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Squirrel & Swan/S & S Investigations #1
Precious Things
Two best friends.
Their psychology expertise.
A fledgling detective agency.
And all of life’s complications.
#1 Squirrel & Swan Precious Things
The Disappearance of Polly Dixon and The Persistent Petnapper
Best friends Paige and Sophie make up the detective duo that is Squirrel & Swan. And while their impressive psychology skills are sometimes hampered by Paige’s less-than-stellar social skills and Sophie’s cumbersome anxiety, for the most part, they’re a pretty formidable team.
And let’s hope so, because they’ve embarked on the somewhat unlikely post-doctoral endeavour of opening an Investigations Agency and without even a whiff of a potential client so far, things are looking a little dire.
But finally, finally, the phone rings. Unfortunately for Paige, it’s her mother, but this time she’s not calling to remind Paige that her biological clock is ticking (a little unfair given Paige hasn’t yet turned thirty), but instead to bring news of a potential case. Someone is kidnapping pets, and the head of the Remuera Ladies Bridge Club wants to know who is responsible. Then – because when it rains it pours – the possibility of another case appears: the disappearance of 19-year-old Polly Dixon.
As they put their psychology skills to work and follow the clues, things take an unexpected turn. No one could have predicted how the two cases would become entangled, but can Paige and Sophie use this to their advantage to solve them both?
Join Paige and Sophie, along with a host of entertaining secondary characters, on the first of this light-hearted, comedic mystery series: The Disappearance of Polly Dixon and the case of the Persistent Petnapper
"Funny and insightful."
"Loved this book from start to finish. It’s so funny, witty. The characters are written in such great detail that I could see them in my mind. Can’t wait for the next one!"
S & S Investigations is a light-hearted, comedic mystery series set in Auckland, New Zealand. Two mysteries to solve in every book with classic tropes such as a long-lost sister, a murder at a high school reunion, a locked-room mystery, gaslighting relatives, sudden deaths and mysterious beneficiaries, and of course villains working behind the scenes intent on sabotage.
People & Puzzles.
Agatha Christie meets Nancy Drew.
Don't miss out - start the S & S Investigations series today.
Their psychology expertise.
A fledgling detective agency.
And all of life’s complications.
#1 Squirrel & Swan Precious Things
The Disappearance of Polly Dixon and The Persistent Petnapper
Best friends Paige and Sophie make up the detective duo that is Squirrel & Swan. And while their impressive psychology skills are sometimes hampered by Paige’s less-than-stellar social skills and Sophie’s cumbersome anxiety, for the most part, they’re a pretty formidable team.
And let’s hope so, because they’ve embarked on the somewhat unlikely post-doctoral endeavour of opening an Investigations Agency and without even a whiff of a potential client so far, things are looking a little dire.
But finally, finally, the phone rings. Unfortunately for Paige, it’s her mother, but this time she’s not calling to remind Paige that her biological clock is ticking (a little unfair given Paige hasn’t yet turned thirty), but instead to bring news of a potential case. Someone is kidnapping pets, and the head of the Remuera Ladies Bridge Club wants to know who is responsible. Then – because when it rains it pours – the possibility of another case appears: the disappearance of 19-year-old Polly Dixon.
As they put their psychology skills to work and follow the clues, things take an unexpected turn. No one could have predicted how the two cases would become entangled, but can Paige and Sophie use this to their advantage to solve them both?
Join Paige and Sophie, along with a host of entertaining secondary characters, on the first of this light-hearted, comedic mystery series: The Disappearance of Polly Dixon and the case of the Persistent Petnapper
"Funny and insightful."
"Loved this book from start to finish. It’s so funny, witty. The characters are written in such great detail that I could see them in my mind. Can’t wait for the next one!"
S & S Investigations is a light-hearted, comedic mystery series set in Auckland, New Zealand. Two mysteries to solve in every book with classic tropes such as a long-lost sister, a murder at a high school reunion, a locked-room mystery, gaslighting relatives, sudden deaths and mysterious beneficiaries, and of course villains working behind the scenes intent on sabotage.
People & Puzzles.
Agatha Christie meets Nancy Drew.
Don't miss out - start the S & S Investigations series today.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 1, 2024
209 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
M.D. Archer
18 books14 followersLover of complicated people, mysterious things, and unexpected endings.
M. D. Archer writes character-driven mysteries with strong psychological themes. She has a Ph.D. in psychology but quit the angst of the academic world for the rollercoaster of writing. She, unfortunately, didn't leave the angst behind but it was still the right choice. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, and when not writing can be found either rollerskating, watching TV, or worrying about something.
Check out her books below.
The S & S Investigations Series: A charming mystery series set in New Zealand. Join best friends Paige and Sophie as they use their psychology skills to solve mysteries.
The Body In My Building - The first in a humorous murder mystery series.
Recently retired cat burglar Gemma is trying to go legit, but when she finds a dead body in her new building, she realizes this might be harder than she thought.
The Unravel:
Soul Harper has something to hide and Detective Nico Davis has something to prove. The unravel is inevitable.
Psychological suspense and a murder mystery.
Follow her on twitter (@mda_008) or email her at mdaauthor@gmail.com.
For mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist check out Margot Dylan.
Happy reading!
M. D. Archer writes character-driven mysteries with strong psychological themes. She has a Ph.D. in psychology but quit the angst of the academic world for the rollercoaster of writing. She, unfortunately, didn't leave the angst behind but it was still the right choice. She lives in Auckland, New Zealand, and when not writing can be found either rollerskating, watching TV, or worrying about something.
Check out her books below.
The S & S Investigations Series: A charming mystery series set in New Zealand. Join best friends Paige and Sophie as they use their psychology skills to solve mysteries.
The Body In My Building - The first in a humorous murder mystery series.
Recently retired cat burglar Gemma is trying to go legit, but when she finds a dead body in her new building, she realizes this might be harder than she thought.
The Unravel:
Soul Harper has something to hide and Detective Nico Davis has something to prove. The unravel is inevitable.
Psychological suspense and a murder mystery.
Follow her on twitter (@mda_008) or email her at mdaauthor@gmail.com.
For mystery thrillers with a supernatural twist check out Margot Dylan.
Happy reading!
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 31, 2020
This is the first book in a series about two Psychology PhDs who start a detective agency. I thought the lead characters were well fleshed out and quite interesting. But the author seems to feel more sympathy for Sophie, the clumsy but beautiful co-heroine. The book is a little naive but the solution was interesting but with a few coincidences. Its a good try and a cute book.
May 19, 2021
Squirrel & Swan PHD Dectives
For a first cozy of this series it was very entertaining but slightly silly. However as the book moved on it became interesting! The ladies will be capable of solving crimes. I think their next case might be with Roman solving Paige’s dads “accident”! Looking forward to that!
For a first cozy of this series it was very entertaining but slightly silly. However as the book moved on it became interesting! The ladies will be capable of solving crimes. I think their next case might be with Roman solving Paige’s dads “accident”! Looking forward to that!
April 4, 2024
If this was a YA book, it was fine. it reads like a preteen story.
August 4, 2022
This was an interesting cosy mystery. It’s not often that you have cosy mysteries set in New Zealand, so I was excited to read this. Paige & Sophie were likeable characters, and I liked the idea of the two PhD students setting up a detective agency. However, I did find the story a little bland & underdeveloped. I did find it to be slow for the first half, which meant it took me some time to be invested in the characters and the story. When it did pick up, I thought the story flowed well & was exciting. Hopefully this was just due it this being the first book in a new series.
January 5, 2026
Very fun lighthearted and honestly cute book! I loved the time reading this
August 24, 2024
This book is a cozy mystery with a touch of chick-lit. Two friends with new PhD degrees in psychology establish a detective agency. Female friendship and the anxieties of a shaky business startup are represented in vivid detail. Throw in family issues and relationship mishaps, a lot of snappy dialogue, a bit of tension and you have all the ingredients of an entertaining read. It does take a few chapters to warm up, as the beginning concentrates on minutiae of the agency's rented premises and the backstory of how the main characters met. I also thought that for women who had presumably completed research projects, written theses and defended them, these two seemed a bit giddy and impractical. Since this isn't intended to be a serious look at academia, that's not a serious flaw. Once the pair start to work on a couple of cases (finding a pet-napper and figuring out if a young woman is really missing), it turns into a genuine page-turner. The Auckland, NZ setting adds a touch of the exotic for a genre more often set in Britain or the US.
August 29, 2020
A quick read. It was fun reading a book set in Auckland - lots of city and suburb details. I like the premise of the investigative agency. It seems to be setting up a number of story lines for future books so I’ll definitely read the next one.
This is completely different from her Lucan trilogy (which I absolutely loved) but this was a fun little read.
This is completely different from her Lucan trilogy (which I absolutely loved) but this was a fun little read.
August 15, 2022
Paige Garnet and Sophie Swanephol both have PhD's in psychological investigation. They decide they will open up their own private detective office and use their degrees in solving crimes. Their first case involves a criminal who is stealing cats and then blackmailing their owners to have them returned. Their second case is a young ecologically minded woman who has disappeared from her family home.
Paige is sometimes overwhelming as she investigates and Sophie is a beautiful klutz. With humor and accidents they still manage to solve their cases. First in this series and it's a quick, read. Picked it because it was set in New Zealand which gave me the Z for locations in the ABC challenge.
Paige is sometimes overwhelming as she investigates and Sophie is a beautiful klutz. With humor and accidents they still manage to solve their cases. First in this series and it's a quick, read. Picked it because it was set in New Zealand which gave me the Z for locations in the ABC challenge.
July 9, 2019
Two young psychologists start up an investigative business. Both are smart in their own right but have different skill sets and personality quirks. The book takes a few chapters to warm up, however painting the backdrop during those chapters really highlights the later part of the book. I was concerned it was going to end at a cat napping but thankfully it improved greatly over time. I really enjoyed the characters and am curious about their future. Enough intrigue, humor and smarts to keep the pages turning without it ending in a soppy romance. Great book!
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy.
Thank you to Voracious Readers Only for the complimentary copy.
July 20, 2019
I was given a complimentary copy of Squirrel & Swan: Precious Things by Voracious Readers Only and the author. I loved this book and could not put it down. I loved the main characters Sophia and Paige. They both were fun characters to get to know. I liked Roman and I hope that he is a character in each story. The author describes what is happening in such great detail that I was able to picture what was going on. They also explaining what why the people had done exactly, not leaving the reader to guess. I definitely will be reading more by this author.
I recommend this novel to everyone who likes a fun and entertaining novel.
I recommend this novel to everyone who likes a fun and entertaining novel.
April 21, 2020
Sophie and Paige are 2 new psychology graduates who decide to open a detective agency. They figure their talents at reading behaviour and understanding the mind they should be able to make it work and they are going to prove themselves to anyone who thinks they won’t make it. The first few chapters are a bit slow as we get the background story but the story quickly picks up and is very enjoyable. Between the girls’ quirky personalities, some drama and humour, and of course, the mystery, this book will hold your attention! I found it to be an easy and fun read! I definitely recommend this book!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2022
Nice Story
This is was a pretty good, well thought out mystery with likeable characters. The only thing I wasn't too fond about was how much the story felt like a planned start to a series. There were a couple of plots that are obviously going to be resolved or at least continued in the future. This isn't a bad thing, but I would have liked for there to have been more of a standalone feel.
Regardless, I would recommend anyone who likes TV mystery shows because this feels like a property waiting to be made.
This is was a pretty good, well thought out mystery with likeable characters. The only thing I wasn't too fond about was how much the story felt like a planned start to a series. There were a couple of plots that are obviously going to be resolved or at least continued in the future. This isn't a bad thing, but I would have liked for there to have been more of a standalone feel.
Regardless, I would recommend anyone who likes TV mystery shows because this feels like a property waiting to be made.
April 22, 2020
Sophie and Paige open a private investigation agency with a twist. They both have doctorates and concentrate on behavior to help them solve cases. Dealing with a difficult financial situation, they search for a serial pet napper and a missing young woman. I enjoyed both characters who were looking for more meaning in their careers and will follow this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2020
I found this very light-hearted and fun to read. I can totally relate to the fact that whilst Paige and Sophie are intelligent women, they can also be scatter-brained and useless with men. It definitely gets better later on, so I’m looking forward to the next installments where they can get straight on with new investigations – though I’m expecting “Dick” to make an appearance…
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
*I received a complimentary copy of the e-book from the author via Voracious Readers Only.
January 13, 2018
Loved it
Loved this book from start to finish (even think it would make an amazing tv show). It’s so funny, witty, good storyline that keeps you guessing. The characters are written in such great detail, including personality wise, that I could see them in my mind. I can’t wait for the next and hope there are many more to come!
Loved this book from start to finish (even think it would make an amazing tv show). It’s so funny, witty, good storyline that keeps you guessing. The characters are written in such great detail, including personality wise, that I could see them in my mind. I can’t wait for the next and hope there are many more to come!
October 22, 2020
Slow but has potential
The characters in this book were slow to get their detective business going. I felt they were stumbling around until the middle of the book when the action actually started. Having said that, I felt the series has the potential to improve in their next book, which will make a more readable book.
The characters in this book were slow to get their detective business going. I felt they were stumbling around until the middle of the book when the action actually started. Having said that, I felt the series has the potential to improve in their next book, which will make a more readable book.
March 19, 2021
Really good cozy about two PhD students to have had enough doing research for an ungrateful professor. They venture out on their own and start a psychological investigation agency. They struggle to get clients and keep their business above water with a lot of humor and tenacity. This was a refreshing read compared to the mountains of "bakery" cozies out there.
June 15, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The 2 main characters are so totally opposites, that's what makes it fun to read. Interesting concept of using psychological skills to solve crimes. And the other quirky characters add to the enjoyments. Looking forward to reading the other 5 books in the series. And the ending was a surprise!
August 10, 2020
Squirrel & Swan Precious Things
Fantastic mystery! Characters and storyline are fantastic. Two girls try to start up an investigation office but not for sure about it. Lots goes on for them to solve a couple case with great outcomes. A definite must read to get all the fun
Fantastic mystery! Characters and storyline are fantastic. Two girls try to start up an investigation office but not for sure about it. Lots goes on for them to solve a couple case with great outcomes. A definite must read to get all the fun
October 13, 2020
Fun series beginning
This is the first of a contemporary PI series. The two main characters are best friends with degrees in psychology. It's fun seeing their relationship and how they are able to solve their cases. Plus, there is a bit of romance.
This is the first of a contemporary PI series. The two main characters are best friends with degrees in psychology. It's fun seeing their relationship and how they are able to solve their cases. Plus, there is a bit of romance.
October 28, 2020
Fascinating
I loved this duo of young women starting their own business. Well educated but, inexperienced, they make good use of their individual skills for a successful conclusion. I look forward to more of these.
I loved this duo of young women starting their own business. Well educated but, inexperienced, they make good use of their individual skills for a successful conclusion. I look forward to more of these.
December 10, 2020
Pleasant break from reality.
If you like puzzles if you enjoy sessing out who done it then these are good books well written and good entertainment. I don't want to give you the plot I don't want to give away the good stuff but you'll enjoy these!
If you like puzzles if you enjoy sessing out who done it then these are good books well written and good entertainment. I don't want to give you the plot I don't want to give away the good stuff but you'll enjoy these!
August 2, 2021
It's a fun detective agency. Sophie and Paige use their qualifications in psychology and body language as their main investigative tools. They have just opened their agency and so have money problems due to a lack of cases.
A good read
A good read
August 31, 2022
Lost interest very early on but stuck with it in hopes it got better. It didn't. Too much emphasis on everything but the two cases, especially the more serious one, so I skimmed a lot. Conclusion: Nancy Drew was more mature than either Paige or Sophie, and far more skilled.
January 16, 2023
Detective agency in New Zealand
Paige and Sophie became friends in the course of receiving their doctorates. They set up a detective agency. Many twists and turns as they solve their first two cases. The series has potential.
Paige and Sophie became friends in the course of receiving their doctorates. They set up a detective agency. Many twists and turns as they solve their first two cases. The series has potential.
February 24, 2023
A gentle read
A lovely start to a promising series. The plot is uncomplicated but has an unexpected ending. This is the right novel for those of us who just want an enjoyable comfortable afternoon read.
A lovely start to a promising series. The plot is uncomplicated but has an unexpected ending. This is the right novel for those of us who just want an enjoyable comfortable afternoon read.
July 9, 2019
A nice new find in crime fiction. Light without being twee, which is always a bonus! I can't wait to read the second book.
August 24, 2020
Very cute. I recommended it to a friend who is from New Zealand. At first I thought the gals didn't act like they were smart enough for PhDs, but they redeemed themselves by the end. Unpredictable!
August 24, 2020
Two friends having finished college decide to start a P.I. business. Is difficult at first, but as time goes on they get involved in two cases. This is exciting and stressful.
September 19, 2020
Received through the Vorachious readers only website for an honest review. I found it hard to get started but ended up loving it and considering buying the next 3 books in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews