Tales and Treats, a new independent bookstore in the small town of Scumble River, Ill., arouses passions even before it opens in Swanson's lackluster 13th mystery featuring school psychologist Skye Denison (after 2010's Murder of a Wedding Belle). Conservative protesters as well as local business owners like Skye's used-car dealer cousin, Hugo Leofanti, view Tales and Treats as a threat. Soon after the bookstore's controversial opening, Skye discovers a woman crushed under a bookcase of rare books. Improbably even for a cozy, Skye's fiancé, police chief Wally Boyd, allows her to take the lead in interviewing suspects, many of whom are related to her. The efforts of Skye's former boyfriend, Simon Reid, to win her back add some romantic tension, but weak humor and plotting make this a forgettable entry in the series.
Praise for the
Scumble River Mystery Series
“The latest carefully crafted installment...features a charming heroine who is equally skilled at juggling detection and romance.”
“Yet another winner. A great group of characters surround protagonist Skye Denison. . . . This series always brings a smile and this one is loads of fun.”
“Ms. Swanson is quite crafty . . . a tightly woven mystery [and] page-turning read.”
“This book was very hard to put down. I enjoyed it tremendously and highly recommend it.”
“Denise Swanson’s Scumble River mysteries are always fun to read . . . a strong whodunit with solid twists.”
“A trip to Scumble River is like visiting with old friends . . . another entry into a fine series that is sure to be on most must-read lists.”
“Scumble River mysteries are well constructed, well written, and each one is better than the last—and they’re just plain fun to read. Readers of cozy mysteries who haven’t read Denise Swanson’s books are in for a real treat when they do.”
“Denise Swanson neatly seasons the cleverly crafted plot of
“Top-notch storytelling with truly unique and wonderful characters.”
“With its endearing hero, terrific cast of realistically quirky secondary characters, and generous soupçon of humor,
“Tight plotting and plenty of surprises keep this series on my must-read list.”
“Swanson is a born storyteller.”
“Another knee-slapping adventure in Scumble River.”
“[Swanson] smartly spins on a solid plot and likable characters.”
“[A] hilarious amateur sleuth mystery. . . . [Swanson] has a lot of surprises in store for the reader.”
“The must-read book of the summer.”
“Current readers will appreciate the trip into Scumble River, while new readers will want to go back.”
“Swanson continues her lively, light, and quite insightful look at small-town life.”
“Another side-splitting visit to Scumble River . . . filled with some of the quirkiest and most eccentric characters we ever have met, with a sharp, witty protagonist.”
“An endearing and realistic character . . . a fast-paced, enjoyable read.”
“This book is delightful. . . . The characters are human and generous and worth following through the series.”
“A smooth, pleasant, and ultimately satisfying book.”
“Another delightful and intriguing escapade.”
“More fun than the whirlagig at the county fair and tastier than a corn dog.”
“Swanson is on her way to the top of the genre . . . a magnificent tale written by a wonderful author.”
“Bounces along with gently wry humor and jaunty twists and turns. The quintessential amateur sleuth: bright, curious, and more than a little nervy.”
—Agatha Award–winning author Earlene Fowler
“A likable new heroine reminiscent of some of our favorite childhood detectives—with a little bit of an edge.”
“A charming, insightful debut.”
—Carolyn Hart
Other Scumble River Mysteries
