Murder at Mabel’s Motel

This is a deep Southern mystery from an author who has plenty of skill with Southern mysteries. Stella "Granny" Reid has a houseful of grandchildren to care for, thanks to her wayward daughter. Her life is hard, but she's surrounded by a supportive community.

So when a shocking crime of violence takes place, it's natural for Stella to jump in and help. She may be in over her head, though. It looks like a Neo-Nazi group is involved, and someone may be taking the law into their own hands. Who in the little Georgia town of McGill could have the kind of secrets that seem to be popping up in the investigation?

This is a cozy story in spite of the level of violence and the startling historical connections. A lot of the charm of the novel centers around the children and their issues. The cast of characters is diverse and the plot is well constructed.

Let me start by saying I adore Granny Reid. I was lucky enough to have a grandmother like Granny Reid (Stella), and every time I read a book about her I am reminding of my grandmother. In this book, Granny is having dinner with Sheriff Gilford when a citizen, interrupts them to tell the sheriff about an attack that took place at the local gas station. A young girl is attacked and it comes as no surprise to the sheriff as to the culprit. The surprise is finding him dead the morning after the attack. Most people in town couldn't stand him and he and his two buddies who are known for hate crimes.

This book is on the heavier side of cozies. It deals with racism and the events of the Holocausts. I love how the author intertwines a good deal of humor in her books while tackling such a heavy topic. Granny Reid has to be one of my favorite characters in all the books I have read. She is smart, sassy, and a kind soul. She balances raising her seven (now eight) grandchildren and helping Sheriff Gilford wonderfully. I love the secondary characters. Especially Elise, who helps out by watching the kids when Stella needs her to. The sheriff is a wonderful character. I love the banter between him and Stella. The sheriff's deputy was annoying and I can't figure out how he even got the job seeing how bad he is at it. The interactions between him and the sheriff made for some hilarious scenes. I absolutely recommend this series as well as the author's Savannah Reid series for anyone who loves cozy mysteries. I received this book from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Great read by a new author for me. The plot is well written and enticing to the reader. The author writes in a way that makes the reader feel like part of The story. Would love another book by the author.

This latest Granny Reid cozy leaves a warm glow.

As much as Stella May Reid loves Sheriff Manny Gilford, her focus on raising her grandchildren is her main concern.

When a local trio of Nazi supporters spew their hate and violence, Stella's ride-along with Manny enables her to help the young victim.

Humor sprinkled throughout the drama helps keep this cozy while exposing the horrors of the Holocaust.

Thank you GA McKevett for tackling a tough subject and making it a feel-good read.