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The Swifts

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

A hilarious new mystery adventure perfect for fans of Robin Stevens and Lemony Snicket.

On the day they are born, each Swift is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name and a definition, and it is assumed they will grow up to match. Unfortunately, Shenanigan Swift has other ideas.

So what if her relatives all think she's destined to turn out as a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can be whatever she wants - pirate, explorer or even detective.

Which is lucky, really, because when one of the Family tries to murder Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude, someone has to work out whodunit.

With the help of her sisters and cousin, Shenanigan grudgingly takes on the case, but more murders, a hidden treasure and an awful lot of suspects make thing seriously complicated.

Can Shenanigan catch the killer before the whole household is picked off? And in a Family where definitions are so important, can she learn to define herself?

©2023 Beth Lincoln (P)2023 Penguin Audio

 Fiction Growing Up Growing Up & Facts of Life Humorous Fiction Law & Crime Literature & Fiction Mysteries Mystery & Suspense Comedy Crime Funny Witty Murder

Critic reviews

A stunning debut . . . This is an exquisitely written book about identity and wordplay that's as warm, masterful and up-to-date as it is laugh-out-loud funny. (Kitty Empire)
Deliciously, quirkily Gothic (Robin Stevens)
Murder most splendid in this ghoulish debut (Emily Bearn)
Gothic mystery brimming with bonkers characters and boundless energy
A fun read with diverse characters and an enticing setting. (Alice Clifford)
A mystery that is as clever and impish as its heroine
An absolutely delightful debut
A witty confection of highly colourful characters
A delightful pick for sharp readers enamoured of gothic sensibilities and clever prose
This witty, imaginative entry deserves a prominent space on the MG shelf.
All stars
Most relevant
Gorgeously written - witty, clever, filled with amazing characters. Such a clever murder mystery and treasure hunting tale but filled with heart and wisdom and family complications and ultimately, love.

Brilliant!

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Good story well written funny in some areas good twist with the matriarch becoming back from the dead .The ending was short and didn't seem finished but overall a good listen.

The characters and the weirdness of the family members and how they came to be

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Brilliantly written, fabulously narrated. So much quirkiness wrapped up in this wonderfully imaginative story and the characters are wonderful, Shenanigan is my new favourite :) Loved it!

Blumming marvellous!

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The narration was lovely and enhanced the novel. This book is a ‘young adult’ book, but I’m in my mid-30s and I loved it! There are lots of idiosyncratic characters, many of whom are really interesting women and girls. 100% recommend.

Entertaining book with unique premise

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I'm an adult and I really enjoyed this for bed time listening. The main character is great, you feel a connection with her. And the family name concept is novel and fun.

Very clever, funny and heartwarming

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