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Neely Kate Mystery #2

In High Cotton

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The second book in the USA Today bestselling Neely Kate Mystery series, a spinoff of the New York Times bestselling Rose Gardner series.

Neely Kate’s life is finally coming together. She’s living and working with her best friend, Rose. Her newly discovered brother, Joe, has decided he’s done hiding that she’s his sister, and her new boyfriend, Jed, is everything she could have dreamed of and more.

Only things aren’t going as well as she’d hoped.

Neely Kate is still keeping secrets from Rose. Joe wants to introduce her as his sister at a high society dinner even though she doesn’t know the difference between a soup and a dessert spoon. And Jed is spending more and more time away from her and won’t tell he what he’s up to. She’s worried he’s changed his mind about them, not that she’s surprised—can you build a relationship on digging up a body together?

Now someone’s calling Neely Kate about her Ardmore secrets, and her sister Kate might be locked up on a psych ward, but she has a few surprises of her own. Neely Kate can’t help wondering if it’s time to come clean about her past with the people she loves.

The dead body that turns up in her basement might be the kick in the pants she needs. Because the truth will set you free, or if you’re Neely Kate, land you in hot water.

350 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 31, 2018

749 people are currently reading
500 people want to read

About the author

Denise Grover Swank

132 books5,888 followers

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5 stars
1,395 (67%)
4 stars
509 (24%)
3 stars
139 (6%)
2 stars
23 (1%)
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4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
Profile Image for Ian.
1,431 reviews183 followers
October 30, 2018
Is it good? Is it bad?

I don't know.

It was kind of entertaining. There were a few sparks of Denise Grover Swank at her best...but it just feels like a bunch of characters have been tossed into a novel writing machine and this is the result.
Profile Image for Angela.
325 reviews25 followers
July 31, 2018
Oh Neely Kate!

I purchased this book over a year ago. That's how long I had been waiting for more Neely Kate. With Neely Kate dating Jed and her brother being Joe Simmons, you know things aren't going to be easy for her. This book is no exception to that rule. Denise Grover Swank likes to dish out drama and shenanigans for her characters and there is no telling how it's going to play out. I love Rose Gardner and her series' but I think Neely Kate is my spirit animal.
Profile Image for TJ.
3,284 reviews278 followers
August 10, 2018
3.5/5.0

This story would have rated an enthusiastic 4.5 - 5.0 stars if but for one thing. Yep, it’s a thing that will bring an otherwise near perfect book not only down a full star and a half but will make me want to drop kick it across the floor and out the door.

THERE IS NO ENDING!!! After following one of my all-time favorite heroines through the challenges, stress and trials she faces, the story, the mystery, everything just... stops. QUITS!! Seriously! RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE OF A CONVERSATION! No threads tied up, no closure on anything (and I’m not talking about closure on the overall story, I don’t expect that.) I’ve voraciously read every single story in the entire Rose Gardner world, but to leave EVERYTHING hanging and just stop the book mid-plot, mid-conversation? OH MY FREAKING GOLLY!

Hair pulling, steam rising, red-faced, temper tantrum. Completely ruined this amazing story. AND, we have to wait an entire year before we can even finish that conversation or know what the heck is happening? Nope, nope,nope. As much as I love everything about this world and Neely Kate, it seriously makes me want to quit the whole shebang. (Heretofore blasphemy that I never thought I would even consider.)

If something like that doesn’t bother you, though, the book is as awesome as all others.
Profile Image for Theresa .
1,848 reviews77 followers
October 1, 2018
4.5 Stars... Neely Kate's past continues to step into her present looking to destroy all that she has built... As she learns to trust those she loves, Neely Kate begins to recognize her own worth and value... Relationships begin to solidify as she places faith in others as they face off against dangerous enemies and secrets long buried are unveiled... Once again Denise Grover Swank captivates her readers with these dysfunctional families and friendships that are filled with humor and heart... Although I missed the signature Neely Kate and Rose moments in this read, it was nice to witness the evolution of the connection between other lovable and memorable characters:)
Profile Image for Heather.
277 reviews9 followers
July 30, 2018
Wow! This is now officially my favorite Swank book so far. She has a way of weaving a story that keeps you riveted from page one. This book was a perfect example of that. There were so many twists and turns and still a few unanswered questions. I absolutely loved this book.
Profile Image for Hyacinth Bridgerton.
1 review
August 7, 2018
The first Neely Kate (NK) book did not have a lot of the well-known characters -- I liked it, but it was not what I had expected. That was OK, because it dealt with Neely Kate's dark past, her demons and why she felt she couldn't open up to anybody. This one shows a lot more of NK's interactions with the people we've been reading about for the past few years -- crazy (evil half-sister) Kate escapes, bodies drop like flies around NK so Jed and Joe need to work together to help Neely Kate. Loved the blossoming relationship between Jed and NK, Joe makes an effort to bond with his half-sister, Rose is going away for the weekend with James at a garden exhibit, and Mason is in the background trying to find reasons to prosecute everybody.
I have a book-hangover and can barely wait to read what happens next! After reading so many novels and novellas you come to know these people and you become very invested in their lives -- they all have their flaws, they don't always make the right choices and they change along the way and this gives them a lot of depth and makes them very human. I love how the author uses the first-person narrative to mask the thoughts and intentions of the other characters -- it really challenges your initial assumptions whenever she changes the perspective. Denise Grover Swank is a master storyteller!
This novel was so good I could not put it down until I finished it and I still keep thinking about it and all things that happened. There was a lot of action, suspense, drama and shenanigans (loved Rose and NK at the etiquette class) and (like in all Denise Grover Swank's books) there are so many twists and turns that you never know what's around the corner. I will start reading it again to make sure I did not miss any details or hints. I think it is one of my favorite books in the Rose/NK series so far.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews319 followers
February 2, 2019
In High Cotton definitely kept a girl's blood pumping!

The Gist: Things can never stay quiet for long. An escaped crazy sister, the past refusing to stay in the past, romance and trying to figure out who you can trust. Yeah. Life is a bit hectic for Neely Kate right about now.

Neely Kate held her own in this one. She's got some insecurities but trying her best. She's got some backbone that's for sure, though. She doesn't shy away from the things that have to happen. And Jed is just a yummy hero. He's got the tough guy thing going but has a sweet heart and is trying so hard to change his life for the better. Such a sexy son of a bitch.

The romance was nice. I like that it's a bit more front and center than in the Rose ones. Gets a bit steamier, too. Lordy! Yeah, Jed's a hottie. There were some seriously sweet moments, too, as the two try to figure everything out.

I enjoyed the mystery. Kate coming back to wreck havoc as usual and everyone trying to figure out her next move and who else had come to town to cause trouble. Lots of moving elements and things that kept me guessing. Some grizzly moments and action that made my palms sweat. Bits that made me angry and others just sad.

Overall a great addition to the series and one that kept me riveted from page one.
Profile Image for Sophie Koufes.
1,993 reviews27 followers
September 21, 2018
Oh My! I need more Neely Kate! Just too fabulous! Neely Kate Mystery Series, a spin-off of Rose Gardner series just stole the show. The witty humour will have you crying from laughing so hard. Plenty of Shenanigans mixed with twists rolled into one perfect riveting read. Mystery, murder, & romance, braided together to create a jaw dropping, end of your seat thrill ride. One of the best aspects of this novel is my love for Joe Simmons just grew stronger with this book. With a cameo appearance of district attorney Mason Deveroux that just broke my heart. This authors writing style is unrivaled & exquisite. With still so many unanswered questions I need more Neely Kate Mystery Series!
Profile Image for Erin *Proud Book Hoarder*.
2,961 reviews1,194 followers
July 16, 2025
Now this is what I'm talking about. Previous NK book forgiven. Excellent all way through. Finally Joe knows on Jed and there's a lot revealed on her past, hopefully that starts dying down with her emotionally a bit as its become the defining trait of her character a bit too much past few books. There's a big twist with Kate and the group at the end.
Profile Image for Shawna Wood.
714 reviews20 followers
August 2, 2018
All I can say is Denise is a master storyteller! She is able to pull you into this world with imperfect and damaged people and you can't helped but to be moved through their journey of self-discovery and healing.

Neely Kate's life is slowly spinning out of control. her past wont stay buried and her fear is keeping her locked away from those who love and want to help. Her shame consume much of her thoughts and fights daily with her insecurities. While you want to scream at her to open up and let people be her support and help, her fears are understandable and you feel for the pain she is going through.

What i love most about this series is we get to see Henrietta through Neely Kate's eyes. Her life experience is so different from Rose and it's nice to get her perspectives on things. Neely Kate has connections to some great characters in this book, Jed, Joe, Kate and Walt to name a few. I love to see their relationships with Neely Kate played out.

Neely Kate finally came into her own in this book. She decides to no longer be the victim in her life but to take a stand and refuse to let others or her past control her any longer. It's not an easy road and Nelly doesn't change overnight, but you see a women who was lost, finally find her strength and begins to fight for the future she wants.

Her and Jed are just adorable together. I never really thought I would like them in a relationship but you can see that they truly love each other and they finally found the person they can be their true self with.

One of my favorite aspects in this book is Joe! one of my favorite characters from the beginning it was great to see him and Neely's relationship played out on the pages. This will not be an easy road for these two, but they have a special bond that can't be destroyed and I can't wait to see them take on the world together and to take back the Simmons name!

************Author Provided a Review Copy
Profile Image for Renee.
209 reviews13 followers
August 12, 2018
Write faster DGS, write faster!

I absolutely ADORE these books. Everything from the long running arcs, the mysteries, and of course the characters (even crazy Kate). Lots of Joe in this one which warmed my heart as I still have him as a bit of a favorite from way back in the first book (blocking out that whole Hillary mess!). Gotta say, contrary to public opinion, never liked Mason and am feeling pretty smug about that right now.

Of course, this was Jed and NK's story and boy did it move their relationship forward - quantum leap style. Love seeing them together and even if some of NK's self loathing gets in the way occasionally, it's nice to see her with some of her spunk back that we all fell in love with so many books ago.

My only criticism is making me wait for the next book! Five stars for this one!!
Profile Image for Jacquelyn.
117 reviews3 followers
August 15, 2018
Rose Gardner who?? Just kidding..but seriously I have been really apprehensive of this series because I love all the Rose books so much so having her as a supporting character didn’t sit right with me. The first book in Neely Kate’s series was okay but this one really grabbed my attention and made crave Neely Kate’s story. Whether you are a fan of the Rose Gardner books or not, this series is awesome in its own right and I can’t wait for the next one!
Profile Image for Cindy Mathis.
209 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2018
I read In High Cotton all in one sitting. Actually, I read every DGS book in one sitting. This world that Denise Grover Swank has created in Fenton County, Arkansas has it all. Murder, mystery, intrigue, romance. It’s one of those stories that makes you feel like you’re just hanging out with friends and family. I can’t recommend it enough!
Profile Image for Ellen Anderson.
1,251 reviews
August 7, 2018
In High Cotton

This book had me holding my breath and on the edge of my seat the entire time. Very good story. Love Neely Kate and Jed is awesome! Always happy when Rose or Joe are around also. Wish we could have had a bit more at the end, but looking forward to the next book.
101 reviews
July 31, 2018
So good!!! Neely Kate is back in her second book and it was even better than I thought it would be, which is saying something because I thought it would be incredible! NK’s first book focused on her too but having her the focus in Henryetta and in her element was really phenomenal. There is action, romance, drama, mystery and conflict, everything you want in a great book. There are a few twists and turns and the story line just became a whole lot more complicated so I can’t wait to see what happens in the next book! November can’t come soon enough!!
Profile Image for Melinda.
15 reviews1 follower
August 6, 2018
Waaaaay too cheesy for my liking. Pretty disappointed in this book especially considering I have loved all the books in this and the Rose Gardner series up to this point.
Profile Image for Elisa.
3,227 reviews40 followers
August 3, 2018
Oh My Goodness, seriously oh my Kate...lol

You’ve just got to love a Neely Kate story, you laugh you cry, you get mad at Joe a lot lol and of course you want to knee Mason in the nuts by the end and still you wish for more time in Henryetta I personally want to move their just to get caught up in the mischief and madness...lol

I do agree with Neely Kate on one important point, life really is full of grey, I doubt anyone could say their life has been completely black and white.

I am now going to be thinking non stop about Rose’s next book and how it will all connect with everything that happened in High Cotton because it was a totally explosive read, so many awesome and scary twists and turns it truly blew me away, Denise Grover Swank puts more and more addictive magic into each and every book she writes.
Profile Image for Andrea Halbersma.
100 reviews6 followers
August 27, 2018
Love

I just love Neely Kate and Rose! Their story is so entertaining and engaging. If you haven't read any of the Rose Gardener series, you need too. Seriously. Go now. You don't know what you are missing!
Profile Image for Sondra Wayman.
428 reviews1 follower
August 20, 2018
I love this series...the Rose Gardner and the Neely Kate series...they are tied together. This book focuses on Neely Kate, and loving this character I was glad to see Denise Grover Swank focus on her. Her story has a huge amazing WOW factor in the plot line! One thing I love about these books is the characters grow as people...well, at least most of them do. This book is a mystery as well as a romance...and I love her boyfriend Jed...and the focus on him in this book. I recommend this book and the entire series. You really need to read the entire series in order --- otherwise it will not make a lot of sense. But this series is so worth the money and the time. I cannot recommend this book or this series too much!
Profile Image for debra pemberton.
22 reviews
August 26, 2018
High cotton

I loved the book. I can’t wait to read the next one. I have already pre-ordered the next one and can’t wait to read it!
Profile Image for Nati.
2,942 reviews16 followers
August 26, 2018
Keep you reading until the end. How a plot can be so twisted? Awesome as always.
Profile Image for Noel Kennedy.
155 reviews
May 5, 2019
Love all DGS books and this one was no different! I love learning more about Neely Kate and her past, and hearing things from her perspective. Perfect complement to the series overall!
4 reviews
August 25, 2018
Great suspense

This author has done it again. I couldn't put the book down. It's full of suspense, murder and finally, the romance we've all been waiting for.
Profile Image for Tina.
780 reviews1 follower
August 24, 2018
DGS's Rose Gardner/Neely Kate series are my "sure thing" books. In High Cotton was another excellent installment.


Profile Image for Karen Ball.
44 reviews3 followers
August 20, 2018
Great book about a girl who had to fight hard to get out of a bad life and has to continue to fight to keep away the evil that pursues her.
Profile Image for Bonnie.
234 reviews9 followers
August 4, 2018
I love the Neely Kate mysteries. It's the same world of Fenton County, Arkansas, but with a completely different perspective. There's just as much drama and joy as there was in the Rose Gardner Mysteries and the current Rose Gardner Investigations. Neely Kate is such a strong character. Her past is a painful one (go read Trailer Trash, the first book in her series!), and seeing how she's been able to overcome it all has been inspiring.

Neely Kate and Jed are so swoon-worthy! Jed could not be more perfect...everyone needs a Jed Carlisle in their life. She's worth so much more than she gives herself credit for. I'm gad Jed sees the good and doesn't hold the bad against her.
Joe has really stepped up as NK's big brother. I'm proud of how unafraid he is to be what NK needs. His character growth over all of the books has been one heck of a journey, and I'm glad he's not going away any time soon.
Dena, on the other hand, needs to go away...and fast. I can't help but think she's connected to NK's past in some way. Or the crime/drug syndicate. I do not trust her one iota.
Speaking of a lack of trust, I have none left for Mason either. Oh, how the mighty fall. Before the Rose Gardner Mysteries ended I thought he had finally come around to accept Rose and everyone else for what they are. Now? His pragmatic view of justice has turned him into this mean, ugly shell of what he used to be. Every time he makes an appearance he digs his grave deeper. His intentions might be righteous, but his methods are poor and alienating everyone. He might be upset with how things ended with Rose, but that's no reason treat everyone who was connected to her so terribly.
Finally, on a happier note, the etiquette training scene is downright HILARIOUS! *****FIVE STARS*****
Profile Image for Jacqueline.
317 reviews
August 5, 2018
Amazing

All I can say is just wow really, this was good as always and when it comes to Nelly Kate, Joe, Rose, and Jed you just can’t go wrong.
The more and more I read each book, I just keep falling more and more in love with JOE and JED. Yes there’s still James aka Skeeter and I do like him, but still, I don’t know if I’m the only one but I don’t think I’ll ever stop dreaming for Rose and Joe to get back together. Of course with Kate on the loose it’s a crazy nightmare. I’m just a little speechless to how Kate always knows everything that she does, or how she does, when it comes to Nelly Kate. And of course there are a few funny times like always when it comes to Nelly Kate, her thinking sure is something and she really knows how to make you laugh or smile.

“He opened the driver’s door and got out, leaving the car running. I spun around to face Muffy in the backseat. “He’s just gonna leave us out here?” Muffy barked. “Yeah,” I said. “You’re right. We’re take-charge women and we don’t sit around waitin’ for any man. Even my brother.” I picked up my purse off the floor and set it on my lap. “How do you feel about bein’ a purse dog?”

“He glanced toward the door then back to me, leaning his forearm on the table. “I heard Kate Simmons escaped from the funny farm, and yet you’re prancin’ around like you’re going to a May Day parade. What are you doin’, Neely Kate?”


And last how can it end like it did because now like always, I’m just left with wanting MORE NOW, and the next adventure to continue with them isn’t till November, N O V E M B E R! I really can’t wait to long. What am I to do.
Profile Image for Rhea.
244 reviews8 followers
August 19, 2018
Like all Denise Grover Swank books, I loved this. Emotional, suspenseful and a delight from start to finish.
Profile Image for Niv.
180 reviews1 follower
August 17, 2018
Great book! Not my favorite Rose Gardner book, but still a great book.

Neely Kate’s half sister escaped from the psych ward and goes on a killing spree, leaving Joe and Jed worries about her safety. They have to try to work together to keep Neely Kate safe and her secrets hidden.

I wish Rose showed up more in Neely Kate’s books, it makes me sad that she is always missing from NK’s storylines.

The book is left open-ended to continue the Rose Gardner series, which can be frustrating because I’ve been a fan for 3.5 years now and would read the next book no matter what.

3.5/5 stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Emily Stone.
160 reviews3 followers
August 16, 2018
Finally some resemblance of happiness for NK, i love the whole of Rose Gardner’s world and the little spin of series as well, so well written and keep you turning the page until before you realise the book is finished and you feel empty waiting for the next one. I hope they don’t end and that NK happiness truly stays with Jed
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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