Denise Swanson is a school psychologist. A few years ago she discovered that the small town she was working in had certain interesting secrets. At the same time she realized she was in the unique position of having access to information that few others ever knew existed. And although she would never use confidential data, these insights led her to believe that a school psychologist would be the perfect amateur sleuth for a mystery series.

Ms. Swanson lives in Illinois with her husband, Dave. Unlike her protagonist Skye, Denise realizes she can never really move very far from her home town. But several times a year she and Dave manage to sneak away for a little adventure.