Tuesday, September 17, 2019

What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr


First Line: Rose's head drops, jerks, and she's awake.

Rose Dennis wakes up in a gaping hospital gown standing out in a strange park. Her brain in a fog, she's hustled back to the Alzheimer's Unit in a nearby nursing home. Rose doesn't think she belongs there, but her brain is so jumbled that she is concerned. But she's even more concerned when she overhears a conversation in which she's not expected to make it through the week. That does it. Rose stops taking her medications then stages her escape.

But she's got a major hurdle to jump: how does she convince anyone that she's not demented? After all, her relatives were the ones who committed her, the legal papers are drawn up and on file, and the authorities are on the side of the nursing home. Even Rose herself isn't completely convinced that she sounds totally sane. But all doubts are erased when a would-be killer shows up in her house in the middle of the night. Now Rose knows that someone wants to get rid of her.

With the help of her computer hacker/recluse sister Marion, her thirteen-year-old granddaughter Mel and Mel's friend Royal, Rose begins to fight back. She wants her life back... but someone out there has other plans.

It's been too long since I had the pleasure of reading a Nevada Barr novel, and as I devoured the story of Rose Dennis, I cheered, I laughed, and after its conclusion, I closed the book with a huge smile on my face. What fun!

What Rose Forgot reminds me of Barr's Anna Pigeon mystery, Destroyer Angel, and for me, that is a very good thing. This newest story from Barr has a lot to say about ageism at both ends of the spectrum. Many of us are not very kind (or accurate) in our assessments of the old or the young, and Barr shatters the stereotypes of both age groups with ease and a maniacal gleam in her eye.

She's also blunt in what she says about life being tough on the elderly at both ends of the pay scale. When you're old and poor, chances are that no one gives a damn about you. When you're old and rich, you get more attention, but it may not be the kind you want.

What Rose Forgot is laugh-out-loud funny in many places, and-- yes-- the action is often over the top, but check reality at the door and buckle up your seat belt. Nevada Barr has written a ripping good yarn that is a delight to read.


What Rose Forgot by Nevada Barr
eISBN: 9781250208033
Minotaur Books © 2019
eBook, 304 pages

Thriller, Standalone
Rating: A
Source: Net Galley


 

18 comments:

  1. So glad you liked this book -- and enlarged the font. I can read it.
    I have had it on library reserve since I read about its publication. Can't wait. It's been awhile since I've read a Nevada Barr book.

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    1. I'll be seeing her at The Poisoned Pen tonight. She's launching the book here.

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  2. How lucky that you'll have the chance to see her soon, Cathy! She is a really talented writer, and this book sounds really absorbing. The premise is suspenseful!

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    1. It is a fun book to read, Margot-- almost as fun as Barr herself.

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  3. Sounds an edge of the seat reading this book. Thanks for the review.

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  4. You sold me, I'll be looking for a copy!

    And how cool that you'll be meeting her!

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    1. She is a lot of fun, Vicki. I try to see her any time she comes to town.

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  5. Oh, you're getting to see her at the Pen! I'm so jealous! Looking forward to reading this one. Makes me want to go back and read all the Anna books. Ah, one day...

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    1. I think you'll like this one, Kay. When you read it, keep in mind that Nevada did all of Rose's "stunts" as she was writing the book just to make sure a 68-year-old could do them.

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  6. Yes, one day to reread Anna Pigeon's adventures.

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    1. And it sounds as though there may be more in the future-- especially since we pointed out to her that Anna has never been to Yellowstone.

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  7. If you want to see a visual treat, find the website with Nevada Barr's home. The artwork and designs are amazing; both she and her spouse (who apparently knows how to do everything) created a beautiful, artistic home that is bright and cheery, too.

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  8. Here is the link to the photos of her house. A nice aspect is the critters who live there, too.
    Such art: I would love to just have the bathroom or one other room.
    https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/home_garden/article_9003ff03-2861-5e40-98f2-6e08b181e6e6.html

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  9. And now I have the book, thanks to the library. Dilemma: Do I read this, finish the Monkeewrench book 9 or read the new Attica Locke book, Heaven, My Home. Such decisions!

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    1. Finish the Monkeewrench, then dive into What Rose Forgot.

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  10. I stopped the Monkeewrench, read the excellent Heaven, My Home, by Attica Locke (a friend and I were discussing it by phone), and then read this one.
    It's hilarious and preposterous, laugh outloud and subtle. And it's also a bit of a satire on life among the rich in Charlotte and life in the U.S. at this time. Quite a book. I am recommending it.

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