It isn't the kind of mystery that you are intended to take seriously, even though there is serious intent to put Rose six feet under. She escapes the nursing home, is recaptured, realizes she doesn't have dementia, begins stashing the drugs she's being fed, escapes again, and later breaks back in to rescue someone else.
Who wants Rose dead and why? With the help of her thirteen-year-old granddaughter Mel, Rose does her best to figure out the answers to these questions, but she is still weak and confused.
As Rose deals with her impaired memory, she must face the fact that even Mel had believed Rose had early onset dementia, possibly brought on by the recent death of Rose's husband Harley. A respected artist from New Orleans, Rose had never been conventional, but her behavior after her husband's death was bizarre and worrisome.
The book is full of suspense and dark humor, as attempts on Rose's life and efforts at her recapture become more intense and often comical. The villains are one-dimensional caricatures, the conspiracies too complicated for belief, but feisty Rose and her investigation and adventures are entertaining and funny.
Rose has a particular piece of evidence after one attempt on her life, and I laughed out loud in shock and amusement when she calmly tells Eddie what she did with the evidence. At the very least, that statement convinced Eddie that Rose wasn't just crazy, but damn scary.
Recommended by my daughter, What Rose Forgot is a satisfying romp that occupied my day!
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A few books added to my list of books I want to read:
Thank you for the book review. It is on my reading list now.
ReplyDeleteHave a good weekend!
:) It was very different from Nevada Barr's usual books, but definitely fun.
DeleteWhat Rose Forgot sounds interesting to me! Will keep it in mind. :)
ReplyDeleteRose is an interesting character--feisty and eccentric.
DeleteI'm glad What Rose Forgot ended up being such a good read. It's another one on my TBR list that I hope to read this year. You know, when I can get holds again. :D
ReplyDeleteBecause my daughter recommended it, I got an Audible free trial. :)
DeleteThis book sounds like fun to read, I have read many of the Anna Pigeon novels.
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed the Anna Pigeon novels over the years and was surprised about this standalone. Choosing an older protagonist and a humorous tone was quite different!
DeleteI love it when a book ban backfires! Anyway, the Nevada Barr book sounds really good. I've only read a couple of her A.P. books but found them enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteThe books may be banned in the schools, but the community is reading the books--the livestream readings, book club, and challenges are such a great way to go about creating interest in the banned books!
DeleteWhat Rose Forgot was so much fun to read! I loved it when Nevada Barr told all of us at The Poisoned Pen that she personally did all the things that Rose did in the book to prove that a 68-year-old was capable.
ReplyDeleteHow much fun it must have been to hear Nevada Barr describe her creation of Rose! The roof bit would have concerned me because I've developed a fear of heights. :)
DeleteAnd I love hearing what Cathy shared here! I've got this book on my Kindle and should try it before long.
DeleteRose sounds like a hoot. This one is going on my TBR list - for what that is worth, of course.
ReplyDeleteRose's escapades are funny and fun, but about that TBR list--there are always more books than time!
DeleteWhat Rose Forgot sounds like a lot of fun! It's been ages since I read Barr. I'll have to check that one out.
DeleteShip of Fate looks really good to me. And The Ninth Child.
I love what that town in Alaska is doing. Thanks for sharing! :-)
Wendy, I love the way the little town has come up with a peaceful and productive way to counteract the efforts to "sanitize" reading lists. :)
Delete*Wants* This sounds even better than I thought it was!
ReplyDelete