A couple of weeks ago I hosted a two hour Facebook Q&A event about the Rose Gardner Mystery series. Toward the end of my two hours, I made a announcement that shocked many of my readers.
Thirty-Six and a Half Motives will be the last Rose Gardner Mystery.
This decision wasn’t made lightly, and honestly, I feel a little sick typing that. I love Rose but the outcry from many readers is that they want an end. I’ve stated before that Thirty-Six would resolve many of the outstanding questions as well as wrap up the J.R. arc. But after many, many months of discussion with my editor (honestly, since January, 2015) I’ve decided that it might be best to end the series.
HOWEVER…
…that won’t be the end of Rose. When my editor and I began to discuss an ending to the series, we also discussed what would become of Rose. I’m lucky that Angela loves Rose as much as I do and neither of us are ready to say goodbye to her just yet. Hopefully, a lot of readers feel the same way.
So in late 2016, I’ll release the first book of a new series with Rose and Neely Kate working on getting their private investigator license. Most of the characters from the Rose Gardner Mystery will follow them to the new still unnamed series. So in many ways, it will still be the Rose Gardner Mystery series with a new series title. I plan for the first book to start in the summer immediately following the end of Thirty-Six and a Half Motives.
Most of the readers in the Q&A were excited the new series but some said they wouldn’t continue. Honestly, that’s okay. Sometimes readers need to move on. I understand that and this way those readers can make a clean break. But I hope the rest of you will follow Rose and Neely Kate and love the new series just as much, if not more than the current one.
But before Thirty-Six, I will release the first book of a new mystery series: Center Stage: A Magnolia Steele Mystery, which releases March 15, 2016. I’ve started writing Center Stage and Magnolia has quickly become one of my favorite characters. I plan to release the first chapter in the next month, so be looking for that. In the meantime, it’s available for an exclusive preorder on iBooks.
Thirty-Six and a Half Motives will release on May 17, 2016 and is also available on iBooks for an exclusive preorder. Amazon preorders should be available around the middle of February. (If I had my choice it would be available for preorder on Amazon now, but their rules hold me to 90 days out.) There will be no bonus chapters nor a novella.
For those of you who have become loyal readers to Rose–thank you. You have no idea how much joy I get from not only from writing this series, but hearing that you love it too. I promise to do my best to give the series the best wrap up possible. And I promise to give Rose and Neely Kate a fantastic new beginning.
I love love love the series, I hate to see it end. I lost many a nights sleep reading these books and I feel like they are my friends. I have got about 14-20 people reading the whole series and I am rereading it right now. Thank you for an amazing adventure you have taken me on.
This series has grabbed me like no other. Rose and her circle of friends (and enemies) have become regular fixtures in my evening! I understand the idea of wrapping up the series, but am so happy and honestly, relieved, that Rose and Neely Kate will branch off to more adventures. My book club just started the first book, and I hope they get hooked like I have on the rest of the series. Denise Grover Swank, you are an incredible writer with a wonderful sense of humor, evident throughout this whole mystery compilation. You’ve made me laugh out loud and neglect tons of laundry! I am a mom of five, and the journey you’ve taken me on through Rose has been a wonderful one. Thank you thank you!!
♡ i will continue to read!
This is great thank you.
I absolutely love the Rose Gardner Mysteries and am so very sad that the series is coming to an end. Although, I am totally looking forward to the new spin off..
With that said, I’m devastated that fans can’t just accept that they have to wait to find out what happens next, which is why they want a nice clean ending. For those fans, well, you guys just suck!
But thank you, thank you for not killing her off or something else equally devastating. As an avid reader of all things Denise Grover Swank, that would have been to heartbreaking to even read.
Anyway, keep up the good work! This fan will follow Rose wherever she ends up!
I agree with Ms. Hollingsworth, I love Rose too and I would have been heartbroken to see her come to any harm. All of the characters in the Rose Gardner Mysteries are great with the exception of a few (Joe and his entire family). I am sad that the series will be ending. My prayer is that this is just a break and the series will be revised at a later date. However, I will be reading the new series with Rose and Neely Kate and I hope to see some of the characters from the Mysteries appear in the yet unnamed series from time to time.
I too pray that this is just a break in the Rose Gardner series and that it will be revised and continued at a later date. I did though like the new Joe but would love a romance with any of the three main boys, Joe, Mason, or James Malcom. In fact , I’m intrigued with how that story will turn out. But no matter what, I like a happier ending than the sudden break up of Rose and Mason with the book ending so abruptly. It felt devastating to me.
It sounds like all you are doing is changing the name of the Rose Garden series. I’m ok with that as long as the stories continues to be mysteries.
I absolutely love this series! I will continue reading about Rose and Neely Kate under whatever title you publish!
Love the series an can tell by your statement that you really did put a lot of thought into it. By ending this you are actually starting a new chapter in Rose’s character which we all do in our lives. Thanks for showing the growth and strength that happens to Rose and all those around her her it is truly inspiring. Will continue to read your books as long as you are writing them
I’ve loved Rose and her merry band of misfits from the very beginning and I will follow them anywhere simply because they are an amazing group of characters! I understand that some people can’t handle an extended series and that’s fine to each their own. But to me each book is a new story where family and friends have come together to overcome and survive the next thing life has to throw at them. So on another note, I’m highly anticipating off of your new work and I can’t wait to devour them!
I for one am glad that you are ending the Rose Gardner series as it is. I will be so glad to get rid of JR. But who will she end up with…hmmmm. I will be looking forward to the two new series. I read a lot of mysteries….I have worn out my Kindle…and just ordered a new one. lol
Keep on keeping on….
Sylvia
Enjoy your writing look forward to them!
I can understand wanting to wrap up a story, just glad we can continue on with Rose and her new adventure. Looking forward to reading about Magnolia.
I think you have a thing for flower names. Best of luck with both series, I look forward to reading them.
I’m excited for the end. I lovE this series so much however I am one of those people that needs closure. Primarily with the love triangle. #teamjoe. I’m ready to see this side of the story close.
#team joe — joe was sweet to her in the first book that I have read it at least ten times just to get to know him better….would love to meet a joe in person, and so sorry that he has such a troubled past…but that is what made him who he is
I’ve loved this series. I’m glad we get to know who she ends up with and you can move onto finding love interest she doesn’t pick. My sister in law and I love these. We read them the day they come out and then bash you for taking sooo long till the next one!
I never thought I would say I was ready for this series to end, but I guess it is a lot easier knowing that Rose will continue on. In that case, I am kind of glad to see this storyline finish. It has been an amazing journey, from the very first book on through until the much anticipated Thirty-six and a Half Motives to come. Then instead of saying g goodbye to Rose, it will just be the next chapter in her life. I love it and I love #RoseGardner!
I have followed Rose from the beginning. I think it is time to end this chapter of her life. I am ready for her to move on and for this story line to be completed. Sure hope she chooses Joe! Mason has just never appealed to me. She and Neely Kate will make a great new series and glad to know that most of the old friends will be on board.
I’ve always been team Joe too! Masons seems like a good guy but he’s never appealed to me either. Rose needs to be with Joe!
#team joe — joe was sweet to Rose in the first book that I have read it at least ten times just to get to know him better….(would love to meet a joe in person – a very special guy), and I am so sorry that he has such a troubled past…but that is what made him who he is. I really like Mason and do not want to see him in harm’s way and I hope he finds another special someone but not #rosegardner
I am a team Joe’s fan also. He gave Rose up so that she could experience life and she allowed him to become the man he was meant to be from the beginning. I would love to know what Kate has on Mason. He’s to moralist and unforgiving. I believe Rose was his revenge for Savannah. Can’t wait for March to get here to read more of these characters. What’s in the stars for Carter and Newly Kate? She deserves happiness also.
I am ready for the whole JR/Joe business to end just like when watching a soap opera and you are glad for a story arc to conclude. But that doesn’t mean you will stop watching that soap. I am glad that you have continued the soap opera in the form of Rose and Neely Kate. I love following characters and will happily follow Rose wherever you take her. I am also considering starting Magnolia. I hope you will let us Amazon readers know when we can start pre-ordering both series’ as well as Thirty-Six and a Half Motives.
Sooooooo glad to hear that you’re not ending it completely!!!! I love Rose, Neely kate, all the others AND the whole series! As long as you continue to write them I’ll continue to read them!!!!!
I’m sad to hear this is the last book but very pleased Rose will continue on and I will also continue reading… love the stories….
I love the Rose Gardner Mystery Series. It is my all time favorite book. I can’t wait til the last one and I am definitely continuing on to the Rose and Neely Kate series. I knew Rose Gardner Series had to end eventually but I hated to think about it. I’m so happy about Rose and Neely Kate.
Quite sad to read it’s coming to an end, I’m addicted/absorbed into the books. You are a great writer. But will be good hearing more about the investigation side but still please include all the characters within a bit of the story? X
I know all good things must come to an end. I followed a series (to be left nameless) that took off in popularity and became a weekly show, At that point it seemed the author just compiled crap into books for the sales. So I would rather see quality in my reading material rather than quantity. Denise has never failed us yet and I of course will follow Rose and Neely Kate and probably even her new series. Here’s to a great wrap up and a continuation of success for our beloved characters.
I have this bittersweet feeling right now.I am sad that Rose Gardner Mystery series is ending. But at the same time, I am glad that you aren’t completely giving up on Rose. Can’t wait to get my hands on 36 and a half motives! Plus, I will be totally looking forward to Rose and Neely Kate’s investigator series. I am definitely not ready to let go of Rose. Love her. You go girl! ♡♡♡
Always and forever a fan! Thank you for everything Rose! 🙂
I’ve read all the Rose Gardner books in a very greedy manner! And am really looking forward to the next/last one in this particular series. However, I feel your announcement could have been, “there is good news, and there is good news”. No bad news at all here and I look forward to reading Rose’s continuing adventures. Thank you for writing!
Thank you Denise. I love that even though In some way the series is ending a new beginning is on the way. I totally love this series and I just can’t wait for the new books.
I love Rose so eill certainly carry on eith the new series. I also introduced my daughter to Rose and she feels the same.
I love Rose and her madcap group of friends. I hate for the series to end, but all good things must come to an end. The Rose Gardner Mysteries is the first series that has ever had me totally obsessed. Denise Grover Swank can write like no other. I love how she has me laughing out loud one moment and crying like a baby the next. I look forward to the spin off, but hope that Rose’s love life is settled in Thirty Six and a Half Motives and of course I hope Rose chooses my beloved Joe!!! I can’t wait for the Magnolia Steele series and will read all Denise’s books with much anticipation and love. Thanks for the ride Denise xoxoxo
Loved this series and cannot wait for the next book. I started re-reading the books over again just to pass the time, how different they seem, upon the second read. I have found that I like Mason far less, I think Joe is a poor misguided soul who hasn’t been ready to face the realities of his life and has been hiding behind his work in an attempt to escape the truth. He is going to need to work on himself an awful lot before he has any clue where he fits into his crazy world after all the events that have unfolded around him. I’m waiting for there to be another twist in the whole baby thing given past history. I’m rooting for the only guy who hasn’t treated Rose like a child. Who has built her up, empowered her, relinquished his power to her because he trusted her… Yep, Skeeter. Am I alone here? I’ve become more fond of him in every book. They balance each other, and with him she has found her voice and her comfort zone using it. I’m also a die hard Catwoman fan so maybe I just prefer to see Rose the way she is when she is with Skeeter, not a criminal, but as a woman who isn’t taking anyone’s nonsense and isn’t going to be walked all over. Isn’t that the true development of her character from start to finish? I think he completes her evolution. Just my thoughts. 🙂
You are DEFINITELY not alone. The Team Skeeter readers shocked me after the release of Thirty-Four. 🙂
Phew! I’m glad to hear I’m not alone! I can’t wait to see where you are going to take things, and I look forward to the new series! Best of luck to you!
I have loved this series. The characters are so compelling. I can hardly wait to see who she ends up with, but please NOT Skeeter :). Thanks for sharing your time with us through your wonderful stories.
Really like your take on the characters! Well considered & a lovely option. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you for writing this post, Denise. I have been struggling with the last ending, and as a “team Mason” fan I found myself in tears. I still choke up whenever I think about it. How powerful these books are!!
Your comments put a better perspective on this turn of events. Hopefully now I can start looking forward to the next book, instead of feeling so devastated as to not even continue with the series
Team Skeeter all the way! But I hope they don’t get involved too quickly; as much as I liked Mason, I felt like their relationship was too much too soon. I agree that Skeeter, questionable career choices aside, treats Rose like a grown-up and respects her strengths AND weaknesses.
Can’t wait to read the next book and go into the next series!
You’re so not alone. I love me some Skeeter
#TeamSkeeter
#TEAMSKEETER ALL THE WAY!! YES!!
YES. THANK ALL OF YOU. I wasn’t a fan of Joe or Mason, really. I’ve been waiting for her and Skeeter to become a thing, much more interesting of a character 😉
U have to tell me will mason at least be involved in the next series please. I love mason so much u definitely can’t let him go.
U have to tell me will mason at least be involved in the next series please. I love mason so much u definitely can’t let him go. Please
While I’m sad to know that 36 will be the last Rose Gardner mystery, I think you made the right decision. Keeping up the series would be like those TV shows that run one (or several) season too many just to cash on their popularity. I’m glad that i won’t be the end of Rose, though as I am a big fan, all the way from France.
I have to confess I was happy about how things turned out with Mason, never was a fan of the character. I hope she ends up with Joe as I expect there will be some unexpected twist on the baby situation (maybe JR impregnated Hillary). I also like the Skeeter option.
Denise,
I am an avid Rose Garden reader, I have read all your books. And
I hate to see the series end. I will be lost. You are such a good writer and I feel like I know Rose, Neely Kate, Mason, Joe, and every one of these people personally, I wish you would reconsider your decision.
Respectfully,
Barbara H
I love this series and am looking forward to the future of Rose and Neely Kate. Thirty-six comes out on my anniversary so I’m looking orward to reading it.
Thanks for your hard work it is appreciated!!!
Pam
I love this series and these characters. I’m glad to see they will be continued. I can’t wait to read the next book and the new series.
I’m in shock. It’s only now that I’ve learned that the next book in this amazing series will be the last. Though all good things must come to an end, it doesn’t mean I have to like it. I actually hate it. No matter, I look forward to reading the new series. As for now, it should be interesting to see what direction the author will go with respect to wrapping up all the loose ends. Also, will Rose ever get her HEA? She really deserves one. I hope she doesn’t go back to Joe as he has no balls whatsoever. He’d most likely run at the first sign of trouble in his relationship with Rose. As for Mason, get over yourself. She made a mistake. No one’s perfect. I hope Neely Kate and your mother gut you like a fish for hurting Rose, or at least open your eyes to see how narrow-minded you are. Like many readers, I can see Rose and Skeeter together, but only if he goes legit. Otherwise, I don’t see it working at all.
To Denise Grover Swank, thank you for an amazing series that I’ll always remember.
I know right maybe in the next series skeeter will be with rose not mason that would be a twist but also maybe j.r simions gets hiliary pregos
That’s exactly what I was thinking.
I was thinking the same thing. I can’t bring myself to hate Joe, or even Hilary for that matter. But if the baby were JRs it would serve them right for the torment they’ve subjected Joe to. Id love him to be freed from her, but then id just feel wise for Hilary….. JR just need to git!
Bad. Not wise
I do hate to see it come to an end , but look forward to the spin off , I love Rose and can’t wait to read 36. Keep up the good work
Love this series and will re-read them all again before May. Denise I love your style for the characters having a “personality” each of their own. I look forward to the wrap up of the loose ends and am glad her friends will appear in the next series. I dont want to see Rose settle for any of them but keep them as friends. Joe needs her as a “real” friend and for her to keep Masons Mom close instead of Mason. Hoping Rose will empower herself and find someone new in the next series to love who doesnt feel the need to save or protect her, she can do it herself.
Thank you for the Rose Gardner Mystery Series. It has been a pleasure reading about Rose’s growth from a young insecure, emotionally handicapped, mousy girl into a strong take charge woman. I have to admit I’m of the opinion that Joe and Mason are both duds and not worthy of her love or affection. I look forward to seeing both Rose and Neeley Kate embark on their new adventure confident and secure in their own abilities to do whatever with or without men at their sides.
I looove the series. Im sad to hear 36 will be the last book but I have no doubt ill keep reading. Although I do hate to wait! I was so looking forward to seeing if there was something real with rose and Skeeter. Lol. Ill have you know that ive dubbed him my new book boyfriend 😉 i sure can pick em. No worries, though. You’ve made a fan of me for sure. Can’t wait for your spin off. As long as our Rose is in it im so there. Keetp it up lady!
You have amazing talent and I love Rose. I will follow gher whereever you decide to take her.
You have a fantastic website here! would
you like to produce some invite articles on my blog?
my web-site heroes charge hack android (http://www.Realhacks24.com)
I am in a beautiful place in Kenya. I just finished reading ur third book. And I must say how truly disappointed I was. I loved Joe and Rose. Funny Rose was the stronger one. But that’s all that is funny about this book. Why? Why would you write such an ending to the third book. Why did you kill Joe and Rose like that. I can only imagine what kind of things have happened to you. How dare you use your pen to do this to people. Best selling author. I hope it’s worth it. It’s a hard world out here and I have lived in Kenya for almost 30 years to help people. I needed a good novel…you are an expert at developing the character and the plot. I loved books one and two…but as I read book three and got closer and closer to the end I couldn’t believe what you did to Joe and Rose. Shame on you. I hope it’s worth it. But what you did was wrong. I know it’s your book…so you can write what you want. But what you gives you the right to mess with people’s feelings. Whatever it is I hope you get the help you need. I’m sure not going to read any more of Rose and any other novel you write. It hurts a lot. Thanks a lot. God bless you. And strangely enough I do mean that
I am getting to old for this. Let me explain. I don’t normally read novels, particularly fiction, for the precise reason of what I experienced after finishing Denise Grover Swank’s third book. The breaking up of Joe and Rose. The world’s becoming increasingly a harder and harder place. Because of where I live and what I do in East Africa, I see the suffering of people far far too much. My wife is always trying to encourage me to bring some lighter reading along with us when we travel for breaks, vacations, etc. Five months ago she read Denice’s first book and shared it with me. I lover it and fall in love with Joe and Rose. So when we came away for Christmas this year, I was excited to read together books 2 and 3. It was our first Christmas without our three boys or any family. We needed to go to a place to begin to make our own memories. And it was going on so well. I left my “serious” reading behind. More about me…I am a very sensitive man. Like Rose it’s both a blessing and a curse. I was devastated by the ending of J and R’s relationship. We stayed up two nights in a row reading. We couldn’t put the books down. Tonight I haven’t slept because I am a wreck emotionally. Oh. I’ll be fine in few days. Only because I have to push past this and see it as for what it is – a story. But it was more than that for me. I have never read a more gifted and talented writer than DGR. The development of character and plot. There is no comparison. Denise is an a category alloyd by herself. The best! But I guess I m not only old, but I am old fashion. I need a book that endstrumph@aol.com happily ever after. And DGR’s didn’t do that. I can handle the rough patches in a good story. But it needs to end well. This didn’t. Far from it. So I’m replying at 3am in the morning. Never again. I will never read another novel written by DGR or anyone for that matter. It was just too cold and painful. I don’t know why Denise choose to do that. And as I have jumped ahead to read the reviews of her subsequent later writings, I see it only gets worse for J and R as a couple. Joe, as weak as you make him out to be, is the one who made Rose who she then could go on to be. Their love was special. But you killed that. And the book killed a little something me. Am I being over dramatic? No. I don’t think so. I’m sharing who I am and what I need from a novel. You obviously can write what you want. And just as obvious, your very good at it. But it’s not for everyone. Certainly not for me. It will be hard to come back to this incredibly beautiful place in the rain forest of Kakamega in Kenya because of what happened at the end of book 3. I leave here and go back to the incredible suffering people are living with to help them. I didn’t need this. Nobody does.
What the heck, this is a wind up surely?! If it bothers you that much then write your own book 3 with its Mills & Boons predictable ending, seriously? If fiction not ending the way you want it to affects your life that drastically for gods sake don’t ever read The Snowman, it could scar you for life!
Geez-o-pete, buddy. If this isn’t a joke, you best get some therapy before you head back to the rain forest! Well, that and a life, ’cause it sounds like your real one isn’t quite enough. Sheesh!
For Scott Harbert: it is FICTION. Next time tell the book store clerk that you want something happy, simple, no depth, and not a series. Try “Happy” by Pharrell Williams. It even has pictures!!!!
This serie is amazing I read 8 books in one week of vacation. And I hope someone would think to turn it to a serie of movies. When I think about the characters I imagine certain actors in mind and I would love to hear what the other reader might think or who they imagine playing the roles just for the fun of it ^_^.
Rose: Lily Collins
Violet: Jennifer Lawrence
Joe: Theo James
Hillary: Blake Lively
I really have enjoyed the Rose Gardner series! I was upset when Rose & Joe broke up – they seemed so perfect. Then while I resented Mason, I’ve grown to care for him too. However, while I have purchased & downloaded Thirty-Five, I refuse to read it until Thirty-Six comes out. Then I will read them back to back. I hate to say it, but I’m kinda keeping my fingers crossed that Joe will pull out a “Hail Mary” & somehow recouple with Rose. I definitely agree that I finally need some closure on this triangle & to the J.R. Story, but I am very excited about the Rose & Neely Kate series!!! Thank you for a great series!
I love the Rose Gardner books! I started them earlier this year and I have just finished 34 and am about to start 35. I am glad the series will be coming to an end so we can all find out the answers to the questions that keep popping up in every book! I don’t like it when book series go on and on and you don’t find out the answers. Haha, you have ended this chapter at the perfect time!
However I will be reading the new Rose series and I love her and Neely Kate and can’t wait to see where their new chapter takes them.
Amazing writer
Thank you for sharing 🙂
While I am sad that the Rose Gardner series is ending, I will gladly read the new series. I love Rose and Neely Kate and cannot wait to see what new adventures you find for them now that you are taking a new direction.
I will absolutely continue reading their new series! I love rose and am looking forward to some kind of wrap up on this story line, but I certainly can’t wait to read what else is in her future.
I also Love the series more than any others. I hope Rose and Neel Kate are a huge success
Can’t wait to get started, I’m re reading the whole series again. I have read it so many times I’ve memorize most if it, and still enjoy every book.
I love Rose Gardner Mysteries, but I’m ready for an ending. I just hope she finds her true love. As for the Rose and Neely Kate stories – oh yes I will be reading the new series, looking forward to it. Thank you for all the wonderful stories you write, love your books.
I was so worried when I first saw that it was ending. But after reading the entire thing I’m looking forward to seeing this story come to an end. And beginning a new one with the Rose characters . So excited!!