Murder in Her Stocking by G.A. McKevett is the first book in the NEW “Granny Reid” mystery series. Publisher: Kensington, coming Oct 30, 2018.

As the Moonlight Magnolia Agency revisits old memories on Christmas Eve, Granny Reid takes the reins back thirty years to the 1980s—back when she went by Stella, everyone’s hair was bigger, and sweaters were colorful disasters. But murder never went out of style . . .

Christmas has arrived in sleepy McGill, Georgia, but holiday cheer can’t keep temperamental Stella Reid from swinging a rolling pin at anyone who crosses her bad side—and this season, there are plenty. First an anonymous grinch vandalizes a celebrated nativity display. Far worse, the scandalous Prissy Carr is found dead in an alley behind a tavern. With police puzzled over the murder, Stella decides to stir the local gossip pot for clues on the culprit’s identity . . .

Turns out Prissy held a prominent spot on the naughty list, and suspects pile up like presents on Christmas morning. Unfortunately, the more progress Stella makes, the more fears she must confront. With a neighbor in peril and the futures of her beloved grandchildren at risk, Stella must somehow set everything straight and bring a cunning criminal to justice before December 25th . . .

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In this story, Granny Reid reminisces to a time where the seven Reid children came to live with her, but first a murder must be solved. The author did a great job in setting the stage to see back in time.

This was a well-written whodunit with a mystery that was tightly woven in the fabric of the story being told. The pacing was good and the tone was very comfortable. The characters were carefully developed and the dialogue was engaging. I enjoyed reading about Stella and her interactions with the kids and the residents of McGill, Georgia.

This was an emotionally driven tale where if I wasn’t laughing at the humor, I was sad at the circumstances that the children had to endure with their mother. We got to see a young Savannah who at the age of twelve knew what she wanted to do when she grows up. We got to see Waycross and his mischievous nature and the other children and can see who they will turn out to be. A good solid mystery that kept me engrossed in all aspects from a wonderful beginning to an even more wonderful ending and I’m so glad the author gave us this story.

If you are a fan of the Savannah Reid mystery series, this is a must read.

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FTC Full Disclosure – I received a digital ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley.