How to Read the Savannah Martin (Cutthroat Business) Mysteries
The Cutthroat Business Mysteries (frequently referred to as the Savannah Martin Mysteries) blend cozy mystery elements with romantic suspense. Set against the backdrop of Nashville's real estate market, the series follows Southern belle-turned-realtor Savannah Martin as she solves local murders and navigates a complicated romantic life, most notably with the dangerous and attractive Rafe Collier.
Written by Norwegian-born author Jenna Bennett (who originally published the early books under the pen name Bente Gallagher), the series consists of full-length novels interspersed with key novellas. To fully appreciate the character arcs, evolving relationships, and ongoing subplots, readers are highly recommended to follow the chronological order, which closely mirrors the publication sequence.
The Recommended Reading Order
Here is the complete chronological sequence for the Savannah Martin series, including all main novels and official novellas:
- A Cutthroat Business (2010) — The first novel, introducing Savannah as she finds her first body and crosses paths with Rafe Collier.
- Hot Property (2011) — Savannah investigates an arson case while dealing with real estate drama.
- Contract Pending (2011) — Savannah deals with a missing client and escalating stakes in the Nashville underbelly.
- Close to Home (2011) — Personal ties make this investigation especially dangerous for Savannah.
- A Done Deal (2011) — Savannah continues to balance her real estate listings with murder cases.
- Contingent on Approval (2012) — The first official novella in the series (often listed as Book 5.5).
- Change of Heart (2013) — Emotional tension rises as Savannah tackles another case.
- Kickout Clause (2013) — A high-stakes real estate dispute leads to murder.
- Past Due (2014) — Savannah digs into past secrets that someone wants to keep buried.
- Dirty Deeds (2014) — A complicated case involving betrayal and Nashville's elite.
- Unfinished Business (2015) — Savannah must tie up loose ends before they tie her down.
- Busman's Honeymoon (2015) — A key novella (often listed as Book 10.5) featuring a chaotic trip.
- Adverse Possession (2015) — Property lines and murder lines blur in this full-length mystery.
- Uncertain Terms (2016) — Negotiating relationships and murder investigations.
- Scared Money (2016) — Savannah faces dangerous financial stakes and deadly enemies.
- Bad Debt (2017) — Old obligations come back to haunt Savannah and Rafe.
- Home Stretch (2017) — The tension builds as Savannah tries to secure her future.
- Home Run (2017) — A transitional novella (often numbered as Book 15.5).
- Wrongful Termination (2018) — Savannah investigates a suspicious workplace death.
- Conflict of Interest (2019) — Personal and professional loyalties are tested.
- Right of Redemption (2019) — Savannah seeks answers to clear a reputation.
- Collateral Damage (2020) — The fallout from past cases threatens Savannah's peace.
- Survival Clause (2020) — High stakes and high drama in the Nashville suburbs.
- Last Call (2022) — A later novella/short story addition to the series.
Where to Start and What to Expect
If you are new to the series, you should absolutely start with the very first novel, A Cutthroat Business. Unlike some cozy mysteries where each book operates as a strict standalone with no overarching plot, the Savannah Martin series features a continuous romantic subplot, character growth, and repeating secondary characters. Reading the books out of order will spoil major relationship milestones and character developments.
As the series progresses, the tone shifts slightly from a lighthearted real estate cozy to a faster-paced romantic suspense series. The chemistry and tension between Savannah and bad-boy Rafe Collier serve as a primary driving force across all 20+ volumes.
About the Author and Pseudonyms
Author Jenna Bennett has written under a few different names. When the series first debuted, the early books were published under her pen name, Bente Gallagher. They have since been re-released under the name Jenna Bennett. Bennett also writes the Fidelity Investigations series and the Pippa Darling Mysteries, and has written home renovation mysteries under the name Jennie Bentley. While those series share the author's signature witty voice, they do not cross over with the Savannah Martin universe.