kalventure's Review of Family Jewels (Rose Gardner Investigations, #1)

by Denise Grover Swank

The New York Times bestselling first book in the Rose Gardner Investigation series, a spinoff of the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and USA Today best selling Rose Gardner Mystery series.

Trouble always comes to those who court it. Rose Gardner’s ability to see glimpses of the future has gotten her into hot water time and again, but so have her curiosity and her sense of daring. Those very qualities helped her defeat the most powerful man in Arkansas—a man so adept at hiding his crimes there was no way to defeat him inside of the law—but her success came at a steep personal price. Now she’s throwing herself into her landscaping business, trying to live a life that’s as orderly as one of her gardens.

Rose’s best friend, Neely Kate, is struggling with her own losses, so when she suggests they help a local man find a missing necklace, Rose agrees. It’ll give both of them a welcome distraction, and besides, it’s a simple investigation. What harm could befall them? But things that should be simple rarely are. In seeking out the necklace, Rose and Neely Kate find themselves in the thick of a power struggle in the Fenton County underworld, one that could dethrone Rose’s friend James Malcolm, the surprisingly moral king.

The last thing Rose should do is court more trouble, but she’s not the type to step away from a friend in need—and she’s also not so sure she wants an orderly life.

Series Reading Order, per author:
1. Family Jewels
2. Trailer Trash

I had told myself that I was finished with Rose Gardner's world after the Rose Gardner series ended, but I just can't seem to quit this cast of characters. When the book showed up free on my Bookbub newsletter the other day, I couldn't resist diving back in and seeing what everyone is up to. 📚4/24/18 pick up this title on Kindle for free! 📚

This is a spinoff series of the Rose Gardner series, but the reader does not need to have read those books to get enjoyment from this one! I didn't re-read the previous books (as is my custom because I have the memory of a godlfish), and Swank managed to recap the previous developments well without bogging down the narrative. I will say that a lot of my enjoyment was seeing where the characters I had grown to love were getting on, and so I will refrain from spoiler territory.

Rose and Neely Kate are hired to find a missing necklace, but things (as always with these two) are never as complicated and they find themselves in a bit of a pickle. The best friends are battling their own personal demons while trying to unravel the mystery... and stay safe while doing it.

This series has sucked me back into Henryetta and their world, and I cannot say that I am sorry about that! I really hope that Neely Kate eventually convinces Rose to open up their investigation company sometime soon.

This is a fast-paced and action-packed book, and a solid addition to the Rose Gardner universe. Those that like a good cozy mystery that is character driven should definitely pick this one up!

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Family Jewels (Rose Gardner Investigations, #1)

by Denise Grover Swank

Reviewed by kalventure on Apr 24, 2018

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