Die Me A River
Welcome Back To Scumble River, Book #2
Denise Swanson
5 Stars
Synopsis:
The chips are down in Scumble River
School psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd had hoped that her maternity leave would be at least a little relaxing, but when she and her husband, Wally, meet with the priest to discuss their newborn twins’ christening, an explosion at the nearby bowling alley rocks the rectory. And although the business was closed at the time of the blast, there’s a body inside.
As police chief, Wally is inevitably drawn into the investigation, which seems to indicate that foul play is afoot again in Scumble River, and Skye can’t help but do a bit of her own sleuthing. But the clues come fast and furious, ranging from an odd new stranger in town to animosity toward the gambling machines that had recently been installed at the bowling alley, and Skye finds herself wondering if this could be the puzzle that stumps her for good.
New York Times bestselling author Denise Swanson has penned another hit for cozy fans with Die Me a River, the latest installment in her beloved Welcome Back to Scumble River mystery series. (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I like how strong and independent Skye is, but she still has insecurities, and that makes her seem more realistic to me. I really enjoy reading about the relationship between Wally and Skye, they are such a great couple. You can tell how much love and respect they have for each other, it is so refreshing. The secondary characters added a lot to the story and I really enjoyed spending with all of them.
The writing style flows smoothly and defined the characters very clearly by their words and actions. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and this pulled me into the story from the very beginning of the book. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. I would not have even cared if there was no mystery to solve, I was enjoying spending time with Wally, Skye and the twins, but the mystery added to the story.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Both of the books in this series were really great, as were the older books written in this series, from many years ago.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Sourcebooks Landmark, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Day: August 27, 2020
Spotlight–The Puccini Connection
An idyllic English village, a lovable heroine, and a Puccini-inspired murder. Who knew opera could be so deadly?
British expat, Josie Monroe, returns to the idyllic village of Milkwood and finds herself chief suspect in a family murder. Surrounded by cricket greens, duck ponds and lies, Josie must discover the culprit if she wishes to return to the US and Lady Belle DeCorcy is just the pal to help her.
Josie is a down-to-earth, classical music-loving pianist. Belle is a flighty, beautiful and slightly unhinged debutante, making the two amateur sleuths an unlikely and comically inept, team. As if Josie doesn’t have enough problems, she is also dealing with the “Witches of Milkwood,” an elderly trio convinced that Josie is the murderer and that Belle is one sandwich short of a picnic.
Living with a cantankerous cat named Elgar and her aunt’s handsome, but seemingly untrustworthy, lodger, Josie is also coming to terms with resurging feelings for her childhood sweetheart, Detective Inspector Adam Ward. Luckily, tea and tenacity will see her through, even if every time Josie hears Puccini she risks discovering another body.
The Puccini Connection is a cozy English murder mystery with a classical music-loving amateur female sleuth in a picturesque English village with quirky, lovable characters and an extremely grumpy cat. No cliffhangers, gore, graphic violence, sex or overtly strong language.
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Thanks for stopping by and checking out the Spotlight for The Puccini Connection by Sam Bond.
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