Step into the thrilling world of Carly Moore, where secrets lurk in the Smoky Mountains and a woman on the run finds courage in the face of danger! The Carly Moore series by Denise Grover Swank is a captivating blend of romantic suspense, cozy mystery, and small-town drama. It follows Carly, a former teacher fleeing a dangerous past, as she lands in the secretive town of Drum, Tennessee, only to uncover local conspiracies while dodging her own pursuers.
With its heart-pounding twists, rich character development, and a dash of romance, this series hooks readers from the first page. Whether you’re a fan of mysteries or love stories about found family, Carly Moore delivers an unforgettable ride.
How Carly Moore Began
Denise Grover Swank, a New York Times bestselling author, crafted the Carly Moore series as a spinoff from her popular Rose Gardner Investigations. Inspired by her knack for creating strong, flawed heroines, Swank introduced Carly in 2019 with A Cry in the Dark. The idea stemmed from Swank’s love for small-town settings and complex mysteries, blending suspense with emotional depth. Fans of Rose Gardner embraced Carly’s story, which expanded Swank’s universe while standing on its own as a gripping saga.
The Heart of Carly Moore
The series kicks off with A Cry in the Dark, where Carly, stranded in Drum after her car breaks down, witnesses a murder that pulls her into the town’s web of secrets. In Her Scream in the Silence, she investigates a young woman’s disappearance, deepening her ties to Drum. One Foot in the Grave sees Carly tackling a cold case linked to her ex, while Shades of Truth, the penultimate book, ramps up the stakes as she confronts the town’s corrupt patriarch, Bart Drummond.
Themes of resilience, trust, and redemption weave through the series. Carly’s journey from a fugitive to a fierce protector mirrors the small-town struggles of Drum, a place riddled with corruption, drugs, and hidden truths. Swank’s vivid prose brings the Smoky Mountains to life, with the isolated setting amplifying the suspense. The romantic tension, especially with Deputy Marco Roland, adds warmth, while friendships with characters like Hank, a gruff but lovable father figure, ground the story in heart.
Swank’s style blends fast-paced plotting with emotional stakes, making each book a page-turner. The series’ mix of cozy mystery and romantic suspense appeals to readers who crave both thrills and feels, with Carly’s growth as a heroine shining through every twist.
Why Carly Moore Resonates
The Carly Moore series has carved a niche in the romantic suspense genre, earning praise for its relatable characters and unpredictable plots. Fans on Goodreads and Amazon rave about Swank’s ability to surprise, with reviews calling the series “gripping” and “emotionally charged.” Its small-town setting and themes of found family resonate with readers who love stories of ordinary people facing extraordinary challenges.
Beyond its fanbase, the series highlights Swank’s skill at crafting heroines who evolve through adversity. Carly’s defiance of her past and her fight for justice in Drum inspire readers, while the series’ blend of mystery and romance keeps them hooked. With seven books and a loyal following, Carly Moore proves that even lesser-known series can leave a lasting mark.
- Publication Years: 2019–2022
- Number of Books: 7
- Genres: Romantic Suspense, Cozy Mystery
Ready to unravel the mysteries of Drum? Grab A Cry in the Dark and dive into Carly Moore’s thrilling world today!