“I kinda like it.” Dernice gave the top a light tap. “It’s a cool conversation piece.”
“I’m sick of telling people about the Segway incident. It’s old news.” Elvira rolled her eyes. “Let’s talk about something more pleasant, like finally apprehending the culprit who robbed Sandy Sue.”
“The Zhaos,” Carlita said. “Mei Zhao was a plant. She was working for her parents, who were seeking revenge on Sandy Sue.”
“Why?” Dernice asked.
“Sandy Sue wanted to open her own place. She needed cash and offered to sell her half of Big Hog’s to them. It was a handshake deal and the Zhao’s gave her a good faith deposit.” Carlita explained that when Sandy Sue’s brother found out, he was furious. His sister had promised to sell her half to him, giving him 100% ownership.
“So, the Zhao’s were ticked because Sandy Sue backed out of the deal,” Elvira said.
“Not only backed out of the deal and sold her half to her brother, but kept their deposit and told them to pound sand.”
“Ah.” Dernice lifted a brow. “Sandy Sue keeps their money and lets her brother buy her out.”
“Yep. Sandy Sue washed her hands of it and walked away with her money. Since there wasn’t anything in writing, no record of their agreement and the good faith deposit, the Zhaos decided to get their money back by robbing her.”
“And by having Mei skim money off the top of Sandy Sue’s restaurant,” Elvira said.
“When Mei suspected Sandy Sue was onto her, she quit. The ruby ring tripped them up when Fao Zhao sold it to Savannah Swag.”
“The pawn shop keeps records. Surely, it would come back to the Zhaos.”
“Except our computers were down. Tony’s certain he had a copy of the seller’s information, but it mysteriously vanished.”
The Zhao’s somehow made sure there was no traceable record,” Elvira said.
“Exactly.” Carlita tapped the side of her forehead. “Tony is sharp. He remembered not only the seller’s last name, but the woman’s face.”
“This means you and Sandy Sue are best buds,” Elvira joked.
“Not necessarily. Let’s just say we’ve made our peace.”
“Speaking of peace, how’s Tony doing? Any word on Shelby?”
“They talked on the phone yesterday, but I don’t think she’s coming back anytime soon.”
“It’s a shame. If it doesn’t work out, my friend, June Deville, is single.”
“He’s not interested,” Carlita said. “He loves his wife. Loves Violet.”
Elvira appeared not to have heard Carlita. “We’ll play it by ear. Maybe she can swing by the pawn shop one of these days.”
“Elvira.”
“What? It’s not like I’m trying to set them up on a date.”
Mercedes and Tony joined them, ending the conversation about Tony’s love life and missing wife.
“I know the cruise is still a couple months away.” Elvira motioned to Dernice, who began handing out colorful cruise brochures. “But my friend, June, was kind enough to give me these brochures to get us pumped up.”
Elvira rattled on about the islands, the excursions, the ports and then the ship. She rifled through the stack of brochures. “Where’s the Siren of the Seas’ brochure?”
“Oh. Sorry.” Dernice grabbed another stack and began handing out the brochure with a large luxury liner on the front. “There’s a picture of Captain Armati on the back. I might have to snag me a seat at the captain’s table. He’s smokin’ hot.”
Carlita flipped the brochure over. Staring up at her was a nice-looking man. Quite handsome, actually. His hair was almost jet-black and smoothed back with touches of gray streaks. He stood next to a potted palm, and she could tell he was tall. His dark brown eyes were almost mesmerizing. “He’s very attractive.”
“And Italian. I predict a shipboard romance in my future. But not with him. I did a little intel. He’s married to the assistant cruise director, Millie something.” Elvira patted her mouth in an exaggerated yawn. “She looks like a real bore. We might have to jazz things up ourselves if the entertainment sucks.”
“A shipboard romance?” Dernice snickered. “Now, you’re dreaming.”
“Are you saying I can’t have a little romanza on the high seas?”
“I’m saying don’t hold your breath. We’ll only be on the ship for a week.”
“A lot can happen in a week.”
Carlita stared at Elvira, almost frightened by her level of excitement over the upcoming cruise. She thought about Vito Castellini and his bodyguards who would be accompanying them.
About Vinnie and Brittney and last, but not least, the two women seated across from her. “Yes, Elvira. There is no doubt in my mind a lot can happen in a week.”
The end.
Dear Reader, I hope you enjoyed reading “Family Feud in Savannah.” Would you please take a moment to leave a review? It would mean so much. Thank you! –Hope
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The Made in Savannah Mystery Series Continues! Book 17, coming soon!
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A mother and daughter try to escape their family’s NY mob ties by making a fresh start in Savannah, GA but they soon realize you can run but you can’t hide from the past.
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A lonely widow finds new purpose for her life when she and her senior friends help solve a murder in their small Midwestern town.
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The brand new spin-off series of the Garden Girls Mystery series! You’ll enjoy the same fun-loving characters as they solve mysteries in the cozy town of Belhaven. Each book will focus on one of the Garden Girls as they enter their “golden years.”
Divine Cozy Mystery Series
After relocating to the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, strange and mysterious things begin to happen to businesswoman, Jo Pepperdine and those around her.
Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series
A recently divorced senior lands her dream job as Assistant Cruise Director onboard a mega passenger cruise ship and soon discovers she’s got a knack for solving murders.
Samantha Rite Mystery Series
Heartbroken after her recent divorce, a single mother is persuaded to book a cruise and soon finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly adventure. Will she make it out alive?
Sweet Southern Sleuths Short Stories Series
Twin sisters with completely opposite personalities become amateur sleuths when a dead body is discovered in their recently inherited home in Misery, Mississippi.
Complete List of Books
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Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series
A mother and daughter try to escape their family’s NY mob ties by making a fresh start in Savannah, GA but they soon realize you can run but you can’t hide from the past.
Click to See the Complete Series Page
Key to Savannah: Book 1
Road to Savannah: Book 2
Justice in Savannah: Book 3
Swag in Savannah: Book 4
Trouble in Savannah: Book 5
Missing in Savannah: Book 6
Setup in Savannah: Book 7
Merry Masquerade: Book 8
The Family Affair: Book 9
Pirates in Peril: Book 10
Matrimony & Mayhem: Book 11
Swiped in Savannah: Book 12
Turmoil in Savannah: Book 13
Christmas Family Style: Book 15
Family Feud in Savannah: Book 16
Book 17: Coming Soon!
Made in Savannah Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Made in Savannah Box Set II (Books 4-6)
Garden Girls - The Golden Years
The brand new spin-off series of the Garden Girls Mystery series! You’ll enjoy the same fun-loving characters as they solve mysteries in the cozy town of Belhaven. Each book will focus on one of the Garden Girls as they enter their “golden years.”
Double Date Disaster: Book 1
Christmas Crisis: Book 2
Michigan Mayhem: Book 3
Book 4: Coming Soon!
Book 5: Coming Soon!
Book 6: Coming Soon!
Garden Girls Cozy Mystery Series
A lonely widow finds new purpose for her life when she and her senior friends help solve a murder in their small Midwestern town.
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Who Murdered Mr. Malone? Book 1
Grandkids Gone Wild: Book 2
Smoky Mountain Mystery: Book 3
Death by Dumplings: Book 4
Eye Spy: Book 5
Magnolia Mansion Mysteries: Book 6
Missing Milt: Book 7
Bully in the ‘Burbs: Book 8
Fall Girl: Book 9
Home for the Holidays: Book 10
Sun, Sand, and Suspects: Book 11
Look Into My Ice: Book 12
Forget Me Knot: Book 13
Nightmare in Nantucket: Book 14
Greed with Envy: Book 15
Dying for Dollars: Book 16
Stranger Among Us: Book 17
Dash For Cash: Book 18
Arsonist and Lace: Book 19
Court of Corruption: Book 20
Framed in Florida: Book 21
Murder on Summer Lane: Book 22
Alien Allure: Book 23
Garden Girls Box Set I – (Books 1-3)
Garden Girls Box Set II – (Books 4-6)
Garden Girls Box Set III – (Books 7-9)
Garden Girls Box Set Four – (Books 10-12)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mystery Series
A recently divorced senior lands her dream job as Assistant Cruise Director onboard a mega passenger cruise ship and soon discovers she’s got a knack for solving mysteries.
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Starboard Secrets: Book 1
Portside Peril: Book 2
Lethal Lobster: Book 3
Deadly Deception: Book 4
Vanishing Vacationers: Book 5
Cruise Control: Book 6
Killer Karaoke: Book 7
Suite Revenge: Book 8
Cruisin’ for a Bruisin’: Book 9
High Seas Heist: Book 10
Family, Friends and Foes: Book 11
Murder on Main: Book 12
Fatal Flirtation: Book 13
Deadly Delivery: Book 14
Reindeer & Robberies: Book 15
Transatlantic Tragedy: Book 16
Southampton Stalker: Book 17
Peculiar Poison: Book 18
Mischief and Mutiny: Book 19
Dog-Gone Cruise Director: Book 20
Book 21: Coming Soon!
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set II (Books 4-6)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set III (Books 7-9)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set IV (Books 10-12)
Divine Cozy Mystery Series
After relocating to the tiny town of Divine, Kansas, strange and mysterious things begin to happen to businesswoman, Jo Pepperdine and those around her.
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Divine Intervention: Book 1
Divine Secrets: Book 2
Divine Blindside: Book 3
Divine Decisions: Book 4
Divine Christmas: Book 5
Divine Courage: Book 6
Divine Wedding: Book 7
Divine Cozy Mystery Book 8 (Coming Soon!)
Divine Cozy Mysteries Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Samantha Rite Mystery Series
Heartbroken after her recent divorce, a single mother is persuaded to book a cruise and soon finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly adventure. Will she make it out alive?
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Waves of Deception: Book 1
Winds of Deception: Book 2
Tides of Deception: Book 3
Samantha Rite Box Set – (Books 1-3-The Complete Series)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Series (Short Stories)
Twin sisters with completely opposite personalities become amateur sleuths when a dead body is discovered in their recently inherited home in Misery, Mississippi.
Click to See the Complete Series
Teepees and Trailer Parks: Book 1
Bag of Bones: Book 2
Southern Stalker: Book 3
Two Settle the Score: Book 4
Killer Road Trip: Book 5
Pups in Peril: Book 6
Dying To Get Married-In: Book 7
Deadly Drive-In: Book 8
Secrets of a Stranger: Book 9
Library Lockdown: Book 10
Vandals & Vigilantes: Book 11
Fatal Frolic: Book 12
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set I: (Books 1-4)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set: II: (Books 5-8)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set III: (Books 9-12)
Sweet Southern Sleuths 12 Book Box Set (Entire Series)
Box Sets
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Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set II (Books 4-6)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set III (Books 7-9)
Cruise Ship Cozy Mysteries Box Set IV (Books 10-12)
Garden Girls Box Set I – (Books 1-3)
Garden Girls Box Set II – (Books 4-6)
Garden Girls Box Set III – (Books 7-9)
Garden Girls Box Set Four – (Books 10-12)
Divine Cozy Mysteries Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Samantha Rite Box Set – (Books 1-3-The Complete Series)
Made in Savannah Box Set I (Books 1-3)
Made in Savannah Box Set II (Books 4-6)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set I: (Books 1-4)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set: II: (Books 5-8)
Sweet Southern Sleuths Box Set III: (Books 9-12)
Sweet Southern Sleuths 12 Book Box Set (Entire Series)
Cozy Mystery Collections
Summer Sleuths Cozy Mysteries Collection
Cozy Mysteries Collection (Heart and Holiday Edition)
Fall Into Murder 6 Book Fall Themed Cozy Mystery Collection
Cozy Mysteries 12 Book Box Set: (Garden Girls & Cruise Ship Series)
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Portside Peril: Book 2 (Cruise Ship Cozy Series)
Lethal Lobster: Book 3 Coming Soon!
Meet Hope Callaghan
Hope Callaghan is an American author who loves to write clean fiction books, especially Christian Mystery and Cozy Mystery books. She has written more than 70 mystery books (and counting) in six series.
In March 2017, Hope won a Mom’s Choice Award for her book, “Key to Savannah,” Book 1 in the Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery Series.
Born and raised in a small town in West Michigan, she now lives in Florida with her husband. She is the proud mother of 3 wonderful children.
When she's not doing the thing she loves best - writing books - she enjoys cooking, traveling
and reading books.
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Cream Cheese Coconut Cupcakes Recipe
Ingredients:
Cupcakes:
6 ounces cream cheese, softened
1-1/3 cups sugar, divided
6 tablespoons butter, softened
2 large eggs, room temperature
1 teaspoon clear vanilla extract
2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon baking soda
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
Frosting:
12 ounces cream cheese, softened
6 tablespoons butter, softened
1 tablespoon water
2 teaspoons clear vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
Directions:
-Preheat oven to 350°.
-Line 18 muffin cups with paper liners.
-In a small bowl, beat cream cheese, 1/3 cup sugar and coconut extract until smooth.
-In a large bowl, cream butter and remaining sugar until light and fluffy.
-Add eggs, 1 at a time, beating well after each addition.
-Beat in vanilla.
-In another bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt
-Add to creamed mixture alternately with milk, beating well after each addition.
Family Feud in Savannah: A Garlucci Family Saga (Made in Savannah Mystery Series Book 16) Page 16