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Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #10
Handmade Holiday Homicide
Super-crafter Kiki Lowenstein is cramming as much into the ho-ho-holiday season as she can. But Kiki’s ambitious plans come to a crashing halt when her student, Eudora Field, drops dead at the start of one of Kiki’s community center classes. An overeager security guard is convinced that Eudora didn’t make her transition without help. Now it’s up to Kiki to determine who was nice, and who was very, very naughty, indeed.
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To claim the BONUS gift, send an email to the address at the beginning of the book and you'll automatically receive a file with the BONUS gift. Email us at salfl27@att.net with questions.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 15, 2014
388 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
163 books858 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 54 reviews
June 14, 2022
3 stelle e mezza
Questo libro è più dedicato a quello che succede nella vita della protagonista che a risolvere un omicidio. Che, poi, era lampante chi fosse il colpevole... Non capisco come la protagonista si possa essere dimenticata la scena a cui aveva assistito che spiegava perché un certo oggetto non era a disposizione della persona assassinata quando ne aveva bisogno.
Questo libro è più dedicato a quello che succede nella vita della protagonista che a risolvere un omicidio. Che, poi, era lampante chi fosse il colpevole... Non capisco come la protagonista si possa essere dimenticata la scena a cui aveva assistito che spiegava perché un certo oggetto non era a disposizione della persona assassinata quando ne aveva bisogno.
November 21, 2021
This is one cast of characters that will steal your heart!
In the time since I started binge-reading Slan's Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries, one thing has become abundantly clear. Slan writes her characters so that they jump off the page. Well-rounded, multifaceted, and engaging, you easily find yourself invested in their stories. But that's not the half of it.
Slan's fast-paced narrative touches on topics and issues that are real and at times explosive, with a delicacy and tact that is astonishing. You may be uncomfortable at some points. You may even recognize real life here and there. But you will always find a wealth of understanding and comfort to go along with it all.
Each of the books in this series will read well on its own, but do yourself a favour and start at the beginning.
In the time since I started binge-reading Slan's Kiki Lowenstein Mysteries, one thing has become abundantly clear. Slan writes her characters so that they jump off the page. Well-rounded, multifaceted, and engaging, you easily find yourself invested in their stories. But that's not the half of it.
Slan's fast-paced narrative touches on topics and issues that are real and at times explosive, with a delicacy and tact that is astonishing. You may be uncomfortable at some points. You may even recognize real life here and there. But you will always find a wealth of understanding and comfort to go along with it all.
Each of the books in this series will read well on its own, but do yourself a favour and start at the beginning.
November 16, 2020
I adore the Kiki Lowenstein series though this one had very little mystery to it. The body happened sort of early on but then it was like 60 pages from the end of the book that they went back to it. The story mostly focuses on family, crafting and Sheila's problem with alcohol. I do love the characters and all the crafting ideas. The story though not much of a mystery was very entertaining and a good fast read.
August 26, 2021
As many others have commented there wasn't really anything in the way of investigation done in this book, I think that could reasonably be blamed on the fact that Kiki is hugely pregnant and thinking that the death was a natural one. No reason for her to have gotten too involved. That probably does classify this book more as fiction than as cozy mystery. Still, I enjoyed it. This book had potato chip chapters, all 3-4 pages or less so when you finish one you think, just one more.
January 12, 2015
Excellent addition to the Kiki Lowenstein series. It is Christmas time and what seems like death by heart attack may be murder. The thing is Eudora was so mean that there are many possible suspects.
December 18, 2014
Another winner from Joanna Campbell Slan!
January 5, 2015
The murder was a bit of an after thought, but overall I really liked visiting with the characters again.
March 8, 2015
Really great mystery
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a book yet by Joanna that I haven't LOVED every minute of. Once I start I just can't stop until I am finished.
I really enjoyed this book. I haven't read a book yet by Joanna that I haven't LOVED every minute of. Once I start I just can't stop until I am finished.
February 5, 2021
This was a really cute book! I was happy to find out that because of the circumstances with Leighton, Kiki was able to buy his house with the help of Lorraine, Erik's aunt. Then Leighton was able to move into the little cottage. Also, Lorraine is in a relationship with Leighton also, and is going to move in with Leighton, which is great!
I knew all along who killed Eudora. It was pretty obvious this time around. Although I wasn't sad about Eudora being killed. Brad was a super creepy guy though, and I am very glad that he's going to be locked up for a long time.
One thing I wish I found out though is whether or not Caitlyn got to keep the scholarship she won for her statue even though Eudora crashed it.
I also hope that Sheila will be able to get a handle on her alcoholism and get the help she needs.
I honestly don't care what happens to Kiki's mother. I would not be sad if she died.
I knew all along who killed Eudora. It was pretty obvious this time around. Although I wasn't sad about Eudora being killed. Brad was a super creepy guy though, and I am very glad that he's going to be locked up for a long time.
One thing I wish I found out though is whether or not Caitlyn got to keep the scholarship she won for her statue even though Eudora crashed it.
I also hope that Sheila will be able to get a handle on her alcoholism and get the help she needs.
I honestly don't care what happens to Kiki's mother. I would not be sad if she died.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 5, 2022
Wildly better in terms of editing. A couple of mishaps but easily ignored. The storylines were much better this time too. I'm not sure I like what's happening with Shelia, I honestly don't see the reality of this as a possibly situation. Shelia was happy, newly wed to the love of her life, and loves Anya more than anything. She had no reason to start drinking heavily and I can't see her ever putting the kids at risk. It just seems out of character. Love the dynamics of Brawny and Lorraine being taken into the family. Love love love Clancy finding happiness and Laurel and Joe too. Poor Kiki she just lives in a whirlwind of craziness. But all in all this one is much better.. and damn I love Monroe... he reminds me of the donkey I had as a child.
September 15, 2023
It’s almost Christmas and the store is extra busy for Kiki and her associates. They agree to teach a couple of classes out of the store to a group called the Crafty Cuties who are a great group of ladies except for one bitter member who is a pain to everyone she meets. She does of heart problems and wannabe cop Brad makes accusations against everyone he thinks is blocking him from becoming a police officer when in the end, it was him. He thought he could “solve” the case and they would have no choice but to allow him to be a police officer. Well he will get to spend a lot of time around law enforcement but it will be as a prisoner, not an officer. Looking forward to the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2023
Kiki Lowenstein
Kiki has become the owner of the scrapbook store, Time in a Bottle. She's giving classes at the Felton Community Center on Zentangles and meets an especially unpleasant woman. When that woman dies at a class, the police investigate based on what an unhinged man who is a security guard at the center says even though he's tried to get hired by the police and been turned down. How Kiki manages to solve the unpleasant women's murder while avoiding a dangerous situation makes for a good story. There were a few editing mistakes in this book but I'm not sure if they were from formatting the book or if they were mistakes in editing but they were a bit distracting.
Kiki has become the owner of the scrapbook store, Time in a Bottle. She's giving classes at the Felton Community Center on Zentangles and meets an especially unpleasant woman. When that woman dies at a class, the police investigate based on what an unhinged man who is a security guard at the center says even though he's tried to get hired by the police and been turned down. How Kiki manages to solve the unpleasant women's murder while avoiding a dangerous situation makes for a good story. There were a few editing mistakes in this book but I'm not sure if they were from formatting the book or if they were mistakes in editing but they were a bit distracting.
March 29, 2018
This book left me laughing, it was a great ending. I was already filled with laughter from this little part ( won't tell you what was going on, you need to read the book)
I heard Clancy as Vasquez, "Are you hurt?"
"Never better," Detective Vasquez said. "Although shooting this idiot would have made my day. You might want to help your friend."
"Kiki?" Clancy said, in a startled voice. "Where is she?"
"Under the van."
"Again?"
"What do you mean by again?" asked Detective Vasquez.
I heard Clancy as Vasquez, "Are you hurt?"
"Never better," Detective Vasquez said. "Although shooting this idiot would have made my day. You might want to help your friend."
"Kiki?" Clancy said, in a startled voice. "Where is she?"
"Under the van."
"Again?"
"What do you mean by again?" asked Detective Vasquez.
May 26, 2022
Some holidays are real killers!
Kiki and her fiancé Detective Chad Detweiler are looking forward to the birth of their baby any day now but in the meantime, Kiki has a holiday to prepare for at Time in a Bottle. Any holiday is stressful, but when someone in your craft class drops dead and someone starts accusing your friends and customers of murder it goes from bad to worse.
I enjoy this cozy series and seeing Kiki overcoming a hard past and becoming a strong woman and a wonderful mother. I also like the crafting ideas sprinkled throughout the book. Any cozy lover will enjoy this book.
Kiki and her fiancé Detective Chad Detweiler are looking forward to the birth of their baby any day now but in the meantime, Kiki has a holiday to prepare for at Time in a Bottle. Any holiday is stressful, but when someone in your craft class drops dead and someone starts accusing your friends and customers of murder it goes from bad to worse.
I enjoy this cozy series and seeing Kiki overcoming a hard past and becoming a strong woman and a wonderful mother. I also like the crafting ideas sprinkled throughout the book. Any cozy lover will enjoy this book.
October 28, 2017
I've really gotten into this series and I love it. In this one, once again, Kiki gets involved in a murder investigation, and gets into trouble and in a scary situation again. She's a Survivor and trusts God to get her through, and I really like her character. I also like that this is a clean cozy mystery. I've learned that scrapbooking is more than just sticking some pictures in an album. Makes me want to learn this craft, and also Zentangle.
May 2, 2023
A treat to enjoy!!!!! This series is priceless!!!!!
If you want a wonderful relaxing way to enjoy a afternoon or whenever, you must read this series. Kiki, Ditwieler and the others will make you laugh out loud, smile and even shed a tear or two. The best !!!!!! Jo Ann Campbell Slan has created life in a thumbnail with its hills and valleys. Pick up the 1st book and enjoy the ride!!!!!
If you want a wonderful relaxing way to enjoy a afternoon or whenever, you must read this series. Kiki, Ditwieler and the others will make you laugh out loud, smile and even shed a tear or two. The best !!!!!! Jo Ann Campbell Slan has created life in a thumbnail with its hills and valleys. Pick up the 1st book and enjoy the ride!!!!!
September 13, 2020
Kiki
A ścrapbooker dies at a crop. She was elderly and had a heart condition, and everyone there had reasons to hate her. Detweiler proposes to Kiki. Sheila was going to take the kids to see Santa, but took them to her house and had a few drinks. Anya called her Mom and told her Shiela was drinking.
A ścrapbooker dies at a crop. She was elderly and had a heart condition, and everyone there had reasons to hate her. Detweiler proposes to Kiki. Sheila was going to take the kids to see Santa, but took them to her house and had a few drinks. Anya called her Mom and told her Shiela was drinking.
May 11, 2021
Great read! Hard to put down!
This was a great book! I read it in one sitting . Not knowing someone really could die of fear or a broken heart is enlightening! I realize these books are fiction but some of the situations are real! You'll be glad to read of Links new adventure at 8 1\2 months pregnant! Enjoy! 😊
This was a great book! I read it in one sitting . Not knowing someone really could die of fear or a broken heart is enlightening! I realize these books are fiction but some of the situations are real! You'll be glad to read of Links new adventure at 8 1\2 months pregnant! Enjoy! 😊
August 20, 2021
Scared
Kiki found out the hard way that a person, especially one with a bad heart could be scared to death. When a customer grabs her chest and dies from a heart attack they all think it was just an accident. Later they find out different. When the murderer comes and tries to take Kiki for a ride she finds a unique way to escape. You must read!!!
Kiki found out the hard way that a person, especially one with a bad heart could be scared to death. When a customer grabs her chest and dies from a heart attack they all think it was just an accident. Later they find out different. When the murderer comes and tries to take Kiki for a ride she finds a unique way to escape. You must read!!!
October 30, 2021
I enjoy reading series’, mainly because I know the characters and their particular back stories. It does bother me when the author of the series can’t be bothered to remember details they’ve already established. Get advanced readers that can help you remember your plots. If the author doesn’t care about the characters it shows.
January 12, 2022
Outrageously funny and touching
This book had me laughing myself to the pee point several times. It also had touching moments that made me tear up, but the ending was fantastic. I've read all the books in this series so far and loved each one, but this is my favorite, mainly because of the humor.
This book had me laughing myself to the pee point several times. It also had touching moments that made me tear up, but the ending was fantastic. I've read all the books in this series so far and loved each one, but this is my favorite, mainly because of the humor.
March 18, 2022
wonderful installment in series
Great holiday centered story that brings out the beauty of the season even amongst not so cheery plot lines. The cozy is well written and brings in all the normal cast and introduces some new ones. I would not recommend reading this book without reading the others in the series even though it is standalone. There’s too much history involved that would reveal parts of previous stories
Great holiday centered story that brings out the beauty of the season even amongst not so cheery plot lines. The cozy is well written and brings in all the normal cast and introduces some new ones. I would not recommend reading this book without reading the others in the series even though it is standalone. There’s too much history involved that would reveal parts of previous stories
December 16, 2024
Not my favorite holiday novella I’ve read this season. This cozy mystery sounds cute but it’s kinda predictable. I also hated the writing style, each chapter ends abruptly and were incredibly short.
There is Jewish representation if you’re looking for something like that though. And that was done well imo.
There is Jewish representation if you’re looking for something like that though. And that was done well imo.
January 3, 2018
Very good reading
While this book is not as good as the others I believe it still rates a five star review. This writer shows so much imagination, it’s a pleasure to read her books,
While this book is not as good as the others I believe it still rates a five star review. This writer shows so much imagination, it’s a pleasure to read her books,
January 13, 2018
Another winner, and a nice break in the pattern
After so many murders, it’s nice to have a bit of a different story. Well-crafted, with (as always) something new to learn, new characters, new relationships, and new trouble to deal with. I love Kiki and friends!
After so many murders, it’s nice to have a bit of a different story. Well-crafted, with (as always) something new to learn, new characters, new relationships, and new trouble to deal with. I love Kiki and friends!
May 25, 2018
Enjoyed it
What I like about the Kiki series is that it deals with real life issues in a real way. Not watered down. Feelings and emotions are shared honestly. I can relate to Kiki in a number of ways.
What I like about the Kiki series is that it deals with real life issues in a real way. Not watered down. Feelings and emotions are shared honestly. I can relate to Kiki in a number of ways.
July 28, 2020
Christmas season and Kiki student helper ends up dead. With everything else going on, to figure out why, the list even has her name on it. A busy time for her at the store and at home, she is finding time to juggle them all.
November 29, 2020
Handmade, Holiday, Homicide
This is book 10 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery series, but this series is so skillfully put together you don't need to read them in order to enjoy them. This book is a well-written murder mystery set in the holiday season. Delightful read!
This is book 10 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery series, but this series is so skillfully put together you don't need to read them in order to enjoy them. This book is a well-written murder mystery set in the holiday season. Delightful read!
November 30, 2021
The story is very well written. The mystery does seem to take the back seat to the broader context of the craft shop, the craft workshops, and the family. I would have liked to see far more to build up the suspense for the mystery.
February 1, 2022
Spiders and Heart Attacks
I love Kiki and the evolving of the characters enjoying her friendship. I love her family and the diversity of people backgrounds. Mysteries and solving them are enjoyable reading.
I love Kiki and the evolving of the characters enjoying her friendship. I love her family and the diversity of people backgrounds. Mysteries and solving them are enjoyable reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews