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Rose Gardner Mystery #9.5
Sins of the Father
As the fallout from J.R. Simmons’ death begins to settle, some of the victims are still dealing with the results of that deadly night. Rose mourns the changes in her life and struggles to move on. Neely Kate is devastated when Joe leaves Henryetta two weeks after his father’s death and refuses to speak to her. Joe is left dealing with his father’s business and the consequent FBI investigation, while he wonders where he belongs. But when Rose’s former neighbor’s family dog runs away, Neely Kate convinces Rose to look for the pet and both discover a few things about themselves in the process.
120 pages, ebook
First published November 1, 2016
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October 29, 2016
Sins of the Father is book #9.5 in the Rose Gardner Mystery series by Denise Grover Swank. This is a final wrap up of the devastation Rose and all those who are close to her had to deal with in the previous book.
Let’s start with Rose. She is mourning the end of her relationship with Mason. He has moved to Little Rock and started a new job. She had hoped for awhile he might come back to her but she hasn’t heard from him since he left. Neely Kate is also mourning. She hasn’t been able to find her husband, even with the help of James and Jed. She has filed for divorce but mostly she just needs closure. Not only that but Joe left town shortly after it was divulged that he was her brother. Doesn’t he want her either? Neely Kate is living with Rose and working with her at the landscaping business which is doing very well.
Neely Kate and Rose both agree they need to move on, that maybe they should try to date again but neither is ready, especially Rose. Neely Kate’s been trying to convince Rose that they should try the private investigator business. One of Rose’s friend’s dog is missing so Neely Kate jumps on it as their first case. This brings them to a new addition to Henryetta, a new single veterinarian. Dr. Levi Romano. Neely Kate is sure that he showed an interest in Rose but she just isn’t ready. Will Dr. Romano play a part in Rose’s future?
Joe also has plenty to deal with. Not only is he left to clean up the mess his father left behind, he has to live with any part he played in all of it. He’s plagued with guilt and remorse. He doesn’t know where he belongs or what he wants to do with his life. Mason’s mother is still in town and she plays a very important part in helping Joe to find his way.
We get a glimpse of the relationship between Rose and James which has become stronger. I really have been falling for him the last couple of books. Could he be a future romantic interest or are they just destined to be friends?
So J.R. Simmons debauchery still lingers even after his death. He has influenced so many lives with his evil. It will be a long road for everyone to move forward but this book offers a little bit of closure. It also prepares us for the new series that is a spin off of this one, Rose Gardner Investigations. The first book will be called Family Jewels and is due out the end of November.
Let’s start with Rose. She is mourning the end of her relationship with Mason. He has moved to Little Rock and started a new job. She had hoped for awhile he might come back to her but she hasn’t heard from him since he left. Neely Kate is also mourning. She hasn’t been able to find her husband, even with the help of James and Jed. She has filed for divorce but mostly she just needs closure. Not only that but Joe left town shortly after it was divulged that he was her brother. Doesn’t he want her either? Neely Kate is living with Rose and working with her at the landscaping business which is doing very well.
Neely Kate and Rose both agree they need to move on, that maybe they should try to date again but neither is ready, especially Rose. Neely Kate’s been trying to convince Rose that they should try the private investigator business. One of Rose’s friend’s dog is missing so Neely Kate jumps on it as their first case. This brings them to a new addition to Henryetta, a new single veterinarian. Dr. Levi Romano. Neely Kate is sure that he showed an interest in Rose but she just isn’t ready. Will Dr. Romano play a part in Rose’s future?
Joe also has plenty to deal with. Not only is he left to clean up the mess his father left behind, he has to live with any part he played in all of it. He’s plagued with guilt and remorse. He doesn’t know where he belongs or what he wants to do with his life. Mason’s mother is still in town and she plays a very important part in helping Joe to find his way.
We get a glimpse of the relationship between Rose and James which has become stronger. I really have been falling for him the last couple of books. Could he be a future romantic interest or are they just destined to be friends?
So J.R. Simmons debauchery still lingers even after his death. He has influenced so many lives with his evil. It will be a long road for everyone to move forward but this book offers a little bit of closure. It also prepares us for the new series that is a spin off of this one, Rose Gardner Investigations. The first book will be called Family Jewels and is due out the end of November.
December 20, 2016
Denise Grover Swank is a favorite author. I love her novels.
But I'll only read her novellas if I'm desperate.
Her full length novels are brilliant.
Her novellas and short stories miss the mark more often than the hit it.
But I'll only read her novellas if I'm desperate.
Her full length novels are brilliant.
Her novellas and short stories miss the mark more often than the hit it.
November 27, 2016
Rose, Neely Kate, Joe and James are picking up the pieces after the showdown with JR. Some things are explained, but new things and potential problems are coming up. So even after 10 books of Rose and her friends I still can't get enough. So only two more nights of sleep and 'Family Jewels' is finally on my kindle. Yay!!!!!
November 2, 2016
If you have been a fan of the Rose Gardner Mysteries by Denise Grover Swank, you will know that the series wrapped up with Thirty-Six and a Half Motives. And of course, the new series with Rose and Neely Kate - Rose Gardner Investigations starting with Family Jewels will be released soon. So what better way to round out the previous series and link it to the new one, is this great novella.
You will get some of those niggly questions answered but we also get a taste of what is to come next. I love the various POV's as it helps to know what each character has going on in their own head, and not just Rose's. Joe and Neely Kate have plenty to say, as well as James and Jed. Maeve is still helping out where she can, with the nursery and Joe. She mentions Mason, so I am hoping he and Rose reconcile at some point.
I am so glad that Rose will be back with some of the previous characters as I just couldn't say good bye to them yet. I am looking forward to this new chapter for Rose and the gang.
You will get some of those niggly questions answered but we also get a taste of what is to come next. I love the various POV's as it helps to know what each character has going on in their own head, and not just Rose's. Joe and Neely Kate have plenty to say, as well as James and Jed. Maeve is still helping out where she can, with the nursery and Joe. She mentions Mason, so I am hoping he and Rose reconcile at some point.
I am so glad that Rose will be back with some of the previous characters as I just couldn't say good bye to them yet. I am looking forward to this new chapter for Rose and the gang.
August 1, 2017
4.5 Heartfelt Stars... Following the devastating consequences of the end to JR Simmons, our beloved characters are sorting through their personal pain and losses... this novella follows Rose, Neely Kate, Joe, and James "Skeeter"Malcom as they attempt to make sense of their own chaos.... once again, Denise Grover Swank provides us with a mix of humor and sadness as her characters make authentic choices in their healing process; new relationships are forged and old wounds are healed as these characters move forward into unknown futures.... new questions arise and old suspicions remain that create a backdrop for the spinoff series....looking forward to the revealing of more secrets in the "quiet" town of Fenton County:)
August 12, 2017
Just what we needed after the last book!! Loved it! We've got answered many questions and anticipation of what brings new series. I'm looking forward to Rose Gardner Investigations.
December 6, 2022
Final Finale/Ends and Starts
Swank describes this as a bridge between the two series; the Rose Gardner mysteries and the one where she and Neely Kate set up as investigators. Closing the past, clearing issues and preparing for the future. Excellent.
Swank describes this as a bridge between the two series; the Rose Gardner mysteries and the one where she and Neely Kate set up as investigators. Closing the past, clearing issues and preparing for the future. Excellent.
February 14, 2017
As much as I enjoyable Rose Gardner Mystery series, the accompanying novellas can be a hit or miss. While "Sins of the Father" provides us with a great deal of insight into hell Joe goes through in the aftermath of killing his father it also reveals the nightmare teen life of Neely Kate. Quite honestly, I feel as though Ms. Swank has gone a bit overboard with the sexual abuse of too many of the female characters. Truthfully, I hate it when female authors write about characters who are sexually abused as if it is nothing more than a literacy tactic. We all know that horrible things happen but where I have my issue is that authors rarely deal with the problems or the difficulties of healing after such ordeals. I truly hope that Ms. Swanky is not planning to continue down this dark road with the new series. Otherwise I will not continue to read it.
October 31, 2016
So many more questions answered, threads tidied up and hope for the future, this novella made me love Rose even more than I thought possible I am really looking forward to her new series with NK and I hope we see more of Joe to.
January 3, 2017
I love reading the POVs from different characters.
January 22, 2020
So I know I'm a little late to the rose Gardner mystery series but omg I couldn't put the darn books down. I stubbled up on the first book a long time ago and then got busy with life and never read it, so I decided a week and a half ago to finally read it. Once I finished the first book in a day in a half I went ahead and bought the 3 box sets that were available. I was glad I did it that way as I was able to read all the novellas in between as well. I ended up getting emersed into these books I read the whole rose Gardner mystery series in a week and a half I immedietly fell in love with all the characters and found myself rooting for relationships to last, others to end, and new Ines to start. I felt like I was part of the story so much that when some dangerous was happening my heart rate was going crazy, and then when something sad I felt emotional like these characters were real that they were my friends. I know it sounds weird but this author really makes you feel what's happening.
July 30, 2020
I loved this book. I am a huge fan of Denise's writing. I first began reading her Rose Gardner series. I fell in love. I am a Rose hog. I love everything about Rose. I finish the Rose books within two days. I love the series! There are so many surprises in this book! I laughed, I cried, I cheered Rose and NK on! Do not worry I will not spoil it for you because I want you to read this book. This book is very deep, raw and heartfelt. The fallout of the 9th book is HARD on all the characters.
One of my favorite parts of Denises' writing is the depth that she brings to each character. None of the main or supporting characters are left unattended. Each has their own background and storyline. I love learning more about each of the characters and watching them grow. The depth and realness of the characters pulls at your heartstrings. Denise's writing is so relatable. It is like you are reading about your bestfriend!
One of my favorite parts of Denises' writing is the depth that she brings to each character. None of the main or supporting characters are left unattended. Each has their own background and storyline. I love learning more about each of the characters and watching them grow. The depth and realness of the characters pulls at your heartstrings. Denise's writing is so relatable. It is like you are reading about your bestfriend!
September 20, 2021
Sins of the Father (#9.5) — Denise Grover Swank (11 chapters) September 19, 2021
I read this as a part of the Rose Gardner Mystery Box Set #3. For my overall review of the box set, take a look at that review.
The ending of this Rose Gardner Mysteries set, the books wraps up a few ends and lays ground work for the new series.
In this book, Neely Kate comes to terms with knowledge of her father and turn to an old friend, her half brother, for support. While looking for her husband who wandered off, she also start to think about dating again. But both she and Rose are half-hearted about it.
Also, Neely Kate and Rose search for a missing pet and Rose confronts Joe about the changes in their lives.
Rose also continues to meet with James.
A nice little ending to a very well plotted series.
Four stars.
I read this as a part of the Rose Gardner Mystery Box Set #3. For my overall review of the box set, take a look at that review.
The ending of this Rose Gardner Mysteries set, the books wraps up a few ends and lays ground work for the new series.
In this book, Neely Kate comes to terms with knowledge of her father and turn to an old friend, her half brother, for support. While looking for her husband who wandered off, she also start to think about dating again. But both she and Rose are half-hearted about it.
Also, Neely Kate and Rose search for a missing pet and Rose confronts Joe about the changes in their lives.
Rose also continues to meet with James.
A nice little ending to a very well plotted series.
Four stars.
July 30, 2019
The time has come.... the sad ending of the Rose Gardner Mystery series. I absolutely loved and enjoyed this series and am sad that it's ending. I'm also super thankful that Denise decided to continue Rose's story (and her friends) and can't wait to start the Rose Gardner Investigations and Neely Kate series!!
As for Sins of the Father....while I always love to hear the other character's points of view, this book I could've done without. Denise could have ended the series with Thirty-Six and a Half Motives and I would have been okay (emotionally not so much, but still). I know that Denise was just trying to sum up what everyone was feeling a few months later, but I didn't feel it really brought any value to the rest of the series.
As for Sins of the Father....while I always love to hear the other character's points of view, this book I could've done without. Denise could have ended the series with Thirty-Six and a Half Motives and I would have been okay (emotionally not so much, but still). I know that Denise was just trying to sum up what everyone was feeling a few months later, but I didn't feel it really brought any value to the rest of the series.
January 8, 2024
Good series epilogue
This novella is a series epilogue. It gives us a glimpse of the aftermath of JR’s death, all the things that happened in the county to Rose and the secondary characters in the last year. We get some chapters from Joe and Neely Kate’s POV rather than just from Rose’s POV with snippets of how everyone is adjusting. Despite being short, the novella was well written, the characters had dimension and the storyline was engaging. This novella is not a standalone, it needs to be read after the other books in the series in order to understand the characters and plot lines and to not spoil any surprises. I am looking forward to reading Rose’s new series to see what happens next for her and for all the others.
This novella is a series epilogue. It gives us a glimpse of the aftermath of JR’s death, all the things that happened in the county to Rose and the secondary characters in the last year. We get some chapters from Joe and Neely Kate’s POV rather than just from Rose’s POV with snippets of how everyone is adjusting. Despite being short, the novella was well written, the characters had dimension and the storyline was engaging. This novella is not a standalone, it needs to be read after the other books in the series in order to understand the characters and plot lines and to not spoil any surprises. I am looking forward to reading Rose’s new series to see what happens next for her and for all the others.
June 16, 2019
The Aftermath...
This book follows up on the aftermath that entails after Thirty-Six and a Half Motives. While the last book was full of action, this book was full of answers and calm. While Neely Kate and Rose added to their case resume, there were also new characters introduced that I think we will see more of. The end of this book leaves it open to be able to start the next book, starting in the Investigation series, Family Jewels. I love that the novellas in this Rose Gardner series do from different POV. It really lets you get into each of the characters heads and understand why they do what they do! Now onto Family Jewels!
This book follows up on the aftermath that entails after Thirty-Six and a Half Motives. While the last book was full of action, this book was full of answers and calm. While Neely Kate and Rose added to their case resume, there were also new characters introduced that I think we will see more of. The end of this book leaves it open to be able to start the next book, starting in the Investigation series, Family Jewels. I love that the novellas in this Rose Gardner series do from different POV. It really lets you get into each of the characters heads and understand why they do what they do! Now onto Family Jewels!
April 7, 2018
This novella is told through various character POV's. Sins of the Father looks in on the characters as they each deal with the after-math of taking down the notorious JR Simmons. Joe is taking it the hardest, hiding from everyone and punishing himself for the actions of his father. He receives support from an unlikely source. Neely Kate is struggling with her new found knowledge but she and Rose work together to search for a missing pet. Denise keeps her readers guessing as she adds a new vet to the cast of characters.
July 10, 2018
This novella was a perfect bridge from the Rose Gardner Mysteries series to the upcoming Rose Gardner Investigations series. It provides the perfect opportunity to read various POVs of some of our favorite characters after the fallout of the mess that was JR. We feel and experience Joe's pain and confusion; we learn more about NK and her fighting spirit; we feel how Rose is still putting herself back together. I'm so glad Denise decided to continue with this series via a spin off because I was no where near ready for this series to end and this novella cemented that!
July 24, 2018
3.5 stars, 0 heat.
A nice transition novella from this series ending and moving into the next one.
The Gist: It's been 3 months since the big show down and everyone's lives are changing and settling. Some moving on, some coming back home, figuring out new roles in each others lives and what they want to do from here on out.
I liked the little visit with everyone from Rose and Neely Kate to Skeeter and Joe. And a tiny little "mystery" as the girls look for a missing pup and find some silly adventure.
Short and sweet!
A nice transition novella from this series ending and moving into the next one.
The Gist: It's been 3 months since the big show down and everyone's lives are changing and settling. Some moving on, some coming back home, figuring out new roles in each others lives and what they want to do from here on out.
I liked the little visit with everyone from Rose and Neely Kate to Skeeter and Joe. And a tiny little "mystery" as the girls look for a missing pup and find some silly adventure.
Short and sweet!
September 5, 2019
I so love that we have Joe’s Point of View, it allows us to understand why he is behaving the way he is and handling the aftermath of his Dad and sister.
Of course this shows Rose and Neely Kate’s as well to continue the story but was very excited to see Joe’s. Then Neely Kate’s POV started and oh boy I loved every minute of it!
Between sadness, laughter, heartwarming, it was a great novella. A break from the suspense they have all been dealing with. Great end to this series and beginning of Rose Investigations!
Of course this shows Rose and Neely Kate’s as well to continue the story but was very excited to see Joe’s. Then Neely Kate’s POV started and oh boy I loved every minute of it!
Between sadness, laughter, heartwarming, it was a great novella. A break from the suspense they have all been dealing with. Great end to this series and beginning of Rose Investigations!
October 2, 2025
I’m about 90% sure I read this almost a decade ago, but Goodreads says otherwise. Anyways…
What a way to end the series. And now I need to read the spin off investigations! I have the first book ready to go. I like that there was reconciliation between Joe and Neely Kate in this one. Also that Neely Kate and Rose solved another mystery. The grabbing of the pig was the funniest thing in this novella. Does Rose have a different love interest brewing in either the vet or Skeeter? It’s to be determined in the next series!
What a way to end the series. And now I need to read the spin off investigations! I have the first book ready to go. I like that there was reconciliation between Joe and Neely Kate in this one. Also that Neely Kate and Rose solved another mystery. The grabbing of the pig was the funniest thing in this novella. Does Rose have a different love interest brewing in either the vet or Skeeter? It’s to be determined in the next series!
November 7, 2016
This is such a bittersweet, but hopeful, read. I really love the novellas because we get other characters' POV's. We feel and experience Joe's pain and confusion in regards to the aftermath of the destruction of his father's empire; we learn more about NK and her fighting spirit; we feel how Rose is still putting herself back together. Although short, it is definitely worth the read. Denise is such a gifted writer she does not have to fill up many pages to tell an excellent story.
March 17, 2018
My heart! This is such a great but emotional novella to finish up the series! In Sins of the Father you see how the blowup and fallout with JR has changed a lot of things in the Rose universe. It’s a perfect way to finish summing up the old series and set the scene for the next series, the Rose Gardner Investigation series. A lot had happened in the last book and it was nice to have some questions answered about Joe and how he is handling things after everything that had happened to him.
April 11, 2018
I love this follow up to Thirty-Six and a half Motives! I love that the book provides more insight and details into the aftermath of the fallout from taking down JR Simmons. The insight and perspectives from the different characters strengthens the connection to each character. Sins of the Father helps tie up the Rose Gardner Mystery novels and provides a great introduction to the Rose Gardner Investigations series.
May 1, 2018
I am very thankful that this novella came out. It gives you so much insight on what happens after all the mess that happens in book 9. Everyone is starting to heal and get ready for the next chapters in their lives. This book gives you a lot of insight into all the pain that everyone is going through, and how they are healing from it. I absolutely loved this series and can't wait for the spin off series.
June 12, 2019
This novella is really fantastic and paves the way for the new series - the Rose Gardner Investigations. Rose, Neely Kate, and Joe are each struggling with their own conflicts and we get to see how each deals with the news after J.R. Simmons death. Filled with insight and plot twists this book is a must read for Rose fans. I hurt for NK as she tries to find her place in this new family she has been thrust into.
June 23, 2019
This book starts 3 months after then last book finishes. Everybody is still dealing with the aftermath of what happened. Rose is learning what life is single, for the moment. Neely kate is hiding how much everything is effecting her, from her husband to her new family. And poor Joe the pain and suffering he is going through. I love how this book shows you their own POV and different feelings and thoughts to the dramatic end of the last book and the future.
May 4, 2024
Reading from Joe's perspective is truly heartbreaking; he endured significant suffering, as did those around him due to his despicable and malevolent father. I'm so glad Maeve is there, she's a true angel in the story. The entire series is exceptional, particularly the remarkable character development. Witnessing how much they've grown is truly captivating. I eagerly anticipate the next series to continue journeying alongside these characters.
October 24, 2016
Soooo cruel, releasing this in such small parts every month! I am glad this last one came early, thank you thank you thank you!
I love getting insight into all the characters minds in the novellas and Sins of the Father didn't disappoint! It was short and sweet and left me missing my favorite Fenton County people!
Now I sit and anxiously await the release of Family Jewels.....
I love getting insight into all the characters minds in the novellas and Sins of the Father didn't disappoint! It was short and sweet and left me missing my favorite Fenton County people!
Now I sit and anxiously await the release of Family Jewels.....
October 1, 2017
This is a must read to the end of this series! Finding out all that I did in this book was wonderful! It answers great questions that I had developed with the entirety of this series and the key players. You are going to want to read this before continuing on the next set of books that the great wordsmith Denise has written.
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