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A Cumberland Creek Mystery #2
Scrapped
The ladies of the Cumberland Scrapbook Crop are welcoming an eccentric newbie into their fold. A self-proclaimed witch, Cookie Crandall can whip up a sumptuous vegan meal and rhapsodize about runes and moon phases with equal aplomb. She becomes fast friends with her fellow scrapbookers, including freelance reporter Annie, with whom she shares shallow roots in a community of established family trees. So when Cookie becomes the prime suspect in a series of bizarre murders, the croppers get scrappy and set out to clear her name. . .
Annie starts digging and discovers that the victims each had strange runic patterns carved on their bodies--a piece of evidence that points the police in Cookie's direction. Even her friends begin to doubt her innocence when they find an ornate, spiritual scrapbook that an alleged beginner like Cookie could never have crafted. As Annie and the croppers search for answers, they'll uncover a shockingly wicked side of their once quiet town--and a killer on the prowl for another victim. . .
Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker!
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 31, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
December 28, 2014
I read a really good book recently, y'all — Scrapped, by Mollie Cox Bryan. Let me tell you a little about it.
Scrapped is the second book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery series. It follows Scrapbook of Secrets.
Returning characters in Scrapped are Annie, Vera, Sheila, and the other ladies in the Cumberland Scrapbook Crop, along with Vera's mom Beatrice. The writing style for Scrapped (as well as Scrapbook of Secrets) is a little unusual; the narrative point of view varies from chapter to chapter, mainly between Annie, Vera, and Beatrice. This technique adds to the book, since the reader knows what several characters are thinking, not just one character.
Also returning is Detective Bryant, who helps Annie and Beatrice — I mean, whom Annie and Beatrice help — solve several murders in the Cumberland Creek area. A new character in the series is Cookie Crandall. Cookie is a new member of the Scrapbook Crop, a yoga instructor, a vegetarian, and a witch. At the weekly Crops, Cookie works on her "Scrapbook of Shadows," as she calls it.
You may be wondering, since shadows are without form and substance (except for Peter Pan's, and he isn't in this book), how can shadows be made into a scrapbook? Oooh, a teaser! You'll have to read the book to find out!
Originally, this book was to have been titled Scrapbook of Shadows. I asked Author Mollie Cox Bryan why the title was changed.
MCB: The deal with SCRAPPED is both my editor and I loved the title SCRAPBOOK OF SHADOWS, so we used it in the back of SECRETS, as you no doubt read. But when the book went through sales and marketing, they did not like it. I'll never understand it. I like the original title better, as well. But I like this title, too and the book has done okay with this title--so they might have been onto something. I think there might be a lot of other books out there with similar titles to SCRAPBOOK OF SHADOWS, which could have created some confusion.
Cheers,
Mollie
Thanks for dropping by Jane Reads to answer that question, Mollie. Inquiring minds wanted to know.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Here are two more teasers, just to pique your interest in this great read.
Scrapped's opening sentence:
Spending Sunday afternoon watching the police drag a body
from a river was not what Annie had planned for the day.
Two sentences from a random page (page 73):
"Now, personally, I don't like either one
of you. But I don't want to see you dead."
I really enjoyed reading Scrapped! I recommend it to fellow cozy mystery readers; cozy fans who scrapbook will especially enjoy Scrapped.
Book 3 of the Cumberland Creek Mystery series, Death of an Irish Diva, will be published in February 2014. The Blog Tour begins on February 4. I am pleased to announce that Jane Reads will be on the tour on February 11. I hope to see you then!
Scrapped is the second book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery series. It follows Scrapbook of Secrets.
Returning characters in Scrapped are Annie, Vera, Sheila, and the other ladies in the Cumberland Scrapbook Crop, along with Vera's mom Beatrice. The writing style for Scrapped (as well as Scrapbook of Secrets) is a little unusual; the narrative point of view varies from chapter to chapter, mainly between Annie, Vera, and Beatrice. This technique adds to the book, since the reader knows what several characters are thinking, not just one character.
Also returning is Detective Bryant, who helps Annie and Beatrice — I mean, whom Annie and Beatrice help — solve several murders in the Cumberland Creek area. A new character in the series is Cookie Crandall. Cookie is a new member of the Scrapbook Crop, a yoga instructor, a vegetarian, and a witch. At the weekly Crops, Cookie works on her "Scrapbook of Shadows," as she calls it.
You may be wondering, since shadows are without form and substance (except for Peter Pan's, and he isn't in this book), how can shadows be made into a scrapbook? Oooh, a teaser! You'll have to read the book to find out!
Originally, this book was to have been titled Scrapbook of Shadows. I asked Author Mollie Cox Bryan why the title was changed.
MCB: The deal with SCRAPPED is both my editor and I loved the title SCRAPBOOK OF SHADOWS, so we used it in the back of SECRETS, as you no doubt read. But when the book went through sales and marketing, they did not like it. I'll never understand it. I like the original title better, as well. But I like this title, too and the book has done okay with this title--so they might have been onto something. I think there might be a lot of other books out there with similar titles to SCRAPBOOK OF SHADOWS, which could have created some confusion.
Cheers,
Mollie
Thanks for dropping by Jane Reads to answer that question, Mollie. Inquiring minds wanted to know.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Here are two more teasers, just to pique your interest in this great read.
Scrapped's opening sentence:
Spending Sunday afternoon watching the police drag a body
from a river was not what Annie had planned for the day.
Two sentences from a random page (page 73):
"Now, personally, I don't like either one
of you. But I don't want to see you dead."
I really enjoyed reading Scrapped! I recommend it to fellow cozy mystery readers; cozy fans who scrapbook will especially enjoy Scrapped.
Book 3 of the Cumberland Creek Mystery series, Death of an Irish Diva, will be published in February 2014. The Blog Tour begins on February 4. I am pleased to announce that Jane Reads will be on the tour on February 11. I hope to see you then!
December 7, 2013
I don't typically read mysteries and this is the first series I've read. What fun! Mollie Cox Bryan knows how to keep you turning the page and has created a delightful group of characters in these Cumberland Creek scrapbookers. I especially enjoyed the introduction of a new character, Cookie Crandall, who brings a bit of extra magic to Cumberland Creek. There's a lot going on in this little community, and books #1 (Scrapbook of Secrets) and #2 have laid the groundwork for lots more magic, mischief and malice. Looking forward to #3, Death of an Irish Diva.
November 1, 2013
"Scrapped"is a Cumberland Creek Mystery involving a scrap-booking group tangled in a mystery. Much happens in this second book of the mystery series that pulls you in. I was "never moved by scrapbooking" but found the references didn't detract from the intense story line that covers two murders, a twisted cult, and witches.
I agree that it was difficult to follow the characters in the beginning but I advise readers to travel on, the discoveries make it worthwhile.
Judith Mehl
I agree that it was difficult to follow the characters in the beginning but I advise readers to travel on, the discoveries make it worthwhile.
Judith Mehl
April 14, 2015
Mystery, Intrigue and Murder
I stumbled upon this book while browsing my libraries e-book inventory. I wasn't sure if I would like it, and was hooked from the beginning.
Annie is a dedicated reporter, and her and the crop gang sure stumble into a mess if trouble.
When one of their own is accused of murder, they really together to find out the truth.
Mix in a little magic and a little romance to get a book filled with laughter.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind.
I stumbled upon this book while browsing my libraries e-book inventory. I wasn't sure if I would like it, and was hooked from the beginning.
Annie is a dedicated reporter, and her and the crop gang sure stumble into a mess if trouble.
When one of their own is accused of murder, they really together to find out the truth.
Mix in a little magic and a little romance to get a book filled with laughter.
I recommend this book to anyone who has an open mind.
August 1, 2014
This book looks light and fluffy from the outside but it actually deals mostly with religious relations and tensions in a small town, as seen through the eyes of a scrapbooking club. I liked how the book jumped around from one scrapbookers point of view to another's. This allowed the reader to see inside the lives of multiple characters and was interesting. The religious aspect was somewhat interesting but also a bit drawn out. Still, I'll probably try the next in the series.
March 31, 2013
“Scrapped” by Mollie Cox Bryan is the second in the “Cumberland Creek Mystery” series. This cozy mystery takes places in the Shenandoah Valley area of Virginia, and follows the lives and adventures of a group of women brought together through their scrapbooking club.
The characters are likable and relatable although at the beginning I had difficulty is keeping them straight (perhaps a biography list at the beginning would help readers until they get to know the characters throughout the story).
Early into the book the story has some interesting twists that make the reader want to keep reading to see what comes next. There is a supernatural element in the story, but it isn’t so dominant that those who dislike this type of storyline will be turned off.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more information at the end. So many things that had been going on seemed to be summed up in a short amount of time, without giving much closure. I would have liked more hints as to the mysterious “Cookie” which I found to be the most intriguing part of the story.
Overall, this is a good book. The Saltville Library has the first in the series, (Scrapbook of Secrets) as well as this one, so those who like to read series from the very beginning won’t be disappointed. I look forward to the third book in the series, which is previewed at the end of this book.
The characters are likable and relatable although at the beginning I had difficulty is keeping them straight (perhaps a biography list at the beginning would help readers until they get to know the characters throughout the story).
Early into the book the story has some interesting twists that make the reader want to keep reading to see what comes next. There is a supernatural element in the story, but it isn’t so dominant that those who dislike this type of storyline will be turned off.
My only complaint is that I would have liked a little more information at the end. So many things that had been going on seemed to be summed up in a short amount of time, without giving much closure. I would have liked more hints as to the mysterious “Cookie” which I found to be the most intriguing part of the story.
Overall, this is a good book. The Saltville Library has the first in the series, (Scrapbook of Secrets) as well as this one, so those who like to read series from the very beginning won’t be disappointed. I look forward to the third book in the series, which is previewed at the end of this book.
January 25, 2013
The characters were interesting and quite a mix. The book kept referring to things that had happened in the series' first book but just little snippets - not enough that the snippets were important in this book and not big enough to tell the whole story but just confused the reader. Several storylines going on and not all were finished.
Annie, a reporter who has moved to a small town for quiet and peace with her family, is called to the scene of a murdered girl found in the river. Soon another dead girl is found and the scrapbook group thinks the 2 murders are a serial killer since both girls are red-headed. But then a friend is arrested and the group do a bit of investigating on their own all the while dealing with problems and issues in their own lives.
Annie, a reporter who has moved to a small town for quiet and peace with her family, is called to the scene of a murdered girl found in the river. Soon another dead girl is found and the scrapbook group thinks the 2 murders are a serial killer since both girls are red-headed. But then a friend is arrested and the group do a bit of investigating on their own all the while dealing with problems and issues in their own lives.
May 15, 2013
I vaguely remember the first in this series, about how Annie, a Jewish journalist, gradually finds friends when transplanted to clannish Cumberland Creek, and with their help solves a mystery. All the main characters are back, and are duly horrified at a new murder. Can there be a serial killer in their little town? Well, apparently there are a bunch of Neo-Nazis in the nearby hills, and possibly a time traveler in their scrapbooking group, so I guess anything's possible. Others will probably enjoy this, but it was too strange for me.
February 17, 2014
Scrapped is fun mystery as we continue to get to know the members of the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Club. Their newest member Cookie Crandall is more than she appears to be. When two local girls are found murdered, it is up to Annie to follow the clues where the police don't want to go. I found this read entertaining and enjoyed getting to know the residents of Cumberland Cree even more the second time around. Mollie Cox Bryan is starting to hit her stride and always has an interesting trick up her sleeve with the addition of a few supernatural elements that keep you on your toes.
July 26, 2016
I had a hard time putting this book down. The characters were fascinating and constantly in the middle of some mischief. That being said, I found the plot scattered and going in all sorts of directions. At times I was wondering if they even remembered that there were murders that had yet to be solved. In the end, if it hadn't been for the letter she had received, Ann wouldn't have really been of much help.
January 26, 2014
Never imagined a cozy on scrapbooking, but here you have it! A good group of characters who find friendship in cropping - beautiful, handmade collages and journals. There's a bit of science, a bit of woo woo and lots of fun in this southern mystery series set in the Shenandoah Valley. Thanks for the ARC, Kensington! It made me want to try my hand at the art!
July 6, 2014
This is not a book I would typically read but I happened to win it. I was pleasantly surprised with the story. The women in the story are great characters. Strong women, each dealing with different issues. I especially enjoyed Beatrice. The mystery kept my interest and the outcome was believable and a bit a surprise.
June 16, 2015
Another great Cumberland Creek book. I love the twists and turns these ladies experience while trying to solve the murder mystery before the cop. I loved the intriguing addition of Cookie Crandall into the mix. Another great read!
January 23, 2013
Fun ride.
March 15, 2013
This was a good book with lots of action and intrigue. The author pulls you right in and keeps you with her every step of the way.
Read
February 23, 2014lovely cozy mystery
November 11, 2014
Loved it, so glad I picked back up into this series. I love Cookie's story and how all the other characters interacted with her.
May 18, 2015
Great book. Interesting characters - a witch and a reporter.
March 22, 2013
I love this series but this one was a little to paranormal for me
March 7, 2015
I really enjoy this series.
September 15, 2023
this book is SO weird. I've read a few other books in the series - I can't tell from my past reviews whether I had as much of a weird reading experience as I did with this one. the writing is sort of inconsistent but generally not stellar, and there are things that should have been edited or edited out. for example, there are a lot of "um," "uh," and "wells" in the dialogue, which is just clunky. the different narrators don't have distinct voices, and I think the story would be better with fewer narrators.
there are also some absolutely bizarre moments. in one, Beatrice goes to the grocery store and someone greets her. (he says "Good morning.") Her response is: "What was he so friendly about? She'd known the Stickles family for years, and friendly wasn't the term she'd use to describe any of them. Especially Fred, this young man's father, who once hit a neighbor's dog with his car and never turned around to see if it was okay. This boy appeared to be on the cusp of having serious mental problems." BECAUSE HE SAID GOOD MORNING. I mean, where is this coming from? you would think the Stickles family plays some major role in the story, but, spoiler, they never appear again. .
so it was a wild read, deeply weird, sometimes offensive but also so gutsy to write something so bananas. I was going to give it 2 stars but I have to give another one just for the guts.
there are also some absolutely bizarre moments. in one, Beatrice goes to the grocery store and someone greets her. (he says "Good morning.") Her response is: "What was he so friendly about? She'd known the Stickles family for years, and friendly wasn't the term she'd use to describe any of them. Especially Fred, this young man's father, who once hit a neighbor's dog with his car and never turned around to see if it was okay. This boy appeared to be on the cusp of having serious mental problems." BECAUSE HE SAID GOOD MORNING. I mean, where is this coming from? you would think the Stickles family plays some major role in the story, but, spoiler, they never appear again. .
so it was a wild read, deeply weird, sometimes offensive but also so gutsy to write something so bananas. I was going to give it 2 stars but I have to give another one just for the guts.
August 10, 2017
This is my first cozy Mystery and it won't be my last. Promise you.
Six women, all coming from the most diverse paths of life, together with a dollop of witchcraft, and a murderer n the loose, is the perfect recipe for a riveting tale of love and friendship. I have dabbled in scrapbooking myself and I therefore really enjoyed the way this craft is made the focus point of the narration. With a clever crescendo, Author Cox Bryan leads us to the solution of some cruel murders that have occurred in the quiet town of Cumberand Creek, a secluded little community where everyone seem to have something to hide and where this crop of women scrappers presents us with such a refreshing set of characters, if I ever saw one.
I really want to read book #1 now!!!
Six women, all coming from the most diverse paths of life, together with a dollop of witchcraft, and a murderer n the loose, is the perfect recipe for a riveting tale of love and friendship. I have dabbled in scrapbooking myself and I therefore really enjoyed the way this craft is made the focus point of the narration. With a clever crescendo, Author Cox Bryan leads us to the solution of some cruel murders that have occurred in the quiet town of Cumberand Creek, a secluded little community where everyone seem to have something to hide and where this crop of women scrappers presents us with such a refreshing set of characters, if I ever saw one.
I really want to read book #1 now!!!
March 21, 2019
Writing has tightened up a bit, can see improvement over previous. Another darker story than what is typical in a cozy. Annie continues to struggle with her current life, torn between being a mother and wife or keeping up with her past career of being a reporter. Her past keeps calling to her and she has trouble trying to prevent it from overtaking her current life.
I enjoyed this series and hope it continues in the same vein.
I enjoyed this series and hope it continues in the same vein.
June 30, 2024
I enjoyed this second book in the Cumberland Creek mystery series. I didn't think of myself as a cozy mystery fan until I started reading Mollie Cox Bryan's books!
I like how the Cumberland Creek series delves into serious subjects, but in a respectful and interesting way: how it feels to be isolated in a small town, the Mennonite stronghold in southeastern Virginia, and Wiccan rituals and beliefs. I loved the addition of Cookie Crandall, a self-described witch. Her personality, backstory (or lack thereof), and knowledge of runes and moon phases added suspense and drama!
If you enjoyed the first Cumberland Creek mystery book, definitely check this out. And if you live in a southern small town, I'm sure this series will be relatable to you (and refreshing!)
I like how the Cumberland Creek series delves into serious subjects, but in a respectful and interesting way: how it feels to be isolated in a small town, the Mennonite stronghold in southeastern Virginia, and Wiccan rituals and beliefs. I loved the addition of Cookie Crandall, a self-described witch. Her personality, backstory (or lack thereof), and knowledge of runes and moon phases added suspense and drama!
If you enjoyed the first Cumberland Creek mystery book, definitely check this out. And if you live in a southern small town, I'm sure this series will be relatable to you (and refreshing!)
October 5, 2023
Canadian mystery solved with the help of a "scrapping" group of local women. Cozy mystery with just a hint of the paranormal involved in the solving of a murder of a young woman. This is part of a series of books but they are not at my library. I found this edition at a "little library" somewhere in my travels. I put it back in a different little library, so who knows how far it will go!
April 21, 2021
I really enjoy this group of women and their bond and friendship! I love how different they all are but still care about each other deeply. This series has a little “edge” to it that isn’t found in a lot of cozies but it’s a very good mystery!
June 20, 2017
I don't really like the breakdown of all the chapters but it was a fun read.
August 30, 2017
Another exciting murder mystery that's solved by a group of scrapping friends. This one really got intense - had a touch of the occult and time travel - very exciting and fun! I really enjoyed it.
September 12, 2017
Kindle
October 17, 2020
I read the third book in the series from the library, which left me with questions. Books 1 and 2 answered a lot of them. I’d actually give this a 2.5. I only sort of like most of the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews