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.

I don’t hate or love this novel, #TheKingdomsOfSavannah by #GeorgeDawesGreen. The book is well researched and documented; however, I find the book flat in the beginning and gladly it started to pick up in the middle to the end. The parts I like in the novel are the facts relevant to build the mystery, the plot of the actual book (the map of Savannah), the historical information of the story in conjunction to the fictional characters and why the mystery is important to the book. Moreover, the parts I didn’t like are the convoluted exchanges between the characters, the obvious and predictable plots/ending, the hard to understand dialogues, the manifestations of the characters and plots that were not relevant to the story and the too much information that are irrelevant to the story.
I am in the minority reviewing this novel since I saw many rave reviews from other readers. I love historical-mystery fiction, and I might try to read this again in few months to assess my own reading again. There’s one thing I know I truly love about this book is to have the opportunity to plan a visit to Savannah and check the beautiful places out someday! If you love southern mystery fiction, get your copy soon. It should be on sale next week!

Thank you Celadon Books and Bookishfirst for this #won copy in exchange for my honest review.

Thank you to Netgalley and to the publisher and author for a chance to read and review this book. Set in the picturesque Savannah, Georgia this is a real southern-based mystery diving into Savannahs sordid history. I really love reading books that are set in places I've lived or visited. I was quite taken with each of the members of the Musgrove family, for different reasons, as they investigate the murder of a young man and the disappearance of his close friend.

Upon reading the blurb for the book, The Kingdoms of Savannah, my interest was piqued as I have visited Savannah and loved the beauty of the town. However, I really struggled getting through this book. This may be because I was not familiar with Savannah’s darker, complicated history.

The chapters are long, and there are many active characters in the story. It did take me some time to figure out each character’s importance, but the number of characters did not detract from the overall story being told.

The Kingdoms of Savannah is well-written. There are murders, betrayal, crooked cops, interesting characters, and many other aspects that should make this a fabulous mystery. It just never made it there for me.

Thank you, NetGalley and Celadon Books, for the digital ARC in exchange for my honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed above are my own.

An eye opening, thought provoking saga dripping with intrigue, history and the Spanish moss of Savannah. After a slightly slow start figuring out the Musgrove family structure, it quickly became impossible to find a place to stop reading.
The matriarch, Morgana, is old money, upper society, a widowed southern belle. Her adult children are rather diverse, a lawyer, judge, nurse, and homeless.
Luke is a big guy, bipolar, funny and friends with Stony and Jaq. Stony is older, an archaeologist, full of knowledge and history she and Luke are part of the fringes of society, mostly homeless. Jaq is the granddaughter of Morgana and a bartender at Peep's. Jaq cares deeply for both Luke and Stony. She'd just seen them, now Luke's died in a fire and Stony's missing.
Archie Guzman (Gooze) owned the building Luke died in, he's being accused of arson. He insists he's innocent and hires one of Morgana's businesses, Musgrove Investigations, to clear his name.
Ransom is the rebel, black sheep son of Morgana. He was a lawyer, now lives under an overpass. She believes Gooze's story and needs Ransom to assist with the case. The Gooze gives a vague clue about treasure and Stone Kings. The unseen Musician, known for his whistling like a songbird, has answers if he could be located.
Meanwhile Jaq is continuing her search for Stony. This has her aunt Willou, a judge, and her mother, Bebe, in a constant state of worry.
Detective Galatas is sure they have the right person in custody. He cruises the streets of Savannah, keeps tabs on everything and everyone. He takes a special interest in Jaq.
There are many layers to the mysteries of the Musgrove family and their tense family dynamics. The many characters are colorful, interesting and unique.
There are excellent historical references throughout. It was interesting to learn more about Savannah, the carriage ghost tours, and the homelessness. It was a well thought out plot filled with a balanced mix of fact and fiction.
It's a book I wilI remember and will highly recommend. This is an author I have not read before, would read again.
Thanks so much to George Dawes Green, to Celadon Books and to NetGalley for the digital advance reader copy of "The Kingdoms of Savannah". These are my honest personal thoughts and opinions given voluntarily.

I spent my elementary school years in Savannah. I love the place even though I don't live there now. So I jumped at a chance to read this book.
I got 3% through and quit. The F word is used prolifically. Additionally, a main character gets hit on in the first scene. Now, I'm not a prude but I think an author can spin a narrative without all the f*ing 4 letter words (with an additional s word). The characters haven't been developed enough by the time the woman gets hit on, that you really don't care what happens to her.
Soooo disappointed. Had hoped for so much more intrigue.

*Publish date - July 19,2022. Thank you to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the advanced e-copy of this book.*

George Dawes Green delivers a gripping tale of a dark side of Savannah, Georgia. This novel is historical fiction, and I enjoyed learning in the end how much was based upon fact and family history. This book's central character is Morgana Musgrove, a prominent member of Savanah society, and her family. Family secrets are revealed and murders weave together this family, members of the homeless community, and other unsavory characters. I found the story riveting, hard to put down, and I highly recommend this quick read.

When a murder happens in Savannah, Morganna is offered quite a bit of money to find evidence that proves a certain person did not set a fire that killed the man. With that kind of money at stake, Morganna reels her adult children into helping her find the evidence she needs. However they uncover far more than anyone could have expected.

I love this book for several reasons, the characters, the setting and the history and mystery. It reminds me of a lazy Southern evening spent on a bar crawl and ghost tour when we were in Savannah. The story takes its time, it gives you bits and piece of information at various locations and eventually you get to the end. I mean this in a good way as I loved that evening spend learning and taking it all in. This book far exceeded my expectations and I want more from this author.

This book was so fascinating. An indepth dive into Savannahs sordid history. The amount of white and male washed history out there is like 85%. But the stories are out there just not always being told to entertain the tourists.

This family was very dysfunctional with very interesting relationships that were controlling. One of them lived in the homeless encampments to stay away from his rich controlling southern mama. This i think was an important viewpoint. In humanizing the homeless experience. It's an epidemic in this country and although there are resources not everyone wants to be in society. Some are by choice, lack of money or employment, drugs or alcohol, untreated mental health issues, the list goes on. Society isn't a one size fits all box and it always reminds me of the factionless in Divergent. You don't fit in you get pushed out.

I really enjoyed this one! The mystery was there and poor Stoney. There were a few suspects that could've been it. It wasn't exactly who I thought it was but you know it all boils down to money and land.

There was history in this that was under the fictional story and the Gothic and lovely mossy trees of Savannah came through.

Thank you Celadon books for the gifted copy.

It begins quietly on a balmy Southern night as some locals gather at Bo Peep’s, one of the town’s favorite watering holes. Within an hour, however, a man will be murdered and his companion will be “disappeared.” An unlikely detective, Morgana Musgrove, doyenne of Savannah society, is called upon to unravel the mystery of these crimes. Morgana is an imperious, demanding, and conniving woman, whose four grown children are weary of her schemes. But one by one she inveigles them into helping with her investigation, and soon the family uncovers some terrifying truths—truths that will rock Savannah’s power structure to its core. This book is beautifully written. He paints a stunning word picture of Georgia and the mystery meanders slowly like a lazy southern river. I enjoyed every minute of this beautiful and often ugly story. This book is not to be missed. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced readers copy for review.

My thanks to NetGalley and Celadon Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of George Dawes Green's The Kingdoms of Savannah.

The author writes about the real Savannah - the beauty, the atmosphere, the architecture, the squares and hidden gardens, the history, and total "southerness" of one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Along with all that, he gives us the ugly, the corruptness, the long years of racial conflict, and the widespread homelessness the city would rather you never see. The city and society built on the backs of slaves. It's all here, in one of the best books i've read for the pure honesty about a city I love; warts and all.

What a gorgeously written book. And a fabulous concoction of historical facts and a modern day mystery. It’s a love letter to Savannah and it’s unworldliness. As Jaq, a character in the story, thinks, “she does adore Savannah. All the conviviality and the outrageous beauty and the characters and the sunlight and the aromas.” Because Savannah is definitely one of the characters in this story. But it’s a clear eyed view, not the pretty postcard view of the city. The story encompasses homelessness, corruption, greed and prejudice.
Morgana is a Southern doyenne with multiple businesses, all of them losing money. So, when she is offered ½ million dollars to find evidence that a rich businessman is not guilty of arson that killed a man, she agrees. She also inveigles her four children and granddaughter to help her.
The characters are truly characters. Not a normal one in the bunch. Mother and children don’t get along. The children don’t get along with each other. Their motives are at odds.
This isn’t a story that goes in a straight line. It meanders like a drunk. It takes multiple storylines and blends them into a cohesive whole. It totally held me in its grasp. As much as I wanted to savor the story, I also wanted to see how it would turn out. For anyone tired of the cookie cutter mysteries that seem to be sweeping the publishing arena, check this one out.
My thanks to Netgalley and Celedon Books for an advance copy of this book.

This quirky, character-driven mystery will appeal both to fans of offbeat stories, and stories set in the south. It’s a unique and involving read.

If you guys haven't notice yet, I really love reading books that are set in places I've lived.
Needless to say, I jumped at the chance to read The Kingdoms of Savannah by fellow Savannahian, George Dawes Green.

This book had all of the Southern Gothic aspects that I love. It had small town politics and local corruption. It even had detailed the dreary underground history of Savannah itself. I was enthralled in the story as I followed the streets I've wandered along myself. The deep seeded underground history of Savannah is what really drew me in. The lore, dramatics, and honesty really tied the story together.

The Kingdoms of Savannah follows one family that goes back for generations. The Musgroves have been a staple in the community forever. Everyone knows head of the house, Morgana took control of her late husband's investigative firm. They know about the feuding brothers, David and Ransom. Ransom started running with the homeless crowd and quickly found himself wanting to stay. Sisters Bebe and Willou became familiar face when one became a nurse and the other a Judge.

But then there's granddaughter Jaq. The film student/bartender who just wants to know who murdered her friend, Luke. You'd think with a family like hers, they'd be able to get answers in a snap. But that's not always the case. Jaq begins searching for answers herself and uncovers some of the darkest secrets that the city wanted to keep hidden.

The privilege of this family seeps through the pages.
But the secret history of the Kingdom is what keeps you reading.

I absolutely loved this book.
I cannot wait to hear George Dawes Green speak next month!

Huge thanks to Celadon Books and NetGalley for sending me an ARC!!!

Kingdoms of Savannah comes out July 19, 2022!

Lots of twists and turns in this book in addition to many characters, but hang in there and all the loose ends will be tied up in the end.
Great book for history and mystery lover.
I received a free copy from Celadon Books in exchange for my honest review.

The Kingdoms of Savannah is a gritty look into the contemporary problem of homelessness, told by an acclaimed author.
Thank you for the advanced review copy.

Wow - Savannah, so much is hidden beneath the surface of this charming Southern city. This tale uncovers some of those secrets. On a warm evening a gentle giant's attempt to help a friend leads to murder. A developer/slum lord is accused and hires society dame Morgana Musgrove's investigative firm to prove his innocence. The investigation ranges from the homeless community to the upper-crust of Savannah society. Morgana loops in her disaffected/disfunctional family, a homeless lawyer son, a judge, a nurse and a bartender/film maker granddaughter. It is a fascinating story of Savannah's past and present with some truly unforgettable characters.
This is a review of an eGalley provided by NetGalley.

Because of my past trips to Savannah, I was intrigued by the description of this book. A matriarch of an old Savannah family involves her children in a murder mystery that involves the history of a lost free slave community. I had a hard time with this book, at times wanted to put it down but I stuck with it. I loved the descriptions of Savannah and the historical sections on the free slave settlement off the coast. Also, I did not realize that Savannah has a huge homeless population. I feel that the author did his historical research on the book, I just sometime got lost with all the characters. That said, for those who love Savannah, I would recommend this book.