Between a Book and a Hard Place

Between a Book and a Hard Place by Denise Swanson is a mystery novel published by Penguin Publishing Group in March 2016. This edition spans 288 pages and is presented in English. The story follows Devereaux “Dev” Sinclair, a five-and-dime store owner who has relocated to Shadow Bend for family reasons. When her estranged mother unexpectedly arrives in town, Dev finds herself entangled in a web of lost family connections, hidden motives, and a murder investigation that threatens to unravel her life.

Readers will encounter a narrative filled with intrigue as Dev grapples with her mother’s past and the implications of her return. The reopening of the town’s library, funded by a mysterious benefactor who turns out to be her mother’s latest husband, adds layers to the unfolding drama. As Dev navigates her suspicions about Yvette and Jett Benedict’s true intentions, the plot thickens with Jett’s sudden death, placing Yvette in the spotlight as the prime suspect. This cozy mystery delves into themes of family loyalty and the complexities of uncovering the truth amidst crime and deception.