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Poor Mrs. Rigsby
"Sally Cox goes to work in a nursing home after her husband of thirty years leaves her for a younger woman-and in serious financial straits. The only thing bigger than the chip on Sally's shoulder is her faltering faith-and her attachment to a ninety-year-old nursing home patient named Elsie Rigsby, who suffers from dementia and whose mind wanders in and out of reality."
336 pages, Paperback
First published June 1, 2004
13 people are currently reading
171 people want to read
About the author
Kathy Herman
34 books243 followersBest-selling suspense novelist Kathy Herman has written twenty novels—including the Secrets or Roux River Bayou Series, Sophie Trace Series, the Seaport Suspense Series, and the Phantom Hollow Series—since retiring from her family’s Christian bookstore business. She and her late husband Paul have a blended family of three grown children. Kathy lives in the Northwest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
August 16, 2011
This is not a book I would typically pick up. I tend to find Christian novels to religious and if I wanted a religious book, I would read Max Lucado or Beth Moore. However, this is the book my book club chose, so I read it. And it was good. I didnt even realize it was Christian Fiction until about half way through. The story line held together well and progressed; the characters were believable and the ending was not predictable. Overall, I did actually enjoy it and I may have to look up this authors other books.
August 14, 2009
When we stray from God our choices often become self-serving.
April 3, 2012
Very good book, I couldn't put it down.
June 11, 2012
The first "Christian Fiction" book that I've read, and I have to say I did enjoy it. It was mysterious and captivating.
June 2, 2013
Great book love this author can't wait to read her other 19 books
September 17, 2020
What's your soul worth?
A very intense story of how money is not the answer to all problems, and actually causes more. Miss Kathy is an artist in describing deep emotions that people go through without the Father. Once they let go, and let God into their lives, and receive Jesus as Savior, problems can be less severe. We are not immune to problems here, but with the right eternal outlook, they become easier to tolerate. Another work of art from a great author.
A very intense story of how money is not the answer to all problems, and actually causes more. Miss Kathy is an artist in describing deep emotions that people go through without the Father. Once they let go, and let God into their lives, and receive Jesus as Savior, problems can be less severe. We are not immune to problems here, but with the right eternal outlook, they become easier to tolerate. Another work of art from a great author.
July 31, 2019
Original plot with well developed characters and unpredictable mystery, but only if you skip the prologue.
It is a faith based book and Herman presents the gospel salvation message clearly and realistically models how God can transform lives. The main theme explores the pitfalls and consequences of greed.
It is a faith based book and Herman presents the gospel salvation message clearly and realistically models how God can transform lives. The main theme explores the pitfalls and consequences of greed.
May 19, 2021
An interesting story concerning a divorced woman who works at a nursing home. She finds herself entangled in a theft that would have helped her out of a dire financial need, but instead brings heartache and murder.
February 24, 2018
I like certain parts of this novel, but I don't think it's nearly as good as her other novels. I much prefer her other novels- that contain more mystery & suspense- with less predictability.
July 13, 2019
This was a good book. A difficult book to put down.
The only problem was all the errors in typing. I think someone should proofread and fix!
The only problem was all the errors in typing. I think someone should proofread and fix!
September 9, 2021
In enjoyed the story….but the grammar errors
and typos were many, and very distracting! That’s why I didn’t give it more stars!
and typos were many, and very distracting! That’s why I didn’t give it more stars!
January 2, 2023
Clean suspense with lots of twists and turns! Kathy is a great writer! This was the last book of hers for me to read. Read all her others and enjoyed them too. :)
June 24, 2023
Proofreading
Better proofreading was needed. Grace shame was referred to as "Grade" in more than one place. Some sentences could have be improved on.
Better proofreading was needed. Grace shame was referred to as "Grade" in more than one place. Some sentences could have be improved on.
April 22, 2018
It's a mystery that also has old people and money and Jesus. Shouldn't have expected anything else, would not recommend for the casual non-religious reader.
May 8, 2013
SPOILER ALERT: I randomly pulled this book off the shelf at the library and checked it out without realizing it was Christian fiction. I do not normally read Christian fiction even though I am a Christian myself, because the writing usually leaves something to be desired. However, I had never read this author, the story looked promising and I love a good mystery, so I gave it a try. Unfortunately the writing was mediocre and the story dragged. This book was not quite mystery, not quite thriller, mostly moralizing. The dilemmas the characters faced did not ring true, and the characters' changed lives happened just a little too quickly and easily. Everything worked out a little too perfectly in the end. After stealing a huge sum of money, Sally gets off with community service because the police put in a good word for her; Sally agrees to consider reuniting with her ex-husband (who cheated on her, divorced her for a younger woman, and left her high and dry financially) after just one week of seeing him again; marries him again after 5 months; and convinces her probation officer to let her leave the state to visit her new grandchild because he thinks she's a nice person. Even the most unlikable, selfish character in the book ends up turning his life around, being okay with not getting his share of his mother's money and going to Bible study--after just a few days of working in a soup kitchen with some Christians (and without even being a Christian himself yet). And his ex-wife forgives him for all his past failures after one brief meeting in the cemetery at their son's grave.
I guess what bothered me about this book is that it failed to show these real life struggles in a believable way. Making the right choice doesn't always mean you escape the consequences for your actions, you get to keep your job, or you get to have your wife back after you cheated on her. Even if you promise profusely that you'll never do it again. Everything seemed a little too rosy. It's true that Christ changes lives. It's true that salvation transforms people. But this book proclaims a rainbow-hued version of reality where once sin is forgiven, everything is instantly fixed. Life doesn't work that way. There are still consequences to be paid and relationships to be restored.
Also, being a huge mystery fan, I was disappointed that the murderer turned out to be someone who had nothing whatsoever to do with anything that happened in the book. There were no clues to be followed, no trail of evidence, no satisfying reveal. Just a totally unexpected character who never actually made an appearance in the story happening to come by and commit the murder--almost by chance.
Sigh.
I guess what bothered me about this book is that it failed to show these real life struggles in a believable way. Making the right choice doesn't always mean you escape the consequences for your actions, you get to keep your job, or you get to have your wife back after you cheated on her. Even if you promise profusely that you'll never do it again. Everything seemed a little too rosy. It's true that Christ changes lives. It's true that salvation transforms people. But this book proclaims a rainbow-hued version of reality where once sin is forgiven, everything is instantly fixed. Life doesn't work that way. There are still consequences to be paid and relationships to be restored.
Also, being a huge mystery fan, I was disappointed that the murderer turned out to be someone who had nothing whatsoever to do with anything that happened in the book. There were no clues to be followed, no trail of evidence, no satisfying reveal. Just a totally unexpected character who never actually made an appearance in the story happening to come by and commit the murder--almost by chance.
Sigh.
July 13, 2015
Poor Mrs. Rigsby gets so confused. But she's Sally Cox's favorite patient at Walnut Hills Nursing Center. It's too bad her only relatives are her insensitive son, Harry, who's always badgering her about money, and a charming but unreliable grandson.
Harry Rigsby is retired, but these years aren't exactly golden for him. He's been reduced to eating ketchup sandwiches when his Social Security check doesn't stretch to cover the whole month. It just isn't fair. He has long suspected his mother of rat holing money, but she won't admit to it. Trouble is, if he doesn't find out before her mind goes, he'll never see a penny of it....of all kind of evil.
Sally Cox is drowning in debt and resentful that her job at the nursing home doesn't pay enough. When Mrs. Rigsby tells her and a coworker that she's hidden money from her greedy son, the coworker devises the perfect scheme to end Sally's financial woes - and opens a door to something evil?<
I really like this book, it’s a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Harry Rigsby is retired, but these years aren't exactly golden for him. He's been reduced to eating ketchup sandwiches when his Social Security check doesn't stretch to cover the whole month. It just isn't fair. He has long suspected his mother of rat holing money, but she won't admit to it. Trouble is, if he doesn't find out before her mind goes, he'll never see a penny of it....of all kind of evil.
Sally Cox is drowning in debt and resentful that her job at the nursing home doesn't pay enough. When Mrs. Rigsby tells her and a coworker that she's hidden money from her greedy son, the coworker devises the perfect scheme to end Sally's financial woes - and opens a door to something evil?<
I really like this book, it’s a keeper.
Disclosure of Material Connection:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
February 26, 2016
you know, I usually kind of hate Christian. writing. (I am a Christian btw) I hate how magical Christian writing tends to make being a Christian out to be. but this one was actually pretty good. it rarely makes the insinuation that Christianity and God are the solution to all our problems, but rather a refuge to weather the storms in. well written, if a little scattered. in the end, it came together nicely. I wouldn't recommend it to everyone, but it certainly has some good lessons in it.
January 3, 2015
This book has questions in the back for you to think about. Nice book for anyone struggling with finances. Kathy Herman seems like a delightful person herself and commits to being involved in the conversations about her books on letstalkfiction.com. I would like to read more of her books, this one is enjoyable with many characters of varying backgrounds and clashing personalities.
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May 1, 2012Kathy Herman has done it again. Poor Mrs. Rigsby is a well written novel, with a unique and compelling storylinee that keeps you guessing. With honesty and realism, the story powerfully illustrates the words of Jesus, “You cannot serve both God and money.”
October 14, 2012
This was such a fun and interesting story! I had never read anything by this author before and picked up the book at a second-hand store. I wasn't disappointed. Wonderful writing, intriguing scenario. Just simple a great read!
January 5, 2015
I had no idea what I was getting into when found this book for a dollar. It ended up being way more religious then I expected, I like how she she didn't push the religious stuff till the end, it made it more realistic that way. Overall, it was good and I'm glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 26, 2015
Despite the story being a bit unbelivable I enjoyed reading it and imagining what it would be like if I knew where a large amount of money was hidden. It was a bit tiring how Sally always complained about how hard her life was but was glad she reconsidered in the end.
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July 10, 2009I really enjoyed this book. .
July 20, 2010
Greed never pays!
August 7, 2011
I enjoy reading it. It's story about financial problems. You can't serve both God and money. As I agreed with Randy Alcorn's quote .
December 5, 2012
Quick read. Temptation lurks all in all forms and we are often tested with the ones that we've succumb to before.
October 10, 2013
Another great book by Herman, this one is a stand alone rather than one of her series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2015
Very good book. Hard to put down! Great author.
December 8, 2016
Why did the author use the character's first AND last names sooo much!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews