Down by the Riverside

Shady Grove #1

by Jackie Lynn

When her husband leaves her for a younger woman, Rose Franklin buys a camper and sets off―away from her heartache and anger. While she is settling into Shady Grove, a camp site along the Mississippi River in West Memphis, Arkansas, a respected and well-liked man in the community seems to commit suicide for no apparent reason. Could his death somehow be connected to the ancient slave burial ground that he was researching? As Rose comes to know the diverse characters of this small community, she begins to unravel the mystery of why a man loses his faith and the consequences of his loss.

"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."
-- Kingston Observer

"Lynn's accomplished debut mystery is a righteous blend of spirituality and suspense."
-- Booklist

"A pleasant voice, eccentric cast, and an offbeat story hooking into the old local slave cemetery are supported by strains of spirituality and Rose's journey of self-discovery."
-- Poisoned Pen Reviews

"In addition to Lynn's well conceived mystery, the novel is a gentle lesson in kindness and forgiveness."
-- Richmond Times-Dispatch

Jackie Lynn is a writer and journalist who divides her time between New Mexico and North Carolina. Writing under the name Lynne Hinton, she is the New York Times bestselling author of Friendship Cake , as well as the author of Hope Springs and Forever Friends (The Hope Springs Trilogy), among other books, and writes a monthly column for The Charlotte Observer . Visit her website www.LynneHinton.com

Genres: Mystery, Fiction

304 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Jane Campbell · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok.

[Roxanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written with a light touch. And it spoke to my desire to live in a van down by the river.

[Lily · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn’t know this was a Christian book…

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

An OK mystery/romance, beautifully written but the characters didn't grab me, and I felt that the racial issues were skimmed over. Not surprising from a white author, but disturbing. I mean, how would you assume that a man named Tom Sawyer is black? And that the main character is mixed race? Those facts come out about halfway through the book, and seem to have no connection to her failed marriage or their immediate attraction to each other.

[Ghary Bowlin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Honestly, I picked this book up on a Free-Rack, and liked the watercolor painting on the cover; The little aluminum trailer like my grandparents had when I was a child. Plus it was set on the banks of the Mississippi River, which I've spent much time in my life on.

It just fell into my hands and sounded good. Turned out to be a fun, interesting mystery novel. Not my usual type of book, though it got a hold on me and I enjoyed reading it.
Easy reading but in a good way. It helps if you sympathize with the mistreatment of minorities... the story blurs these lines. Thanks Jackie!!

[pj vassale · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is listed as # two in series,but I believe it's the first. Meeting new friends Rose is helping and being helped finding a new chapter in her life.

[Li · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very rare occasion that I start with the first book in a series because I like to get hooked by well-developed characters, history, and writing style. It is an even rarer occasion when I wish I had started with the first book. This is one of those books that makes me wish I'd read it before the rest in the series. The other books were nice, but there was just something really special about this one. After nurse Rose Franklin's marriage and basically life dissolve, she runs away to try to find herself. An unexpected stop at a campground in West Memphis, Arkansas, leads to her investigation into the apparent suicide of a man who shares a family name with her. She also beoomes acquainted with the campground staff as well as a family who has a seriously-ill child. Along the way, she finds new friends, new love, a sense of belonging, serenity, and surprisingly herself. This was a quietly, beautifully written story. I loved that it takes place in my beloved home state (although West Memphis is not one of my most favorite areas). I was moved by this subtly faith-based-kinda book, and even found myself crying (mostly happy tears) on several occasions. There was one gripping paragraph about survivors of suicide that I will forever remember. I was surprised that I had missed key aspects about two of the characters both in the previous books and this one until a certain conversation brought it to my attention. It didn't change anything really, but it sure explained some stuff to me. If GR did half-stars, this one might even get a 4 1/2 from me.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the second book by Jackie Lynn from the Shady Grove Mystery series that I have read, but it actually is the first one in the series. I enjoyed catching up with how Rose, the main character, came to be living at the campground and how she met all the memorable characters that inhabit all the books. I have one more to go in the series. These are light mysteries with colorful characters. I also love reading about this part of the country. The setting along the Mississippi is full of history. Also, this one takes us to St. Jude Hospital in Memphis. My great grandson has been battling leukemia in Columbus, OH, and this part of the story touched me greatly. I look forward to the next Shady Grove Mystery.

There is a wonderful line in the book that really struck me. Rose is telling one of her new friends about something that she had done.

"I've done an awful thing", I confessed.
"Darling, we've all done those."
She patted me again on the arm.
"That's why mercy takes your breath away."

Yes, it surely does!

[Debbie Maskus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I have enjoyed reading books by this author under the name of Lynn Hinton, I decided to try her mystery series. As far as a mystery, I am unsure what I think. The mystery is very subtle, and not as blatant as in other mystery series. The journey to solving the mystery in the Shady Grove series deals with relationships and religion. The format presents a different route than the classic mystery genre. The characters are intriguing, but Lynn plays around racial issues. The main character's, Rose Franklin, ethnic makeup consists of African American, Lumbee Indian, and Irish. The murdered man is an African American, as are several of the characters. Lynn displays in her story that not all stereotypes are correct. The owners of the trailer park are both ex convicts and ex drug users, but each has reformed. The book centers on giving a second chance and forgiveness. The journey is not to solve the mystery, but to find spiritual freedom.

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, interesting story. Rose finds love and forgiveness among new friends at Shady Grove Campground. Things aren't as they seem when folks are saying that a man's drowning was a suicide. The local sheriff doesn't want Rose snooping around, which makes him look guilty.

This story is a good example that you can't judge folks by their pasts or by their looks.

I'm not a fan of romance but romance isn't what made up this story. It wasn't sickly sweet.

I had trouble with the part of Rose being "in love" as soon as she met Tom. That doesn't affect my rating though.

[Sandee · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really nice story, by an author who also writes as Lynn Hinton. Inspiring and a fun read, as her books always are.

From Poisoned Pen:
"A pleasant voice, eccentric cast, and an offbeat story hooking into the old local slave cemetery are supported by strains of spirituality and Rose's journey of self-discovery."

--Poisoned Pen Reviews

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I didn't know if I would like this book, it was a different type of mystery, but when I got into the plot, I learned about the characters and how they all worked together and there is a touch of religion in the story, I couldn't put it down, I wanted to find out who killed the person, and it sure wasn't who I expected. I would recommend this book.

[Sarah Pottenger · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was all right. The motive for the heroine to get involved in investigating the crime was a really trumped-up coincidence, so that was kind of irritating. Amateur sleuths don't tend to investigate unless someone they know is involved. Okay, I guess. I'm not running out to get the next one.

[Clark · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed that it took place in and around a campground by the river. The cover attracted me right off. I saw it in the library and just snatched it up and read what it was all about after I got home. That's just how taken I was from the cover alone.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the atmosphere of this book. Who doesn't love a shady campground by a river? I liked the character development as well. My only issue was that the ending was too abrupt and sudden. I was hoping for more but I will seek out more books in this series.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. Clean, beautiful prose, believable characters, good plot. Nice easy read, as well.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

A nice cozy mystery. Vivid descriptions of the characters and scenery with a nice smooth flow in the story.

[Beth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not a complex mystery, but several of the main characters were interesting and fairly original for the genre.

[Vilo · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is sort of American magical realism--a mystery involving loss, faith, and good people in hard situations.

[Dianna Florea · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was ok, not real impressed. I would not recommend it. I finished it and was relieved it was over.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great cover, book not quite as good.

[Linda G · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book! Wish I was there! Can't wait to read the next one in the series, Jacob's Latter.

[Molly]

Sweet story - great characters - fast read. I have taken a few workshops from the author whose "real" name is Lynne Hinton - she's written more books under that name.

[Ceashark · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book, will look for others by this author

[Dru · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun little mystery about a women traveling in her RV. There's just one thing I don't understand anymore. Why do the people have to jump in bed on the first meeting - books and TV programs alike. How about a book where people just meet and solve mysteries together.