Tag: Mystery

Mystery, Romance

Thirty One and a Half Regrets by Denise Grover Swank Book Review

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Thirty-one and a half Regrets
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Rose Gardner Mystery #4
Location: Henryetta, Arkansas
Main Character: Rose
Other Characters: Mason, Joe, Violet, Neely Kate, Bruce Wayne, Jonah, Daniel Crocker, Detective Miller, Detective Miller, Detective Geyer, Jeff
ets: Muffy
Rating: 5

The more I read this series, the more I love it—and I especially love Rose. She has truly evolved since we first met her in the first book of the series.  Rose has transformed from a scared young woman who never experienced life because she was controlled by her mother into someone who is discovering her own strength and independence. Even her sister, whom she loves dearly, has sheltered her from the world.

As someone from Rose’s past comes back to haunt her, we see how she has developed into a strong, independent woman with self-confidence and determination. Still reeling from Joe’s betrayal, she must confront her biggest nightmare while also deciding that it is time to move on.

I started this book really disliking Joe. Although I initially liked him, he started to seem weak and overly controlled by his father, unable to stand up to him. I also just didn’t trust him. As a result, I became team Mason all the way. However, despite my newfound love for Mason, I feel a bit torn because Joe surprised me in this installment.

This series has it all: romance, newfound love, relationship drama, stalking, intrigue, betrayal, surprises, and suspense, culminating in an ending that will surprise you with unexpected twists along the way. It truly felt like a roller coaster ride, filled with twists, turns, and ups and downs. And there is a dog that you really can’t help but love.

I have one pet peeve: when someone incorrectly refers to a gun’s magazine as a clip. A magazine is not the same as a clip. I understand that Rose may not be very familiar with guns, so I can overlook this mistake. Nevertheless, it didn’t impact my five-star rating.

This book truly deserves the five stars I gave it.

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

Fiction, Mystery

Thirty and a Half Excuses by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

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

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

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

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

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.

Fiction, Mystery, Thriller

What She Saw by Mary Burton

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: What She Saw
Author: Mary Burton
Main Character: Sloan, CJ Taggert
Other Characters: Grant, Rafe Colton, Patty, Laurie, Debra, Tristan, Baily, Paxton, Mayor Briggs, Baily, Kevin, Cassie, Amy
Pets: A golden Retriever named Cody
Rating: 5+

Version 1.0.0

Mary Burton is a ‘new to me’ author, but this won’t be the last book I read by her. I was engrossed from the very first page and found it hard to put down at night.

Four young girls went missing from a music festival and are presumed dead. A man is serving a life sentence for the crime, even though their bodies were never found. He still claims his innocence. Thirty-one years later, a daughter who was a baby at the time is determined to uncover what happened to her mother and the three other girls.

Sloane lost her mother, who was believed to have been murdered, and her father, whom she never knew, was in prison. Raised by a grandmother who was not particularly nurturing, Sloane grew up to be a writer who struggles to express her emotions and is rarely frightened. Driven by a need to uncover the truth behind her mother’s disappearance and the fate of three other missing girls, she seeks closure for herself and their families. This quest requires her to return to the town where the crime occurred-a case that most have forgotten, but one Sloane has never been able to move past. With many of those involved now dead, she must track down families and witnesses from three decades ago who might still remember details that could help bring closure to the case.

This book was an edge-of-your-seat roller coaster ride to uncover the truth. Sloan is a compelling protagonist, and you can’t help but root for her. This book combines suspense, emotion, and just the right amount of romance, all without overshadowing the mystery. I thought I had solved the case, only to be hit with another unexpected twist.

If you love a protagonist with heart and determination, along with a great mystery featuring unexpected twists and a touch of romance, you need to read this book. It definitely checks all the boxes. This may have been the first book I have read by this author, but it definitely won’t be the last.

If you have read this book, please share your thoughts in the comments!

Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Mystery

Echoes of Her by Denise Grover Swanks

CozyRomBooksandCoffee


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.

Fiction, Mystery

Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Gone Without a Trace
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Title: Gone Without a Trace
Series: Maddie Baker Mystery #2
Location: Cockamamie, TN
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Neil, Bert, Mallory, Aunt Diedra, Amy, Jake, Barbara, Steve, Gil, Boomer
Rating: 5+

I literally could not put this book down. Gone Without a Trace by Denise Grover Swank had me thinking, “Okay, just one more chapter…” before I realized it was well past my bedtime.

This is a suspenseful mystery that centers around a sudden disappearance that leaves more questions than answers. As the story unfolds, secrets begin to surface and relationships are tested, revealing that not everything—and not everyone—is as it seems. As tension rises and emotions escalate, the quest for the truth draws readers deeper into a web of mystery, danger, and unexpected revelations. This fast-paced, character-driven story keeps you guessing until the very end.

This story captivated me from the very beginning. The mystery unfolds at an ideal pace, creating just the right amount of tension to keep you turning the pages, while also providing enough emotional depth to make you genuinely care about the characters. I loved how the author expertly balances suspense with heartfelt moments. It’s not just about what happened, but how it affects everyone involved, which makes the story feel authentic and personal. Just when I thought I had everything figured out, the story took another unexpected turn.

This was a such a cozy yet suspenseful read, perfect for enjoying with a cup of coffee or a glass of wine later in the evening. If you appreciate emotional mysteries filled with twists and turns that keep you guessing, featuring strong characters and a protagonist you can’t help but love, along with a captivating storyline and a touch of romance, Gone Without a Trace definitely deserves a spot on your TBR list.

I highly recommend it for anyone who enjoys a compelling mystery with emotional depth.

Fiction, Mystery

Take the Wheel by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Take the Wheel
Author:Denise Grover Swank
Series: Maddie Baker #1
Location: Cockamamie, Tennessee
Main Character: Maddie Baker
Other Characters: Noah, Mallory, Lance, Aunt Deidre, Margarete, Peter, Ernie, Martin, Dawn, Adam, Roscoe, Colleen
Rating: 4

Denise Grover Swank presents a charming, slow-burn mystery featuring a heroine who is both relatable and resilient.

Maddie is rebuilding her life in her quirky hometown of Cockamamie, Tennessee. She returned to care for her aunt, who raised her and now has dementia. To make ends meet, Maddie drives for Uber, but her life takes an unexpected turn when one of her passengers is found dead, drawing her into a murder investigation.

Detective Noah Langley, a former big-city cop from Memphis, has recently relocated to the small town of Cockamamie in search of a quieter life. He arrives to take on his first case, a murder with Maddie as the prime suspect. As the investigation unfolds, long-buried secrets from the town’s past resurface, prompting Maddie to realize that this case may be more personal than she ever anticipated.

Maddie is a relatable and resourceful protagonist. Her challenge of balancing family obligations, financial pressures, and the suspicion cast upon her is convincingly portrayed. The plot offers a well-balanced mix of red herrings and surprises, although some twists are predictable. Some sections of the book felt a bit slow and seemed to drag on, particularly in the middle. I even found myself skipping a few pages to keep moving forward.

I recommend Take the Wheel to readers who enjoy a mystery infused with slow-burn romance and a strong female lead. Although some parts were predictable and there were a few slow sections in the middle, it serves as a well-crafted introduction to the Maddie Baker series, filled with enough intrigue to entice readers to pick up the next installment.

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

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Luck of the Devil by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Luck of the Devil
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #3
Location: Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams & James Malcolm
Other Characters: Paul Adams, Hanna, Harper’s grandparents, Carter
Rating: 5

Luck of the Devil is the third installment in the Harper Adams Mystery series. Like the first two books, it offers a compelling mix of suspense and emotion, making it difficult to put down.

Despite her flaws, former detective Harper Adams is a protagonist readers can’t help but root for. In this installment, she struggles with her sobriety after her mother’s suspicious death. The reader embarks on a tense, thrilling journey filled with determination, grief, and danger. Harper’s relentless pursuit of the truth, regardless of the potential cost, adds depth and complexity to her character, making her journey both intriguing and engaging. The scene is shrouded in suspicion, featuring faded skid marks, a packed suitcase, and a toxicology report that doesn’t add up. This mystery series is truly addictive.

The chemistry between Harper and Malcolm, a crime boss turned tavern owner whom she reluctantly trusts, is magnetic. Their dynamic is electrifying and complex; he acts as her protector while also being a wildcard, and she confronts her inner turmoil with unwavering determination. I loved their dialogue and the interactions between these two characters, and I can’t wait to see where their story leads in future books in the series.

If you love a mystery with a flawed complicated but interesting protagonist, slow burn romance, with twists and turns to solve a mystery, you are going to fall in love with this series.

Reasons for my five-star rating of this book…

  • Harper experiences profound emotional depth and growth as she navigates her sobriety following the suspicious death of her mother.
  • The unforgettable slow-burn dynamic between Harper and Malcolm.
  • The characters are authentic; they are flawed yet very interesting, making it impossible for the reader not to root for them.
  • A true page-turner, this book was difficult to put down once I started reading it.
  • Harper and Malcolm navigate the twists and turns of the mystery surrounding Harper’s mother’s death, all while uncovering the true nature of their relationship.

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

Happy Reading!

Fiction, Mystery

Long Gone by Denise Grover Swank

CozyRomBooksandCoffee

Title: Long Gone
Author: Denise Grover Swank
Series: Harper Adams Mystery #2
Location: Jackson Creek, Arkansas
Main Character: Harper Adams
Other Characters: James Malcolm, Clarice, Anton, Brett Colter, Skip Martin, Carter Hale, Paul Adams
Rating: 5

“I’m a daydream dressed as a nightmare.”

Long Gone, the second installment of the Harper Adams mystery series, draws readers back into Harper’s world, now filled with heightened emotion and expertly crafted pacing. Set in the small town of Jackson Creek, Arkansas, the story reveals its secrets in vivid detail, as Swank skillfully weaves tension into a mystery that’s impossible to put down.

Harper is a complex and determined protagonist, despite her flaws. Her journey from disgrace to the heart of investigative grit captivates readers. Harper’s internal struggles and relentless pursuit of truth make her a compelling character with grit and determination.

The plot draws you in from the very first page.. Five years ago, Hugo disappeared without a trace, and now his wife seeks to have him declared dead for closure and to collect his life insurance. She hires Harper to investigate her husband’s disappearance. What begins as a simple case quickly evolves into a complex and unexpected narrative. Swank skillfully reveals clues, introduces red herrings, and crafts an atmosphere of uncertainty, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

The supporting characters are equally captivating. The return of James Malcolm, the reformed crime boss turned tavern owner, is a welcome addition. Harper struggles to trust Malcolm, yet something about him draws her in. The reader feels the same attraction and can’t help but root for both him and Harper. I’m anxious to see where this leads.

This is the second book I’ve read by this author, and her storytelling has already captivated me. She skillfully balances suspense, pacing, and character development in her writing. I can’t wait to dive into the third book in the series to discover what Harper and Malcolm will investigate next.

If you enjoy a small-town mystery featuring a flawed but captivating protagonist, an engaging plot, and emotional depth, you’ll love this series.

Happy Reading!