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Millionaire Suspense #1
The Blue Rose
Best-selling author, Terry Toler, brings you this exciting novel about Wanda Rose, the greatest female jazz singer of her day. How did her husband of twelve years never hear her sing?
Cathy Tolliver, an insurance claims adjuster is processing a simple Christmas tree fire claim. When a hundred thousand dollar necklace shows up missing a week later from Wanda Rose's townhome, Cathy is suspicious. When two people are dead, she wonders if she will be next.
What Others are Saying about The Blue Rose
“Wow! That’s all I can say.”
“I didn’t see the ending coming!”
“I should know better than to try and figure out a Terry Toler plotline.”
“So, the character takes the plunge and goes on the journey and what a journey it was!”
Cathy Tolliver, an insurance claims adjuster is processing a simple Christmas tree fire claim. When a hundred thousand dollar necklace shows up missing a week later from Wanda Rose's townhome, Cathy is suspicious. When two people are dead, she wonders if she will be next.
What Others are Saying about The Blue Rose
“Wow! That’s all I can say.”
“I didn’t see the ending coming!”
“I should know better than to try and figure out a Terry Toler plotline.”
“So, the character takes the plunge and goes on the journey and what a journey it was!”
332 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 23, 2020
295 people are currently reading
796 people want to read
About the author
Terry Toler
61 books92 followersTERRY TOLER is a international #1 best selling and award winning author who has written seventeen non fiction books and thirty novels including the Jamie Austen and Alex Halee spy stories along with The Eden Stories. He is a public speaker, counselor, and retired entrepreneur. Impacting the lives of people worldwide through storytelling has become one of his passions in life. He can be followed at terrytoler.com.
"Terry Toler is well written, and a rising star in literary fiction." Michael DeAngelo (Reviewer)
The Longest Day won the 2020 Best Book Award for Religious Fiction sponsored by American Book Fest. Saving Sara and The Late Great Planet Jupiter were both finalists for the 2021 Best Book Award in the Thriller/Adventure and REligious Fiction categories.
"Terry Toler is well written, and a rising star in literary fiction." Michael DeAngelo (Reviewer)
The Longest Day won the 2020 Best Book Award for Religious Fiction sponsored by American Book Fest. Saving Sara and The Late Great Planet Jupiter were both finalists for the 2021 Best Book Award in the Thriller/Adventure and REligious Fiction categories.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
November 26, 2020
Twister
What a great book. Wanda had a complicated life from the beginning. Abused in the orphanage which she ran away from, identity crisis and failed marriages. Twists all over until the end.
What a great book. Wanda had a complicated life from the beginning. Abused in the orphanage which she ran away from, identity crisis and failed marriages. Twists all over until the end.
January 17, 2021
A well told story. I just recently watched Ken Burns' series JAZZ, which really prepared me for this story. On the other hand, this would also be a good read as an introduction to the Ken Burns series.
February 11, 2021
Review of "The Blue Rose"
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the wonderful ending! The plot and the characters were excellently developed and were interesting the entire story. I highly recommend this novel!
Thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the wonderful ending! The plot and the characters were excellently developed and were interesting the entire story. I highly recommend this novel!
June 23, 2021
Great story!
I liked this book alot! The story was I interesting with unexpected twists! My only complaint would be that near the end, character names were switched, making me say, "What!?" But, re-read and wrap your head around it and keep going!
I liked this book alot! The story was I interesting with unexpected twists! My only complaint would be that near the end, character names were switched, making me say, "What!?" But, re-read and wrap your head around it and keep going!
December 3, 2020
The Blue Rose
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a blues singer with a history of marrying men for their money who is being investigated for an insurance claim that may be fraudulent..
Very interesting and entertaining storyline about a blues singer with a history of marrying men for their money who is being investigated for an insurance claim that may be fraudulent..
December 19, 2020
Different and enjoyable!
May 6, 2021
Great book! Keeps you wondering what is next
Clean mystery with sweet romance. First book I’ve read by this author. Will likely read more. Didn’t want to put it down!
Clean mystery with sweet romance. First book I’ve read by this author. Will likely read more. Didn’t want to put it down!
October 25, 2022
Could not stop reading
I thought I had this mystery nearly solved several times, but the story wasn’t completed until the last page was turned.
I thought I had this mystery nearly solved several times, but the story wasn’t completed until the last page was turned.
October 31, 2020
An EXCELLENT Read!
I enjoyed this page turner from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Christian aspects, as I too am a minister. It wasn't churchy or preachy but the intent and the message were so REAL and uplifting. I'm looking forward to reading more books authored by Terry Toler. Well done!
I enjoyed this page turner from start to finish. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the Christian aspects, as I too am a minister. It wasn't churchy or preachy but the intent and the message were so REAL and uplifting. I'm looking forward to reading more books authored by Terry Toler. Well done!
October 31, 2020
Good story, lots of twists
Interesting plot, complete story with NO cliffhanger! The main character, Cathy, was a little dramatic and tended to overreact, but the story was good.
No profanity, graphic violence, or sex scenes.
Interesting plot, complete story with NO cliffhanger! The main character, Cathy, was a little dramatic and tended to overreact, but the story was good.
No profanity, graphic violence, or sex scenes.
November 1, 2020
Great Book
I really enjoyed this book. I heard my interest from the first page to the last. Good story. I highly recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book. I heard my interest from the first page to the last. Good story. I highly recommend this book.
November 9, 2021
Oh what a story
This book is great. You start reading and think you have it figured out then the plot twists and off it goes again
This book is great. You start reading and think you have it figured out then the plot twists and off it goes again
November 19, 2021
Great read
I love this book you want to keep reading till the very end took me till almost the end to figure out what was really happening great book
I love this book you want to keep reading till the very end took me till almost the end to figure out what was really happening great book
October 26, 2020
She could sing like an angel!
A very interesting read. So many twists and turns! I was really surprised that things turned out as they did. As was quoted several times in this story, things rarely turn out as they seem. Some very interesting characters and some unusual story lines. Enjoyable reading.
A very interesting read. So many twists and turns! I was really surprised that things turned out as they did. As was quoted several times in this story, things rarely turn out as they seem. Some very interesting characters and some unusual story lines. Enjoyable reading.
October 27, 2020
Crazy good
Well written and imaginative story and crazy plot that kept me guessing till the end. Wonderful characters, loved Cathy, the main character, an insurance investigator who doesn't give up.Great read!
Well written and imaginative story and crazy plot that kept me guessing till the end. Wonderful characters, loved Cathy, the main character, an insurance investigator who doesn't give up.Great read!
October 21, 2020
Amazing
I rarely give a five stars rating but in spite of spelling mistakes, this book merits the highest rating. It is a story of mystery, drama and intrigue. There is a depth that isn't found very often in mysteries. The author presents his believable story with realistic characters and a well developed plot. Enjoy!
I rarely give a five stars rating but in spite of spelling mistakes, this book merits the highest rating. It is a story of mystery, drama and intrigue. There is a depth that isn't found very often in mysteries. The author presents his believable story with realistic characters and a well developed plot. Enjoy!
November 12, 2021
Wonderful novel!
This was terrific mystery that I did not want to put down! An insurance agent trying to prove fraud uncovers a case that gets more intriguing with each new piece of evidence. The author is very gifted in storytelling!
This was terrific mystery that I did not want to put down! An insurance agent trying to prove fraud uncovers a case that gets more intriguing with each new piece of evidence. The author is very gifted in storytelling!
August 19, 2021
Intriguing story
The story started in1929, with the current events happening in 1984. The characters are well drawn and believable. The progression of the story goes back and forth between the two periods. I was so glad to have the mystery explained in the end. I really enjoyed this book.
The story started in1929, with the current events happening in 1984. The characters are well drawn and believable. The progression of the story goes back and forth between the two periods. I was so glad to have the mystery explained in the end. I really enjoyed this book.
November 18, 2020
First book I've read by this author...
Slow at first but ends up with many twists & turns...😁. Recommended very highly for those who like this kind of mystery..
Slow at first but ends up with many twists & turns...😁. Recommended very highly for those who like this kind of mystery..
October 11, 2021
Intriguing plot, fascinating characters!
An engrossing story. Uniquely plotted, well written, and chock full of twists and turns. Toler's characters come to life and grab your imagination as they lead you through a merry chase to get to the resolution. Blue Rose is a solid tale of suspense. I read it in one sitting!
An engrossing story. Uniquely plotted, well written, and chock full of twists and turns. Toler's characters come to life and grab your imagination as they lead you through a merry chase to get to the resolution. Blue Rose is a solid tale of suspense. I read it in one sitting!
January 3, 2021
Mindteesing
There is no way you will figure this out til you read the ending! What happened To Wanda Rose the famous blues singer? Why isn't she singing anymore? Is she a murderer in hiding?
There is no way you will figure this out til you read the ending! What happened To Wanda Rose the famous blues singer? Why isn't she singing anymore? Is she a murderer in hiding?
February 13, 2021
What a dog!
Trite. Reads like it was written by an eighth-grade girl . I wouldn't recommend this book to my worst enemy.
Trite. Reads like it was written by an eighth-grade girl . I wouldn't recommend this book to my worst enemy.
June 12, 2021
The Blue Rose by Terry Toler was on a list of books an author friend of mine sent me that he thought I'd enjoy. There were probably 15 books on the list, but I was taken with this one. it had a slight historical slant to it and that grabs me every time. There was only one thing that changed my rating from a solid 4 stars to 3 and it's something most people wouldn't even think twice about. However, as I was reading and had hit about halfway the main character found god. From that point on she was like an enthusiast church member trying to shove god down this atheists throat! I skimmed through most of it, but with it continuing to come up I missed some of the book and that's a shame, as I was really into the story.
Cathy Tolliver is a fraud investigator with an insurance company and when it comes to her job she's like a dog with a bone. She will stop at nothing to prove fraud if she suspects anything out of sorts is going on. After a simple Christmas tree fire at a Beverly Hills home results in a missing necklace valued at over $100,000, Cathy is suspicious. Wanda Rose, the fire victim didn't report the missing necklace for a week, she blames the firefighters for it's theft, and she has no evidence she ever owned such an expensive piece of jewelry. Cathy is relentless in trying to prove she's lying and will leave no stone unturned to catch Wanda in a lie. But what Cathy learns in her investigation will open up a whole new can of worms that will lead her on a long journey of discovery and redemption.
The story was very good and the way the author laid it all out was easy to follow. I loved the historical parts of the story where the storyline went back to Wanda's days as a famous Blues singer in the 1940's. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and even though Cathy's boss was a jerk, he was only acting like most male bosses in the 1980's. Brash, sexist and condescending! Just my opinion after working in executive management for almost the entire decade of the 80's. Like I said without all the god talk I would have easily given this a solid 4, but when I have to skim pages and pages because I find the content unnecessary or not anything I deem realistic when I'm not reading fantasy, it affects the book and my enjoyment of it. For the average reader this won't be a problem though and I'm sure you'll love the thrills and mysteries Cathy uncovers in her hunt for the truth! Happy Reading!
Cathy Tolliver is a fraud investigator with an insurance company and when it comes to her job she's like a dog with a bone. She will stop at nothing to prove fraud if she suspects anything out of sorts is going on. After a simple Christmas tree fire at a Beverly Hills home results in a missing necklace valued at over $100,000, Cathy is suspicious. Wanda Rose, the fire victim didn't report the missing necklace for a week, she blames the firefighters for it's theft, and she has no evidence she ever owned such an expensive piece of jewelry. Cathy is relentless in trying to prove she's lying and will leave no stone unturned to catch Wanda in a lie. But what Cathy learns in her investigation will open up a whole new can of worms that will lead her on a long journey of discovery and redemption.
The story was very good and the way the author laid it all out was easy to follow. I loved the historical parts of the story where the storyline went back to Wanda's days as a famous Blues singer in the 1940's. I enjoyed the interactions between the characters and even though Cathy's boss was a jerk, he was only acting like most male bosses in the 1980's. Brash, sexist and condescending! Just my opinion after working in executive management for almost the entire decade of the 80's. Like I said without all the god talk I would have easily given this a solid 4, but when I have to skim pages and pages because I find the content unnecessary or not anything I deem realistic when I'm not reading fantasy, it affects the book and my enjoyment of it. For the average reader this won't be a problem though and I'm sure you'll love the thrills and mysteries Cathy uncovers in her hunt for the truth! Happy Reading!
September 8, 2021
Unfortunately blurb has deceived me into believing that this is a mystery and it is actually a chick-lit. There is a little sprinkle of mystery to keep story going but it is playing second fiddle to emotions, relationships, touchy-filly etc. Protagonist is lady (Cathy) working as insurance adjuster under sexist and perfectionist boss. Author massively overdone all his transgressions that after some time one starts to ask oneself why is she working there. After 5-6 years she should be good at her job and normal person would move on. She is working in LA and not in the middle of Sonoran desert so it should not be a problem! At one stage she compares her boss (utter jerk) with her father(who was much nicer and compassionate but still perfectionist) and there is a problem - our protagonist has a huge daddy problem. She is unable to have a relationship with man, her only romantic relationship in the book is with infantile BOY and it is only male person she is not feeling threatened from. All man in position of any authority are presented in such way that book can be justifiably described as deeply misandric!! If man is not agreeing with her theories that is because she is a woman and not because there is not any proof of her ideas who are far fetched(and proven mostly wrong at the end).
The end is rushed, improbable and anticlimactic. Unfortunately I wasted to much time with this book!!
The end is rushed, improbable and anticlimactic. Unfortunately I wasted to much time with this book!!
December 19, 2020
Who is Wanda Rose really? A famous blues singer or an imposter? The mantra of this book would be "things are not always as they appear" and the protagonist, Cathy, takes us on a journey to uncover the truth. While the premise was interesting, I felt parts of the story dragged and sometimes points were over-explained. While Cathy's dogged determination to get to the bottom of things is admirable, she sometimes comes across as annoyingly self-righteous. While I appreciated the attempt to highlight gender inequality in the workplace, I also thought the arrogant, male chauvinist characters were a bit overdone. I also found the ending completely implausible and kind of silly. I don't want to give anything away, but the manner of death of both characters who died just seemed ridiculous. I'm sure many people will appreciate this mystery, but there were too many flaws for me to give it a higher rating.
August 11, 2021
Who is Wanda Rose? That's the question to be answered. Could she be a fraud?
Cathy Tolliver is an insurance claim adjuster and a fire in the townhouse of Wanda Rose's lands on her desk. The more she looks into the case something just doesn't seem right.
I had a hard time deciding rather to give 4 or 3 ⭐, I ended on 3 for the following reasons. First, Cathy works for a male chovinist. His character to me was taken to the extreme. Second, I had a hard time actually getting into the book. It seemed to drag for the first half of the book. In fact, I thought about bailing on it a few times. Last, the ending to me was just to far fetched. I just couldn't see that happening in real life, but then again it is a fiction book. Others really liked the book, so my opinion is not the norm.
Thanks to Goodreads, the publisher and author for the Kindle Version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cathy Tolliver is an insurance claim adjuster and a fire in the townhouse of Wanda Rose's lands on her desk. The more she looks into the case something just doesn't seem right.
I had a hard time deciding rather to give 4 or 3 ⭐, I ended on 3 for the following reasons. First, Cathy works for a male chovinist. His character to me was taken to the extreme. Second, I had a hard time actually getting into the book. It seemed to drag for the first half of the book. In fact, I thought about bailing on it a few times. Last, the ending to me was just to far fetched. I just couldn't see that happening in real life, but then again it is a fiction book. Others really liked the book, so my opinion is not the norm.
Thanks to Goodreads, the publisher and author for the Kindle Version of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 8, 2020
Intriguing mystery
I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns of the story. I could see a series of Kathy Toliver mysteries. One thing that bothered me was a mistake that had nothing to do with the story line but everything to do with historical accuracy and that is identifying Prudence Farrow as Mia Farrows daughter when they are sisters. That was sloppy and disrespectful to Beatles fans and those of us who rely on a book to broaden our knowledge of the world.
I enjoyed the characters and the twists and turns of the story. I could see a series of Kathy Toliver mysteries. One thing that bothered me was a mistake that had nothing to do with the story line but everything to do with historical accuracy and that is identifying Prudence Farrow as Mia Farrows daughter when they are sisters. That was sloppy and disrespectful to Beatles fans and those of us who rely on a book to broaden our knowledge of the world.
October 2, 2024
This is the kind of story that doesn’t have too many characters and the action is centered on one, I like it. That character is Cathy Tolliver and she is over eager to prove fraud. It all points to it? What an insurance investigator she is and what a story Toler spins. My head is still spinning. If a book were ever worth five stars this is six.
December 26, 2024
What a mystery story this one is! Cathy doesn't think she's wrong about Wanda Rose-who she is or isn't, a woman trying to defraud the insurance company, a woman who needs lots of money to live. Why? I thought I had some answers as I read but then I was totally taken aback at the end. Not at all what I anticipated. Super great mystery.
February 19, 2021
An insurance claims investigator looks into the claim of a famous singer whose condo had caught fire and a valuable necklace was stolen. Not everything was as it seemed as she tried to make sense of a strange case.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews