The third book in the USA Today bestselling Carly Moore series by Denise Grover Swank.
The dead can’t speak
After months of living in the Smoky Mountains town of Drum, Tennessee, Carly knows firsthand the financial hardship the citizens face. Still, she can’t muster the same excitement as everyone else when town patriarch Bart Drummond breaks ground on his new resort that promises more jobs and … his new resort that promises more jobs and money.
But the project comes to a screeching halt when the construction crew unearths a grisly discovery—an unmarked grave. The discovery threatens Carly’s ex-boyfriend, when the authorities learn the body belongs to his old girlfriend who had supposedly left town…and Wyatt is suspect number one.
Carly’s sure Wyatt’s innocent, even if the rest of the town, and more importantly, the sheriff’s department, is ready to lock him up. Carly has moved on from Wyatt, but now he’s asking for her help to clear his name. In exchange, he’ll tell her what he knows about his father. Information that will help her bring Bart down.
But danger lurks around every corner, and as Carly puts her life on the line to help the man who betrayed her, she begins to question everything and everyone around her…especially Wyatt Drummond.
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And we are back in Drum, Tennessee, time has passed since book 2. It’s been a few months since Lula’s drama and things with Wyatt… well things are still not good. The resort that was hinted before is now being constructed, which means more foot traffic at Max’s bar and overall more jobs for the town and everyone is happy about it… except Carly since the man behind the project is no other than Bart Drummond and she is determined to see him dethroned. But everything comes to a screeching halt when they discover some buried bones on site.
When it’s known that the bones belong to no other than Wyatt’s ex-girlfriend who supposedly left town before he went to jail and he is now a suspect. Even if things are still not even amicable between Carly and him, she is sure of his innocence, so when he asks for her help is a no-brainer. He offers her truths in return, which are like currency in Drum, so she decides to investigate.
I have to be completely honest here, this wasn’t my favorite but please do hear me out. Denise is an amazing writer, I really felt like I was reliving a real person recount of her life story. The story itself was well written and well developed. I think this book gives us a new perspective about Wyatt, Marco, and especially Bart’s wife. She was a surprise, to say the least, and I think she is going to play major plot twits in the future and I looking forward to it.
With all that being said… I just hated the things that happen and mostly how I felt like we got no resolution, I mean yes, we get to know who the killer is and the whys, what and how, but still everything else it’s out in the open with BIG question marks. I think in the end we got 1 solution for at least 10 more mysteries to solve. And I’m sorry I do have to say this (trying not to give too much away but…) I get that labels are scary, especially if we consider Carly’s situation, but I mean if it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck I refuse to call it anything else even if she is not ready to admit it yet.
I’m really looking forward to next book and if I can get picky, can we get to the loving? Mama needs some sugar!
This author’s hallmarks -compelling characters, a good mystery, and romantic entanglements- make a great, awesome book out of this, the latest installment in the series. I particularly loved some tidbits, like the dynamics between Bingham and Lula (sweet, weird, and thoroughly intriguing), the shenanigans from the ladies at Greener Pastures (sweet and funny), the bickering between the waitresses (realism at its best). But if the set of characters were not compelling enough (they certainly are), the plot had me rooted to my chair and made me turn page after page. The murderer’s identity was a complete surprise, just as I like it to be. Last but not least is the construction of the love triangle. “I deserve a man who’s all in,” says the main character. Yeah, way to go, girl.
Another body, another mystery, another chance for Carly to investigate, and another fantastic book!
This third installment initially read a little different than the previous Carly books and I couldn’t quite put my finger on it. Then I realized it was CARLY that was different. She really seemed to show her confidence and comfort for her life in Drum. It’s amazing how this author is able to make these characters so real and relateable! Carly’s comfort and presence allow us more insight in the other characters. We get to know more about Marco’s childhood and Ruth’s shocking past as well as Emily’s role in the Drummond family. Just little conversations and moments that add so much depth to the people of Drum.
As for the plot. Carly found herself in the middle of an investigation again, and this time I genuinely had no guesses on how it was going to end. Everyone looked innocent and guilty at the same time!
There’s no real love interest in this book, Carly is still trying to figure out how she feels about Marco and Wyatt and any other attractive male that comes in for dinner. And again, there doesn’t seem to be a clear-cut path for Carly’s future. The uncertainty is refreshing and really makes me excited for future readings.
I’m utterly flabbergasted with the amount of talent that Denise Grover Swank brings to the table. This third installment of the Carly Moore series literally blew my mind. The storyline was thick with tension on all kinds of levels. Drum TN is steep with secrets and it seems like everyone’s got one. There was no way I could put this book down because I had to know what was going to happen next. Carly develops into such an amazing character. I found myself raising my fist in solidarity of her conviction to shed the girl she was and embrace the strong willed, fiercely independent woman she’s become. She’s made a family of her own with Hank and her handful of close friends. The people of Drum have taken notice of her since she arrived and are starting to accept her more by treating her less like an outsider. While I still think Wyatt is a good man, I just don’t think he’s good enough for our girl Carly. Now Marco has me all up in my feels! We get a little more backstory from him and I feel like he truly understands Carly better and appreciates her more. I love their bond and how they’re both supportive of each other. Even though I was hoping they would take a chance on each other, I’m also glad that Carly isn’t rushing into anything. I was also glad to see my favorite seniors make an appearance and they did not disappoint! I can only hope to be as ornery as Gladys and Roberta when I grow up.
I highly recommend this book if you love a gripping mystery mixed with a bit of humor and a pinch of romance. I’m anxiously looking forward to what other secrets the little town of Drum TN reveals to Carly and if they will bring her closer to her goals of bringing down Bart Drummond once and for all. Or, will her secret be revealed first.
This series just gets better and better with each book. This was an intense, page turning story that kept me guessing until the end and reading until 4:00 am. Denise Grover Swank writes these characters with everyday flaws and vulnerabilities, that you can’t help but become invested in them and feel attached to them. Carly has grown so much and is learning what she wants and needs in her life. I’m loving Marco more and more. While I love how she jumps in to help others, I was also scared for her multiple times. I can’t wait to see how things are going to play out in the coming books. You need to read this book and series!!!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
Book 3 in the Carly Moore series. Let me tell you it does not disappoint. Best one to date in my opinion.
Starts out with a body not only being discovered, but on Carly’s enemy Bart Drummonds land. Details of the body lead Carly to believe she can use it as ammunition to take Bart down. Only things go awry when Wyatt is taken for questioning about said body.
Even more surprising, Wyatt then enlists Carlys help in proving his innocence. She agrees , but with motivation in hopes that he will finally answer some of her questions. Too bad that she may not like the answers she will recieve.
So with help from Marco, and a few others she sets off to help Wyatt, all while endangering herself and many others in the process. You mustt read it to find out what happens cause it will leave you guessing until then very end!! I recomend reading series in order to get the full effect of greatness from this series. However if you dont the author does a great job of recapping enough of it to keep you on track.
Great book, as usual. Extremely fast read!!
Mind blown intensity!
The third installment of the Carly Moore series is definitely a page turner. It was a intense read for me. It had some great moments that would leave you laughing out loud!! Carly is investigating the grisly discovery to help clear Wyatt’s name. Will she be able to help the man who betrayed her in time and clear his name? Pick up this book to find out!! Trust me you won’t want to miss out.
This was such a great read. I felt that this series has finally hit its stride and the characters/community have fully come alive on the page. I feel like there is so much to story to tell and hope there are many more books in this series to come!
What I really enjoyed was Carly’s journey of self-discovery in this novel. I feel like she has been running on adrenaline and fear, which don’t always lead to the best decision. She really figured herself out in this book and came to terms with her pain and faults. Carly finally understands who she is and what she wants out of life. She now has a path forward to living the life she wants and finding a love she deserves.
I also loved Marco and her together! They are definitely the dynamic due and they bring the best out of each other – Plus Marco is taking the same journey of self-discovery and wanting to be a better person not just for Carly but for himself and the town as well. Marco brings out the best in Carly as well. They basically make each other stronger.
Wyatt is just Wyatt, and basically a bull in a china shop. He is still caught up in his past that he can’t really let anyone in. While I think he loves Carly in the only way he knows but he isn’t willing to change to grow and Carly is moving forward while he is stuck in the past.
I still think Mama Drummond is just as dangerous (and maybe more so) as Bart and don’t trust her at all. Carly better watch her back.
This Carly Moore series just gets better and better! Every character is written with such attention to detail and personality that they become your instant friends…or fears. One Foot in the Grave is an excellent story of mystery, small town secrets, lies, and friendships. Wyatt finds himself in some serious trouble regarding a past girlfriend who disappeared nine years prior and turns to Carly for help. I have recommended this book and it’s series to those who enjoy a good “who done it,” who appreciate plot twists and turns, and the possibility of a romance. Some of my favorite supporting roles made a come back in this book which only helps it feel like family. The reader is also introduced to several new characters as Max needs to hire more help. I would keep my eye out for Molly as no one trusts her. A secret regarding Ruth’s past is aired with a connection to the new waitress. Carly’s character continues to grow in strength and independence as she continues to explore her own past and how it has made her who she is today. We learn more about everyone’s favorite deputy sheriff, Marco Roland, and continue to wonder where this possible love triangle of Carly, Wyatt, and Marco will end. A great book, I just couldn’t put it down!
Another well told story by DGS with tons of mystery and suspense, but interweaved with action, humor, and friendship! I am loving the town of Drum, TN and all of the characters in it. Carly has found a real gem; not only with the townspeople, but all the secrets in this town left to be unraveled.
In book 3 of Carly’s series, she’s back to investigating, but this time it’s to help Wyatt. I love that she’s so willing to go to bat for friends and people she feels are innocent. We get to learn a little more about Wyatt’s past, which I think does help you understand some of how he became the man he is today. Carly has always been a tough cookie, but I love getting to watch her continue to grow and kick butt! Marco is back again to help Carly investigate and I just adore their friendship. Bring me all the Marco! I also adore the kinship that has formed between Hank and Carly. It just really gets me in the feels and I even teared up a bit in one of their convos. I can’t wait to see what’s to come in the next book and discover more secrets! You don’t want to miss out on Carly’s series!
What a wild ride through this yet another absolutely amazing book! There was no doubt I’d love Carly’s new mystery but I’ve been pleasantly surprised by author once again how talented she is in plotting these stories. I wanted to read faster because I couldn’t take any more of this intense action packed suspense. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, guessing and betting I’m right but still didn’t see it coming what shocking surprises Denise Grover Swank had all the way and to the very end of the story. But, that’s what you should discover by yourself, right?
I love how all of Ms. Swank’s characters are so multilayered, with flaws, insecurities, secrets, complex relationships. Love how they are growing before your eyes as personalities you instantly fall in love with them or love to hate them. I feel so emotionally attached to Carly and her people, they are like my friends and that’s why I feel really sorry and sad for some of them.
Highly recommend this series because you need to read from the beginning to understand it.
Small towns mysteries seem to be greater than big cities.
I think this book was a great book. We are learning the backbones of this town are not always what they seem. I am liking how Carly is becoming a part of the town. People are getting to know her and seem to like her. Regardless of the fact she has been involved in some serious stuff for her short time in town. I was so scared when she decided to help Wyatt. I just knew she had stepped in poop. I know she wants to help her friend but still. Marco is such a great guy. I love they are friends. I like the fact that she is holding back on jumping into things with him. I think they both have things to get over before they are ready for the next step. I know my thoughts are all over the place. I just don’t want to see Carly hurt. I think the end game to this whole thing is going to take a lot out of each of the characters in this book. There still is no out right answer to some of the stuff going on. Carly needs to start putting things together. I feel her time is running out. I am holding my breath waiting for the next shoe to drop.
By now you should know Carly pretty well a sweet and charming fearless woman with tunnel vision for justice. She gets a few new additions to her life in this book which means added responsibility. As always there is a great mystery to solve and team Marly gets to the bottom of some corruption. This book is far more intriguing to me than the others. After reading the book I wonder if Carly hasn’t opened up a whole other can of worms that we didn’t know existed, and quite possibly one foot in the grave. We won’t know for sure until the next book.
This is another great book in the Carly Moore series.
I thought this story was well written, and I could not stop reading. I really, REALLY enjoy the relationship that is developing between Carly and Marco. I love their friendship, they truly seem to respect each other. I was not a fan of Carly in the last book, but I am a fan again at the end of this.
I keep wanting to write things but have to erase the spoilers, haha!
I like how more of the history of the townspeople is coming out in this book.
I also like how the ending wasn’t a cliffhanger, I really appreciate that.
I am going to end this here, because again, no spoilers! I would highly recommend this series!
You know the feeling of excitement, joy, and sadness you feel when you finish an amazing book?! That is exactly the feelings I am going through now after finishing One Foot in the Grave. I loved every page of it and am so excited for more. I am already missing Carly and her crew. There are so many twists and turns. Every time I think I figured out who killed Heather a twist would come up and I would be left guessing again. I love so many characters, especially Carly. She has such a big heart and is so kind. I am glad though she has started fighting for the person she wants to be and fighting for what is important to her. In One Foot in the Grave we also get more insight into characters. We get to see a lot more of Marco which is always wonderful. We get to see more into Emily Drummond. I found Emily very interesting and I am excited to see and learn more from Emily. We also get some answers regarding Wyatt’s past. I hope some of the characters such as Abby will be more involved in future books. I am so ready for the October release of Carly’s book 4 Buried in Secrets!
Denise Grover Swank has out done herself and she just keeps getting better! I hate to sound cliche but One Foot in the Grave is Action packed! Captivating! Intriguing! Page turner! Suspenseful! Unpredictable! Nail biting! These are ways to describe the third book in the Carly Moore series.
Carly is on a duel mission to find out who killed Wyatts ex-girlfriend, Heather and to prevent a miscarriage of justice when Wyatt is wanted for her murder. Her adventure takes us on a journey of danger, entanglements and self discovery. This is Denise at her best!
Another 5 star book from the wonderful DGS!
Carly Moore has been in Drum, TN for awhile now, and boy as she learned a thing or two about secrets in this town! Her ex-boyfriend Wyatt comes to her asking for her help after the remains of his ex-girlfriend are found at the site of his daddy’s new business venture. Despite not being on the best of terms with Wyatt, she agrees because she knows there is no way he killed his ex-girlfriend. And let’s be honest, she also really loves digging into a good mystery!
In this book you will also see more of Marco, who was introduced in the first book and played a more dominant role in the second. To me Marco seems to be the Neely Kate to Carly and it’s such a great fit! DGS has a way with making you fall in love with each character in a new way in every single book. And that definitely stands true with this book. I love Carly, Marco, Max, Hank, Ruth, and even Wyatt.
If you’re a fan of the Rose and Neely Kate books, you have to check out Carly Moore! You will see a lot of similarities between those series and this one. Carly is a such a strong, courageous, take charge heroine you cant help but love her! I hope that sometime in the future readers will get to see all 3 of these characters back together again. I think they would kick butt at solving mysteries together!
P.s. be ready to laugh your butt off when you get to the nursing home scene. 😉
Fans of Denise Grover Swank know she is a master storyteller. Her characters are layered with strength, flaws and complex relationships. This third book in the Carly Moore series keeps the reader on the edge of her seat for this fantastic ride.
Trouble seems to find Carly Moore. Even while trying to lay low in Drum, Tennessee she has been pulled into solving multiple mysteries. Carly one feisty woman who believes in finding the truth. She stands up for those she believes in. This time she is helping her former boyfriend Wyatt Drummond. Although she and Wyatt are no longer together, she wants to make sure he isn’t framed for a crime he didn’t commit.
Regardless of the danger this investigation may involve, Carly refuses to back down and her sleuthing skills uncover some interesting answers. During her time in Drum, Carly has gotten to know many of the locals and uses her connections to further her quest for answers. One thing she has learned is there is a lot of game playing and Carly is tired of the games.
With each page of this story the suspense builds, the plot twists and the ending astonishes. Each book in this series is better than the previous and I am already eagerly awaiting book four. I highly recommend this story and the entire series.
Everything i start reading one of DGS books I know that I am in for an amazing adventure, and this book is no exception. I just love the twists turns and well just everything about it. Once you start to read, you will be sucked into the town of Drum, and become an unofficial citizen and will not be able to leave. I am in love with this series and can’t wait for the next one.
Another fantastic 5 star book in the Carly Moore Series. One Foot in the Grave had me hooked from the beginning and I didn’t want to put it down. I found myself holding my breath at some parts and laughing out loud at others.
Carly has really found an amazing place when she stumbled into Drum Tennessee. She’s made amazing friends that she calls family now. But every time she turns around trouble seems to find her.
This time Carly is trying to help Wyatt when he comes to her after finding himself in some trouble. He’s accused of killing his ex girlfriend, who everyone believed had ran off years before. Now Carly finds herself trying to help Wyatt and questioning everything she knows about Drum. She’s still trying to find a way to save herself, while hiding out in Tennessee, before it’s to late.
I’m loving all of the characters in this series, we’ve met some new ones in this book. I can’t wait to read where this series will take Carly and her friends. You won’t be disappointed in One Foot in the Grave.