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Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #17
Mask or Raid: Book #17 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series
Dive into the enthralling world of Kiki Lowenstein once again, in her most suspenseful and emotionally charged adventure yet, Mask Or Raid. In this gripping tale of mystery and change, Kiki finds herself facing a daunting challenge that will test her strength, resilience, and unravel a heart-wrenching secret.
When Time in a Bottle, St. Louis’s premiere craft store, is slated for demolition, Kiki is forced to confront her deep-rooted aversion to change. Reluctantly bidding farewell to her familiar surroundings, she seeks a new location for the store. But before she can move, the new building must be made ADA compliant.
When a long-sealed wall is breached during renovations, a grim secret is revealed—a baby's body hidden within its confines. Determined to uncover the truth and provide closure for the innocent life lost, Kiki becomes entangled in a whirlwind investigation that spans decades. With her unyielding spirit and tenacious curiosity, she unravels a web of secrets, deceit, and heartbreak that has haunted this particular house for years.
As Kiki investigates, she finds herself immersed in a poignant tale of love, loss, and the long shadow of war crimes. With the relentless approach of the pandemic, Kiki must navigate not only the mysteries of the past but also the challenges of an uncertain present, where lives are at stake and time is running out.
In the midst of her pursuit for justice, Kiki finds her own personal life entangled in unexpected twists and turns. From shifting relationships to confronting her own fears, she learns that embracing change may be the key to unlocking the answers she seeks and finding the courage to forge a new path forward.
Mask Or Raid is a gripping and emotionally charged page-turner, blending the intricate puzzle of a cold case with the palpable tension of a world in crisis. Join Kiki Lowenstein as she confronts her fears, uncovers long-held secrets, and strives to bring light to an abandoned home, ultimately unearthing the heart-wrenching truth behind the baby's body in the wall.
When Time in a Bottle, St. Louis’s premiere craft store, is slated for demolition, Kiki is forced to confront her deep-rooted aversion to change. Reluctantly bidding farewell to her familiar surroundings, she seeks a new location for the store. But before she can move, the new building must be made ADA compliant.
When a long-sealed wall is breached during renovations, a grim secret is revealed—a baby's body hidden within its confines. Determined to uncover the truth and provide closure for the innocent life lost, Kiki becomes entangled in a whirlwind investigation that spans decades. With her unyielding spirit and tenacious curiosity, she unravels a web of secrets, deceit, and heartbreak that has haunted this particular house for years.
As Kiki investigates, she finds herself immersed in a poignant tale of love, loss, and the long shadow of war crimes. With the relentless approach of the pandemic, Kiki must navigate not only the mysteries of the past but also the challenges of an uncertain present, where lives are at stake and time is running out.
In the midst of her pursuit for justice, Kiki finds her own personal life entangled in unexpected twists and turns. From shifting relationships to confronting her own fears, she learns that embracing change may be the key to unlocking the answers she seeks and finding the courage to forge a new path forward.
Mask Or Raid is a gripping and emotionally charged page-turner, blending the intricate puzzle of a cold case with the palpable tension of a world in crisis. Join Kiki Lowenstein as she confronts her fears, uncovers long-held secrets, and strives to bring light to an abandoned home, ultimately unearthing the heart-wrenching truth behind the baby's body in the wall.
- GenresMystery
312 pages, Paperback
Published July 23, 2023
94 people are currently reading
991 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
163 books857 followersNational bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”
Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.
Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.
RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.
Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.
Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.
As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.
Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Website: www.JoannaSlan.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...
Twitter: @JoannaSlan
Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.
Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.
RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.
Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.
Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.
As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.
Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Website: www.JoannaSlan.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...
Twitter: @JoannaSlan
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
August 7, 2023
Love Kiki!
Joanna Campbell Slan’s newest Kiki Löwenstein mystery is the best one yet. Although there is stiff competition over the years. I should have known that if anyone could incorporate the pandemic into a story it would be this author.
Joanna Campbell Slan’s newest Kiki Löwenstein mystery is the best one yet. Although there is stiff competition over the years. I should have known that if anyone could incorporate the pandemic into a story it would be this author.
December 29, 2023
Covid Doesn’t belong in Fiction
I read fiction. To escape reality. I am on book 17 because I enjoy this series but I can’t go on reading about Covid. Stopping a quarter way through and I’m sad!
I read fiction. To escape reality. I am on book 17 because I enjoy this series but I can’t go on reading about Covid. Stopping a quarter way through and I’m sad!
August 9, 2025
Book Review: Mask or Raid (Kiki Lowenstein Mystery #17) by Joanna Campbell Slan
Rating: 4.0/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Joanna Campbell Slan’s Mask or Raid delivers a compelling blend of cozy mystery and emotional depth, marking another strong entry in the long-running Kiki Lowenstein series . The novel excels in its dual exploration of personal growth and cold-case investigation, weaving Kiki’s struggle with change (symbolized by her craft store’s relocation) with the chilling discovery of an infant’s remains in a renovation site. Slan’s signature balance of lighthearted charm and gravitas shines through, though the pandemic backdrop may polarize readers.
Thematically, the book tackles resilience and historical trauma with sensitivity. The parallel between Kiki’s personal upheavals and the house’s long shadow of war crimes creates poignant resonance. However, the ADA compliance subplot feels underdeveloped, and the mystery’s resolution relies somewhat on coincidences.
Reader Reactions & Emotional Impact
Having read other books by this author, I appreciated Kiki’s relatable vulnerability—her deep-rooted aversion to change mirrored my own pandemic-era anxieties. The baby-in-the-wall premise initially unsettled me, but Slan handles it with tact, focusing on closure rather than sensationalism. That said, the COVID-19 references (mask shortages, lockdown fears) triggered unexpected unease, making me question if I was ready for pandemic fiction.
The most moving passages involved Kiki’s interactions with elderly characters tied to the cold case. Their wartime memories added historical weight, though younger secondary characters lacked similar depth. Kiki’s craft store team—usually a highlight—felt sidelined by the darker plot.
Constructive Criticism
-Pacing: The 314-page count strains to accommodate both the mystery and pandemic subplots; trimming 50 pages would sharpen focus.
-Tonal Shifts: Jovial crafting scenes clash awkwardly with war crime revelations.
-COVID Integration: Pandemic elements feel tacked on rather than organic to the plot.
-Series Accessibility: New readers may struggle with recurring character dynamics.
How I would describe this book:
- A crafty heroine meets her darkest mystery yet—where wallpaper hides more than floral prints.
-For fans of Thursday Murder Club’s heart and Maisie Dobbs’ historical grit.
- Slan stitches suspense and soul into every chapter—her best Lowenstein yet.
- Proof that cozy mysteries can carry weighty truths.
Personal Remarks
Reading this, having done many of my own home renovations, I found myself eyeing my walls suspiciously—a testament to Slan’s atmospheric tension. The craft store’s impending demolition scene hit especially hard, as I’d recently lost a favorite local bookstore to redevelopment. While the pandemic elements unsettled me, Kiki’s determination to unearth truth amid chaos ultimately felt cathartic.
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the review copy. Despite my COVID-related reservations, this installment reaffirmed why Kiki Lowenstein remains a standout in cozy mysteries .
Final Verdict
4.0/5—Mask or Raid triumphs as a character-driven mystery with historical heft, though its pandemic backdrop and crowded plot dilute its potential. Longtime fans will cherish Kiki’s growth, while newcomers should start with earlier series entries .
Rating: 4.0/5
Analysis & Thematic Depth
Joanna Campbell Slan’s Mask or Raid delivers a compelling blend of cozy mystery and emotional depth, marking another strong entry in the long-running Kiki Lowenstein series . The novel excels in its dual exploration of personal growth and cold-case investigation, weaving Kiki’s struggle with change (symbolized by her craft store’s relocation) with the chilling discovery of an infant’s remains in a renovation site. Slan’s signature balance of lighthearted charm and gravitas shines through, though the pandemic backdrop may polarize readers.
Thematically, the book tackles resilience and historical trauma with sensitivity. The parallel between Kiki’s personal upheavals and the house’s long shadow of war crimes creates poignant resonance. However, the ADA compliance subplot feels underdeveloped, and the mystery’s resolution relies somewhat on coincidences.
Reader Reactions & Emotional Impact
Having read other books by this author, I appreciated Kiki’s relatable vulnerability—her deep-rooted aversion to change mirrored my own pandemic-era anxieties. The baby-in-the-wall premise initially unsettled me, but Slan handles it with tact, focusing on closure rather than sensationalism. That said, the COVID-19 references (mask shortages, lockdown fears) triggered unexpected unease, making me question if I was ready for pandemic fiction.
The most moving passages involved Kiki’s interactions with elderly characters tied to the cold case. Their wartime memories added historical weight, though younger secondary characters lacked similar depth. Kiki’s craft store team—usually a highlight—felt sidelined by the darker plot.
Constructive Criticism
-Pacing: The 314-page count strains to accommodate both the mystery and pandemic subplots; trimming 50 pages would sharpen focus.
-Tonal Shifts: Jovial crafting scenes clash awkwardly with war crime revelations.
-COVID Integration: Pandemic elements feel tacked on rather than organic to the plot.
-Series Accessibility: New readers may struggle with recurring character dynamics.
How I would describe this book:
- A crafty heroine meets her darkest mystery yet—where wallpaper hides more than floral prints.
-For fans of Thursday Murder Club’s heart and Maisie Dobbs’ historical grit.
- Slan stitches suspense and soul into every chapter—her best Lowenstein yet.
- Proof that cozy mysteries can carry weighty truths.
Personal Remarks
Reading this, having done many of my own home renovations, I found myself eyeing my walls suspiciously—a testament to Slan’s atmospheric tension. The craft store’s impending demolition scene hit especially hard, as I’d recently lost a favorite local bookstore to redevelopment. While the pandemic elements unsettled me, Kiki’s determination to unearth truth amid chaos ultimately felt cathartic.
Gratitude
Thank you to the publisher and Goodreads Giveaways for the review copy. Despite my COVID-related reservations, this installment reaffirmed why Kiki Lowenstein remains a standout in cozy mysteries .
Final Verdict
4.0/5—Mask or Raid triumphs as a character-driven mystery with historical heft, though its pandemic backdrop and crowded plot dilute its potential. Longtime fans will cherish Kiki’s growth, while newcomers should start with earlier series entries .
December 7, 2023
Kiki Konfronts Kovid
And once again, Miss Joanna Slann comes up with a perfect story. I can’t believe how masterfully she weaved together Kiki’s story moving her store time in a bottle to a house on Park Street along with the beginning of Covid.
I know it’s a hard subject for many, I know firsthand because I ended up in a convalescent hospital after a surgery in isolation, as they were doing once you came out of the hospital. Of course, no visitors, friends, family, or anybody!
With time in the bottle having to move because the city was going to demolish the area, he finds the perfect house to move into. That’s close to where she lives now. But, is it? With everything coming up onions, can they get the place together before they have to move? Will have to wait and see.
When the &)(:)&”#^+€ hit’s the fan, what’s going to be a left?
Absolutely loved the way the book related things that were going on at the time without judgment. I think we all took sides of true or false, and still aren’t really sure which is which. Thank you for a beautiful story about the propensities of the modern world. And of Kiki as she manages her world. It doesn’t look like there’s going to be another book, and for that I’m sad. Maybe Ms SLan well come up with a book that goes over all the crafts that were in the books. Now that would be a great book! You know some books have recipes in the back. This book should have crafts!
And once again, Miss Joanna Slann comes up with a perfect story. I can’t believe how masterfully she weaved together Kiki’s story moving her store time in a bottle to a house on Park Street along with the beginning of Covid.
I know it’s a hard subject for many, I know firsthand because I ended up in a convalescent hospital after a surgery in isolation, as they were doing once you came out of the hospital. Of course, no visitors, friends, family, or anybody!
With time in the bottle having to move because the city was going to demolish the area, he finds the perfect house to move into. That’s close to where she lives now. But, is it? With everything coming up onions, can they get the place together before they have to move? Will have to wait and see.
When the &)(:)&”#^+€ hit’s the fan, what’s going to be a left?
Absolutely loved the way the book related things that were going on at the time without judgment. I think we all took sides of true or false, and still aren’t really sure which is which. Thank you for a beautiful story about the propensities of the modern world. And of Kiki as she manages her world. It doesn’t look like there’s going to be another book, and for that I’m sad. Maybe Ms SLan well come up with a book that goes over all the crafts that were in the books. Now that would be a great book! You know some books have recipes in the back. This book should have crafts!
November 9, 2025
I can't figure out if Joanna Campbell Slan Hired someone else to write this one? I have noted two giant errors in continuity - and it just doesn't seem like the person telling this story knows who Kiki is!!
For some reason she decided to go backwards and completely retell the story of Clancy's rescue of baby Posey, and there were so many discrepancies. Most notably, she said that Brawny was there to help them, But Brawny was away in Scotland when all of that happened in the previous book. How does the author just forget that??
Then, Kiki is talking about her two sisters and their relationship with their narcissistic mother. She talks about the sister who lived with their mother for a while, and would know more... And says Catherine, but it was Amanda! Catherine was the one who was kicked out of the house and just recently came back into their lives!! How does the author forget that?
I have been completely drawn out of the story by these errors, and it is so distracting!!
So anyway, this isn't really a review of this book because it was a good story, but I feel like the author is absent? maybe because this one was written during the pandemic, she just was distracted by other things??
PLEASE tell me someone else noticed this and it's not just me!
For some reason she decided to go backwards and completely retell the story of Clancy's rescue of baby Posey, and there were so many discrepancies. Most notably, she said that Brawny was there to help them, But Brawny was away in Scotland when all of that happened in the previous book. How does the author just forget that??
Then, Kiki is talking about her two sisters and their relationship with their narcissistic mother. She talks about the sister who lived with their mother for a while, and would know more... And says Catherine, but it was Amanda! Catherine was the one who was kicked out of the house and just recently came back into their lives!! How does the author forget that?
I have been completely drawn out of the story by these errors, and it is so distracting!!
So anyway, this isn't really a review of this book because it was a good story, but I feel like the author is absent? maybe because this one was written during the pandemic, she just was distracted by other things??
PLEASE tell me someone else noticed this and it's not just me!
November 20, 2023
WONDERFUL!
Wow, what a wonderful story. I don't know if this is the last book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, but I hope not. It has been a great series to read and follow. The only thing wrong with it has been the wait between books. Ms Joanna, please keep writing. Your characters are just wonderful to hear about and I get a kick out of the stories involving the kids and the animals. This particular story though was pulling at the heart strings. I could tell it was going to be very involving and it was. Surprising at the end as usual. Thanks for the entertainment and I plan to look into your other books as well.
Wow, what a wonderful story. I don't know if this is the last book of the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series, but I hope not. It has been a great series to read and follow. The only thing wrong with it has been the wait between books. Ms Joanna, please keep writing. Your characters are just wonderful to hear about and I get a kick out of the stories involving the kids and the animals. This particular story though was pulling at the heart strings. I could tell it was going to be very involving and it was. Surprising at the end as usual. Thanks for the entertainment and I plan to look into your other books as well.
June 7, 2025
Mask or Raid was another well written and intriguing book by Joanna Campbell Slan. It was quite a heart wrenching subject, the body of a long deceased premature baby discovered in the wall. It was very hard to put down. The book was written to cover the beginning of the Covid pandemic in 2020. The author did a fabulous job of setting the scene and describing what was taking place in the world at the time. She had characters with both viewpoints about Covid. I enjoyed reading about the conflicts within the Detweiler family. It mirrored what we saw in real time in the U.S. This is another excellent book.
July 24, 2023
A huge thank you for telling a covid story!
As always, mega kudos for the ongoing, and enlightening story featuring Kiki's, family's, friends' lives during the onslaught of covid-19. The author gives a small, realistic look at the fears, tragedies, difficulties we all faced during these tragic times in America and the world. And, of course, a murder, and a mystery to solve as well. All I can say is 'Bravo'. 🥰🌺😻🐾
As always, mega kudos for the ongoing, and enlightening story featuring Kiki's, family's, friends' lives during the onslaught of covid-19. The author gives a small, realistic look at the fears, tragedies, difficulties we all faced during these tragic times in America and the world. And, of course, a murder, and a mystery to solve as well. All I can say is 'Bravo'. 🥰🌺😻🐾
August 10, 2023
I am not sure what happened with the book, but the story of how Clancy adopted Posey was completly rewritten. It was offputting and spoiled the book for me. There were a couple of other things that didn't match the author's "bible" but were not as off as the Posey section. Also, WHERE WAS GRACIE?
The preperations taken for the beginning of Covid were a chilling reminder of that awful time. She covered that well.
The preperations taken for the beginning of Covid were a chilling reminder of that awful time. She covered that well.
July 24, 2023
Touching Story
This book, out of all 17 in this series, was my absolute favorite. A great story, but even more so it had wonderful life lessons. Some parts brought tears to my eyes remembering how our world turned on its head in 2020. Like Kiki, most of us came out stronger on the other side. Thank you Joanna for an amazing read.
This book, out of all 17 in this series, was my absolute favorite. A great story, but even more so it had wonderful life lessons. Some parts brought tears to my eyes remembering how our world turned on its head in 2020. Like Kiki, most of us came out stronger on the other side. Thank you Joanna for an amazing read.
July 28, 2023
A Welcome Addition to the Kiki Lowenstein Series
A new book about Kiki Lowenstein -Detweiler is always something to be celebrated. This book is well crafted and does a great job incorporating Covid into its plot. The characters are beautifully developed. I was sorry when I reached the end. Hope there's a new book soon!
A new book about Kiki Lowenstein -Detweiler is always something to be celebrated. This book is well crafted and does a great job incorporating Covid into its plot. The characters are beautifully developed. I was sorry when I reached the end. Hope there's a new book soon!
August 1, 2023
Great Story!
I love this series! I got into this series which combined my love of reading light mysteries and my scrapbooking and crafts hobbies. Interesting way to handle the COVID pandemic and how it changed everything we have ever known, especially how creative we all had to be to survive the disruptions.
I love this series! I got into this series which combined my love of reading light mysteries and my scrapbooking and crafts hobbies. Interesting way to handle the COVID pandemic and how it changed everything we have ever known, especially how creative we all had to be to survive the disruptions.
January 6, 2026
Well written
This one is different than the rest of the series, in that the murders are not the full focus of the story. There is plenty of mystery, but the best part of this book is the treatment of COVID. A good description of how families fell apart, communities disintegrated, and confusion seemed to reign. Well done!
This one is different than the rest of the series, in that the murders are not the full focus of the story. There is plenty of mystery, but the best part of this book is the treatment of COVID. A good description of how families fell apart, communities disintegrated, and confusion seemed to reign. Well done!
August 5, 2023
Oh how I’ve missed these characters. Loved the way Joanna introduced Subplots of when COVID appeared. - so real. Enjoyed this book and read it so quickly, I can only hope there’s another one coming as I became so interested in all of her character’s lives and predicaments.
March 17, 2024
Please, please take the time to read this entire collection!
I stumbled across this author and I am so glad I did! This author's work is so timely and so honest I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend her to you!
I stumbled across this author and I am so glad I did! This author's work is so timely and so honest I couldn't put it down! I highly recommend her to you!
August 30, 2023
Kiki is better than ever!
A sweet, compassionate, comical and beautiful story of the world of Kiki. I learned about Pick Me Up journaling, which
I now love!
A sweet, compassionate, comical and beautiful story of the world of Kiki. I learned about Pick Me Up journaling, which
I now love!
September 20, 2023
another great book
Wow to read about COVID …it was like living it again. Well written. Snowed both sides of the debate. Hope there are more
Wow to read about COVID …it was like living it again. Well written. Snowed both sides of the debate. Hope there are more
August 2, 2025
Loved this book!
January 6, 2026
One of the bests. I learned a lot. It was a great story.
July 29, 2023
A baby hidden inside the wall??? Covid-19??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews