This is my first introduction to Stella Reid, aka Granny Reid and her seven grandchildren and all the inhabitants of McGill, Georgia. It seems this series will be a spinoff prequel to the Savannah Reid series. (Savannah is Granny’s oldest grandchild).
This story flashes back to the 1980s when Stella happens upon a dying woman and is caught up in the investigation into her murder.
Stella is a feisty widow in her 50’s who is trying to help raise her grandchildren because her daughter-in-law (Shirley) is an alcoholic and Stella’s son is a truck driver who would rather not be home.
There are interesting and likable supporting characters in the story, like Flo Bagley and Elsie and Sheriff Manny Gilford. Almost everyone in town respects Stella as she is honest, humble and caring.

The story moves quickly and the there are sufficient plot twists. A cute story with an admirable protagonist. ( )

It's Christmastime but things aren't as cheery as they could be in sleepy McGill, Georgia. Someone has vandalized the town's celebrated nativity display. And a scandalous resident has been found dead in an alley. The police are puzzled so Stella Reid decides it's time to stir the gossip pot to figure out who could've done such a thing. With her grandchildren in danger, as well as her best friend and neighbour in danger for different reasons, finding the suspect isn't going to be easy especially before Santa Claus comes to town.

I didn't realize this was a prequel series to the Savannah Reid series, which I've never read. It felt as though I should have known these characters right away and I didn't, so I don't know if that's why I never connected or really cared for any of them. It took me about halfway through to enjoy the book. Before that I didn't want to pick it back up when I set it down. It's more focused on Stella Reid and her seven grandkids who are poor Southerners with hearts of gold living in a small town where everyone gossips.. ugh, I have that here, I don't want to read about it too. The mystery itself was good. I guess that's why I enjoyed the last half, we were getting closer to solving the murder. And closer to the book ending. I'm glad it's over. It wasn't for me.

Thank you to Netgalley and Kensington for an ARC. ( )

Stella is trying her best to care for her seven young grandkids, not an easy task because her son has almost no contact with her or his family and her daughter-in-law hates Stella. But the daughter-in-law does little for her kids, being too busy drinking and carousing and bar-hopping. Stella takes in the kids a couple times a week, to feed them properly and see that they are supervised. But her plans for a happy time trimming a Christmas tree and having cake are ruined when the the daughter-in-law grabs the kids away from Stella and says she will never see them again. Much more happens in this first book of series. There is a murder or two to be solved, kids to be saved, and an old friendship to be rekindled. It’s quite interesting to read about a young Savannah Reid who even at the tender young age of twelve shows promise of being a good detective. Good character development and a plot that combines a mystery with real-life happenings makes for an entertaining tale. ( )

Murder in Her Stocking by G.A. McKevett is the first book in the new A Granny Reid Mystery series. This is actually a prequel series to her successful Savannah Reid series. This series goes back to the 1980s when Stella, Granny Reid, is taking care of her grandchildren as her no-good son isn't around and her daughter-in-law is drinking and carousing instead of being home looking after her seven children. Those kids mean the world to her, and she will do whatever she can to keep them safe and make them happy.

The children are fun, normal kids who are not bad, but do make some inappropriate decisions. When Stella, and two of the kids are out fixing a mistake made by Waycross, they hear a scream. When going to investigate Stella finds Prissy Carr in the alley behind the tavern, dying. She sends the kids to the sheriff's office and she stays with Prissy hearing her dying words. She feels bad about the murder, even though most of the women in town are rather happy that their husbands will no longer be stepping out with Prissy. With so many not caring about the death, Stella is determined not to let someone get away with murder.

This is an introduction to a new series, as well as a prequel to another, so this book seems to spend more time on the family and their situation than on the actual mystery and sleuthing. That being said, I did enjoy the southern setting, expressions and situations. This story takes place during the recession of the 80s so there is a lot of financial issues as well, but the town comes together to make sure the kids have a wonderful Christmas. I loved the expressions used by Stella and the kids.

"You don't have the sense God gave liverwurst, and your heart's nothin' but a thumpin' gizzard."

"When that child has a mind to, she clams up tighter than a bullfrog's keister in a bucket of ice water."

This is a book that although this is a mystery to solve, is also about a family dealing with financial issues, a dysfunctional mother, a loving grandmother who wants to help, and a town that sticks together to help one another. I will read the next book in this series to see if the mystery becomes the central part of the story or just a back story to the family situation. If you enjoy a book with a down home southern feel, some humour, family angst and a mystery, then this series will be for you. I listened to this book and enjoyed the author's narration, especially with the southern drawl, although many of the voices sounded the same. ( )

Looking back a few decades, to a difficult time, we discover how Granny Reid became responsible for raising seven children. This is a heart felt story of taking responsibility, of loving family so strongly you will do whatever it takes to assure them the best life possible. This is also a tale of forgiveness and hope. There is danger and mystery, and a few laugh out loud moments.

A story of a town and a family that makes a lasting impact. Maybe a Christmas miracle or two. ( )