Book Review: Murder of a Barbie and Ken

Reviewed By: Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Murder of a Barbie and Ken     Amazon US PB Amazon Canada PB
Denise Swanson
Class/Genre:   Mystery   Amateur Sleuth   Woman Main Character
Series: Scumble River Mysteries # 5
2003, Signet, 253 pages / $ 5.99

I enjoyed this book on a few different levels. I found myself recognizing people that I know when reading Swanson’s characters. Swanson has a way with characters that can only come from observing her fellow humans. And she puts it on the page wonderfully. I also think she has a wonderful sense of humor. It isn’t over done and it feels honest.

The story itself could be from right next door. It opens with a home product line party. (And I’m sure every one knows someone who is doing this!) The product in question is a line of gourmet foods that saves you time. It is at the home of a woman named Barbie. Skye, our heroine, doesn’t want to be there, but her beau, Simon is trying to fit in better in the community, and this means that Skye is going to try and do her part to help, even if it kills her. Barbie and Ken seem like the stereo type happy couple, in a weird Stepford kind of way. A few days after the party when Skye arrives to pick up her purchases she finds a surprise. A dead Barbie and Ken. And so we follow Skye into another adventure!

Denise Swanson writes in a very reader friendly fashion. It makes for effortless reading and pure enjoyment.

Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM

Reprinted with permission. Do Not repost without permission from the author, Jon Jordan - Crime Spree Magazine - RAM