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A Scumble River Mystery #4
Murder of a Snake in the Grass
After over two years, school psychologist Skye Denison is still in Scumble River trying to figure out why she's still in Scumble River. But with all the town's quirks and crimes, life there is never dull, and besides, it's home.
Scumble River is celebrating its bicentennial in style--with Historical Society Reenactments, a bingo tent, Crazy Craft Race, and a coal-tossing tournament. Serving as the guest of honor is none other than the town founder's great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit turns out to be short-lived when Skye's students, Frannie and Justin, find him dead, a pickax protruding from the chest area of his authentic buckskin costume.
Meanwhile, Skye's deceitful ex-fiance Luc St. Amant has appeared out of the blue, creating turmoil in her love life. Does the real danger lie in the possibility that Luc will drive away the men in Skye's life, or is there a more menacing connection between Luc's arrival and Gabriel Scumble's murder?
Scumble River is celebrating its bicentennial in style--with Historical Society Reenactments, a bingo tent, Crazy Craft Race, and a coal-tossing tournament. Serving as the guest of honor is none other than the town founder's great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit turns out to be short-lived when Skye's students, Frannie and Justin, find him dead, a pickax protruding from the chest area of his authentic buckskin costume.
Meanwhile, Skye's deceitful ex-fiance Luc St. Amant has appeared out of the blue, creating turmoil in her love life. Does the real danger lie in the possibility that Luc will drive away the men in Skye's life, or is there a more menacing connection between Luc's arrival and Gabriel Scumble's murder?
262 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2003
45 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Denise Swanson
69 books1,128 followersDenise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
After 22 years as a practicing school psychologist, she's happiest sitting in her scree porch reading. However, when the weather turns too cold, she's willing to leave the Midwest to cruise the sunny Caribbean.
Denise is an animal lover, but her home is currently furless, since her kitty of 20 years passed away in August of 2016. Instead, she enjoys watching the wildlife out her office window.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
October 1, 2019
..
Murder of a Snake in the Grass is the fourth installation in A Scumble River Mystery, by Denise Swanson, (a Goodreads Author).
After over two years, school psychologist Skye Denison is still in Scumble River trying to figure out why she’s still in Scumble River. But with all the town’s quirks and crimes, life there is never dull . . . and besides, it’s home.
Scumble River is celebrating its bicentennial in style—with Historical Society Reenactments, a bingo tent, Crazy Craft Race, and a coal-tossing tournament. Serving as the guest of honor is none other than the town founder’s great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit turns out to be short-lived when Skye’s students, Frannie and Justin, find him dead, a pickax protruding from the chest area of his authentic buckskin costume.
This is a quick-paced, cozy mystery with lots of quirky and some questionable characters mixed into the mix in order to keep things interesting.
Meanwhile, Skye’s deceitful ex-fiancé Luc St. Amant has appeared out of the blue, creating turmoil in her love life. Does the real danger lie in the possibility that Luc will drive away the men in Skye’s life . . . or is there a more menacing connection between Luc’s arrival and Gabriel Scumble’s murder?
There is the usual cozy mystery murder, with an inquisitive female sleuth versus the integrity of the Scrumble River police department. It seems they depend upon Skye Denison to help find solutions to many of their murder cases. She does an excellent job at investigating, even though that is not her actual job.
It is clean and wholesome. It stands on its own even though there are so many other installations in this intriguing series... It includes a HEA.
What more can you ask for?
So, of course, I would recommend this cozy mystery for those who like this genre.
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Murder of a Snake in the Grass (A Scumble River Mystery, #4)
by Denise Swanson (Goodreads Author)
Print Length: 273 pages
..
Murder of a Snake in the Grass is the fourth installation in A Scumble River Mystery, by Denise Swanson, (a Goodreads Author).
After over two years, school psychologist Skye Denison is still in Scumble River trying to figure out why she’s still in Scumble River. But with all the town’s quirks and crimes, life there is never dull . . . and besides, it’s home.
Scumble River is celebrating its bicentennial in style—with Historical Society Reenactments, a bingo tent, Crazy Craft Race, and a coal-tossing tournament. Serving as the guest of honor is none other than the town founder’s great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit turns out to be short-lived when Skye’s students, Frannie and Justin, find him dead, a pickax protruding from the chest area of his authentic buckskin costume.
This is a quick-paced, cozy mystery with lots of quirky and some questionable characters mixed into the mix in order to keep things interesting.
Meanwhile, Skye’s deceitful ex-fiancé Luc St. Amant has appeared out of the blue, creating turmoil in her love life. Does the real danger lie in the possibility that Luc will drive away the men in Skye’s life . . . or is there a more menacing connection between Luc’s arrival and Gabriel Scumble’s murder?
There is the usual cozy mystery murder, with an inquisitive female sleuth versus the integrity of the Scrumble River police department. It seems they depend upon Skye Denison to help find solutions to many of their murder cases. She does an excellent job at investigating, even though that is not her actual job.
It is clean and wholesome. It stands on its own even though there are so many other installations in this intriguing series... It includes a HEA.
What more can you ask for?
So, of course, I would recommend this cozy mystery for those who like this genre.
------------------------------------------------------
Murder of a Snake in the Grass (A Scumble River Mystery, #4)
by Denise Swanson (Goodreads Author)
Print Length: 273 pages
..
September 8, 2009
I will admit that this installment of Scumble River is the best so far. But really Skye needs to mature. Is it the authors' fantasy to be a plus size in demand woman? Come on! It tortures Skye to allow a kiss on the cheek and she is 31 years old! Not a true to reality type of woman. Catholic or not! But I will again say that this book as a whole is better written than the previous three...so far.
Is she serious?!?!???? Skye is years behind her age - very unprofessional.
Page 215 was a waste of space. A telephone call would have revealed the same result and not stalled-out the story.
There could be good characters with Trixie and May aiding and abetting Skye but there is never enough interaction with them. Simon is not a "real" man. Why do all the problem kids have trobling parents? Weak or irrational behavior of these characters does not make Skye look anymore intelligent. And Even considering Luc's attentions just weakened Skye's character.
The "mob"? Come on! I ahd given the author credit for putting together a better read in book 4 but she fell back to the previous immature, throw-in useless charcters and events as she had in books 1-3.
Skye is as mere psychologist (I use that term very loosely) yet she is revered by the school and treated as a person of rare intelligence and authority. She is neither. She calls herself a "good girl" Ms. Swanson, she is a freakin' 30-something woman who should be strong, independent, and in reality, sexually active. She dresses like a frump but has men falling at her feet? Not likely.
Unfortunately I have 7 more books to read here. I still hope for improvement.
Is she serious?!?!???? Skye is years behind her age - very unprofessional.
Page 215 was a waste of space. A telephone call would have revealed the same result and not stalled-out the story.
There could be good characters with Trixie and May aiding and abetting Skye but there is never enough interaction with them. Simon is not a "real" man. Why do all the problem kids have trobling parents? Weak or irrational behavior of these characters does not make Skye look anymore intelligent. And Even considering Luc's attentions just weakened Skye's character.
The "mob"? Come on! I ahd given the author credit for putting together a better read in book 4 but she fell back to the previous immature, throw-in useless charcters and events as she had in books 1-3.
Skye is as mere psychologist (I use that term very loosely) yet she is revered by the school and treated as a person of rare intelligence and authority. She is neither. She calls herself a "good girl" Ms. Swanson, she is a freakin' 30-something woman who should be strong, independent, and in reality, sexually active. She dresses like a frump but has men falling at her feet? Not likely.
Unfortunately I have 7 more books to read here. I still hope for improvement.
June 15, 2014
I am trying to be as fair as possible in my assessment, because the book isn't badly written and many readers would probably find it cute and enjoyable. After all, it's a cozy, and exacting realism isn't why people like to read this genre. So if you are a huge fan of cozies, my opinion might be completely off-base for you.
Now that I've been fair...this has to be one of the silliest plots I've ever suffered through. Not just wacky or improbable, but downright stupid. Fifty percent of the story was taken up by Skye dithering over three guys who are interested in her (what would that be called? A love rectangle?). Another 25% concerns her work as a school psychologist, filled with asides about inadequate budgets, uncaring teachers, and parents who refuse to medicate disruptive kids. (Since the author is also a school psychologist, I assumed these were probably her own gripes.) And then there is the mystery, which was very far-fetched.
Now that I've been fair...this has to be one of the silliest plots I've ever suffered through. Not just wacky or improbable, but downright stupid. Fifty percent of the story was taken up by Skye dithering over three guys who are interested in her (what would that be called? A love rectangle?). Another 25% concerns her work as a school psychologist, filled with asides about inadequate budgets, uncaring teachers, and parents who refuse to medicate disruptive kids. (Since the author is also a school psychologist, I assumed these were probably her own gripes.) And then there is the mystery, which was very far-fetched.
April 29, 2020
Another great edition in the scumble River series. Two of Skye's students come to her when they discover the body of the town founder's great-great grandnephew. I am loving my reread of this series. I love Skye as a character and the growth she has shown in just the few books. May is always a riot. Loved seeing Frannie and Justin and seeing how their newspaper started. The only thing I could have done without was the arrival of Skye's ex fiancé as it added more to the already crowded love triangle.
October 1, 2018
This book had a bunch of fun and unique characters, but the main character, Skye, was such a twit. May, Skye's mother, tells her: "Don't imagine you can change a man unless he's wearing a diaper." Cora, Skye's grandmother, tells her: "One last piece of advice. Not all men are annoying. Some are dead." Uncle Charlie: "I just don't understand why it it's tourist season, we can't shoot them." There were lots of great, interesting characters.
As for Skye, she begins the book using money and food to bribe a gang of kids intent on throwing a molotov cocktail at some smaller children. I was rather surprised to read in the back of the book that the author was a child psychologist. Who in the hell thinks it's a good idea to stop kids from setting a fire with bribery? Smack that little shit in the head and walk his ass to the Police Chief. Then she lets her ex-fiance walk into her life and keeps buying his line of BS. I kept reading this book in spite of Skye, not because of her. I have another of the series on my shelf, but I'm going to let it be for now. I don't want to see Skye again for awhile.
As for Skye, she begins the book using money and food to bribe a gang of kids intent on throwing a molotov cocktail at some smaller children. I was rather surprised to read in the back of the book that the author was a child psychologist. Who in the hell thinks it's a good idea to stop kids from setting a fire with bribery? Smack that little shit in the head and walk his ass to the Police Chief. Then she lets her ex-fiance walk into her life and keeps buying his line of BS. I kept reading this book in spite of Skye, not because of her. I have another of the series on my shelf, but I'm going to let it be for now. I don't want to see Skye again for awhile.
December 26, 2020
Skye Denison stood in the Up A Lazy River Motor Court parking lot, slapping mosquitoes and trying to keep an eye on her godfather, Charlie Patukas.
Scumble River's bicentennial celebration which includes a visit from the town's founder descendant ends badly when he is found with a pickax in his chest. To add to Skye's woes, her ex-fiancé Luc has shown up to try to rekindle their relationship.
I am really enjoying this series. Skye gets better in each book. I'm still not quite on board with her relationship with Simon but I guess we will see where it goes. I love Skye's family and the recurring townspeople of Scumble River.
I learn something new about school systems with each book. I'm not sure that I could deal with some of the delinquent children that Skye has to put up with. I love Frannie and Justin! I applaud their need to be true journalists for the school paper.
As usual there are twists and turns that leave you guessing about the true culprit. I suspected a couple of people throughout the book. I enjoy picking out the killer and learning the reason behind the murder.
I look forward to the next book.
Scumble River's bicentennial celebration which includes a visit from the town's founder descendant ends badly when he is found with a pickax in his chest. To add to Skye's woes, her ex-fiancé Luc has shown up to try to rekindle their relationship.
I am really enjoying this series. Skye gets better in each book. I'm still not quite on board with her relationship with Simon but I guess we will see where it goes. I love Skye's family and the recurring townspeople of Scumble River.
I learn something new about school systems with each book. I'm not sure that I could deal with some of the delinquent children that Skye has to put up with. I love Frannie and Justin! I applaud their need to be true journalists for the school paper.
As usual there are twists and turns that leave you guessing about the true culprit. I suspected a couple of people throughout the book. I enjoy picking out the killer and learning the reason behind the murder.
I look forward to the next book.
May 5, 2020
#4 in the Scumble River series, and the series continues to improve. Since this series builds on what happens (to some extent) in prior books, it is a good idea to read the series in order.
In this installment, a Scumble descendent comes to town to celebrate Heritage Days. But someone kills him. Who? Skye has problems of her own with some students who are really behaving badly. But one of the suspects happen to be her ex-fiance. Uh oh...he wants to get back together. But can he be trusted.
I felt that the character of Skye is growing and evolving. She makes an important decision about her love life. Simon is much more likeable than in prior installments, and Wally as well. We continue to see the trials and tribulations of working within a school system that is underfunded. All in all, an enjoyable read.
In this installment, a Scumble descendent comes to town to celebrate Heritage Days. But someone kills him. Who? Skye has problems of her own with some students who are really behaving badly. But one of the suspects happen to be her ex-fiance. Uh oh...he wants to get back together. But can he be trusted.
I felt that the character of Skye is growing and evolving. She makes an important decision about her love life. Simon is much more likeable than in prior installments, and Wally as well. We continue to see the trials and tribulations of working within a school system that is underfunded. All in all, an enjoyable read.
August 30, 2020
I'm trying but I really don't think I care for this series. This one really got on my nerves because of the whole Luc situation. If a relationship is over, let it be. The mystery was interesting, if a bit far fetched. And the whole Grady thing was so familiar from my own job.
July 29, 2021
3.5 Stars
rounded up to 4 Stars.
April 28, 2021
I like Skye and I like Wally and I am glad they have made up their fight. I liked the story line but I just can't warm up to Simon I really have tried. He just seems to jump around from one book to the next. One minute he is telling her not to do stuff and getting all annoyed and then the next one he is all loving. In this one he is a bit of both. I love all the other side characters who bring this book together. I also really like how she interacts with the kids from the schools and their parents.
February 13, 2011
Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Denise Swanson)
Book 4 in the Scumble River Mystery. This time a pair of teenagers stumble across a dead body. It appears to be Gabriel Scumble, a descendant of the founder of Scumble river.
Skye is finally getting used to being back in her hometown. She still seems to have some commitment issues and is not sure where her love life is going. Then her ex fiance, the man who left her in New Orleans, with no money and no where to go but home. This is not helping her romantic life. We do find out what happened in New Orleans...why Luc dumped her, and why she got fired.
Once again Skye is on the scene trying to find out who murdered Gabriel Scumble and why. It seems that there is a possibility Luc St. Amant (her ex-fiance) could somehow be twisted in this case. Also could it be time for Skye to finally make some sort of commitment and try to move forward in a relationship?
Fast paced, fun read. I do enjoy a light mystery with a bit of humor and romance. This book has both. I look forward to the next book in the series.
Book 4 in the Scumble River Mystery. This time a pair of teenagers stumble across a dead body. It appears to be Gabriel Scumble, a descendant of the founder of Scumble river.
Skye is finally getting used to being back in her hometown. She still seems to have some commitment issues and is not sure where her love life is going. Then her ex fiance, the man who left her in New Orleans, with no money and no where to go but home. This is not helping her romantic life. We do find out what happened in New Orleans...why Luc dumped her, and why she got fired.
Once again Skye is on the scene trying to find out who murdered Gabriel Scumble and why. It seems that there is a possibility Luc St. Amant (her ex-fiance) could somehow be twisted in this case. Also could it be time for Skye to finally make some sort of commitment and try to move forward in a relationship?
Fast paced, fun read. I do enjoy a light mystery with a bit of humor and romance. This book has both. I look forward to the next book in the series.
June 11, 2018
2018: I have read these books before, both in 2009 and 2014. For whatever reason I do not recall being as annoyed at all the ridiculous one-liners and "dad" jokes as I was this time. There were whole conversations that were nothing but one-liners and it really got to be cheesy and annoying. I still love the series but I hope the next book has fewer of these bad jokes in them.
2014: The Scumble River Mystery series is a fun series to read. The books are pretty short and they are fast and funny reads. School psychologist Skye Denison gets into all kinds of trouble when she plays around as an amateur investigator in each book. The mysteries are full of twists, turns and surprises and there are always plenty of suspects to choose from. I almost never know for sure whodunit until fairly close to the end. The whole series makes for excellent pool or beach reads for the summer.
2014: The Scumble River Mystery series is a fun series to read. The books are pretty short and they are fast and funny reads. School psychologist Skye Denison gets into all kinds of trouble when she plays around as an amateur investigator in each book. The mysteries are full of twists, turns and surprises and there are always plenty of suspects to choose from. I almost never know for sure whodunit until fairly close to the end. The whole series makes for excellent pool or beach reads for the summer.
August 20, 2011
Scumble River is celebrating its Bicentennial -with historical reenactments, bingo, a coal tossing tournament, and a crazy craft race. The guest of honor is none other than the town founders great great grand nephew, Gabriel Scumble. But when Skyes students Frannie and Justin find him dead with a pick ax protruding from his chest. And Skyes deceitful ex fiance, Luc St , Armant appears out of the blue throwing her love life into turmoil. Which is the real danger that Luc will chase away the men in her life .... or the possibility that theres a connection between Luc,s arrival and the murder of Gabriel Scumble!
April 10, 2017
The worst in the series so far and one of the worst cozies I've ever read. The "murder mystery" is just stupid - far fetched, unrealistic, unbelievable and silly. The good news is that only about 20% of the book is dedicated to the "murder mystery". The rest of it is spent on the 3 men that are desperately in love with Skye for reasons that are never explained. The "love story" aspect of the book drags on and on and on and - like the murder mystery - just isn't believable. There is also a huge amount of time spent on the minutia of Skye's work as a school counselor.
September 15, 2022
What a terrible book. It's so redundant. Apparently the author thinks we can't understand her point and just says things over and over until it left me yelling at how dumb it all is. It was like a mini soap opera and it couldn't have been a bigger waste of my time. I will never read anything by her again!
April 29, 2015
Keeps getting better and better. Don't miss this series.
July 22, 2020
My cozy mystery group selected this series as a yearly read along. I’m definitely behind by a few months, but trying to catch up. I’m glad it was chosen because it’s probably not a series I would have gone back to read since it’s older. This is book 4 and it came out in 2003.
I really like the MC, Skye, mainly because she is a school psychologist. I always enjoy the scenes where she is at school and dealing with the stress of her profession. She is constantly evaluating student’s emotional or educational needs, dealing with her horrible principle, disciplining actions while encountering angry caregivers and advocating for the kids. I like seeing some of the students reappearing as the series grows. Frankie and Justin’s efforts to start a school newspaper was a cute side story.
I will admit, I’m not a fan of the romances so far. First, we had a love triangle with Simon and Wally, but this story added a third when Luc, the ex-fiancée, swoops into town. His reason for showing up suddenly was obvious. Always read the documents you are being asked to sign! Seems like Skye has made a relationship decision, for the time being, so I’m curious to see how that goes in the next book. I did chuckle when Skye wore a swimsuit as an evening ware undergarment.
I was surprised by the mystery since there were numerous suspects and storylines to wade through. I missed more meddlesome May scenes though. Hope she has a bigger role soon. Looking forward to continuing the series and watching these characters develop.
I really like the MC, Skye, mainly because she is a school psychologist. I always enjoy the scenes where she is at school and dealing with the stress of her profession. She is constantly evaluating student’s emotional or educational needs, dealing with her horrible principle, disciplining actions while encountering angry caregivers and advocating for the kids. I like seeing some of the students reappearing as the series grows. Frankie and Justin’s efforts to start a school newspaper was a cute side story.
I will admit, I’m not a fan of the romances so far. First, we had a love triangle with Simon and Wally, but this story added a third when Luc, the ex-fiancée, swoops into town. His reason for showing up suddenly was obvious. Always read the documents you are being asked to sign! Seems like Skye has made a relationship decision, for the time being, so I’m curious to see how that goes in the next book. I did chuckle when Skye wore a swimsuit as an evening ware undergarment.
I was surprised by the mystery since there were numerous suspects and storylines to wade through. I missed more meddlesome May scenes though. Hope she has a bigger role soon. Looking forward to continuing the series and watching these characters develop.
May 11, 2020
Skye Dennison has been back in Scumble
River now for over two years. She returned
here after she lost her job, her fiancé and
all that she possessed while living in New
Orleans. She is now the Scumble River
School system school psychologist.
But much to her surprise and dismay,
New Orleans has come to Scumble River.
Her ex-fiancé Luc St. Amant arrives trying
to renew their relationship plus have her
sign papers to be a board member of a
new foundation. Of course, Luc suggests
that because of all the legalese involved
that she can just sign the paper without
reading them. He is in for a shock as he
no longer can control Skye. Plus Luc there
is a New Orleans mafia snake in town.
Meanwhile the town is celebrating it’s
bicentennial. There will be the Historical
Society Reenactments,a coal tossing
tournament, a Crazy Craft Race and a
bingo playing tent. The guest speaker is
the town founder’s great-great-grandnephew,
Gabriel Scumble who resides in Canada.
Skye’s adventure is about to begin when
two of her students discover the guest of
honor with a pickax in his chest. He is DEAD
clothed in his buckskin costume. His car
is missing also.
The characters are colorful, quirky, with
interesting backstories with very small
town peculiarities.
This is book # 4 in the Scumble River
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand
alone.
River now for over two years. She returned
here after she lost her job, her fiancé and
all that she possessed while living in New
Orleans. She is now the Scumble River
School system school psychologist.
But much to her surprise and dismay,
New Orleans has come to Scumble River.
Her ex-fiancé Luc St. Amant arrives trying
to renew their relationship plus have her
sign papers to be a board member of a
new foundation. Of course, Luc suggests
that because of all the legalese involved
that she can just sign the paper without
reading them. He is in for a shock as he
no longer can control Skye. Plus Luc there
is a New Orleans mafia snake in town.
Meanwhile the town is celebrating it’s
bicentennial. There will be the Historical
Society Reenactments,a coal tossing
tournament, a Crazy Craft Race and a
bingo playing tent. The guest speaker is
the town founder’s great-great-grandnephew,
Gabriel Scumble who resides in Canada.
Skye’s adventure is about to begin when
two of her students discover the guest of
honor with a pickax in his chest. He is DEAD
clothed in his buckskin costume. His car
is missing also.
The characters are colorful, quirky, with
interesting backstories with very small
town peculiarities.
This is book # 4 in the Scumble River
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand
alone.
April 26, 2020
This series is definitely improving. I liked the idea from the beginning and I like the MC Skye, but I have hated all the secondary characters from Book 1. This is the first time I feel like the author was writing people and not CHARACTERS with a capital C and quotation marks. :D Everyone was toned down just enough to make them human and not caricatures. The mystery was a little ridiculous, but I don't expect too much reality from a cozy. If people actually got murdered in small towns at cozy rates, no one would live there anymore. I live in an actual small town. We've had two murders in the last 50 years. Both were drunk people killing other drunk people, once over a woman, once during a robbery. There was no investigation. The murderers bragged before sobering up. There were no silver tomahawks involved. Maybe because we don't have a bandstand. :D Anyway, good book, looking forward to the next one.
June 1, 2018
I've been enjoying reading the Scumble River Mysteries and "Snake in the Grass" was no exception.
This book was packed with relationship drama, so much more than its predecessors, and I really enjoyed it. It was nice to see Skye take a backseat to mystery solving to get her life in order. We finally learn about her ex-fiance and what he's been up to all this time.
I was okay that the mystery wasn't center focus this time around because it ended on a bit of a blah note. I thought I had it figured out in what I considered to be a wild turn of events, but in the end, it's a bit underwhelming with who the culprit is. Despite that, Scumble River continues to intrigue me and I'll be back for more!
This book was packed with relationship drama, so much more than its predecessors, and I really enjoyed it. It was nice to see Skye take a backseat to mystery solving to get her life in order. We finally learn about her ex-fiance and what he's been up to all this time.
I was okay that the mystery wasn't center focus this time around because it ended on a bit of a blah note. I thought I had it figured out in what I considered to be a wild turn of events, but in the end, it's a bit underwhelming with who the culprit is. Despite that, Scumble River continues to intrigue me and I'll be back for more!
June 13, 2021
If you can spend a Saturday night with Skye Denison, you can count yourself fortunate indeed. It's a great way to spend the night.
The body with the axe driven through the heart wasn't supposed to be a feature of the Scumble River, Illinois bicentennial celebration. But some high-school kids found the body, and rather than going to the local cops, they found Skye Denison, their school psychologist, and asked for her help. Naturally, the psychologist with a curiosity even bigger than her plus-sized body couldn't help but get involved.
I'll definitely continue with this series. It has a lot to offer, and Skye's fictional life is interesting enough that staying involved in it will be a pleasure.
The body with the axe driven through the heart wasn't supposed to be a feature of the Scumble River, Illinois bicentennial celebration. But some high-school kids found the body, and rather than going to the local cops, they found Skye Denison, their school psychologist, and asked for her help. Naturally, the psychologist with a curiosity even bigger than her plus-sized body couldn't help but get involved.
I'll definitely continue with this series. It has a lot to offer, and Skye's fictional life is interesting enough that staying involved in it will be a pleasure.
March 13, 2020
I gave this book 4 stars because I liked the mystery and the continued development of Skye's role in the community schools.
But...
I cannot stand the love rectangle that takes up the majority of the book. Does she seriously want to even remotely think about taking back up with her dumb butt ex-fiance? Why is Simon even still around? Simon is still, in my opinion, a controlling little twerp. Wally, well, he is just confused. I would have loved to see Skye take this time and find herself without having a love interest. I have to remember this written in 2003 when love triangles were popular in fiction.
I am still enjoying this series and already have the next book to start.
But...
I cannot stand the love rectangle that takes up the majority of the book. Does she seriously want to even remotely think about taking back up with her dumb butt ex-fiance? Why is Simon even still around? Simon is still, in my opinion, a controlling little twerp. Wally, well, he is just confused. I would have loved to see Skye take this time and find herself without having a love interest. I have to remember this written in 2003 when love triangles were popular in fiction.
I am still enjoying this series and already have the next book to start.
August 2, 2020
In this book the ex shows up (what a loser) pretending to be who he was but in reality a fallen man.
The Uncle gets his money (no mention of reparation to her brother, who should have gotten some back). No sure point of mother's gathering with the two suitors - that could have been funnier. Also Skye picks the funeral director and finally makes decisions with some backbone.
It turns out to be the Mayor, who killed the wrong person by mistake (so like we saw the mistake part coming a mile off, but the killer was pretty well hidden). Still a delightful book.
Just wish I'd been able to read these in order and taken more notes on the characters.
The Uncle gets his money (no mention of reparation to her brother, who should have gotten some back). No sure point of mother's gathering with the two suitors - that could have been funnier. Also Skye picks the funeral director and finally makes decisions with some backbone.
It turns out to be the Mayor, who killed the wrong person by mistake (so like we saw the mistake part coming a mile off, but the killer was pretty well hidden). Still a delightful book.
Just wish I'd been able to read these in order and taken more notes on the characters.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 7, 2024
A well crafted mystery that takes Skye, her friends and some of her relatives, as well as several members of the community from the murder early in the book until the solution at the very end.
It was quite a puzzle, since the scene was a crowded Bicentennial Celebration, and many of the people in town were from away, so there were countless possible suspects. That didn't stop Skye from investigating, probing, sneaking around, and poking her nose into places that were not necessarily her business. As usual. And her life was made more complicated by the demands of three men she was already confused about.
It was quite a puzzle, since the scene was a crowded Bicentennial Celebration, and many of the people in town were from away, so there were countless possible suspects. That didn't stop Skye from investigating, probing, sneaking around, and poking her nose into places that were not necessarily her business. As usual. And her life was made more complicated by the demands of three men she was already confused about.
October 7, 2021
The town is celebrating its bicentennial and has representation from all three families that started the town 200 years ago, which is a mighty long time to hold a grudge. When one of the surviving descendants is brutal murdered during the festivities the police chief asks Skye to help with the investigation.
Several different men are seeking Skye’s affection, one from her past, one from the present, and one from her future, and she has different feelings for each of them. Which will she choose?
Several different men are seeking Skye’s affection, one from her past, one from the present, and one from her future, and she has different feelings for each of them. Which will she choose?
December 15, 2020
This one was a little disturbing! The author does a nice job of weaving some case at the school into each murder case. This time was a bit more gruesome than the others. There also was something going on with several characters (which we didn't find out until the end) that caused some concern for some of my favorites. Overall really good, a quick read, just a bit darker than previous books in the series.
July 7, 2024
This story is set during the town's celebration of its bicentennial. The guest of honor is the founder's great-great-grandnephew, Gabriel Scumble. Unfortunately, he turns up dead and Skye proceeds to investigate.
The story was entertaining with its cast of quirky characters. The killer wasn't someone I guessed right away. I enjoyed reading about all the activities and the games the town put together. They sounded fun.
The story was entertaining with its cast of quirky characters. The killer wasn't someone I guessed right away. I enjoyed reading about all the activities and the games the town put together. They sounded fun.
January 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this cozy
It had a lot of good subplot and there was a lot of great character development
The murderer was a bit obvious but the plot wasn’t transparent
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series
It had a lot of good subplot and there was a lot of great character development
The murderer was a bit obvious but the plot wasn’t transparent
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series
September 25, 2020
The town is celebrating it s cenntial and Skye ex decides to reappar. The town guest of honor is murder and the ex is a supsect. C an Skye solve the murder and get rid of the ex at the same time? I love this series
May 21, 2023
Another great book in the Scumble Mystery series. Skye cannot help but be in the wrong place at the wrong time when dead bodies are discovered.
Her ex fiance was back in town with a hidden agenda. She seems to have finally realized Simon is the man for her
Her ex fiance was back in town with a hidden agenda. She seems to have finally realized Simon is the man for her
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