I first met Skye in Murder of a Smart Cookie, the seventh book in the series, and what a long journey it has been for Skye, Simon, Wally, the Denisons and their friends. I’m enjoying their latest adventures, which now includes Wally’s dad, Carson.

So, let’s meet Skye.


What is your name?
Skye Denison Boyd.

How old are you?
36.

What is your profession?
School Psychologist/Scumble River Police Department Psychological Consultant.

Do you have a significant other?
Yes.

What is his name and profession?
Wally Boyd, chief of the Scumble River Police Department.

Any children?
I just had twins.

Do you have any sibling(s)?
Yes. My brother Vince Denison, his wife, my sister-in-law, Loretta, and their daughter April.

Cats, dogs or other pets?
Bingo the black cat. He was my grandmothers and I inherited him. She named him Bingo because she said it was the only way she’d ever get to yell the word.

What town do you live in?
Scumble River, IL.

House or building complex? Own or Rent?
Since the tornado destroyed our home we’ve been living in an RV, but we are having our dream house built.

What is your favorite spot in your house?
Previously, my favorite spot had been the sunroom. But I’m thinking my new favorite spot will be the screened-in porch facing the river.

Who is your best friend?
Trixie Frayne. She is also the high school librarian.

Amateur sleuth or professional?
Hybrid.

Whom do you work with when sleuthing?
I don’t have a set partner. Sometimes it’s Trixie, sometimes it’s my godfather Charlie, and sometimes it’s my father-in-law, Carson.

Favorite meal?
My mother’s homemade lasagna.

Favorite dessert?
My mother’s homemade pumpkin cake.

Favorite hobby?
Reading.

Favorite vacation spot?
The only vacation that I’ve ever taken was my honeymoon cruise and I’d do that again in a second!

Favorite color?
Pink.

Favorite author?
Louisa May Alcott.

Favorite sports team?
Cubs.

Movies or Broadway?
Movies. New York is too big and crowded.

Are you a morning or a night person?
I’d love to be a night person, but between my job and family, I’m forced into being a morning person.

In a few sentences, what is a typical day in your life like?
Since I’m currently on maternity leave, there is no typical day anymore. Once I’m up and have taken care of the twins, I usually meet with the contractor building our new house. Then I do some laundry and go shopping for groceries. Take care of the twins, cook dinner, and solve the occasional mystery.


Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a signed copy of Tart of Darkness. U.S. entries only, please. The giveaway ends September 7, 2018. Good luck everyone!


You can read about Denise in Die Me a River, the second book in the “Welcome Back to Scumble River” mystery series.

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.

Purchase Link
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About the author
New York Times Bestseller author Denise Swanson was a practicing psychologist for twenty-two years. She writes the Scumble River, Devereaux’s Dime Store, and Chief-to-Go mysteries, as well as the Change of Heart and Delicious Love contemporary romance series. Her books all feature small-town heroines with lots of heart.

Denise’s books have been finalists for the Agatha, Mary Higgins Clark, RT Magazine’s Career Achievement, and Daphne du Maurier Awards. She has won the Reviewers Choice Award and was a BookSense 76 Top Pick.

Denise Swanson lives in rural Illinois with her husband, classical composer David Stybr.

For more information, please check her website at DeniseSwanson.com, on Facebook, or follow her on twitter at @DeniseSwansonAu.

All comments are welcomed.