Purple, Blame, Game: Book #21 in the Kiki Lowenstein Cozy Mystery Series

by Joanna Campbell Slan

No good deed goes unpunished. When Kiki volunteers to crochet stuffed toys for local pediatric units in hospitals, she inadvertently sets in motion a series of unfortunate events. (Book comes with a pattern to crochet a stuffed bunny.)

233 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 2, 2026

About the author

National 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

Reviews

[Kay Cobbold · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Purple, Blame, Game," the twenty-second installment in the “Kiki Lowenstein Cozy Mystery”series, proves itself to be as fresh and engaging as its predecessors.
In addition to crafting an excellent mystery, Joanna Campbell Slan imbues the narrative with considerable depth, prompting readers to reflect on weighty subjects. Themes such as child abuse, manipulation, jealousy, revenge, suspicion, relational difficulties, illness, charitable endeavours, and moments of genuine human kindness are thoughtfully woven throughout and left a lasting impression on this reader.
I greatly appreciate how the author manages multiple narrative threads without ever losing sight of the central murder investigation. The sense of camaraderie found in the crafting community, paired with Kiki’s empathy, offers a poignant contrast to the ever-present undercurrent of danger.
Although this is the twenty-second book in the series, I already find myself eager for the next installment.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another excellent mystery about Kiki Lowenstein. As always, Joanna has given us a well written and timely story with mystery, angst and surprises. It was good to return to St. Louis and Time in a Bottle. As this story began, Kiki finds the dead body of her partner in a charity endeavor. The woman was not very well liked but it was difficult for the police to solve the murder. The case caused a rift between Kiki and her husband which upset all their children. The deceased woman had been trying to make a big problem out of a situation with another woman’s daughter and her au pair. Kiki was forced to keep her store closed during the lengthy investigation and this caused her lots of problems. There were some heartbreaking moments when some of the different customers stories are revealed. It was a terrific story that I’m happy to recommend.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again, this author knows no bounds, when she writes the whole world opens up. It's like you have a different perspective on things. You see the day is the new beginning with Hope and joy. I'm so glad I found this author many years ago. She has brightened my days and nights. Because I think of her books often and find the lessons that I've learned.

Kiki has grown immensely whilst still retaining that peaceful, compassionate soul. The evil that one person can do toward others. All the people that are harmed. This is a must read!!!

[Amy Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Mystery Yarn Worth a Read

I always enjoy reading books from Joanna Slan. Who cast of constant characters are fun and believable and supportive. They are a group not to be trifled with. I loved the involvement of crocheted bunnies in this book. (I learned to crochet when I was a child and need to pick it up again.) The who done it kept me guessing up to the last chapter. Thank you, Joanna.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise of a murder of a woman who everyone seems to hate. I enjoyed how the author juggled the line of needing to solve the mystery even though no one really cared about the murdered victim. Easy to read with a good flow. This series never gets old.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Mike Stewart · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful Reads

I have read all the Kiki books and love them! Delightful stories with a good murder mystery.
Grab one today, or better yet, obtain all of them!
With a Dr Pepper and a frosted cookie, settle into a comfy chair and take a trip to St Louis.

[Sharon Peters · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a easy book to put down!

It's a story that gets you hooked for the rest of it, and until the end, which, I'm really not sure what end you may get, but I was very surprised!

[Teri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series, especially when I want a light, cozy mystery.