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Detective Katie Scott #9
The Rose Girls
Like a precious doll, the girl leans against the towering pine tree with her long bare legs stretched out and her hands folded neatly in her lap. Her head tilts towards the sky, but this innocent child will never feel the warm glow of morning sun again; her fragile little body is cold, her tender heart is still.
When Detective Katie Scott receives a plea from neighboring Coldwater Creek to help with a tragic murder, she doesn’t hesitate. Fifteen-year-old Ivy Miller’s naked body was found tied to a tree, a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. The word “MORE” carved into her back means sweet Ivy could be the first of many…
Katie’s heart aches for the young girl whose life ended before it had even begun. But she has her work cut out with the inexperienced police department fumbling the case at every turn. There hasn’t been a murder in this small town for as long as anyone can remember, but why will none of the locals cooperate? Katie’s only lead is a blurry photograph of Ivy’s long-missing mother found in Ivy’s bedroom. If she can find out where it was taken, Katie knows she’ll have the first clue in a mystery that has been haunting Coldwater Creek for years.
But Katie’s world crashes down when Ivy’s two best friends are found murdered in the same woods days later. Inked with the same pretty flower, the rose girls were keeping a deadly secret. Katie will never forgive herself for not making the connection in time. As mothers cling to their daughters, terrified to let them out of their sight, Katie’s search leads her to an abandoned building deep in the forest where the last photo of Ivy’s mother was taken. But will she survive long enough to stop more heart-shattering tragedies?
When Detective Katie Scott receives a plea from neighboring Coldwater Creek to help with a tragic murder, she doesn’t hesitate. Fifteen-year-old Ivy Miller’s naked body was found tied to a tree, a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. The word “MORE” carved into her back means sweet Ivy could be the first of many…
Katie’s heart aches for the young girl whose life ended before it had even begun. But she has her work cut out with the inexperienced police department fumbling the case at every turn. There hasn’t been a murder in this small town for as long as anyone can remember, but why will none of the locals cooperate? Katie’s only lead is a blurry photograph of Ivy’s long-missing mother found in Ivy’s bedroom. If she can find out where it was taken, Katie knows she’ll have the first clue in a mystery that has been haunting Coldwater Creek for years.
But Katie’s world crashes down when Ivy’s two best friends are found murdered in the same woods days later. Inked with the same pretty flower, the rose girls were keeping a deadly secret. Katie will never forgive herself for not making the connection in time. As mothers cling to their daughters, terrified to let them out of their sight, Katie’s search leads her to an abandoned building deep in the forest where the last photo of Ivy’s mother was taken. But will she survive long enough to stop more heart-shattering tragedies?
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 6, 2023
1603 people are currently reading
511 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Chase
32 books586 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.
Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.
She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. www.authorjenniferchase.com
Jennifer Chase is a multi award-winning and USA Today Best Selling crime fiction author, as well as a consulting criminologist. She has written the popular Detective Katie Scott Series and the Emily Stone Thriller Series.
Jennifer holds a bachelor degree in police forensics and a master's degree in criminology & criminal justice. These academic pursuits developed out of her curiosity about the criminal mind as well as from her own experience with a violent psychopath, providing Jennifer with deep personal investment in every story she tells. In addition, she holds certifications in serial crime and criminal profiling.
She is an affiliate member of the International Association of Forensic Criminologists, and member of the International Thriller Writers. www.authorjenniferchase.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
February 7, 2023
Detective Katie Scott and her partner McGaven were passing through a small town after a conference, and they started to have car troubles, and they ended up being stuck in a town called Coldwater Creek. They decided to stay overnight until they could at least get a way home. However, the chief of police of the small town called in a favor to Katie‘s uncle, Sheriff Scott and informed her uncle that there had been a murder, but his small police force was ill-equipped to solve the murder. The police Chief has requested that Katie and her partner McGavin stay and help to solve the murder.
Of course Katie intends to help. The victim was a fifteen-year-old girl whose murder rocked the small town. Things don’t go easy for Katie’s investigation. Not only are the local police not helping things along, no one in the town seems willing to talk. It doesn’t take Katie long before she realizes that the girl’s death just might connected to a very dark past involving the town of Coldwater Creek.
When the victim’s two best friends are reluctant to share any information that Katie is seeking, imagine Katie’s shock and dismay when she learns they were also murdered, one right after the other. What is going on? Returning home briefly, Katie brings her K9 partner Cisco back with her as she continues her investigation. As devastating as the murders are, all with a distinct signature, Katie soon finds herself in danger, especially as she is trying to prevent any further murders.
What a thrilling addition to the compelling Detective Katie Scott series. Katie is a strong protagonist, one who was dealt well with the aftereffects of serving in the military and she grows with each case. I love her relationships with both McGavin as well as fiancé Chad. I can’t wait for the tenth book in this amazing series.
Many thanks Bookouture and to NetGalley for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Please enjoy my YouTube video review as well - https://youtu.be/yX9h7C43Xuw
April 16, 2023
First time reading this author. Highly enjoyable mystery with dark suspense. Clean engrossing crime thriller! 👍
January 27, 2023
This maybe the ninth book in the series to feature Katie Scott and her team and not forgetting Cisco her K9 partner, but it is still as fresh as the first book. Another captivating story. I have never been disappointed in any book of this series. Another high octane crime thriller need I say more????
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC in return for giving an honest review.
January 29, 2023
Another brilliant book in this gripping crime series.
Katie and Gav are stranded in a neighbouring town after they are driven off the road.
They find somewhere to stay but the next morning they are woken by the local Chief asking for their help.
A teenage girl has been found dead and it looks like murder, and the Chief does not have the experience to deal with it.
He asks the Sheriff for help and finds out Katie and Gav are already there so they lead the investigation.
Soon two other teenagers are found dead and Katie and Gav have their hands full trying to find the killer.
It’s soon made clear that they’re not welcome here but Katie is determined not to be driven away.
There’s lots going on in this town and Katie wants to bring them down as well as catch the killer.
This is a great crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Katie and Gav are stranded in a neighbouring town after they are driven off the road.
They find somewhere to stay but the next morning they are woken by the local Chief asking for their help.
A teenage girl has been found dead and it looks like murder, and the Chief does not have the experience to deal with it.
He asks the Sheriff for help and finds out Katie and Gav are already there so they lead the investigation.
Soon two other teenagers are found dead and Katie and Gav have their hands full trying to find the killer.
It’s soon made clear that they’re not welcome here but Katie is determined not to be driven away.
There’s lots going on in this town and Katie wants to bring them down as well as catch the killer.
This is a great crime thriller that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 22, 2023
PERFECT!!
January 31, 2023
I’ve been a long time fan of Jennifer Chase and The Detective Katie Scott Series. This is the 9th installment and I was thrilled to have a chance to read it early, and once again it does not disappoint! You don’t necessarily have to have read the previous books in the series, you could follow along without and read it as a stand-alone, but it’s so much better when you know the relationships and character development!
Detectives Katie Scott, Sean McGaven, and their crime scene tech John, are heading back to Pine Valley from a conference when they are run off the road in Coldwater Creek. The next morning they are woken by the Chief of the town, who’s requesting their assistance on the murder of a young teenage local. They quickly realize nothing is as it seems, and the next day 2 more teen girls are found dead. Everyone in town is resistant to talking to the detectives, and everyone seems to have something to hide, even the small police department.
While a few things were predictable, this was a fast paced and gripping addition to the crime series, with several twists, and a lot of edge of your seat moments . I love the bond and partnership that Katie and McGaven share, and her K9 Cisco is such an awesome addition to each novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Detectives Katie Scott, Sean McGaven, and their crime scene tech John, are heading back to Pine Valley from a conference when they are run off the road in Coldwater Creek. The next morning they are woken by the Chief of the town, who’s requesting their assistance on the murder of a young teenage local. They quickly realize nothing is as it seems, and the next day 2 more teen girls are found dead. Everyone in town is resistant to talking to the detectives, and everyone seems to have something to hide, even the small police department.
While a few things were predictable, this was a fast paced and gripping addition to the crime series, with several twists, and a lot of edge of your seat moments . I love the bond and partnership that Katie and McGaven share, and her K9 Cisco is such an awesome addition to each novel.
Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for the chance to read this ARC in exchange for my honest feedback. Can’t wait for the next installment!
February 6, 2023
This book is the 9th in the series, but I didn't feel I needed to read the first 8 to get all the back story. It could definitely be a stand alone book. It centers around Detective Katie Scott and her partner Detective Sean McGaven. 3 teens are murdered and Katie is called in to help solve the murder. It seems like the entire town is in on it. With all the secrets going on, she must solve the case fast before someone else dies or she gets hurt in the process.
I enjoyed the book very much. It was an easy read. The 2 main characters were likeable and went well together. The only thing that was remotely problematic was it was a little predictable. However, I am not one that gets discouraged by that. As long as a book still has some intrigue, I can overlook that I figured out part of the story. If you haven't read Jennifer Chase before, I recommend reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Jennifer Chase for this opportunity to read this ARC.
I enjoyed the book very much. It was an easy read. The 2 main characters were likeable and went well together. The only thing that was remotely problematic was it was a little predictable. However, I am not one that gets discouraged by that. As long as a book still has some intrigue, I can overlook that I figured out part of the story. If you haven't read Jennifer Chase before, I recommend reading this one.
Thank you to NetGalley, Bookouture and Jennifer Chase for this opportunity to read this ARC.
November 9, 2023
The Rose Girls by Jennifer Chase was a creepy, intense & twisted book! I loved every chapter of it & then some. This is the 9th book in the series. The cases were heartbreaking and scenes very grisly but Katie doesn't let that deter her from solving the case & getting justice for the victim(s). The book had an eerie small-town vibe that was fun reading. It was so mysterious, my anxiety levels were up because you couldn't tell who you could trust. While anxiety is never a fun feeling I like feeling that when reading in a controlled environment & love books that do that to me, however no so much any real-life events that do that to me. Haha. The plot was very compelling with grisly crimes & a menacing small-town. The Rose girls is a page turner for sure!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Jennifer Chase for the arc!
Thank you NetGalley, Bookouture & Jennifer Chase for the arc!
January 3, 2023
333 pages
3.5 stars
I was disappointed in this Detective Katie Scott novel. Oh, the characters were great: Katie, Gaven and Cisco. Great characters, by the way. I truly enjoy this trio.
I don’t particularly care for books about conspiracies or police corruption. Which made me disappointed in the ending of the novel.
It started out great. A fifteen-year old girl is found murdered in the woods. A tattoo of a rose is inked on her. She will not be the only young girl murdered.
Just my type of book!!!
I’m glad I was able to read some of the earlier Katie novels. I’ll put this one down as a fluke.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
3.5 stars
I was disappointed in this Detective Katie Scott novel. Oh, the characters were great: Katie, Gaven and Cisco. Great characters, by the way. I truly enjoy this trio.
I don’t particularly care for books about conspiracies or police corruption. Which made me disappointed in the ending of the novel.
It started out great. A fifteen-year old girl is found murdered in the woods. A tattoo of a rose is inked on her. She will not be the only young girl murdered.
Just my type of book!!!
I’m glad I was able to read some of the earlier Katie novels. I’ll put this one down as a fluke.
I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed in this review are solely my own.
July 31, 2024
It's been over six months since I last picked up this series, so firstly, welcome back Detectives Scott and McGaven (also trusty doggo sidekick Cisco!)
What a way to be reintroduced! Katie, Gav and their colleague, forensic supervisor John Blackburn are travelling back to Pine Valley after attending a conference when they veer off a slippery road. The trio accept the offer to stay the night in nearby Coldwater Creek but are woken early the next morning by the local Chief of Police. There's been a murder, and they need expertise help.
From the get go, Katie and Gav suspect that this little township isn't what it seems. It's far too quiet with no incidents, for one. Why are the locals reluctant to share any information? What's with the increased security at every turn? It's clear that the people of Coldwater Creek have something to hide, even the police.
When one murder turns into three in the manner of less than 24 hours, Katie and Gav have no choice but to stay in this eerie town to follow through. There's no way that Katie is going to let these three teenage girls down. But by staying, the dynamic duo may be facing their most challenging, dangerous case yet.
Someone wants Katie and Gav eliminated thanks to the three chilling messages carved in the victims bodies. With the disadvantages of being in unfamiliar territory and not having the correct resources at the ready, they'll have to remain vigilant.. otherwise they'll be walking right into the trap that's been carefully constructed for them.
I love the Detective Katie Scott series so much! Every instalment is as fresh as the other, whilst maintaining the familiarity and strong values that's been set up along the way. The Rose Girls is another cracker and I cant wait to read Book 10!
4.75 🌟
What a way to be reintroduced! Katie, Gav and their colleague, forensic supervisor John Blackburn are travelling back to Pine Valley after attending a conference when they veer off a slippery road. The trio accept the offer to stay the night in nearby Coldwater Creek but are woken early the next morning by the local Chief of Police. There's been a murder, and they need expertise help.
From the get go, Katie and Gav suspect that this little township isn't what it seems. It's far too quiet with no incidents, for one. Why are the locals reluctant to share any information? What's with the increased security at every turn? It's clear that the people of Coldwater Creek have something to hide, even the police.
When one murder turns into three in the manner of less than 24 hours, Katie and Gav have no choice but to stay in this eerie town to follow through. There's no way that Katie is going to let these three teenage girls down. But by staying, the dynamic duo may be facing their most challenging, dangerous case yet.
Someone wants Katie and Gav eliminated thanks to the three chilling messages carved in the victims bodies. With the disadvantages of being in unfamiliar territory and not having the correct resources at the ready, they'll have to remain vigilant.. otherwise they'll be walking right into the trap that's been carefully constructed for them.
I love the Detective Katie Scott series so much! Every instalment is as fresh as the other, whilst maintaining the familiarity and strong values that's been set up along the way. The Rose Girls is another cracker and I cant wait to read Book 10!
4.75 🌟
March 9, 2025
This author provided us with all the elements we want in a great book. There is conflict, suspense, just enough lure to keep you turning the pages and finally a good conclusion. The conclusion may have crossed your mind, but enough was kept in the dark so you weren't 100% sure. And because there were other shady characters, anyone of them could have made it to the end as the villain. I read mysteries to stay engaged in a twisted plot, and this one gets a thumbs up for doing just that. Okay, and maybe I am a little biased since there is a dog in the story! This is not a spoiler, but just clarification that the dog is never put in harm's way and is not hurt. I can't read animal abuse stories. I will definitely be reading more of Jennifer Chase!
April 15, 2023
Book 9 in the Detective Katie Scott series!
When Detective Katie Scott receives a plea from neighbouring Coldwater Creek to help with a tragic murder, she doesn’t hesitate. Fifteen-year-old Ivy Miller’s naked body was found tied to a tree, a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. The word “MORE” carved into her back means sweet. Ivy could be the first of many
This book has a slightly different feel to it compared to the others and not in a bad way. I found I suspected absolutely everyone, and I was scratching my head throughout most of the book, which is rare for me! I loved loved loved the way it was set out. It seems like the entire town is against them from the start. No one is helping them with their investigation it would appear that people are actually hindering the process of the investigation. Considering it starts with the death of a young girl, left naked with more slashed into her, it would appear like a crime people would want to help solve.
TBC.....
When Detective Katie Scott receives a plea from neighbouring Coldwater Creek to help with a tragic murder, she doesn’t hesitate. Fifteen-year-old Ivy Miller’s naked body was found tied to a tree, a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. The word “MORE” carved into her back means sweet. Ivy could be the first of many
This book has a slightly different feel to it compared to the others and not in a bad way. I found I suspected absolutely everyone, and I was scratching my head throughout most of the book, which is rare for me! I loved loved loved the way it was set out. It seems like the entire town is against them from the start. No one is helping them with their investigation it would appear that people are actually hindering the process of the investigation. Considering it starts with the death of a young girl, left naked with more slashed into her, it would appear like a crime people would want to help solve.
TBC.....
February 18, 2023
The Rose Girls by Jennifer Chase is the ninth book in the excellent Detective Katie Scott series and this series has been a 5 star read from the very first book till this book. I found these books very hard to put down, once i started to read them I had to carry on reading till the end to find out what happens. WoW, these books are so addictive!!!
I highly recommend this series I have loved it
I highly recommend this series I have loved it
February 6, 2023
Absolutely wonderful..Loved this from start to finish.an addictive, gripping read that I would very highly recommend to everyone
February 8, 2023
My thanks to Bookouture for an eARC via NetGalley of ‘The Rose Girls’ by Jennifer Chase.
This is Book 9 in her Detective Katie Scott series of police procedurals set in Pine Valley, California. While I have read a number of the previous books each can be read as a standalone case as background details are provided for readers new to the series or as a reminder for returning ones.
Katie along with her cold-case partner Detective Sean McGaven and forensic supervisor John Blackburn are returning home from a conference in Las Vegas. They take a shortcut but are run off the road by an erratic driver. As they are close to the town of Coldwater Creek they reach out to the local police for assistance.
The next morning they are advised of a tragic murder involving 15-year-old Ivy Miller. Her body had found been tied to a tree with a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. In addition, the word “MORE” was carved into her back. Does this mean that there will be more deaths?
There hasn’t been a murder in this small town for as long as anyone can remember and so the local police Chief reaches out to the County Sheriff for assistance. As Katie and Sean are already in Coldwater Creek they are instructed to stay and assist the inexperienced town police department, who appear to be fumbling the case at every turn. No further details to avoid spoilers.
Again Jennifer Chase has produced a solid police procedural with plenty of surprises along the way. I was pleased when Cisco, her German shepherd retired military K9, joined in with the investigation.
Once I started reading I was glued to this book, finishing it in a single day. What a page turner!
This is Book 9 in her Detective Katie Scott series of police procedurals set in Pine Valley, California. While I have read a number of the previous books each can be read as a standalone case as background details are provided for readers new to the series or as a reminder for returning ones.
Katie along with her cold-case partner Detective Sean McGaven and forensic supervisor John Blackburn are returning home from a conference in Las Vegas. They take a shortcut but are run off the road by an erratic driver. As they are close to the town of Coldwater Creek they reach out to the local police for assistance.
The next morning they are advised of a tragic murder involving 15-year-old Ivy Miller. Her body had found been tied to a tree with a freshly inked pink rose tattoo on her arm. In addition, the word “MORE” was carved into her back. Does this mean that there will be more deaths?
There hasn’t been a murder in this small town for as long as anyone can remember and so the local police Chief reaches out to the County Sheriff for assistance. As Katie and Sean are already in Coldwater Creek they are instructed to stay and assist the inexperienced town police department, who appear to be fumbling the case at every turn. No further details to avoid spoilers.
Again Jennifer Chase has produced a solid police procedural with plenty of surprises along the way. I was pleased when Cisco, her German shepherd retired military K9, joined in with the investigation.
Once I started reading I was glued to this book, finishing it in a single day. What a page turner!
December 30, 2022
I’d like to thank netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I have been a fan of this series since it first came out. This time we follow Katie, Gavin, and Cisco as they try to find out who is murdering teenage girls in a small nearby town. Why is everyone so secretive including the police, what are Katie and Gavin missing? An interesting read right from the beginning, I couldn’t put it down.
December 20, 2025
Ok so I had a palate cleanser before diving into this book from the last one but I just kept thinking about Katie and Cisco. I am in love with this book series. I cannot rave enough about this author - she’s got me in her clutches and I can’t escape! I read the books at lightning speed always wanting more. Just started book 10 as soon as I finished this one and I’m happy and sad as I know there’s only 14 in the series so it feels bittersweet 🙈
December 10, 2023
Another good entry in this series. Although Katie is a bit rebellious in light of her prior discipline for the same thing, I enjoy her take-no-prisoners attitude.
July 13, 2024
Really good book!!! I like short chapters that have me saying “just one more.” This is that book! It hooked me from the very beginning. It was a quick read for me.
February 6, 2023
This was fast paced, twisty and I have to say dark. Murdering 3 young girls to keep the towns secrets.
I really like Katie, Cisco and Gavin. And I was a wee bit surprised at one of the bad guys.
I also loved the old guy in the woods. One of my favorite things about this series is Katie’s tenacity and her constant fight for the underdog.
I can’t quite put my finger on her relationship with Chad. And John is another great character. Looking forward to more.
I really like Katie, Cisco and Gavin. And I was a wee bit surprised at one of the bad guys.
I also loved the old guy in the woods. One of my favorite things about this series is Katie’s tenacity and her constant fight for the underdog.
I can’t quite put my finger on her relationship with Chad. And John is another great character. Looking forward to more.
January 2, 2023
3.3 ⭐
Thank you to NetGally for the arc, in exchange for an honest review 📚.
Detective Katie Scott thought she was just passing through Coldwater Creek, until she was asked to assist with a murder investigation. A fifteen year old girl has turned up dead. There is a crudely drawn rose, and the word "more" carved into her back. All is not what it seems in Coldwater Creek.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story. I am a sucker for small town murder books with a side of cult/witchcraft vibes. I was intrigued right from the beginning, this story starts off with a bang.
There are a couple of things I was not a massive fan off.
Firstly, I would have liked to see more about Katies life outside the murder investigation. This is book nine of a series, surely she has more character traits and personal intensity than just having a few phone calls with her fiancé. I really needed a bit more character depth from all three main detectives, it would have really fleshed this novel out. I don't feel like I got to know them well enough while reading this.
Secondly, there are a couple of awkward phrasings during conversations. "No, you don't want to do that. It's as if a ghost themself haunts that very river" - people do not talk like this in real life! But most of the writing was pretty good, so I can definitely look past the occasional weird conversations.
Thirdly, I was disappointed with the ending. It was not was I was expecting (but not in the built-up awesome shock kind of way). I was so excited with the book building up to a small town cult plot... And that's REALLY not what I was. I did not strongly dislike the ending, I was just a bit disappointed. It felt a little bit out of the blue.
All in all, this was a quick-paced, easy read. This book would be good if you need to get out of a reading slump and enjoy murder mysteries.
Thank you to NetGally for the arc, in exchange for an honest review 📚.
Detective Katie Scott thought she was just passing through Coldwater Creek, until she was asked to assist with a murder investigation. A fifteen year old girl has turned up dead. There is a crudely drawn rose, and the word "more" carved into her back. All is not what it seems in Coldwater Creek.
I enjoyed the beginning of this story. I am a sucker for small town murder books with a side of cult/witchcraft vibes. I was intrigued right from the beginning, this story starts off with a bang.
There are a couple of things I was not a massive fan off.
Firstly, I would have liked to see more about Katies life outside the murder investigation. This is book nine of a series, surely she has more character traits and personal intensity than just having a few phone calls with her fiancé. I really needed a bit more character depth from all three main detectives, it would have really fleshed this novel out. I don't feel like I got to know them well enough while reading this.
Secondly, there are a couple of awkward phrasings during conversations. "No, you don't want to do that. It's as if a ghost themself haunts that very river" - people do not talk like this in real life! But most of the writing was pretty good, so I can definitely look past the occasional weird conversations.
Thirdly, I was disappointed with the ending. It was not was I was expecting (but not in the built-up awesome shock kind of way). I was so excited with the book building up to a small town cult plot... And that's REALLY not what I was. I did not strongly dislike the ending, I was just a bit disappointed. It felt a little bit out of the blue.
All in all, this was a quick-paced, easy read. This book would be good if you need to get out of a reading slump and enjoy murder mysteries.
October 24, 2024
Underwhelming- read on KU
This book is one major plot hole. This review contains spoilers below the multiple *.
As usual, there is no chemistry between the characters. Katie does what she wants without waiting for approval. That isn't a spoiler because she does it in every book.
There is the usual bloat to the word count, such as when she spends a paragraph describing the color scheme of a hotel room they spend one night in.
****Spoilers ****
Katie, John, and McGaven are on their way back to town from somewhere outside the county. They get run off the road by a car driving toward them. Why they were run off the road or how that ties in is never explained, but you can make some assumptions. It was just a big thing to leave hanging.
They have to get a room for the night while their car is repaired. The police chief is happy they're there because there has been a murder and he doesn't have the staff to investigate it. In the long run, you come to understand this make zero sense. And as much as local law enforcement hates to give up control, this should have been turned over to state or federal bureaus. With the danger they were in, there was no need to stay in town. The murderer(s) wasn't(weren't) going anywhere. Nothing in the plot made any sense.
When the bad guys were caught, the whole thing was explained in about 3 sentences. Why don't we get long explanations and descriptions of the crimes instead of lengthy descriptions of biege interiors?
I read book 11 first and it was a bit more interesting. I went back to book 1 to figure out how things got to where they were at the beginning of book 11. I'm going to read book 10, but that will be my last by this author. Although, I might skim book 12 to see if she ends up with Chad. The chemistry between them is so flat, I kind of hope she doesn't.
This book is one major plot hole. This review contains spoilers below the multiple *.
As usual, there is no chemistry between the characters. Katie does what she wants without waiting for approval. That isn't a spoiler because she does it in every book.
There is the usual bloat to the word count, such as when she spends a paragraph describing the color scheme of a hotel room they spend one night in.
****Spoilers ****
Katie, John, and McGaven are on their way back to town from somewhere outside the county. They get run off the road by a car driving toward them. Why they were run off the road or how that ties in is never explained, but you can make some assumptions. It was just a big thing to leave hanging.
They have to get a room for the night while their car is repaired. The police chief is happy they're there because there has been a murder and he doesn't have the staff to investigate it. In the long run, you come to understand this make zero sense. And as much as local law enforcement hates to give up control, this should have been turned over to state or federal bureaus. With the danger they were in, there was no need to stay in town. The murderer(s) wasn't(weren't) going anywhere. Nothing in the plot made any sense.
When the bad guys were caught, the whole thing was explained in about 3 sentences. Why don't we get long explanations and descriptions of the crimes instead of lengthy descriptions of biege interiors?
I read book 11 first and it was a bit more interesting. I went back to book 1 to figure out how things got to where they were at the beginning of book 11. I'm going to read book 10, but that will be my last by this author. Although, I might skim book 12 to see if she ends up with Chad. The chemistry between them is so flat, I kind of hope she doesn't.
February 5, 2023
Katie and Sean are stuck in creepy sinister Coldwater Creek. It’s like a Stepford town and Katie knows things aren’t right. Three teenager girls with rose tattoos are murdered and left in the woods. Can they track down the villain or villains responsible?
I had a hinky feeling about one of the characters early on because that person’s reactions just seemed off.
I loved all the scenes with Cisco because he’s just the best, especially when he’s on the attack.
Katie’s punishment suited her—more time with Chad!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
I had a hinky feeling about one of the characters early on because that person’s reactions just seemed off.
I loved all the scenes with Cisco because he’s just the best, especially when he’s on the attack.
Katie’s punishment suited her—more time with Chad!
Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for the advance read.
August 15, 2023
Enjoyed
Even though I enjoyed reading this book there were some things he that seemed unfinished or unsaid. Like exactly what was the criminal enterprise were they running. Why did they need to keep an eye on the whole town. Why all the secrecy. Just too many open ended questions left unsaid. Then there was the reprimand that was given. How could they follow police procedure when they had no backup, no central command and no superior to answer to and no extra support until the end.
Even though I enjoyed reading this book there were some things he that seemed unfinished or unsaid. Like exactly what was the criminal enterprise were they running. Why did they need to keep an eye on the whole town. Why all the secrecy. Just too many open ended questions left unsaid. Then there was the reprimand that was given. How could they follow police procedure when they had no backup, no central command and no superior to answer to and no extra support until the end.
February 2, 2023
Wow! This one made my skin crawl a little! Detective Katie Scott and her partner, Detective Sean McGaven, along with their forensic supervisor, John Blackburn, are just traveling through Coldwater Creek after attending a conference in Las Vegas. They receive a call for a request of assistance in Coldwater Creek. A young woman's nude body has been found tied to a tree with the word MORE carved into her back. It first appears that a sadistic killer is responsible. Then when both her best friends' bodies are discovered just a day later with words carved into their bodies, they realize there is more to this story. At first look it appears there is a serial killer haunting the town of Coldwater Creek. However, upon further investigation, Katie and Sean realize there is something more sinister taking place in the small town of Coldwater Creek. The local police are no help at all, and appear to have no idea how to process a crime scene, much less solve a murder.
They also have a feeling that the police and the people of the town are hiding something. They just cannot quite put their finger on exactly what is going on. Katie is homesick and wants to go home, but she feels compelled to solve these murders in honor of these three young women who were so brutally slain, as well as to give their families some closure. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out they are also in danger from an unseen enemy while they are investigating this mysterious crime. Katie goes home to get her K-9 officer, Cisco. to assist. I just fell in love with Cisco!
From that point forward the mystery gets more bizarre. I found myself tapping on my Kindle as fast as I could handle reading each page because I had to know what these people were hiding. I love the character of Katie. She is fearless and tenacious, even while dealing with PTSD.
This was the first time I read anything by Jennifer Chase, but I will be going back to read the first 8 books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed her style of writing and the characters in the book as well!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
They also have a feeling that the police and the people of the town are hiding something. They just cannot quite put their finger on exactly what is going on. Katie is homesick and wants to go home, but she feels compelled to solve these murders in honor of these three young women who were so brutally slain, as well as to give their families some closure. It does not take a rocket scientist to figure out they are also in danger from an unseen enemy while they are investigating this mysterious crime. Katie goes home to get her K-9 officer, Cisco. to assist. I just fell in love with Cisco!
From that point forward the mystery gets more bizarre. I found myself tapping on my Kindle as fast as I could handle reading each page because I had to know what these people were hiding. I love the character of Katie. She is fearless and tenacious, even while dealing with PTSD.
This was the first time I read anything by Jennifer Chase, but I will be going back to read the first 8 books in this series. I thoroughly enjoyed her style of writing and the characters in the book as well!
Thank you to Bookouture and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 9, 2023
I would like to thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an advance copy of The Rose Girls, the ninth novel to feature Detective Katie Scott of the Pine Valley, California Sheriff’s Office.
Katie and her partner, Sean “Gav” McGaven are asked to investigate the murder of fifteen year old Ivy Miller in the neighbouring town of Coldwater Creek. There hasn’t been a murder there in living memory so the police department is inexperienced, but that doesn’t explain why no one wants to talk to them. Then Ivy’s two friends are found dead.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rose Girls, which is a propulsive read that heads in a direction I wasn’t expecting. It is told entirely from Katie’s point of view, so the reader gets up close and personal with her feelings and that offers great atmosphere. Katie is off balance because she’s away from home - Clearwater Creek may be the neighbouring town to Pine Valley but it’s 3 hours away - and it’s mostly just her and Gav with no real support. That and the fact that there is something not right about the town gives the novel a tense, creepy edge.
I found the investigation compulsive reading. There are constant developments, which often offer more puzzles than answers. It might be slow going in terms of developing a prime suspect, but there is enough effort to scare them off to keep the reader occupied. The solution requires a certain amount of swallowing of disbelief, but who knows? It could be possible. Still, the journey to get there is great and I felt thoroughly entertained. What more could a reader ask for?
Katie, Gav and her K9 dog, Cisco are a great team, likeable and friendly, but with a hard nose for investigation. They aren’t particularly well developed, but it doesn’t matter as the plot is the focus of the novel.
The Rose Girls is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
Katie and her partner, Sean “Gav” McGaven are asked to investigate the murder of fifteen year old Ivy Miller in the neighbouring town of Coldwater Creek. There hasn’t been a murder there in living memory so the police department is inexperienced, but that doesn’t explain why no one wants to talk to them. Then Ivy’s two friends are found dead.
I thoroughly enjoyed The Rose Girls, which is a propulsive read that heads in a direction I wasn’t expecting. It is told entirely from Katie’s point of view, so the reader gets up close and personal with her feelings and that offers great atmosphere. Katie is off balance because she’s away from home - Clearwater Creek may be the neighbouring town to Pine Valley but it’s 3 hours away - and it’s mostly just her and Gav with no real support. That and the fact that there is something not right about the town gives the novel a tense, creepy edge.
I found the investigation compulsive reading. There are constant developments, which often offer more puzzles than answers. It might be slow going in terms of developing a prime suspect, but there is enough effort to scare them off to keep the reader occupied. The solution requires a certain amount of swallowing of disbelief, but who knows? It could be possible. Still, the journey to get there is great and I felt thoroughly entertained. What more could a reader ask for?
Katie, Gav and her K9 dog, Cisco are a great team, likeable and friendly, but with a hard nose for investigation. They aren’t particularly well developed, but it doesn’t matter as the plot is the focus of the novel.
The Rose Girls is a good read that I have no hesitation in recommending.
May 14, 2023
First off, kudos to Jennifer Chase.. How is it that we are now on book #9 of the Detective Katie Scott series but it still feels as fresh as the first ever book?
Katie and her partner McGaven are on their way to a conference when they ran into difficulty with their car and are now stuck in a small town of Coldwater Creek. Deciding to stay overnight they get dragged into a nearby murder.. nothing like this ever happens in this town in the back end of nowhere so the local police force aren't equipped to deal with something so major.. of course Katie and McGaven are going to help, just until their transport is sorted right.. think again!
The victim is a local 15 year old girl but for some strange reason nobody knows anything, saw anything, heard anything. Even the girls two best friends are seemingly reluctant to speak out. Can Katie get to the bottom of this and get home quickly...
Whilst investigating to her best ability, with constant hesitance from every angle the two best friends then turn up dead, ome straight after the other... who is killing these innocent young girls and why?
Returning home briefly Katie picks up her tristed K9 sidekick Cisco to be by her side and help when needed.. can she find out the answers she needs before it's too late?
*NO SPOILERS*
Jennifer has an amazing knack of making you feel you are part of the whole scene, the descriptions to you right into the rough terrain, dry sands and damp evenings. The plot was flawlessly written and flowed brilliantly and as expected the character development was spot on.
As always an amazing addition to the Detective Katie Scott series, they just keep getting better and better!
Huge thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
Katie and her partner McGaven are on their way to a conference when they ran into difficulty with their car and are now stuck in a small town of Coldwater Creek. Deciding to stay overnight they get dragged into a nearby murder.. nothing like this ever happens in this town in the back end of nowhere so the local police force aren't equipped to deal with something so major.. of course Katie and McGaven are going to help, just until their transport is sorted right.. think again!
The victim is a local 15 year old girl but for some strange reason nobody knows anything, saw anything, heard anything. Even the girls two best friends are seemingly reluctant to speak out. Can Katie get to the bottom of this and get home quickly...
Whilst investigating to her best ability, with constant hesitance from every angle the two best friends then turn up dead, ome straight after the other... who is killing these innocent young girls and why?
Returning home briefly Katie picks up her tristed K9 sidekick Cisco to be by her side and help when needed.. can she find out the answers she needs before it's too late?
*NO SPOILERS*
Jennifer has an amazing knack of making you feel you are part of the whole scene, the descriptions to you right into the rough terrain, dry sands and damp evenings. The plot was flawlessly written and flowed brilliantly and as expected the character development was spot on.
As always an amazing addition to the Detective Katie Scott series, they just keep getting better and better!
Huge thanks to netgalley and Bookouture for the ARC.
February 8, 2023
The Rose Girls by Jennifer Chase
Detective Katie Scott 9
Intense, dark, gritty, and gripping from first page till the end – couldn’t put it down once begun.
What I liked:
* Katie: ex-military K-9 handler and war veteran, cold case detective, works for her uncle who is the local sheriff, owner of Cisco the retired K-9, suffers from PTSD, engaged to Chad, focused, sometimes impulsive, dedicated to solving cases that come her way.
* Ciscso: Katie’s K-9 partner, retired from military, companion to Katie, skilled at his job, loving and protective, helps ground Katie
* Sean: detective, Katie’s work partner, calm presence, good balance to Katie, in a relationship with Denise
* The plot, writing, character development, creepy atmosphere in Coldwater Creek that is isolated and filled with secrets
* That this story was based primarily on police procedure and not as much on personal lives of characters – though we did catch up with a few and how they are doing
* The supporting characters – new to and already established in the series
* Joshuar – octogenarian, citizen of Coldwater Creek, cagey, wise, seemed a good soul
* That the case is solved at the end with no cliff hanger
What I didn’t lik:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how selfish and amoral some people can be and how little regard they hold for the lives of others.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
Detective Katie Scott 9
Intense, dark, gritty, and gripping from first page till the end – couldn’t put it down once begun.
What I liked:
* Katie: ex-military K-9 handler and war veteran, cold case detective, works for her uncle who is the local sheriff, owner of Cisco the retired K-9, suffers from PTSD, engaged to Chad, focused, sometimes impulsive, dedicated to solving cases that come her way.
* Ciscso: Katie’s K-9 partner, retired from military, companion to Katie, skilled at his job, loving and protective, helps ground Katie
* Sean: detective, Katie’s work partner, calm presence, good balance to Katie, in a relationship with Denise
* The plot, writing, character development, creepy atmosphere in Coldwater Creek that is isolated and filled with secrets
* That this story was based primarily on police procedure and not as much on personal lives of characters – though we did catch up with a few and how they are doing
* The supporting characters – new to and already established in the series
* Joshuar – octogenarian, citizen of Coldwater Creek, cagey, wise, seemed a good soul
* That the case is solved at the end with no cliff hanger
What I didn’t lik:
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Thinking about how selfish and amoral some people can be and how little regard they hold for the lives of others.
Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Yes
Thank you to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC – This is my honest review.
4-5 Stars
January 10, 2023
I have told it before, but I want to say it again: I am a big dog lover. That's of course one of the things that make me like this series so much.
I first of all would like to thank the author. I was a bit disappointed by the previous book due to the small role Cisco played. I am very happy to see this time Cisco had a much bigger part and I loved it. I also like Katie a lot. She is dertemined to put baddies behind bars, but she would rather put herself in danger than her beloved canine. I know he wants to protect her and she knows it too of course, but she would be heart broken and I would be too if something would happen to him.
So yes, the story starts without Cisco because Katie, Gav and John have been at a congress and the dog was being taken care of by Katie's uncle or by someone at the police kennels. Katie does not hesitate though to send for her canine as soon as possible when she is forced to stay away from home longer than expected due to a murder case she has to take care of in another town.
Our fantastic trio is reunited again and together they do their utter best to solve the mystery. Unfortunately they don't seem to be to get on top and they need help... and fast.
This is another great new installment. It always touches me more when young people are involved and it's devastating to see whey those lives are being wasted. Very good book. 5 stars
Thank you
I first of all would like to thank the author. I was a bit disappointed by the previous book due to the small role Cisco played. I am very happy to see this time Cisco had a much bigger part and I loved it. I also like Katie a lot. She is dertemined to put baddies behind bars, but she would rather put herself in danger than her beloved canine. I know he wants to protect her and she knows it too of course, but she would be heart broken and I would be too if something would happen to him.
So yes, the story starts without Cisco because Katie, Gav and John have been at a congress and the dog was being taken care of by Katie's uncle or by someone at the police kennels. Katie does not hesitate though to send for her canine as soon as possible when she is forced to stay away from home longer than expected due to a murder case she has to take care of in another town.
Our fantastic trio is reunited again and together they do their utter best to solve the mystery. Unfortunately they don't seem to be to get on top and they need help... and fast.
This is another great new installment. It always touches me more when young people are involved and it's devastating to see whey those lives are being wasted. Very good book. 5 stars
Thank you
February 9, 2023
The Rose Girls a detective Katie Scott book 9 by Jennifer Chase is an absolutely thrilling and unputdownable story. I have been reading this series from the one of the early books in the series.. The mysteries have only got more deeper and the evolution in Katie' s character is also remarkable. Its almost like growing up with the character.
Detective Katie Scott and Mc Gaven have been requested to attend a murder case in Coldwater creek. The visual of the first murder victim a young girl, left in the woods with a word tattooed on her and the staging of the scene, stays with Katie and she agrees to help the local police. Their efforts at gathering evidence though seem to be progressing, they have a nagging feeling that the town folks are not co-operating. Is that true or are they facing some other sinister eventuality. Do pick up this book to know the story.
The plot line is layered, the story gets more intricate every few pages and the end is unpredictable., The working relationship and chemistry between detective Katie and her partner has become stronger from the earlier story and the trust is deeper. Katie and her relationship with her fiancée has deepened too and a glimpse is visible in this story too.
As always, I would say that if you love a twisted mystery and a kick ass detective then this is the mystery for you.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for accepting my request to review this book and the views expressed are mine alone.
Detective Katie Scott and Mc Gaven have been requested to attend a murder case in Coldwater creek. The visual of the first murder victim a young girl, left in the woods with a word tattooed on her and the staging of the scene, stays with Katie and she agrees to help the local police. Their efforts at gathering evidence though seem to be progressing, they have a nagging feeling that the town folks are not co-operating. Is that true or are they facing some other sinister eventuality. Do pick up this book to know the story.
The plot line is layered, the story gets more intricate every few pages and the end is unpredictable., The working relationship and chemistry between detective Katie and her partner has become stronger from the earlier story and the trust is deeper. Katie and her relationship with her fiancée has deepened too and a glimpse is visible in this story too.
As always, I would say that if you love a twisted mystery and a kick ass detective then this is the mystery for you.
I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for accepting my request to review this book and the views expressed are mine alone.
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