty four in the Savannah Reid series. I had started this series a while ago and have missed quite a few but was able to get caught up quickly.
This is a great series having Savannah as a strong, independent woman with a bit of vulnerableness when it comes to her marriage.
You get great characters and setting, some humor, and plenty of twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. Even with information on a rare genetic disease, it is an easy read cozy.
Thanks to Negalley for an ARC for an honest review.

This is the 24th book in the Savannah Reid series. Reading a Savannah Reid series is like visiting with an old friend. In this installment Savannah is enlisted to help Dr. Liu. She is investigating on her own without the Moonlight Magnolia team because Dr. Liu doesn't want anyone else to know she is in trouble. But Savannah isn't the only one keeping secrets. Dirk is keeping a pretty big one from Savannah.


This book is a little bit different in that the Magnolia team doesn't investigate together until almost the end of the book. Savannah and Dirk also spend most of the book avoiding each other because they feel guilty about keeping a secret from the other. However, the book still had all the things that I love about a Savannah Reid book. It had of course plenty of Granny Reid. And when we saw the Magnolia gang it was like they were involved in the entire book. I loved how the investigation Savannah was working on was to help Dr. Liu and we got to learn more about the doctor that we see in almost every book. All in all this was a great book. I am curious though to see what happens with Tammy and Waycross in the next book.

Interesting cozy mystery. Is it murder, suicide, or natural causes (disease)? Several familiar characters and some new ones. Old issues and new. As I am aware of the heartbreak and issues caused by genetic diseases, the story reminded me to be kind to those with these problems. I will not be asking married folks when they will be having children. None of my business and there may be reasons for not doing so. Compassionate, enough humor to relieve the tensions, and an intriguing solution or clue.