Murder of a Snake in the Grass: A Scumble River Mystery [Large Print] [Hardcover]

Denise Swanson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 2, 2003

Serving as a guest of honor for the Scumble River Bicentennial celebration is none other than the town founder's great-great-nephew, Gabriel Scumble. But his visit is short-lived when he is found dead. Meanwhile Luc St. Amant has appeared out of the blue. Is there a menacing connection between Luc's arrival and Gabriel's murder?

Available only in Mystery 4 Series.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 408 pages
• Publisher: Thorndike Press; 1 edition (August 2, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 078625629X
• ISBN-13: 978-0786256297
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 5.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,002,217 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

20 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Skye's ex comes to Scumble River, April 18, 2003

By 

Moe811 (New York USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 4) (Paperback)

The bicentennial celebrations in Scumble River are in full swing. A descendant of the original Scumble is in attendance. Skye's love life is ever more confusing. Things are going well with Simon, but she still has feelings for Wally, and to make things worse, her ex fiance` seems to want her back. As usual, there is a particularly tricky problem with one of the children at the High School. Skye doesn't need another murder investigation right now, but when Gabriel Scumble is found murdered on the bandstand at the celebration and her ex is implicated, Skye has to get involved. If only to get him out of her life forever.

This series keeps getting better and better. The characters are quirky and fun and the problems of the residents of Scumble River are very realistic. I read this one in one sitting and look forward to the next.

24 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars CHARMING AMATEUR SLEUTH MYSTERY, July 11, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 4) (Paperback)

School psychologist, Skye Dennison has an uncomfortable past and as the history of her hometown is celebrated during the Scumble River bicentennial, hers comes back to haunt her. As Skye says, "sometimes it's better to let sleeping dogs lie, because if you disturb those canines they might wake up and bite you in the butt."

Skye left her hometown at eighteen after telling off everyone during her high school graduation. She vowed to never come back. She lied. Two years ago, after being jilted, fired, and maxing out her credit cards she came crawling back, and because it was home they had to take her in and forgive her, but they didn't have to forget.

Just as the citizens of Scumble River have begun to forget Skye's past, her ex-fiancé, Luc, shows up and makes everyone remember. He's an aristocrat from New Orleans and he claims he made a huge mistake in when he jilted her and he wants her back.

Skye tries to send him packing, but when the bicentennial guest of honor is found murder and Luc becomes a suspect she's stuck with him until the murder is solved. Although Skye tries not become involved in the murder investigation, it becomes clear she has to either figure out the real killer or put up with Luc's presence.

I enjoyed this mystery on many levels. First the setting is wonderful. It is clear the author is both familiar and fond of small towns, but that she sees the foibles as well as the charm. Next, the characters are wonderfully fleshed out. These are people you could have a cup of coffee and a piece of pie with while you put your feet up for a good gossip. Lastly, the plot is full of twists and turns. While the author plays fair and the clues are present, guessing whodunit is not easy.

But my favorite part of his book, and this series is Skye herself. She is someone with morals and values, and is fearless in her quest for justice for all. But best of all, because she is not perfect, she is utterly believable. This is a perfect summer read. Unfold your lawn chair, get your lemonade, and have a delightful afternoon.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Scumble River celebrates its Bicentennial, January 7, 2005

By 

Karen Potts (Lake Jackson, Texas) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Murder of a Snake in the Grass (Scumble River Mysteries, Book 4) (Paperback)

Scumble River is all agog over its bicentennial celebration. Everyone in town is turning out for the many events which have been planned, but there's a monkeywrench in the proceedings when Gabriel Scumble, the heir of the town's original founder is late. Finally he shows up, but things get even worse when he is found dead. School psychologist Skye Denison has a hard time keeping her thoughts on the murder investigation because her ex-fiance Luc has shown up and it trying to persuade her to get back together. Skye was terribly hurt when Luc jilted her, but she is tempted to go back with him. These two plots continue in the book until at last they intersect and Luc is accused of murder. Add in the mischief caused by some of the students at Skye's school, and you have another enjoyable read from author Denise Swanson.