Step into the sassy, suspenseful world of the Cutthroat Business Mysteries, where Nashville’s real estate scene is anything but ordinary! Penned by Jenna Bennett, this USA Today bestselling series follows Southern Belle-turned-realtor Savannah Martin as she juggles open houses, murder mysteries, and a steamy love triangle. Blending cozy mystery with romantic suspense, it’s a delightful mix of charm, wit, and whodunit that keeps readers hooked.
With 13 novels and two novellas, the series captures the heart of Nashville’s vibrant backdrop, weaving tales of intrigue with a touch of Southern hospitality. Whether you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or crave a dash of romance, Savannah’s adventures promise a thrilling ride through Music City’s darker corners.
How Cutthroat Business Mysteries Began
Jenna Bennett, a Norwegian transplant living in Nashville, dreamed up the Cutthroat Business Mysteries while studying for her real estate license in 2005. Inspired by authors like Janet Evanovich and Elizabeth Peters, she crafted a series that married her love for mysteries with her insider knowledge of Nashville’s competitive real estate world. Writing as Jenna Bennett (and sometimes Jennie Bentley for her Do-It-Yourself series), she introduced Savannah Martin, a character whose journey from proper Southern lady to savvy sleuth reflects Bennett’s own blend of charm and grit.
The Heart of Cutthroat Business Mysteries
The series kicks off with A Cutthroat Business (2010), where Savannah, fresh from a messy divorce, stumbles over a murdered colleague’s body while showing a house. Enter Rafe Collier, a dangerous yet irresistible bad boy from her past, sparking tension that simmers through the series. Hot Property (2011) sees Savannah tackling arson and shady deals, while Contract Pending (2011) dives deeper into Nashville’s underbelly with a missing client and more Rafe-induced chaos. Close to Home (2011) ups the stakes with personal ties to a chilling crime.
Themes of reinvention, romance, and resilience shine throughout. Savannah’s growth from a sheltered debutante to a sharp investigator mirrors Nashville’s own blend of tradition and transformation. The series’ cozy mystery roots—think quirky characters and clever clues—are spiced with romantic suspense, especially Savannah’s chemistry with Rafe and a rival Southern gentleman. Bennett’s breezy, first-person style and vivid Nashville settings make each book a page-turner, perfect for fans of lighthearted yet gripping tales.
Why Cutthroat Business Mysteries Resonates
The Cutthroat Business Mysteries have carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for their wit and relatability. Readers love Savannah’s sassy spirit and the series’ blend of humor, heart, and suspense, often comparing it to Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels but with a distinctly Southern flair. Its focus on real estate adds a fresh twist, offering a peek into a cutthroat industry where deals can turn deadly. With a loyal fanbase and glowing reviews, the series continues to charm readers who crave mysteries with a side of romance.
- Publication Span: 2010–2016
- Book Count: 13 novels, 2 novellas
- Setting: Nashville, Tennessee
- Genres: Cozy Mystery, Romantic Suspense
Grab A Cutthroat Business and dive into Savannah Martin’s world of murder, romance, and Music City magic!