Stella “Granny” Reid’s youth wasn’t the only thing changed by time in tiny, nondescript McGill, Georgia. Except even back in the 1980s, the Southern town still had a way of attracting downright dubious characters—some with a talent for murder. As quirky as McGill’s residents can be, they usually welcome society’s oddballs and outcasts into the community with open arms. But the three members of … with open arms. But the three members of the Lone White Wolf Pack are a different story. Townsfolk aren’t feeling the least bit neighborly toward the ignorant gang widely believed to have orchestrated several hate crimes in the area . . .
When the small group’s irredeemable leader, Billy Ray Sonner, is found dead in an abandoned motel, most assume it was the result of an accidental overdose. An unfortunate yet predictable end for a man who lived the way Billy did. Only Stella and the sheriff have witnessed the crime scene in person, and the smell of cyanide means something more disturbing happened in that ramshackle room. Something like homicide . . .
While Stella wades through a flood of suspects, uncovered secrets link both Billy’s closest allies and respected locals to the incident. One thing is certain—this wasn’t an impulsive act of revenge. There’s a sophisticated killer on the loose, and Stella must expose deep-rooted fears and dark pasts if she wants to crack a carefully planned murder and stop McGill from descending into chaos.
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Another fantastic Granny Reid mystery. I actually like this series better than the Savannah Reid series. Some of the story was difficult to read and I had to put the book down and breathe before I could continue but that is what I love about this author. I had the killer figured out and some of their backstory too but again the author had me hooked. My only complaint is I have to wait so long for the next book.
Stella “Granny” Reid has got to be one of my all-time favorite characters in any series. I love her commitment to her grandkids, her friends, and her investigative skills. In the 3rd book, Murder at Mabel’s Motel, Stella finds a body, which was abandoned years ago is unexpected, but just one more in a line of victims Granny has found. This victim wasn’t well-liked, some even say he was downright hated, but no one deserves to die the way he did. This time Stella is helping track a killer who uses an unusual and evil method to destroy the victim.
Characters in this series, like all of those written by G.A. McKevett, are lifelike, lovable, and easy to understand. They make the story flow and bring joy to readers. Small towns are used in cozies all the time, but the town of McGill makes readers long for days when small-town life was easy and relaxed. The descriptions of the locations used throughout this book and series always make me smile. The motel where the victim is found is described so that most readers will know a place in their hometown, just like Mabel’s.
Suspects are never what they seem in this series, and this time is no exception. Motives run the gambit from easy to unexplainable. There are a few turns and twists to keep readers on their toes. Evidence is in the open, but not everyone will see every piece until the end. The setting of a motel for the scene of a murder isn’t unusual, but in general, they always bring with them the idea that crime is just par for the course. There is a surprise for Granny and her grandkids, one that will shock and confuse but ultimately bring joy.
Of course, Granny solves the murder, but this does not necessarily bring the reader any closure. It does, however, bring up a bunch of questions that only time and history can ever answer. Murder at Mabel’s Motel is a wonderfully entertaining book that fits in with a magnificent series. I recommend this book and series to all cozy readers past, present and future.
Take a step back in time to the 1980’s in Georgia. When Stella and Sheriff Manny are out to dinner, a young woman is attacked. Together, this 7 time grandmother and the arm of the law seek out what happened. After the culprit of the attack is captured (and escapes), he is found dead. Manny and Stella must find out who did it.
Opinion
I listened to the audiobook. The narrator has the perfect southern grandmother voice for this book. Listening to her is like listening to my own grandmother telling me a story. It’s a thoroughly enjoyable affair.
As for the story, it comes to a slow boil and then BOOM!, something happens to rock your socks. This is a really quaint book that reminds you of yesteryear.
Many thanks to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC of this audiobook.
When the Sheriff is called to a.crime scene while on a date with Stella, Stella decides to tag along. A young woman has been beaten but is afraid to name the culprit. It soon becomes clear who the culprit is and the sheriff along with Stella make their way through a couple of suspects to find just who they are looking for. The man is arrested and it looks like things are on track to keep him locked away for along time but he escapes. When he is later found dead it is up to the Sheriff to figure out who killed him and why. Billy Ray was the leader of a local racist group so there are plenty of enemies to look through. With Stella’s help they soon uncover secrets that help lead them in a couple of new directions. Meanwhile Stella is dealing with some family issues of her own and hopes they hurt her grandchildren. Follow along as Stella helps the sheriff in his quest for a killer and takes care of her many grandchildren at the same time. Can she juggle everything or will she drop a ball along the way?
This is the third book in this wonderful series and can work as a standalone but I would advise reading them in order to get the most out of the world of Granny (Stella) Reid. Set in the 1980’s in the town of McGill, Georgia. Granny is a lady of a certain age who is raising het seven grandchildren. She is romantically involved with Sheriff Manny and as the mystery begins they are enjoying a meal only to be interrupted by crime. Of course Granny joins the investigation. As the saying goes, this isn’t her first rodeo.
The town is dealing with racism when a trio of neo-Nazis arrive and are suspected of committing a series of crimes. It’s not long before their leader is found dead in a seedy motel. At first glance it seems like an overdose – case closed. Granny and Manny suspect murder and set out to track down a killer. They make a wonderful team and the list of suspects keeps them on their toes. There are plenty of suspects and lots of secrets that are being kept. Those secrets are very dark, indeed.
I’ve been a long time fan of the series starring Granny’s grandchild Savannah Reid and I’m having such fun learning about her back story. We should all be so lucky to have a Granny like Stella in our lives. The mystery is well crafted and the main characters are wonderful. The twists and red herrings had me guessing wrong to the very end.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
McKevett cannot write a bad book! This book is interesting, entertaining, funny, sad, and full of everything you can want in a book. Granny Reid is a character that every grandma wants to be. I cannot recommend this book highly enough (the whole series).
I received an ebook ARC from NetGalley and this is my voluntary, honest opinion.
Murder at Mabel’s Motel by G. A. McKevett is book three in the A Granny Reid Mystery series. Being a fan of the A Savannah Reid Mystery series I enjoy this series every bit as much.
This story has plenty of plot twists that have you guessing to the end. The characters are likeable, some are quirky, and relatable. There is humor sprinkled through out. Granny’s relationship with her grandchild is perfect. There is also a bit of romance.
If you enjoy reading from another generation, this is the book for you. It will have you remembering the 80’s.
Right from the start, I was drawn into the story and did not want to put it down.
I was given an ARC by Kensington via NetGalley for an honest review.
Granny Reid is back with her brood of grandchildren she is raising. For those who read the Savannah Reid series, this a prequel series. Genius, for those of us who love Granny. This mystery involves some Neo-Nazis who have attacked a young female. When the leader of the group is found dead, there are many suspects. Granny helps the sheriff who might be her beau with solving it.
There’s lots of growing kids’ interactions. But I mostly enjoy, Savannah with her insight into life and the mystery. I enjoy Granny’s companions. This is one of my favorite series.
This is the 3rd book in the Granny Reid Mystery series and it does not disappoint. I love being able to go back and see Savannah’s childhood and what inspired her career in law enforcement. Granny Reid is a great character. I love her friendship with the Sheriff and always wonder what is going to happen with them. I loved this history woven through this plot. It was an interesting addition to the story and characters. I highly recommend this series and I am already looking forward to the next book.
This is my first encounter with this author. The dialogue was very entertaining with all the witty jargon. The author does not skimp on details. This is a cozy mystery but does not follow the usual cozy mystery format and it works very well. I must admit, I never would have predicted the ending. Took me totally by surprise. This is #3 in the series. Now I want to read the first two.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this advanced review copy. In return, I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
cozy-mystery, murder, law-enforcement, whodunit, situational-humor, verbal-humor, discrimination
Such fun! I haven’t read a Samantha Reid mystery in a while (can’t think why) but I remember enough to know that I loved them. This is before the Samantha series and is every bit as much fun and with good sleuthing, too! Stella is raising her grandchildren while their parent is in prison and it’s a real trial. She is seeing fellow widow Sheriff Manny whom she’d known since childhood and he doesn’t get bent out of shape when she snoops along and gets quite bossy. Good plot, interesting characters, and a lot of laughs. Loved it!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!
I win twice! I later requested an audio copy from Dreamscape Media and found that although the accents used by Mil Nicholson were a little iffy, I got a lot more enjoyment from the story and even noticed things that I missed in print. She has the gift of narrative, selecting voices that match the people who are speaking.
Also worth noting is that the publisher’s blurb is really good this time.
Having read all of the Savannah Reid stories (25!!!) to date, I find myself a little sad every time I read one of the Granny Reid books. I’m hoping the author writes something soon which alleviates that sadness yet meshes will with the other series. Once the mystery and the every day maelstrom of Reid life kicked in, the sadness, despite the darker story line for a cozy, was washed away.
Kudos to the author for maintaining suspense with only 3 real suspects. I’m not really going to say more than that. Any more details might give the story away. Good mystery, interesting setting with Granny’s relationship with Manny, the kids and her friends.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.