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A Cumberland Creek Mystery #5
Scrapbook of the Dead
Halloween means spooky scrapbooks for the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop, but what's been happening around town is truly frightening. First a dead woman is found in the freezer at Pamela's Pie Palace, and the next day a second woman is found murdered by the river. Reporter Annie Chamovitz learns the victims were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked. Most bizarre of all, both women were found clutching scrapbook pages.
As their Saturday night crop quickly becomes an opportunity to puzzle out the murders, the ladies begin to wonder if Pamela is hiding more than her secret recipes for delicious pies--or if the crimes are related to the startling discovery that there are gangs in Cumberland Creek. As All Hallows Eve approaches, the crafty croppers must cut and paste the clues to unmask a deadly killer.
Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker!
As their Saturday night crop quickly becomes an opportunity to puzzle out the murders, the ladies begin to wonder if Pamela is hiding more than her secret recipes for delicious pies--or if the crimes are related to the startling discovery that there are gangs in Cumberland Creek. As All Hallows Eve approaches, the crafty croppers must cut and paste the clues to unmask a deadly killer.
Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker!
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2015
40 people are currently reading
961 people want to read
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September 13, 2015
Synopsis:
Halloween means spooky scrapbooks for the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop, but what's been happening around town is truly frightening. First a dead woman is found in the freezer at Pamela's Pie Palace, and the next day a second woman is found murdered by the river. Reporter Annie Chamovitz learns the victims were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked. Most bizarre of all, both women were found clutching scrapbook pages.
As their Saturday night crop quickly becomes an opportunity to puzzle out the murders, the ladies begin to wonder if Pamela is hiding more than her secret recipes for delicious pies--or if the crimes are related to the startling discovery that there are gangs in Cumberland Creek. As All Hallows Eve approaches, the crafty croppers must cut and paste the clues to unmask a deadly killer.
Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker! (Goodreads)
Review:
Annie Chamovitz is a reporter who happens to be at the scene of a murder. When a body is discovered in the freezer of Pamela’s Pie Palace, Annie is there. With her investigative personality, she knows she has to look into the murder. And when a second body is discovered, she knows that there is not only a story waiting to be written, there is also a threat to her town. She and her scrapbooking friends begin to put the pieces together to try and get the exact picture of the murderer. One clue that they have is the scrapbook pages that are found at the murder scenes. How can they fit all the clues together to find the solution and see justice done?
This is the first book that I have read in the series, even though this is the fifth book in The Cumberland Series. I think this put me at a disadvantage when reading the book. I did not feel like I got to the know the characters very well and I think there are too many characters introduced in the book. I just felt like I could not relate with them. Sometimes I am able to pick up a book in the middle of a series and I do not have this problem, but for whatever reason, I struggled a bit with the characters.
I think this book is well plotted and I did like the mystery. There are many twists and turns along the way, enough to keep the characters and readers on their toes. I did not figure the mystery out until it is revealed at the end, and I like when that happens. The author is very talented at creating suspense and tension with just the written word.
I also enjoyed reading about scrapbooking and the tips and hints that are given in the book. The section that included the terms is very helpful. I have done scrapbooking in the past and this book gave me some great things to try.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and if you enjoy scrapbooking, that is an added bonus. But I would recommend reading this series in order. I plan to get the other books and doing just that.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Halloween means spooky scrapbooks for the Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop, but what's been happening around town is truly frightening. First a dead woman is found in the freezer at Pamela's Pie Palace, and the next day a second woman is found murdered by the river. Reporter Annie Chamovitz learns the victims were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked. Most bizarre of all, both women were found clutching scrapbook pages.
As their Saturday night crop quickly becomes an opportunity to puzzle out the murders, the ladies begin to wonder if Pamela is hiding more than her secret recipes for delicious pies--or if the crimes are related to the startling discovery that there are gangs in Cumberland Creek. As All Hallows Eve approaches, the crafty croppers must cut and paste the clues to unmask a deadly killer.
Includes tips and a glossary of terms for the modern scrapbooker! (Goodreads)
Review:
Annie Chamovitz is a reporter who happens to be at the scene of a murder. When a body is discovered in the freezer of Pamela’s Pie Palace, Annie is there. With her investigative personality, she knows she has to look into the murder. And when a second body is discovered, she knows that there is not only a story waiting to be written, there is also a threat to her town. She and her scrapbooking friends begin to put the pieces together to try and get the exact picture of the murderer. One clue that they have is the scrapbook pages that are found at the murder scenes. How can they fit all the clues together to find the solution and see justice done?
This is the first book that I have read in the series, even though this is the fifth book in The Cumberland Series. I think this put me at a disadvantage when reading the book. I did not feel like I got to the know the characters very well and I think there are too many characters introduced in the book. I just felt like I could not relate with them. Sometimes I am able to pick up a book in the middle of a series and I do not have this problem, but for whatever reason, I struggled a bit with the characters.
I think this book is well plotted and I did like the mystery. There are many twists and turns along the way, enough to keep the characters and readers on their toes. I did not figure the mystery out until it is revealed at the end, and I like when that happens. The author is very talented at creating suspense and tension with just the written word.
I also enjoyed reading about scrapbooking and the tips and hints that are given in the book. The section that included the terms is very helpful. I have done scrapbooking in the past and this book gave me some great things to try.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries and if you enjoy scrapbooking, that is an added bonus. But I would recommend reading this series in order. I plan to get the other books and doing just that.
I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for a honest review. I would like to thank NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to read and review this book.
September 9, 2015
This was the first in this series that I have had the pleasure of reading. I loved this book and couldn't put it down. I plan on reading the rest in this series.
The story starts out fast and keeps pace till the end. I really liked how the author gave you an insight into each character and their lives. I have always loved scrapbooking and this book has it all with Halloween a few weeks away the Cumberland Creek scrapbooking group is in high gear. Annie is an investigative reporter for the town of Cumberland Creek and she and her friends love to scrapbook. She finds herself investigating not one but two murders within 24 hours of each other. With the help of all of her scrapbooking buddies they all end up trying to figure out what is going on and how two deaths can occur in their small town.
There are a lot of different things going on with each of the characters in this book. First you have Annie who is trying to figure out if she is going to stay with her job or quit. You have DeeAnn who owns a bakery in town and is a very independent person who ends up hurting her back. This sends her family into a tailspin of emotions. Then of course you have the newlyweds, Jon and Bea. They are adorable and are trying to get their lives as a couple worked out and everything seems to be falling apart for the town.
Will this be Annie's last story? What will become of the small town of Cumberland Creek after two people are found dead? Will the scrapbookers be able to find out the truth before someone else gets hurt???
If you want a cozy mystery that has adventure, mystery,and a lot of great scrapbooking tips you will want to read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts out fast and keeps pace till the end. I really liked how the author gave you an insight into each character and their lives. I have always loved scrapbooking and this book has it all with Halloween a few weeks away the Cumberland Creek scrapbooking group is in high gear. Annie is an investigative reporter for the town of Cumberland Creek and she and her friends love to scrapbook. She finds herself investigating not one but two murders within 24 hours of each other. With the help of all of her scrapbooking buddies they all end up trying to figure out what is going on and how two deaths can occur in their small town.
There are a lot of different things going on with each of the characters in this book. First you have Annie who is trying to figure out if she is going to stay with her job or quit. You have DeeAnn who owns a bakery in town and is a very independent person who ends up hurting her back. This sends her family into a tailspin of emotions. Then of course you have the newlyweds, Jon and Bea. They are adorable and are trying to get their lives as a couple worked out and everything seems to be falling apart for the town.
Will this be Annie's last story? What will become of the small town of Cumberland Creek after two people are found dead? Will the scrapbookers be able to find out the truth before someone else gets hurt???
If you want a cozy mystery that has adventure, mystery,and a lot of great scrapbooking tips you will want to read this book.
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for an honest review.
October 3, 2015
A delightfully crafty mystery, SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD is the fifth book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery series by author Mollie Cox Bryan, featuring reporter, Annie Chamovitz.
Ms. Bryan wasted no time getting to the scene of the crime in this installment of her popular series. I’m talking page one, chapter one, first sentence. Nothing like getting kicking in a reader’s adrenaline at the start!
Cumberland Creek sounds like a sleepy little town, but with things like murders and gangs it’s starting to feel like anything but. It can be tricky introducing elements like gangs into a small town setting, but this author met the *challenge head on and has written an engrossing mystery that had be stuck to my book as though it was covered in *adhesive.
This series just keeps getting better and better with every book, and SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD is the cream of the *crop. I enjoyed it so much I was able to leave my review *acid-free, and sing its praises.
While this is book five in the series, there are also two eBook novellas that go along with it.
Be sure to check out the back of the book for a Glossary of Basic Scrapbooking Terms, Basic Card Making, Scrapbook Essentials for the Beginner, and an excerpt of A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS!
* Wondering about all the asterisks in my review? Those words are just a few of the scrapbooking terms you’ll read about in SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD.
Ms. Bryan wasted no time getting to the scene of the crime in this installment of her popular series. I’m talking page one, chapter one, first sentence. Nothing like getting kicking in a reader’s adrenaline at the start!
Cumberland Creek sounds like a sleepy little town, but with things like murders and gangs it’s starting to feel like anything but. It can be tricky introducing elements like gangs into a small town setting, but this author met the *challenge head on and has written an engrossing mystery that had be stuck to my book as though it was covered in *adhesive.
This series just keeps getting better and better with every book, and SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD is the cream of the *crop. I enjoyed it so much I was able to leave my review *acid-free, and sing its praises.
While this is book five in the series, there are also two eBook novellas that go along with it.
Be sure to check out the back of the book for a Glossary of Basic Scrapbooking Terms, Basic Card Making, Scrapbook Essentials for the Beginner, and an excerpt of A CRAFTY CHRISTMAS!
* Wondering about all the asterisks in my review? Those words are just a few of the scrapbooking terms you’ll read about in SCRAPBOOK OF THE DEAD.
September 14, 2015
I've read all of the books in this series and I believe this one to be my favorite. It focuses on the Cumberland Creek scrap-booking group, but it also revolves around some personal issues within the group. Halloween is approaching and the group is preparing for the activities. Annie is an investigative reporter who is struggling with giving up her job. She has had too many close calls and she is fearful that she may not see her boys grow up. Bea and Jon are still newlyweds and a recent trip down memory lane finds Bea seeking out a lost but not forgotten friendship.
DeeAnn owns a bakery and makes mouthwatering desserts. A back injury sends her spiraling into an unfamiliar territory, causing her family to take drastic measures. When two deaths leave the community stunned and shocked, the scrap-booking group take matters into their own hands. Annie is determined to find the truth surrounding the deaths and get in one last story. This was a riveting story that left me on the edge of my seat until the end.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with some fantastic scrap-booking tips added in.
5 Stars!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
DeeAnn owns a bakery and makes mouthwatering desserts. A back injury sends her spiraling into an unfamiliar territory, causing her family to take drastic measures. When two deaths leave the community stunned and shocked, the scrap-booking group take matters into their own hands. Annie is determined to find the truth surrounding the deaths and get in one last story. This was a riveting story that left me on the edge of my seat until the end.
I would suggest this book to anyone who loves a good mystery with some fantastic scrap-booking tips added in.
5 Stars!
I received an ARC from NetGalley.com in exchange for a fair an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
September 29, 2015
This is a new to me series, and the first book I've had the pleasure of reading by this author. It was one of those books I read in one sitting--I just couldn't put it down!
The story is well-written and plotted, and the mystery is extremely well done, leaving characters and readers alike wondering whodunit. There are many twists and turns along the way,and I didn't figure out the mystery until it was revealed.
I also enjoyed the scrapbooking tips and ideas. Even though I am not a scrapbooker, I like to see/hear what others do.
I have to say that I would suggest reading this series in order, rather than just starting with this book. I felt as though I really didn't know who the characters were, and how they connected to one another.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The story is well-written and plotted, and the mystery is extremely well done, leaving characters and readers alike wondering whodunit. There are many twists and turns along the way,and I didn't figure out the mystery until it was revealed.
I also enjoyed the scrapbooking tips and ideas. Even though I am not a scrapbooker, I like to see/hear what others do.
I have to say that I would suggest reading this series in order, rather than just starting with this book. I felt as though I really didn't know who the characters were, and how they connected to one another.
**I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
October 11, 2015
I was looking for a fun Halloween cozy and found this book. It couldn’t have worked out better. It appears I’ve bumped into these characters before. It was on a cruise ship, and yes, there was a murder for these good people to solve.
Now, we’re back on dry land in Cumberland Creek and there’s been yet another murder. There’s a human popsicle in the walk-in freezer at Pamela’s Pie Palace. And not long after, the murder victim’s sister is found next to the creek, dead of an apparent drowning. And both victims had a page from a scrapbook clutched in their hands. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
I had such fun sleuthing with this gang again. The characters ages ranged from young to senior and they kept me laughing and flipping pages to find out who the surprise villain was.
Yep, I was kept guessing as to who the bad guy was.
I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall when these scrapbook fiends gathered together, pasting and cutting. The gossip flies and the clues emerge.
It’s the countdown to All Hallows Eve and everyone is looking at each other with suspicion. Spooky times in Cumberland Creek.
I hope you give this book and series a read. I sure had fun and plan to continue reading more about these crafty characters.
I received this book for my honest review.
Now, we’re back on dry land in Cumberland Creek and there’s been yet another murder. There’s a human popsicle in the walk-in freezer at Pamela’s Pie Palace. And not long after, the murder victim’s sister is found next to the creek, dead of an apparent drowning. And both victims had a page from a scrapbook clutched in their hands. Coincidence? I don’t think so.
I had such fun sleuthing with this gang again. The characters ages ranged from young to senior and they kept me laughing and flipping pages to find out who the surprise villain was.
Yep, I was kept guessing as to who the bad guy was.
I’d have loved to have been a fly on the wall when these scrapbook fiends gathered together, pasting and cutting. The gossip flies and the clues emerge.
It’s the countdown to All Hallows Eve and everyone is looking at each other with suspicion. Spooky times in Cumberland Creek.
I hope you give this book and series a read. I sure had fun and plan to continue reading more about these crafty characters.
I received this book for my honest review.
June 24, 2015
This has been one of my favorite mystery series since the beginning, and this installment may be the best of them all. The Cumberland Creek croppers are one of the best written groups of ladies in the cozy mystery world - they are different enough from one another to be memorable, yet you really believe that they would be friends - and the way that they naturally exist in the same space without it feeling forced, like some kind of adult Babysitters Club, keeps the story from slowing down. Unlike so many cozy series, this one clearly exists in the modern world - current events come into play, and the situations each character faces are relatable. The ending of this one is bittersweet - many threads that have been woven through the series are resolved, but new revelations make it hard to imagine that this could be the final entry in the series. I hope that is not the case, and that the books continue to find their audience - anyone who crafts, has friends, or is part of a community will find something to which they can relate!
October 17, 2015
Hang on tight! We are going to Cumberland Creek during the
Halloween season.
This story gets off to a fast start drawing the reader in on the
first page!!!
Description is deftly woven into the story. The reader feels
they are present with the characters in each scene. Each
character is vivid and well developed. Each character adds
their own flavor to the story.
The book totters between the past and present which makes
The story very explainable to the reader. This is the fifth
book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery Series but the author
presents all the characters so that you feel like you know them
already even if this is the first book you have read.
Intriging, well plotted book, plenty of mystery, drama, suspense
with humor and and edge.
I've learned about scrapbooking and different cultures without
even realizing I'm learning. The glossary at the end provides the
knowledge of scrapbooking terms and more. Be sure to read!!!
Thank you to Net Gallery and Kensington Publisher for this eBook.
My opinion is my own.
Halloween season.
This story gets off to a fast start drawing the reader in on the
first page!!!
Description is deftly woven into the story. The reader feels
they are present with the characters in each scene. Each
character is vivid and well developed. Each character adds
their own flavor to the story.
The book totters between the past and present which makes
The story very explainable to the reader. This is the fifth
book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery Series but the author
presents all the characters so that you feel like you know them
already even if this is the first book you have read.
Intriging, well plotted book, plenty of mystery, drama, suspense
with humor and and edge.
I've learned about scrapbooking and different cultures without
even realizing I'm learning. The glossary at the end provides the
knowledge of scrapbooking terms and more. Be sure to read!!!
Thank you to Net Gallery and Kensington Publisher for this eBook.
My opinion is my own.
August 5, 2015
(Amended: I just had a long discussion on Facebook about how small town life is portrayed in this book as I had a hard time believing that so many people would be incognizant of minorities in their midst. Here is one reply: "When I moved to Amarillo, white people told me that they had no race problems because there were no minorities. Amarillo is about 10 percent Black, 40 percent Hispanic, and 5 percent Asian. There is a huge immigrant population from East Africa and Southeast Asia." So, the characters in this book are portrayed more realistically than I originally believed.)
3.5 stars - Small town life is portrayed as simplistic and ignorant in "Scrapbook of the Dead," and the characters often speak with the same voice, with men squealing like girls when they try a pie or chocolate. These people are too easily pleased as every new thing they eat is the best thing they've ever tasted. The dialogue is forced, the worst moments being when the characters sound like they are talking to grade school children when they compliment each others' scrapbooking. But beyond the unremarkable nature of the main characters, there are pockets of individual personal darkness and/or intrigue that piqued my interest. I wish those moments had been more integrated into the story, as it would have added a missing depth. Instead, they stick out as odd moments that are difficult to reconcile with their bland environment. If you like mild and simple, this book may be for you, but it was a miss for me. P.S. The beginning of this book is a bit rocky, as there are too many alternating POV's, often within the same page.
3.5 stars - Small town life is portrayed as simplistic and ignorant in "Scrapbook of the Dead," and the characters often speak with the same voice, with men squealing like girls when they try a pie or chocolate. These people are too easily pleased as every new thing they eat is the best thing they've ever tasted. The dialogue is forced, the worst moments being when the characters sound like they are talking to grade school children when they compliment each others' scrapbooking. But beyond the unremarkable nature of the main characters, there are pockets of individual personal darkness and/or intrigue that piqued my interest. I wish those moments had been more integrated into the story, as it would have added a missing depth. Instead, they stick out as odd moments that are difficult to reconcile with their bland environment. If you like mild and simple, this book may be for you, but it was a miss for me. P.S. The beginning of this book is a bit rocky, as there are too many alternating POV's, often within the same page.
September 29, 2015
Great Book!
This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the A Cumberland Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Cuberland Creek Scrapbook Crop is ready to make spooky scrapbooks. They weren’t expecting a murder or two. First a woman is found dead in the freezer of Pamela’s Pie Palace, then the next day another woman is found murdered by the river. Annie Chamovitz is a reporter and learns that the two women were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked together. The Scrapbook Cropping members put their sleuthing skills to the test to find the killer so they can get back to their scrapbooking. If you are looking for a great mystery that will kepp you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
This is a great book; this is the fifth book in the A Cumberland Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan. Cuberland Creek Scrapbook Crop is ready to make spooky scrapbooks. They weren’t expecting a murder or two. First a woman is found dead in the freezer of Pamela’s Pie Palace, then the next day another woman is found murdered by the river. Annie Chamovitz is a reporter and learns that the two women were sisters and is certain their deaths are linked together. The Scrapbook Cropping members put their sleuthing skills to the test to find the killer so they can get back to their scrapbooking. If you are looking for a great mystery that will kepp you guessing until the end, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
A Review copy was provided to me in exchange for a fair and honest review. The free book held no determination on my personal review.
October 17, 2015
Struck me immediately the cover of this book and I have decided to read it and I have not regretted. It was a really fun and engaging read, it's one of those books you pick up and read in one sitting. The plot is compelling, the characters are warm and likeable, the ending to the story truly surprised me and did not see coming.
This time a group of women who are part of a club of scrapbooking have to solve two murders. Two sisters are found dead in two different places of the city and most likely their murders are linked.
Although it is the fifth book in this series can be read as a stand alone, I can not wait to read the whole series.
The story was light and easy to read with a compelling mystery, charming characters, and witty dialogue.
I definitely recommend this one.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
This time a group of women who are part of a club of scrapbooking have to solve two murders. Two sisters are found dead in two different places of the city and most likely their murders are linked.
Although it is the fifth book in this series can be read as a stand alone, I can not wait to read the whole series.
The story was light and easy to read with a compelling mystery, charming characters, and witty dialogue.
I definitely recommend this one.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for the purpose of providing an honest review.
September 29, 2015
It is Halloween time in Cumberland Creek as we looked in on the Scrapbook Crop. A body was found in the freezer at Pamela Pie Shop. The next another body is found on the riverbank. They are sisters and lived in a new part of the town that was not known by the group. The sisters both had a page of scrapbooking on them. Annie is writing her last story. What does the scrapbooking pages have to with the murders? Annie and friends needed to find the answer before one of them is hurt. I recommend this book.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
Disclosure: I received a free copy from Kensington Books through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to thank them for this opportunity to read and review the book. The opinions are my own.
August 19, 2015
This book was good. There were a lot of characters to keep up with but they added different sides to the story. Annie is a reporter and avid scrapbooker along with her friends she gets together with each week to work on their scrapbooks. Annie investigates the death of a woman in town that is a Mexican immigrant and it leads her to find a side of town none of them even knew about. The story keeps you guessing who the murderer is and the motive til the very end.
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given an advanced ecopy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
August 24, 2015
Another story in which I learned a great deal about a craft (scrap booking) that I didn't know too much about. There are many interesting characters and their back stories are filled in, but now I would like to read the previous stories so I can know more about them. The murders are successfully and logically solved.
August 25, 2015
Talk about a page turner! This book with it's twists and turn plot and characters that are strong and well developed will keep you guessing till the very end. Excellent read!
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
I was given an advance copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley for an honest review.
September 28, 2015
A friend of mine recommended this series to me. Halloween is my favorite holiday and reading is my passion. I was totally addicted from the start! Now I have to read all the other books in the series!
September 30, 2015
Mollie Cox Bryan's, Cumberland Creek Mysteries, just keep getting better. Her characters from Annie to Sheila and every scrapper in between, are warm, loving, but as feisty as hell. Keep on writing them Mollie and I'll keep on reading them, as all of your fans will.
November 21, 2015
Another great read from Mollie Cox Bryan. I love the characters in her Cumberland Creek Mystery series because except for the sleuthing they remind me of the JC Scrappers. Already waiting for their next adventure!
September 21, 2016
Absolutely delightful cozy mystery featuring a bevy of wacky women in supporting roles. I'm looking forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
January 27, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the fifth book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan.
I totally read this series out of order. Who starts with the last book of the series, right? I think I got the titles Scrapbook of Secrets and Scrapbook of the Dead mixed up in my head and thus, I totally spoiled myself for all the previous books.
I could feel the wrap up aspect of this book as I was reading long. I soon figured out I was reading the last book of a series and it made me sad. This was feeling like a wonderful series to follow and I hope Bryan decides to come back to Cumberland Creek and write another book or three.
This has an omnipotent POV so you need to be ready to jump back and forth from about three different main characters. Mostly the story is told from Annie’s POV. Annie is a reporter and she is ready for retirement from the newspaper biz. But that doesn’t keep her from wanting to solve the mystery about the two dead women both found with scrapbook pages in their grasp. I liked how the author was able to pair the murder with the scrapbooking craft and make it feel like it wasn’t forced or unbelievable.
This one felt like it took a while to weed out the murder and thus we get a really good look at all the suspects and it helps the reader by giving us enough into to try and solve this thing ourselves. Of course, I had no idea whodunit! I always marvel at how cozy authors can keep us so in the dark while revealing all the clues at the same time. It’s like a magic trick, of sorts. And I always seem to be looking in one place while the important action is happening right under my nose.
Great series wrap up. Loving this cast of characters. They felt more real than many other series I have read. Great character development and the mystery really had me fooled the entire way through.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the fifth book in the Cumberland Creek Mystery series by Mollie Cox Bryan.
I totally read this series out of order. Who starts with the last book of the series, right? I think I got the titles Scrapbook of Secrets and Scrapbook of the Dead mixed up in my head and thus, I totally spoiled myself for all the previous books.
I could feel the wrap up aspect of this book as I was reading long. I soon figured out I was reading the last book of a series and it made me sad. This was feeling like a wonderful series to follow and I hope Bryan decides to come back to Cumberland Creek and write another book or three.
This has an omnipotent POV so you need to be ready to jump back and forth from about three different main characters. Mostly the story is told from Annie’s POV. Annie is a reporter and she is ready for retirement from the newspaper biz. But that doesn’t keep her from wanting to solve the mystery about the two dead women both found with scrapbook pages in their grasp. I liked how the author was able to pair the murder with the scrapbooking craft and make it feel like it wasn’t forced or unbelievable.
This one felt like it took a while to weed out the murder and thus we get a really good look at all the suspects and it helps the reader by giving us enough into to try and solve this thing ourselves. Of course, I had no idea whodunit! I always marvel at how cozy authors can keep us so in the dark while revealing all the clues at the same time. It’s like a magic trick, of sorts. And I always seem to be looking in one place while the important action is happening right under my nose.
Great series wrap up. Loving this cast of characters. They felt more real than many other series I have read. Great character development and the mystery really had me fooled the entire way through.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
August 14, 2017
this is a nice cozy series. I started with #5, however, and the beginning was a bit rough. there are a LOT of characters, and their relationships are fairly complex. frankly, I would prefer to have fewer main characters (maybe just Annie and Bea), so the perspective isn't constantly hopping around, and let the other characters fade a bit into the background. I'm sure I would feel differently if I started with #1.
I was also reading an uncorrected proof - even though the book has been out for a while - and there were some mistakes and repetitive bits. I'm not sure if that's true of the published version. but, because of the many perspectives, we get different characters chewing over the same information. (there's a portion of the book where it feels like the same conversation happens every other page about, did you know we have gangs? Scary! again and again.) DeeAnn is obviously developing a painkiller addiction, and it took the characters a long time to catch on. I felt like that subplot wasn't explored fully, because the story was never like... hey, DeeAnn can't get her pills so she's buying heroin from these "Mexican gangs." (I appreciated the way the story handled the "gang" and the way that characters' assumptions about immigrants were challenged.)
for a cozy novel, this book tackled a lot of interesting issues: exploiting undocumented immigrants, addiction, mental health, parenting, murder, elected officials' priorities, etc. I feel like cutting out some of the repetition would have allowed the story to look at each issue more deeply, but it's impressive that so many things were worked in... as well as the descriptions of the scrapbooking (which I don't do, so that was something else that made the book a bit difficult for me to figure out initially), baking, and Halloween preparations. I really liked the seasonal touches :)
I was also reading an uncorrected proof - even though the book has been out for a while - and there were some mistakes and repetitive bits. I'm not sure if that's true of the published version. but, because of the many perspectives, we get different characters chewing over the same information. (there's a portion of the book where it feels like the same conversation happens every other page about, did you know we have gangs? Scary! again and again.) DeeAnn is obviously developing a painkiller addiction, and it took the characters a long time to catch on. I felt like that subplot wasn't explored fully, because the story was never like... hey, DeeAnn can't get her pills so she's buying heroin from these "Mexican gangs." (I appreciated the way the story handled the "gang" and the way that characters' assumptions about immigrants were challenged.)
for a cozy novel, this book tackled a lot of interesting issues: exploiting undocumented immigrants, addiction, mental health, parenting, murder, elected officials' priorities, etc. I feel like cutting out some of the repetition would have allowed the story to look at each issue more deeply, but it's impressive that so many things were worked in... as well as the descriptions of the scrapbooking (which I don't do, so that was something else that made the book a bit difficult for me to figure out initially), baking, and Halloween preparations. I really liked the seasonal touches :)
October 12, 2015
I got a smile on my face when I saw the words "Cumberland Creek Scrapbook Crop" because I grew up in a small town in western Maryland by the name of Cumberland. That, and I love scrapbooking, the various papers, ribbons and other supplies that go with it. And I give a couple of extra points because I'd never read a cozy mystery where the craft was scrapbooks and papercrafts in particular.
Ms. Bryan does not shy away from potentially controversial subjects either, which also earns points with me because I live in a small town and I know how that can go. There is a openly gay man character, who seems to have recently reconciled with is father (whom I can only assume was probably having difficulty dealing with his son's sexual preference in an earlier installment?) There's a character (Cookie) who just shows up at all hours and in all situations and everyone seem to take her eccentricities in stride. (She was struck by lightning some time before and has little short-term memory.) Turns out she was Wiccan (?) and they have some kind of ceremony in one of the character's basements before a crop that is Wiccan in nature.
I had a spot of trouble at the beginning wondering if Annie is going to be thrown in with the town policeman as a love interest. Only later do we find out that Annie is happily married with children. But I still get the feeling that there is some unspoken unfinished business between the two. I'll have to wait and see, I suppose. :O)
But small towns are insular as well. By that I mean that many of the long-term residents have no idea that there is a whole Spanish-speaking community in their midst. And if that weren't enough, there is a weekly crop amongst that community as well. Annie makes her way there on a couple of occasions and generally has a pretty good time.
Let's see, there's also 'big business', possible illegal aliens, and an 'international employment agency' whose practices border on human trafficking in case you need any more to get your blood going.
Scrapbook of the Dead has many of the elements I enjoy about cozy mysteries - which is my favorite genre. There's not a lot of swearing, little to no overly-descriptive displays of affection etc. And it adds a rarely-seen element as well: social consciousness. Sometimes I like to read books where the story is good and carries you along without having to scratch your head too often. Sometimes I like books where you get all that and get to think about choices and situations in your own life. Ms. Bryan's book is in the latter category, and I cannot WAIT to read more of her work!
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.)
Ms. Bryan does not shy away from potentially controversial subjects either, which also earns points with me because I live in a small town and I know how that can go. There is a openly gay man character, who seems to have recently reconciled with is father (whom I can only assume was probably having difficulty dealing with his son's sexual preference in an earlier installment?) There's a character (Cookie) who just shows up at all hours and in all situations and everyone seem to take her eccentricities in stride. (She was struck by lightning some time before and has little short-term memory.) Turns out she was Wiccan (?) and they have some kind of ceremony in one of the character's basements before a crop that is Wiccan in nature.
I had a spot of trouble at the beginning wondering if Annie is going to be thrown in with the town policeman as a love interest. Only later do we find out that Annie is happily married with children. But I still get the feeling that there is some unspoken unfinished business between the two. I'll have to wait and see, I suppose. :O)
But small towns are insular as well. By that I mean that many of the long-term residents have no idea that there is a whole Spanish-speaking community in their midst. And if that weren't enough, there is a weekly crop amongst that community as well. Annie makes her way there on a couple of occasions and generally has a pretty good time.
Let's see, there's also 'big business', possible illegal aliens, and an 'international employment agency' whose practices border on human trafficking in case you need any more to get your blood going.
Scrapbook of the Dead has many of the elements I enjoy about cozy mysteries - which is my favorite genre. There's not a lot of swearing, little to no overly-descriptive displays of affection etc. And it adds a rarely-seen element as well: social consciousness. Sometimes I like to read books where the story is good and carries you along without having to scratch your head too often. Sometimes I like books where you get all that and get to think about choices and situations in your own life. Ms. Bryan's book is in the latter category, and I cannot WAIT to read more of her work!
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.)
October 1, 2015
Posted originally on my blog:
The Writer's Inkwell
Even though this is the fifth book in this series, I found it very easy to get into this book and I actually enjoyed the fact the murderer wasn’t as obvious early on. In fact, I spent much of the book trying to figure out the who and why two beautiful, hardworking immigrants would have been murdered in this quaint little mountainside town.
I must praise the author for being able to capture the essence of small town life, where you business is instantly everyone’s business. The truth is, every small town is like this and much like Annie and the rest of her Scrapbooking friends, every town has that one group of women who get together and gossip. However, in this group’s case, some of them step over the line and begin investigating leads themselves, even though most have no business to do so.
The book itself isn’t strictly about the murders and the investigation, as none of these women are police officers or detectives. I think including simple every day moments helped to add an air of lightness to the story, which made it that much easier to suddenly find yourself several chapters in without realizing it.
There were a few things I noticed that seemed a bit off to me. For one, the ages of some of these women seemed to not add up to the details provided by the author. For example, Beatrice is supposed to be 85 years old, but she has a five year old granddaughter. Perhaps this HUGE age gap is explained in the earlier books, but it was just something odd that I noticed as a new reader.
Also, I wasn’t very fond of DeeAnn’s prescription drug addiction story line. Yes, I understand it’s easy to become addicted to prescription drugs. But the point is, she was clearly addicted and going through bottles in a matter of a few short days. Her excuses also irritated me. “I’m a big woman.” And the whining over only taking two a day, was just tiresome. Then, at the end, for her whole ordeal to be over, just seemed all too convenient. Especially when her daughters discovered she tricked another doctor into giving her, yet more pills. No one recovers that quickly and I feel she should still probably be struggling.
All in all, this was quick, fun read and I actually hope I can get around to reading the rest of the series. Hopefully they will help clarify some of the lingering questions I have.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Writer's Inkwell
Even though this is the fifth book in this series, I found it very easy to get into this book and I actually enjoyed the fact the murderer wasn’t as obvious early on. In fact, I spent much of the book trying to figure out the who and why two beautiful, hardworking immigrants would have been murdered in this quaint little mountainside town.
I must praise the author for being able to capture the essence of small town life, where you business is instantly everyone’s business. The truth is, every small town is like this and much like Annie and the rest of her Scrapbooking friends, every town has that one group of women who get together and gossip. However, in this group’s case, some of them step over the line and begin investigating leads themselves, even though most have no business to do so.
The book itself isn’t strictly about the murders and the investigation, as none of these women are police officers or detectives. I think including simple every day moments helped to add an air of lightness to the story, which made it that much easier to suddenly find yourself several chapters in without realizing it.
There were a few things I noticed that seemed a bit off to me. For one, the ages of some of these women seemed to not add up to the details provided by the author. For example, Beatrice is supposed to be 85 years old, but she has a five year old granddaughter. Perhaps this HUGE age gap is explained in the earlier books, but it was just something odd that I noticed as a new reader.
Also, I wasn’t very fond of DeeAnn’s prescription drug addiction story line. Yes, I understand it’s easy to become addicted to prescription drugs. But the point is, she was clearly addicted and going through bottles in a matter of a few short days. Her excuses also irritated me. “I’m a big woman.” And the whining over only taking two a day, was just tiresome. Then, at the end, for her whole ordeal to be over, just seemed all too convenient. Especially when her daughters discovered she tricked another doctor into giving her, yet more pills. No one recovers that quickly and I feel she should still probably be struggling.
All in all, this was quick, fun read and I actually hope I can get around to reading the rest of the series. Hopefully they will help clarify some of the lingering questions I have.
I received this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 18, 2015
This is the fifth book in the Cumberland Creek series but it was the first in this series that I have read. If I had the opportunity, I would have read the others first so I could have had the background on the characters that was often referred to in the book. I enjoyed this book and read it in one day. I plan on reading the rest in this series.
The story starts out with a body being found in the freezer at Pamela's Pie Place and continued with many twists and turns. When they discover another body down by the river and find out it is the sister to the first victim, Annie, an investigative reporter for the town of Cumberland Creek and her friends, who love to scrapbook, find themselves investigating not one but two murders within 24 hours of each other. They all end up trying to figure out what is going on and how two deaths can occur in their small town.
There are a lot of different things going on with each of the characters in this book. First you have Annie who is planning to quit her job after this last story. You have DeeAnn who owns a bakery in town, has recently hurt her back and is unable to work due to all the pain she is in. Then you have the newlyweds, Jon and Bea. Bea is devastated to see the town changing so much and she seems to be in the dark. She does reconnect with an old friend though while trying to solve the mystery. There are other members of the group, Sheila, Paige, Vera and the odd Cookie as well as Randy.
Will this be Annie's last story? What will become of the small town of Cumberland Creek after two people are found dead? Are there really gangs and drugs? Is the employment agency involved in the disappearance of foreign workers? Will the scrapbookers be able to find out the truth before someone else gets hurt? If you want a cozy mystery that has adventure, mystery, and drama, then this book is for you. The end also includes some great scrapbooking tips.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The story starts out with a body being found in the freezer at Pamela's Pie Place and continued with many twists and turns. When they discover another body down by the river and find out it is the sister to the first victim, Annie, an investigative reporter for the town of Cumberland Creek and her friends, who love to scrapbook, find themselves investigating not one but two murders within 24 hours of each other. They all end up trying to figure out what is going on and how two deaths can occur in their small town.
There are a lot of different things going on with each of the characters in this book. First you have Annie who is planning to quit her job after this last story. You have DeeAnn who owns a bakery in town, has recently hurt her back and is unable to work due to all the pain she is in. Then you have the newlyweds, Jon and Bea. Bea is devastated to see the town changing so much and she seems to be in the dark. She does reconnect with an old friend though while trying to solve the mystery. There are other members of the group, Sheila, Paige, Vera and the odd Cookie as well as Randy.
Will this be Annie's last story? What will become of the small town of Cumberland Creek after two people are found dead? Are there really gangs and drugs? Is the employment agency involved in the disappearance of foreign workers? Will the scrapbookers be able to find out the truth before someone else gets hurt? If you want a cozy mystery that has adventure, mystery, and drama, then this book is for you. The end also includes some great scrapbooking tips.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
December 4, 2015
It's difficult to jump into a book series with the latest published novel rather than starting at the very beginning. I only just discovered this series of books purely by accident. I was strolling along the mystery aisles at Barnes and Noble and this title jumped out at me. I quickly read the back description and then purchased the book, after trying in vain to locate the rest of the books in this series. Having not found them within the store, I just decided to read this book.
Well, it's enjoyable, but it often felt like I was snooping in on characters who have had a long history together. There was much I didn't know about their friendships or relationships. Oh, yes, there's some description of past events together or shared memories, but it didn't feel like a complete picture for me. May be that's the fault of the author, who really shouldn't have to fully fill in new readers with all the past adventures and details of these characters' lives. It would greatly help, but then the book would be massive.
As a fan of scrapbooking, I thought it was fun to read about a group of scrapbookers who gather weekly and end up helping to solve murders and other mysteries. I liked the diversity of characters which I was not truly expecting, but I thought the main thrust of the murders needed something more. There are sure a lot of red herrings and misdirection. However, when the murderer and the motive was revealed, it wasn't like an "Oh, wow! I so did not see that coming!!" It was more like, "Ok, that's interesting."
I really want to go back and read the books from the beginning, because I do like the characters and the writing is pleasant if not overly challenging. I like to think of this book as a good snack, but it's not enough to fill you up completely. Something else more hearty is on the shelves to do that job, but this little snack is still enjoyable and worth partaking of.
Well, it's enjoyable, but it often felt like I was snooping in on characters who have had a long history together. There was much I didn't know about their friendships or relationships. Oh, yes, there's some description of past events together or shared memories, but it didn't feel like a complete picture for me. May be that's the fault of the author, who really shouldn't have to fully fill in new readers with all the past adventures and details of these characters' lives. It would greatly help, but then the book would be massive.
As a fan of scrapbooking, I thought it was fun to read about a group of scrapbookers who gather weekly and end up helping to solve murders and other mysteries. I liked the diversity of characters which I was not truly expecting, but I thought the main thrust of the murders needed something more. There are sure a lot of red herrings and misdirection. However, when the murderer and the motive was revealed, it wasn't like an "Oh, wow! I so did not see that coming!!" It was more like, "Ok, that's interesting."
I really want to go back and read the books from the beginning, because I do like the characters and the writing is pleasant if not overly challenging. I like to think of this book as a good snack, but it's not enough to fill you up completely. Something else more hearty is on the shelves to do that job, but this little snack is still enjoyable and worth partaking of.
February 22, 2016
Title: Scrapbook Of the Dead - Cumberland Creek Mystery #5
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Published: 9-29-15
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy, Women Sleuths, Crafts & Hobbies,
ISBN: 9780758293589
ASIN: B00RRT30J0
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Cumberland Creek is stunned when the body Marina Marelino is discovered in Peggy's Pie Palace Freezer. When 24 hours later word is out that her sister, Esmeralda Martelino has been found dead down by the river. The connections between the two deaths is each was holding a scrap book page and resided at the new apartment complex located at the edge of town. The same area of town people have been warned not to go to alone. Could that have anything to do with the numerous foreigners that have moved to town lately? Annie is determined to find out how it all fits together and who killed the sisters and why.
I found this book lively and fast moving. The characters were well developed and interesting. They were woven into the story with ease. I look forward to reading other books preceding Scrapbook of the Dead to learn more about them and enjoying more of Mollie Cox Bryan's writing style. She kept me guessing throughout the book until the very end.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scrap...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
Author: Mollie Cox Bryan
Published: 9-29-15
Publisher: Kensington Books
Pages: 304
Genre: Mystery, Thrillers and Suspense
Sub Genre: Cozy, Women Sleuths, Crafts & Hobbies,
ISBN: 9780758293589
ASIN: B00RRT30J0
Reviewer: DelAnne
Reviewed For: NetGalley
.
Cumberland Creek is stunned when the body Marina Marelino is discovered in Peggy's Pie Palace Freezer. When 24 hours later word is out that her sister, Esmeralda Martelino has been found dead down by the river. The connections between the two deaths is each was holding a scrap book page and resided at the new apartment complex located at the edge of town. The same area of town people have been warned not to go to alone. Could that have anything to do with the numerous foreigners that have moved to town lately? Annie is determined to find out how it all fits together and who killed the sisters and why.
I found this book lively and fast moving. The characters were well developed and interesting. They were woven into the story with ease. I look forward to reading other books preceding Scrapbook of the Dead to learn more about them and enjoying more of Mollie Cox Bryan's writing style. She kept me guessing throughout the book until the very end.
Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...
Barnes and Noble link: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/scrap...
Goodreads link: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
The Reading Room link: https://www.facebook.com/The-Reading-...#
September 28, 2015
I received an uncorrected, advance reader, e-book copy of "Scrapbook of the Dead" by Mollie Cox Bryan, from Kensington Books publishers via Net Galley for an honest review.
Scrapbook of the Dead by Mollie Cox Bryan was a pleasant surprise for me. My vision of scrap-booking used to equal that of cat-herd collecting; a hobby for bored and lonely old ladies. This mystery was a slap in the face to my preconceived notions.
"Scrapbook of the Dead" is a series of stories about an interesting town and various residents of Cumberland Creek. This is fifth in the series, but stands-alone well. This is my first Mollie Cox Bryan book, but will not be my last.
In short stories it is often difficult to have many well developed characters, and Ms. Bryan has done a good job with these characters. It has been a couple of weeks since I read this book, and I still think of the different people who live in Cumberland Creek.
This story was believable and addressed the human rights problem of immigrants being taken advantage of, in order to come to the U.S.A. so that they can have opportunities for a better life. I appreciate the way this topic was smoothly tacked into the story.
As a genealogist, I learned some valuable tips for preserving family history, and will always count it as a bonus that I read Scrapbook of the Dead
Scrapbook of the Dead by Mollie Cox Bryan was a pleasant surprise for me. My vision of scrap-booking used to equal that of cat-herd collecting; a hobby for bored and lonely old ladies. This mystery was a slap in the face to my preconceived notions.
"Scrapbook of the Dead" is a series of stories about an interesting town and various residents of Cumberland Creek. This is fifth in the series, but stands-alone well. This is my first Mollie Cox Bryan book, but will not be my last.
In short stories it is often difficult to have many well developed characters, and Ms. Bryan has done a good job with these characters. It has been a couple of weeks since I read this book, and I still think of the different people who live in Cumberland Creek.
This story was believable and addressed the human rights problem of immigrants being taken advantage of, in order to come to the U.S.A. so that they can have opportunities for a better life. I appreciate the way this topic was smoothly tacked into the story.
As a genealogist, I learned some valuable tips for preserving family history, and will always count it as a bonus that I read Scrapbook of the Dead
October 13, 2015
This is book 5 of A Cumberland Creek Mystery but the first one I have read. It can stand alone, but I have already got the first book in the series now to read. The characters are well rounded and have a history you can tell. There are a bunch of them and at times I wish I had written notes so I was not confused.
The group of scrapbookers get together and scrapbook once a week. Sounds like it would be fun. There are some tips in back of the book too. They also have good food.
They talk about food a lot with one member having her own bakery. Plus the one murder happened at a Pie shop.
One of the scrapbookers Randy works at Pamela’s Pie Palace. He finds a dead body in the freezer.
Reporter Annie Chamovitz covers the story it will be her last story. She also is covering the murder the next day. The two were sisters from Mexico.
Annie is also a member of the scrapbook club. With these two murders she is learning more about the area she is living in. That there is a group of foreigners in town and also gangs.
The mystery is good. plenty of drama, clean read and lots of questions.
The death of these two young women matter to them and they want to find out more about them. If they have any family that can contact.
I would like to read more books in this series . In fact I am going to. I look forward to reading more of these cozy murders.
I was given this ebook to read for free and in return I agreed to give honest review and be part of Scrapbook of the Dead blog tour.
September 29, 2015
This is the first book I read from this series, and was a bit lost in the beginning with so many characters and little description of each one (I suppose it’s because is the fifth book), but after passing this little bump on the road, I got to enjoy reading it.
Hallowing is just around the corner, an in the small town of Cumberland Creek, a group of friends joined by the love of scrapbooking, are facing the oddity of the murder of two foreign sisters in their little peaceful town. Both bodies are found with a scrapbook page, and the ladies from the scrapbook crop can’t stop to wonder why this poor girls were killed.
They are afraid that their town is growing and they don’t know it anymore, they have no idea that there are gangs settled in the new area near the river. This makes you think that even though we read the papers and watch the news, there are things that we are oblivious and it’s very scary.
Note: I received a digital copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
Hallowing is just around the corner, an in the small town of Cumberland Creek, a group of friends joined by the love of scrapbooking, are facing the oddity of the murder of two foreign sisters in their little peaceful town. Both bodies are found with a scrapbook page, and the ladies from the scrapbook crop can’t stop to wonder why this poor girls were killed.
They are afraid that their town is growing and they don’t know it anymore, they have no idea that there are gangs settled in the new area near the river. This makes you think that even though we read the papers and watch the news, there are things that we are oblivious and it’s very scary.
Note: I received a digital copy free from Netgalley for review purposes.
April 25, 2016
A funny, not too spooky read which made me sad when I reached the end because it was over. It's part of a series so I can meet the characters again! I was a little worried that the voodoo elements of this tale would prove too much for me as it is a topic I intensely dislike, but they really didn't. I know little about scrapbooking so I enjoyed learning how it all works while a mystery is being solved, and the additional glossary of terms helped me understand the subject even more.
The camaraderie between characters made me feel like I knew them forever, and it helped them solve the murder with their unique skills and life perspective. Including baking into the story made it a top class read! There's a lot of humour which balances out the grim parts, and I'm eager to read more of the series.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
The camaraderie between characters made me feel like I knew them forever, and it helped them solve the murder with their unique skills and life perspective. Including baking into the story made it a top class read! There's a lot of humour which balances out the grim parts, and I'm eager to read more of the series.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review on my blog Nayu's Reading Corner http://nayusreadingcorner.blogspot.co...
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