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Kiki Lowenstein Cozy Mystery Series #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
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
172 books879 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 83 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
July 27, 2026
"Love, Die, Neighbor" is the prequel book in the "Kiki Lowenstein Cozy Mystery" series by Joanna Campbell Slan. This was a great book with a good mystery to it. I enjoyed seeing Kiki trying to figure out who did it. There were a ton of clues to follow, and the one that did it was definitely not the one I guessed. I loved the scene where Kiki told her husband he was going to watch their daughter.
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
July 17, 2026
Kiki Lowenstein is a busy twenty-something wife and mother in St. Louis. She is busy taking care of her young toddler, Anya, while settling into a McMansion four thousand square foot house. With no family nearby, she tries her best to befriend her neighbors the Nordstroms, but to no avail. When Sven Nordstrom falls off his racing bike and dies shortly afterward, she becomes an amateur sleuth. Kiki is a likable character who is easy to root for. She just wants to make a few new friends and feel safe in her new neighborhood. When the author wrote, she "noticed a book called Scrapbook Storytelling by Joanna Campbell Slan", I smiled and knew that Kiki was my kind of person! After reading Love, Die, and Neighbor, I look forward to more adventures in this series.
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!)
August 1, 2026
Kiki Lowenstein is a great series
Although I have read and thoroughly enjoyed most of the series written by Joanna Campbell Slan the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series is my favorite. I can identify with her characters on various levels and put myself if Kiki’s shoes. Joanne makes her characters very believable and they come alive under her penmanship! It has been quite a while since I read this series and now that I’ve just read the prequel, I believe I will now go back and enjoy it all over again. I’d love yet another installment. My gratitude to this talented writer.
Although I have read and thoroughly enjoyed most of the series written by Joanna Campbell Slan the Kiki Lowenstein mystery series is my favorite. I can identify with her characters on various levels and put myself if Kiki’s shoes. Joanne makes her characters very believable and they come alive under her penmanship! It has been quite a while since I read this series and now that I’ve just read the prequel, I believe I will now go back and enjoy it all over again. I’d love yet another installment. My gratitude to this talented writer.
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??
June 23, 2026
poor writing
I found Kiki to be a doormat. Her husband and mother-in-law treat her like garbage and she cow tows to them. As far as the mystery goes…….it doesn’t. The writing is so bad. The conversations with Kiki and the detective were ridiculous. He questions her about a murder, she comes up with theories and the detective tells her too many details. The entire story revolves around cleaning Kiki’s house and the murderer is caught completely by chance.
I found Kiki to be a doormat. Her husband and mother-in-law treat her like garbage and she cow tows to them. As far as the mystery goes…….it doesn’t. The writing is so bad. The conversations with Kiki and the detective were ridiculous. He questions her about a murder, she comes up with theories and the detective tells her too many details. The entire story revolves around cleaning Kiki’s house and the murderer is caught completely by chance.
July 4, 2026
Kiki is settling into her new home while caring for a toddler. Her husband wants her to make friends in the neighborhood. But everyone is a bit strange. Then her neighbor is dead, the police at her door, and she has to wonder what her husband is up too. It’s a lot to figure out while unpacking boxes. I really loved Kiki’s spirit as she figured a way through everything going on around her. This is a fun cozy mystery series. #CMCon27
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.
June 5, 2026
As always, Kiki Lowenstein books are always entertaining!
September 11, 2025
I am now such a Kiki fan. Will be reading more of Kiki in the future.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews