Reviews

Velico Sententia

 

In the News

If you have read the first book in the Shandra Covington mystery series, then you definitely won't want to miss the second book, "Dead on Arrival," which was released the first week in October. "Dead on Arrival," is the second book in the series written by local author, Jeffrey S. Savage.

Savage has been writing practically forever. In fact his first memory of writing his own book was when he was three years old. He recalls copying letters onto paper from a picture book.

"It was funny because I remember thinking to myself that I was writing my own book," said Savage. "Ever since then I have always enjoyed writing."

Savage had his first book, "Cutting Edge," published six years ago. And after talking to readers about what they wanted to read, Savage narrowed it down to mysteries leaving out all the bad language and sex scenes that made many of the people he spoke with uncomfortable.

"I approached Covenant with the idea for a mystery series and they thought it was an idea to try," said Savage. "We received very positive feedback and so I began the series." (Read full story)

—Candi Higley, Spanish Fork Press, November 23, 2006

 

After reading an intriguing story in the Deseret News and wanting to write a mystery that would appeal to everyone but would avoid bad language and situations, one local author had the inspiration and a great idea for his latest book.Jeff Savage, author of "Cutting Edge," and "Into the Fire," has lived in Spanish Fork for the past four years with his wife and four children. Savage read a column in the Deseret News by Ann Cannon, in which she told a story about her grandmother's home. In the column, she mentioned that her grandma left abruptly and never returned and never told anyone about it. She died before the reason was ever told to anyone. Savage was intrigued by the story in the column and thought it would make a great mystery series. After talking to many individuals who told him that they loved fast-paced mysteries but hated all of the language and sex scenes, Savage approached his publisher and told them he wanted to write a clean murder mystery that didn't have any LDS themes in the novel. Covenant Communications was more than pleased to offer a fast-paced mystery series that was clean and could appeal to everyone. (Read full story)

—Candi Higley, Spanish Fork Press, October 20, 2005

 

Reviews

Without giving away any more of [House of Secrets], I have to say, there are more plot twists, more surprises here than there have been in any LDS novel I've read in years. You really need a scorecard to keep up with who is a good guy and who is not. Every time I thought I had it figured out, some new twist would come our way, keeping me guessing until the very end.

And, arrogant as I am, I was sure I knew how it would all end up. Nope, I was dead wrong in nearly every aspect. Utterly unpredictable, always exciting. (Read full review.)

—Jeffrey Needle, Association of Mormon Letters

 

“Shandra Covington breezed from House of Secrets into my imagination. I am hereby reserving a spot on my bookshelf for every Covington mystery yet to come. Suspense writing doesn’t get any better than this!”

—Kerry Blair, author of Mummy’s the Word

 

Shandra Covington is a miniature typhoon with the heart of Lara Croft and the spirit of Lucille Ball. Her misadventures are fast-paced, intensely suspenseful, and laugh out loud funny. *House of Secrets* provides the perfect beginning to what is sure to be a best-selling LDS mystery series.

— Annette Lyon, Author of Lost Without You, At The Water’s Edge, and House on the Hill

 

I started Shandra Covington today and finished it three hours later. Bravo, applause and way to g! The book was wonderful, the character engaging, the setting perfect. I hate you for writing so well! I got nothing done today! I love Shandra, she’s funny, quirky, silly, and likes to eat. With an ending like that you can’t lose. I got shivers and goose bumps and almost burst into tears all at the same time.

— Julie Wright, Author of To Catch a Falling Star, Loved Like That, and My Not So Fairy Tale Life.

 

A fascinating mystery! Just when I thought I had it all figured out, Savage threw in another stunning twist that kept me riveted right to the very last page. This is one story mystery lovers should not miss. My advice to the author: Hurry and write more--I can't wait to see what heart-racing trouble Shandra stumbles into next!

— Rachel Ann Nunes, Best-selling author of the Ariana series and Winter Fire

 

Into the Fire is an incredible book. The writing of it left the author both emotionally and physically drained. It does the same for the reader. (Read full review)

—Jennie Hansen, Meridian Magazine