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Denise Swanson

    Denise Swanson's writing is celebrated for its captivating narratives. Her prose is noted for its polished style and its ability to draw readers into the depths of the human psyche. In her works, Swanson frequently delves into the complexities of interpersonal relationships, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. Her skill in crafting vivid characters and compelling plots has earned her a dedicated readership.

    Dead in the Water
    Murder of the Cat's Meow
    Murder of a Stacked Librarian
    Murder of a Cranky Catnapper
    Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My
    Nickeled-and-Dimed to Death
    • 2021

      "School psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd is settling into the rhythm of being a working mom, but when school is put on lockdown, life gets messy again. Not only is she stuck in a room with her horrible superintendent, Dr. Wraige, it looks like the lockdown was a false alarm-someone left a cupid's bow and arrow in a classroom. Later, as Wally looks into an attempted break-in, he finds the superintendent murdered, his jugular cut with the arrow of a cupid statue. Did love just turn deadly in Scumble River? As the part-time psychological consultant for the police department, Skye joins Wally in investigating the murder. But things get even more personal when her godfather Uncle Charlie gets wrapped up in a state police sting. With a dead boss, a godfather under suspicion, and a mythical killer on the loose, Skye has more than enough work cut out for her!"--

      Body Over Troubled Waters
    • 2019

      Come Homicide or High Water

      • 352 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      4.1(540)Add rating

      There's something fishy just below the surface of Scumble River... School psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd is getting ready to return to work from her maternity leave and hoping for a peaceful year in her job as a school psychologist. But when an elderly woman disappears on her first day back and a disgruntled parent threatens to sue the school, Skye realizes that her return will be anything but quiet. When the parent suing Skye's school is found dead and with the missing woman's case is still unsolved, Skye suspects the crimes are somehow linked. With her chief of police husband, Wally, at her side, Skye dives into the investigations. But as tensions rise and Skye and Wally's suspect list lengthens, they start to wonder whether a member of their own tight-knit community could be behind it all...

      Come Homicide or High Water
    • 2019

      Leave No Scone Unturned

      • 352 pages
      • 13 hours of reading
      3.9(1321)Add rating

      Another deadly fun Chef-to-Go mystery from New York Times bestselling author Denise Swanson The back-to-school season can be murder It's the beginning of the university's fall semester and Dani can't wait for the college students to return to Normalton, Illinois--after all, without them, there is no one to support her Lunch-to-Go service, which is a vital part of her Chef-to-Go business. But Normalton University's orientation week is marred by a mysterious murder, along with a series of car-jackings and sightings of a mysterious creature in a pond on campus. And with the whole town feeling unsettled, Dani finds herself dealing once again with the infuriatingly handsome Spencer Drake, the head of security at the university. Although Dani vowed that her life would never again be boring and routine after she quit her stifling corporate job, she had no idea that she'd end up dealing with such strange happenings--not to mention murder. But as the trouble in Normalton draw worryingly close to home, Dani realizes that if the killer isn't caught soon, she may be the next one who is found scone cold dead. A delicious cozy mystery, perfect for readers of Kate Carlisle and Gayle Leeson The Chef-to-Go Mysteries: Tart of Darkness (Book 1) Leave No Scone Unturned (Book 2) Praise for Denise Swanson's Chef-to-Go mysteries: "Fast-paced and fun... Tart of Darkness is utterly unputdownable." --Julie Hyzy, New York Times bestselling author

      Leave No Scone Unturned
    • 2018

      Die Me a River

      • 341 pages
      • 12 hours of reading
      3.9(765)Add rating

      In Scumble River, school psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd investigates a suspicious death at the local bowling alley. And with a murderer on the loose, there's no time to spare. Original.

      Die Me a River
    • 2018

      Dead in the Water

      • 413 pages
      • 15 hours of reading
      4.0(12)Add rating

      Originally published: Naperville, IL: Sourcebooks Landmark: 2017.

      Dead in the Water
    • 2018

      Tart of Darkness

      • 320 pages
      • 12 hours of reading
      4.0(174)Add rating

      In a quaint college town, Dani inherits a large mansion, allowing her to pursue her passion for cooking by launching Chef-to-Go, a meal service for local students. As she embraces her new role, offering personal chef services and rooming students, her life takes a dark turn when a murder occurs, implicating her as the prime suspect. To clear her name and save her business, Dani must navigate the culinary mystery while managing her burgeoning relationships in this cozy, character-driven tale.

      Tart of Darkness
    • 2017

      Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading

      In Shadow Bend, Missouri, Devereaux "Dev" Sinclair's new dime store becomes the backdrop for a gripping mystery when she partners with handsome private investigator Jake Del Vecchio. Their first case centers on the disappearance of Gabriella Winston, the wife of a wealthy philanthropist facing community backlash over his wildlife park plans. As suspicions arise around Elliot Winston, Dev is determined to uncover the truth, revealing that rural life can be just as perilous as city living.

      Lions and Tigers and Murder, Oh My
    • 2016

      Murder of a Cranky Catnapper

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading

      In this engaging Scumble River Mystery, a school psychologist navigates a web of intrigue when a disgruntled school board member is found dead. As she delves into the investigation, she must balance her professional responsibilities with the chaos that ensues in her small town. The story blends humor and suspense, showcasing the challenges of uncovering secrets while dealing with the complexities of school politics and community dynamics.

      Murder of a Cranky Catnapper
    • 2016

      Between a Book and a Hard Place

      • 288 pages
      • 11 hours of reading
      3.9(502)Add rating

      A gripping mystery unfolds as the protagonist navigates the complexities of lost family connections, the allure of hidden treasure, and the revelation of long-buried secrets. The story intertwines themes of discovery and reconciliation, promising readers an engaging journey filled with suspense and emotional depth.

      Between a Book and a Hard Place
    • 2015

      Dying for a Cupcake

      • 272 pages
      • 10 hours of reading
      4.0(553)Add rating

      A cupcake contest at Devereaux "Dev" Sinclair's five-and-dime store takes a dark turn when a contestant is found dead. As Dev navigates the sweet chaos of the competition, she must unravel the mystery surrounding the murder, uncovering secrets and rivalries among the contestants. With a blend of charm and suspense, the story explores themes of community, competition, and the lengths people will go to for victory. Dev's determination to solve the crime adds a thrilling twist to her quaint small-town life.

      Dying for a Cupcake