The Lies She Told - Book 5
The Lies She Told by Denise Grover Swank is an incredible, edge of your seat, "hold up, did that really happen" story. This story like her others has lots of twists and turns along the way. Carly has changed so much since we first met her. She is no longer the shy girl who bows down to people and hides. She is looking for answers and will do what she has to do to get them. A lot of information is uncovered in this book so make sure you read the first four books.
Carly learns a lot about Hank's past and is able to help him locate his fortune that was taken from him. Learning about his past doesn't change Carly's opinion of him at all. He is the man he is because of the decisions he has made, and if anything he has been more of a father to her than her own. Max also learns about Carly and who she really is. She decides that it is time to reveal to him her deepest secret and he is more than happy to keep it to himself and help her in any way he can. Marco is still so supportive of Carly and even goes out of his way to help her connect to someone who may have answers that Carly needs.
I did find it a little slow at first, but after a couple of chapters things started to pick up and I couldn't put the book down. This is a great mystery series with a bit of romance. If this isn't your typical read and are looking to step out of your comfort zone this would be a great series to dive into.
Buried in Secrets - Book 4
This book has left me speechless. You will find that there is a ton of suspense, mystery, happiness, heartache, and lots of secrets. Be prepared to finish this book in one sitting, because you won't want to put it down. Once again, Denise captures your attention from the first page and leaves you wanting so much more. What I love about Denise's writing is how she enables her readers to feel the emotions that her characters display. I felt it all as if I was Carly living throughout the events. And the book hangover I am feeling is pretty intense.
Carly is having a hard time wrapping her head around that a sweet, quiet, older woman named Pam is the true killer. There is no way to deny that Pam didn't go and kill Jim Palmer, since there were eye witnesses in the insurance agency office when it had happened. Carly is still trying to dig up information on Bart and tries to see if Bart is tied to this unexpected murder. While digging around Carly uncovers secret after secret and the truth behind the murder is revealed.
The relationship Carly builds with each of her friends (specifically Hank, Marco, Max, and Jerry), is so amazing. These men truly love and care for her and want nothing but the best for her. She has built herself her own little family with a bunch of strangers. That's not all, while uncovering these secrets Carly can't help but come to terms with her feelings for Marco. There is something there but is it worth diving into. When she finally lets go and just gives in she can't help but realize that for once in her life that she is truly be happy. Why had she been fighting these feelings all along? When she receives a threat to her loved ones she has to determine if keeping her relationship with Marco is worth it. Marco would do anything to keep Carly safe and that's when she realizes that he is worth every threat she gets.
I absolutely loved this book and can't wait for the next one.
One Foot in the Grave - Book 3
One Foot in the Grave is phenomenal! There was a lot of intense and edge of your seat moments throughout the story. I think that Denise did an amazing job with this book, as she kept me guessing up until the very end. I really enjoyed being back in Carly's world and seeing her with people who love and care for her. I love the relationships and connections Carly has with the people in town (like Hank, Ruth, Max, and Marco). They all have always been protective of her since book one and seeing how they treat her as their own makes my heart so happy. She definitely needs a family like this after what she has been through.
Carly is such a strong and independent female lead. She cares for her friends and will do what she can to help them in sticky situations.. even for Wyatt. She may not have the same feelings that she once had for him, but when he needs help clearing his name, she is willing to help. I am interested in seeing where Denise takes this series, especially the relationship between Marco and Carly.
Her Scream in the Silence - Book 2
If you know me you would know that my absolute favorite author is Denise Grover Swank. I have read every single one of her books and I have yet to be disappointed. She was the one that hooked me on to reading and helped me dive into genres I never would have picked up before. And for that I am so very grateful for her and authors like her who continue to create these diverse worlds that we can escape to when we need a break from reality... or because we finished another book and are book obsessed.
Incredible. Captivating. Binge worthy. I really think that each book that Denise Grover Swank writes gets better and better. I absolutely loved how Carly has grown into the independent, self sufficient, strong woman she is today.
Shortly after Lula returns she disappears, and Carly is determined to find out what happened to her. All signs are pointing to someone taking her, but the question is who and why. Carly and Marco are in this together .... but I have to stop and wonder if Marco has other motives with helping Carly. Carly seems to be asking the right people and questions because before she knows it Lula's friend, Greta goes missing soon after. Now she is on a mission of finding two girls all while trying to determine who she can trust to help her. She doesn't want to spill secrets, but it seems like the only way to get answers is by revealing what she knows to get the help she needs.
There are definitely surprises and twists along the way that will keep you interested and glued to the story. I am looking forward to see what happens next in this series.
A Cry in the Dark - Book 1
The first book of a series is always the most crucial for an author. As for a reader it can be difficult starting a new series with new characters and creating that connection you have with previous books. However, this series is actually a spin off of Denise's Rose Gardner Investigation series, where we originally meet Carly. She was running away from her father and her fiance because of a conversation that she had accidentally overheard them having. In the Rose series, Rose and her friends take her in and make her part of their own family. She grows attached to them but needs to leave Arkansas to further her distance from her father. She lands in Tennessee with a broken down car.
Just a side note: You won't need to read the Rose Gardner Investigation series before starting this series, as Denise does an excellent job in catching you up to what you would have learned in the previous series. But I won't lie that is a really good series that you will want to add to your to be read list.
I think that A Cry in the Dark is amazing and is an excellent start to this new series. I am loving Carly's story and excited to see where Denise takes it.
Carly is a strong lead female character who isn't afraid to take care of herself. The story is filled with many edge of your seat moments. So many twists throughout the story that I kept second guessing what was going to happen. Needless to say what I had expected to happen didn't and I loved that I couldn't predict the ending.
I would love to see more of Carly and her new friends. I think this series has so much potential. If you have read both the Rose Gardner Mystery and Investigation series you will love Carly's series for sure.