⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I really enjoyed In High Cotton. Book two in the Neely Kate Mystery Series by Denise Grover Swank consistently draws me back into Neely Kate’s world, and this book was no exception. It offers that perfect blend of mystery, heart, and character moments that always make me want to stay up way too late reading.
A dead body in the basement, another in the trunk of a car—is Neely Kate’s past catching up with her? Joe and Jed will stop at nothing to protect Neely Kate!
What really made this book shine for me were the relationships. I absolutely loved Jed and Neely Kate together; their dynamic is steady, supportive, and brimming with a quiet emotional pull that makes you root for them. I also love Neely Kate’s growing bond with her newly discovered half-brother, Joe. Their connection felt genuine and hopeful, as if she was finally finding pieces of family she didn’t know she needed.
Now, I do have one tiny pet peeve—something I’ve noticed in a few of this authors books. She refers to a gun’s magazine as a clip. It’s a magazine, not a clip. It’s a small detail, but once you notice it, you can’t unnotice it. Still, it didn’t detract from how much I liked the story.
Overall, In High Cotton is a heartfelt, engaging mystery with characters I care about more and more with each book. Even with my minor terminology gripe, it easily earns five stars from me.
While I’m not a fan of cliffhangers, at least I can dive right into book three.
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Chapters & Lattes 