Title: Thirty and a Half Excuses
Author: Denise Grover Swank
First published September 10, 2013
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781484976838 (ISBN10: 1484976835)
Rating: 4.36
Overview
In the small town of Henryetta, Arkansas, Rose Gardner’s life is anything but simple. She’s busy running a nursery with her sister Violet, dodging the advances of her boyfriend Joe’s wealthy family, and trying to unravel the mysteries surrounding a recent televangelist’s arrival.
But when a young woman is found dead in her hometown, Rose can’t help but suspect foul play. With the unlikely help of her eighty-two-year-old neighbor Mildred, Rose sets out to uncover the truth behind the woman’s death.
Along the way, she must navigate her complicated relationships with Joe and the new assistant DA, Mason Deveraux III. With chaos and danger lurking around every corner, Rose must rely on her wit and determination to solve the case and protect the people she loves.
Editoral Review
In “Thirty and a Half Excuses,” bestselling author Denise Grover Swank weaves a witty and suspenseful tale that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Swank is a seasoned author, having written dozens of novels in a variety of genres; in this book, she positions herself as a master of the cozy mystery genre.
The novel follows protagonist Rose Gardner, a woman who has spent most of her life in the small town of Henryetta, Arkansas. Rose is excited to finally be taking control of her life, having agreed to start her own business and move out of her mother’s house.
However, things quickly take a turn for the worse when a mysterious woman arrives in town with a dangerous proposition for Rose. Meanwhile, Rose is still reeling from the events of the previous book where her boyfriend, Joe, unexpectedly returned to town.
One of the strengths of “Thirty and a Half Excuses” is Swank’s ability to create a distinct and memorable setting. The town of Henryetta is charmingly Southern, with a vivid cast of characters who all have their own quirks and idiosyncrasies.
Swank paints a picture of the town as a place where everyone knows everyone else’s business, which serves as both a comfort and a source of tension for Rose. The main characters themselves are also well-developed, particularly Rose.
Readers will find themselves rooting for her as she navigates the various obstacles in her life. Swank also excels at creating suspense and intrigue, with several twists and turns that keep the story moving briskly.
Furthermore, Swank isn’t afraid to tackle serious themes, including domestic violence and the importance of female independence. However, there are a few limitations to the novel.
The pacing can be a bit uneven at times, with some scenes feeling rushed while others seem to drag on. Additionally, some readers may find the romantic subplot between Rose and Joe to be predictable.
Overall, “Thirty and a Half Excuses” is a delightful read that will appeal to fans of cozy mysteries and Southern fiction. Swank’s storytelling is engaging and her characters are compelling.
Readers will find themselves invested in Rose’s journey and eagerly turning the pages to see how it all plays out. While it may not be a groundbreaking novel, it is certainly a satisfying one.
Rating: 3.5/5 stars. While “Thirty and a Half Excuses” has its flaws, it is a solid cozy mystery that will provide readers with hours of entertainment.
