Thorns of Rosewood

In 1974, four women suspected of killing a judge's wife in the small town of Rosewood, Neb., were set free%E2%80%94but did they get away with murder? Years later, Gloria Larson, editor of the local paper in Rosewood, is curious about what happened to the women%E2%80%94dubbed the "Thorns of Rosewood"%E2%80%94after their release. Gloria becomes more interested in the case when her adoptive parents reveal that her birth mother was from Rosewood and was suspected of murder in 1974. Gloria tracks the four women down, finding them at an assisted-living facility in Lincoln, where she convinces them to tell their story. Despite some plot points that strain credulity, this is an enjoyable and compelling novel. Barlean skillfully renders the book's small town setting, while the companionship of the women is believable. Gloria and the four Thorns of Rosewood are well-developed characters%E2%80%94and readers will find themselves eager to learn their story.