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A Scrapbooking Mystery #16
Mumbo Gumbo Murder
A shocking murder strikes a sour note during Jazz Fest in the latest New Orleans Scrapbooking Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.
It's Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre are parading through the French Quarter. Some are very spooky and veiled, others are tall and gangly, like strange aliens.
As the parade proceeds, Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava, follow behind, down Royal Street and past the food booths. Suddenly, they hear a terrible crash from Devon Dowling's antiques shop. They rush inside to find Devon collapsed with blood streaming down the side of his face. Has he been shot? Stabbed? 911 is hastily called, and the police and EMTs show up. After the police examine Devon's body, they tell Carmela and Ava that their friend was murdered with an icepick. They're shocked beyond belief—and now Mimi, Devon's little pug, is left homeless.
Carmela and Ava are determined to catch the murderer, but the list of suspects is long. How long do they have before they find themselves on the killer's list?
It's Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre are parading through the French Quarter. Some are very spooky and veiled, others are tall and gangly, like strange aliens.
As the parade proceeds, Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava, follow behind, down Royal Street and past the food booths. Suddenly, they hear a terrible crash from Devon Dowling's antiques shop. They rush inside to find Devon collapsed with blood streaming down the side of his face. Has he been shot? Stabbed? 911 is hastily called, and the police and EMTs show up. After the police examine Devon's body, they tell Carmela and Ava that their friend was murdered with an icepick. They're shocked beyond belief—and now Mimi, Devon's little pug, is left homeless.
Carmela and Ava are determined to catch the murderer, but the list of suspects is long. How long do they have before they find themselves on the killer's list?
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 2019
224 people are currently reading
798 people want to read
About the author
Laura Childs
93 books2,253 followersLaura Childs is a pseudonym for Gerry Schmitt and she is the best-selling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbook Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO/Creative Director of her own marketing firm and authored several screenplays. She is married to a professor of Chinese art history, loves to travel, rides horses, enjoys fund raising for various non-profits, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
Laura specializes in cozy mysteries that have the pace of a thriller (a thrillzy!) Her three series are:
The Tea Shop Mysteries - set in the historic district of Charleston and featuring Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop. Theodosia is a savvy entrepreneur, and pet mom to service dog Earl Grey. She's also an intelligent, focused amateur sleuth who doesn't rely on coincidences or inept police work to solve crimes. This charming series is highly atmospheric and rife with the history and mystery that is Charleston.
The Scrapbooking Mysteries - a slightly edgier series that take place in New Orleans. The main character, Carmela, owns Memory Mine scrapbooking shop in the French Quarter and is forever getting into trouble with her friend, Ava, who owns the Juju Voodoo shop. New Orleans' spooky above-ground cemeteries, jazz clubs, bayous, and Mardi Gras madness make their presence known here!
The Cackleberry Club Mysteries - set in Kindred, a fictional town in the Midwest. In a rehabbed Spur station, Suzanne, Toni, and Petra, three semi-desperate, forty-plus women have launched the Cackleberry Club. Eggs are the morning specialty here and this cozy cafe even offers a book nook and yarn shop. Business is good but murder could lead to the cafe's undoing! This series offers recipes, knitting, cake decorating, and a dash of spirituality.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
September 14, 2019
I jumped in to this series “late” but I still had so much fun with Mumbo Gumbo Murder for a cozy change of pace. A New Orleans setting and scrapbooking? What’s not to love? I was intrigued by how the author would incorporate scrapbooking into a murder mystery, and I like the way she carried it out. Carmela and Ava are fun characters with a great dynamic between them. This was a solidly entertaining cozy, and I would definitely read more from Laura Childs and this series in the future.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
January 26, 2020
Carmela Bertrand is 'the French Quarter's very own Nancy Drew.' lol This cozy mystery is set in New Orleans where Carmela owns a scrapbooking shop and is engaged to police officer, Edgar Babcock.
She and her sidekick Ava are enjoying Jazz Fest and looking for something good to eat on Royal Street when they pass the antiques shop belonging to their friend, Devon Dowling. Suddenly the front window explodes. Rushing inside, they find Devon on the floor in a pool of blood. Who would want to murder the mild-mannered entrepreneur? Could it be his assistant? Or the building's owner who wants to turn it into condos? The wealthy man whose latest art acquisition Devon found to be stolen goods? Or was it just a robbery gone very wrong?
Carmela and Ava are determined to learn the truth...but Officer Babcock is just as determined to keep them from sticking their cute little noses where they don't belong. (Note: To me, Babcock is just too controlling, possessive and jealous--I couldn't stand that if I were Carmela.)
Laura Childs is a very entertaining writer. Filled with lots of humor and intriguing developments in the mystery, the plot moves along quickly. If you are a craft lover, you'll also enjoy all the descriptions of projects. Bonus: a few scrapbook, stamping and craft tips are included at the end of the book, along with some scrumptious-sounding New Orleans recipes.
Having just visited New Orleans in December. I nabbed this book from my library's new book shelf when I saw that it is set in New Orleans. Even though it's #16 in the series, I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone and thoroughly enjoyed walking through the French Quarter and the Garden District once again in the pages of this book. I will definitely check out the rest of the series now.
Some zydeco music for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZiGO...
She and her sidekick Ava are enjoying Jazz Fest and looking for something good to eat on Royal Street when they pass the antiques shop belonging to their friend, Devon Dowling. Suddenly the front window explodes. Rushing inside, they find Devon on the floor in a pool of blood. Who would want to murder the mild-mannered entrepreneur? Could it be his assistant? Or the building's owner who wants to turn it into condos? The wealthy man whose latest art acquisition Devon found to be stolen goods? Or was it just a robbery gone very wrong?
Carmela and Ava are determined to learn the truth...but Officer Babcock is just as determined to keep them from sticking their cute little noses where they don't belong. (Note: To me, Babcock is just too controlling, possessive and jealous--I couldn't stand that if I were Carmela.)
Laura Childs is a very entertaining writer. Filled with lots of humor and intriguing developments in the mystery, the plot moves along quickly. If you are a craft lover, you'll also enjoy all the descriptions of projects. Bonus: a few scrapbook, stamping and craft tips are included at the end of the book, along with some scrumptious-sounding New Orleans recipes.
Having just visited New Orleans in December. I nabbed this book from my library's new book shelf when I saw that it is set in New Orleans. Even though it's #16 in the series, I had no trouble reading it as a stand-alone and thoroughly enjoyed walking through the French Quarter and the Garden District once again in the pages of this book. I will definitely check out the rest of the series now.
Some zydeco music for you: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZiGO...
November 1, 2019
Get set for a creepy romp through the French Quarter with Carmella Bertrand and her best friend, Ava Gruiex in Book 16 of the Scrapbooking Mysteries. Vampires, beastly puppets, wild party crashing, and two ghastly Murder scenes surround these friends as they roam the streets of New Orleans during Jazz Fest. The plot is top-notch, and the action is non-stop. Scrapbooking tips and recipes follow the story. (Note: Contains mild cursing).
October 12, 2019
Dollycas’s Thoughts
I have to start this review by saying I started reading this series several years ago and I am usually a stickler for reading series in order so I was putting off jumping back in before I could read the books I missed. But I saw this cover and said the heck with it and took the plunge. I am so glad I did. This book was easy to read all on its own. Readers are given plenty of background and I never felt lost or like I was missing something. I really appreciate it when authors of long-running series think of new readers as well of their long-time fans. Thank you, Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran.
We arrive in New Orleans just in time for Jazz Fest featuring the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre. Carmela and Eva are enjoying the festivities when a loud crash halts the progress down Royal street. Something happened at Devon Dowling’s antique shop and Carmela and Eva push through the chaos and into the store. There they find their friend Devon unconscious on the floor amidst a mess of his wares and a scared pug. When the police arrive Devon is declared dead, murdered with an icepick. Carmela and Ava are sent on their way by Carmela’s fiancé, Detective Edgar Babcock and they take Devon’s pub, Mimi, with them. Carmela thinks the dog will help them find the killer but it may end up putting them right in the killer’sights.
Carmela Bertrand owns Memory Mine Scrapbooking Shop and her best friend, Ava Gruiex owns Juju Voodoo, think Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz set loose in New Orleans. Carmela is supposed to be setting a wedding date and teaching classes in her shop, but now she is wrapped up trying to solve a murder and Quigg Brevard has come back around setting up shop in the building next door to Memory Mine. He has decided he and Carmela would make great partners without any input from her. This does not make Babcock happy at all, in fact he is pretty livid.
These characters are expertly crafted. They practically leap off the page. We also meet some rather shady, alright, creepy characters like members of the Vampire Society and who knows who may be in those crazy puppet costumes. The friendship between Carmela and Eva is strong. Carmela’s employee Gabby tries to keep her boss honest, pointing out things Carmela should but doesn’t realize. She also mans the shop so Carmela is free to snoop. Edgar wants Carmela to stay out of his case but knows she will keep pushing the boundaries right to the end. All the interactions are realistic and the dialogue rings true. Some of it will have you laughing out loud.
The mystery itself is pretty complex and takes our amateur sleuths into some of New Orleans dicier places. They do tend to leap before they think in their quest to find Devon’s killer. It is truly a crazy ride of twists and turns filled with some dangerous antics before the exciting ending. I was totally surprised by whodunit thanks to the red herrings liberally placed throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I always get a little nervous when two really strong authors combine their talents but Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran have figured it out masterfully. The story has a nice flow and it is perfected paced. The descriptions painted vivid pictures in my mind.
Mumbo Gumbo Murder is a fun crime caper that held my interest and had me doing a bit of armchair sleuthing from the beginning to the end. I was totally entertained and I am looking forward to Book 17 – Cadmium Red Dead.
Be sure to check out the Craft Tips and Recipes at the end of the book too!
I have to start this review by saying I started reading this series several years ago and I am usually a stickler for reading series in order so I was putting off jumping back in before I could read the books I missed. But I saw this cover and said the heck with it and took the plunge. I am so glad I did. This book was easy to read all on its own. Readers are given plenty of background and I never felt lost or like I was missing something. I really appreciate it when authors of long-running series think of new readers as well of their long-time fans. Thank you, Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran.
We arrive in New Orleans just in time for Jazz Fest featuring the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre. Carmela and Eva are enjoying the festivities when a loud crash halts the progress down Royal street. Something happened at Devon Dowling’s antique shop and Carmela and Eva push through the chaos and into the store. There they find their friend Devon unconscious on the floor amidst a mess of his wares and a scared pug. When the police arrive Devon is declared dead, murdered with an icepick. Carmela and Ava are sent on their way by Carmela’s fiancé, Detective Edgar Babcock and they take Devon’s pub, Mimi, with them. Carmela thinks the dog will help them find the killer but it may end up putting them right in the killer’sights.
Carmela Bertrand owns Memory Mine Scrapbooking Shop and her best friend, Ava Gruiex owns Juju Voodoo, think Lucy Ricardo and Ethel Mertz set loose in New Orleans. Carmela is supposed to be setting a wedding date and teaching classes in her shop, but now she is wrapped up trying to solve a murder and Quigg Brevard has come back around setting up shop in the building next door to Memory Mine. He has decided he and Carmela would make great partners without any input from her. This does not make Babcock happy at all, in fact he is pretty livid.
These characters are expertly crafted. They practically leap off the page. We also meet some rather shady, alright, creepy characters like members of the Vampire Society and who knows who may be in those crazy puppet costumes. The friendship between Carmela and Eva is strong. Carmela’s employee Gabby tries to keep her boss honest, pointing out things Carmela should but doesn’t realize. She also mans the shop so Carmela is free to snoop. Edgar wants Carmela to stay out of his case but knows she will keep pushing the boundaries right to the end. All the interactions are realistic and the dialogue rings true. Some of it will have you laughing out loud.
The mystery itself is pretty complex and takes our amateur sleuths into some of New Orleans dicier places. They do tend to leap before they think in their quest to find Devon’s killer. It is truly a crazy ride of twists and turns filled with some dangerous antics before the exciting ending. I was totally surprised by whodunit thanks to the red herrings liberally placed throughout the story.
I really enjoyed the way the story unfolded. I always get a little nervous when two really strong authors combine their talents but Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran have figured it out masterfully. The story has a nice flow and it is perfected paced. The descriptions painted vivid pictures in my mind.
Mumbo Gumbo Murder is a fun crime caper that held my interest and had me doing a bit of armchair sleuthing from the beginning to the end. I was totally entertained and I am looking forward to Book 17 – Cadmium Red Dead.
Be sure to check out the Craft Tips and Recipes at the end of the book too!
October 2, 2019
Oh man, Laura Childs really knows how to write a good Cozy Mystery series. I’ve been reading her other series, the Teashop Mystery series, and have really fallen in love with her writing style. So when I jumped back into this world, I realized just how much I enjoy her ability to change styles so easily.
This series is a lot more crazy and fun but still contains so much great conflict and mystery. I absolutely love the New Orleans backdrop of this series because it brings a totally fresh vibe and when you pair that with Childs’s writing, you really get something special.
I really don’t know how to express how much I enjoyed MUMBO GUMBO MURDER but it’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year! Packed with intrigue and mystery, this book has so amazing things in it. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes bright characters and mysterious settings because it truly is different from the other Cozy Mystery series I’ve read. In fact, out of all of Childs’s series, this one just might be my favorite.
MUMBO GUMBO MURDER is definitely a home run and I’ll be keeping this baby on my keeper shelf for the next years to come!
October 19, 2019
Could not even finish this book. A store owner across from Carmela and Gabby's shop is killed. Carmela is drawn in, her fiance, Edgar, the investigating detective, doesn't want her involved, and old boyfriend cons her into managing his new restaurant next to her shop, and she can't figure out how to say no. I could not get to a point where I cared about her, her people or the murder, or how it was done, or by whom. Fairly terrible, and I have read a couple of Child's tea shop mysteries, which weren't so bad. Not recommended.
October 21, 2019
This might be the last one in this series for me. Maybe I am getting pickier or maybe Carmen is getting dumber. I don't know. But several of the choices she made were just beyond stupid. On top of that, the timeline for what happened each day just didn't make any sense.
September 29, 2019
Mumbo Gumbo Murder by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran is the 16th A Scrapbooking Mystery. Carmela Bertrand and Ava Gruiex finished watching the kick-off parade for Jazz Fest and went to Royal Street where a street fair is taking place. They hear glass breaking along with shouting and rush to investigate. At Dulcimers Antiques owned by Devon Dowling, they find the shop is a mess with Devon dead on the Persian carpet. Carmela wants to know what happened to her friend and sets out to get answers despite the warning from her fiancé, Detective Edgar Babcock. Mumbo Gumbo Murder is a delightfully entertaining cozy mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series, but you would be missing out on some charming cozy mysteries. I thought Mumbo Gumbo Murder was well-written with developed characters and a wonderful setting (New Orleans). The descriptions brought the city alive for me. Carmela Bertrand owns Memory Mine Scrapbooking Shop in the French Quarter which she runs with the assistance of Gabby Mercer-Morris. Carmela is a creative and clever woman who has two dogs (maybe three now), divorced, and has a penchant for getting into fixes. Ava Gruiex is Carmela’s best friend who owns Juju Voodoo and likes to wear tight, revealing clothing plus she is outrageous (never met a man she wouldn’t flirt with). I enjoy the dialogue between Carmela and Ava. They are a fun duo whose antics will have you laughing. Ava decides to consult a matchmaker so she can find a good man. Carmela finds herself roped into Quigg Brevard’s new venture. She likes the idea and so does everyone else except Edgar Babcock. Edgar wants Carmela to set the wedding date and begin planning their nuptials. Carmela wants to marry Edgar, but something (like her disastrous first marriage) is holding her back. I had to laugh when Edgar mentioned getting bow ties for the two dogs (they need to be appropriately attired for the wedding). Carmela works on some creative projects at Memory Mine including a paper theater and I was drooling over the descriptions of the items in Memory Mine (hundreds of papers, stamps, Paperclay, ribbon, and so much more). There is even a mention of one of my favorite magazine companies, Somerset Studio. The murder of Devon Dowling has Carmela asking questions, digging up clues, and prying information out of Edgar. There is misdirection along with direct clues. I wish, though, that I had not been able to identify the killer so early in the story plus there were unanswered questions at the end. I hope we hear wedding bells for Carmela soon. She just needs to figure out where she wishes to get married and when. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Mumbo Gumbo Murder and I look forward to Cadmium Red Dead next year. There are New Orleans recipes at the end along with Scrapbook, Stamping and Craft Tips. Two of my favorite lines from Mumbo Gumbo Murder were “Nothing like a good exorcism to set you straight again” and “I swear, this is the last time I buy Louboutin knockoffs!”. Mumbo Gumbo Murder is a pleasing cozy mystery with paper projects, wedding woes, a bowwow bystander, a mystified matchmaker, a bothersome ex-beau, and a frustrated fiancé.
July 10, 2020
I can't say I had this predicted early but after the second murder I knew who it was. Kitschy and extremely over the top, the best thing about this book isn't any of the characters or the plot itself, it's the setting. New Orleans is the stand out in this cozy mystery; not Carmela the scrapbook store owner, Detective Babcock her grumpy fiance (although to be fair I'd be more than grumpy if my fiance kept discovering bodies), Ava the stylish single romantic best friend, or any of the ten thousand suspects. New Orleans is pretty much the only good thing about this mystery, I can't believe there are FIFTEEN books in the series before you get to this one!! Carmela sure knows how to do the job better than the police apparently! Carmela and her bestie are wandering the streets, enjoying the food and drinks, while watching a street parade when they hear a window break and screaming. They rush over and discover that Carmela's friend (honestly more like acquaintance) has been killed inside his antique store. Since it's her FRIEND, obviously Carmela has to do some sleuthing - why would she ever trust her fiance - you know, the detective on the case?!?! Lots of red herrings, asides about food, crafting tips, and witty banter. Pretty banal in my opinion and I wouldn't read more in the series.
March 21, 2020
It's makes me sad to give this one star because I usually like these books a lot! (I've read them all.) But in this one Carmella does way too many ridiculously stupid and dangerous things, not to mention seriously tampering with evidence! And what was up with Babcock? He was getting over the top angry about little things that didn't really make sense and incredibly forgiving about Carmella completely ruining the chain of evidence in his murder case. Ugh.
October 27, 2020
This is the last one I will suffer through. Carmela has changed so much - she used to be competent and assertive, now she can't say no to anything and keeps too much from a man she's supposedly ready to marry.
September 19, 2019
MUMBO GUMBO MURDER, the sixteenth book in the popular Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran, is a fun romp through the streets of New Orleans during Jazz Fest. The author duo brings the French Quarter to life and the reader is treated to the sights, sounds, and tastes of this vibrant city. And oh the tastes… New Orleans is a foodie-lovers’ paradise and the protagonist, Carmela Bertrand, and her sidekick, Ava, eat and drink their way through the festival making me wish I could be there with them. I also enjoyed the parade scenes with the Beastmaster Puppets. The tidbits of information the authors provide on how the puppeteers manipulate them, especially the jumbo-sized puppets, was quite interesting. The reader is also treated to the creepy side of New Orleans through the vampire society and the voodoo shops. Ava, owner of one of the voodoo shops, adds zing to the antics she gets into with scrapbook shop owner Carmela. As a team their capers spice up the pages of this entertaining read and while it’s a mystery with murder, they often reminded me of a younger Lucy and Ethel.
While the settings, tastes, and zany antics contribute lighthearted fun, the authors still deliver a solid mystery for Carmela and Ava to solve. The action starts with a literal bang from the very beginning and continues with page-turning intrigue. Even though Carmela is engaged to Detective Edgar Babcock, who begs her not to get involved, she still manages to insert herself into the thick of the investigation. This time it’s her antiques dealing friend who is murdered and after rescuing the dead man’s adorable pug, she can’t help but want to find out who ended his life. Could his death be related to the rumors swirling around that he owned a piece of President Lincoln’s coat, worn on the night of his assassination? Or was there something of value hidden away in his shop that was worth killing for? As Carmela asks questions and listens to gossip, while eating her way through town, the suspect lists grows. With an action-packed conclusion, Ms. Childs and Ms. Moran provide a satisfactory end to a highly entertaining read.
Like I mentioned before, New Orleans is a food-lovers’ paradise. Fortunate for the reader, the authors include several recipes at the back of the book along with scrapbooking tips and craft ideas.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
While the settings, tastes, and zany antics contribute lighthearted fun, the authors still deliver a solid mystery for Carmela and Ava to solve. The action starts with a literal bang from the very beginning and continues with page-turning intrigue. Even though Carmela is engaged to Detective Edgar Babcock, who begs her not to get involved, she still manages to insert herself into the thick of the investigation. This time it’s her antiques dealing friend who is murdered and after rescuing the dead man’s adorable pug, she can’t help but want to find out who ended his life. Could his death be related to the rumors swirling around that he owned a piece of President Lincoln’s coat, worn on the night of his assassination? Or was there something of value hidden away in his shop that was worth killing for? As Carmela asks questions and listens to gossip, while eating her way through town, the suspect lists grows. With an action-packed conclusion, Ms. Childs and Ms. Moran provide a satisfactory end to a highly entertaining read.
Like I mentioned before, New Orleans is a food-lovers’ paradise. Fortunate for the reader, the authors include several recipes at the back of the book along with scrapbooking tips and craft ideas.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2019
Mumbo Gumbo Murder is classic Laura Childs. Lots of food, antics, and fun. This cozy is filled with plenty of atmosphere from New Orleans and the Jazz Festival. The descriptions are lively and the setting takes on a life of its own. The best news is the mystery part of the story remains a puzzler to the end. Fans of the Scrapbooking Mysteries will love to lose themselves in the chase as Carmela and Ava go on their quest to find the killer despite the stern cautions from Carmela’s hot detective boyfriend Edgar who, of course, warns her to steer clear of his murder investigation or face his wrath.
September 3, 2019
Another stellar entry in this series. It's always a treat to watch Carmela and Ava conduct their own "Nancy Drew" investigations while trying to escape Babcock's ire. Stalwart fans will love it and new readers will want to read the entire series.
November 26, 2019
The ending was very jumbled and there wasn’t answers to a lot of the puzzles otherwise the book itself was good, and what happened to the dog? Maybe “Mumbo jumbled “
October 20, 2019
Carmela Bertrand and her friend, Ava, are excited to be celebrating Jazz Fest in the French Quarter of New Orleans. They are amazed at all the huge puppets in the parade. Then, the festivities are interrupted when they hear a loud crash from Carmela’s friend’s antique shop. They rush over to help, but it’s too late. Carmela’s friend Devon Dowling has been murdered.
Carmela vows to find the killer, much to her fiance’s dismay. After all, he’s the lead detective on the case and doesn’t want her to get involved. However, she’s sure the police are looking for the culprit in all the wrong places and people would be more willing to talk to her than the police.
It doesn’t take long before she discovers the victim had many enemies. This case won’t be as easy as she hoped it would be, but that doesn’t make her any less determined. Fortunately, her best friend is by her side but are they getting too close to the killer and in danger of falling to the same fate of Devon Dowling?
I’m always excited to see a new Laura Childs’ book and I especially adore this series which she writes with Terrie Farley Moran. This writing duo always puts together an exciting new adventure for Carmela Bertrand. I practically devour these books as soon as they are released.
The characters are lively, fun, and quirky. The Scrapbook Mystery series brings New Orleans to life on each page. I’m easily transported into the story and the location. The plot moves at a fast pace. I had no clue as to who the killer was until the end. There were so many possibilities.
I came into this series halfway through it. I still need to read the first few books to catch up, but I was easily able to fall right into this series. The authors do give you some tidbits from Carmela’s past, but as with most cozy mystery series, I always feel starting at the beginning is the best way to go so you can see the character’s growth along the way. The good thing is each mystery is contained within a book. There is no cliff hanger - so you do get a complete mystery with each edition of this series.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next Scrapbooking Mystery.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Carmela vows to find the killer, much to her fiance’s dismay. After all, he’s the lead detective on the case and doesn’t want her to get involved. However, she’s sure the police are looking for the culprit in all the wrong places and people would be more willing to talk to her than the police.
It doesn’t take long before she discovers the victim had many enemies. This case won’t be as easy as she hoped it would be, but that doesn’t make her any less determined. Fortunately, her best friend is by her side but are they getting too close to the killer and in danger of falling to the same fate of Devon Dowling?
I’m always excited to see a new Laura Childs’ book and I especially adore this series which she writes with Terrie Farley Moran. This writing duo always puts together an exciting new adventure for Carmela Bertrand. I practically devour these books as soon as they are released.
The characters are lively, fun, and quirky. The Scrapbook Mystery series brings New Orleans to life on each page. I’m easily transported into the story and the location. The plot moves at a fast pace. I had no clue as to who the killer was until the end. There were so many possibilities.
I came into this series halfway through it. I still need to read the first few books to catch up, but I was easily able to fall right into this series. The authors do give you some tidbits from Carmela’s past, but as with most cozy mystery series, I always feel starting at the beginning is the best way to go so you can see the character’s growth along the way. The good thing is each mystery is contained within a book. There is no cliff hanger - so you do get a complete mystery with each edition of this series.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next Scrapbooking Mystery.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 14, 2021
Questa, se ben ricordo, è stata la prima serie cozy mystery che ho letto e mi è sempre piaciuta, ma stavolta sono un po' delusa dai personaggi principali: la protagonista agisce sempre in maniera sconsiderata e testarda fuorché quando dovrebbe evitare di farsi mettere i piedi in testa dal suo nuovo vicino di negozio; il suo fidanzato è sempre arrabbiato, ma in un certo senso lo capisco, poverino, visto quello che gli fa passare; infine, l'amica e spalla è sempre più insopportabile nella sua cretineria sempre più accentuata. Sono passati almeno un paio di anni dall'uscita di questo libro e nonostante che su alcuni siti si sia parlato di un seguito, ancora non si sa nulla: spero che sia sintomo di un tentativo di rimettere in carreggiata la serie perché ne ha bisogno.
May 3, 2024
Carmella and Ava risk life and limb in this murder mystery.
February 21, 2020
I really used to be into this series l, mainly because I love scrapbooking. I have missed the last few and jumped back in with this one, but now I remember why I stopped reading them. I do not like the main character Carmela at all, and her sidekick Ava is not much better to me. There is zero chemistry for me between the Carmela and her police detective fiancée Babcock.
If I were him, I would actually call off the wedding that she is dragging her feet on ASAP. She lies to him, sneaks around, avoids serious topics like that fact that an old “boyfriend” wants to go into business with her and on top of that she makes crazy, dangerous extremely stupid decisions trying to solve murder investigations which she is horribly inept at.
She is continuously tampering with and in this case removing evidence from crime scenes that should have been given to the police (block of cocaine!) to pursue her own angle. The stupidity of it all had me shaking my head.
I did give this two stars instead of one because I believe the writer does a decent job of actually writing when the dialogue doesn’t feel stilted like an informercial for a tourist attraction website geared towards New Orleans. But I just can’t get past how awful Carmela is and how toxic her relationships are with everyone! Even Ava her supposed best friends that she continually puts in danger.
Just no on this one for me. I may try one of the authors other series to see if the characters will be more like able so I can give a better review of her writing.
If I were him, I would actually call off the wedding that she is dragging her feet on ASAP. She lies to him, sneaks around, avoids serious topics like that fact that an old “boyfriend” wants to go into business with her and on top of that she makes crazy, dangerous extremely stupid decisions trying to solve murder investigations which she is horribly inept at.
She is continuously tampering with and in this case removing evidence from crime scenes that should have been given to the police (block of cocaine!) to pursue her own angle. The stupidity of it all had me shaking my head.
I did give this two stars instead of one because I believe the writer does a decent job of actually writing when the dialogue doesn’t feel stilted like an informercial for a tourist attraction website geared towards New Orleans. But I just can’t get past how awful Carmela is and how toxic her relationships are with everyone! Even Ava her supposed best friends that she continually puts in danger.
Just no on this one for me. I may try one of the authors other series to see if the characters will be more like able so I can give a better review of her writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 17, 2019
I’ve looked at a few other reviews and while I dislike being a downer this just isn’t the best scrapbook mystery in the series. I liked the book okay but there are some parts where Carmela acts in really stupid ways.
The book is nearly 300 pages. I get that if you go hardcover the book may need to be longer but give the reader some substance rather than filler. Normally, I enjoy visiting New Orleans through the guise of a mystery involving Carmela and Ava. This time things felt forced not flowing.
Spoilers and reasons I was less than thrilled with the story:
Carmela is a very reluctant fiancé. There is this build up to romance with Babcock in previous books but she drags her feet in this one. I don’t necessarily think that Babcock is right for Carmela because she is becoming more erratic in each book. There was no relationship in this installment of the series. There was just worry because Babcock wouldn’t like what she was doing with the wine bar and Quigg or with the investigation.
The big issue for me was near the end when Carmela finds drugs and instead of getting them to Babcock or getting Babcock to come to the store she goes off to find the location where the drugs were meant to be. She totally messes up evidence in the case against the real killer. Then Babcock just hugs her.
So while I liked it, I also raged at the story and all the dumb things Carmela did. I nearly threw the book across the room.
The book is nearly 300 pages. I get that if you go hardcover the book may need to be longer but give the reader some substance rather than filler. Normally, I enjoy visiting New Orleans through the guise of a mystery involving Carmela and Ava. This time things felt forced not flowing.
Spoilers and reasons I was less than thrilled with the story:
Carmela is a very reluctant fiancé. There is this build up to romance with Babcock in previous books but she drags her feet in this one. I don’t necessarily think that Babcock is right for Carmela because she is becoming more erratic in each book. There was no relationship in this installment of the series. There was just worry because Babcock wouldn’t like what she was doing with the wine bar and Quigg or with the investigation.
The big issue for me was near the end when Carmela finds drugs and instead of getting them to Babcock or getting Babcock to come to the store she goes off to find the location where the drugs were meant to be. She totally messes up evidence in the case against the real killer. Then Babcock just hugs her.
So while I liked it, I also raged at the story and all the dumb things Carmela did. I nearly threw the book across the room.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2019
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Mumbo Gumbo Murder
A Scrapbooking Mystery, Book #16
By Laura Child & Terrie Farley Moran
ISBN13: 9780451489579
Author websites: laurachilds(.)com, facebook(.)com(/)terriefarleymoran
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
A shocking murder strikes a sour note during Jazz Fest in the latest New Orleans Scrapbooking Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.
It’s Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre are parading through the French Quarter. Some are very spooky and veiled, others are tall and gangly, like strange aliens.
As the parade proceeds, Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava, follow behind, down Royal Street and past the food booths. Suddenly, they hear a terrible crash from Devon Dowling’s antiques shop. They rush inside to find Devon collapsed with blood streaming down the side of his face. Has he been shot? Stabbed? 911 is hastily called, and the police and EMTs show up. After the police examine Devon’s body, they tell Carmela and Ava that their friend was murdered with an icepick. They’re shocked beyond belief–and now Mimi, Devon’s little pug, is left homeless.
Carmela and Ava are determined to catch the murderer, but the list of suspects is long. How long do they have before they find themselves on the killer’s list?
Review
I am a huge fan of all of the series that author Laura Child writes. When you add in Terrie Farley Moran, you have such an amazing winning team. I love the combination, the witty writing style that the two combine to produce. Mumbo Gumbo Murder is the 16th installment of A Scrapbooking Murder series. Wow a long running series that is still fresh and wonderfully written. Not something you see a lot of these days, unless you are talking about author Laura Child. If you are a fan of NOLA and all the fun, food, parties and entertainment it provides, you will feel right at home in this awesome read.
In the 16th installment, it is Jazz Fest in New Orleans. And every festival in New Orleans is one huge party. The giant Beastmaster Puppet Theatre puppets are everywhere. I had never heard of them, but with the descriptive writing these two authors produce, I felt like I could see them and they were quite something to behold. Carmela Bertrand and her best friend Ava Gruiex are of course enjoying the festivities. They are surprised by a horrible crash at their friend’s antique shop. As they and the crowd run to Devon Dowling’s shop they hear another crash and when they get there they see the window burst out. As usual Carmela rushes in to check on their friend. She is blasted with a loud explosive flash and the sound of someone running out the back door. Devon’s poor pug Mimi is left alone as he is dead with an icepick through his ear.
It does not matter about the warning from her fiancé Detective Edgar Babcock, Carmela and Ava are going to find out what happened. They have to search for answers, despite the possible harm and danger. Even as they search for answers, there are shops to run, wedding plans to make, fun to be had. I love how the authors bring the reader right into the midst of the colorful world of New Orleans and all it holds. Love being in the shops, the bars, the streets with these two ladies. Two ladies that are quite different, yet have a fabulous friendship.
The authors weave such a wonderful tale of mystery, so colorful and descriptive. Mixed in with the search for answers, it is like a guided tour of the best and brightest of the city. I love the interaction between all the characters. The wit and humor that are interwoven throughout this mystery are the sweet spots for me. That is not to say, the mystery is not intricately written to take the reader on a journey of discovering the answers. It is.
Mumbo Gumbo Murder may be the 16th installment in the fun scrapbooking series, but it can be read as a stand alone. And believe me, you do not have to be a scrapbooker to enjoy it either. I love the way these two authors combine to speak as one. The characters are as vivid as the city of New Orleans itself. I was transported to the city itself, the sights, smells, emotions. Wonderful writing, great storytelling, and a fun mystery combine to make a delightful read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
Mumbo Gumbo Murder
A Scrapbooking Mystery, Book #16
By Laura Child & Terrie Farley Moran
ISBN13: 9780451489579
Author websites: laurachilds(.)com, facebook(.)com(/)terriefarleymoran
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
A shocking murder strikes a sour note during Jazz Fest in the latest New Orleans Scrapbooking Mystery from New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs.
It’s Jazz Fest in New Orleans, and the giant puppets from the Beastmaster Puppet Theatre are parading through the French Quarter. Some are very spooky and veiled, others are tall and gangly, like strange aliens.
As the parade proceeds, Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava, follow behind, down Royal Street and past the food booths. Suddenly, they hear a terrible crash from Devon Dowling’s antiques shop. They rush inside to find Devon collapsed with blood streaming down the side of his face. Has he been shot? Stabbed? 911 is hastily called, and the police and EMTs show up. After the police examine Devon’s body, they tell Carmela and Ava that their friend was murdered with an icepick. They’re shocked beyond belief–and now Mimi, Devon’s little pug, is left homeless.
Carmela and Ava are determined to catch the murderer, but the list of suspects is long. How long do they have before they find themselves on the killer’s list?
Review
I am a huge fan of all of the series that author Laura Child writes. When you add in Terrie Farley Moran, you have such an amazing winning team. I love the combination, the witty writing style that the two combine to produce. Mumbo Gumbo Murder is the 16th installment of A Scrapbooking Murder series. Wow a long running series that is still fresh and wonderfully written. Not something you see a lot of these days, unless you are talking about author Laura Child. If you are a fan of NOLA and all the fun, food, parties and entertainment it provides, you will feel right at home in this awesome read.
In the 16th installment, it is Jazz Fest in New Orleans. And every festival in New Orleans is one huge party. The giant Beastmaster Puppet Theatre puppets are everywhere. I had never heard of them, but with the descriptive writing these two authors produce, I felt like I could see them and they were quite something to behold. Carmela Bertrand and her best friend Ava Gruiex are of course enjoying the festivities. They are surprised by a horrible crash at their friend’s antique shop. As they and the crowd run to Devon Dowling’s shop they hear another crash and when they get there they see the window burst out. As usual Carmela rushes in to check on their friend. She is blasted with a loud explosive flash and the sound of someone running out the back door. Devon’s poor pug Mimi is left alone as he is dead with an icepick through his ear.
It does not matter about the warning from her fiancé Detective Edgar Babcock, Carmela and Ava are going to find out what happened. They have to search for answers, despite the possible harm and danger. Even as they search for answers, there are shops to run, wedding plans to make, fun to be had. I love how the authors bring the reader right into the midst of the colorful world of New Orleans and all it holds. Love being in the shops, the bars, the streets with these two ladies. Two ladies that are quite different, yet have a fabulous friendship.
The authors weave such a wonderful tale of mystery, so colorful and descriptive. Mixed in with the search for answers, it is like a guided tour of the best and brightest of the city. I love the interaction between all the characters. The wit and humor that are interwoven throughout this mystery are the sweet spots for me. That is not to say, the mystery is not intricately written to take the reader on a journey of discovering the answers. It is.
Mumbo Gumbo Murder may be the 16th installment in the fun scrapbooking series, but it can be read as a stand alone. And believe me, you do not have to be a scrapbooker to enjoy it either. I love the way these two authors combine to speak as one. The characters are as vivid as the city of New Orleans itself. I was transported to the city itself, the sights, smells, emotions. Wonderful writing, great storytelling, and a fun mystery combine to make a delightful read.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
October 1, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Oh man, Laura Childs really knows how to write a good Cozy Mystery series. I’ve been reading her other series, the Teashop Mystery series, and have really fallen in love with her writing style. So when I jumped back into this world, I realized just how much I enjoy her ability to change styles so easily.
This series is a lot more crazy and fun but still contains so much great conflict and mystery. I absolutely love the New Orleans backdrop of this series because it brings a totally fresh vibe and when you pair that with Childs’s writing, you really get something special.
I really don’t know how to express how much I enjoyed MUMBO GUMBO MURDER but it’s definitely one of my favorite books of the year! Packed with intrigue and mystery, this book has so amazing things in it. I would highly recommend this series to anyone who likes bright characters and mysterious settings because it truly is different from the other Cozy Mystery series I’ve read. In fact, out of all of Childs’s series, this one just might be my favorite.
MUMBO GUMBO MURDER is definitely a home run and I’ll be keeping this baby on my keeper shelf for the next years to come!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
October 1, 2019
I enjoyed this newest installment to this series. Although I have to say that Ava really annoyed me this time. I just wanted to tell her to grow up and be quiet for a minute. To me she acted like a snot at times. Of course I still love Carmela and her dogs. I hope that Carmela and Edgar get the wedding things figured out sooner rather than later. I just want them to have a happy ending. I thought Quigg was a little pushy but when is he not. I was very surprised at who committed the murder in this book. I would have never guessed this person. I had my eye on a couple of others but that did not pan out. This has been a long time favorite series of mine and I have enjoyed watching these characters grow. I also like hearing about the crafts that Carmela has lined up. I love the stores ideas. It would be fun to shop there.
February 27, 2021
I love this series, and I'm always excited to read another new addition.
Carmela and Ava are back at it again in this fun, fast paced story.
It's Jazz Fest time and when a terrifying crash leads Carmela to her friend's storefront, she's horrified to see her friend, motionless on the ground.
Carmela and Ava are a great pair of sleuths, and while they always find themselves in danger, they always manage to escape safely.
Carmela and Ava are back at it again in this fun, fast paced story.
It's Jazz Fest time and when a terrifying crash leads Carmela to her friend's storefront, she's horrified to see her friend, motionless on the ground.
Carmela and Ava are a great pair of sleuths, and while they always find themselves in danger, they always manage to escape safely.
June 1, 2024
The place: New Orleans. The time: Jazz Fest. Lots of people, lots of tourists, lots of floats, lots of entertainers around. Suddenly Carmela Bertrand and her best friend Ava Gruiex, hear a crash from their friend Devon’s antique shop. They run into the shop and find him bleeding on the floor.
The police arrive, soon followed by Carmella’s fiancé Detective Edgar Babcock. Babcock wasn’t happy to find Carmela there and told her to leave. Has she done so, this book would’ve been much shorter.
The book continues for almost 300 more pages as Carmella and Ava try to figure out who killed Devon and why and Babcock tries to stop them.
In the meantime, there’s another killing and a former male friend of Carmella puts her in a possibly lucrative situation while Babcock lets her know he doesn’t want her to have any part of it. The book also contains six craft ideas and ten recipes.
As far as writing goes, the book isn’t bad. The reader can+ differentiate between the characters and they are consistent. Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of them.
Carmella gets very upset when Babcock has to leave the dinner and romantic evening she planned because of a call from work. He’s a police detective. What does she expect him to do?
Babcock, on the other hand, is very controlling and tries to stop her from going into business with her former friend. She’s run a successful business for awhile and should get credit for knowing what she is doing. However, the friend doesn’t accept her desire to make up her own mind as to whether or not to become involved in the new business.
Ava thinks showing an excessive amount of skin in always appropriate.
Carmella discover a break-in and don’t inform the police. They take evidence from a crime scene, thereby tainting them, and agree to go to a cemetery late at night to get information without letting Babcock or anyone else know.
Rating: 2 stars for the writing.
The police arrive, soon followed by Carmella’s fiancé Detective Edgar Babcock. Babcock wasn’t happy to find Carmela there and told her to leave. Has she done so, this book would’ve been much shorter.
The book continues for almost 300 more pages as Carmella and Ava try to figure out who killed Devon and why and Babcock tries to stop them.
In the meantime, there’s another killing and a former male friend of Carmella puts her in a possibly lucrative situation while Babcock lets her know he doesn’t want her to have any part of it. The book also contains six craft ideas and ten recipes.
As far as writing goes, the book isn’t bad. The reader can+ differentiate between the characters and they are consistent. Unfortunately, I didn’t like any of them.
Carmella gets very upset when Babcock has to leave the dinner and romantic evening she planned because of a call from work. He’s a police detective. What does she expect him to do?
Babcock, on the other hand, is very controlling and tries to stop her from going into business with her former friend. She’s run a successful business for awhile and should get credit for knowing what she is doing. However, the friend doesn’t accept her desire to make up her own mind as to whether or not to become involved in the new business.
Ava thinks showing an excessive amount of skin in always appropriate.
Carmella discover a break-in and don’t inform the police. They take evidence from a crime scene, thereby tainting them, and agree to go to a cemetery late at night to get information without letting Babcock or anyone else know.
Rating: 2 stars for the writing.
November 17, 2019
I enjoy a good cozy, especially when I need a break from the sometimes gruesome detective novels I like to read. I gave up on the tea shop mysteries by this author because they were too cute and unrealistic but thought I would give this series a try. What could go wrong? They are set in New Orleans, my favorite city, and this one takes place during the Jazz Fest, a wonderful and fun event everyone should experience. The first clue should have been that it's a scrapbooking mystery. I'm not a fan or a crafter of any kind. The second is the main character, Carmela Bertrand. This is someone who owns her own business and is engaged to a NOPD detective. She should have at least a thread of common sense. I resent the bimbosity (my creation) of the author's female characters. And while some of the dialogue and plot had some promise, the ending was contrived and completely undeveloped.
November 4, 2020
This book was all going fairly well until Carmela decided to go out to the back of beyond with her friend Ava after having discovered a pack of cocaine inside a vase. Of course she had to go find out who the package was addressed to. Not do the sensible thing and take the packet to her police fiancée and let the police handle matters. How stupid is this woman anyway? Of course it all ended well (it is a cosy mystery after all) but for crying out loud such asinine actions from a grown up woman??? Puhleeese!!! And to think I waited forever for this book 🙄
September 19, 2019
Review to come.
Quick thoughts:
After reading a Laura Childs book, I always want to head down to NOLA, eat some beignets, listen to some jazz and find the best poboys!
This read was no exception.
Ava and Carmela are best friend goals. I love them.
The mystery... not bad. I kinda loved who the bad person was :)
Quick thoughts:
After reading a Laura Childs book, I always want to head down to NOLA, eat some beignets, listen to some jazz and find the best poboys!
This read was no exception.
Ava and Carmela are best friend goals. I love them.
The mystery... not bad. I kinda loved who the bad person was :)
March 17, 2022
This is probably the last book in the series that I will read, I can't relate to skinny women who never have real money issues, and everything always works out for them.
ENOUGH, I want at least a little realism in what I read, this series is reading with the nutritional value of bubblegum.
ENOUGH, I want at least a little realism in what I read, this series is reading with the nutritional value of bubblegum.
November 6, 2019
4.5 Stars
This is my first foray into the world of Laura Childs and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This is the sixteenth book in the A Scrapbooking Mystery series.
I really enjoy the more crafty cozy mysteries like this one. I learn so much about design by just listening to the characters speak. This book has all the familiar cozy aspects you would expect.
One police officer, Edgar, who has a connection to the main character. Check.
One quirky sidekick, Ava, that gets into just about as much trouble as the POV character, Carmela. Check.
And then dabble in enough suspects to make your head spin including the enigma who is Drake. Check.
I have to say I fell in head first into this story and never got my footing until Carmella ran down the parade route in a bat costume. All the personal interactions Carmela has with so many of the periphery characters is what makes this book sing. The world building on this must have been a nightmare in the beginning. There are so many places you can go with a book like this set in such a colorful city as New Orleans.
I will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Child’s book in this series. I may not be a scrapbooker, but I appreciate the design aspects thrown into the mystery. If you love a good crafting cozy, definitely check this one out. One more name to put on my must read list, for sure!
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 my first foray into the world of Laura Childs and I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. This is the sixteenth book in the A Scrapbooking Mystery series.
I really enjoy the more crafty cozy mysteries like this one. I learn so much about design by just listening to the characters speak. This book has all the familiar cozy aspects you would expect.
One police officer, Edgar, who has a connection to the main character. Check.
One quirky sidekick, Ava, that gets into just about as much trouble as the POV character, Carmela. Check.
And then dabble in enough suspects to make your head spin including the enigma who is Drake. Check.
I have to say I fell in head first into this story and never got my footing until Carmella ran down the parade route in a bat costume. All the personal interactions Carmela has with so many of the periphery characters is what makes this book sing. The world building on this must have been a nightmare in the beginning. There are so many places you can go with a book like this set in such a colorful city as New Orleans.
I will definitely be checking out more of Ms. Child’s book in this series. I may not be a scrapbooker, but I appreciate the design aspects thrown into the mystery. If you love a good crafting cozy, definitely check this one out. One more name to put on my must read list, for sure!
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.
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