Denise Swanson is an American author known for writing cozy mysteries, often set in small towns and featuring amateur sleuths. She has written over 20 books, including the popular Scumble River Mystery series. Swanson’s books are beloved for their engaging characters, witty dialogue, and clever plots.
Denise Swanson Books in Order
- Murder of a Small-Town Honey (A Scumble River Mystery, #1)
- Tart of Darkness (Chef-to-Go Mystery, #1)
- Murder of a Sweet Old Lady (A Scumble River Mystery, #2)
- Dead in the Water (Welcome Back to Scumble River, #1)
- Leave No Scone Unturned (Chef-to-Go Mystery, #2)
- Little Shop of Homicide (Devereaux Dime Store, #1)
- Murder of a Sleeping Beauty (A Scumble River Mystery, #3)
- Murder of a Barbie and Ken (A Scumble River Mystery, #5)
- Murder of a Bookstore Babe (Scumble River Mystery, #13)
- Murder of a Snake in the Grass (A Scumble River Mystery, #4)
Overview of Denise Swanson Books in Order
Murder of a Small-Town Honey (A Scumble River Mystery, #1)
“Murder of a Small-Town Honey” by Denise Swanson is the first book in the Scumble River Mystery series. The story follows Skye Denison, a school psychologist who returns to her hometown of Scumble River after her marriage falls apart. She is beginning to settle back into small-town life when the town’s honey seller is found dead, and Skye finds herself drawn into the investigation. Along the way, she crosses paths with the ruggedly handsome police chief, Wally Boyd, and the quirky inhabitants of Scumble River.
The novel is a classic whodunit with a charming small-town backdrop. Skye is a relatable and engaging protagonist, and her interactions with the various suspects and townspeople add depth and humor to the story. As she delves deeper into the case, Skye uncovers a web of secrets and scandals that shake the foundations of the seemingly idyllic town. With its blend of mystery, romance, and humor, “Murder of a Small-Town Honey” offers a delightful and entertaining read for fans of cozy mysteries.
Denise Swanson’s writing is engaging, and she weaves a compelling narrative that keeps readers guessing until the very end. The book is filled with twists and turns, and the resolution of the mystery is satisfying and surprising. As the first book in a long-running series, “Murder of a Small-Town Honey” introduces readers to the quirky world of Scumble River and sets the stage for many more engaging mysteries to come.
Tart of Darkness (Chef-to-Go Mystery, #1)
“Tart of Darkness” by Denise Swanson is the first installment in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series. In this engaging cozy mystery, protagonist Dani Sloan is a gourmet chef who has just opened her own gourmet take-out business. However, her career takes an unexpected turn when she becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. As she works to clear her name and uncover the real murderer, Dani delves into the secrets and scandals of her small town, uncovering a web of lies and deceit.
The book is filled with mouth-watering descriptions of food and a charming small-town setting that will appeal to fans of culinary cozy mysteries. Denise Swanson’s writing is light-hearted and engaging, with a touch of humor and romance added to the mix. The characters are well-developed and relatable, and the plot is full of twists and turns that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Overall, “Tart of Darkness” is an enjoyable read that combines mystery, food, and small-town charm in a delightful and satisfying way. With its engaging storyline and likable characters, it’s a promising start to a new cozy mystery series that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.
Murder of a Sweet Old Lady (A Scumble River Mystery, #2)
In “Murder of a Sweet Old Lady,” the second book in the Scumble River Mystery series by Denise Swanson, the protagonist Skye Denison is settling into her role as a school psychologist in a small Illinois town. However, her serenity is disrupted when an elderly neighbor, Mrs. Gladys Driscoll, is found murdered in her home. As the investigation unfolds, Skye becomes involved in uncovering the truth behind the crime. With the help of the local police chief, Wally Boyd, Skye navigates through the intricacies of small-town dynamics and uncovers shocking secrets about the victim and those around her.
The book not only serves as a thrilling mystery but also offers a peek into the complexities of relationships and the idiosyncrasies of small-town life. As Skye delves deeper into the case, she encounters colorful characters and hidden agendas, making for an engaging and suspenseful read. Swanson’s compelling storytelling keeps readers guessing until the very end, as Skye uncovers the truth behind the murder of the sweet old lady.
Throughout “Murder of a Sweet Old Lady,” Swanson crafts a narrative that balances a captivating mystery with the nuances of human behavior and the bonds of community. Skye’s determination to seek justice for Mrs. Driscoll leads her to unravel a tangle of secrets and motives, ultimately shedding light on the darker side of the seemingly tranquil town of Scumble River.
Dead in the Water (Welcome Back to Scumble River, #1)
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Leave No Scone Unturned (Chef-to-Go Mystery, #2)
In “Leave No Scone Unturned,” the second book in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series by Denise Swanson, chef and amateur sleuth Dani Sloan finds herself in the midst of another murder investigation. When her mentor and friend has a heart attack and dies, leaving behind a mystery regarding her missing will, Dani is determined to uncover the truth. As she delves into the investigation, Dani must navigate through the cutthroat world of competitive cooking and deal with personal challenges along the way.
The book explores themes of friendship, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice as Dani works to unravel the complex web of secrets surrounding her friend’s death and the missing will. With a cast of intriguing characters and a plot full of twists and turns, “Leave No Scone Unturned” offers a thrilling and satisfying mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. Through her engaging storytelling and clever sleuthing, Denise Swanson delivers another captivating installment in the Chef-to-Go Mystery series.
Overall, “Leave No Scone Unturned” is a delightful and engaging cozy mystery that will appeal to fans of the genre. With its well-crafted plot and charming characters, Denise Swanson has created a compelling and entertaining whodunit that will leave readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.
Little Shop of Homicide (Devereaux Dime Store, #1)
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Murder of a Sleeping Beauty (A Scumble River Mystery, #3)
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Murder of a Barbie and Ken (A Scumble River Mystery, #5)
In the book “Murder of a Barbie and Ken,” by Denise Swanson, the protagonist, Skye Denison, tries to solve the murder of a young woman found dead in her boyfriend’s hot tub. As the small town of Scumble River is thrown into chaos, Skye is determined to uncover the truth and bring the killer to justice. The investigation brings Skye into contact with a colorful cast of characters, including the victim’s dysfunctional family and the town’s gossiping residents.
As the mystery unfolds, Skye delves into the victim’s past, uncovering a web of secrets and lies. Along the way, she must navigate personal challenges, including her complicated relationship with the town’s handsome police chief and her own family drama. With the clock ticking, Skye races against time to untangle the truth and prevent another tragedy from occurring in Scumble River.
Filled with humor, suspense, and memorable characters, “Murder of a Barbie and Ken” is a thrilling addition to the Scumble River Mystery series. Denise Swanson keeps readers on the edge of their seats as they follow Skye’s quest for justice in a town where everyone has something to hide. The book offers a compelling blend of mystery and drama that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Murder of a Bookstore Babe (Scumble River Mystery, #13)
In the book “Murder of a Bookstore Babe” by Denise Swanson, the small town of Scumble River is rocked by the murder of a local bookstore owner. Skye Denison, a school psychologist with a talent for amateur sleuthing, finds herself in the middle of the investigation as the prime suspect. As she works to clear her name, Skye uncovers a web of secrets and lies within the town, and must navigate through the town’s quirky characters to find the truth.
As Skye delves deeper into the case, she realizes that the victim had a complex personal life and a strained relationship with many people in the town. With the help of her friends and family, Skye must untangle the web of deceit and find the real killer before she becomes the next victim.
The book is filled with suspense, humor, and a cast of charming characters that make for an engaging and entertaining read. Denise Swanson creates a vivid and lively small town setting, and her protagonist, Skye Denison, is a relatable and resourceful amateur detective. With its clever plotting and delightful cast of characters, “Murder of a Bookstore Babe” is a captivating mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very end.
Murder of a Snake in the Grass (A Scumble River Mystery, #4)
Murder of a Snake in the Grass is the fourth installment in the Scumble River Mystery series by Denise Swanson. In this book, Skye Denison finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation in her small town. When a local bank executive is found murdered and suspicion falls on her friend Honey, Skye is determined to clear her name and find the real killer. As Skye digs deeper into the case, she uncovers long-held secrets and motives that put her own life in danger.
The cozy mystery is filled with twists and turns as Skye navigates the small town dynamics and unearths the truth behind the murder. With a colorful cast of characters and a charming setting, Murder of a Snake in the Grass is a delightful blend of mystery and humor that keeps readers guessing until the very end. Denise Swanson weaves a compelling story that keeps readers engaged as Skye unravels the truth behind the crime while navigating her own personal life.
Readers of cozy mysteries and fans of the Scumble River series will enjoy the latest installment, which delivers a satisfying blend of suspense, humor, and small-town charm. Denise Swanson’s skillful storytelling and engaging characters make Murder of a Snake in the Grass a compelling and entertaining read for mystery lovers.
About Denise Swanson
Denise Swanson resides in the countryside of Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr. With over two decades of experience as a school psychologist, she now finds solace in relaxing on her screened porch with a good book. When the winter chill sets in, she’s more than happy to trade the Midwest for a sunny Caribbean cruise. Although she adores animals, her home is currently without a furry companion since her beloved cat of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. In the meantime, she finds joy in observing the wildlife from her office window.
Denise Swanson’s books offer readers a diverse range of compelling mysteries and engaging characters. Through her storytelling, she explores themes of community, friendship, and overcoming adversity, while also addressing issues such as mental health and family dynamics. Swanson’s work serves as a testament to the power of resilience and the ability to find strength in the face of challenges, making her novels a compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone looking to delve into the complexity of human relationships and the resilience of the human spirit.
FAQs about author Denise Swanson
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