Sultry atmosphere and a fun little mystery

George Dawes Green's historical fiction novel, The Kingdoms of Savannah, delves into the vivid and sometimes shameful history of Savannah, particularly around the issue of slavery. Having spent a week in Savannah a few years ago, the author was struck by its beauty, from the landscaped squares and parks to the turreted antebellum mansions shaded by oak trees covered with Spanish moss. However, the novel introduces readers to the underbelly of Savannah as we witness the dysfunction of the Musgrove family and their involvement in investigating a murder and disappearance on a hot and muggy Southern night. Despite her standing in Savannah society, Morgana Musgrove, a most unlikely detective, presses her four grown children and biracial granddaughter Jacqueline into service to unravel the mystery of "The Kingdoms of Savannah." As the story unfolds, readers are drawn deeper into the mysteries and hidden horrors of Savannah's history, including the haunting chapter entitled FLANNERY KNEW. FLANNERY GOT OUT, WHAT A LUCKY GIRL!, which leaves one wondering if author Flannery O'Connor may have taken some of Savannah's horrors with her.