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Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #0
Love, Die, Neighbor
A Prequel to the Mystery Series that has won the hearts of fans all over the world!
As the mother of an active toddler and the wife of an often absent husband, Kiki Lowenstein already has both hands full. But when the Lowensteins move into their new house on the same day the construction crew leaves, Kiki must learn to juggle boxes, baby, and big expectations. Her determination to be a good neighbor hits a serious roadblock when she angers the Nordstroms, the couple who live next door. Then Sven Nordstrom dies under mysterious circumstances, and Kiki is forced into the one role she never planned on playing: amateur sleuth.
As the mother of an active toddler and the wife of an often absent husband, Kiki Lowenstein already has both hands full. But when the Lowensteins move into their new house on the same day the construction crew leaves, Kiki must learn to juggle boxes, baby, and big expectations. Her determination to be a good neighbor hits a serious roadblock when she angers the Nordstroms, the couple who live next door. Then Sven Nordstrom dies under mysterious circumstances, and Kiki is forced into the one role she never planned on playing: amateur sleuth.
190 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 31, 2016
339 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
165 books859 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
September 27, 2017
Review This is a prequel and therefore is introducing characters and giving background. It is a little slow in places and there are a few characters that are introduced and then not mentioned again I guess they will show up in later stories. I was left wondering about her relationship with her husband, is he cheating, it was not resolved, again I guess that will be in later books. An entertaining read.
June 18, 2023
Moving into a brand new house, Kiki Lowenstein is frazzled, what with the dust and dirt left behind by the builders. Trying to care for her young child at the same time as putting the house to rights is a monumental task - one not helped by a critical mother-in-law and a husband whose eyes have appeared to wander. But the icing on the cake has to be the neighbours across the street, who are disagreeable to an epic degree. Kiki tries to do the right thing when the ignoramus falls off his bike. She calls an ambulance and thereby drags her family into a police investigation.
This book made me alternately sad and angry. Virtually everyone except for the main character was a horrible person and treated the MC as though she was sub-human. Nevertheless, the story kept me enthralled, and I sped through it in less than a day. This prequel was written as a backstory. After reading other books in the series, I gained new incite by meeting Kiki as a new mum.
This book made me alternately sad and angry. Virtually everyone except for the main character was a horrible person and treated the MC as though she was sub-human. Nevertheless, the story kept me enthralled, and I sped through it in less than a day. This prequel was written as a backstory. After reading other books in the series, I gained new incite by meeting Kiki as a new mum.
June 18, 2023
Ughh Kiki is a walking doormat
February 5, 2017
George, Kiki, and their daughter, Anya, have just moved in to their new house. With George frequently gone, Kiki has her hands full moving and unpacking boxes, cleaning up after the construction crew and caring for their young daughter. Before they can even start to get things cleaned up, their neighbors, the Nordstroms, lodge a complaint with the Home Owners Association.
Then when her neighbor Sven Nordstrom almost runs into Anya in her stroller, George and Kiki are understandable upset. But Kiki's efforts to make friends with the Nordstrom's are met with very rude behavior by Leesa. Sven is willing to try, Leesa's childish behavior spoils any attempt at reconciliation.
After doing a lot of unpacking, Kiki needs to go to Home Depot. As she is pulling out of her garage, Sven speeds behind her and crashes into the curb. When he asks for help, Kiki calls 911 and an ambulance takes Sven to the hospital. When Sven dies, George and Kiki come under suspicion due to their ongoing issues with the Nordstroms.
How did Sven die? Why is George seldom home? Will Kiki be able to make any friends in her new neighborhood? Will Kiki be able to help solve the mystery of Sven's death?
Well developed story with great characters. Fast paced with short chapters that make for very quick reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and chose to provide this review.
Then when her neighbor Sven Nordstrom almost runs into Anya in her stroller, George and Kiki are understandable upset. But Kiki's efforts to make friends with the Nordstrom's are met with very rude behavior by Leesa. Sven is willing to try, Leesa's childish behavior spoils any attempt at reconciliation.
After doing a lot of unpacking, Kiki needs to go to Home Depot. As she is pulling out of her garage, Sven speeds behind her and crashes into the curb. When he asks for help, Kiki calls 911 and an ambulance takes Sven to the hospital. When Sven dies, George and Kiki come under suspicion due to their ongoing issues with the Nordstroms.
How did Sven die? Why is George seldom home? Will Kiki be able to make any friends in her new neighborhood? Will Kiki be able to help solve the mystery of Sven's death?
Well developed story with great characters. Fast paced with short chapters that make for very quick reading.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and chose to provide this review.
May 16, 2022
I read this after already having read several of the full length novels in this series.
Because of that I recognize some instances of foreshadowing that were fun to catch.
We also see some of the relationship between Kiki and George that I had not previously understood as well. I think I am glad I had read at least book 1 before I read this prequel. I believe I got more out of this book because of it.
Kiki and family have finally built their dream home. They perhaps rushed to move into it, because it is still a dusty mess. Kiki knows no one in the neighborhood but has a young daughter, which always leads to opportunities for new experiences and relationships.
I am glad she meets new people, but will any become friends?
Are these people what or who they seem?
Many surprises are included.
Because of that I recognize some instances of foreshadowing that were fun to catch.
We also see some of the relationship between Kiki and George that I had not previously understood as well. I think I am glad I had read at least book 1 before I read this prequel. I believe I got more out of this book because of it.
Kiki and family have finally built their dream home. They perhaps rushed to move into it, because it is still a dusty mess. Kiki knows no one in the neighborhood but has a young daughter, which always leads to opportunities for new experiences and relationships.
I am glad she meets new people, but will any become friends?
Are these people what or who they seem?
Many surprises are included.
December 11, 2023
Enjoyable to the nth degree!
Another series begun by the incredible author Joanne Campbell Slan proving once again her incredible versatility! The lead character, Kiki Lowenstein, believing she's flawed in every way affecting her belief in herself, still manages to show a truly brilliant mind and kind heart; exactly the sort of person we can root for and take to heart. The plot wends through twists and turns, not only giving great descriptions of all the people in contact with Kiki, but leaves us wondering who done the dirty deed! Definitely great read, and want to continue the series!
Another series begun by the incredible author Joanne Campbell Slan proving once again her incredible versatility! The lead character, Kiki Lowenstein, believing she's flawed in every way affecting her belief in herself, still manages to show a truly brilliant mind and kind heart; exactly the sort of person we can root for and take to heart. The plot wends through twists and turns, not only giving great descriptions of all the people in contact with Kiki, but leaves us wondering who done the dirty deed! Definitely great read, and want to continue the series!
December 8, 2024
First note... why would you marry a man that has never told you he loved you? WTF.
I'm just tired of women being portrayed as so weak. I'm glad I picked up the Prequel instead of getting into the series. Kiki is a pathetic stereotype. I didn't care at all about the actual murder and that part of the story line made no impression on me. Her husband is having an affair and it's her fault because she's overweight (with a 2 yr old) and the house isn't unpacked fast enough. F that noise. Stop reaffirming that women are here to raise kids and please men.
I'm just tired of women being portrayed as so weak. I'm glad I picked up the Prequel instead of getting into the series. Kiki is a pathetic stereotype. I didn't care at all about the actual murder and that part of the story line made no impression on me. Her husband is having an affair and it's her fault because she's overweight (with a 2 yr old) and the house isn't unpacked fast enough. F that noise. Stop reaffirming that women are here to raise kids and please men.
July 6, 2019
Good prequel
I liked this book and the chance to see some of the characters before they were older. The mystery line wasn't the best though. Also Kiki goes to one exercise class loves it but never goes back and never once calls the new friend there
I liked this book and the chance to see some of the characters before they were older. The mystery line wasn't the best though. Also Kiki goes to one exercise class loves it but never goes back and never once calls the new friend there
September 21, 2022
I've been a fan of this series for a long time, so this prequel caught my eye. It was fun going back in time to when everything began for Kiki, Anya and George. Her MIL has apparently always been as annoying as she is later in the series, and I don't think I would be as tolerant of it as Kiki is.
There were some obvious suspects to consider here, and I was thrilled that the killer was actually on my list, although nowhere near the top. Given their identity, the motive made sense, but I'm not sure I would ever have guessed it. Now I can jump ahead to where I left off in the series and read what appear to be the final two books :)
There were some obvious suspects to consider here, and I was thrilled that the killer was actually on my list, although nowhere near the top. Given their identity, the motive made sense, but I'm not sure I would ever have guessed it. Now I can jump ahead to where I left off in the series and read what appear to be the final two books :)
April 9, 2024
I am far from certain this is a series I will continue with. The main character pretty much let everyone talk down to her, she had extremely little self-confidence, and she thinks her husband is cheating on her (LOTS of clue to that one). In the meantime, all she thought about was food and how she needed to protect her husband. Him, I think I liked one time, maybe two, in the book. there were occasional flashes of a decent story, and it wasn't easy to guess the murderer until she was actually introduced into the storyline. I did finish, but I also considered stopping the book a couple times. I don't think this one's for me.
July 12, 2024
Prequel to a great series
First, this is a book with a mystery that gets solved. Cudos to the author. Most prequels I read are short, under 100 pages. This is not a long book, but it is more than a novella. And it had a great mystery. More importantly, it sets the character background for Kiki, her husband, and her mother-in-law. These are not healthy relationships. Kiki is a wonderful woman who allows others to walk all over her. Here is hoping for a lot of character growth throughout this series. BTW, I loved this book. It had a lot of feels and put me squarely in Kiki's corner.
First, this is a book with a mystery that gets solved. Cudos to the author. Most prequels I read are short, under 100 pages. This is not a long book, but it is more than a novella. And it had a great mystery. More importantly, it sets the character background for Kiki, her husband, and her mother-in-law. These are not healthy relationships. Kiki is a wonderful woman who allows others to walk all over her. Here is hoping for a lot of character growth throughout this series. BTW, I loved this book. It had a lot of feels and put me squarely in Kiki's corner.
Read
June 21, 2025I cannot rate this~ I could, but it would seem petty. There are issues with this book~ a toddler over the age of two who isn’t potty trained, who is treated like an infant, the stereotypical woe is me, my husband is a cheater, but also a prince for marrying me when I got pregnant from my first experience of sex, and whining of the main character, and many more~ these problems are only bearable due to the concept of audio book delivery~ moving on to book one~ if I wasn’t a paper crafter/scrapbooker, this series (after listening to this prequel, would be a hard past!)
July 7, 2023
A Joanna Campbell Slan Intriguing Mystery
This Prequel to the series is a very entertaining story. The characters are well developed and realistic, with the exception of Kiki's neighbors. Their a little over the top, but that's what makes it more fun. I never figured out who the murderer was until the end. Now that was a huge surprise for me. Can't wait to continue with Kiki's story.
This Prequel to the series is a very entertaining story. The characters are well developed and realistic, with the exception of Kiki's neighbors. Their a little over the top, but that's what makes it more fun. I never figured out who the murderer was until the end. Now that was a huge surprise for me. Can't wait to continue with Kiki's story.
November 1, 2023
Move in! Challenges abound for the newlywed in the new house. A murder, too?
Chatting written, you are easily drawn unto the plot of LOVE, DIE, NEIGHBOR by Joanna Campbell Slan. The clues are discovered as you watch the so normal characters interact. A murderer will be caught as you move into this neighborhood and start collecting clues before you even are sure there's Ben a crime! A clue here, A distraction there, it piles up. But who did what and why??? Can we be certain??
Chatting written, you are easily drawn unto the plot of LOVE, DIE, NEIGHBOR by Joanna Campbell Slan. The clues are discovered as you watch the so normal characters interact. A murderer will be caught as you move into this neighborhood and start collecting clues before you even are sure there's Ben a crime! A clue here, A distraction there, it piles up. But who did what and why??? Can we be certain??
September 8, 2022
I really enjoyed the bulky introductory novel about Kiki Lowenstein and her circle of acquaintances who consisted mostly of neighbors besides her husband and child who were supporters - through every chapter and held on to the suspense in all forms until the epilogue - wow!! I'm looking to browse the other books although I read Book 2 & 3 mostly. Keep on writing, lady!!
September 17, 2023
Young mom finds murder clues
A young mother suspects her husband of infidelity, but is sure he is not the one who killed their new neighbor. As she struggles with self image, setting up the new house, and her snobbish mother-in-law, Kiki discovers clues to the identity of the murderer.
A young mother suspects her husband of infidelity, but is sure he is not the one who killed their new neighbor. As she struggles with self image, setting up the new house, and her snobbish mother-in-law, Kiki discovers clues to the identity of the murderer.
May 9, 2025
What a fun prequel! Anya is not quite 2.5 years old, Kiki meets Mert for the first time, and one of my favorite lines was: "I swore right then and there that, if I ever had the chance to teach other people a skill, I'd do my best to make them feel good about themselves - even if they never learned a thing, they would leave feeling upbeat."
April 2, 2022
The title annoys me, but the story is quite good. As a prequel, I suspect it is setting the scene for others in the series and introducing characters who will become part of the texts, but it flowed well, and it had me guessing for some time.
June 21, 2022
love die neighbor
Great series starter. I loved the baby Anya and her reactions to what went on around her. I love the way the author writes and have started reading anything she writes.
Great series starter. I loved the baby Anya and her reactions to what went on around her. I love the way the author writes and have started reading anything she writes.
November 9, 2023
Well plotted intrigue
Ms. Slan has created wonderful cozy, full of interesting characters. Her officers are intelligent and her main character is an ordinary woman just trying to figure it out for her family's safety.
Ms. Slan has created wonderful cozy, full of interesting characters. Her officers are intelligent and her main character is an ordinary woman just trying to figure it out for her family's safety.
May 25, 2022
Very good mystery and well written.
November 25, 2023
Narrator voice is irritating
May 9, 2025
This was an exciting story with lots of sad romance and angst in addition to a murder. I am really enjoying the Kiki Lowenstein series. The writing is excellent and the characters are fun.
September 11, 2025
I am now such a Kiki fan. Will be reading more of Kiki in the future.
September 17, 2023
3.5 stars
June 14, 2018
Love, Die, Neighbor is the prequel to the Kiki
Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mysteries.
We meet Kiki as she moves into their unfinished
new home. There is no way for Kiki to clean up
when the workmen are still getting sawdust and
dirt all over the house. Plus Kiki must take care
of her young child especially keeping her safe
in the house finishing environment. This wears
on Kiki especially being in a new neighborhood
and having one neighborhood family treat her
like dirt. She starts feeling the loneliness of
trying to do all and not being appreciated. Her
husband and mother-in-law keep harping on
her to clean up, get a maid like she wasn’t trying.
Then one day she goes decides to leave the baby
with her husband and go to the gym to dancing
class. Before class she goes shopping and buys
several scrapbooks and gets a positive attitude.
There is a murder on her street and Kiki gets
involved with solving it and is lucky to avoid ending
up as a second victim.
This book introduces Kiki as a normal, everyday
person. Her character develops as you read her
story. All the supporting cast of characters are very
well fleshed, colorful, quirky and very interesting
to meet.
The plot is well written with a good list of suspects.
A quick read with short chapters to hold your
attention from beginning until the final word.
Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mysteries.
We meet Kiki as she moves into their unfinished
new home. There is no way for Kiki to clean up
when the workmen are still getting sawdust and
dirt all over the house. Plus Kiki must take care
of her young child especially keeping her safe
in the house finishing environment. This wears
on Kiki especially being in a new neighborhood
and having one neighborhood family treat her
like dirt. She starts feeling the loneliness of
trying to do all and not being appreciated. Her
husband and mother-in-law keep harping on
her to clean up, get a maid like she wasn’t trying.
Then one day she goes decides to leave the baby
with her husband and go to the gym to dancing
class. Before class she goes shopping and buys
several scrapbooks and gets a positive attitude.
There is a murder on her street and Kiki gets
involved with solving it and is lucky to avoid ending
up as a second victim.
This book introduces Kiki as a normal, everyday
person. Her character develops as you read her
story. All the supporting cast of characters are very
well fleshed, colorful, quirky and very interesting
to meet.
The plot is well written with a good list of suspects.
A quick read with short chapters to hold your
attention from beginning until the final word.
January 23, 2017
A stand-alone prequel which makes you want to continue reading the series!
This is a prequel to the Kiki Lowenstein series, yet it can stand alone since you will want to continue with the series after reading this book! A great cozy mystery with a very sympathetic protagonist. Joanna creates her main character complete with real feelings and insecurities which we all can relate to. Kiki has low self-esteem aided by a bombastic mother-in-law who treats her with distain and a husband who treats her like the hired help, yet dotes on his baby daughter without being a part of her care. Yet, when it comes to protecting her family from being accused of the mysterious murder of a neighbor who took a dislike to her family, Kiki turns into a Mama Bear! I can't wait to read more in this series to see how Kiki, with the help of her new friends developes into a stronger personality. This book was well written with a good mystery, great characters and an easy flow. I received a copy of this book from the author, but leave this review as my own unsolicited voluntary opinion.
This is a prequel to the Kiki Lowenstein series, yet it can stand alone since you will want to continue with the series after reading this book! A great cozy mystery with a very sympathetic protagonist. Joanna creates her main character complete with real feelings and insecurities which we all can relate to. Kiki has low self-esteem aided by a bombastic mother-in-law who treats her with distain and a husband who treats her like the hired help, yet dotes on his baby daughter without being a part of her care. Yet, when it comes to protecting her family from being accused of the mysterious murder of a neighbor who took a dislike to her family, Kiki turns into a Mama Bear! I can't wait to read more in this series to see how Kiki, with the help of her new friends developes into a stronger personality. This book was well written with a good mystery, great characters and an easy flow. I received a copy of this book from the author, but leave this review as my own unsolicited voluntary opinion.
January 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this prequel to the Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft mysteries. I have read and enjoyed this series and it was great to be able to go back and see how it all began for Kiki. Kiki is a new mother and she and her husband, George and their daughter Anya, have moved in to their almost finished new home. There are issues with the house, the neighbors and Kiki is trying to be the wife that George (and his mother) want her to be. Of course, there is also a mystery to solve and I really thought I knew who the murderer was, but I was wrong. You will also be introduced to how Mert came in to their lives. If you have or have not read this series, this is a great prequel and well worth the read. Once you read this you will want to grab book #1 (Paper, Scissors, Death) and read Kiki’s next chapter. Of course, now it has made me want to go back and read the series all over again too – lol. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it. (by paytonpuppy)
April 21, 2019
Kiki Lowenstein is a young housewife with a toddler, an unfeeling dingbat of a husband and an overbearing mother-in-law. They’ve just moved into a new home – the same day the builders finished but before it could be cleaned professionally. So it’s a perpetual mess. The lawn won’t come in because workmen continually come and go. The neighbors complain about the mess – especially the Nordstroms across the street. And hubby can’t understand why she can’t get stuff done. I felt so awful for this young mom and her struggles. But she keeps on trying - much longer than I would have. Mr. Nordstrom, a cyclist, takes a fall from his bike, and Kiki is there to call for help. But it's not a simple fall - he's apparently been poisoned, and Kiki thrown into a whirlwind as investigators try to determine who killed him and why. I really enjoyed reading this cozy mystery, and plan to read more of the series!
April 20, 2018
In this prequel to the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series, we meet Kiki, a mere 22 years old and find out how she happened to get married. Her husband George has built a beautiful, big house in a desirable (?) neighborhood so they can raise their daughter Anya. They move in just as the construction ends and before the clean-up. George assigns the cleaning and unpacking to Kiki, who can't seem to attack the problem with Anya to care for.
At first I thought I might set this aside because in the Kiki stories, granted this is only my second one, things seem to either happen all at once, like when Kiki carrying her naked baby to the bath when the smoke alarm goes off and the police show up at her door, or like in the previous book, when people persistently put Kiki down.
The story got better tho and I enjoyed meeting Kiki's new friends, tho I did suspect them briefly.
At first I thought I might set this aside because in the Kiki stories, granted this is only my second one, things seem to either happen all at once, like when Kiki carrying her naked baby to the bath when the smoke alarm goes off and the police show up at her door, or like in the previous book, when people persistently put Kiki down.
The story got better tho and I enjoyed meeting Kiki's new friends, tho I did suspect them briefly.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews