A few drops of bitters

McKevett's entertaining 26th Savannah Reid mystery (after 2020's And the Killer Is…) finds PI Savannah Reid, the owner of the Moonlight Magnolia detective agency in San Carmelita, Calif., focused on her animal-loving foster son, six-year-old Brody Greyson, who seems to be doing well despite his traumatic upbringing by his troubled biological mother. Savannah and her husband, Det. Sgt. Dirk Coulter, are happy to go with Brody to the home of his veterinarian friend, Carolyn Erling, who's hosting a birthday party for her husband, brain surgeon Stephen Erling. Carolyn is warm and friendly, the couple discover, but Stephen, who insults Brody, is rude and unpleasant. When Stephen collapses during the party, Savannah gives him CPR, but to no avail. His death is later ruled a homicide, and Dirk views Carolyn as the number one suspect. Savannah investigates and soon learns, no surprise, plenty of people had motive to kill Stephen. Red herrings abound, and McKevett smoothly blends the sleuthing with serious social issues. Series fans and newcomers alike will enjoy spending time with Savannah and friends. Agent: Richard Curtis, Curtis Agency. (Aug.)

A birthday party turns deadly, and private eye Savannah Reid needs to know why. Being foster parents to 6-year-old Brody Greyson has its ups and downs. DS Dirk Coulter isn't amused when the little scamp mixes kitty kibble with Dirk's breakfast cereal. But Savannah marvels at Brody's resilience, his curiosity, and his love for all living creatures. To indulge the latter, she lets him spend long hours with the family's beloved vet, Dr. Carolyn Erling. And when Brody manages to wangle an invitation to the birthday bash Dr. Carolyn's throwing for her husband, Stephen, Savannah even manages to persuade Dirk to give up his favorite televised sports so they can go as a family. Which is kind of a shame, since Stephen Erling's 50th birthday turns out to be his last. Fortunately, Brody, out in the llama pen, avoids the trauma of watching the eminent neurosurgeon take one final drink and keel over. Soon Dirk and Savannah are on the case, Dirk officially and Savannah, who's between cases, tagging along. Just as soon, they discover that very few of Stephen's birthday guests actually wanted their host to live to 51. Carolyn's former employee Pat Conway leaves the party in tears. Neighbor Shane Keller is angry at Stephen for hitting Shane's son. Even Dr. Carolyn admits that her late husband was a bully who cheated on her. With so many suspects, Dirk has his work cut out for him, but Savannah keeps her keen eye out to make sure her husband doesn't fixate on the one person whose arrest would break their foster son's heart. McKevett balances family drama and puzzle nicely before dropping the hammer too quickly at the climax. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.