The Swifts

A hilarious and riveting mystery adventure, The Swifts by Beth Lincoln is the perfect read for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket. This charming tale introduces readers to the Swifts, a quirky family where each member is named after a word in the sacred Family Dictionary at the moment of their birth, with the expectation that they will grow up embodying that word's definition. However, Shenanigan Swift refuses to be pigeonholed.

Though her relatives have resigned themselves to seeing her as nothing more than a troublemaker—as her name might suggest—Shenanigan aspires to more. Defying her predetermined role, she dreams of grand adventures, whether as a pirate, explorer, or even a detective. Her courageous spirit and determination come in handy when chaos strikes the family gathering.

When Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude is nearly murdered during the annual Swift Family Reunion, suspicion falls on the entire household. With everyone a potential suspect, Shenanigan steps up to solve the mystery. Joined by her sisters and cousin, she dives into an investigation fraught with peril, hidden treasures, and more than a few dead ends.

As murders continue and secrets unravel, Shenanigan must navigate a tangled web of clues and deceit. Along the way, she discovers that some definitions are meant to be rewritten. With her sharp wit and unyielding resolve, can Shenanigan catch the killer before the entire family is undone? And more importantly, in a world where definitions hold immense power, can she carve out her own identity?

The Swifts is a delightful blend of comedy and mystery, filled with eccentric characters, unexpected twists, and a heartwarming message about self-discovery and resilience. Beth Lincoln's storytelling shines through in this captivating tale that encourages readers to find their own path and redefine themselves against all odds.