I just finished reading an engaging, funny thriller. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is one to look for.

I love cozy mysteries that have a culinary setting, being that I am a foodie. Savvy Summers is the owner of a soul food restaurant that is doing pretty good until a customers dies at one the tables. Of course, Savvy takes it up on herself to solve the mystery along with her business partner. The plot was nicely paced and kept my attention, and Savvy was such a lovable character. I hope this is the start of a long series set in this world!

3.5 stars rounded up --A comfy cozy murder mystery!

Savvy is the proud owner of a soul food café in Chicago. But her business takes a hit when one of her regulars drops dead at table two of her restaurant and her famous sweet potato pie is at the center of the so-called investigation.

Her curiosity over what happened to Grandy is partially motivated by her own self-interests, but also she thinks Grandy was rushed to an untimely death (not by her cooking, of course) and she realizes she is in a unique position to collect conversations with potential suspects and find out what really happened.

Her ensuing investigation is definitely amateur but also cunning and entertaining. Definitely felt like the door was left open for another mystery so hope this wasn't the last we see of these characters!

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is such a delightful debut mystery. Set in South Side Chicago, the story hooked me right from the start. Savvy Summers is our quick-witted and incredibly likable main character who runs Essie's Soul Food Cafe and a catering business. She felt so relatable, and I couldn't help but root for her throughout the entire story.

The author did a fantastic job creating a complex framework filled with intriguing characters, each with their own secrets and personalities to explore. When 75-year-old Grady Jasper dies in Savvy's cafe, the mystery immediately pulls you in. Savvy doesn't believe the ruling that his death was an accident, and she's determined to uncover the truth and clear her restaurant's reputation.

I loved seeing Savvy team up with Penny Lopes, her assistant manager at the cafe. Their partnership adds so much depth, and their chemistry makes the investigative journey engaging and fun. The twists and turns they encounter as they work to rule out suspects kept me guessing the whole time. I was never bored and ended up enjoying this cozy mystery in one sitting!

The author's writing style is engaging and vivid, painting a rich picture of South Side Chicago and the community within it. I'm really looking forward to reading more from this author. It is a charming read that left me both satisfied and eager for more.

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes
by Sandra Jackson-Opoku is a great cozy mystery that kept me entertained throughout.

I really liked this debut. Savvy is a solid main character and held her own in this culinary cozy mystery. I liked the backdrop, the concept, and the murder/mystery.

I am not sure if this is the first book in a new series…sure hope so.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/29/25.