"Clever, original and hugely enjoyable, this murder mystery is a don’t miss"
February 2023 Debut of the Month
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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Excitement, thriller, mystery. Follow Shenanigan Swift into a deluge of blood and murder as she tries to unravel the mystery of her aunt’s murder…
This book takes you on a journey through secret passageways, incomprehensible labyrinths and dusty cellars as you follow the Swifts into a twisted and unforgettable plot.
This is the most incredible book I have ever read. I loved how characters names were all real words. Candour, Felicity, Phenomena, Inheritance, Atrocious and Pique were just some of the fantastic characters I encountered. It’s a great way to learn new vocabulary. One of my favourite parts was how chapter titles were meticulously worked into illustrations. So instead of just boring chapter names, some looked like a bunch of keys jingling on a key chain, others a tantalising cup of steaming coffee.... Read Full Review
Meet the Swift family and get to know their quirky ways. Will Shenanigan be destined to become like her name suggests or can she break out and be what she decides. Mystery, twists and turns to keep you hooked throughout. A great read.
This book is very good and keeping your attention throughout.
We follow the Swift family and learn how each of them is given a name from the dictionary that will describe them as they grow up. With the name Shenanigan you can guess the personality she is intended to have but she decides this isn’t how it is going to be and she will choose her own destiny.
When the annual family get together comes around we meet so many memorable and quirky characters that you can picture so well.
With murder attempts and mystery, twists and turns can Shenanigan solve the puzzle…
Be hooked on the book from the beginning.... Read Full Review
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
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