Family Jewels: Rose Gardner Investigations #1

Back in Black Holy moly! If you’ve read the Rose Gardner Mysteries all the way through Sins of the Father, you might wonder what else there is to tell in the world of Denise Grover Swank’s fictitious Fenton County, Arkansas universe. The answer: a whole heck of a lot. Gone is the saga of JR Simmons that loomed over everyone’s life like a heavy, black shroud. He’s little more than a memory as Rose, Joe, Neely Kate, and so many others move on with their lives and begin their path to recovery. JR might be gone, but that doesn’t mean trouble won’t stop finding Rose Gardner. At the urging of Neely Kate, her best friend, they set out on an investigative journey to find a lost necklace. What happens instead is equal parts funny and infuriating (some character actions!) A transition well worth the new moniker. The Rose Gardner Mysteries is now the Rose Gardner Investigations! The line “friendships will be tested” never applies more than it does to this story. It seems that almost everyone has a secret or agenda they intend to keep hidden. James “Skeeter” Malcom is no exception. He’s no longer an underling of JR Simmons, but he’s still got a battle on his hands. Being the self-appointed “king” of Fenton County’s criminal world comes with a heavy crown. The question of Ronnie’s whereabouts comes with its own heartbreaking reality. Finally, a tough as nails heroine persona even comes back as a force to be reckoned with. Family Jewels is the perfect continuation as its own series: Rose Gardner Investigations. There’s tons more to learn about Neely Kate, James Malcolm, and so many others. A hint of love is even in the air between multiple characters. For nearly three years now these characters have become my friends (heh, and enemies!) I am so excited about the prospects for this series as it evolves. *****FIVE STARS*****

I love rose more and more each book. She is growing into herself more. So different to what she was like in th first Rose Gardner mystery books. I love how strong and assertive she is. Along with Neely kate, starting to get Rose into accepting cases to investigate for other people that always leads to trouble and putting herself deeper into the crime world. I'm loving the story line between Rose and Malcolm, can't wait to see where that goes.

This is a fan-freaking-tastic follow up of the Rose Gardner Mystery Series. I fall more in love with Rose with every book. I have watched her grow from an innocent, naive girl into a strong, brave, independent and loving woman. She has a heart of gold and will do anything to protect those she loves. She is struggling with fallout from past decisions; wanting to move forward and live a calm, normal life. But that isn't the Rose way and she soon finds herself in the middle of crazy, humorous, yet dangerous situations. As usual, Neely Kate, her best friend, is right there alongside her. I love the relationship that they have. They are always there for each other, no questions asked. Denise always draws you into the book so you feel that you are right there along with the characters. I have been reading Rose for the past 4 years and will continue to do so as long a Denise Grover Swank will write her. Just wish she could write faster, lol. I will be anxiously waiting for the next book. Everyone should read this book and the entire back books.