For the Birds: Rose Gardner Investigations #2

Denise Grover Swank hit For the Birds out of the park! I could not put my Kindle down. In fact, the ONLY reason I stopped reading was because I was running through airports. When one reads a Rose Gardner book, you go in expecting her to end up in some sort of chaos. This installment is no exception. It's a fast-paced read, complete with a talkative bird, Mrs Mildred being her "charming" self, and bad guys out for blood. Altogether this is otherwise known as a regular day in the fictitious world of Henryetta and Fenton! What IS exceptional is how Rose handles herself. She has grown more than I would have imagined early on in the "mystery" series of books. I know I've said this a lot before, and it still rings true now: watching her journey is so much fun! Of course she ends up in the craziest of situations; it wouldn't be a Rose Gardner book otherwise! I enjoyed the evolution of her relationship with a certain King of the Fenton County criminal underworld. With that being said... IF their relationship evolves further, I don't really see it lasting. Or maybe they're enough to balance each other out? I don't know. Levi has been a little too flat and eager for me to truly like him... so much that I wonder if he has ulterior motives?! I've got trust issues... It goes without saying that Neely Kate is the best friend that Rose could have ever hoped for. Their relationship as BFFs grows more with each book (read Trailer Trash if you haven't already!) I also loved seeing even more of Jed. With each book he becomes more than just the bodyguard. He and Neely Kate are magnificent together. Jed and Skeeter definitely have some of their own relationship issues to deal with after this book. Joe has been relegated to background character status, but that's okay because he's always there... the growth of his character is truly evident even with his lesser "book" presence. A pleasant surprise was getting to see Violet again too! She and Rose certainly have a long way to go, but I'm sure they'll work out their differences. I cannot recommend For the Birds enough! This entire book is mostly about relationships, knowing who to trust, and figuring out how to trust yourself. It's fun and packs a few punches when you least expect it. *****FIVE STARS*****

When I pick up a Rose Gardner Book, I never know where she is going to lead us. What starts out as a simple lost bird investigation turns into something so much more. Rose and Neely Kate are very busy girls. They have their landscaping business to attend to with Bruce Wayne. Rose still has the nursery with Violet, and on top of all that, they have decided to do a little PI work. These two work well together and with their different connections, they get answers quicker than others seeking the same thing. Rose has a lot of sole searching in this book. She also makes up for lost time with Neely Kate. There were a few times in the book I wasn't sure what Rose was thinking, and to be honest, I am still trying to reconcile some of her actions. We get to hear from some of our favourite characters too, Joe, Maeve and even Violet is back. Miss Mildred has a part in this latest investigation, which had me giggling. I truly adore this series, and the last one for that matter, and fall into these books with a passion. Rose is one special lady indeed. *I received a copy for an honest review.

** spoiler alert ** I can hear the evil laugh of Denise at the end of this book. It was so many emotions that I really don't know where to start or how I feel about things. I can't write this without spoilers no matter how I write it. Levi, So cute and I really want him in the story but I never seen a spark with him and Rose. I think of him as turning into another good friend. I am so glad to see Rose and Neely Kate getting back on track. I kind of like the add to the duo( Witt). I would like to see him more. I am not saying a main player but maybe a sideline fill in. Skeeter, well wow! I have so many emotions with him. I mean finally wow, but I really don't want him to loose his bad boy image. I know he has always had a soft side and we see it from time to time but man when he is bad. I do hope Rose grows more and we see she has power and doesn't need Skeeter as much as she thinks. I feel the "under ground" world also, respects her and is going to start looking to her for help, opinions and other things she hasn't done before. Not to leave out Violet.... That story I can't wait to hear. She has come back a different person. I don't think it all has to do with being sick. Mike is a ass. I think he has got into something and Rose is going to suffer for it. We know she will do anything for family. I just hate to see what he is going to put her through. It was great to see the new Rose show up and take charge. I like the way she is going. I think she if she keeps The Lady she is going to find she has power in places she didn't know she needed. I think Rose has a bunch of stuff to figure out and I am not sure we are even close to the surface. The layers that are in this book are mind blowing. I think we are going to be on a adventure we didn't know we wanted with this series. I for one can't wait