• Dead in the Water

  • Welcome Back to Scumble River, Book 1
  • By: Denise Swanson
  • Narrated by: Tanya Eby
  • Length: 7 hrs and 22 mins
  • 4.3 out of 5 stars (1,236 ratings)

Access a growing selection of included Audible Originals, audiobooks, and podcasts.
You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
Your Plus plan is $7.95 a month after 30 day trial. Upgrade or cancel anytime.
Dead in the Water  By  cover art

Dead in the Water

By: Denise Swanson
Narrated by: Tanya Eby
Try for $0.00

$7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy for $21.29

Buy for $21.29

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Taxes where applicable.

Publisher's summary

The first audiobook in a brand new series featuring New York Times best-selling author Denise Swanson's beloved Scumble River setting and characters, Dead in the Water is a gripping mystery that won't let you go until the end.

A twister, a kidnapping, and a murder - oh my! Scumble River may never be the same.

For school psychologist Skye Denison, there's certainly no place like home. When a violent tornado devastates her small hometown of Scumble River, she can't see how the community will ever recover - especially since town councilman Zeke Lyons appears to have perished in the twister.

But things get even worse for Skye when her police chief husband, Wally, disappears in the midst of investigating Zeke's death, and evidence arises pointing to foul play. Did Zeke really die in the storm, or was he murdered? And could Wally be next on the criminal's hit list?

©2018 Denise Swanson (P)2018 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Dead in the Water

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    672
  • 4 Stars
    323
  • 3 Stars
    173
  • 2 Stars
    40
  • 1 Stars
    28
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    651
  • 4 Stars
    266
  • 3 Stars
    129
  • 2 Stars
    37
  • 1 Stars
    38
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    625
  • 4 Stars
    281
  • 3 Stars
    146
  • 2 Stars
    42
  • 1 Stars
    24

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

BRING BACK THE VOICE OF SCUMBLE RIVER!

I love the Scumble River books. I was afraid the author would end the series with Skye and Wally's marriage, so I was totally excited to see that she was starting a new chapter in their story. I was disappointed to see that Christine Leto wasn't narrating, but hey, it's a Scumble River book so I had to get it. I. AM. SO. DISAPPOINTED! The new narrator just ruins what is otherwise a great book. She mispronounces names and her delivery is wooden. No one else has Christine Leto's Scumble River twang, but come on! Couldn't she listen to Ms. Leto's delivery of just one of the previous Scumble River books so she could at least pronounce the names correctly? I'm starting a review campaign. Any other Scumble River fans with me? BRING BACK THE VOICE OF SCUMBLE RIVER!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

56 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story, Horrible Narration

I am so sad that Christine Leto is not narrating the new revamped series. I LOVE the Scumble River series. I own all the Paperbacks and the audible versions. I think Dead in the Water was a perfect title for the new launch. Not only did the twisters destroy Scumble River, the new new narrator Tanya Eby destroyed all the characters. I tried to finish listening but when she didn’t even make the correct pronunciation of Doozier, it was over for me. She sounds so much like a robot I looked her up to hear a sample of her other work. She sounds less robotic in some others. Sadly this will be my last audible visit to Scumble River. The stories are great so I am definitely continuing the books but am really sad to lose the audible version because Christine Leto brought such life to all the characters. This will be the first audible book I have ever returned for a refund.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

26 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Good story, awful narrator. 😳

as usual for the scumble river books, I loved the story line! However, the narrator was wooden and mechanical. The voices were awful and I spent the whole book wishing for the end. She didnt even pronounce Doosiers correctly. I don't know why the change of narrator, but I have just listened to the last in this series if this reader stays...

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Nice installment in the series— HORRIBLE new narrator

If you’re a fan of Skye and Wally, you’ll like the continuation of their story. I enjoyed that it was current and that Skye is no longer afraid of technology. 😊 However, the new narrator is hideous. I just could not get past it. She over pronounced every single word. Combine that with the fact that she was so monotonous that she literally sounded like a computer voice much of the time. This was a problem especially when the characters became upset or emotional.

I honestly have never written a book review and I can get past a lot in a narrator. But this one has got to go or she will kill this series for me.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

16 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Please don't change narrators!

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

No, only because I couldn't relate to the characters due to the change in narrator.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Dead in the Water?

I liked that Wally's dad was more involved.

What didn’t you like about Tanya Eby’s performance?

Her inflections were wayyyyy off. I would have been better off reading this book myself. Her narration was a constant irritation the whole time I listened to this book.

Did Dead in the Water inspire you to do anything?

no

Any additional comments?

I probably won't buy anymore from this series if they keep the same narrator. Christine Leto became the voice of the characters after listening to all the previous books.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Completely ruined by new narrator

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

If you are a long time listener of the Scumble River series, you are likely to be utterly broken hearted. The characters we've come to know are gone. Although the story seems right in line with the rest, the narrator destroyed the experience. I actually began to wonder if the narrator was an AI or robot. Horrible. Please bring Christine Leto back or at the very least a decent narrator.

Would you be willing to try another one of Tanya Eby’s performances?

Never.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Good book Bad narrator

I really love this series. This book was great but the narration was awful!! Why did they bring in a new narrator?

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars

Not happy with change of Narrator

What would have made Dead in the Water better?

I was excited that there was a new book out for one of my favorite Book Series but very dissatisfied with the change of Narrator. I like Christine Leto. She did all the books before and I fell in love with the cast and got to know each person well. Changing the narrator also changes the character.

Would you recommend Dead in the Water to your friends? Why or why not?

No. This one bored me

How did the narrator detract from the book?

She should have listened to books before this one and got to know each character. Make sure that you pronounce the names correctly. It was annoying!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Tanya Eby sounds like a robot. Terrible.

If I didn't love Denise Swanson I would have returned this book in the first 2 minutes.I almost want my money back anyway. Her voice turned this great story into something painful. I am just out done after 18 books how could and would you ever change to this Tanya person. Tanya you need to find another way to make money because this is not it honey!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Unexpectedly Bad

I have listened to all the books in the original series and really enjoyed them. There are a several issues with this book. The narrator is terrible. The men’s voices are off, Sky voice is whiny and pitchy and the name of one of many characters is consistently mispronounced.

There are leaps from the last book in the old series that don’t translate to this series. And, I’m sick to death of Wally whining about Simon. Sadly that stayed the same from the original series. Lastly, the story wasn’t very good. I will probably return this book it was so bad.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Polly Andrews
  • Polly Andrews
  • 02-28-22

No story here, I’m afraid

If you are looking for a bit of excitement, drama or suspense, this isn’t the book for you. No excitement, no drama and no suspense. It takes almost three hours of listening before you arrive at ‘the story’. In fact, if you read the blurb at the beginning, you’ve got the whole story.
I hate writing poor reviews but I just don’t know what else to write. So Sorry Denise. 🥴

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 01-03-22

Good for a light read

Started rather slow, but got better a few chapters in. Would recommend as a light read - the American accent added variety.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Elizabete
  • Elizabete
  • 09-07-21

cheesy

a bit too cheesy for my liking with the overly romantic story but it was interesting enough to follow and finish the book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 08-23-23

Could not finish it

Tedious tale, boring performance. Not at all worth another 4 hours hoping it would improve.

Gave up and deleted from my library.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Deborah Rhoden
  • Deborah Rhoden
  • 07-30-23

Great story

Really enjoyed this book, the characters were involving and the story lines was strong will listen to others in the series

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for J
  • J
  • 07-13-23

On the boring side. Narration a bit tedious

If this was tidied up a bit, it would be much better. Get rid of the bedroom scene.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Debs
  • Debs
  • 07-09-23

Not for me

Voices grate connections seem weird. A police force who don't talk to each other .

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for ms lowe
  • ms lowe
  • 06-23-23

utter crud

predictable whodunnit, I guessed every plot twist in advance and only listened till the big reveal in the hope I was proven wrong, I wasn't.
don't waste your time on this free book.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Elizabeth McCully
  • Elizabeth McCully
  • 01-17-22

A wonderful story.

This was my first time reading a Denise Swanson story, it was fabulous! Tanya Eby portrayed all the characters, really well, and kept the narrative flowing well. Denise has a clever way of quoting from ‘The Wizard of Oz’ at the beginning of each chapter which takes us through a town recovering from a hurricane and a murder ( and more)! I was hooked all the way and will, certainly, be clicking to hear more of Wally and Skye’s adventures. Over and above the storyline is quite insightful of post hurricane and relationship trauma. Highly recommended.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Amazon Customer
  • Amazon Customer
  • 12-22-21

disappointing

This was a slowly moving story with a predictable ending. The narration wasn't for me and actually grated as she spoke too quickly. May suit some listeners but not me I'm afraid.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for KK
  • KK
  • 05-02-22

just ok

if it was a debut, I’d say it’s good enough but one certainly expects more from a best selling author- rather slow and predictable

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 03-28-22

Boring

Struggled to get into this story. Narrators voice was so annoying it detracted from the story. Tried 3 times to listen but gave up

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anne
  • Anne
  • 02-06-22

Suspense

great narration and fantastic yarn with suspense and trauma and good characters and relationships fast paced after introduction

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anonymous User
  • Anonymous User
  • 01-28-22

Pleasant and Very Enjoyable

Tanya Eby is an excellent narrator. The story was easy and pleasant to listen too.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Liney
  • Liney
  • 01-13-19

Back in Scumble River - yayyy!!

Loved the story as usual, if you haven’t read any previous books it’s still great & will leave you wanting more. Not crazy about the narration, bit robotic at times but you get used to it. I thoroughly recommend ‘Dead in the Water’

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!