Flames of Rosewood

Rosewood #2

by Gina Marie Barlean

Gloria Larson learns of her mother’s murder, and the list of suspects grows by the minute. When she meets new family members, trust issues come into play. Fortunately, she still has her Thorns, but a handful of old women can only do so much against flames in Rosewood. However when it comes to raging fires—one should never underestimate strong-willed women.

Genres: Mystery

251 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 17, 2015

About the author

G. M. Barlean is a Nebraska author who calls both Omaha and David City her home; city mouse and country mouse, in turn. She is a member of The Nebraska Writers Guild since 2009. She is also a member of The Nebraska Pen Women. The author of cozy mysteries, suspense fiction, collections of essays and even a love story, her latest book is non-fiction and about the people of her heritage and the land from which they came: Czech & Slavic Epic History.
Barlean has a website at ginambarlean.com, and a Facebook page where she shares her life stories with friends and readers.

Reviews

[Charissa]

This suspenseful mystery sucked me right in. Gloria is an amazing character that I grew to love in Book 1, and I loved her even more in this one. She’s strong, feisty, curious, and honest. There’s even a hint of romance in this story that made me cheer…just a hint, but it added to the story a lot. This book deals with Naomi’s death (the wicked witch of the west who happens to be Gloria’s birth mom and is ultra-evil woman—even as an old lady). She’s murdered, but you don’t know who dun it because there are so many possibilities of people who despised her. This book has lots of surprises and lots of action. Gina Barlean’s writing style is amazingly witty and sharp. I love the stories that come out of her head. This book could be read as a stand-alone, but do yourself a favor and read Thorns of Rosewood first. You’ll get so much more backstory of characters that will enhance this story for your reading pleasure if you do. And the characters are some of my favorite things about Barlean’s books. They are as rich and decadent as hot fudge brownies with chocolate chips in them. Yum! Hopefully, Barlean writes another book soon to fill my hunger…or I could get off the couch and make my own dessert. But what’s the fun in that. Besides, books have way less calories in them.

[Carrie]

This is a follow-up to Thorns of Rosewood, and though the original 'Thorns' (four elderly women in an assisted-living facility accused of murder in the first book) don't get as much airtime, there are plenty of other happenings going on. This time, Gloria, the reporter who wrote a book about the Thorns, finds herself caught up with some dangerous characters when she starts looking into her biological mother's murder. As with the first book, surprises await, and the tension heats up as Gloria digs deeper.

I found the description particularly strong in this book and could easily imagine myself at the fair grounds in small-town Nebraska. I would have liked to know a little more about the town cop's character; I found him particularly likable. Perhaps he'll show up more in the next book.

A quick pace and a fast, fun read.

[Janice Dick]

I so much enjoyed the first book in this series, Thorns of Rosewood, which I downloaded for free (and reviewed briefly here), that I spent a few dollars on the sequel, Flames of Rosewood. I'm afraid I was extremely disappointed.

My guess is that the author wanted to get this sequel out quickly, so detoured around revisions and edits to a large degree. There were multiple format issues (no spaces between scenes), grammar glitches galore (typos and misused homonyms, etc.), character inconsistencies and plot blips. I moved from reading to skimming, and almost packed it in early, but decided to read to the end.

To be fair, this book has/had great possibilities, but did not receive the creative care it deserved. If it's self-pubbed and POD, there may be a chance of redemption.

[Lynda Kelly]

Sadly this one isn't a patch on book 1 which was an easy 5* for me. It's been a long time since I read that and you really can't do this one as a standalone as it's very confusing without knowing who's who !!
She got apostrophes wrong in this one, which I don't think was a problem in the first book, she capitalised One-hundred and one Dalmatians but wrote it like this. Either capitalise the whole title or don't !! It just looks messy. A place called Medowbrook was mentioned and I would hazard that it's supposed to be spelled Meadowbrook, lightening and not lightning was written and I got to where Benny's name suddenly morphed into Bennie and gave up and this was at 14%.
Such a shame as I really liked book 1 and planned on reading them all.

[Adrienne]

The Talbot's old home is burned to the ground, without known reasons. Naomi is murdered in the mental hospital and Gloria struggles with accepting she has a brother. Nothing makes senses until its revealed Gloria has buried treasures in the basement and greed gets the best of some one in town. And, when Gloria is kidnapped, her brother is assaulted the race is on to find her before its too late. Its a slow paced mystery that keeps you guessing until almost the end.

[debbie ragan]

Great sequel

Mystery that keeps giving! Loved the sequel there was a contradiction to the first book that was never explained , she published the book before they died? Still made no difference in a good book.

[Jacqueline Winters]

I read this book in a less than a day! I loved the first one, and this one was no exception. I was on the edge of my seat the entire book!

[Joyce]

This was a major disappointment after the first book.

[Gia]

So glad to solve the mystery!!! A nice ending to the story. I wish there was an epilogue to wrap everything up.

[Elvira D Ryan]

Great follow up to the Thorns.

I really enjoyed this story. G.M Barlean kept my interest throughout the story. I feel like I have met all the characters. I can't wait to get the next one. Thank you Ms Barlean.

[Diane Ritter]

Not quite as good as Book 1, but kept me reading all the way to the end. On to Book 3!

[Christine Munsee]

Good series to follow

This is an easy summer read. There's romance, mystery and intrigue. The plot changes with every page and chapter. Excellent read

[Priscilla Baalhorn]

LOVE THIS AUTHOR!

This author sucks you in and you HAVE to get the next book! I'm going to have withdrawals when the series is done!

[Audra]

Another exciting book in the series

Another thrilling book in the series. As good as it is, Thorns of Rosewood is still the best by far. This was action packed and fast paced. Now to wait for book 3?!

[Doris H.]

Story stands alone

I read this in one afternoon. Hard to put down! Although it's the second book of three, reading the first is not necessary to be able to enjoy this one. Looking forward to book three!

[Randall Tamerius]

Enjoyable read

This book hooks you right from the start. Great story line and action packed throughout. Here's to hoping there will be a book 3 in the series!

[Jennifer Quevedo]

Hoping for book 3

Love these Thorns. I want their story to continue. Glad to read Doug turned out to be a good guy.

[Pam Williams]

Excellent Holy

A very good book. Well written and developed. If you liked the first, you will love the second. I am off to read the third.