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Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #13
Fatal, Family, Album
After learning that their nanny isn't the person they thought she was, Kiki and her husband Detweiler must face tough decisions about childcare. And then the drive-by shooting of a forgettable woman changes everything. How far is Kiki willing to go to protect her children--and the children of a woman she's never met?
288 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2017
436 people are currently reading
269 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
163 books857 followersNational bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”
Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.
Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.
RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.
Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.
Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.
As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.
Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Website: www.JoannaSlan.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...
Twitter: @JoannaSlan
Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.
Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.
RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.
Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.
Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.
As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.
Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.
Website: www.JoannaSlan.com
Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...
Twitter: @JoannaSlan
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
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October 17, 2019EReaderNews
November 15, 2017
Family is Everything!
Wow! I’ve read all the Kiki Lowenstein books & there have been quite a few surprising twists over the years, but book 13 contains a biggie! I will not elaborate as I don’t want to give spoilers but am very pleased the way this was handled. I can empathize with Kiki’s angst as she tries to navigate through this difficult time. I miss Kiki’s mother-in-law Sheila & hope she’ll return soon. Definitely a worthwhile read. Caused me to re-evaluate certain ideas & feelings I have.
Wow! I’ve read all the Kiki Lowenstein books & there have been quite a few surprising twists over the years, but book 13 contains a biggie! I will not elaborate as I don’t want to give spoilers but am very pleased the way this was handled. I can empathize with Kiki’s angst as she tries to navigate through this difficult time. I miss Kiki’s mother-in-law Sheila & hope she’ll return soon. Definitely a worthwhile read. Caused me to re-evaluate certain ideas & feelings I have.
March 8, 2018
Not my cup of tea. Books 1-12 were great, except #3. Loved them. Their focus was scrapbooking, murder, & mystery. This one focused too much on Brawny & her gender issues. Felt like this book was a platform for this issue instead of Kiki & her adventures. Sorry Joanna, but you lost me after this one.
November 1, 2021
I’m taking a break from this series. After reading this I’m just shaking my head. I truly think this author should write soap operas
September 7, 2022
Meh I have mixed feelings about this one. I'm still bothered by the many editing issues. But beyond that on this one much of the story felt ludicrous. The entire fire situation was so ridiculous and then supposedly the sprinkler system kicked in and then off just as fast.. not to mention the death in this one just was waaaaaay out on a limb. And there's sooooo much about the scene with the totals that screams fake. There's no way half of that could have happened the way it did. This one just bugged me more than normal.
December 24, 2022
A terrific book in a terrific series. I love Kiki, Detweiler, the kids, and Brawny. Plus all the side characters. I kind of miss Sheila and Robbie. How long is Sheila going to be in rehab?
I loved this story line about gender identification and treating each other with respect. Oh and throw in sibling rivalry, a great mystery and animal rights and you have an amazingly wonderful book that will keep you turning the pages.
I loved this story line about gender identification and treating each other with respect. Oh and throw in sibling rivalry, a great mystery and animal rights and you have an amazingly wonderful book that will keep you turning the pages.
August 15, 2022
For the most part this was an action-packed and exciting read, which was another excellent addition to the series. But I did find it irritating that only two out of William and Kate’s children were actually mentioned when I would have expected all 3 to be (I know it’s just a small thing, but it bugged me). I did love this book though, and look forward to the next one in the series.
March 25, 2022
A good read!
I enjoy following the same characters through the series. It keeps the story line easier to follow and entices me to read the next book in the series. I really enjoy Joanna Campbell's books.
I enjoy following the same characters through the series. It keeps the story line easier to follow and entices me to read the next book in the series. I really enjoy Joanna Campbell's books.
February 19, 2022
Great series
If you have things to do, don't get involved with this series. You will neglect everything to read these books. I finally had to do wash yesterday.
If you have things to do, don't get involved with this series. You will neglect everything to read these books. I finally had to do wash yesterday.
July 16, 2022
Bronwyn- Bruce??? What a Biology Project!!! Who killed Nancy Owens and why??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
July 24, 2022
Good read
Boy this one had a really tough issue to deal with on top of everything else. I like how things played out. I look forward to the next book very much.
Boy this one had a really tough issue to deal with on top of everything else. I like how things played out. I look forward to the next book very much.
August 20, 2023
Great topic involving Brawny and including the royal family
January 29, 2024
Good read, touches on different subjects, upbeat, who done it
June 25, 2024
I am enjoying the series but sometimes I really do not understand how Kiki thinks.
November 8, 2024
Another fun Kiki read!
More fun and hi-jinx with Kiki and family and royalty. I love this series, it is my go to relaxation!
More fun and hi-jinx with Kiki and family and royalty. I love this series, it is my go to relaxation!
November 10, 2024
Fatal,Family, Album
Very good series, I have read13 of I can't get enough of this series. They are funny . sometimes Kiki get on my last nerves. Worries about everything.
Very good series, I have read13 of I can't get enough of this series. They are funny . sometimes Kiki get on my last nerves. Worries about everything.
May 9, 2025
This was an exciting story with lots of 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.
May 30, 2025
went way off thr rails
September 26, 2025
The story was good but there were a couple of places in this novel where I just really was angry with Kiki.
Read
August 25, 2021Murder
As usual Kiki gets mixed up in another murder. One of her customers is shot in the head up close and personal. The Royal family is coming to St Louis to the Zoo to see the black rhinos that are there. Prince William is interested in the endangered animal because they are wanting to put some in a zoo in Africa. Kiki's customer was on the board at the zoo. No!I has to figure out who killed her and stole the $1,000,000,000 cashier check that was to be presented to the Prince.Read!!!!
As usual Kiki gets mixed up in another murder. One of her customers is shot in the head up close and personal. The Royal family is coming to St Louis to the Zoo to see the black rhinos that are there. Prince William is interested in the endangered animal because they are wanting to put some in a zoo in Africa. Kiki's customer was on the board at the zoo. No!I has to figure out who killed her and stole the $1,000,000,000 cashier check that was to be presented to the Prince.Read!!!!
January 12, 2021
I highly recommend Fatal, Family, Album and every other book in the Kiki Lowenstein series. I can't believe I haven't reviewed this book before now. This thirteen book in the Scrap-n-Craft series, like all of the books in this series, is exceptional and contains the unexpected. Just like in real life, not everything is easy but love and trust go a long way in making them easier. While the mystery is good, the sad history that Brawny has faced is what makes this book a stand above so many good cozy mysteries. If you are new to the series, I don't think this is the book to start with but it is excellent. This is a series that builds on the past even though the books can be read as stand-alone novels, watching Kiki grow from a somewhat timid homemaker to the woman of strength and weaknesses with friends who will make sure she knows when she messes up. I appreciate that all she has been through and the friendships she has built have led her to be stronger and less judgmental person. The intensity of the mysteries varies from book but that is fine with me because it is the characters that make a book a success.
February 15, 2020
Not a Fan
I have enjoyed most of the books in this series. They are easy reads, and an enjoyable way to pass a few hours. However, this one was lacking for me. It just went on and on with very little storyline. At one point, I stopped and was just trying to figure out WHAT I was reading. Several storylines have just been dropped, some are unfinished. It just felt like it was taking forever, going nowhere, and then WHAM! Conclusion! Not sure if there will be more in this series, but I hope the next one is a little more organized, and not just KiKi going through the motions.
I have enjoyed most of the books in this series. They are easy reads, and an enjoyable way to pass a few hours. However, this one was lacking for me. It just went on and on with very little storyline. At one point, I stopped and was just trying to figure out WHAT I was reading. Several storylines have just been dropped, some are unfinished. It just felt like it was taking forever, going nowhere, and then WHAM! Conclusion! Not sure if there will be more in this series, but I hope the next one is a little more organized, and not just KiKi going through the motions.
March 10, 2018
Ended ok
It really bothers me that she referred to Brawny as an “it.” She never revisits it despite all her growth and understanding. You shouldn’t refer to a person as an “it.” That could have been handled better and I also hate the tone of “at least she’s not transgender” because apparently that would have been too much. So what if she was? At least she came around to respecting Brawny in the end but this could have gone better. I almost stopped reading. The plot felt forced and the mystery a bit flimsy.
It really bothers me that she referred to Brawny as an “it.” She never revisits it despite all her growth and understanding. You shouldn’t refer to a person as an “it.” That could have been handled better and I also hate the tone of “at least she’s not transgender” because apparently that would have been too much. So what if she was? At least she came around to respecting Brawny in the end but this could have gone better. I almost stopped reading. The plot felt forced and the mystery a bit flimsy.
November 15, 2017
Great read
I have loved this series from book 1 and now with 13 I love it even more Joanna Campbell Slan has written about important things before and this one will teach you a lot about a subject not many people know about and in a wonderful way and still keep it a great cozy with characters you love and a story to keep you turning the page great job Joanna and thank you and BRAVO
I have loved this series from book 1 and now with 13 I love it even more Joanna Campbell Slan has written about important things before and this one will teach you a lot about a subject not many people know about and in a wonderful way and still keep it a great cozy with characters you love and a story to keep you turning the page great job Joanna and thank you and BRAVO
November 20, 2017
PLEASE MAY WE HAVE MORE MRS?
You simply must go beyond 13 , such an awkward place to stop.
I like so many others adore this series and am introducing. Darling KIKI and all these wonderful
characters to my 30 yr. old other of 3 who works over 70 hours z week.
Shana has so much in common with KIKI , including very young widowhood ,
that she will fall in LOVE with the antics , characters , etc.
More than 5 stars.
CAROL VANATTA
justcva46@gmail.com
You simply must go beyond 13 , such an awkward place to stop.
I like so many others adore this series and am introducing. Darling KIKI and all these wonderful
characters to my 30 yr. old other of 3 who works over 70 hours z week.
Shana has so much in common with KIKI , including very young widowhood ,
that she will fall in LOVE with the antics , characters , etc.
More than 5 stars.
CAROL VANATTA
justcva46@gmail.com
November 21, 2017
Awesome mystery series
This is an outstanding mystery series. It has a bit of everything, laughter, tears, joy and love. I fell in love with this series because it brings up many social questions and then helps you understand them.
If you're a mystery lover I highly recommend this series. I read all of the books in less than three days. I just couldn't stop. I hope there will be more to come.
This is an outstanding mystery series. It has a bit of everything, laughter, tears, joy and love. I fell in love with this series because it brings up many social questions and then helps you understand them.
If you're a mystery lover I highly recommend this series. I read all of the books in less than three days. I just couldn't stop. I hope there will be more to come.
December 4, 2017
Mixing crafts with mystery
Kiki has settled into the new routines of her expanded family, until the FBI comes to talk to her nanny, Brawny. It seems that Brawny isn’t exactly who they thought she was, which throws the family into turmoil. At the same time, a customer is murdered before she can present Prince William with a check for endangered rhinos. Eventually all these things are found to tie into each other.
Kiki has settled into the new routines of her expanded family, until the FBI comes to talk to her nanny, Brawny. It seems that Brawny isn’t exactly who they thought she was, which throws the family into turmoil. At the same time, a customer is murdered before she can present Prince William with a check for endangered rhinos. Eventually all these things are found to tie into each other.
December 10, 2017
Kiki learns secrets about their nanny Brawny, goes through having Anya run away to stay with the Moore's, a fire at Time in a Bottle, Detweiler working late to prepare for the Royals visit to St. Louis, stomach bugs fr Erik and Ty and penguins. So pretty much normal craziness for Kiki Lowenstein.
I love this series. Only Joanna Campbell Slan could take all the elements above and make an enjoyable and entertaining mystery.
I love this series. Only Joanna Campbell Slan could take all the elements above and make an enjoyable and entertaining mystery.
August 1, 2020
Kiki Lowenstein series
I really enjoyed this number thirteen in the Kiki Lowenstein series. This one tackled some serious issues such as gender confusion and blended families, but did it with grace and humor. Kiki and Detweiler’s family is growing, but she is still all in on solving mysteries. Can be read as a stand alone, but really good if you have gotten to know Kiki and her group of friends.
I really enjoyed this number thirteen in the Kiki Lowenstein series. This one tackled some serious issues such as gender confusion and blended families, but did it with grace and humor. Kiki and Detweiler’s family is growing, but she is still all in on solving mysteries. Can be read as a stand alone, but really good if you have gotten to know Kiki and her group of friends.
November 16, 2017
A Wonderful Read!
I've read all the Kiki Lowenstein books and enjoyed them all. This new addition to the series is terrific. The characters are real, not perfect, but great to know. The plot developments concerning Brawny give this book a deeper value. Looking forward to the next book!
I've read all the Kiki Lowenstein books and enjoyed them all. This new addition to the series is terrific. The characters are real, not perfect, but great to know. The plot developments concerning Brawny give this book a deeper value. Looking forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews