The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels -- Beth Lincoln, Hardcover

"Knives Out feel by way of Lemony Snicket...This archly told, never muddled debut whodunit reveals a roster of distinct characters, a labyrinthine setting and plot, and a mystery that is as clever as its heroine." - Publishers Weekly, starred review

"The suspenseful denouement is positively writhing with twists." --Booklist, starred review

On the day they are born, every Swift child is brought before the sacred Family Dictionary. They are given a name, and a definition. A definition it is assumed they will grow up to match.
Meet Shenanigan Swift: Little sister. Risk-taker. Mischief-maker.

Shenanigan is getting ready for the big Swift Family Reunion and plotting her next great scheme: hunting for Grand-Uncle Vile's long-lost treasure. She's excited to finally meet her arriving relatives--until one of them gives Arch-Aunt Schadenfreude a deadly shove down the stairs.

So what if everyone thinks she'll never be more than a troublemaker, just because of her name? Shenanigan knows she can become whatever she wants, even a detective. And she's determined to follow the twisty clues and catch the killer.

Deliciously suspenseful and delightfully clever, The Swifts is a remarkable debut that is both brilliantly contemporary and instantly classic. A celebration of words and individuality, it's packed with games, wordplay, and lots and lots of mischief as Shenanigan sets out to save her family and define herself in a world where definitions are so important.

Author: Beth Lincoln
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Published: 02/07/2023
Pages: 352
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.97lbs
Size: 8.27h x 5.51w x 1.42d
ISBN: 9780593533239
Audience: Ages 9-12

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 11/01/2022 pg. 87
Kirkus Reviews 11/15/2022
Publishers Weekly 12/19/2022
Bulletin of Ctr for Child Bks 02/01/2023