Rose Dhu


Fiction - Crime
384 Pages
Reviewed on 12/31/2025
Buy on Amazon

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Free Book Program, which is open to all readers and is completely free. The author will provide you with a free copy of their book in exchange for an honest review. You and the author will discuss what sites you will post your review to and what kind of copy of the book you would like to receive (eBook, PDF, Word, paperback, etc.). To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Review Exchange Program, which is open to all authors and is completely free. Simply put, you agree to provide an honest review an author's book in exchange for the author doing the same for you. What sites your reviews are posted on (B&N, Amazon, etc.) and whether you send digital (eBook, PDF, Word, etc.) or hard copies of your books to each other for review is up to you. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email, and be sure to describe your book or include a link to your Readers' Favorite review page or Amazon page.

This author participates in the Readers' Favorite Book Donation Program, which was created to help nonprofit and charitable organizations (schools, libraries, convalescent homes, soldier donation programs, etc.) by providing them with free books and to help authors garner more exposure for their work. This author is willing to donate free copies of their book in exchange for reviews (if circumstances allow) and the knowledge that their book is being read and enjoyed. To begin, click the purple email icon to send this author a private email. Be sure to tell the author who you are, what organization you are with, how many books you need, how they will be used, and the number of reviews, if any, you would be able to provide.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite

Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy is a fascinating mystery. Dr. Janie O’Connor has disappeared, and the first person in the frame is her ex-fiancé, Phillip Carruthers. But he’s got an alibi, leaving the police mystified and scrambling to find the missing surgeon. Detective Frank Winger isn’t going to let this drop, though. He has a connection to the family and is determined to find Janie, one way or the other. But his investigation won’t be straightforward. Witnesses aren’t what they seem, evidence is being messed with, and Winger also has to face his own past if he wants to work out what’s real and what isn’t to solve this mystery. Is Janie still alive? Can he find the guilty party, or does the constant misdirection muddy the waters too much?

Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy is one of the most riveting crime stories I’ve ever had the pleasure of reading. Right from page one, you are drawn not just into the story but into Savannah itself. Mark Murphy has created a unique cast of characters, each one developed into a real person whom you’ll remember for a long time after you finish the book. This is a complex whodunit-style story, filled with misdirection and tension that keeps you on the edge of your seat all the way through. But although it is a crime story, the author also takes the time to introduce readers to the city of Savannah, making it feel like one of the characters. This is a well-paced, engaging story with some violence and graphic descriptions, and filled with twists and turns that take you on a fascinating, unpredictable journey that leads to a surprising ending. Totally enthralling, this book is perfect for anyone who loves a good crime thriller and something a little different from the standard stories in this genre.

Alma Boucher

In Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy, the Gold Surgery Team assembled in the surgical doctor’s lounge at Memorial Hospital. They were anticipating the arrival of their attending physician, Dr. Janie O’Connor, and it was unusual for her to be late without notifying anyone. Janie had vanished from her home at Rose Dhu without leaving any clues, and her vehicle was gone. Janie was previously engaged to Phillip Carruthers but had called off the engagement not long ago. Detective Frank Winger and his partner, Pepper Stephens, were the main investigators on Janie’s case. Frank and Pepper had worked together for more than a decade and had never encountered a case quite like this one. During Frank’s discussion with Diane, Janie’s sister, he discovered that Phillip was upset about the split and had someone sent to harm Janie. New information arises that causes Frank to question whom he can trust during the investigation.

Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy was complex and intriguing. It was a roller coaster ride filled with mystery, violence, and danger. The story was fast-paced and full of action that started on the first page and never stopped. The writing style was engaging, and it was easy to lose myself in Frank and Pepper’s investigation. Just as I thought I knew who was responsible for Janie’s disappearance, I was proven wrong. The events were vivid and described in detail; it was easy to visualize them. All the twists and turns kept me on the edge of my seat, turning the pages as fast as I could. The characters were realistic and relatable. Each character had a background that helped me get to know them better. The plot was expertly planned and executed, and it held my attention throughout.

Essien Asian

The disappearance of a famous female surgeon and popular Savannah resident, Janie O'Connor, from her residence puts the entire community on edge. The public pressure from Dr. O'Connor's association with Savannah's most eligible bachelor, Phillip Carruthers, influences the Savannah Police Department to assign its best detective, Frank Winger, to the case. Frank believes there is more to the doctor's disappearance than meets the eye, and he's ready to wager Phillip has something to do with it. Can he solve this baffling case, or will the might of the wealthy Carruthers family's extensive influence prove a bridge too far for the experienced detective? Only time will tell in Mark Murphy's Rose Dhu.

In Rose Dhu, Mark Murphy throws readers right into the middle of the action, then gradually works the narrative backward, providing extensive origin stories for Frank, Phillip, and the victim Janie O'Connor with a vivid, descriptive narrative style and strategically placed flashbacks. The focus shifts from Frank's activities to the Carruthers' scheming, immersing readers in the plot as they try to determine each character's possible motive. Mystery genre enthusiasts will appreciate Frank's analytical approach to working the case. The attention to detail highlights subtle aspects, such as the Savannah residents' tendency to close ranks around fellow residents' illicit activities, giving it a realistic tone. The author weaves these elements together using seemingly unrelated clues to encourage readers to think outside the box and solve a fascinating mystery. I enjoyed reading this intriguing novel.

Frank Mutuma

Dr. Janie O’Connor had been expected to arrive at the hospital early in the morning for a busy day full of surgeries, but she didn’t show up. It's later discovered that she had disappeared. Earlier, she had been engaged to Phillip Carruthers, who came from a very wealthy and influential family. Phillip is very controlling and hopes Janie can end her medical practice to become a housewife. This leads to their breakup. Janie returns to her ex-boyfriend, who has just come back to their small town after many years. Detective Frank Winger and his partner, Pepper Stephens, are made the lead investigators on the O’Connor case. Phillip and his sister are questioned. The investigation reveals a man named Trek who had raped Janie’s sister and committed various other crimes. How will things turn out in Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy?

Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy is an engaging read that kept me on my toes to the end. I loved the unique and unpredictable nature of the plot, which takes one on a gripping journey filled with unexpected twists and turns. I also loved the various themes covered, like the Afghanistan war through the flashbacks of Frank's character. This got me thinking about the horrors of that war and what it means to fight an ideological war with physical weapons. Mark ensured the dialogues were highly engaging, and every emotion and event was vividly captured, which helped to create a mental picture of what was happening. This was a thrilling and satisfying read, and I look forward to reading something else by Mark Murphy.

Bernadette Longu

Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy is a nail-biting, edge-of-your-seat story that holds the reader’s attention from the very first page to the last. The reader is taken on an adventure with each of the main characters, through so many twists and turns that at times the reader feels as if there could be no more surprises in this story. The main character is Dr Janie O’Connor, a prominent surgeon who suddenly disappears from her home, Rose Dhu, a riverside community in Savannah on the South Side. At the time of her disappearance, she had just broken off her engagement to Phillip Carruthers, who comes from the most prominent and wealthy family in the county, as well as being a billionaire. The detective leading the investigation is Frank Winger, with his partner, Pepper Stephens.

The journey that the reader goes on as the story unravels will leave them reeling with all the conspiracies involved, the murders, bribes, and the bodies that start to appear. Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy is a book that the reader will find very hard to put down, and the ending will definitely not be what they are expecting. It leaves the whole situation open to speculation. This well-written book is worth reading more than once. The highs and lows make the characters seem very real, and the reader will find themselves taking sides with their favorite characters as the story unfolds. The characters eventually become like friends, and you feel as if you are actually part of the story. I could not put it down, and I enjoyed it immensely. An intriguing and inspiring read that takes hold of your imagination.

Keith Mbuya

No one in Savannah, Georgia, expected Dr. Janie O’Connor, an intelligent and fiercely independent surgeon, to be in a relationship with Phillip Carruthers, coastal Georgia’s most eligible bachelor and the playboy scion of Savannah’s most powerful billionaire family. Perhaps this is why rumors about their wedding brought Savannah’s gossip mill to life and left it raging when preparations were brought to a grinding halt, following Janie’s breakup with Phillip. Why did the pair break up? Whatever the reason, Phillip stubbornly refused to let the doctor go and maintained an impression to the public that they were still together. Soon, Janie goes missing without a trace. Local detective Frank Winger believes the Carruthers might be involved, and is determined to figure out what happened to her. But he might not be ready for the discoveries he is about to make. Find out how it all goes down in Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy.

Lovers of mystery, murder, and sleuth novels blended with crime and a splash of romance and drama will find Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy an enthralling read. Balancing slow-burn mystery with moments of high tension, Murphy unfolds the plot on a multi-perspective timeline. The evocative depictions vividly captured the backdrop. It felt like I was in Savannah next to the characters, taking in the landscape of coastal Georgia. The small town setting and the dark mood gave the narrative a foreboding feel. The suspense and plot twists left me guessing as to what was coming next. I never knew where the story was heading. Murphy reveals the emotions and complex traits of the characters through dynamic conversations that shift between light-hearted banter and tense confrontations. The story explores themes of corruption, power, betrayal, loss, sacrifice, justice, and more in this whodunnit.

Angelique Papayannopoulos

In Mark Murphy's Rose Dhu, Detective Frank Winger investigates the disappearance of renowned surgeon Dr. Janie O'Connor from her Savannah estate, Rose Dhu. The leading suspect is her ex-fiancé, Phillip Carruthers, Savannah's most powerful billionaire. Phillip is a rich, spoiled playboy who expects to get his way and dictate how his future wife should behave. Unhappy with Phillip’s entitled attitude, Jani breaks off the engagement, causing him much embarrassment. Then suddenly she disappears. Phillip claims he truly loves her, appears genuinely sad, and maintains his innocence. Above all, he has a solid alibi. However, he and his sister Erika, who oversees the family’s business, are linked to illicit dealings and unsavory persons who might have easily done his dirty work. Unexpected fatalities and lawmakers on the payroll throw a spanner into the works. Amid false witnesses and tainted evidence, Frank must decide who he can trust with this investigation. Many clues lie in the marshes of Rose Dhu.

Rose Dhu is a suspenseful crime novel that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Mark Murphy’s skillful narrative weaves a well-crafted and well-thought-out plot, with intricate details cleverly laid out. Character and scene development are flawlessly executed. The cast, including all prospective suspects, is compelling, but the true culprit will be a surprise. Frank Winger's persona is one of dedication and tenacity, with a sensitive side that one can identify with. This novel has it all: suspense, mystery, trust issues, and moral dilemmas. The reader is drawn into a whirlwind ride through unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a finale they won’t see coming. Thriller enthusiasts who enjoy crime-solving and detective novels will find Rose Dhu an unputdownable book!

Romuald Dzemo

In Mark Murphy’s crime thriller, Rose Dhu, a dedicated and highly skilled surgeon, Janie O’Connor disappears without a trace. The team at Memorial Hospital is anxious about her disappearance, but there is no sign of her whereabouts. The prime suspect is the rich and charismatic Phillip Carruthers, the boyfriend. But Phillip provides a strong alibi. Yet, there are doubts whether their breakup and the rekindling of the romance between Janie and her ex, Dr. Dave Wommack, might have anything to do with her disappearance. When they started dating again, Dave began receiving threatening messages. Frank Winger is relentless in his pursuit of the truth. Frank and Pepper Stephens follow clues that lead to startling revelations, creating more questions than answers. Will they be able to discover who took Janie?

I couldn’t stop turning the pages. There is a lot of mystery in Rose Dhu, with clues that lead to more clues, characters that make you question their motives, and shady dealings. Mark Murphy’s prose is exquisite, and I enjoyed how he balances terrific descriptions with sparkling, snappy dialogues. You’ll find out about back-door dealing and old enemies. This author makes you guess, but also makes sure you can’t stop reading. The chapters are short, and the timely paragraph breaks heighten the drama and make reading even more enjoyable. The setting is meticulously accomplished, and I enjoyed the lush historic plantations, the secluded marshlands, and the hospital environment. Secrets, power, abuse, and romance drive the characters in this spellbinding story.

Divine Zape

In Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy, Dr. Janie O'Connor disappears without a trace. The hospital staff is bewildered, and everyone is looking for her, wondering where she could be and what might have happened to her. The prime suspect is her ex-fiancé, Phillip Carruthers. He is from a billionaire family, and their tumultuous breakup and Janie’s rekindling of an old flame make matters even more complicated. Phillip has a solid alibi, but can he be trusted? Detective Frank Winger is determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, and he is even more motivated by his personal connection to Janie’s family. As the investigation continues, secrets begin to come to light, and a web of lies, hidden motives, and violence linked to the underbelly of Savannah society unravels. Can Frank Winger get to the bottom of a case involving powerful parties?

Mark Murphy creates a story fraught with tension and mystery. One moment, you want to believe you already know the suspect, then you are left with more questions. I enjoyed the way the story alternates between flashbacks and present-day sleuthing; the flashbacks examine Janie’s past and the enemies she might have made. I also loved the rock-solid characters, including the security guard with a dark past. Janie is portrayed as very intelligent and as one of the pearls, not only of her medical community but also of her neighbors. Her sister, Diane, is fully drawn as well, haunted by past trauma, yet determined to find out about her sister’s fate. Rose Dhu presents a setting with locales and environments that profoundly influence the tone of the story and the secrets harbored by rich folk; it is fast-paced, emotionally engaging, and skillfully plotted.

Christian Sia

In Rose Dhu by Mark Murphy, the sudden disappearance of Dr. Janie O’Connor rocks the very fabric of her community, and the hospital where she works is left in utter shock. The suspicion is that the disappearance could be linked to her recent breakup with her wealthy fiancé, Phillip Carruthers. But Phillip has a solid alibi. Detective Frank Winger and his partner, Pepper Stephens, are on the investigation, but the case is nothing like anything Frank has seen before. His connection to the victim’s family makes the case even more personal for him. They uncover layers of deception, secrets, a trail of violence, and dangerous connections, including assault and a suspicious arson. Janie’s old boyfriend from undergrad and med school is back, but could their coming together be linked to her disappearance?

Mark Murphy is a master of the craft, spinning a mystery that had me racing through the pages. The crime itself raises many questions, and the author throws in clues along the way, putting questions in your mind that compel you to seek the answers. The sleuthing work is brilliantly executed, and the suspenseful atmosphere is one of its best elements. Rose Dhu has a finely drawn setting, and apart from the imagery of mysterious locations, the author offers a fascinating portrait of the Carruthers family, skillfully exploring their powerful influence and shady connections. The characters are as fully drawn as they are relatable. The unpredictability of the plot kept my eyes on the pages. The use of flashbacks drives the suspense while providing the background information to the story.