"Clever, original and hugely enjoyable, this murder mystery is a don’t miss"
January 2024 Debut of the Month - Shortlisted for the Nero Book Awards 2023
In scenes and a setting that would have Benoit Blanc nodding with approval, young Shenanigan Swift is presented with a murder mystery to solve in her own (rather grand) house and surrounded by all members of her large and decidedly eccentric extended family.
Who caused Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude to fall down the stairs at the regular Swift family reunion? Is it linked to the family’s periodic search for Vile Swift’s missing treasure trove? With so many suspects and so many hiding places, Shenanigan needs all the help she can get, even if that means turning to her sisters, science-obsessed Phenomena and goody-goody Felicity.
As country house murder mysteries go, this is top notch, with a fabulous cast of characters and perfectly placed red herrings. It’s also extremely funny, full of jokes, situation comedy and gloriously idiosyncratic narration. If you’re wondering why Shenanigan and her family have such unusual names, it was decided in the ‘tights-and-doublets’ days of the Swift family, to name children using the Family Dictionary; after all, ‘People often overlook a Mary or a John, but they seldom forget a person named Meretricious or Flinch.’
In a sub-plot, Shenanigan puzzles over whether her name found her, or if she is somehow choosing to grow into her name. Clever, original and hugely enjoyable, this is a don’t miss.
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Full of fun spooky twists and a whole lot of mischief. I loved the eccentric characters and there weird names.
This is a spooky sensational story with some mischief mixed in too. I loved reading about Shenanigan and her crazy family. This story is quite scary and may appeal to children of the older age bracket such ad 11 to 13 year olds.... Read Full Review
The book is fast-paced, full of adventure, and there is a lot of mystery. You don't know who to trust, what will happen, or who is going to die in this adventure.
In the Swift family, your name represents who you are, and Shenanigan Swift couldn't have been more unlucky. However, when Aunt Schadenfreude has a nasty fall, Shenanigan must use mischief and cleverness to solve the murder. More murders follow, and as time runs out, she needs to start piecing together the clues.
Murder mysteries are my favourite type of book, and this book captured everything I could ever wish for. The book is fast-paced, full of adventure, and there is a lot of mystery. You don't know who to trust, what will happen, or who is going to die in this adventure. I really enjoyed reading this book because of the magical atmosphere.... Read Full Review
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