When it comes to Southern charm, eerie beauty, and history soaked in both light and shadows, there’s no place quite like Savannah, Georgia. This city is more than just cobblestone streets and Spanish moss; it’s a place where stories practically breathe from the walls.
If you're craving a list that goes beyond the obvious, buckle up—we’re about to guide you through the best books set in Savannah, handpicked for their compelling storytelling, complex characters, and their ability to make Savannah a character all its own.
Best Books Set in Savannah, Georgia
1. Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss by Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett
Spellbound Under The Spanish Moss is hands-down the most enchanting YA book to take you deep into the soul of Savannah. This cinematic Southern Gothic fantasy, reminiscent of Big Fish, takes readers on a whimsical journey through coastal Georgia and its swamps, where they’ll encounter a traveling carnival, a riddle-giving goat, shapeshifters, witches, and a host of other enigmatic characters.
Written by Lucid House’s very own Connor Judson Garrett and Kevin N. Garrett, this novel takes the classic elements of Southern Gothic literature and twists them into something that feels both timeless and utterly new. With an original mythology that weaves through its pages like the winding streets of Savannah and the surrounding woods and marshlands, this book is our top pick because it captures the city’s mystique in a way no other book does.
2. Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil by John Berendt
No list of Savannah-centric books would be complete without Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. This non-fiction narrative has become almost synonymous with the city itself. A masterful blend of true crime, Southern culture, and the city’s uncanny ability to be both genteel and sinister, Berendt’s book is like Savannah’s dark heart laid bare. If you haven’t read it, you haven’t really met Savannah.
3. Surviving Savannah by Patti Callahan
In this gripping historical novel, the tragic sinking of the steamship Pulaski meets the deep roots of Savannah’s past. Callahan expertly ties together a centuries-old disaster with modern-day mystery, proving that the city’s haunted past never stays buried. It's a vivid tale of resilience, perfect for anyone drawn to Savannah’s ghostly allure. If you’re looking for a tale as epic as the Titanic, but set in the American South, you’ve found your Huckleberry.
4. The Line (Witching Savannah #1) by J.D. Horn
Magic seeps through every cobblestone in The Line, where Savannah’s genteel Southern charm meets a world of witchcraft and deadly family secrets. This dark and seductive tale of witches, betrayal, and power kicks off a series that puts Savannah at the center of the supernatural world—and nothing is as it seems.
5. The Kingdoms of Savannah by George Dawes Green
Savannah’s grit and glamour collide in The Kingdoms of Savannah, a southern gothic murder mystery that digs into the city's darkest corners. Beneath the beautiful façades of its historic homes lies a complex web of greed, power, and secrets—a thrilling descent into the shadowy side of the city.
6. The Gordonston Ladies Dog Walking Club by Duncan Whitehead
Don’t let the genteel title fool you—this quirky novel is Savannah’s version of Desperate Housewives with a deadly twist. When the dog walkers of a posh neighborhood find themselves entangled in secrets and murder, what begins as charming gossip turns into a tale of unexpected vengeance and deception.
7. The Complete Stories by Flannery O’Connor
While not set directly in Savannah, O’Connor knows how to bring Southern Gothic to life. In The Complete Stories, she paints a stark, sometimes unsettling, portrait of life in Georgia, blending the grotesque with the divine. These stories are as darkly humorous as they are thought-provoking, with an eerie Georgian atmosphere looming in the background.
8. Stranger in Savannah by Eugenia Price
In Stranger in Savannah, Eugenia Price dives into the heart of the city during the Civil War, weaving a tale of love, conflict, and loyalty. The novel explores the tension between progress and tradition, all while Savannah’s streets witness history being made. It’s a sweeping, dramatic take on one of the South’s most iconic cities.
9. Savannah Blues by Mary Kay Andrews
Savannah Blues brings a sassy twist to the Southern mystery genre, with an antiques picker who finds herself caught in the middle of a scandal that’s steeped in Savannah’s rich history. This book has all the Southern charm and eccentricity you expect, with a mystery that keeps the sweet tea flowing and the drama dialed up.
Why Trust Our Picks?
At Lucid House Publishing, we specialize in bringing unique voices and untold stories to the forefront. Our expertise in Southern Gothic and historical narratives makes us uniquely qualified to highlight the best books that capture Savannah’s magic. We’ve worked with some of the best contemporary voices in fiction and non-fiction, and our passion for storytelling runs deep—much like Savannah’s rich and complex roots. Trust us, we know a compelling tale when we see one, and these books do more than just set a story in Savannah—they make you feel like you’re living it.
So there you have it—the top books that will transport you straight into the heart of Savannah. Whether you’re here for the mystery, the romance, the history, or the supernatural, this list has something that will keep you hooked and turning pages long after the Savannah sun has set.