Down by the Riverside

Rose Griffith, recently divorced from Rip, leaves behind Rocky Mount, North Carolina and the life she's known, bound for Arizona, when she has car trouble. One man is willing to give her a lift to Shady Grove, a campground run by an ex-con who turned his life around and tries to give other ex-cons the same chance. Rose decides to take her mother's maiden name Franklin. As they are pulling up to the campground, the sheriff's department is pulling the body of the undertaker, Mr. Franklin out of the river. Although Rose never met the man, she's sure he didn't commit suicide and begins to investigate. She's also using her nursing skills to help a family camped nearby who have a daughter with cancer being treated at St. Jude across the river and another daughter donating the bone marrow for the transplant.

Even though this novel includes a mystery, it seems to be somewhat minor in comparison to the theme of second chances. The mystery itself was somewhat lacking. I'm very familiar with the area, and several things struck me as "unbelievable," including the fact anyone who led a nurse's lifestyle, even a place like Rocky Mount, would find the West Memphis area appealing. It's known primarily as a place trucks stop going into and out of Memphis, and it has a less than stellar reputation in regards to criminal activities. I like the idea of a series set in a campground. I grew up in a household that camped frequently. In fact, as a child I used to dream of writing a series of children's books set in a campground. My reactions to the book are mixed. I might give the second in the series a chance if I come across it. ( )

Rose is on her way West after her divorce is finalized when her car breaks down in West Memphis, Arkansas. A man offers to pull her camper to Shady Grove, a local campground on the banks of the Mississippi. Several emergency vehicles pass them on the way to Shady Grove. They learn that the body of a local man has been pulled from the river near the campground. Rose senses that something isn't right about this death, and she feels compelled to get answers to the questions that nag her so that the dead man can rest in peace. She feels an even stronger connection with him when she learns that his last name, Franklin, is the same one that she has chosen to use after her divorce – her mother's maiden name. Rose puts her life in danger when she asks the right questions of the wrong person. She also finds things she didn't know she was looking for – community, friendship, and love.

Rose suffers from the syndrome that afflicts many cozy mystery heroines – TSTL*. The mystery is slow to start and a bit underdeveloped, but the mystery really isn't the main point of the book. It's a book about the ups and downs of life, trust, hope, healing, and second chances. Rose is exasperating at times. (What policeman's daughter would give a false name when being questioned by the police?) However, the Shady Grove community is interesting, and it's one I think I'd like to visit again. This book will appeal to readers who enjoy cozy mysteries and/or gentle reads. It may appeal to some Christian fiction readers who are willing to overlook a little promiscuity without coarse language or graphic sex.

*Too Stupid to Live ( )

Great cover, book not quite as good. ( )

Since I have enjoyed reading books by this author under the name of Lynn Hinton, I decided to try her mystery series. As far as a mystery, I am unsure what I think. The mystery is very subtle, and not as blatant as in other mystery series. The journey to solving the mystery in the Shady Grove series deals with relationships and religion. The format presents a different route than the classic mystery genre. The characters are intriguing, but Lynn plays around racial issues. The main character's, Rose Franklin, ethnic makeup consists of African American, Lumbee Indian, and Irish. The murdered man is an African American, as are several of the characters. Lynn displays in her story that not all stereotypes are correct. The owners of the trailer park are both ex convicts and ex drug users, but each has reformed. The book centers on giving a second chance and forgiveness. The journey is not to solve the mystery, but to find spiritual freedom. ( )