Sandra Jackson-Opoku serves up a delectable debut mystery that transforms Chicago’s South Side into an irresistible backdrop for murder, intrigue, and soul food. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes marks the promising beginning of what readers hope will be a long-running series, introducing us to Sapphire “Savvy” Summers—restaurateur, amateur sleuth, and keeper of culinary traditions at Essie’s Place.
When 75-year-old neighborhood fixture Granderson “Grandy” Jaspers drops dead face-first into a plate of sweet potato pie at Table Two, Savvy finds herself thrust into a murder investigation that threatens everything she’s built. What begins as an apparent choking incident soon reveals itself as something far more sinister, and Savvy must navigate a web of suspects, motives, and deadly secrets to clear her restaurant’s name and catch a killer.
A Mystery Seasoned with Authenticity
Jackson-Opoku’s transition from literary fiction to mystery writing proves masterful, bringing the depth and cultural richness of her previous works to the cozy mystery format. The author’s background as an award-winning novelist shines through in her nuanced character development and authentic portrayal of Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood. This isn’t your typical cozy mystery—it’s a story deeply rooted in African American culture, family traditions, and the realities of urban gentrification.
The mystery itself unfolds with satisfying complexity. Grandy’s death initially appears accidental, but when corrupt alderman Delbert “Do-Right” Dailey meets a similar fate weeks later—both men dying from Viagra overdoses—Savvy realizes she’s dealing with a calculated killer. The investigation reveals a tangled web involving Grandy’s much-younger mistress Shysteen Shackleford, her mysterious boyfriend Evrian King, and a scheme to defraud the elderly lothario out of his savings.
Jackson-Opoku handles the pacing expertly, allowing the mystery to simmer while developing rich character relationships and exploring themes of community, tradition, and economic pressure. The revelation that Shysteen and Evrian murdered Grandy by accident while actually targeting his wife Mattie adds layers of tragedy and incompetence that make the criminals both dangerous and pathetic.
Characters Rich as Buttermilk Biscuits
Savvy Summers emerges as a compelling protagonist—smart, determined, and deeply connected to her community. Her voice carries the wisdom of someone who’s weathered life’s storms while maintaining her principles. The relationship with her assistant manager Penny Lopés provides both comic relief and investigative partnership, while her interactions with ex-husband and police sergeant Fanon Franklin add romantic tension without overwhelming the mystery.
The supporting cast feels genuinely lived-in. Mattie Jaspers, the long-suffering widow, could have been a stereotype but instead becomes a complex figure carrying decades of disappointment with dignity. Even the victims—the womanizing Grandy and corrupt Dailey—are portrayed with enough humanity to make their deaths meaningful rather than mere plot devices.
Jackson-Opoku’s antagonists prove particularly effective. Shysteen Shackleford and Evrian King represent a specific type of urban criminal—opportunistic, not particularly bright, but dangerous in their desperation. Their bumbling incompetence makes them both comic and menacing, especially when they arrive at the café on Christmas Eve with Shysteen’s young daughter in tow for what they intend to be Savvy’s murder.
A Feast for the Senses
The true star of this novel might be the food itself. Jackson-Opoku’s descriptions of soul food cooking are so vivid you can practically smell the bacon grease and hear the sizzle of cast iron skillets. The café serves as more than just a setting—it’s a character in its own right, a gathering place where community members share their joys, sorrows, and secrets over plates of comfort food.
The author’s decision to include actual recipes at the book’s end, including the vegan sweet potato pie that wins the cooking competition, demonstrates her commitment to authenticity. These aren’t just props for atmosphere—they’re integral to the story and culture she’s portraying.
The author’s attention to culinary detail extends beyond mere description. The sweet potato pie becomes both murder weapon and symbol of tradition, while the café’s buffet-style service allows for the natural gathering of suspects and the sharing of information. Jackson-Opoku understands that food is about more than sustenance—it’s about community, memory, and identity.
Cultural Depth Beyond the Surface
What sets this mystery apart from traditional cozies is its unflinching examination of gentrification and community pressure. The subplot involving real estate developer Noble McPherson’s attempts to force Savvy from her property adds contemporary relevance while providing red herrings for the mystery. Jackson-Opoku doesn’t shy away from exploring how economic forces threaten established communities and the small businesses that anchor them.
The author’s portrayal of police work through Fanon’s character offers nuanced perspectives on law enforcement in urban communities. His history as an activist cop struggling with department politics adds layers to both the romantic subplot and the procedural elements. Detective Emerson Jacobs provides another perspective on policing while creating romantic tension that keeps readers guessing about future developments.
Religious and cultural traditions weave throughout the narrative without feeling forced or preachy. From Great-Aunt Essie’s spirit offering guidance to the celebration of diverse holiday traditions, Jackson-Opoku creates a world where multiple belief systems coexist naturally.
Technical Excellence in the Mystery Genre
For a debut mystery, Jackson-Opoku demonstrates impressive command of genre conventions while subverting others. The locked-room mystery aspect of Grandy’s death at the café, the red herrings involving various suspects, and the final confrontation where Savvy must use her wits and Tai Chi training to survive all work effectively within mystery traditions.
The author’s use of multiple suspects—from grieving widow Mattie to sleazy manager Tuck Pfeiffer to the duplicitous McPherson—keeps readers guessing without feeling manipulative. Each suspect has believable motives and opportunities, making the eventual revelation satisfying rather than arbitrary.
Jackson-Opoku’s handling of the Viagra poisoning method is both creative and realistic. The choice to make this the murder weapon adds dark humor while providing a method that could realistically kill and would be difficult to detect initially.
Minor Seasoning Adjustments
While the mystery succeeds on multiple levels, some elements could use refinement. The middle section occasionally slows as Savvy and Penny investigate various suspects, and some plot threads—particularly involving Noble McPherson’s real estate schemes—feel somewhat disconnected from the main murder plot until the very end.
Certain secondary characters, while colorful, occasionally veer toward caricature. Tuck Pfeiffer’s portrayal as the aging white manager clinging to his past glory sometimes relies on stereotypes, though his ultimate irrelevance to the murders makes this less problematic.
The resolution, while satisfying, requires some suspension of disbelief regarding Shysteen and Evrian’s criminal competence. Their ability to successfully poison two men contrasts with their general bumbling throughout the investigation, though this disparity isn’t fatal to the story’s credibility.
A Promising Series Launch
Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes establishes a solid foundation for future installments. The café setting provides endless opportunities for community-based mysteries, while Savvy’s relationships with Fanon, Penny, and her neighbors offer rich material for character development. Jackson-Opoku has created a world readers will want to revisit, filled with characters worth following through multiple adventures.
The book’s exploration of serious themes—gentrification, community preservation, family loyalty—within the cozy mystery framework suggests this series could offer both entertainment and social commentary. Jackson-Opoku’s literary background serves her well in creating depth beneath the genre surface.
The Final Verdict
Sandra Jackson-Opoku has crafted a mystery that satisfies on multiple levels—as a puzzle to solve, a window into African American urban culture, and a celebration of food traditions. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes offers readers the comfort of familiar mystery elements seasoned with the distinctive flavors of Chicago’s South Side.
This debut successfully launches what promises to be an engaging series while standing alone as a complete, satisfying mystery. Jackson-Opoku brings literary sensibilities to the cozy mystery format without sacrificing the genre’s essential pleasures—puzzles to solve, characters to love, and a community worth protecting.
For mystery fans seeking diverse voices and fresh perspectives, this book delivers abundantly. For food lovers, it’s a feast. And for anyone who appreciates authentic storytelling that honors both tradition and innovation, Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes is essential reading.
Similar Mysteries Worth Savoring
Readers who enjoyed this flavorful debut should consider these comparable titles:
Contemporary Culinary Mysteries
- The Spice Shop Mysteries by Leslie Budewitz – Another food-centered series with strong community ties
- A Roux of Revenge by Connie Archer – Soup shop mysteries with small-town charm
- The Memphis BBQ Mysteries by Riley Adams – Southern food culture meets mystery
African American Mystery Series
- The Blanche White Mysteries by Barbara Neely – Pioneering series featuring a Black amateur sleuth
- The Tamara Hayle Mysteries by Valerie Wilson Wesley – Urban mysteries with psychological depth
- The Easy Rawlins Series by Walter Mosley – Classic Los Angeles-based mysteries
Urban Community-Centered Mysteries
- The Streetlights Like Fireworks Mysteries by David Housewright – St. Paul-based community mysteries
- The Precious Ramotswe Series by Alexander McCall Smith – Community-focused mysteries from Botswana
Jackson-Opoku’s debut represents a welcome addition to the growing diversity in mystery fiction, offering readers both the comfort of genre conventions and the excitement of fresh perspectives. Savvy Summers and the Sweet Potato Crimes proves that the best mysteries, like the best soul food, are made with love, seasoned with experience, and served with generous portions of heart.
