What do you think?
Rate this book
A Scumble River Mystery #5
Murder of a Barbie and Ken
It all began innocently enough, when Skye in search of a social life in Scumble River, recently joined the GUMBettes-the ladies auxiliary of the men's Grand Union of the Mighty Bulls, Scumble River's premier social club. But then Skye ended up wrapped in wallpaper, and the club leaders, Barbie and Ken Addison, ended up dead.
Barbie and Ken appeared to be living a dream life, but then who would want to kill such living dolls?
Barbie and Ken appeared to be living a dream life, but then who would want to kill such living dolls?
253 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 4, 2003
64 people are currently reading
862 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
June 23, 2020
Mini Review: This is my second favorite cozy mystery series and I am always excited to come back to Scrumble River with the gang! There's something so wholesome and charming about these characters and the mysteries are always headscratchers. That to me makes for a fantastic read! I hope to read quite a few more in this series during the summer as I honestly can't get enough of them!
PS: You may notice more "mini reviews" this summer as I am trying to read more books on my TBR that are generally older.
PS: You may notice more "mini reviews" this summer as I am trying to read more books on my TBR that are generally older.
July 29, 2021
2.5 Stars
rounded up to 3 Stars.
May 29, 2021
I don't think I will ever get tired of this series. So good!
May 28, 2020
This is the fifth book in the Scumble River series. Skye has recently joined a ladies auxiliary club that her boyfriend, Simon, encouraged her to join. At one of the events the club has, she gets a free month of Instant Gourmet products from the hostess. When her and her father go to pick up the items, Skye discovers the woman, Barbie, and her husband, Ken, dead. Police chief Wally Boyd asks her and Simon to try and gather inside information about other members of the club to see if they had motives. There was so much packed into this book. Simon's mother returns to town and we learn more about their relationship. I loved to see Skye's students, Frannie and Justin, finally getting more confident in themselves. The mystery was ok. I wasn't expecting who the killer was. The only thing that I didn't like was how Simon treated Skye in parts of the book. He expected her to join that fancy club when it should be obvious that she wouldn't want to. Other than that I really enjoyed the book.
September 26, 2011
I like this series as a whole pretty well, but a few things bugged me in this one. One, a teenager says, (paraphrasing) "Have you seen what they do in those popular music videos?" Is she 80? Two, the information from a computer sure sounded like it was saved on floppy disc. Really? This book was written in 2003! Three, Sky dated Simon for 8 or 9 months. They broke up. Then they dated for 5 or so more months. (I haven't read the books that this happened in, but they summed it up.) They just recently had sex for the first time. For reals? Is SHE 80?
April 16, 2020
Simon is more likable (finally). May is not a helicopter mom (thank goodness).
I'm liking how this series was real time when it came out and she continued keeping it set in the same time period. Some things discussed in the books are not politically correct now but you can definitely see how writing has changed in the last 15-20 years.
I'm off to the next one....
I'm liking how this series was real time when it came out and she continued keeping it set in the same time period. Some things discussed in the books are not politically correct now but you can definitely see how writing has changed in the last 15-20 years.
I'm off to the next one....
May 17, 2020
#5 in the Scumble River series.
I really think that, if I could give half stars, I would rate this one 2 1/2 stars.
In this installment, Skye gets roped into participating in an Instant Gourmet party, hosted by Barbie. Skye buys a week's worth of foods, and when she goes to pick them up, she finds Barbie, and husband Ken, dead. There was less involvement of school activities and students, and more of the murder. To complicate things, Simon's mother, who Skye thought dead, comes to town to reconcile with 'Sonny Boy', but she doesn't seem to have a clue (or a dollar) that Simon wants nothing to do with Bunny.
Why only 2 1/2 stars? Mostly because Skye seems to be taking over the investigation, with Chief Wally's blessing. OK, I get that it is a small town, but no one is going to share to that level. And she gets the chief to go along with her in interrogating a suspect.
Nope, this one was a bit disappointing, especially since I had enjoyed the prior 4 in the series.
I really think that, if I could give half stars, I would rate this one 2 1/2 stars.
In this installment, Skye gets roped into participating in an Instant Gourmet party, hosted by Barbie. Skye buys a week's worth of foods, and when she goes to pick them up, she finds Barbie, and husband Ken, dead. There was less involvement of school activities and students, and more of the murder. To complicate things, Simon's mother, who Skye thought dead, comes to town to reconcile with 'Sonny Boy', but she doesn't seem to have a clue (or a dollar) that Simon wants nothing to do with Bunny.
Why only 2 1/2 stars? Mostly because Skye seems to be taking over the investigation, with Chief Wally's blessing. OK, I get that it is a small town, but no one is going to share to that level. And she gets the chief to go along with her in interrogating a suspect.
Nope, this one was a bit disappointing, especially since I had enjoyed the prior 4 in the series.
December 26, 2020
Skye Denison's eyes popped open as a scream ripped through the elegant living room.
There is so much going on in this fifth book of the series. Skye has joined a ladies social club at the insistent of Simon. She ends up being pressured into also joining a multilevel marketing scheme involving a pricey food service. One of the biggest events is the arrival of Simon's flamboyant mother, Bunny. Skye's little cottage is much to small to house such a huge personality. Bunny's arrival almost makes Simon more bearable.
Barbie and Ken, the victims, seem to have it all but we soon learn some disturbing things about them and the social clubs. I guess you never really know what is going on in a small town!
I certainly understand Skye's dismay at being roped into the home party. Barbie certainly puts on the pressure to buy the pricey meal service.
Frannie and Justin are coming into their own with the school newspaper. I enjoy watching them grow. There is not as much information about the schools in this installment but I'm sure we will get back to it.
Wally was a little too lenient with Skye's nosiness and sleuthing. Sky certainly gets an eyeful that leads to more suspects in the murder.
I am really enjoying this series and look forward to reading more.
There is so much going on in this fifth book of the series. Skye has joined a ladies social club at the insistent of Simon. She ends up being pressured into also joining a multilevel marketing scheme involving a pricey food service. One of the biggest events is the arrival of Simon's flamboyant mother, Bunny. Skye's little cottage is much to small to house such a huge personality. Bunny's arrival almost makes Simon more bearable.
Barbie and Ken, the victims, seem to have it all but we soon learn some disturbing things about them and the social clubs. I guess you never really know what is going on in a small town!
I certainly understand Skye's dismay at being roped into the home party. Barbie certainly puts on the pressure to buy the pricey meal service.
Frannie and Justin are coming into their own with the school newspaper. I enjoy watching them grow. There is not as much information about the schools in this installment but I'm sure we will get back to it.
Wally was a little too lenient with Skye's nosiness and sleuthing. Sky certainly gets an eyeful that leads to more suspects in the murder.
I am really enjoying this series and look forward to reading more.
January 8, 2019
Very interesting
August 19, 2023
Wow this book was terrible. Cheesy, poorly written, clichéd, boring, predictable. It was a hate-read to the end. Also, it's suggested that you don't have to read the other books in the series to pick up the next story, but you clearly are missing pieces without them. But after this, I'd rather read a dictionary than another one of these. SAVE YOURSELVES.
March 7, 2011
Murder of a Barbie and Ken (Scumble River Mystery #5) Denise Swanson
murder/mystery. I have to admit I do love Denise Swanson and the Scumble River Mystery books. Funny, fast paced, good clean read. Some may say a bit cheesy, but I find it is just what I need when I want a break from my daily routine.
Skye Dennison is the local school psychologist, self proclaimed investigator of crime in her home town of Scumble River Illinois. She is dating Simon the local coroner/funeral director. Skye finds herself along with her beau Simon, joining the local elite social group. Once in this club she ends up ordering home food products from Barbie Addison. She goes to Barbie's house to pick up her food, and finds both Barbie and her husband dead, with bows tied around their throats.
As Skye begins her investigation she finds that half the town had a problem with Ken, a prominent doctor. So many people with a motive for murder. Add to this she has an uninvited house guest, and severe Midwest winter. Her life is in danger, as she digs deep into the lives of her fellow citizens to find the killer.
murder/mystery. I have to admit I do love Denise Swanson and the Scumble River Mystery books. Funny, fast paced, good clean read. Some may say a bit cheesy, but I find it is just what I need when I want a break from my daily routine.
Skye Dennison is the local school psychologist, self proclaimed investigator of crime in her home town of Scumble River Illinois. She is dating Simon the local coroner/funeral director. Skye finds herself along with her beau Simon, joining the local elite social group. Once in this club she ends up ordering home food products from Barbie Addison. She goes to Barbie's house to pick up her food, and finds both Barbie and her husband dead, with bows tied around their throats.
As Skye begins her investigation she finds that half the town had a problem with Ken, a prominent doctor. So many people with a motive for murder. Add to this she has an uninvited house guest, and severe Midwest winter. Her life is in danger, as she digs deep into the lives of her fellow citizens to find the killer.
May 15, 2017
Series books can become redundant. This is not true for the Scumble River Mysteries. I also break up the series with other books to change the speed. The main characters, mainly Skye Deninson, school psycholigist in a small ends up investigation murders. Usually because she stumbles upon a dead body. Denise Swanson has a way of providing details at the beginning of the back that the main character went back to at the end. I didn't notice it in the previous books but something I am going to pay closer attention to in the next book. As always Denise Swanson sends Skye on some interesting adventures in the search for the truth.
I am also slightly biased to cozy mysteries anyway. Mostly life can very stressful and humorless sometimes. Cozy mysteries are a nice distraction. Where as if you get into a intense murder mystery, which also good books to read, after a while I start missing the humor. So if you looking for a laugh and want some adventure in a small town. This has been a good series for me.
I am also slightly biased to cozy mysteries anyway. Mostly life can very stressful and humorless sometimes. Cozy mysteries are a nice distraction. Where as if you get into a intense murder mystery, which also good books to read, after a while I start missing the humor. So if you looking for a laugh and want some adventure in a small town. This has been a good series for me.
August 29, 2017
.
This is a cozy, quick-paced mystery about a woman sleuth, school pyschiatrist, that is fun to read. Each time you pick up a book in this series, you feel like you are meeting up with old friends.
Even though there is a murder involved, it is a clean and wholesome book. This murder was of a high school girl cast as the lead in Sleeping Beauty in the High School play.
The book stands on its own and there is a definite conclusion. These are attributes that I prefer when reading a series.
Ms. Swanson has done a great job with this series and I plan to read more! I would recommend them to anyone that is interested in this genre.
This is a cozy, quick-paced mystery about a woman sleuth, school pyschiatrist, that is fun to read. Each time you pick up a book in this series, you feel like you are meeting up with old friends.
Even though there is a murder involved, it is a clean and wholesome book. This murder was of a high school girl cast as the lead in Sleeping Beauty in the High School play.
The book stands on its own and there is a definite conclusion. These are attributes that I prefer when reading a series.
Ms. Swanson has done a great job with this series and I plan to read more! I would recommend them to anyone that is interested in this genre.
January 26, 2017
I forgot how enjoyable this series is. Another good read.
Read
March 29, 2022Every small town seems to have its magic couple. You know them. They're the ones who seem to draw money and glitzy friends to them. These are the magic beautiful people who seem to crap rose petals.
As the book begins, the always-impressive Skye Denison is at a party wherein the host sells particular items. In this case, it's something called Instant Gourmet. Skye makes her obligatory purchase and goes home, promising to pick up her items when the food comes in.
It's a snowy day when the delivery happens, and Skye is sick. Worse still, her boyfriend, Simon's mother is in town on a surprise visit. Because of the bad weather, she gets as far as Skye's house and goes no farther, taking over the house in most obnoxious ways.
When Skye ventures out in the snow to claim her food, she finds the beautiful and wealthy couple dead, strangled with a peach-colored ribbon.
In addition to rooting for Skye as you will, you learn much about what it's like to be a school psychologist in a small low-budget district, and that is as fascinating in its way as the sleuthing she does to find a killer.
This was a quick read, and the plot is so good that it overcomes the inherent disadvantages of having a voice synthesizer do the reading. I've enjoyed this entire series, and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
As the book begins, the always-impressive Skye Denison is at a party wherein the host sells particular items. In this case, it's something called Instant Gourmet. Skye makes her obligatory purchase and goes home, promising to pick up her items when the food comes in.
It's a snowy day when the delivery happens, and Skye is sick. Worse still, her boyfriend, Simon's mother is in town on a surprise visit. Because of the bad weather, she gets as far as Skye's house and goes no farther, taking over the house in most obnoxious ways.
When Skye ventures out in the snow to claim her food, she finds the beautiful and wealthy couple dead, strangled with a peach-colored ribbon.
In addition to rooting for Skye as you will, you learn much about what it's like to be a school psychologist in a small low-budget district, and that is as fascinating in its way as the sleuthing she does to find a killer.
This was a quick read, and the plot is so good that it overcomes the inherent disadvantages of having a voice synthesizer do the reading. I've enjoyed this entire series, and I'm already looking forward to the next book.
June 18, 2020
Skye Dennison is the school psychologist
in Scumble River, Illinois.
There is a high snowstorm underway so
Skye is taken back when there is a banging
on her front door. Opening the door, she
find herself with a big shock....It is her
boyfriend, Simon Reid’s dead mother???
Turns out she is very much alive.
Skye’s Uncle Charlie’s motel was booked so
he brought Mrs. Reid who prefers to be
called “Bunny” to stay with Skye.
Having enough problems dealing with
“Bunny”, Skye’s Dad picks her up to run
errands. They are in for a big shock!!
Arriving at Barbie and Ken Addison’s home
to pick up Skye’s Instant Gourmet order that
Skye had gotten roped into buying, no one
answers the front door. Skye goes around to
the lower entrance. She discovers Ken and
Barbie DEAD. Who would want to kill this
successful, well off, perfect couple??
There are a lot of surprises ahead for Skye
and the community about the type of social
activities occurring in the area.
The school newspaper has started and two
teen reporters add ingredients to the mix of
well fleshed out, quirky, small town characters.
This is book # 5 is in the Scumble River
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand
alone.
in Scumble River, Illinois.
There is a high snowstorm underway so
Skye is taken back when there is a banging
on her front door. Opening the door, she
find herself with a big shock....It is her
boyfriend, Simon Reid’s dead mother???
Turns out she is very much alive.
Skye’s Uncle Charlie’s motel was booked so
he brought Mrs. Reid who prefers to be
called “Bunny” to stay with Skye.
Having enough problems dealing with
“Bunny”, Skye’s Dad picks her up to run
errands. They are in for a big shock!!
Arriving at Barbie and Ken Addison’s home
to pick up Skye’s Instant Gourmet order that
Skye had gotten roped into buying, no one
answers the front door. Skye goes around to
the lower entrance. She discovers Ken and
Barbie DEAD. Who would want to kill this
successful, well off, perfect couple??
There are a lot of surprises ahead for Skye
and the community about the type of social
activities occurring in the area.
The school newspaper has started and two
teen reporters add ingredients to the mix of
well fleshed out, quirky, small town characters.
This is book # 5 is in the Scumble River
Mysteries series. It can be read as a stand
alone.
December 17, 2020
Barbie and Ken Addison seem to have the perfect life, but they come to a brutal end and it's up to Skye Dennison to figure out who did them in. All the usual characters make an appearance, Skye Charlie, May, Wally, Justin, Frannie, and Simon are joined by Bunny, Simon's long-absent mother.
I read books 4 and 5 one after another and they kind of blended together for me so parts of some of the subplots were a bit hard to follow. Other than that I enjoyed this one a lot. The investigation led Skye into an interesting new set of characters and circumstances. We also see Skye's relationship with Simon develop.
A lot of people have commented that they think Skye is immature but I think it's actually the opposite. People think Skye should do what she wants and say what she thinks but as a trained psychologist she approaches things from a different angle, considering the person she's dealing with and what they think and feel and how she can handle situations without alienating people (especially the kids) or making situations worse. That's probably how we should all be approaching others and I think it's nice to read about a character who handles life a little differently.
I read books 4 and 5 one after another and they kind of blended together for me so parts of some of the subplots were a bit hard to follow. Other than that I enjoyed this one a lot. The investigation led Skye into an interesting new set of characters and circumstances. We also see Skye's relationship with Simon develop.
A lot of people have commented that they think Skye is immature but I think it's actually the opposite. People think Skye should do what she wants and say what she thinks but as a trained psychologist she approaches things from a different angle, considering the person she's dealing with and what they think and feel and how she can handle situations without alienating people (especially the kids) or making situations worse. That's probably how we should all be approaching others and I think it's nice to read about a character who handles life a little differently.
December 16, 2022
This installment was barely tolerable due to Bunny, Simon's mother. Mothers like her, and Skye's predicament over the former's sudden appearance on her doorstep was just too implausible for me. There are books with situations I, as a reader, can relate to but some like the one in this book I just can't. There is NO WAY I would allow a strange woman, even if she is my boyfriend's mother, just barge in to stay at my house.
Since the whole Bunny thread took up the entire book, the murder thread got lost in there and at one point I forgot who got killed.
The only good thing about this book is that Bunny was out of Sky's house by the end of the story.
Simon, Skye's boyfriend, is a nice guy and their relationship is stable...and boring. I find Simon boring. Boring in real life may actually be good if it means the lack of heartache from one's partner but here...it's not working for me and I find myself wanting more for Skye.
Since the whole Bunny thread took up the entire book, the murder thread got lost in there and at one point I forgot who got killed.
The only good thing about this book is that Bunny was out of Sky's house by the end of the story.
Simon, Skye's boyfriend, is a nice guy and their relationship is stable...and boring. I find Simon boring. Boring in real life may actually be good if it means the lack of heartache from one's partner but here...it's not working for me and I find myself wanting more for Skye.
September 6, 2018
Well, this was...a thing. A lot of interesting juxtapositions in this novel, my favorite being page 11 when Skye notes "nothing exciting happen here" in reference to Scumble River, the town she lives in. Except for you know ...the 18 million murders that have taken place in the last little bit that she is Nancy Drewing the shit out of. I get the Chief of Police has a thing for Skye, but why isn't she number one suspect as he discovers all of these bodies in this old-fashioned small town? The icing on the cake of this incredibly unbelievable plotline was the Eyes Wide Shut party where the secrets of the town are...ahem...exposed. super easy read, but probably not visiting Scumble River anytime soon.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 14, 2019
I had never read any of the Scumble River Mystery series by Denise Swanson, but that did not keep me from enjoying this Thanksgiving themed entry!
Skye is a school psychotherapist, and, when her boyfriend Simon joins the GUMBs (think the Rotary gone rogue), she becomes a member of the GUMBettes. When two members of the group are found dead, by Skye and her father no less, she is thrust into another mystery.
It seems that no one really liked the victims, and the list of suspects just keep growing. Skye is asked to investigate, but someone really doesn't want her sticking her nose into this mystery!
This was a fun read, like Janet Evanovich-lite, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I will definitely be reading more in the series.
Skye is a school psychotherapist, and, when her boyfriend Simon joins the GUMBs (think the Rotary gone rogue), she becomes a member of the GUMBettes. When two members of the group are found dead, by Skye and her father no less, she is thrust into another mystery.
It seems that no one really liked the victims, and the list of suspects just keep growing. Skye is asked to investigate, but someone really doesn't want her sticking her nose into this mystery!
This was a fun read, like Janet Evanovich-lite, and I enjoyed it quite a bit. I will definitely be reading more in the series.
November 18, 2020
I enjoyed this one a bit more than the others. Skye is still not a likable character for me, although she is a bit less arrogant in this one. I just can't find a member of the cast of characters that I like enough to have a buy in with the series. But the mystery was more interesting for me in this one, but that made the book better for me. And I'll keep going to the next one because I committed to the series (but I know I won't finish the 12 I committed to read).
August 23, 2023
I haven’t read any of the other books in the series but this one wasn’t that good. The characters were annoying. The mystery felt like a side plot but the main plot was boring. Why were there random quotes before each chapter? I’m a fan of cozy mysteries but this one didn’t do it for me. The title was misleading as well. This was less about the “Barbie and Ken” and more about this school psychologist who needs a hobby.
February 18, 2020
Swanson continues this series following the cozy theme. In this book, Skye's father is with her when two bodies are discovered. She has attended a party for made up meals. The murder complicated her getting the meals she paid for. I wondered about her getting the meals, but Swanson explained it. After reading ahead I am realizing that I think oh no she forget this detail and its going to bother me, but she ties up all her loose ends. As I have said in other reviews this is a cozy mystery. It reminds me of a series you might find on the Hallmark Mystery. I am still enjoying these books.
May 18, 2020
Scumble River is definitely not the place to live, there are way too many shady people there. The mystery wasn't particularly interesting this time around and the happy happy love that Skye is suddenly getting from men who were complete and utter assholes back in Book 1, is annoying. Yes people can change, but they generally don't. Didn't enjoy this as much as earlier books.
July 20, 2020
Barbie's best friends' husband is the killer.
Sex scene is unnecessary, unexpected (how big is this town exactly??), and, yeah, well, either make it realistic or leave it out. Somehow I don't think that's how those go.
A little disappointed that the two students are "taking up her slack" but has some hilarious scenes and is still good overall
Sex scene is unnecessary, unexpected (how big is this town exactly??), and, yeah, well, either make it realistic or leave it out. Somehow I don't think that's how those go.
A little disappointed that the two students are "taking up her slack" but has some hilarious scenes and is still good overall
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 11, 2021
Skye’s life is anything but normal, and when an exotic looking over the hill dancer shows up on her doorstep one snowy evening things REALLY start to get strange. From gourmet food parties to drunken orgies, this one has something of everything, including two murders that Skye must solve before the murderer gets to her door.
April 18, 2023
How can you go wrong reading a book by someone who shares your first name?! This was my first book by Denise Swanson and I am now a huge fan.
Skye stumbled upon Ken and Barbie's dead bodies and with the help of some high school students and friends she was able to solve their murders.
Her boyfriend Simon's mom came to town unexpectedly and is quite a character !
Skye stumbled upon Ken and Barbie's dead bodies and with the help of some high school students and friends she was able to solve their murders.
Her boyfriend Simon's mom came to town unexpectedly and is quite a character !
September 17, 2024
I love the Scumble River mysteries they are full of the craziest characters. Love the interaction of the lead characters. The mystery itself is well thought out and planned. The final reveal is perfect.
November 2, 2025
I liked the book. Good plot and storyline. Some good humor. Some twists and turns. Characters were well developed. Since I'm not reading this series in order, it was good to see how Simon ended up with the bowling alley and how his mom came to live in their city. Recommend.
July 3, 2017
I read this series to learn how certain writing errors effect a readers experience of a story's narrative. I also read this series to learn about creative similes.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews