Skip to main content
PBS logo
 
 

Book Reviews of Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1)

Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1)
Murder of a SmallTown Honey - Scumble River, Bk 1
Author: Denise Swanson
PBS Market Price: $8.09 or $4.19+1 credit
ISBN-13: 9780451200556
ISBN-10: 0451200551
Publication Date: 7/10/2000
Pages: 256
Rating:
  • Currently 3.8/5 Stars.
 200

3.8 stars, based on 200 ratings
Publisher: Signet
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

33 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

romanceaddict avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 95 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
I wasn't really impressed with this book, but it is the start of a series and I've found that with a lot of the cozy mystery series I've read, the first book is usually a little slow to start. Some of the antics played on the town were cute, but there was also some serious issues brought in which didn't make the book very funny or lighthearted for me.
Kmarie avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 529 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Blurb: When school psychologist Skye Denison left Scumble River after high school, she swore she would never return to such a small minded town. But when credit card and boyfriend trouble caused her to slink home, she tries to blend in unnoticed. However inconspicuous has never been one of Skyes attributes, as the small-town busybodies try to bring her out in the public eye whenever they can. When she stumbles upon a dead TV personality, the police accuse her brother and she is forced to prove him innocent. This proves to be a daunting task, but Skye is up to the task. She is bright, persistent, gutsy and the perfect amateur sleuth.

My Comments: Being a social worker and therapist myself, I found this to be a fun read. I found the ending to be a bit weak and forced, but that may have just been because Id had a hard day. Who knows? But I do plan to read the second in the series and hopefully the rest. Skye is the kind of person that I think Id be friends with in real life, and I like her nerve.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Great first in the series! Could not wait to read next one
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 293 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
First in the series but second one I read. I like the character, Skye, who returns to her small town after telling everyone how much she hated it there. Dumped by her fiancee, fired from her job, she has no choice but to go back and face the music. And falls right into - murder! Actually good. Interesting. I have the next one to read as well.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 46 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed it so much that halfway through it I bought the next one in the series! Good read!
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 136 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is the first book in this series. I loved it! I love this series! Life in a small town sure can be interesting. LOL! Can't wait to read more about Skye.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 16 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was my first of this series - and I loved it so much I got every other one I could find!
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 8 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
A fun read. First in the series.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
First in the series. During Scumble River's Chokeberry Days festival, school psychologist Skye Denison finds a dead body...
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Couldn't get into it, try as I might.
batgirl avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 284 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
1st book in cozy series. Our heroine returns to small hometown after vowing never to return. Murderer easy to identify. Will probably read another.
bookwormgrandma avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed the book. Loved the main character "Skye".
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 77 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I've read other series by this author and wasn't sure I would like this one, but it is very enjoyable. I liked the off-beat characters and the whole small town scenario ss well-done. The main character is endearing and likable. Good plotting too.
goldilocks2005 avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 104 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Very fun book! First in "A Scumble River Mystery" series! Can't wait to read more!
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on
If you like Charlaine Harris , Aurora Teagarden series, you'll love this.
ladycholla avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 2081 more book reviews
Very good first book, enjoyed. Hope characters build even more in the next one.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 29 more book reviews
Good book about school psychologist getting involved with murder
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
This was quite good for the first of a series. I'm looking forward to reading more.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 202 more book reviews
This is the first of the Scumble River mystery series.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 74 more book reviews
Wonderful book - I really enjoyed the fun read. Written from an interesting and often overlooked perspective!
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 108 more book reviews
This book was an enjoyable read.
lucibee avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 63 more book reviews
The author really ask the reader for "suspension of disbelief" in this one!! A quick read to end the day on .. so I enjoyed it not as much as some and more than others. I read a lot of books, and this type of book is just right for between a big thick historical novel or a heavy thriller. So do I recommend it, with reservations, depending on your reading style and mood.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 223 more book reviews
If you want a light-hearted tongue-in-cheek easy to read book, Denise Swanson is your writer. She is a delight. I've not found a one of her books I haven't enjoyed! She can definitely put a lift in one's spirit even with a dark subject. If you haven't read any of her books, this is your chance!
catlover13 avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
I love all of Denise Swanson's writings. This was a gift for a friend.
VintageNana avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
Cute book! Quick read, I enjoyed reading it with it twists and turns trying to figure out who killed Mrs. Gumtree, AKA Honey Adair. Honey was a former resident of Scumble River who had returned to perform in the Chokeberry Days festival. Believe me, there were quite a few people who would have loved to see Honey dead.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 175 more book reviews
Cleverly crafted--witty and full of surprises as Aunt Minnie's Jell-O Surprise.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 9 more book reviews
A light mystery, I have enjoyed the books in this series and look forward to the next
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 272 more book reviews
A delightful mystery without the hard edges.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 111 more book reviews
Immediately, Skye's determination to keep a low profile as the new school psychologist is assaulted by an army of small-town busybodies and well-meaning family members who can't wait to pry into her life, dole out advice and volunteer her services in the Chokeberry Days festival. And when the fair erupts in chaos and controversy-the Cow Chip Bingo sabotaged and the jelly contest ruined--Skye closes the event down altogether by finding a dead body...
The deceased, who at first appears to be the elderly host of a beloved children's TV program, and a dear, sweet thing, turns out to be quite different--a sexy young woman with a wild past and more secrets than are in Aunt Minnie's Jell-O Surprise. And as if this stunning revelation weren't enough to intrique Skye's inner snoop, soon her own brother is accused of the crime....
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 34 more book reviews
I could not relate to this book's main character she seemed like a slightly self-absorbed snot. Then she starts dating another character who was very rude to her -- just couldn't feel much empathy for the character. The storyline was well written and the plot believable, an okay story.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 153 more book reviews
Such a cute "cozy" series.
threecatsandahusband avatar reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 33 more book reviews
..."Denise Swanson has written a delightful mystery that bounces along with gently wry humor and jaunty twists and turns. School psychologist Skye Denison.. is an amateur sleuth.." attempting to clear her brother of murder. Set in a small town outside of Chicago. Excellent read and hard to put down. Looking forward to the second in the series.
reviewed Murder of a Small-Town Honey (Scumble River, Bk 1) on + 47 more book reviews
Too many good books. I can't seem to remember which books I've read and which I haven't until I start reading a book again, will definitely have to limit my library visits. :) Had read this when it first came out and was pleased. Looking forward to reading more of the series - which apparently I have in my TBR piles :). 1st in the series.