Thirty-Six and a Half Motives: Rose Gardner Mystery #9 Paperback – May 16, 2016

I have never been so addicted to a series. This one had me from the first book. I have never anticipated the release of a book like I did this one, book 9. I rearranged my life around it so I could binge read! That is how much I loved this series! I loved Rose and watching her grow and change and develop real friendships and love relationships. From being alone in the world and beaten down she moved on to having a whole host of really sincere friends and developed into a very strong, smart, independent woman. I love that her friendships include such a variety of characters. Who doesn't love Skeeter, Jed, Neely Kate, Jonah and Bruce Wayne? And that's all credit to Rose. She brings out the best in those around her and gives even an underdog a chance. This is the last book in the JR series and it was a real page turner. I lost some sleep with this book because I couldn't put it down! We went into this final book in the series with so many questions. The answers came but along with them lots of twists and turns. What a wild ride! I cried and laughed and held my breath. It's a little mystery, a little romance, a little suspense, a little something for everyone. And I am so grateful that Rose is continuing on in a new series "Family Jewels." I am not ready to say goodbye to her just yet. It is just so amazing to me how Denise Grover Swank brings these characters to life. Everyone needs a best friend like Neely Kate or a protector like Jed. I feel like I know them all. I guess that is a good indication of a truly great author! Thank you DGS for ALL of your great books! I can't wait to see how Rose continues on and all of her friends are along for the ride.

All of the books in this series were very good and kept my full attention. Loved all of the characters too.

This was a really hard one to rate. As a story, it was an absolute 5, as a finale to a series, well.... that's why it's an overall four. Because it is the finale to the completely addictive and totally endearing Rose Gardner Mysteries, however, I have to review it as such.This series has been one of the most superbly written and completely enjoyable series I have honestly ever read. It is at the very top of my list of recommended reading! Ms. Swank has taken a character (Rose) and so eloquently woven her from an insecure, naive but lovable young lady to a strong, confident yet compassionate woman. The character development grew so perfectly with each new installment that I stand in awe of the author! This was accomplished while still keeping readers on the edge of their seats and adoringly turning every page in each individual book. The mysteries were always engrossing with twists and turns that not even the best could figure out. Bravo, Denise!!!With each of the books, the romantic relationships Rose has carry just as strong a thread as do the mysteries, however. We absolutely fall in love with the men in her life! We ache with her, we struggle with her as she learns to love and grow from that love. That is the reason for the one star drop in the finale, though. Although, I completely understand (and even agree with) Ms. Swank's decision to end the series as she did, as it was the most believable choice and the one that stayed true to Rose's character, to be that invested in the romance side through all 9 books and then end the entire series without an HEA for her was a complete let-down from a readers stand-point.We love her, we want her to be happy. We have invested <i>years</i> in her life. To end it with no happiness.... UGH!! Luckily, we will get to see Rose in her spin-off series and, hopefully, Ms. Swank will incorporate her continued growth in those relationships and find a happy ending for her there.

I should start out by saying I absolutely adore the Rose Gardner Mystery Series! I was in a bit of a book rut, every book I was reading was starting to blend into one never-ending story, they were all the same. Then BAMN, I picked up Twenty-Eight and a Half Wishes and Rose Gardner demanded my attention and she was not taking no for an answer!This book wrapped up the series very nicely and answered all the questions leftover from the other books. There were huge twists I didn't see coming. The answers weren't obvious, just like all the others in this series, it keeps you guessing.Rose's transformation throughout this series has made me so proud. Is that weird that I'm proud of a fictional character? Oh well, I've grown attached and I'm not going to hide it! Also, Neely Kate is the best friend anyone could ask for and Mason is just, I don't even know (insert swooning here), I don't think that man has a flaw and I love him but I hate him because he's always right and him being right broke my heart! James (Skeeter) ;) is always surprising me, and as much as I wanted to dislike him at first I can't help but to have grown to love him too.Denise, you always mange to make my heart pound in anticipation or fear, make my lips smile and laugh, and make my eyes shed tears. Rose is a diamond in the rough. I love the way she thinks, feels, and acts.Don't get me wrong, Denise Grover Swank, I think you just ripped my overly romantic heart to shreds and trampled on the already traumatized pieces. The worst part is that I can't even be mad at you for it because I truly can't think of another way this series could have ended and stayed true to the characters.So, I forgive you for the heartache I'm currently feeling because I know that how you felt after writing this had to have been much worse. I commend you for writing what you felt was right for the beautiful people you created.I would recommend this book to anyone who loves adventure, comedy, drama, action, mystery, romance, and even a little supernatural. It is just that diverse. The whole series is amazing.I will continue on with the spin-off investigation series :)