It’s been nearly three years since the fall of the Hardshaw Group, and Rose is living a low-key life in Fenton County. She’s happily married to Joe Simmons, raising her own two children along with her niece and nephew, and running her landscape business. Everything is coming up…well…roses! And still, when she and her best friend Neely Kate unearth a peculiar wooden box in a client’s yard, she finds herself yearning for the good old days of solving mysteries.
Be careful what you wish for.
Before she can even fight that particular urge though, a teenage boy shows up asking for protection from “The Lady in Black”. There’s no denying it. Trouble seems to be landing right on Rose’s doorstep just like it used to. And no one knows better than her; trouble always comes in threes…
The past is better left behind, but is it ever really gone?
This really should rate a 3.5 stars but I love Rose and her world so much I just couldn’t do it. DGS is the only auto-buy author in the mystery field for me, and that is solely because of this world, these characters and all the love, warmth and down-home goodness that is sprinkled into all the high-jinx, murder and excitement.
It’s been a few years since we have actually seen Rose, though (there are multiple spin-off series now that are set in this world Rose started). She is now married with two kids of her own, plus the two she is raising of her sisters. One of the best parts of this story is the real, yet lovely way Ms. Swank incorporates the home life, challenges and love of an everyday mother. Absolutely pitch-perfect!
BUT… we have to have some way to draw Rose back into her investigative persona, and that’s where it gets a bit sketchy for me. At first the whole finding a box thing just wasn’t the big deal it was made out to be. Seems like much ado about nothing. (Of course, we know that at some point it has to turn into something, but still). I also had a really hard time with her continually choosing to keep Joe in the dark. Now, the author does a good job of explaining why, but it still didn’t sit well that Rose is putting her marriage so much at risk.
Even with those itches, however, I still absolutely relished each and every page of this slice-of-life, murder mystery! It’s a love that has developed over years and will probabaly endure forever. ;)
OMG!! It was a whirlwind of emotions, filled with suspense, heartwarming family moments, criminal underworld and a twisty mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. Revisiting Rose, now a busy mom of four, was a delight. The author captured the chaos and love of family life perfectly, especially the sweet bond between the kids and their cousin Daisy.
The mystery itself was great and just when you think you have it figured out, plot twist!! It is truly a bingeworthy read. This book also had plenty of laugh-out-loud moments that balanced out the emotional rollercoaster.
Don't be intimidated that this is the 8th book in a series. The author does a fantastic job of giving newcomers enough backstory to enjoy this as a standalone, but trust me, you'll want to dive into the whole series!
I'm so giddy with anticipation for what's to come!! Eeeek!!
Returning to Rose and the town of Henyretta felt like getting wrapped up in a warm hug. This has been one of my favorite series for literally a decade and when DGS wrapped it up previously, I understood, but was sad to see Rose go. I’m so pumped DGS decided to write her world again!
We get back into Henyretta a few years after the last Rose book ended. It coincides with the timing of Harper’s series by Denise (which you should also read!). Rose and Joe are thriving with 4 children and reading their family scenes gives you all the feels. Neely Kate and Rose stumble into a new mystery and it’s full of action, adventure, and danger, just like we’ve come to know and love with Rose. The book is fast paced and while I hated finishing it so quickly, I couldn’t put it down. There are some surprises that I’m super excited to learn more about and see how they pan out in the future. A great addition to the series we love, but also could be started as a standalone due to the time gap from the last and the good summaries DGS includes!
Oh my goodness what a delightful feeling to be immersed into Rose Gardner’s world again and visiting all the wonderful characters that became like a family to me over the years. So much changed in Rose’s life in almost three years since we last visited her and Neely Kate. Both now loving moms and wives. I absolutely loved how realistically in a detailed way author showed us the chaos and heartwarming family moments filled with emotions and love of the daily life of a working mother with 4 children. It filled me with whirlwind of emotions. What harm could do to do a little investigation of unearthed box that contains a few love cards and a ring and empty locket? Just needs to find the owner right? And there comes the trouble and keep you guessing and thinking that you figured it out but you are proved wrong until the very end. Trust me you’re going to love this book as much as I do! It’s a page turner for sure.
This is the first book back in the Rose series. There is a little time jump between books but it is like there hasn't been! We get to see Rose as a mom of 4 and running her business. She had closed the door on solving mysteries but just when you least expect it, she picks it up again! A lot of favorite characters return! In true Denise fashion the plot keeps you guessing til the very end. This book, like the ones before, are well written. Picking this book up after a pause was like coming home again!.
What a fantastic re-entry into the Rose Gardener world! Rose previously closed the door on solving mysteries, but when a box is unearthed at a landscaping job, curiosity is sparked and Rose and NK figure there isn’t any harm in a little light investigation. Meanwhile it seems like something ominous is stirring in Fenton County, keeping Joe busy. I loved how the author captured the complexity of being a working mom. The sweet moments between Rose and her family, as well as the internal struggle Rose has trying to protect her family are so well written. It is such a delight to have more from Rose and company. Life has changed so much for these characters since we last visited them, yet it feels like we picked up right where we left them. Fans of the series are going to binge this one. If you haven’t read the series, this book does a great job of giving the backstory, so this one can be read as a standalone-but of course I think you will want to read the whole series!!
I have loved Rose from beginning and was so excited to hear about this new book because I thought we were done hearing about Rose but I am so glad Denise wrote this. You always wonder what's going on with characters you grew so attached to and I love every page of this one. I so happy to have this little insight into Rose's world especially after little teasers in other book series that have connections. I really hope there will be more.
I have the hangover of all book hangovers! I finished this book 48 hours ago and can’t stop thinking about it. This is my favorite series and I was beyond excited when Denise announced she was writing a new book after ending it a few years ago. The story begins almost 3 years after the last book, but don’t worry Denise brings you up to speed right from the start and it honestly feels like no time has passed.
I loved seeing Rose and Joe married and tackling family life. They sure have their hands full; but you feel the gratitude and love they have for everything they’ve been given. Denise protrays the craziness of a busy family and the struggles that come with it perfectly. Getting to see Rose, Joe, Neeley Kate and Jed as a family unit was just fantastic.
And of course, it wouldn’t be a Rose story without some mystery and danger lurking in the shadows. And just when I thought I maybe was figuring things out, the story would twist and turn another way. It’s a bingeable book that you won’t want to put down.
You can start with this book and be able to follow it, as Denise gives a lot of backstory throughout. But if you haven’t read the ENTIRE series, you are missing out!! I hope this series goes on indefinitely!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Being back in Rose’s world is like coming home. I didn’t do a reread since I didn’t have time but easily picked back up and remembered exactly what was going on with Rose, Joe, Neely Kate, Jed and the kids.
As per Rose’s luck, while digging on a job site, her and Neely Kate find a buried box. They figured a little investigating to find the rightful owner isn’t too big of a deal. It should be safe, with having their beautiful families around. Famous last words.
When Rose starts having odd visions, more and more things come out to play with Joe being the newly elected Sheriff. Too many coincidences that is threatening the safety of Rose’s family. And she will do anything to protect her precious kiddos, however she also knows when to stop when things might get too dangerous.
I absolutely adored being back in their world. This book gave me just as many feels as the last ones and ones before it. We see glimpses of all of our favorites… of Witt, Bruce Wayne, Aunt Bessie and Uncle Albert, Randy, and even Mason. Don’t wait to grab this one because you’ll want to read it as soon as you can! Phenomenal story!
Rose Gardner returns. While working on a landscaping job, Rose and Neely Kate find a buried box. It turns out to be more than it first appeared.
My thoughts:
Rose Gardner Mystery Series is how I discovered @denisegroverswank back in 2010 or 2011. I have loved all of the Rose Gardner books and glad she is back.
Trouble Comes in Threes is book 8 in the Rose Gardner Investigation series. Technically, the books can be read as a stand-alone; however, the overall plot continues from book to book. Each book focuses on a different murder(s) but Rose, Neely Kate, Jed and Joe are fighting against the same group in the background in every book. I recommend reading them in order.
I love Rose’s character. The way she has grown since Twenty Eight and a Half Wishes has been well done throughout the two series. This book was a crazy ride with Rose and Neely Kate wanting to investigate like before but realized they have families now and have to be careful.
I look forward to seeing where their stories go from here.
That’s the feeling that came over me when I opened this book. You know that sigh of belonging? As I settled in for a wild ride, I felt the connection to these characters slide into place. Swank did a phenomenal job of encompassing the chaos of being a mother and running a household all while holding down a full time job. It was wonderful to see the characters grow in their relationships and with their families. I thoroughly enjoyed all the crossover worlds but there’s just something about the original that just doesn’t compare. So to see Rose and Neely Kate drawn back into the game is exhilarating. The whole book was intriguing, fast paced, full of adventure, mystery, and suspense. The witty banter between the characters provided all the laughs that come when Rose and NK get up to their shenanigans! I’m so grateful that Swank has decided to return to Henryetta and I’m anxiously hoping for more adventures!
How lucky are we that we got another Rose book?! I loved diving back into this world, I freaking adore these characters and it felt so good to hang out with them again 😊 It was great, and I'm so thankful we got this story. I will always be excited for more books with Rose, she's such a genuine and sincere character. Even after all she's been through she's still just an amazing person, you know? But also so just normal. And I'm starting to ramble. Loved this addition to the series!
Rose is back!!! I was so excited for this book! I couldn't wait to see how the fam was doing now! And how Rose would juggle everything now.
This was a little bit of an emotional roller coaster of a book for me. But light hearted banter sprinkled in between balanced it nicely. And the twists and turns kept me excited for each chapter.
This book felt new and refreshing but also familiar and comforting. I loved every minute of it! And that one particular plot twist was mind blowing and I cannot wait for what comes next!
I am a fan of Rose Gardner, the mousey DMV worker who found herself in multiple dangerous situations and over time became a strong independent woman who helped to rid the county of the criminal elements. I just loved her in Trouble Comes in Three! Rose is now a business owner, married to her first love and raising four children. And once again becomes embroiled in a mystery while seeking to locate the owner of a buried box found while working a landscaping job. Trouble Comes in Three is an action packed page turner with multiple surprises and twists! Welcome Back Rose!!!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I loved all the Rose books and how she grew and developed after all the abuse but was not a fan of her reuniting with Joe at the end of those series. That being said… I still came back for more with this book. SPOILERS FOLLOW
This book frustrated me. I found Rose extremely sappy. Every chapter had sections of intricate childcare trivialities. Pages of Filler of the mundane doings of family life. And yet the actual mysteries… and there are 3 of them…. Take a backseat to the everyday life activities that add nothing, but does portray Rose as a frustrated working mom who is going “doormat” as she excuses Joe all too easily when he screws up.
The worst is that of the 3 mysteries, only 1/2 of one gets solved. No info on who took the disks. No info on the “sister” and the killer of her in the vision. No info on who killed the guys in jail or who murdered the other two original people. Just a lot of unanswered questions and frustration.
And then the teaser chapter for a series with Iris… the “sister” with an indication that Selena will be her Neely Cate…
And an ending telephone call from Mason indicating news of Lady is resurfacing which means more Rose stories.
I guess it remains to be seen if I return for more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Easy read. Finished pretty quick, it was good to go back to Henryette and visit some of my favorite characters. I'll always be Team James but I do love how Rose has found happiness with Joe.
Denise Grover Swank’s Trouble Comes in Threes is a brilliant return to the beloved Rose Gardner series, immersing readers once again in the chaotic yet heartwarming life of Rose and her family. Set nearly three years after the previous book, the story brings Rose and Neely Kate into their new roles as devoted mothers and wives, skillfully capturing the challenges and joys of juggling a busy family life. Swank’s portrayal of the emotional ups and downs of being a working mom is both authentic and deeply moving, making the characters’ experiences resonate on a personal level.
The plot takes off with the discovery of a mysterious box during a landscaping job, igniting Rose and Neely Kate’s curiosity. What begins as a simple investigation quickly spirals into a suspenseful and intricately woven mystery that keeps readers on the edge of their seats. Swank excels at blending this tension with the familiar, endearing aspects of Rose’s world, ensuring that each twist and turn in the story feels both surprising and significant.
For fans of the series, this installment is a delightful reunion with cherished characters, while newcomers will appreciate the well-crafted backstory provided throughout. Trouble Comes in Threes delivers an engaging, binge-worthy experience that captures the essence of why the series has been so beloved. It’s a testament to Swank’s talent that readers will finish the book eager for more, hoping for an indefinite continuation of Rose’s captivating journey.
Rose is back, and with her Neely Kate, Jed, Dermot and, of course, Joe and the kids. I was never team Joe, no matter how many rereads of the series I’ve made, but in this book he’s redeemed himself to me. He starts out a bit rocky, with traces of overprotectiveness and controlling tendencies, but he soon comes around and rise to the occation. This is not a big thing in the actual story line, but really important to me.
This book takes place three years after we met Rose the last time and her life is now very different. She and Joe have four children. Rose’s dead sister Violet’s two kids Ashley and Mikey, Hope, who’s biological father must be a secret, and Liam who is both Joe’s and Rose’s biological child. I must say that I love the deep thread throughout the book (well through all the books in the series actually) that biology alone is not what makes a family.
We meet them in normal everyday family chaos, but of course there is a mystery too and The Lady In Black has to be brought back.
For every page I’m sucked deeper and deeper into the Rose Gardener universe - and so is Rose. Her struggle to be true to herself and still be true to her family rings so true. I’m really excited to be back in this world and hope that the next part of the story will be coming soon.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rose is back!! And good news, if you haven’t caught up you won’t be totally lost as there is a lot of background information included (though I still recommend reading her series)
For seasoned readers, the first thing I noticed is that while everything about Rose’s world looked the same, it felt a little different. Then I realized it was because everyone was older, more mature, had families and running businesses - they are adults! And Denise did such a fantastic job of making the voice of novel reflect that. And true to the original series, Rose and NK are thrust into a mystery that turns dangerous - only this time they’re juggling motherhood too! Be ready for twists and turns and jaw dropping moments! Some very wholesome conversations that will undoubtedly bring tears to your eyes. And even a steamy scene or two!
I was so, so excited for this book to come out and it did not disappoint!! Rose Gardner has single-handedly gotten me back into reading as an adult so I had high hopes for Trouble Comes in Threes, and it hit all my expectations and more! I absolutely loved reading about Rose and seeing what shes been doing. Her life has changed a bit since the first series, and even the beginning of the second, but she’s still the same lovable and smart Rose. I was immersed in this book from beginning to end and felt the loss when I came back to reality. The writing really draws you in and the mystery Rose ends up in the middle of keeps you guessing. There are so many characters that are all so well developed and I loved seeing so many familiar faces back again. Trouble Comes in Threes is perfection and I cannot wait for more Rose. I will read every single book this author will give us in this world because they never disappoint!
Everyone cheer with me... Rose is back! Hip-Hip-Hooray!
I completely DEVOURED this story! I read this book with so much anticipation in my heart. It was fast paced, full of mystery and a true adventure. Everything I love about Rose!
Denise Grover Swank gives us ALL THE FEELS with this one. There is such an amazing draw to these characters. I completely ADORED being back in this series!
Trouble Comes In Threes was SO entertaining and a true DELIGHT to read. I really hope we get MORE Rose!
Oh my goodness, such a fantastic book. I love being back in Henryetta with Rose.
Rose has a busy schedule being a wife, mother, and working but couldn’t help working with Neely Kate when they dig up a surprise at one of the homes they were working at.
But when things start to get serious, Rose starts to worry, she had more to lose than she used to.
I didn’t want this book to end, but it was fantastic. I missed Rose and the gang and I’m so glad Denise gave us an opportunity to catch up with them.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ahh! I was so excited when I learned that there would be a new Rose Gardner book and I am so thankful to have been able to read a copy of the book early. Denise did not disappoint with the latest story involving Rose and her world. It was refreshing to read about Rose and how much her life has changed over the last 3-4 years and to get reacquainted with everyone else like Joe, Neely Kate, Jed, Bruce Wayne, and Maeve. The mystery part of this book was full of intrigue and there were so many more surprises that I am looking forward to hopefully reading in a future Rose Gardner book or in a spin-0ff.
If you loved Rose like so many of us do, you will love this special book. 💖 Denise Grover Swank was able to pick back up from years ago with Rose, her children, her husband, and her friends. This is such a good story like all of her previous books were! Don't miss out!
When I heard there was going to be another Rose Gardner Investigations book, I squealed. Especially after thinking the series was done!! DGS did an amazing job writing this book and making sure it seamlessly kept with the series and didn't seem as an after thought! I will say though, it was hard being reminded that Rose and Skeeter are no more. While I like Joe, I am and will always be #TeamSkeeter
Meh! It's just not the same without James. I may very well be done with this series. Too much time spent talking about or doing things with kids, too little action or suspense. Just isn't the same without Skeeter.
Oh my stars and garters!!! This was a page turner- I devoured this book in ONE DAY!!! All of our favorite characters make at least a cameo appearance in this book! I was so happy to catch up on what everyone has been doing. This book was a typical, wonderful Rose and Neely Kate mystery filled with twists and turns, secrets and lies, and kept me reading the whole day! Just when I thought I knew what was going to happen something else developed and I was back to trying to figure everything out. My favorite part of the book, which some people might not appreciate but I love, is that DGS takes the time to paint Rose’s average day for us raising four kids. She never conveniently forgets to mention where the kids are or has the reader turn several pages to find out the kids magically reappear because it’s convenient. Nope! Just like Rose- DGS has the kids rounded up and taken care of during the whole book! Sure, a friend might help out and watch them for a little while but it is all so normal and realistic. I LOVED that the children are Roses everything and just like any real life mom she knew where they were and what they were doing every minute. Joe, of course, is an amazing father but he makes mistakes too and throwing that reality into the book just made it all seem so real. I felt the love through the whole book. Love in relationships and friendships. I am not ready to have the series completed but I am open to seeing these characters show up in other books. DGS created such a wonderful cast of characters and her ability to come up with these crazy scenarios that NK and Rose find themselves in is so very entertaining! I loved this book- beginning, middle, and end!.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.