Dead Mule Swamp Singer

Anastasia Raven is focused on revealing the identity of a mysterious baritone who sings at dusk along the river. But her friend Adele’s heart is a-flutter with the reappearance of an old flame whom Ana believes is a con man. Then Ana’s kayak is stolen. A man is shot. The singer? The suitor? Who is guilty and who is a victim of the deadly derringer?

Chester Alan Arthur Schoellkopf, wearing too much gold and a pretentious air, comes to town to connect with Adele whom he hasn't seen since they dated in college. Just as things are warming up, a young man appears who claims to be Chester's grandson. Are the two running some sort of scam on Adele? Ana only wants to find out who is paddling the river and singing spirituals behind her house at sunset. He sounds lonely and sad rather than dangerous. Her young friend Jimmie brings his Louisville Slugger to defend Ana from any peril, but Ana is not the one in danger.

The seventh story in the Anastasia Raven series, this book includes most of the beloved characters from Ana's neighborhood. Teenage Jimmie plays a major role. This book does include spoilers for some of the earlier tales.