Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes

Savvy Summers #1

by Sandra Jackson-Opoku

A sparkling debut mystery set on the south side of Chicago, featuring the quick-witted, unforgettable Savvy Summers, proprietor of a soul food café.

When Savvy Summers first opened Essie's soul food café, she never expected her customer-favorite sweet potato pie to become the center of a murder investigation. But when Grandy Jaspers, the 75-year-old neighborhood womanizer, drops dead at table two, she suddenly has more to worry about than just maintaining Essie's reputation for the finest soul food in the Chicagoland area.

Even as the police deem Grandy’s death an accident, Savvy quickly finds herself—and her beloved café—in the middle of an entire city’s worth of bad press. Desperate to clear her name and keep her business afloat, Savvy and her snooping assistant manager, Penny Lopés, take it upon themselves to find who really killed Grandy.

But with a slimy investor harassing her to sell her name and business, customers avoiding her sweet potato pie like the plague, and her police sergeant ex-husband suddenly back in the picture, will Savvy be able to clear the café’s name and solve Grandy’s murder before it all falls apart?

After all, while Savvy always said her sweet potato pie was to die for, she never meant literally.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

336 pages, Hardcover

First published July 29, 2025

About the author

Sandra Jackson-Opoku is the author of the award-winning novel, The River Where Blood is Born and Hot Johnny and the Women Who Loved Him, an Essence Magazine Bestseller in Hardcover Fiction. She also coedited the anthology Revise the Psalm: Work Celebrating the Writing of Gwendolyn Brooks. Her fiction, nonfiction, and dramatic works are widely published and produced in Adi Magazine, Midnight & Indigo, Aunt Chloe, Africa Risen: A New Era of Speculative Fiction, New Daughters of Africa, Obsidian, Another Chicago Magazine, storySouth, Lifeline Theatre, the Chicago Humanities Festival, and others. Professional recognition includes a Plentitudes Journal Prize, the Hearst Foundation James Baldwin Fellowship at MacDowell Arts, a National Endowment for the Arts Fiction Fellowship, an American Library Association Black Caucus Award, a City of Chicago Esteemed Artist Award, the Iceland Writers Retreat Alumni Award, a Globe Soup Story Award, the Joan Perry Barnes Fellow in Crime Writing at Storyknife Writers Retreat and a Pushcart Prize nomination.

Reviews

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is a decently entertaining cozy mystery set on Chicago's South Side. I didn't get into it right away – the beginning introduces a bazillion (mostly unlikeable) characters and a ton of food talk, and I just didn't feel super invested in the plot. But as the mystery progresses and Savvy gets more and more into her sleuthing, the story really picks up and I found myself curious as to where things were headed. After all, it's not every day that someone commits murder via Viagra.

Savvy Summers is an interesting main character and her sleuthing skills are … adequate. She's no Sherlock Holmes and never quite gets the chance to figure out who the murderer is on her own – they eventually reveal themselves to her instead – but it's entertaining watching her try to piece together the mystery. I particularly enjoyed the chemistry between her and her ex-husband (and less-than-enthusiastic cop co-conspirator) Fanon, and I'd totally read a series where they attempted to solve crimes together. Her employee (and much more enthusiastic co-detective) Penny is a mixed bag, however – she's a multi-faceted character, for sure, but she also has questionable decision-making skills and does one pretty awful thing in the course of this novel that gets almost completely glossed over. And the murder suspects? Well, let's just say that some of them belong in jail whether or not they actually killed anyone.

If you're not accustomed to hearing and/or reading black English, the vernacular in this book can be a little unfamiliar at times and you might find yourself googling a phrase or two. Mostly, though, I'm just confused as to why Savvy is constantly calling people by their first and last names. I mean, at one point she's thinking about her children and calls them both first name – last name in her head, and she's forever calling Penny and Fanon by their full names. It isn't a huge deal, but it did take me out of the story a little whenever it happened.

Overall, though, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is an entertaining murder mystery that will keep you guessing … or it kept me guessing, at least, as I had no idea who the murderer was until the very end. It isn't an Agatha Christie novel with sweeping twists and turns that will blow you away, but it is a fun story set in an amazing city with a diverse cast of characters. If you generally enjoy cozy mysteries in an urban setting, there's a good chance that you'll enjoy this one too. 3.65 stars, rounded up.

Many thank to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review. Its expected publication date is July 29, 2025.

[Sandra Hoover · Rating 4 out of 5]

SAVVY SUMMERS and the SWEET POTATO CRIMES is a well-crafted, cozy murder mystery with a unique, middle-aged protagonist whose talent for serving the best soul food and sweet potato pie has made her restaurant on Chicago's south side famous. Business is booming . . . until seventy-five-year-old Grandy Jaspers drops dead while sitting at table two eating Savvy's to-die-for sweet potato pie. While police rule the death as accidental, the bad press spreads like wildfire and just like that, the business is in trouble. With suspicions and rumors flying, Savvy decides to go uncover as an amateur sleuth and find out what really killed Grandy. She knows it wasn't her sweet potato pie. Joined by sidekick assistant manager Penny Lopes, Savvy cooks up a plan to clear her name and keep her restaurant afloat.

Author Sandra Jackson-Opoku's debut novel is a cozy mystery with a ton of laughs, soul food, and murder all tossed in a pot and served up as a deliciously entertaining whodunnit that's highly entertaining. Savvy is a strong, spunky character that readers will identify with as is her quirky sidekick, Penny. They play off each other in a manner reminiscent of Lucy and Ethel of I Love Lucy fame which is hilarious. I enjoyed the introduction of a middle-aged main character with a sharp mind unafraid to stand up for herself. A large, convoluted cast of characters seem a bit confusing at first, but roles are soon claimed, and the story is off and running. A sea of red herrings threatens to spoil the stew, but Savvy Summers won't stop until she sifts through facades and unearths the truth. Afterall, her reputation as a chef and her famous sweet potato pie are at risk.

SAVVY SUMMERS and the SWEET POTATO PIE is an entertaining cozy mystery with charismatic characters serving up a plate full of soul food. Armchair detectives will enjoy figuring out whodunnit while rolling on the floor in laughter. I'm looking forward to seeing what's next for Savvy and her crew. Highly recommend to fans of cozy mysteries. 3.5 Stars
Special thanks to Minotaur Books for a complimentary arc of this title for review. Opinions expressed are entirely my own. This review first published in Mystery & Suspense Magazine and is now available on my blog Cross My Heart Reviews.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming, cozy murder mystery. The characters are very well developed and likeable. I always love a strong and independent female lead, especially one with a great sense of humor. You won't regret this book!!

Thank you to Net Galley and St Martin's Press for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Press for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

My fellow readers who love amateur sleuths, Savvy Summers is about to become one of your favourites. Set in Chicago, Savvy Summers is a cafe owner who wants to show people love by creating delicious recipes. But when a customer passes and some people start looking at Savvy's food, she knows she is going to have to do something. So, Savvy and her assistant manager, Penny Lopes, are going to crack the case. Of course, like any amateur sleuth, neither her police ex-husband nor his ice queen partner wants Savvy's help. But nothing is going to stop her!


This was a fun read. I am a Savvy fan, and I hope that we will get more Savvy books in the future. But be warned, you're soon going to be heading to the kitchen to whip up some sweet potato pie.



Expected Publication 29/07/25
Goodreads Review 28/07/25

[Corinna ⚓️ Reading At Sea · Rating 4 out of 5]

I listened to the audiobook version of Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes and overall, I really liked it. The narration had a unique, ethnic vibe that gave the story extra life — it felt authentic, especially with the Southern food references and Chicago setting. That alone made the audio format worth it.

The short chapters made it super easy to follow along, and the pacing kept me engaged. The mystery itself had a fun twist — the way the men died (Viagra, of all things) definitely stood out and gave the plot something different.

This is very much a cozy mystery, so it stays light in tone even with murder involved, and it leans heavily on character and setting over graphic details or intense suspense.

What didn’t work as well for me was the fact that it’s told from only one point of view. I would’ve liked to hear from more characters to get a better feel for the story and community. With such a vibrant setup, it felt like a missed opportunity to dive deeper into other perspectives.

Still, I’d definitely check out the next book if this turns into a series. Savvy is a solid character, and the cultural elements give it a refreshing twist on the cozy mystery genre

[Manon (mysterymanon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a treat to be introduced to Savvy Summers! I adored this soul food chef-turned-sleuth—first, because of her personality, and second, because she is a great cozy sleuth. I love a cozy that pushes the boundaries, and this one has plenty of humor, sass, and juicy gossip that makes it stand out. The characters were wild and charismatic and the mystery was complex and puzzling. Plus, there are recipes at the end.

I did find the conclusion was a smidge drawn-out, and I felt the mystery could have been resolved sooner, but I do love a dramatic climax and Jackson-Opoku delivered. I highly recommend this one for fans of light, humorous cozies. Just don’t read it while hungry!

Thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Shelby (allthebooksalltheways) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac Audio & Minotaur -- thanks for the gifted copies.

review to come!

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes
by Sandra Jackson-Opoku is a great cozy mystery that kept me entertained throughout.

I really liked this debut. Savvy is a solid main character and held her own in this culinary cozy mystery. I liked the backdrop, the concept, and the murder/mystery.

I am not sure if this is the first book in a new series…sure hope so.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 7/29/25.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Essie’s Soul Food Café on the south side of Chicago is owned by Sapphire (Savvy) Summers and is named in honor of her Great-Aunt Essie, who had many words of wisdom on many subjects. Customers love the sweet potato pies Sassy, Penny, and Parker serve up every day. She never imagined the beloved pie would be part of a murder investigation. But that is what happens when one of her regular customers, a philandering, “cantankerous old goat,” named Grandy Jaspers, keels over dead after inhaling 2 pieces.

The police classify the death as an accident, but that doesn’t stop the mass exodus of customers. Sassy needs to do something fast, especially with real estate investor Noble McPherson tormenting her on a daily basis to sell the building and business to him. With the police doing basically nothing, she and Penny decide to investigate Grandy’s death themselves. This brings Savvy’s ex-husband, police sergeant Fanon, to her door to try to keep her safe and out of trouble.

Can Savvy get the answers she needs? Will she be able to home in on the killer? Or will the killer turn the tables and add Savvy to the body count?

Oh! These characters are fun! Savvy Summers is pretty sassy and knows her stuff. Her assistant manager, Penny Lopés, has no filter; she says what she thinks and pulls no punches. Together or apart, they are forces to be reckoned with. Savvy’s ex-husband, Chicago Police Sergeant Fanon Franklin, has been on the force for nearly 40 years and should have made detective long ago, but he doesn’t play games and couldn’t navigate CPD politics or the diplomacy to attain the promotion he wanted more than anything. He has a huge heart and appears to still be sweet on Savvy. We also meet Detective Emerson Jacobs, Fanon’s first partner, who he thinks will get Savvy to stop investigating, but the exact opposite happens. All these characters develop well while leaving room for growth as the series continues.

Ms. Jackson-Opoku has penned a terrific whodunit with an unusual murder weapon. There are a large number of suspects, one less after another murder. Both had a variety of enemies or people with motives to want them dead. The pace slowed a bit as Savvy and Penny worked through the suspects, clues, and twists to come up with plausible theories. I enjoyed following along. As we moved closer to the end of the story, I was still unsure, as was Savvy. Then an innocent moment took a very dark and suspenseful turn. I may have felt way too good about the eventual takedown. It was pretty awesome.

The ending was very satisfying, but there are changes ahead. You can’t stop progress, and according to Great Aunt Essie, “you gotta give some to get some.” (Though generosity is its own reward, it is often rewarded in kind.) I loved Great Aunt Essie’s Epithets! My favorite and one Savvy used frequently was “Lord, have mercy on their naked souls.” I have said the first three words a lot over the years, but had never heard them with the last four words until it came out of Savvy’s mouth.

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is an amusing and enjoyable read with Southern roots. Charming characters, an intriguing mystery, plenty of sass and humor, and meals made with “a pinch of bacon grease and a pound of love” have set this series off to a nice start. I am excited for the next installment.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

[Natalia🌙 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun cozy mystery!! I absolutely flew through this story and will definitely be dying for another story starring Savvy Summers! This story follows savvy summers the own of a soul food cafe ( the descriptions of the food are my favorite part lol) when one day a regular costumer has a heart attack in her restaurant eating her sweet potato pie! Because this happens it affects savvy’s business and she will not have it. We follow Savvy as she plays detective around town and questions lots of funny and quirky characters. We are also introduced to penny her coworkers and her ex husband who I absolutely loved. This was such a good story that made me laugh out loud but also had depth and keep me guessing! Highly recommend! Thanks Net Galley!

[Tina Loves To Read · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a Cozy Mystery, and this is the first book in the Savvy Summers series. I read this book by listening to the audiobook. I had a hard time getting into this book, but I did enjoy the last half of this book. There were a lot of characters in this book, and I found it hard to follow at times. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book! It was high drama and delicious and a lot of fun. It was a mystery with a cozier side, but I would not describe it as the genre "cozy mystery". There is an amateur sleuth, but other than that it was definitely only the edgier side which I loved. It was on the slower side, but there was also a lot going to parse through. The descriptions of the soul food made me hungry and I loved Savvy's passion for her cafe and her desire to keep innovating. There are a bunch of different threads here and I am so impressed Savvy was able to muddle through, because there were so many secrets and people with sketchy intent, that I kept changing my mind about my suspicions. I love how she had no problem looking into things and how everything came together in the end was so well done (loved the tai chi). Mostly I loved getting to know Savvy and her cafe and hope we get to see more of her!

Note: I listened to the audiobook and the narration was great; she did an amazing job bringing this interesting group of characters to life and expressing all the drama.

Thanks to the publisher for an ALC and eARC; my thoughts and review are my own.

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t usually pick up cozy mysteries, but this one might’ve just changed my mind 🫢 My favorite food is soul food, so the synopsis had me hooked right away and that cute cover sealed the deal! I was rooting for Savvy from start to finish. She’s such a hard worker and genuinely likable, so I couldn’t help but want to see her win after everything she went through. Even though I found the killer pretty easy to guess, the story was still super enjoyable and kept me turning pages. I can’t wait for the next release to spend more time with Savvy!

[LaGaryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Bbecca_marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Audiobook/Book Review 📖🔪🥧
Thank you so much partner @minotaur_books @macmillian.audio for the gifted copy and audiobook!

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes
by Sandra Jackson-Opoku
Narrated by Karen Chilton

About the book 👇🏽

When Savvy Summers first opened Essie's soul food café, she never expected her customer-favorite sweet potato pie to become the center of a murder investigation. But when Grandy Jaspers, the 75-year-old neighborhood womanizer, drops dead at table two, she suddenly has more to worry about than just maintaining Essie's reputation for the finest soul food in the Chicagoland area.

Even as the police deem Grandy’s death an accident, Savvy quickly finds herself—and her beloved café—in the middle of an entire city’s worth of bad press. Desperate to clear her name and keep her business afloat, Savvy and her snooping assistant manager, Penny Lopés, take it upon themselves to find who really killed Grandy.

🔪 My thoughts:

I had such a good time with this one! It’s been a while since a cozy mystery hit the spot for me but this one did. This was a hybrid read, split equally between physical read and audiobook listen. I couldn’t tell you which one I loved more because they were both equally addictive. The narrator was a fabulous choice and held my attention throughout the listen. The two best parts… I didn’t guess the killer AND the recipes that had my mouth watering. And now I have a crazy craving for sweet potato pie with a ton of whipped cream! If you enjoy page turning cozy mysteries, fun characters, and books with food… you need to read this one! I will definitely be continuing the Savvy Summers series. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is out July 29th!

Happy reading 📖🔪🥧

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku; Narrated by Karen Chilton

I usually request books written by authors whose work I’ve enjoyed in the past, but the title and book cover for Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes drew me to read this novel, written by a “new to me” author, Sandra Jackson- Opoku. It was a fun read and I’m looking forward to/hoping for the next mystery Savvy and Penny get pulled into!

The story begins when Savvy Summers, the sassy, smart, chef-owner of Essie’s, is catering for a 50 year anniversary party - pulling together her special sweet potato pie as a last minute substitute when the cake is destroyed in a mishap. Matty, married to Grandy, a known womanizer, doesn’t hold back in her toast bringing a quick finish to the party. The following day, when Grandy shows up at Essie’s for his daily breakfast, eats a piece of Savvy’s experimental vegan version of the sweet potato pie and drops dead. Food poisoning? Natural causes? Or something more sinister – did someone kill him? Savvy and her assistant, Penny Lopes, find there are plenty of suspects, including themselves.
This was a pleasure to listen to. I enjoyed the story, the cameradie between Savvy and Penny, many laugh out loud moments.

Karen Chilton, as narrator, was fabulous with her characters – I could hear each one; and building suspense or hilarity in her voice modulation. Her timing was perfect – neither too fast nor too slow.

Thanks to Sandra Jackson-Opoku, NetGalley, Karen Chilton and Macmillan Audio for an advanced copy of this audio book.

[January · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes by Sandra Jackson-Opoku (2025)
Savvy Summers Mysteries #1
9h 21m narrated by Karen Chilton, 336 pages

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Culinary Mystery, African-American Fiction

Featuring: Titled Chapters, Café and Catering, Caterers, Chicago, Illinois; Parties, Soul Food, Boomer MC, Widow and Divorcée, Police Officer Ex, Womanizer, Investigation, Sexual Innuendos, Small-Town Drama, November, Grandparents, Flashbacks, Thanksgiving, Profanity, Detectives, Gossip, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, Great-Aunt Essie’s Epithets, Aunt Essie’s Table - Recipes

Rating as a movie: PG-15

Songs for the soundtrack: "Jim Dandy" by Black Oak Arkansas, "Groove Me" by King Floyd, "Impossible" by Senex and Hero, "Love Takes Time" by Mariah Carey, "I'm Gonna Wash That Man Right Outa My Hair" by Nellie Forbush, "I've Been Buked" by Mahalia Jackson, "The Crossroads" by Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, "I Think About Lovin' You" by the band Earth, Wind & Fire, "By The Sword / Sons of Dixie" by The Armies, "I Never Loved a Man (the Way I Love You)" by Aretha "Franklin, Goin' up Yonder" by Walter Hawkins and Tramaine Hawkins "Me and Bobby McGee" by Janis Joplin, "Something Just Ain't Right" by Keith Sweat, "Baby Got Back" by Sir Mix-a-Lot, "At Last" by Etta James, "I'm Coming Out" by Diana Ross, "Sing a Song of Sixpence," "American Pie" by Don McLean, "Can't Help My Self" by Four Tops, "Sweet Potato Pie" by Ray Charles featuring James Taylor, "Devil's Pie" by Rhymefest, "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me 'Round" by The Freedom Singers, "We Are Climbing Jacob's Ladder," "I Know I've Been Changed" by The Dixie Hummingbirds, "I Know I've Been Changed" by Lashun Pace, "Into Each Life Some Rain Must Fall" by Ella Fitzgerald and The Ink Spots, "My Favorite Things" by John Coltrane, "We're A Winner" by The Impressions, "Don't Worry Be Happy" by Bobby McFerrin, "(Lay Your Head On My) Pillow" by Tony! Toni! Toné!, "Summer Breeze" by The Isley Brothers, "Big Poppa" by The Notorious B.I.G., "I Ain’t Mad at Cha" by Tupac Shakur, "Through The Wire" by Kanye West, "Optimistic" by Sounds of Blackness, "Cruisin’" by Smokey Robinson, "Bombay Sapphires" by Stevie Nicks, "I'll Fly Away" by Andy Griffith, "I Have a Little Dreidel" by Samuel S. Grossman, "Chanukah, Oh Chanukah" by Mordkhe (Mark) Rivesman, "Light One Candle" by Peter, Paul and Mary, "The Chanukah Song" by Adam Sandler, "Tutti Frutti" by Little Richard, "You Need Love" by Muddy Waters, "Sweet Little Sixteen" by Chuck Berry, "You Can't Catch Me" by Chuck Berry, "Got to Give It Up" by Marvin Gaye, "Private Eyes" by Daryl Hall & John Oates, "Opposites Attract" by Paula Abdul, "Billie Jean" by Michael Jackson, "He's a Jolly Good Fellow" by Charlie Walker

Books and Authors mentioned: A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum by Burt Shevelove and Larry Gelbart,
Oklahoma! by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II [based on] Green Grow the Lilacs by Lynn Riggs, South Pacific by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II [based on] Tales of the South Pacific by James A. Michener, The Civil War by Frank Wildhorn, Greg Boyd, and Gregory Boyd; William Faulkner, A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry, Agatha Christie, The King and I by Oscar Hammerstein II [based on] Anna and the King of Siam by Margaret Landon, A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens


My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️🥧🍰🍛🍗🥞

My thoughts: It was good overall, not your grandmother's cozy but not vulgar either. The food sounded good and I wasn't able solve the mystery, although I wasn't trying to hard as the evidence was sparse. It was pretty funny. I will be reading Book 2.

Recommend to others: Sure, this is a refreshing series.

Savvy Summers Mysteries
1. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes (2025)
2. Savvy Summers and the Po'boy Perils (2026)

Memorable Quotes: I took Mattie’s guest list, doubled the numbers, and adjusted the price accordingly. I would have done well to triple it. Only forty-two folks confirmed their attendance though over a hundred turned up that evening to feast on baked macaroni and cheese, smothered chicken, fried perch, mixed green salad, coleslaw, squash casserole, green beans and red potatoes, buttermilk biscuits, and cornbread. I wasn’t contracted to provide desserts, but of course that changed at the last minute. Our community of people does not respect the RSVP, it pains me to report. Instead of clicking off a thirty-second email or making a one-minute phone call, they expect the Magic 8 Ball to send their confirmation by ESP. Then they just show up. These are the very ones who howl with righteous indignation when there isn’t enough for all the hungry mouths you weren’t expecting to feed. “It might taste good,” they’d grudgingly admit, “but Essie’s ain’t hardly going to fill you up.”

Grandy glanced over and did a double take. “Winnie Mae Welbon, sit your yella ass down. Don’t nobody want to see all that back fat jiggling. Folks liable to catch their death of motion sickness.” “Don’t hate on the thickness, Daddy.” Winnie waved dismissively. “This party is dead as a dodo bird. Let us young folks have some fun.” In her mid-forties, she was hardly the ingenue she made herself out to be. In fact, Winnie Mae was already a grandmother three times over. “Don’t write no checks that your ass can’t cash.” Grandy shook a warning finger. “You ain’t too big and bad to turn across my knee.”

The DJ rushed to fill the void with an ironic, though oddly appropriate, choice of songs. Mariah Carey’s “Love Takes Time.”

What was I thinking, saddling my business with a name like “Sapphire Summers Soulfood Café and Catering Company”? It wasn’t long before folks were calling it SSS-CCC’s, then slurring that to “Essie’s.” Which is what I should have named it in the first place, considering the menu was built around my Great-Aunt Essie’s treasured recipes.Penny pointed to a bulge at his waistband. “Is that a lead pipe in your pocket or you’re happy to see me?” Grandy looked down at his lap like he’d never seen it before. “Good Lord, who done this?” If he wasn’t looking so confused and distressed, the exclamation would have been comical. Penny snorted in derision. “I know you’re not expecting that thing to answer. And the Good Lord had nothing to do with it. How you gonna come out in public pitching a trouser tent?” Grandy blushed and bristled at the same time. His feebleness vanished in a flash of irritation. “So why you looking way down south? If you wanted some of this, all you had to do was ask. Now quit your yapping and get me some food.” Penny smirked and whipped out her order pad. “And what can I bring you? Salmon croquettes and breakfast potatoes? Bacon and eggs? Grits and gravy?”

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was so much fun! I really enjoyed Penny’s character. She didn’t hold anything back and she tells it like it is. There was so many laugh out loud moments and great one liners. I loved all the Aunt Essie phrases. I felt like I was getting life lessons as I was reading. Savvy and Penny make an awesome team. I cannot wait to see what is in store for them next. P.S. This book will make you hungry!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Christi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Savvy Summers runs a soul food cafe in the Southside of Chicago. When one of her more cantankerous clients drops dead in the cafe, rumors fly that he was killed by Savvy's sweet potato pie. Savvy and her assistant Penny start asking questions to try to clear Savvy's name - and bring back customers so she can keep the cafe open.

Her cafe is named after her great aunt Essie who raised Savvy and taught her how to cook. We learn more about Aunt Essie through Savvy's internal thoughts and memories. I loved that the cafe was Savvy's second career after being an educator. She has deep ties to the community and her ex-husband is a police officer which gives her access to information that the typical cozy mystery protagonist doesn't realistically have.

There is a great group of family and friends and those supporting characters have enough quirks to keep a series interesting for a long time. I really hope there is a second installment soon. Please keep Karen Chilton as the narrator. She was fantastic.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. Thank you MacMillan Audio for Minotaur and Libro.FM for the advance listener copy.

Thank you St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the advance reader copy. Thank you Libro.FM for the advance listener copy.

[Dianne · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars rounded up for the clever ending.

I had a difficult time translating some of the language in this book. I think the author called it Black Speak, a combination of deep Southern cant and Chicagoan street slang ...so I'm White and a New Englander, and therefore you can understand some of my ignorance!

Besides the language, I had trouble with a few things in this novel that I don't think anyone else will find problematic. Too many characters, not enough solid explanations for the reason why some things were happening, large skips in the timeline with no explanation, etc.

However, once I just let myself fall into the story, I found myself enjoying it, and it shocked the heck out of me to find out who did it and why! This was not quite a cozy mystery, but it was heart-warming, and I loved the recipes at the back of the book, as well as the explanations of some of Aunt Essie's Epithets.

ARC provided by the publisher Macmillan Publishers/Minotaur Books, the author, and NetGalley.

[Beth Cato · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advance copy via NetGalley.

Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes feels like the solid start for a new series (I hope it is!) steeped in Black Chicago, vividly painting the city and its citizens. Savvy runs a restaurant and catering business, specializing in Southern soul food. When one of her regular customers, a lecherous old man, keels over as he eats her pie, the death isn't treated as suspicious by police, even as her business suffers because of rumors. Savvy begins her own investigation with the help of her chatty assistant and her cop ex-husband.

This ticks the boxes of a cozy mystery, but it is more on the PG-13 side of things. I really enjoyed Savvy as a character, and I really wanted to eat her food (good news: the back of the book has many recipes). I think my biggest struggle was keeping track who was who, as there are a LOT of characters introduced right away.

[Erin Clemence · Rating 4 out of 5]

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.

Expected publication date: July 29, 2025

Savvy Summers is the proprietor of Essie’s bakery and café on the South Side of Chicago, known for its award-winning sweet potato pie and other delicious desserts. One night, 75-year-old Grandy Jaspers drops dead at table two, giving Savvy more recognition and infamy than she ever wanted when rumours abound that Savvy’s sweet potato pie was the reason for Grandy’s death. Barely managing to keep her business afloat among the rumours, all eyes again point to Savvy when a local alderman drops dead after coming in contact with Savvy’s famous pie. Savvy knows she isn’t responsible for poisoning the men, but she has to find out who is responsible or her entire business, and life as she knows it, will suffer severe consequences.

Sandra Jackson-Opoku is the award-winning author of poetry, mystery and non-fiction works, and “Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes” starts off her new mystery series based on the title character. Savvy is a middle-aged, once-divorced, once-widowed woman who finally follows her dream and opens a bakery and café, with recipes based on those of her great aunt Essie. Spunky, brilliant and sharp, Savvy is a unique protagonist that stands on her own amongst others in the mystery genre. Her business partner, Penny Lopes, is the ultimate millennial and plays brilliantly off of Savvy’s character, both personalities working together to create a heartfelt, hilarious pairing.

The mystery component, one murder and then another in close succession, is well-crafted and entertaining. There are many suspects that could have committed both crimes, and Jackson-Opoku intersperses her suspenseful plot with hilarious twists and turns that kept me guessing.

Although this plot was wrapped up in a tight bow, it is obvious that Savvy is a character that Jackson-Opoku is going to bring back, and I’m excited to see her return. The chemistry between Savvy and her ex-husband was strong, so no doubt he will return in her future stories, although the romantic storyline stayed in the background, with the murder mystery at the forefront (which is how it should be).

A unique murder mystery, full of delicious soul food and scrumptious desserts, “Savvy Summers” is a hot summer read that will have readers laughing and cheering alongside Savvy and I look forward to another installment.

[PrincezzBookie · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:
I don't typically read cozy mysteries, but this was really cute. Might have a new genre to look into. I was transported back to my childhood with all of the saying from her aunt Essie. I did figure it out early but I felt like the intention was the journey not the solution. I would definitely read another book by this author.

[Rae | My Cousin’s Book Club]

DNF @ 35%

I don’t like the writing style, I cringe when she says another alliterated name & it’s way too many characters. The plot seems to be all over the place and it feels like the story is bouncing around with no real connecting thread.

Ugh I’m so sad I didn’t like this bc I was very much looking forward to reading it based on the description.

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

[Adeana Libman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Sandra Jackson-Opoku for giving me access to this eARC!

Savvy Summers provided a lovely reprieve from the heavy books I have been reading lately. This book was an easy to read, but satisfying, mystery. At first, I would have called it cozy but I think Jackson-Opoku added some interestingly dark themes to the latter half of the book which made some of the characters more complicated and interesting. This novel focuses on chef Savvy Summers as she takes matters in to her own hands when two of her "best" customers seem to drop dead by her hands. The story-building and background in this novel was really well done. I feel like I had a great grasp of the Chicago politics and life as a Black person in the area.

I do think some plot points were expanded on a bit too much, there were times when certain chapters were a bit too wordy. I would have enjoyed more about the background and lives of Tuck, Mattie, and Grandy rather than some of the stream of thought Savvy chapters.

Overall, I did enjoy this book and I think mystery lovers will gobble it up! A solid 3.5.

[Angie Frakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Sandra Jackson-Opoku, St. Martin’s Press, and NetGalley for an eARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This cozy mystery set in Chicago’s south side was such a fun and funny read! I love a good whodunnit murder mystery, and Savvy Summers really scratched that itch for me! The characters in this book are so realistic and likable (and the unlikeable ones were also SO well done - I love a good villain!), and the banter between them, especially Savvy and Penny was hilarious and funny to follow. I was guessing who the killer was right up until the end of the book, and I definitely didn’t see the ending twist coming.

This book is genuinely a good time read from start to finish. I love all of the little moments of foreshadowing that Sandra included, and I’m really excited to try some of the recipes she included at the back of the book! I definitely recommend this book if you are a fan of cozy mysteries, soul food, and good banter!

[Matt Chisling (MattyandtheBooks) · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a new cozy mystery series serves up a delicious cast of characters, a strong-willed, brokenhearted burgeoning detective, and enough food descriptions to make your stomach rumble through a storm, you know you have a winning recipe - and Sandra Jackson-Opoku has that in SAVVY SUMMERS AND THE SWEET POTATO CRIMES.

Sapphire "Savvy" Summers (formerly Franklin) is newly widowed, maybe not 100% over her earlier divorce, and navigating life with adult children living far away from her. She keeps herself busy with her soul food restaurant, known as Essie's, and she's surrounded herself with familial community, which is to say, people that love her, people that love to rib on her, and people that hate her guts. But when a catering client of hers drops dead (is the *first* to drop dead) from her sweet potato pie, Savvy realizes that, in order to save her business and preserve her sanity, she has to figure out who really would want to murder her client: An enraged wife, a jealous mistress, a slighted manager, a friend in debt, and shady government and business officials are just some of the suspects Savvy must consider, all while still cooking up the best food the South Side of Chicago has to offer.

Sandra Jackson-Opoku is decades deep into a rewarding career in literary fiction, poetry, and prose. That she's found a new chapter as a cozy mystery writer is quite the feat. It's that celebrated history that makes this story light to the tongue but rich in flavor. Savvy is a complex heroine, one who has understood the injustices she has experienced as Black woman business owner, navigating a gentrifying neighborhood and fragmented community. The author gives her plenty of grief to grapple with, elevating a straightforward mystery plot into a fascinating character study. Savvy narrates the novel, and she's a tough-but-fair type with great warmth for her community. The author also demonstrates excellent plotting for a cozy, wrapping the plot elements around the center of the story making it easy for the distracted reader to keep up with this vast cast of characters. The novel is wholly satisfying and accomplishes what many in her genre cannot: It doesn't just serve as a springboard for a whole series - it sticks the landing from the first jump.

Thanks to Minotaur Books for my gifted early copy!

[Stacey (Bookalorian) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well well well where has this author been hiding!!

Savvy is a badass, running her biz and makingthe kind of food that made me drool.

I really enjoyed the murder and the investigation that went with it. OHHH and the secrets were delicious and I love how we got the story laid out. It was sweet and cizy and exactly what I needed to read.

i loved the side characters too!

Brilliant book!!

4.5 stars

[Sierra| HooksxBooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I ready cozy mysteries every once in a while. Now this series, I can get behind, SIGN ME UP!!!

Ms. Sapphire Summers, has been through so much loss. She's an older lady, living out her restaurateur dreams, running SSS CCC's with her right hand, Penny. Now, my girl is doing her thing, catering and handling her business. Disaster strikes - HARD. Savvy is doing everything she can do to not only save her business and reputation but to keep her own behind out of jail.

Savvy and Penny put their Lie-dar and Lay-dar to the test to see what they what can find out and if they can figure it out in time to not just save Savvy, but to also save Essie's. I cannot wait to see what the next book in this series brings. I enjoyed it all the way through.

And Heyyyyy Fanon!!

I received a copy of this ARC from NetGalley.

[The Bookish Elf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sandra Jackson-Opoku serves up a delectable debut mystery that transforms Chicago's South Side into an irresistible backdrop for murder, intrigue, and soul food. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes marks the promising beginning of what readers hope will be a long-running series, introducing us to Sapphire "Savvy" Summers—restaurateur, amateur sleuth, and keeper of culinary traditions at Essie's Place.

When 75-year-old neighborhood fixture Granderson "Grandy" Jaspers drops dead face-first into a plate of sweet potato pie at Table Two, Savvy finds herself thrust into a murder investigation that threatens everything she's built. What begins as an apparent choking incident soon reveals itself as something far more sinister, and Savvy must navigate a web of suspects, motives, and deadly secrets to clear her restaurant's name and catch a killer.

A Mystery Seasoned with Authenticity

Jackson-Opoku's transition from literary fiction to mystery writing proves masterful, bringing the depth and cultural richness of her previous works to the cozy mystery format. The author's background as an award-winning novelist shines through in her nuanced character development and authentic portrayal of Chicago's Woodlawn neighborhood. This isn't your typical cozy mystery—it's a story deeply rooted in African American culture, family traditions, and the realities of urban gentrification.

The mystery itself unfolds with satisfying complexity. Grandy's death initially appears accidental, but when corrupt alderman Delbert "Do-Right" Dailey meets a similar fate weeks later—both men dying from Viagra overdoses—Savvy realizes she's dealing with a calculated killer. The investigation reveals a tangled web involving Grandy's much-younger mistress Shysteen Shackleford, her mysterious boyfriend Evrian King, and a scheme to defraud the elderly lothario out of his savings.

Jackson-Opoku handles the pacing expertly, allowing the mystery to simmer while developing rich character relationships and exploring themes of community, tradition, and economic pressure. The revelation that Shysteen and Evrian murdered Grandy by accident while actually targeting his wife Mattie adds layers of tragedy and incompetence that make the criminals both dangerous and pathetic.

Characters Rich as Buttermilk Biscuits

Savvy Summers emerges as a compelling protagonist—smart, determined, and deeply connected to her community. Her voice carries the wisdom of someone who's weathered life's storms while maintaining her principles. The relationship with her assistant manager Penny Lopés provides both comic relief and investigative partnership, while her interactions with ex-husband and police sergeant Fanon Franklin add romantic tension without overwhelming the mystery.

The supporting cast feels genuinely lived-in. Mattie Jaspers, the long-suffering widow, could have been a stereotype but instead becomes a complex figure carrying decades of disappointment with dignity. Even the victims—the womanizing Grandy and corrupt Dailey—are portrayed with enough humanity to make their deaths meaningful rather than mere plot devices.

Jackson-Opoku's antagonists prove particularly effective. Shysteen Shackleford and Evrian King represent a specific type of urban criminal—opportunistic, not particularly bright, but dangerous in their desperation. Their bumbling incompetence makes them both comic and menacing, especially when they arrive at the café on Christmas Eve with Shysteen's young daughter in tow for what they intend to be Savvy's murder.

A Feast for the Senses

The true star of this novel might be the food itself. Jackson-Opoku's descriptions of soul food cooking are so vivid you can practically smell the bacon grease and hear the sizzle of cast iron skillets. The café serves as more than just a setting—it's a character in its own right, a gathering place where community members share their joys, sorrows, and secrets over plates of comfort food.

The author's decision to include actual recipes at the book's end, including the vegan sweet potato pie that wins the cooking competition, demonstrates her commitment to authenticity. These aren't just props for atmosphere—they're integral to the story and culture she's portraying.

The author's attention to culinary detail extends beyond mere description. The sweet potato pie becomes both murder weapon and symbol of tradition, while the café's buffet-style service allows for the natural gathering of suspects and the sharing of information. Jackson-Opoku understands that food is about more than sustenance—it's about community, memory, and identity.

Cultural Depth Beyond the Surface

What sets this mystery apart from traditional cozies is its unflinching examination of gentrification and community pressure. The subplot involving real estate developer Noble McPherson's attempts to force Savvy from her property adds contemporary relevance while providing red herrings for the mystery. Jackson-Opoku doesn't shy away from exploring how economic forces threaten established communities and the small businesses that anchor them.

The author's portrayal of police work through Fanon's character offers nuanced perspectives on law enforcement in urban communities. His history as an activist cop struggling with department politics adds layers to both the romantic subplot and the procedural elements. Detective Emerson Jacobs provides another perspective on policing while creating romantic tension that keeps readers guessing about future developments.

Religious and cultural traditions weave throughout the narrative without feeling forced or preachy. From Great-Aunt Essie's spirit offering guidance to the celebration of diverse holiday traditions, Jackson-Opoku creates a world where multiple belief systems coexist naturally.

Technical Excellence in the Mystery Genre

For a debut mystery, Jackson-Opoku demonstrates impressive command of genre conventions while subverting others. The locked-room mystery aspect of Grandy's death at the café, the red herrings involving various suspects, and the final confrontation where Savvy must use her wits and Tai Chi training to survive all work effectively within mystery traditions.

The author's use of multiple suspects—from grieving widow Mattie to sleazy manager Tuck Pfeiffer to the duplicitous McPherson—keeps readers guessing without feeling manipulative. Each suspect has believable motives and opportunities, making the eventual revelation satisfying rather than arbitrary.

Jackson-Opoku's handling of the Viagra poisoning method is both creative and realistic. The choice to make this the murder weapon adds dark humor while providing a method that could realistically kill and would be difficult to detect initially.

Minor Seasoning Adjustments

While the mystery succeeds on multiple levels, some elements could use refinement. The middle section occasionally slows as Savvy and Penny investigate various suspects, and some plot threads—particularly involving Noble McPherson's real estate schemes—feel somewhat disconnected from the main murder plot until the very end.

Certain secondary characters, while colorful, occasionally veer toward caricature. Tuck Pfeiffer's portrayal as the aging white manager clinging to his past glory sometimes relies on stereotypes, though his ultimate irrelevance to the murders makes this less problematic.

The resolution, while satisfying, requires some suspension of disbelief regarding Shysteen and Evrian's criminal competence. Their ability to successfully poison two men contrasts with their general bumbling throughout the investigation, though this disparity isn't fatal to the story's credibility.

The Final Verdict

Sandra Jackson-Opoku has crafted a mystery that satisfies on multiple levels—as a puzzle to solve, a window into African American urban culture, and a celebration of food traditions. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes offers readers the comfort of familiar mystery elements seasoned with the distinctive flavors of Chicago's South Side.

This debut successfully launches what promises to be an engaging series while standing alone as a complete, satisfying mystery. Jackson-Opoku brings literary sensibilities to the cozy mystery format without sacrificing the genre's essential pleasures—puzzles to solve, characters to love, and a community worth protecting.

For mystery fans seeking diverse voices and fresh perspectives, this book delivers abundantly. For food lovers, it's a feast. For anyone who appreciates authentic storytelling that honors both tradition and innovation, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is essential reading.