The third and final book in the USA Today bestselling Neely Kate Mystery series.
Violet Gardner Beauregard is barely cold in her grave, but she’s still stirring up trouble. When Neely Kate Coulson accompanies her best friend Rose to Violet’s attorney for the reading of the will, they get the shock of their lives, one that leaves them both reeling.
If that weren’t enough, Special Prosecutor Mason Devereaux is still calling witnesses for his grand jury, digging into the corruption in Fenton County. Neely Kate is approached by an unexpected source who reveals shocking news from the grand jury testimony—information about her wayward husband, Ronnie Coulson. And just as all the dust starts flying, Kate Simmons sashays back into town. Kate presents an opportunity Neely Kate finds hard to resist—the chance to find out why a Dallas crime syndicate wants the bag of money Neely Kate took from a man she’d killed in self-defense years ago.
With Kate involved, there’s a catch. Kate will only tell her what she wants to know if Neely Kate leaves town with her. Immediately.
Can Neely Kate afford to take the risk? Can she afford not to?
Dang! My head is still reeling over the things that happened in this book. Even though I tried to take my time, I read it one evening staying up very late because I just needed to know! Everything!
This book picks up straight from Come Rain Or Shine, Rose’s book, so if you haven’t read that yet, you really need to. What we get to find out in this episode is....... ha tricked you! You will have to read it to find out all the answers relating to Neely Kate and her full backstory. And it’s a doozy! Of course being a DGS novel, there are some leads that will draw us into the next Rose book and hints at something new.
The full gang were present and helped Neely Kate out of a world of trouble. Jed, without a doubt, is her greatest supporter along with Rose and Joe. What might surprise some, but definitely not me, that Mason is also there to lend a hand. Even though this is the last book in the Neely Kate mystery, she will always be right by Rose’s side so we will still be apart of her journey. I for one will be waiting to join them again soon and follow them in Henryetta.
So that was a book!!!!. Anyone who reads my reviews knows I am a HUGE DGS fan Dirty Money wasn't just an awesome addition to my DGS collection it was a perfect final in the Neely Kate mysteries, and finished off NK's side journey perfectly, leading it all back to Henryetta and everyone there, right where she belongs, there were enough twists and threads heading toward the next Rose and Neely Kate investigation story that I am beyond intrigued to see where Denise will take us next and I am looking forward to the wait and the anticipation through the build-up to the next one.
Dirty money had me laughing, crying and gettin pissed and I seriously loved every page but a few highlights. Rose telling Margie to back off was a very memorable scene and of course every scene with NK and Jed talk about swoon even when they're just talking on the phone their love is just infectious as for some laugh out loud moments those mainly have to do with dear sister Kate and her very special brand of crazy it really is addictive and highly entertaining.
I can't recommend this book enough and the whole dang Rose world is amazing.
What a way to wrap up NK’s story! I absolutely loved how NK’s past was resolved. Denise gifted us with a ton of answers, but leaves more yet to be answered in the next Rose book. NK has always had such a huge heart, and I loved seeing that side of her, as well as her inner badass. I also never would have thought I’d start liking a specific character that makes an appearance in the novel, but here I am changing tunes. I’m so curious about what role, if any, this character will play in the future. The ending was bittersweet, but I’m so excited for what the future holds!
What an excellent grand finale of Neely Kate's own series!!! Talk about a grand bookhangover! Loved every moment of this amazing book! Denise has done a perfect job tying up every bit of lose ends of NK story. We've got all the questions answered. This book was a perfection! Beautifully written, revealing secrets and showing us the growth of those great characters! Loved how everything's been wrapped in an excellent way! This is my another favorite book! Besides it promises to get to know more about my favorite characters in the future Rose books and more! Thank you, Denise Grover Swank for this incredible series!
This is the final installment of Neely Kate’s novel and all I can say is WOW. Denise really gave us tons of answers and I cannot wait to see what happens next in Rose’s world. I thought NK’s story was wrapped up nicely and I’m excited to see what happens next! I was beyond excited in some scenes in this story as NK confronts someone in her past. All I can say is NK is a badass!! I was a proud mama cheering her on. 🙌🏼
Every time I finish a DGS book, I swear it’s my favorite one. This one was no exception. Neely Kate continues on her quest to answer questions about her past and put it to rest once and for all. There were many moments where I held my breath and a few tears. Although this is the last book from NK’s perspective, I’m really looking forward to seeing more of her in future Rose books.
Poor Neely Kate. She’s been through so much. But at least in this book she got some answers. She’s always been a great character, and her personality really comes through. While this book does answer a lot of questions, I can’t wait to see where the story goes next.
Neely Kate delves into her past with her (psychopathic) sister Kate. The travel around, do some stuff...that's about it.
It's like the author got a 10 book deal but only had enough of a story for 3 books. Things that should have been resolved in a few chapters drag on for 2 or 3 books.
It's driving me batty.
But hey, look at the rating. I'm on my own with this view.
Seriously, how do these books just keep getting better and better? Most author’s books would have gone stale this deep in, but leave it to Denise Grover Swank to continue going above and beyond! Dirty Money begins with Neely Kate accompanying Rose to Violet’s attorney’s office for the reading of the will, and a surprise source giving Neely Kate crucial information about her “missing” husband Ronnie. Kate arrives back in Fenton County with a risky proposition and the opportunity for Neely Kate to find out more information about the bag of money she’s kept hidden away for years. But of course with Kate there’s always a catch! If Neely Kate wants answers, she has to leave town with Kate immediately, with no idea where they’re headed or for how long they will be gone. I have loved all three of the Neely Kate books so much, and am kind of bummed this will be the last. But at least I know she will still be around in future Rose books! Denise answers so many questions about Neely Kate’s story in Dirty Money, and even leaves a little surprise for her readers at the end of the book!
This book was really emotional for me. So much growth and strength in Neely Kate. Everything she goes through with Kate and confronting her past, I think it helped her accept herself. So proud of her for finally realizing she didn't deserve what happened to her. That she deserves the love that her makeshift family has for her. I love her and Jed so much! I can't believe I'm saying this but I kind of loved her relationship with Kate in this book too. She might be crazy but she loves her sister.
This was the last Neely Kate book and it's so bittersweet. I'm happy to have answers about her situation and I'm happy she will still be in Rose's books. But I'm sad we won't get her point of view anymore. While this book answered a lot of questions and have NK happiness it didn't wrap everything up in a tidy bow. There are still plenty of questions going forward with NK and Rose together to keep her important to the story.
Wow! Where do I even start, this book was incredible. If you thought Come Rain or Shine was out of this world brilliant, then you are in for yet another one. I don't know how Denise is able to out do herself with each new book.
I loved that we were introduced to Neely Kate and we got to find out more about her through her stories. I think Denise did an excellent job tying up some of those lose ends. It was very hard to put this book down.. I may have had my little one watch an extra show so that I could finish it up. As much as I wanted to get to the last page, I wanted the book to go on forever. I can't wait to see what happens next and where this will take our friends.
I loved that there were many, "Oh my gosh!" and "totally didn't see that coming" moments. You may even want to keep a box of tissues near by, as there were a few tear filled moments.
Hooked from the very beginning! There are few books that captivate my attention from page one but this one did! Denise Grover Swank did an amazing job at flawlessly filling in Neely Kate’s back story while simultaneously giving us answers to questions that have been plaguing us since 6 books ago! She’s connected storylines and people who I never could have imagined fit together while still leaving us wanting more. I’m so glad some of these storylines are wrapped up so those involved can move on with their lives but I’m still waiting to find out answers to the still lingering questions!
Wow! Absolutely amazing! I picked the perfect way to spend my rainy Saturday! I couldn’t put the book down! I am so proud of how strong Neely Kate has become especially now after hearing more of her story! I loved having some from her point of view and am glad some questions were answered! I love Denise’s writing and how the story gets better with every book! Can’t wait to see where she takes the characters next!
Oh my....what a wild ride this one was for us. I inhaled this book! I could not put it down. Sister Kate shows up and that's the first clue that it is going to a bit crazy! I love Neely Kate even more and Jed...well he is just perfect. It was a real page turner from the beginning.
The whole gang showed up along the way to help out. Even Mason might be trying to redeem himself. The jury is out for me on that! And Carly....she has certainly become one of the family with her own story.
I can't wait to see what is in store next for us. At least Neely Kate got a few answers. Love all the characters. These books couldn't be any better!
Fans of the Rose Gardner mysteries need to read this book! From the day readers first met her, Neely Kate Rivers has always been a force to be reckoned with and fiercely loyal friend. Every girl needs a Neely Kate in her life. As she is helping Rose through her grief, some of NK's mysteries re-surface. This book takes Neely Kate on an unexpected journey where she discovers answers to many of her unanswered questions and finds help from unexpected sources. I found myself laughing with and cheering for Neely Kate in this wonderful installment of the Neely Kate Mysteries.
Thank you Denise for giving us a look into the life of Neely Kate. I think this we needed the spin off to get more information on NK that we wasn't able to get in the Rose books. I feel this one tied up all the strings that needed to be tied up at this time. I think Kate is a lot like Skeeter. They both are in the long game of things but have a soft side. NK understands Kate more then most people. Just like Rose and James. All the Simmions kids have demons they need to kill. I know Kate is holding on to more then most. I hope her and NK can leave everything on good terms. I was very glad to see Neely Kate get her ending with Ronnie. It is about time!!! I just wonder how much James knew about that and didn't let on. Just a wondering thought. I hope we never see Ronnie again and NK and Jed can have their Happy life together. I am sure that isn't going to happen. I have some hopes and dreams for NK and I think now that we have more of her story we can appreciate her more in the Rose books. I think Her POV was way to much for us to take in the regular books. Also, with Rose having to deal with being "Queen,Lady in black" this will help us understand some of the players. I just hope Kate doesn't have something to do with some of it for Sister revenge on Rose.
Dirty Money was a satisfying conclusion to this amazing series! Neely Kate ended up being a rich and complex character made of many layers and it was fun to get to see these layers peeled away to find out who this character is and what she can become.
Neely Kate has spent so much time running form her path and living in fear that she finally decides that is going to take control of the situation and free herself from the chains that bind her. This is what about Neely Kate. She knows when to be vulnerable and have others help her and she knows when it's time to take control and find the answers for herself.
Kate makes an appearance and what a glorious one it is! While she is full on crazy and desperately needs some help, I never want her to go away. Her creepiness and instability make for a great protagonist, not just for Neely Kate, but for the whole gang as well. While I do want her to be redeemed a little (so she can stick around) I hope she stays a trouble maker and out of the hands of the law.
While I'm sad to see Neely Kate's series to go, I am happy to with how it ended. We got the answers we needed for Ronnie, Hardshaw, and Carly and now Neely Kate is free to live her life and plan for the future!
Here I am yet again underestimating DGS. I didn’t have tissues handy and I probably should have!! Yet another fantastic book and what a way to close our NKs short series. So many questions answered and as NK would say “and then some” I’m surprised to say that I am pretty excited to see where things go with Kate. I can’t help but root for her to come over from the dark side. I love NK’s POV. I love her relationship with each of the other characters. This book will have you desperately aching for Rose. You can truly feel how depressed she is. We all know she’s a fighter but in this book (especially the beginning) she just isn’t herself- justifiably so. These characters are truly a favorite of mine. I could read about them every day. Which is why I was so excited to see not one but TWO releases coming up with these characters!
What a story!!! I love Neely-Kate and I loved reading another book from her POV. Without giving too much away, because you need to read it, NK and Kate go on an adventure for answers to NK's past in true Kate style. Yes questions are answered that we have been wanting to know. But in true DGS fashion we still have a few things that we are left wondering about. This is a must read for all who love our girl Neely-Kate and her best friend Rose.
This book picks up where Come Rain or Shine left off, So if you haven't read that one yet You really should before you read Dirty Money. In this book Neely Kate and her sister Kate take a little adventure. While on this adventure Kate reveals all the Answers that Neely Kate has been looking for. This book had me trapped from the moment I started it.. Denise has a way with making us feel like we are right there with the Characters. With this being the final book in NK's story, I think Denise answered all of our questions and then some. I am looking forward to see where NK, Jed, Rose and Joe go next. Thank you Denise for a Wonderful Book!
Dirty Money was everything I needed for Neely Kate! Neely Kate has been through so much. I was nervous that I would not be able to get my Neely Kate questions answered in the final book to her series. Of course, I had no reason to be nervous. Denise Grover Swank did a fantastic job answering my questions and more with leaving me with more questions for her new Carly Moore series and the next Rose Gardner book. I love that Dirty Money had enough Rose Gardner in it to give a good peak at how Rose is processing everything that came up in Come Rain or Shine without taking away from Neely Kate's story.
Neely Kate's character has come so far. She is no longer the closed off woman that felt she does not deserve love or friendship. She now is a confident fierce woman who embraces love and friendship and knows she deserves all of the amazing people in her life and has so much to offer them. It has been wonderful to see her growth and the growth of her relationships. I am sad this will be the last Neely Kate book but am grateful I will be able to still see her future through Rose's books.
All the feels!! Knowing this is the 3rd and final Neely Kate installment in the Rose Gardner world is bittersweet because I love her and her storyline so much. With that said, Denise did a fantastic job of wrapping up NK's story and giving her readers the full story of what happened in her past. I was happy to see Ronnie again and see what type of man he really is. I still want to know how things play out with Hardshaw.
Where I did not like Kate in prior stories, I felt bad for her in Dirty Money. Do I still feel like I trust her 100%? No, but my heart broke for her at some points. Speaking of hearts breaking, poor Carly (I can't wait to read her new spinoff series) and Rose (***Important: Read Come Rain or Shine prior to reading Dirty Money!!)...
I cannot wait to see what the future holds for Neely Kate and Jed. The scenes between NK and Jed are so sweet (and sometimes sultry). Everyone should have someone like Jed.
Now I will wait patiently for the next book to come out. I read this one super fast because it is that good! Highly recommended!
My mind is still spinning after finishing this book. This marks the conclusion of Neely Kate’s personal storyline. I have loved the opportunity to see the truth behind Neely Kate and how she came to be the badass that she is. My heart breaks for the trauma that she endured. But I also rejoice in the fact that she not only survived, she conquered. She finally found the love and appreciation she so desperately wanted in her friends, family, and the man that holds her heart. I look forward to sharing in her happiness as we get to see more from her in the Rose Gardner series.
I’m not gonna lie but Kate is a favorite of mine. Blinded by rage and grief, she wants revenge. As deranged and psychotic as she may be, we get a glimpse behind her reasons. I feel that she’s especially drawn to Neely Kate because of their shared history of abuse and loss. Perhaps she feels Neely Kate is the only one who understands her pain. I’m hoping the road trip of “sisterly bonding” gives Kate a chance at redemption.
Last Neely Kate Point of View which is sad however I feel is necessary at this point in the overall story. This picks up right at the end of Come Rain or Shine so it starts as the next day which I absolutely love. Just ongoing of what just happened previously. I can’t say how much I love these books, they are an amazing escape from reality. Dirty Money kept me in constant suspense, so many emotions packed into one story. Some don’t like Neely Kate but I love her, she is broken yet kick ass. She is unique and tries her best to survive the crap that is dealt to her.
Honestly I don’t understand how the author continues to keep all the pieces of the puzzle on track. Not once has she swayed and left you wondering “well what happened with this person”or “what happened with this issue”. All answered in good time.... I can’t say how much I love these characters. They are each unique and wonderful in their own personal ways.
The best Neely Kate book in my opinion!!! Dirty Money is an absolutely incredible book with tons of twists and turns. I was shocked during many different parts and I really love the way it turned out. In this book, you also start to see Kate’s emotions and motives and I really liked getting that better insight into her personality. Dirty Money is the perfect end to the Neely Kate series. There are so many things that were finally resolved and we got a ton of information that we didn’t know in the Rose Gardner series but with some things still to come that I know we’ll see in the next Rose Gardner book and some in the Carly Moore book. It is absolutely perfect and I honestly wouldn’t have changed a thing! Five stars all the way!
This was the amazing end to Neely-Kate’s story. Don’t worry she’ll still be hanging out in the Rose Gardner Investigation Series with Rose, Jed, Joe, and whoever causes mischief in Fenton County. (Don’t Read this book unless you’ve read Come Rain or Shine from RGI, it will cause spoilers!)
I love this book and Neely Kate getting to share her backstory over the past 3 books. I fell more in love with Neely-Kate. This book is full of wittiness, suspense, and heartbreak to healing.
Favorite line of the book: “Went off with psychopath sister, please pick up milk.”
*To women who have lost a baby to a miscarriage or had a friend who lost a baby to miscarriage, I found these character’s interactions therapeutic.*
4.5 Stars... Our final Neely Kate Book, and boy did it go out with a bang... So many questions are answered and yet more are proposed leading us into Carly's series and the continuation of Rose's story... The connection of the key players in the Hardshaw group is revealed and the way in which it all tied into Neely Kate and her unfortunate circumstances... Then there is Kate the wildcard; is she helping or plotting the demise of our beloved characters... So many questions and so many more books to devour... I am looking forward to seeing how all of this plays out and the twists and turns Ms. Swank will take her readers through to get to that finale... Fantastic series... I loved hearing Neely Kate's POV and gaining an understanding of her backstory:)
What an end to the NK books! I adored all of them and really think this was the best way to bring out her back story and help us see what a strong person she is. The story had me on the edge of my seat waiting to see what was going to happen next.
Not going to lie...their crazy lives even though made up...still make me feel better about mine! I mean it just shocks me as to the amount of trouble that pops up. But I LOVE it!
Of course the characters were just captivating as always. Such a mixture of crazy and funny...bold and broken.
I loved getting this final installment of NK's story. It explained a lot of things and also showed Rose' turbulent life from another viewpoint. Reading Dirty money has inspired me to go back to the beginning and re-read all in this series as I don't think I have appreciated it enough. It always impresses me that Denise can make spin off series from characters and still have the original weaving through and never forgotten! I am so please NK has her happy ever after with Jed :)