A review by purplepenning
A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

An enormously entertaining middle grade mystery that's brimming with adventure, wordplay, and shenanigans — both the general mischief sort and the delightfully specific sort of mischief that is Shenanigan Swift! Picture Ramona Quimby as a Lemony Snicket character. Now picture her searching for a legendary family treasure on a sprawling country estate only to be rudely interrupted by the need to solve an attempted murder during a family reunion. With help and hindrance from her sisters, Phenomena and Felicity, new best cousin, Erf, and an unabridged version of her extended family, Shenanigan is determined to sort things out. Lies! Insults! Murder! Hilarity! This book had me in suspense and in stitches throughout, pausing only to fully appreciate the clever and exuberant writing.       

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