"Engaging cozy mystery with quirky characters"
Reviewed by Debbie Wiley
Posted September 27, 2016
Mystery Cozy
Skye Denison-Boyd has researched a new treatment
methodology to try with her fourth grade boys.
Unfortunately, the first counseling group using pet
therapy doesn't go quite as Skye had planned; and it's
witnessed by Palmer Lynch, the school board member
running against her uncle Charlie for the presidency. As
if that isn't stressful enough for the very pregnant
school psychologist, Skye then finds herself in the
middle of another murder investigation. MURDER OF A CRANKY CATNAPPER is the nineteenth book in
the Scumble River Mystery series, but Denise
Swanson writes each one so it can stand alone. However,
the characters are growing and evolving as their lives
are changing and each new book reflects these
developments. The Scumble River Mystery series is
easily one of my favorites in the genre, and so I would
suggest reading each and every one so you'll appreciate
the nuances of the story (such as the scenes with the
Dooziers). I love Skye Denison! It's refreshing to see a school
psychologist portrayed in such a positive light as Denise
Swanson's knowledge of the job shines through clearly
(although Scumble River really does need a good school
social worker to assist!). Scumble River is a
wonderfully quirky town to visit and Skye's perspective
keeps me laughing throughout each and every book in the
series. MURDER OF A CRANKY CATNAPPER takes a slightly darker turn
than some of the previous books. I like how Denise
Swanson continues to work real-world situations into the
Scumble River Mystery series as it keeps the
series from getting stale. However, it is the inclusion
of school politics and budgeting issues school
psychologists face that I particularly love as any of us
working in these arenas will recognize just how well
Denise Swanson nails it. MURDER OF A CRANKY CATNAPPER is yet another engaging cozy
mystery from the very talented Denise Swanson. I'm
already looking forward to the next book as Skye's take
on parenting is sure to be nothing short of hilarious! If
you like quirky characters in your cozy mysteries, then
Denise Swanson's Scumble River Mystery series is
definitely your cup of tea.
SUMMARY
In the latest from the New York Times bestselling
author of Murder of an Open Book, a school
psychologist has her hands full after a school board
sourpuss meets a bitter end... With her morning sickness finally abated, Skye Denison-Boyd
is ready to pounce on the pertinent problems she faces as
Scumble River Elementary School’s psychologist. After trying
almost every trick in the book to aid a handful of socially
awkward fourth grade boys, Skye opts for the innovative
approach of pet therapy with the assistance of the local
vet, a Siberian husky, and a Maine coon cat. Unfortunately, the first session only breeds disaster and
draws the ire of cantankerous school board member Palmer
Lynch. But Skye’s worry over the episode changes to dread
after Lynch is found dead in his home with the therapy cat
hidden in his garage. With a clowder of questions unleashed,
Skye finds herself dealing with a killer who isn’t
pussyfooting around…
What do you think about this review?
Comments
No comments posted.
Registered users may leave comments.
Log in or register now!
|
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy