Tag: Fiction

Fiction, Mystery, Romance

Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

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Title: Thirty Three and a Half Shenanigans
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #6
Location: Henretta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Joe, Mason, Skeeter, Bruce Wayne, Neely Kate, Billly Jack, Maeve
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved Thirty-Three and a Half Shenanigans! Denise Grover Swank never disappoints, and this installment had me hooked from the very first page. I laughed out loud more than once (okay… several times), and I may or may not have muttered, “Oh no she didn’t,” at least twice. This series just keeps getting better, and I adore spending time in Rose Gardner’s world. It feels like catching up with slightly chaotic friends who somehow always land in the most ridiculous situations. It’s perfect for fans of binge-worthy mystery series with a touch of romance, heart, and sass.

Rose finds herself caught in a seemingly small situation that quickly spirals out of control into one of those classic “only Rose” adventures. With a blend of mystery, danger, secrets, and unexpected twists, the story captures the quirky small-town energy that makes this series so addictive. It’s fast-paced and fun, offering just the right amount of character moments to feel satisfying without ever dragging.

It is hard to believe that this is the same Rose we met in the first book of the series. She has transformed from a sheltered girl with a controlling mother, who had never had a boyfriend and led a life without adventure, into a woman who has found love and is ready for anything, willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s fast-paced, witty, and filled with Denise Grover Swank’s signature humor, which never fails to make me smile and keeps me eager to find out what will happen next. Rose’s character development is impressive, yet she still finds herself in amusing predicaments that keep you eagerly turning the pages to see how she’ll escape this time. It’s the type of story you can’t put down and read way past your bedtime because you simply have to know what happens next.

If you love small-town mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unexpected twists, along with a protagonist you can’t help but root for, then this book is for you. I’m eager to see what adventures await Rose next.

Fiction, Mystery

Picking up the Pieces by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

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Title: Picking up the Pieces
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #5.5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose Gardner
Other Characters: Violet, Joe, Mason, Bruce Wayne
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I enjoyed this book; it serves as a good bridge between book 5 and book 6. What I liked about it is that we get to see the different perspectives of various characters in the series.

We gain insight into Rose’s perspective, as she is the main character throughout the series. We learn about her thoughts and emotions as she navigates her struggles with her sister, relationships, and her potentially failing business. Throughout this journey, she makes decisions about the direction she wants to take in her life and business.

We also gain insight into Violet’s perspective, allowing us to understand her and her relationship with Rose better. This helps explain her behavior. While I’m still not sure I truly like her, I do have a deeper understanding of her.

From Joe’s point of view, I still find his behavior towards Rose somewhat stalkerish. While I’m not a huge fan of his at the moment, I can at least understand him better.

Next is Mason’s perspective. I really like Mason, and it’s clear that he genuinely loves Rose. This section explores his past and his relationship with his sister Savannah, which helps to clarify the tension he feels with Joe.

Then there’s Bruce Wayne, who I’ve grown to really appreciate. He is loyal to Rose, and their friendship is strong. I look forward to getting to know him better in future books of the series.

I feel like readers will enjoy this book and gain a deeper understanding of the characters. Don’t overlook it; this installment adds significant clarity to their development and is an important addition to the series.

Fiction, Mystery

Thirty-Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

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Title: Thirty-Two  and a Half Complications
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Mason, Joe, Violet, Neely Kate, Bruce Wayne, Jonah, Skeeter
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

Okay… I am officially hooked on this series! Thirty-Two and a Half Complications by Denise Grover Swank delivers an engaging mix of drama, mystery, and small-town chaos in the best way.

This installment follows Rose Gardner as she is once again drawn into a mystery involving bank robbery, murder, and some unsavory characters. While trying to determine whom she can trust, juggling her job—which she may be in danger of losing—and her complicated love life, Rose has more than enough on her plate. As always, the story is filled with twists, secrets, and plenty of Southern sass.

I love how Rose continues to grow stronger and more confident, even when everything around her feels like it’s falling apart. She has truly evolved since book one. I love Mason. I really like Rose with him—there’s something steady and genuine about their connection that makes me root for them. Joe, on the other hand… whew. He’s really starting to get on my nerves. His behavior feels a bit too needy and borderline stalkerish at this point, and I just don’t love the vibe. I understand that he cares, but sometimes it feels over-the-top.

The mystery kept me guessing, and the emotional tension continued to build. I found myself flipping pages late into the night, eager to discover what would happen next. There was an unexpected twist at the end, and I can’t wait to see how it will be handled.

If you love small-town mysteries featuring strong female leads, a messy love triangle, and plenty of twists and secrets, this series just keeps getting better. I can’t wait to see what trouble Rose gets into next!

Fiction, Mystery

Thirty and a Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Thirty and a Half Excuses
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #3
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose, Violet, Mason, Neely Kate
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved Thirty and a Half Excuses! Denise Grover Swank has done it again with a story that’s funny, heartfelt, and completely addictive. The characters feel so real—you laugh with them, cry with them, and sometimes just shake your head at the chaos they create, especially Rose. I especially enjoyed the witty dialogue and clever twists that kept me turning pages late into the night. Even when I thought I had everything figured out, Swank still managed to surprise me! This book is the perfect mix of humor, heart, friendship, Mystery, and a touch of romance. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good, fun, and emotional read.

The story follows Rose as she juggles her new landscape business, relationships, and the unexpected twists life throws her way, including another murder. It’s about navigating the ups and downs, making tough choices, and finding oneself along the way—all while dealing with situations that are often hilarious, sometimes frustrating, and always entertaining. It’s the kind of book that makes you smile, think, and eagerly anticipate the next situation Rose will find herself in. I especially love Rose’s little dog, Muffy.

If you enjoy a southern small-town mystery filled with heart, humor, and quirky characters, you’ll love this series.

If you have read this series, share your thoughts in the comments

Fiction, Mystery

Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Twenty-Nine and a Half Reasons
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #2
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Neely Kate, Joe, Mason, Jimmy, Suzanne, Judge McLarry, Bruce Wayne, Detective Taylor
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 5

I absolutely loved this book! This series remains one of my favorites! The mystery was well-crafted and kept me guessing. I did figure out the culprit before the big reveal, but instead of feeling disappointed, I was proud that I figured it out. Even though I thought I knew who did it, there was still a twist, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

In this installment, Rose has jury duty. There is a mix of humor and suspense as she navigates the rules of serving on a jury. Of course, since we’re talking about Rose, we can expect some drama and her tendency to march to the beat of her own drum, which means she is likely to bend the rules.

I absolutely loved the addition of new characters, especially Rose’s new best friend, Neely Kate, and the stick-in-the-mud Assistant District Attorney, Mason Deveraux. Initially, I didn’t like Mason, but he contributed so much to the story that he ended up being one of my favorites. I loved Neely Kate from the beginning; she fits perfectly as Rose’s friend and adds so much fun to the story.

There were moments of romance and laugh-out-loud humor. Several times, I found myself smiling at the witty banter or shaking my head at the chaos—in the best way possible. This book was fast-paced, entertaining, and truly difficult to put down; I’m sure I lost sleep trying to finish it.

I enjoyed every moment and finished the book eagerly anticipating what comes next. If you love a mystery with heart, humor, and characters you can’t help but fall in love with, you will love this series.  I can’t wait to read the next book to discover what chaos Rose will create.

If you have read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Fiction, Mystery

Falling to Pieces by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Falling to Pieces
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #3.5
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose & Joe
Other Characters: Neely Kate, Hillary, Violet, Brody, Mason, Bruce Wayne, Jonah
Pets: Muff
Rating: 4 stars — emotional and necessary, just a bit much at times.

This will be a brief review, as discussing my feelings about the book in detail would reveal some spoilers, which I’d like to avoid.

Initially, this book confused me because I felt like I was missing something. I later discovered that I had accidentally read it out of order. On Fantastic Fiction, it was listed as book 1.5, positioned between book 1 and book 2. However, after finishing the book and trying to write my review, I found it marked as book 3.5 on GoodReads. This prompted me to search further and realize that Fantastic Fiction was incorrect; it is actually book 3.5. This discrepancy explained why some characters were mentioned without prior introduction. Anyway, I am now back on track with book two. This experience reinforces my recommendation to read most series in order.

Falling to Pieces is an emotionally charged bridge novella in the Rose Gardner series.

What prevented this from being a 5-star read for me was the excessive focus on how deeply Rose and Joe loved each other. Eventually, it became repetitive and felt somewhat teenage-dramatic. While I could overlook this tendency in Rose, since this is her first relationship, it was less excusable in Joe. Given his past relationships, his constant internal monologue about them being “soulmates” felt exaggerated and slowed down the story for me.

I believe this novella is essential to the series. It clarifies Joe’s choices, adds emotional depth, and lays the groundwork for what follows. Despite my minor criticisms, I remained engaged and was glad I didn’t skip it.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank

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Title: Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #1
Location:
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Joe, Violet, Betty, Daniel, Deanna, Suzanne, Agnes
Pets: Muffy
Rating: 4

Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes by Denise Grover Swank was a fun and easy read. It seems strange to say ‘fun’ when there is a murder, but it was definitely a fun read. I loved the small-town Southern atmosphere and the blend of mystery with just the right amount of slow-burn romance to keep things engaging. Rose is an interesting main character, with all her naivete, and I enjoyed following her journey as she navigates her life while unexpectedly becoming the main suspect in a murder investigation.

Rose is a naïve twenty-four-year-old who has never truly lived and lacks understanding of life. By this age, most young women have experienced various aspects of adulthood, but Rose has been sheltered by her mother, preventing her from fully engaging with the world. One day, while at work at the DMV, she has a vision of herself dead. She is known to have visions, but this is the first one she has had of herself. This troubles her, but when her mother is the one who is found murdered, Rose becomes the prime suspect in the investigation. After discovering her mother’s lifeless body, she is desperate for help and turns to her neighbor, Joe, whom she has never met until now. But can Joe be trusted, or does he have secrets of his own?

Rose fears ending up in prison or dead, so she creates a list on the back of a Walmart receipt detailing twenty-eight things she has never experienced but wants to do before her vision becomes a reality. When she reaches number twenty-nine, she struggles to think of what to write in that space. As she works on her list, Joe is more than happy to help her complete it, except for number fifteen.

I really enjoyed this book; it was a light, easy read. Although parts of it were predictable, it still featured a surprise ending that I didn’t see coming. I really liked the characters Rose and Joe and their slow-burn romance. I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes in future books.

Overall, this cozy and entertaining mystery is filled with charm and heart. It’s the perfect book for when you want something light and enjoyable. I appreciated the surprise ending, which I didn’t see coming—it always enhances the story. Plus, it features a dog, which, in my opinion, adds to the story. I will definitely continue reading the series.

If you have read this series, please share your opinions in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction

Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace

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Title: Deadly Secret
Author: Tammy L Grace
Series: Cooper Harrington #7
Location: Washington DC
Main Character: Cooper Harrington, AB
Other Characters: Brooke, Tonya, S enator Beaumont, Mason, Savannah, Suzanne,
Charlotte, Grandma Adelaide, Mirian Thorne, Grandma Adelaide, Aunt Camille, Wyatt, Charlie, Kyle, Wyatt, Aiden, Nathan, Landon, Marlene, Sam
Pets: Coop’s Golden Retriever Gus
Rating: 5

I really loved Deadly Secret by Tammy L. Grace, the seventh installment in the Cooper Harrington Series. I’ve loved this series since the very first book and have become deeply invested in the characters. As with the previous books, this one captured my attention from beginning to end, and I found myself genuinely engaged in both the mystery and the characters’ journeys.

This book follows Cooper as he travels from Nashville to Washington, D.C., to investigate the murder of a young woman. Brooke, the granddaughter of a family friend of Cooper’s aunt, had gone to Washington, D.C., to intern for a Tennessee senator at the Capitol. When she is murdered, the police dismiss it as a mugging. However, Brooke’s family believes there is more to the story and has hired Cooper to uncover the truth behind the death of their daughter and granddaughter.

Coop is a strong lead character. I loved his determination to solve the case, even when it became complicated and messy. His persistence makes him a character you can’t help but root for. I also love AB. She adds depth to the story. Their dynamic was engaging and helped maintain a steady pace throughout.

I love a great story with a compelling family dynamic, and this series checks all the boxes—except for Coop’s mother! She is a total mess, but Coop is managing her. His relationships with his aunt and dad are amazing. He and his associate Abigail (AB for short) have a great connection. I keep hoping for a romance to develop there, but time will tell in future books.

This book is an engaging and well-crafted read, with strong characters, solid suspense, and emotional depth that keep readers captivated. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys mysteries filled with characters you can’t help but be invested in, along with a touch of humor. Coop is known for his T-shirts featuring funny sayings, which I love. AB is always there to keep him in line. Plus, who doesn’t love a story that includes a dog? Gus, Coop’s Golden Retriever, is a great addition to the story.

While this book can be read as a standalone, I suggest starting the series from the beginning to know the characters and fall in love with them, just as I have.

If you have read this series, please share your thoughts in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Echoes of Her by Denise Grover Swanks

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Author: Denise Grover Swanks
Title: Echoes of Her
Series: Maddie Baker Mystery #3
Location: Cockamamie, TN
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Aunt Diedra, Mallory, Joe, Neil, George, Dawn, Rebecca, Annamarie, Gina
Rating: 5


Hello, Book Lovers, and Happy New Year! I had a wonderful New Year’s Eve, and I hope you did too. This is my first review of the year, and I couldn’t wait to share it. I finished this book recently, and it truly kept me engaged—it was definitely a “hard to put down” read!

I really had a hard time putting this book down, often reading late into the night when I should have been sleeping. From the moment I stepped into Maddie’s world, I was hooked. The author has a way of pulling the reader with emotion, suspense, and just a touch of romance, creating a story that will keep you reading till way past bedtime.

If you’ve read the first two books, you’re aware that Maddie’s mother was murdered when she was a child, and the case was never solved. Maddie is determined to uncover the truth about her mother’s death—a cold case that feels both impossibly tangled and personal. What captivated me most was Maddie’s relentless pursuit of justice. She just keeps pushing as she untangles secrets, which gets her closer to the truth. Could getting closer to the truth put Maddie in jeopardy, or is it best that it all stays buried? This is the type of mystery that stays with you long after the final reveal.

This book is captivating, emotional, and very hard to put down. If you enjoy mysteries with a lot of heart, strong characters, and a hint of romance, this series is for you.  I recommend starting with the first book to fully appreciate Maddie and Noah’s journey and watch their relationship develop. Although this is the final installment of this series, which makes me sad, I am still holding out hope for the chance to revisit Maddie, Noah, and the other beloved characters in the future.

If you have read this series, please share your opinions in the comments.

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Holiday

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits by Greta Sinclair

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Title: Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits
Author: Greta Sinclair
Series: Hattie & Moose #5
Location: Nashville, TN
Main Character: Hattie
Other Characters: Gracie, Tim, Hudson, Jack, Rose, Alex, Winter
Pets: a Chow named Moose , Yorkie named Minnie Pearl & Cecil the cat
Rating: 4

Murder, Mistletoe & Spirits is a such a fun read leading up to the holidays! I enjoyed the small-town atmosphere, the warm friendships, and the intriguing mystery that kept me guessing. The pacing was well written with just the right amount of suspense to keep things engaging.

Hattie is thrilled about her blossoming romance with Detective Bo and is looking forward to a double date with her best friend Gracie and Gracie’s boyfriend, Tim. They anticipate a quiet evening at the distillery, but their plans take a shocking turn when a dead body is discovered in a bourbon barrel. The victim, Quinn, is a woman who had been missing for years, with everyone believing she had simply left town. Hattie feels compelled to get involved in solving this cold case. How did Quinn end up at the bottom of a bourbon barrel? This question propels Hattie and Detective Bo into an investigation filled with unexpected secrets.

I really enjoyed the mystery and the investigation process, as well as the blossoming romance between Hattie and Bo. The only aspect that occasionally disrupted my immersion in the story was the portrayal of the animals. I love animals, especially dogs, but there were several instances where Hattie’s two dogs, Moose and Minie Pearl, along with her cat, Cecil, seemed to engage in their own conversations. This felt somewhat unrealistic and didn’t quite fit the story. While it didn’t ruin the book for me, it did momentarily pull me out of the mystery.

If you enjoy a captivating whodunit filled with twists and turns as you seek out the killer, along with a fun protagonist, a hint of romance, quirky characters, and entertaining pets, then you will definitely love this series.