She’s settling into a new life. But when a fishing trip totally capsizes, can she get a friend off the hook for murder?
Elizabeth Trout still feels awkward living back home. Discovering a BFF from her raucous high-school days has become the perfect mom is as weird as staying with her mother while awaiting construction of her new home. But she’s shaken to her core when her newlywed husband and beloved dog are nearly blown out of the water in a dockside explosion which leaves another woman dead … and her bestie is arrested for the crime.
To clear her friend, Elizabeth and her spouse set out to reel in a killer by sifting through the murky depths of small town drama. But between missing money, ominous strangers, and a shady ex-husband, these amateur sleuths net more motives than they can handle.
Can this dynamic detective duo dig up an answer before the big one gets away?
Swimming with the Fishes is the sensational second book in the Ozarks Lake Mystery series. If you like clever couples, delightful lakeside settings, and a rollicking good time, then you’ll love Marc Jedel’s hilarious whodunit.
Buy Swimming with the Fishes to hook a homicide today!
Marc Jedel writes funny, feel-good murder mysteries filled with quirky characters, twisty plots, and the kind of humor that goes down easy with a cup of tea—or glass of wine.
After years writing marketing copy in Silicon Valley, Marc finally started crafting fiction people actually wanted to read. He’s the author of multiple cozy mystery series, including the Silicon Valley Mystery, Ozarks Lake Mystery, and Redwoods Country Mystery series. His books have earned thousands of glowing reviews.
Like Andy from the Redwoods Country Mysteries, Marc keeps getting older and sincerely hopes retirement doesn’t involve running a B&B. Like Marty from the Silicon Valley Mystery series, he lives in tech-heavy California, has worked in high-tech, and proudly wields bad puns. Like Jonas and Elizabeth from the Ozarks Lake Mystery series, Marc grew up in the South and spent many a summer in and around Arkansas.
He lives with his endlessly patient wife and a sweet, neurotic dog who remains deeply unimpressed by Marc’s jokes. When not writing, Marc can be found hiking, plotting murders (on the page, officer, really!), or avoiding whatever home improvement project he’s been putting off.
Visit his website, , www.mjedel.com for free content, special offers, and updates.
Elizabeth and Jonas Trout have decided to stay in Jenkins, Arkansas. Jonas is finishing up the school year as a substitute teacher and Elizabeth is still trying to adjust to being back home. They are still living with her mom but a house of their own is under construction on the property Elizabeth inherited.
Jonas finds himself out on the lake in the early morning with the mayor of Jenkins and the high school principal trying to enjoy the peace and quiet but that is impossible with his present company. His dog Daisy was supposed to be along too but was not a fan of being in the boat so she is lying on the dock waiting for Jonas to return. As the men head back into the dock he notices Daisy is up, alert, and growling. He can’t see anyone, except maybe a “shadowy figure” nearby but something has upset the pup. Soon Daisy is diving into the water and Jonas dives in after her. Then a “fiery blast” with “a burst of blinding light, noise, and heat” occurs just as Jonas raises his head out of the water. The principal was hit by debris as the mayor brought the boat in. Looking down the dock they see what is left of another boat and a body near the captain’s seat.
The police quickly arrest one of Elizabeth’s friends and she doesn’t hesitate in pulling out the stops to clear her name. Can she and Jonas reel in the real killer or will they be caught by the killer themselves?
So much happens within these pages, an explosion, a dead body, missing money, a reunion, some sketchy gentlemen, a Bean Festival complete with Outhouse Races, and Elizabeth coming home with a child. My head was spinning with all the drama and I enjoyed the wild ride.
Jenkins is filled with the requisite quirky characters you usually find in a cozy mystery in abundance. Elizabeth is trying to reconnect with friends and Jonas is getting to know many of the residents. All the characters are cleverly written and we find them in several humorous situations. Elizabeth is truly tested as she tries to help her friend in any way she can even if it means traveling into some truly uncharted waters.
There are two mysteries to solve and Elizabeth is sure they are connected. There were several twists and turns and I was sometimes confused as to the significance of some of the clues but I really loved the way everything played out and the takedown that occurred.
It may have just been me but I didn’t find this story to be as funny as other books by this author but he sure did write a story that kept me on my toes and totally entertained.
Swimming with the Fishes has some great amateur sleuths in Jonas and Elizabeth. They may get sidetracked and stumble into some answers to their questions but they don’t give up. Daisy holds a special place in my heart too. I am excited to see what the author has in store for this wonderful threesome next.
I have enjoyed Marc Jedel's cozy mystery books from his Silicon Mystery series and although I missed the first in this series, I was happy to read and review Swimming with the Fishes when the opportunity arose. I will definitely go back and read the first in this series to get the full picture of Elizabeth and Jason Trout's move to Arkansas. In this story, Jason is out fishing with two friends early in the morning, when there is an explosion on shore. A boat has blown up and a woman killed, but it was not an accident. When Elizabeth's friend, Vanessa is arrested for the murder, Elizabeth and Jason start asking questions, snooping and sneaking around to help clear her name by finding the real killer. Will they be able to clear Vanessa before anyone is hurt or killed?
I enjoyed this cozy mystery with its husband and wife sleuthing team. This is Elizabeth's home town and it is her ten year class reunion. Jason has been hired as a substitute highschool teacher and they plan to stay in town. They are building a new home on her grandparent's farm that she inherited. Elizabeth is an artist, so she has time to do her sleuthing and summer vacation means Jason does as well. I like the husband/wife team. They are newlyweds, so there is a bit of fun there, and they get along well. There is some gentle teasing to show that side of their relationship. I will say there is not as much humor in this series as the other, but there is still some. I like that the mayor is a bit of a harmless blowhard, and there are some other quirky characters that I enjoyed. There is a side mystery as well regarding some missing money, that Elizabeth is sure has something to do with the murder. Throw in some gangsters snooping around as there is talk of a casino licence and there is a lot happening in this relatively short, quick, story. There were a few suspects, some far out hypothesis and a few red herrings that made this armchair detective throw up her hands. I enjoyed the reveal, as it was not dangerous to anyone and the police arrived just at the right time. This feels like a fun series that brings us good mysteries, great secondary characters and two wonderful sleuths in Elizabeth and Jason. I am looking forward to the next book in the series. I was gifted this book upon request. The rating and opinions shared are my own.
Jonas is my favorite character,especially having to put up with Elizabeth and her mom. 🙄🙄 this time around they’re solving a murder that occurred right in front of Jonas and in fishing buddies in the form of an explosion as they return from an early morning fishing trip. When Elizabeth’s friend is charged and she has to take care of the friends daughter, it’s all hands and paws on deck to finding the culprit. Between mobsters, hidden flashdrives, cooked booked by crooked accountants, missing PTA money, camping trips and Jonas possibly becoming friends with her ex 😩👀 Elizabeth may not survive this mystery.
Swimming with the Fishes, the second book in the Ozarks Lake Mystery series by Marc Jedel, and it’s like we never left.
While Swimming with the Fishes can easily be read as a stand-alone, it was nice to have the history of Elizabeth and Jonas and their time spent in her small town.
We pick up where we left off, and surprise, surprise, there’s another murder in town, and another innocent person is accused of murder. This time it’s Vanessa, a newly divorced accountant who’s also a single mom and like a big sister to Elizabeth. There are twists and turns as Elizabeth and Jonas once again are trying to help the police solve the crime, much to their chagrin!
The story is told from either Elizabeth’s or Jonas’ perspective, and it was sometimes confusing to remember who was speaking, which made the story feel choppy at times. There are some laugh-out-loud moments as the story is woven together with multiple stories. There are beautiful descriptions throughout and another vibrant cover. We are given clues to whodunnit, but the murderer wasn’t what or who I expected once again.
When the murderer confessed, it was like an Abbott and Costello routine. There is nice closure with solving the murder. I like how Jonas and Elizabeth act in their marriage and are always there for each other even when they are opposites in temperament, outlook on life, and their career paths—she’s artistic, and he’s scientific.
With vivid imagery, fantastic main characters, and a fun and twisty whodunit, I wholeheartedly recommend Swimming with the Fishes to cozy mystery readers. I genuinely hope there will be more stories set in this small southern town.
Newlyweds Elizabeth and Jonas have moved back to her hometown with their dog Daisy and are temporarily staying with Elizabeth’s mom until their new house is built on land left to her by her grandmother. Jonas goes on an early morning fishing trip with the Mayor Dale and HS Principal Lester and as they are returning watch as a boat explodes at the docks! Later that day, Elizabeth gets a call from her BFF Vanessa. It seems she has been arrested for murdering the owner of the exploding boat, Courtney Canton, and a rival Accountant in town. Vanessa needs Elizabeth to take custody of her daughter Olivia until her mother gets back to town the next day. I love Elizabeth’s reaction, obviously very uncomfortable but willing to help out as she wonders what on earth she is going to do with a seven-year-old child! This is a fun book with lots of small town humor and nonsense! Elizabeth is determined to solve the murder and get her BFF out of jail, in spite of all the strange things going on in town. I received an Advanced copy from the author and write this review voluntarily.
Swimming with the Fishes is another hilarious, well-plotted cozy mystery from Marc Jedel. Elizabeth and Jonas are still living with her mom, Dr. Mary (see interview below), as their new house is being built. School is just about over, and Jonas is looking forward to summer break. On the last day of school, he goes early morning fishing with the principal and mayor, and when they're just about to dock, a boat blows up! One of Elizabeth's former classmates is killed in the explosion, and one of Elizabeth's friends is accused of the murder. Having been in that situation before, Elizabeth has to help solve the murder and clear her friend's name.
Jedel really has a talent for writing diverse characters. In Swimming with the Fishes, there are lots of characters that Elizabeth graduated with since it's time for her tenth high school reunion. And, believe me, there are some really colorful characters among her former classmates. Then there are a couple of strangers in town scouting for a place to shoot a movie...I just love it that Jedel can put so many characters in a book and make all of them memorable. I'd definitely recommend reading Fish out of Water first though because you want to know the main characters before you add the new ones to the mix.
Another thing that I love about Jedel's writing is his ear for dialogue. I especially love the interactions between Jonas and his new friend the deputy (much to Elizabeth's dismay). Of course, solving the mystery along with Elizabeth and company, is entertaining because you're never quite sure whodunit until close to the end.
Like every book I've read by Jedel, I highly recommend Swimming with the Fishes. I love these characters and can't wait for the next.
Jonas goes fishing early one morning and that's when things start to unravel. This is the second book in the series, starring Jonas, Elizabeth and Daisy. They all live (temporarily) with Mary, Elizabeth's "straight talking and pull no punches" mother who, is the town's doctor and coroner--as the need arises. For me, living in the Ozarks is about as exotic as I can imagine, and the series is enhanced by the setting. Reading the parts that take place through Jonas' eyes are especially fun, as he's from the west and we learn about small town Arkansas together. Mary makes sure you have a very clear picture of life as they know it. In this chapter of Elizabeth and Jonas' life, all they want to do is get to her ten year high school reunion, but murder, gunshots, possible Mafioso keep making things difficult. This truly is a delightful book and it will make you look forward to finding out what they will stumble upon in the next one!
Newlyweds Elizabeth and Jonas Trout are back in the second of the Ozarks Lake Mysteries. They are settling into their new life in Elizabeth's hometown of Jenkins, Arkansas temporarily living with her mother until their new home is built on the land that she inheritedfrom her grandmother. Jonas has acquired a job as a substitute teacher at the local HS. At the end of the school year and the first day of summer. Jonas goes on a early morning fishing trip wit her the principal and mayor of Jenkins, and his and Elizabeth's dog, Daisy. There ends up being an explosion when they get back to the dock and luckily no one is heart. Until the body of a woman, an old classmate of Elizabeth's is found. At the same time her BFF Vanessa shows up and leaves her daughter Olivia with her before being arrested of the crime. Of course Elizabeth and Jonas start investigating as they did in the previous book. It was great to return and investigate again and spend time with these characters.
A fun cozy mystery by a new to me author. Swimming with the Fishes by Marc Jedel stars newlyweds Elizabeth and Jonas Trout. They’ve returned to her home town in Arkansas after she inherited her grandparents house. This is the second book in the Ozarks Lakes Mystery series. They have decided to stay and build a new home on her grandparents land after the original burned down. There is a 10 year class reunion to attend. Jonas has gone fishing and a nearby boat explodes killing a former classmate of Elizabeth. Her old babysitter/friend is arrested and Elizabeth vows to solve the mystery. The deputy is her ex boyfriend who she hasn’t seen since leaving town ten years earlier. There’s lots of twists, surprises and humor. I really enjoyed this book.
From page one the action begins and doesn't stop till you turn the last page.
This series has quickly become a favorite.
It is full of fun, quirky and charming characters that make giggle abit. And laugh till you cry.
I love the fictional town that reminds me so much of Mayberry complete with a couple oldsters that chat the day away on a bench while watching the world go by.
The main characters Elizabeth and Jonas and their dog Daisy are charming and witty.
This is a great series. I look forward to read many more.
Marc Jedel's latest cozy mystery, Swimming with the Fishes, is his best yet! The author's awesome sense of humor and wit manifest themselves in this book in so many different ways. One example is the delightful interactions of the book's main characters, Elizabeth and Jonas, as husband and wife, as well as their interactions with other characters in the book. The storyline of Swimming with the Fishes is great, and the book has many unexpected twists and turns. It is a joy to read, while the reader, along with Elizabeth and Jonas, try to solve the mystery of the murder.
Elizabeth and Jonas decided to move to Jenkins to help her mother recuperate from an attack and when Elizabeth's grandmother willed her property to her. Elizabeth grew up in the small town and couldn't leave fast enough after graduation. She went to Portland, where she met Jonas. When they returned to Jenkins, she was arrested for murder, and so began their sleuthing. An interesting series with quirky characters and small town humor.
Who knew Arkansas had such fun and interesting characters? Apparently Marc Jedel. Filled with mother-daughter drama, newlywed antics and small-town big personalities, Swimming with the Fishes is even better than his first booking the Lake of the Ozarks series. I’ve fallen in love with Jonas and Elizabeth as they good-naturedly and bull-headedly, in that order, continue to work seamlessly (sort-of) together to right what’s gone wrong in the lovable town of Jenkins.
What a hoot! This book has it all: mystery, intrigue, twists and humor. If you are looking for light but entertaining reading, this is it. While I have enjoyed all of this author's books, this has been my favorite so far. Jedel kept me guessing until the end and his characters really come to life in this book. They are relatable and interesting. Can't wait for the next installment.
Join Elizabeth and Jonas as they attend Elizabeth's high school reunion. A ship moored at the dock blows up and somebody dies. Each chapter identifies who is speaking. Follow along as Elizabeth and Jonas try to figure out who stole all the money and blew up the boat, while dealing with the reunion, old friends, and old enemies.
I enjoyed Fish Out of Water by Marc Jedel so much I got Swimming With the fishes. This one is just as good. A unique story with fun characters. If you are looking for a new author or new series, I strongly recommend this one.
Such a great bunch of characters and if you read this Series you get to know those characters! Then the most interesting things begin to,happen. It’s just a fun read! Enjoyed this one also tremendously!
This series has a different take on narration than most cozies. It alternates between Jonas and Elizabeth. This book had a great development of more characters in the town as Elizabeth is reconnecting with HS friends at her 10 year reunion. I like the format of the book but I found I don’t care for some of Elizabeth’s traits in this book. She seemed a bit immature and whiny in this book. I hope it’s just a temporary thing as I don’t remember her being like this in the first book. The mystery is well constructed and the guilty party is quite well concealed until the reveal