Step into the sultry, suspense-filled streets of Savannah, Georgia, where secrets lurk behind every moss-draped oak and chilling mysteries unravel in Lisa Jackson’s captivating Savannah series. This romantic suspense trilogy blends Southern charm with heart-pounding thrills, following Detectives Pierce Reed and Sylvie Morrisette, alongside tenacious reporter Nikki Gillette, as they confront serial killers and dark pasts in a city steeped in history.
From its debut in 2003 with The Night Before to its gripping finale in 2013 with Tell Me, the Savannah series hooks readers with its vivid setting and intricate plots. If you’re craving a blend of romance, danger, and Southern gothic vibes, this trilogy is your next obsession!
How Savannah Began
Lisa Jackson, a New York Times bestselling author, launched the Savannah series after carving a niche in romantic suspense. Known for her knack for weaving complex characters and gruesome mysteries, Jackson drew inspiration from Savannah’s haunting beauty and rich history. The city’s blend of elegance and eeriness provided the perfect backdrop for her tales of serial killers and tangled relationships. Starting with The Night Before in 2003, Jackson crafted a world where love and danger collide, earning praise for her suspenseful storytelling.
The Heart of Savannah
The Savannah series spans four books, each diving deeper into the city’s dark underbelly. The Night Before (2003) introduces Caitlyn Montgomery Bandeaux, who wakes covered in blood with no memory of the night before, only to learn her estranged husband has been murdered. Detectives Reed and Morrisette race to catch a cunning killer, while Nikki Gillette chases the story. In The Morning After (2004), Nikki’s pursuit of a serial killer dubbed the Grave Robber pulls her into a deadly game, with Savannah’s cemeteries and thickets as the eerie stage.
Tell Me (2013) revisits a 20-year-old case when Blondell O’Henry, convicted of killing her daughter Amity, is set free. Nikki, driven by her childhood connection to Amity, digs for the truth, while Reed fears for her safety. The series’ final book, The Third Grave (2021), uncovers a chilling discovery in a hurricane-ravaged mansion, tying past crimes to new horrors. Themes of betrayal, hidden truths, and the interplay of love and fear dominate, with Savannah’s historic charm amplifying the gothic suspense. Jackson’s fast-paced style and emotional depth keep readers guessing until the final page.
Why Savannah Resonates
The Savannah series stands out for its vivid portrayal of a city where history and horror intertwine, earning a loyal following among romantic suspense fans. Jackson’s ability to craft flawed, relatable characters—like the dogged Nikki and stoic Reed—adds emotional stakes to the high-octane plots. The series’ blend of romance and chilling crime has drawn comparisons to authors like Sandra Brown, cementing its place in the genre. Its lasting appeal lies in its immersive setting and timeless exploration of human motives, keeping readers hooked decades after its debut.
- Publication Years: 2003–2021
- Number of Books: 4
- Main Characters: Pierce Reed, Sylvie Morrisette, Nikki Gillette
- Genre: Romantic Suspense
Ready to lose yourself in Savannah’s thrilling world? Grab The Night Before and dive into a Southern gothic mystery where love and danger are never far apart!