Conflict of Interest by Jenna Bennett is the 17th book in the “Savannah Martin” traditional mystery series. Publisher: Magpie Ink, May 7, 2019.

Savannah is delighted to be back in her hometown of Sweetwater, surrounded by family and friends, even if it’s only temporarily. The house in Nashville is in the process of being repaired after the fire. Baby Caroline is alive and well and getting bigger every day. And Rafe is all recovered, and is working for Tamara Grimaldi and the Columbia PD, at least for the time being. That probably won’t last, but for now, Savannah’s content.

There are flies in the ointment, however. Savannah’s best friend from high school is back in town, and seems to be setting her cap for Savannah’s brother Dix. Savannah has been rooting for Dix and Tamara Grimaldi to get together, and this new development doesn’t make her happy. Sure, she loves Charlotte… but Charlotte already has a husband, and shouldn’t need another one. She especially shouldn’t need Dix, not when Savannah wants Grimaldi to have him.

And then there’s the case Rafe is working on. Katie Graves was a teenager when she disappeared fifteen years ago. Now she’s back—or at least her remains are. And the evidence in what looks like a case of homicide points squarely to one of Savannah’s nearest and dearest. With another Martin on the hot-seat, and Rafe and Grimaldi duty-bound to serve the law, it’s up to Savannah to keep her family safe and out of prison.

Purchase Link

I love this series. Savannah, Rafe and baby Carrie are back in Sweetwater living in the Martin mansion. When bones are discovered and later identified as that from a teen missing 16 years ago, Rafe is put on the case by Chief Grimaldi. With nothing else much to do, Savannah weasels her way into his case and just by who she is, uncovers clues pertinent to the case, one of which hits a bit closer to home and she’ll do anything to protect her relative.

This was a well-executed story filled with family drama, southern hospitality and murder. How it connects, you’ll have to read this engaging and suspenseful tale that kept me enthralled in the exploits of those involved. Pitting family members against each other puts Savannah in the crosshairs, but all is not lost as they work together to find the answers to the puzzling case. The author did a great job in setting this up with a few surprising twists and turns, especially one reveal that enhanced my reading pleasure. When the mere mention of a sighting passes through to them, Rafe and his fellow officer put the finishing pieces together and with the assistance of Savannah bring a killer to justice. Overall, this was an enjoyable story and I look forward to more adventures with Savannah and her friends in Sweetwater.