Denise SwansonBesprekingen

Quirky, fun, and gee, I will read anything that this author writes. The mystery is linked to the old history of this tiny town in Missouri. Civil War or the War Between the States depending on your geographical viewpoint.

Dev has a dimestore and lives with her Granny and her father who is out on parole. She is not fond of her mother who abandoned her with Granny to chase after rich men whom she married. Many of this mystery's discoveries are by accident and some by sleuthing. She has two men romantically inclined towards her so there is competition and she has not made up her mind yet about who she wants to choose. One is currently living with a mentally unstable ex-wife who he is a caretaker and the other has a mother who disapproves of Dev.

Pour yourself a cup of tea and enjoy the tale.

read 2022

Why do I read cozy mysteries when so much time is spent on admiring the love interest, backing off, thinking of their body, wishing for more, etc. And why are books so poorly edited that characters’ names are misspelled, e.g Vance/Lance, and a memorable phrase like ‘heart shaped ass’ repeats multiple times.

This is a very good cozy mystery. I do wish some of the characters were developed more. May should have had a bit more of a reaction to who the killer was, for instance. But cozies are meant to be quick, easy, and entertaining, which is what this book manages in spite of the murder of a sweet old lady.

Dani has decided to leave her job in HR to be self employed as a caterer and personal chef. The mansion she's inherited is the perfect distance from the college and has a large dream kitchen. Added to that, she has arrangements with the three girls she's taken in to assist her. But Ivy's intended charitable donation of leftovers for the homeless has turned deadly. Will Dani be accused again because she knew the deceased?

In case you're not a regular reader of my blog, this was a cozy mystery and an extremely light read. I thought that it was so neat that Denise basically gave us the recipes to most of the things Dani created. The book flowed nicely but if you're not a foodie, all of the recipes tend to be a bit much. It was a great story that kept me guessing for awhile, that was quite a treat for me! Needless to say, I thought this was a wicked awesome read!

School psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd stopped pacing, tucked a stray curl into her messy bun, and plopped onto one of the chairs facing Homer Knapik's desk. She'd been waiting fifteen minutes; the high school principal hadn't yet graced her with his presence.

A Call to Charms by Denise Swanson
1st in the Forever Charmed Mysteries. Paranormal cozy mystery.
Lexie inherits a house from a family member she’s never hear of. But it’s the perfect time since her ex has turned homicidal and she lost her job because an unhappy customer demanded it. Turns out the inheritance is more than just a house.

Cutie witch story. She kinda knew but not really that she was a witch with powers. Now that she’s in a town with a bunch of dead celebrities and powers awakening, her potential is way more than she expected.
Charming. Pun intended.

3 star
This feels less like a cozy and more like a traditional mystery in many respects. I like the main character Skye and her job as school psychologist gives her ample opportunity to snoop. Her brother Vince and Uncle Charlie are the only other characters I really warmed to as the story open. Simon the coroner her potential boyfriend starts out as a real jerk and while his behavior toward her from rude to attentive changes wildly we’re really given no good reason for it.

While I didn’t fall in love with the characters, I must say the mystery and the logicalness of the case really appealed to me. I’ll be reading more of this series in the future, in fact I signed up for 12 books in the Scumble River Challenge that’s what lead me to read this book in the first place since I’d never heard of the series before. I hope the next 11 books are as good or better then this on.

Cozies Reading Challenge

3 stars
This book was just as good as the first book in the series if not better. I really had no idea how Skye was going to find out who killed her grandmother.

It never would have occurred to me that Mona, driven by guilt? Or was it just her and her husbands reputation that drove her to murder. I’m not sure if I buy that scene where Mona forces Skye to go to confession before killing her. If she is such a believer isn’t she worried about her own punishment for the two people she already killed, and then the attempted murder of Skye and the priest. She makes for a good villain though it seems that nothing is as satisfying as a hypocrite getting their just reward.


I’m feeling good about my challenge, having enjoyed this book as much as I have just hoping the next 10 are just as good. 2020 Series Read: Scumble River

I am really impressed with Tart of Darkness by Denise Swanson, the first book in the Chef-to-Go cozy mysteries. For an author who has been writing cozies for over 20 years, Swanson was able to keep the technology fresh and up to date, which is not always the case with authors who have been writing for years. They often seem to get stuck in an earlier era where newer technologies are not even present in their books. So kudos to Swanson!

And having Dani’s sidekicks be three college students was another stroke of genius. Dani is in that in-between age of not quite 30, but still more conservative than a 21 year old, so having some younger women in the story adds a fun and fresh perspective to the book.

Also having three different avenues of business (daily lunches to go, personal chef, and caterer) Swanson set the series up to have lots of different places and ways for future murders to occur. I’m looking forward to seeing what Swanson comes up with next.

Besides the positive points mentioned above, Swanson also has very developed characters for a first book in a series, and it was fun to see some of the characters from her Scumble River Mysteries showing up in the Chef-to-Go series. I love when authors do crossovers.

Add in delicious food and drinks, detailed descriptions of the college town, and lots of red herrings to keep the reader guessing, and you have a series that is sure to be a hit with cozy mystery readers.

Dani Sloan's life has been on a downturn lately. She left her corporate job after there were some major issues. She had to sign a non-disclosure document so she can't even discuss what happened. Then on top of that, she discovered her boyfriend was actually engaged to marry someone else. But, things take a positive turn when she suddenly inherits a house and decides to embark on a business venture that's more her style -- cooking bagged lunches for local college students and running a catering service. She hopes Chef-To-Go will take off and be successful. In an emergency, she allows three college students to move into the house with her. She provides their room and board and in return they work a few hours a week for her. It's a win-win situation for all. One of the girls sets her up with a catering job....an upscale summer party. Regina Bourne is beautiful and known for her lavish parties. Unfortunately, the day after the event, Regina is found dead on a lounge next to the pool. Because of some problems during the party, Dani and her housemates find themselves suspects in the murder. One of the girls has an uncle who used to be a police officer. So with his help, Dani starts investigating Regina's death. Who killed the spoiled rich girl?

Tart of Darkness is the first book in a new series, the Chef-To-Go Mysteries. I'm not sure I would classify this book as a "cozy'' mystery....I'm going to say it's cozy-ish. There is no gore, explicit sex or anything completely un-cozy, but there is some language and some minor sexual themes (for example, one minor character enjoys bondage and rough sex) that aren't usually in cozy mysteries. For readers who want to avoid any discussion of sexual themes or for younger readers, this might be one to avoid. As for me, I enjoyed the story. It's a nice start to a new series! I like the background theme of a college town catering business. Dani is an interesting main character, and the 3 college-age girls she rents rooms to are great supporting characters. The hunky uncle is a nice love interest. The ending of the book seemed a bit abrupt...but it definitely made me wonder when the next book will be coming out. :) The romance angle seemed a bit trope-y as did the sudden inheritance of a huge house that allowed the MC to start a new business venture.....but the book is well-written and fun to read. I didn't really mind the trope-y moments.

All in all, this is an enjoyable cozy(ish) mystery! I will definitely be reading more of this series. Denise Swanson is the author of several cozy mystery series including Scumble River and the Devereaux's Dime Store Mysteries. I think I will start reading the Scumble River series while I want for the next Chef-To-Go mystery!

*I voluntarily read an advanced reader's copy of this book from Sourcebooks via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

Dead In The Water is the first book in the Welcome Back To Scumble River series...but for me it is my first visit to Scumble River. The original Scumble River Cozy Mystery series has 18 books. Following a publisher change, the series is having a restart/reboot. The author explains in the foreward that there are a few cosmetic changes Scumble River fans might notice, but all the characters from the original series are still there. For me, this is the first Scumble River book I've read, so I just went with the flow. :)

The basics: School Psychologist Skye Boyd is pregnant. Very pregnant. Almost feeling like she could pop pregnant. Just after she and her Police Chief husband Wally have finished decorating the nursery and life seems perfect, a tornado rips through Scumble River leaving destruction in its wake. As if that isn't bad enough, a city councilman is found dead in the rubble of his house. Turns out, the twister didn't kill Zeke Lyons. He was murdered. Bad goes to worse when Wally disappears while investigating the killing. Where is Wally? Did the murderer kill him too? Has evil come to Scumble River?

Although this is the first book from this series I read, it was relatively easy to figure out the characters and understand the plot. There are some references to prior books, but nothing that is central to the plot. I'm glad that Denise Swanson is able to continue her series after it got cut by her original publisher. This is definitely a great start to a reboot of the series. I loved the Wizard of Oz quotes that start each chapter. :)

I have the first book to the original series on my bookshelf and can't wait to start reading it! It will take me awhile to read my way through 18 books, but if this new release is any indication, I'm sure the series is well worth reading! I like Skye as a main character. She is smart and seems to really roll with the punches when things go wrong. Wally is a great character as well. He's a very good police officer, and a kind husband. Nice mix! :)

The mystery moved along at a steady pace, with plenty of surprises to keep it interesting. The ending surprised me...I thought I knew the killer's identity, but I was wrong! I love it when a mystery catches me off guard! The tornado theme didn't overpower the murder mystery portion of the plot, but added to it. It will be interesting to see how the town rebuilds itself in this new series!

The cover art for Dead In The Water is fantastic! It's what first drew me to the book. Definitely eye-catching artwork!

Denise Swanson also writes the Devereaux Dime Store cozy series. For more information on the author and her books, check out her website: http://www.deniseswanson.com/

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Sourcebooks Landmark via NetGalley. Opinions expressed are entirely my own.**

This is my first book by this author. Its a sweet, shortish read, a little bit of angst, not too heavy but a good romance.
The book is a stand alone no cliffhangers and a guaranteed HEA.
I loved the writing style, left you with the feel good feeling.

**I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

Swanson debuts a cozy mystery series with a down to Earth main character, delectable sounding foods, and a murder and a mystery slightly heavier than the traditional cozy mystery. Dani Sloan runs a chef-to-go business that attracts college students, and she offers catering and a home chef experience to those living around town. At first, I was slightly annoyed by Dani, whose beliefs in her father’s words (that suggested she could not live up to her potential) made me dislike her father. But, Dani realizes that she too deserves dreams, even if it means going into debt and finding creative ways to stay afloat following her dream of owning her own company. Language and subject matter make this cozy mystery a tad “meatier” or less cozy than other typical cozies, but the elements are still there – an amateur sleuth; a quirky cast of characters; and a potential romantic liaison.

Overall, an enjoyable read.

A woman whose husband claims she suffers dementia goes missing in Scumble River. A woman who plans to take the high school principal to court turns up dead. School psychologist Skye Denison-Boyd, now on maternity leave, and her husband Wally, chief of police, investigate. While much of the plot is implausible as in many cozy mysteries, it's still an enjoyable holiday read set around Thanksgiving but referring to Christmas in places. I received an advance electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

Lucy rekindles her high school/college romance with Curt, now a minister. Once again Curt breaks it off with his doubts.

I liked these characters. I would have liked to see a longer story as I felt I was only getting the highlights of their relationship. I wish Curt would have talked to Lucy instead of making decisions that affected both of them. Lucy had no ideas of his doubts. She is a strong woman who would have weighed up her choices then told Curt he was wrong.

I will be reading more in this series.

Dani Sloan,Chef-to-go in a small college town is getting ready for the fall semester by catering a university luncheon. Afterward, Dani learns from one of her boards that she has been taking the leftover food to help the homeless. Not sure that this is a wise idea after meeting the head homeless guy, Dani persuades Spencer Drake, the uncle of the young lady and head of university security to go with her to talk to this man. No talk ensues because they find him dead in his tent.

Believing that his murder may be connected to a rash of carjacking on campus, Dani and Spencer start asking questions to help the new cop in town who doesn't seem to have a clue.

Good story and liked how the characters are continuing to grow. FUN!

Constant action; Denise Swanson is one of my favorite authors.

Murder in a bookstore? How could I resist? And this book was actually a good read - more intelligent than many cozies. As one from a series, and the first I read, I can safely tell you it doesn't matter if you begin with #1 or #13 (as I did). Tales and Treats is the new bookstore in the small town of Scumble River, and our heroine Skye Denison (school psychologist and girlfriend of the police chief) discovers a body as she drops off some old books before the store officially opens for the day, during their first week in business! The characters are believable, the dialogue realistic, and the mystery kept me guessing. A fun gimmick was a classic book title for each chapter, which related to that chapter (The Sun Also Rises, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Pride and Prejudice). I'll soon be looking to read another book in this series.

Non stop happenings from the first page; Denise Swanson is one of my favorite authors!

Dangerously Delicious (Delicious Love) by Denise Swanson  
 
Swanson makes it okay to fall in love with lions and tigers and bears. Dangerously Delicious is an edgy tale that's cuddle worthy. What began as a hostile business arrangement turns steamy really quick. Marco and Sage are thrown together for the sake of some furry friends and end up finding a kindred spirit within each other. When dealing with strong personalities and beautiful, exotic and potentially dangerous animals that's to be expected, but once the spark ignites all bets are off. Marco and Sage take an unusual route, but it's fun to watch them finally end up where they're meant to be.

Dani has decided to start over in life when she inherits a house in a small college town. Always wanting to have been a chef/cook, Dani starts a take-out/catering business as well as renting some of the rooms in the house to College students. When a friend of a boarder is found murdered, Dani is deep in the fire and has to find the murderer before her goose is cooked.

A fun start for a series with great characters and lots of room for adventures in the future!½

Dangerously Delicious by Denise Swanson is a delicious Contemporary Romance. The second installment "Delicious Love" series, but can be read as a stand alone. Featuring, Dr. Sage DeSantis a dedicated wildlife veterinarian, and Marco Thorne, the handsome nightclub manager of Club Wilde. Set in a nonprofit wildlife refuge and sanctuary, near Las Vegas, was established to take in big cats that previously worked in movies and performed live.
Well crafted with charming and enjoyable characters. The storyline is unpredictable, compelling and intriguing. I enjoy stories concerning wildlife conservation, and the preservation of wildlife. The big cats, lions, tigers, etc, are beautiful animals that should be able to live out their lives in peace. Have you ever wondered what happens to those big cats in the movies, when they are no longer needed or to old to perform? Ms. Swanson manages to convey this message to her readers in an deliciously romance story.
Dr. Sage and Marco's chemistry is palpable. Sparks fly from their first encounter. A sexy and sweet Romance with all the elements that romance readers enjoy. The banter between Dr. Sage and Marco is entertaining with laugh out loud moments. "Be aware this book contains sensual consummated love scenes", tastefully written. An enjoyable and satisfying read. I look forward to going back and reading book 1, "Sinfully Delicious" and reading the third installment "Undeniably Delicious" coming in 2019!
"I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review."

Rating: 4
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewer: AprilR

Another comforting visit to Scumble River. The aftermath of the tornado is still very evident, with insurance adjusters and builders all scrambling for their piece of the pie. Wally and Skye are busy with their new twins, her mother is planning a huge baptism/shower party where they will finally reveal the babies names. When an explosion at the bowling alley involves Bunny and her newest beau as suspects, both are invested in searching for the culprit.

Devereaux “Dev” Sinclair moved to Shadow Bend to be with her family (grandma and ex-con dad) and now runs the local five-and-dime store. The local library closed down a number of years ago due to budget problems, so when a wealthy benefactor offers to reopen it, Dev is more than a little thrilled. Her happiness wanes when she realizes the benefactor is her new step-dad who brings wayward mom Yvette back into Dev’s life.

Dev doesn’t have the greatest relationship with her mom who abandoned her 13 years ago and hadn’t seen since. She begins to have suspicious feelings that Yvette and her husband Jett are not on the up-and-up about their intentions. Yvette also appears to be flirting with her ex-husband (Dev’s dad) which has Dev on edge. If that isn’t bad enough, strange lights have appeared and the town is up in arms with a UFO expert causing problems in town. When Jett is found murdered, fingers point to Dev’s parents and she finds herself on the case to prove that neither can be the killer.

There are actually two stories playing out (a murder and UFO sightings) that somehow all come together in the end with a big bang. Dev seems to have her hands full with her love life (her boyfriend’s mom hates her), the antics of her parents, a murder, and a UFO expert who is always in the way. This is an enjoyable cozy mystery with just the right amount of humor, wacky characters, mystery, and a bit of romance.