Jacob's Ladder: A Shady Grove Mystery

Shady Grove #2

by Jackie Lynn

When her husband left her for a younger woman, Rose Franklin bought a camper and started traveling. Eventually, she put down roots in Shady Grove, a campsite along the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas, where she has lived for six months now. Since she solved the murder of Lawrence Franklin, life has been quiet: she is enjoying her new friends, life next to the river, and a blossoming romance with neighbor Thomas Sawyer.
But when Rose discovers a mysterious camper from New Mexico dead in his trailer, she finds herself in the middle of another mystery. American Indian artifacts, an ancient cultural history, and a passage to grace are at stake as Rose unravels the murder, while at the same time comes to terms with a visit from her ex-husband and her father's declining health.


Jacob's Ladder is a thoughtful follow up to Down by the Riverside, featuring a curious and spiritual sleuth.
 
"Jacob's Ladder is the perfect summer read. Pull up the closest hammock, pour yourself an iced tea, and settle in for this romp of a book."
---Philip Gulley, author of Home to Harmony

 
"In Jacob's Ladder, Jackie Lynn has reprised her wonderful cast of West Memphis riverbank dwellers. It's a fast-paced, funny ride down the river with cleverly drawn characters worthy of the journey."
---Sallie Bissell, author of In the Forest of Harm
 
"Jacob's Ladder is perfect light reading for sleepless nights and an exploration into the concept of innocence rewarded."
 ---Katherine Valentine, author of The Haunted Rectory, and the award-winning Dorsetville series  
 
"Lynn elevates the genre with her blend of philosophy, romance, spirituality, and elegant writing.... This is a truly lovely book to be read slowly, savoring life by the river in the cool shade."
---The Kingston Observer (Massachusetts) on Down by the Riverside

Genres: Mystery

256 pages, Hardcover

First published June 12, 2007

Reviews

[Marcie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick light read. Murder in a campground. Old lady sleuth gets herself in situations. Includes Native American characters, lore and art.

[pj vassale · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good ending but over all story not as strong as the first one

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jacob's Ladder is the second book of the Shady Grove series set in a trailer park along the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas. I enjoyed this book more than the first book, Down by the Riverside. Both books contain spiritual and religious references. This story centers on the American Indian artifacts and history. An old Indian camps his trailer in Shady Grove, but is killed that same night. Of course, Rose Franklin jumps into the ring to find the killer. This action lands Rose into being kidnapped. But other problems erupt around Rose: her ex husband coming to see her and the health of the father. This is not the average mystery; this is more a spiritual journey.

[Grey853 · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had serious problems with Rose Franklin, the lead character in the book, as well as the writing style. There was far too much repetition as Rose gives accounts to the police, and far too much telling and not showing.

I didn't find Rose a particularly clever or likeable character. The way she's written keeps her at a distance from the reader. The mystery itself had potential, but it just wasn't realized as it could've been.

[Donna]

This was another Shady Grove Mystery that I thoroughly enjoyed as I have the others. These are light mysteries with lovable characters. I especially like reading about this area of the country.

[Linda G · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome book! Loved it. On to the next one in the series, Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

book 2 in the Shady Grove mysteries

[Dru · Rating 5 out of 5]

I picked up the first book in this series on a whim - I wanted something different to read. Well, I'm really liking them. It's light reading, with a little mystery and some humor. I will definitely read more by this author.