Tragic Magic

A Scrapbooking Mystery #7

by Laura Childs

The next Scrapbooking mystery takes readers back to New Orleans, where there are spookies, foodies-and crafty killers.

Carmela, owner of Memory Mine scrapbook shop, and her best friend, owner of Juju Voodoo, have a big project. Melody Mayfeldt is converting an old mansion in the Faubourg-Marigny district into an unforgettable haunted house for those who flock to New Orleans for a creepy fix. She needs Carmela's crafty touch to make the Medusa Manor come to life in time for the upcoming horror convention.

But Melody takes her house haunting too seriously-especially when her flaming body comes crashing through a tower window to 'welcome' them to the job. Sure there's been an increased trend in murder lately, but someone specifically wanted Carmela's client very dead. Carmela's in some deep gumbo again and needs to crop out a killer from the throngs of people flocking to New Orleans. Then maybe it won't be so hard living in the Big Easy.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Crime, Mystery Thriller, Crafts

320 pages, Hardcover

First published September 3, 2009

About the author

Laura 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.

Reviews

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In book seven of the Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs, the setting is a haunted house so it was actually the perfect read for me to read on Halloween weekend. I didn’t read the blurb before I picked up the book so I thought it was the perfect treat to enjoy and get into the festive spirit. Of course, you don’t only have to read this around Halloween but this one does have a more spooky vibe to it because it deals with a victim who had a penchant for the supernatural.

When Ava and Carmela are frightened when the victim’s body leaps out at them, effectively scaring them to death but what’s even more scarier is the fact that it looks like someone really wanted the victim to die. So now it’s up to Carmela to try and figure out what happened and find this mystery killer.

As you know, I’m a big fan of Laura Childs’ writing, especially with this series because it’s so fun and exciting but this one really stood out to be because all the moving parts of the story are well-developed and well-executed. In addition to the well thought out mystery plot, there’s also a lot going on in Carmela’s personal life. She’s in the midst of her divorce so her soon-to-be-ex Shamus is present in this one. I really like Shamus. I love seeing the exs waltz in and mess things up because I think it’s an interesting dynamic that I don’t get to read often as a Romance reader. Shamus is a ton of fun and I actually hope we see more of him in the next few books despite the fact that they are separating. I think Carmela is very chill with him, which is surprising given their past together.

Of course there is also Babcock, who is Carmela’s new beau in her life. This relationship is still blooming so I like watching it all unfold. As much as I enjoy Shamus, it’s clear that Carmela belongs to Edgar. I’m just hoping to see more of him as well.

With such a great supporting cast and an excellent mystery plot, TRAGIC MAGIC isn’t one that you want to miss!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just don't be hungry when you read this, there's a lot of good food in this book as with the rest of the series. There's also a few good scrapbooking and paper crafting ideas here, too.

Carmela, who still hasn't divorced from Shamus, leads a busy life: scrapbook shop owner, craft designer, project designer and planner, has a new love life and amateur sleuth.

Once again, another friend is killed. Carmela, reluctant this time, is coerced into solving the mystery. Lots of strange things bewilder Carmela. Getting mixed up in this has made her new boyfriend, Detective Edgar Babcock, upset with her.

Well, this is it for me. The library doesn't have the next book.

What has this series done for me? A lot of new recipes to cook, scrapbooking techniques to try and some more longing to travel down to New Orleans--especially at Mardi Gras!

For Halloween, I was inspired by the series to design and make a carnival mask. My friend Amy made one, too!

[Eva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmela and Ava have their work cut out for them, staging Medusa Manor as a spooky haunted house, but before they can say BOO their friend Melody Mayfeldt crashes through a 3rd floor window and falls to the pavement below, dead as dead can be right before their eyes! It is clear that Melody's death was no accident and Carmela and Ava are in up to their necks trying to figure out who wanted their friend dead -- and why.

As a side note, we finally get some closure between Carmela and her husband, Shamus, as their divorce finally is concluded. Now, Carmela can move forward without more drama from Shamus and his controlling older sister, Glory. Or so we can hope!

[Connie Whitcomb · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun cozy mystery. I copied two of the recipes. No new ideas for scrapbooking.

[Yvonne (It's All About Books) · Rating 2 out of 5]

Finished reading: July 16th 2013



One of the big advantages of working in a hostel is the access to the hostel book exchange. I have found many gems in the past and always try any new potentially interesting books. Unfortunately, Tragic Magic wasn't any of those lucky finds. I didn't really enjoy this one, especially since the whole plot just didn't seem credible. Sure, it's a short and easy read and probably perfect for a vacation, and I guess that's how it ended up on those hostel shelves in the first place. But to say it's a great read? I think I would pick up a different mystery story instead. This novel by Laura Childs is actually the seventh in a series, but I didn't have any problems following the main story without having read the previous ones. If you like scrapbooking and are looking for new recipes to try out, Tragic Magic might be worth the try, but I wouldn't pick it up if you are just in the mood for a good mystery read.



Carmela is the owner of the Memory Mine scrapbook shop and always happy to help her scrapbooking clients with newest tips and techniques. One day Carmela and her close friend Ava (owner of Jujo Voodoo) are askes to help convert an old mansion into a haunting house, and they accept the offer. Their client Melody wants to change the house into the Medusa Manor for an upcoming horror convention in New Orleans... Everything goes according to plan until the day Melody dies on the masion's ground; her flaming body was seen falling down the tower window. Things become complicated as the two friends try to find out what happened. They also decide to continue the proyect Melody left behind, but isn't the house too spooky after all?



The general idea of Tragic Magic might sound interesting, but all in all this turned out to be quite a weak mystery read. If you like scrapbooking and want some new recipes, this novel by Laura Childs might still worth the try, but I personally won't be continuing this series any time soon. It's an easy read, but there are way better (cozy) mystery stories out there.

P.S. Find more of my reviews here.

[Under the Covers Book Blog · Rating 4 out of 5]

In book seven of the Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs, the setting is a haunted house so it was actually the perfect read for me to read on Halloween weekend. I didn’t read the blurb before I picked up the book so I thought it was the perfect treat to enjoy and get into the festive spirit. Of course, you don’t only have to read this around Halloween but this one does have a more spooky vibe to it because it deals with a victim who had a penchant for the supernatural.

When Ava and Carmela are frightened when the victim’s body leaps out at them, effectively scaring them to death but what’s even more scarier is the fact that it looks like someone really wanted the victim to die. So now it’s up to Carmela to try and figure out what happened and find this mystery killer.

As you know, I’m a big fan of Laura Childs’ writing, especially with this series because it’s so fun and exciting but this one really stood out to be because all the moving parts of the story are well-developed and well-executed. In addition to the well thought out mystery plot, there’s also a lot going on in Carmela’s personal life. She’s in the midst of her divorce so her soon-to-be-ex Shamus is present in this one. I really like Shamus. I love seeing the exs waltz in and mess things up because I think it’s an interesting dynamic that I don’t get to read often as a Romance reader. Shamus is a ton of fun and I actually hope we see more of him in the next few books despite the fact that they are separating. I think Carmela is very chill with him, which is surprising given their past together.

Of course there is also Babcock, who is Carmela’s new beau in her life. This relationship is still blooming so I like watching it all unfold. As much as I enjoy Shamus, it’s clear that Carmela belongs to Edgar. I’m just hoping to see more of him as well.

With such a great supporting cast and an excellent mystery plot, TRAGIC MAGIC isn’t one that you want to miss!

*Reviewed by Annie

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[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great adventure of Carmela and Ava. On to the next....

Carmela, owner of Memory Mine scrapbook shop, and her best friend, owner of Juju Voodoo, have a big project. Melody Mayfeldt is converting an old mansion in the Faubourg-Marigny district into an unforgettable haunted house for those who flock to New Orleans for a creepy fix. She needs Carmela's crafty touch to make the Medusa Manor come to life in time for the upcoming horror convention.

But Melody takes her house haunting too seriously-especially when her flaming body comes crashing through a tower window to 'welcome' them to the job. Sure there's been an increased trend in murder lately, but someone specifically wanted Carmela's client very dead. Carmela's in some deep gumbo again and needs to crop out a killer from the throngs of people flocking to New Orleans. Then maybe it won't be so hard living in the Big Easy.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this entry into the Scrapbooking Mystery series.

MC Carmela and her sidekick/BFF Ava are hired to finish designing a decaying mansion into a haunted house called Medusa Manor. The victim (one of the owners of Medusa Manor) is launched out of a third-story window while on fire (rather gruesome for a cozy mystery) and literally lands at Carmela and Ava's feet.

Carmela and Shamus' divorce is finally completed! A multitude of suspects are present and there are no obvious clues regarding the culprit; I was kept guessing until the end. The delightful Jeckyl makes an appearance and scenes of scrapbooking and dining abound.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think this book is one of Laura Childs' best. this one is about Carmela and Ada helping to "trick out" a haunted house, when the creator of the house is thrown flaming from the third story window landing practically at their feet...what a good beginning. Many, many suspects and of course the recipes at the back of the book always sound so yummy.

[Brenda Haven · Rating 2 out of 5]

Maybe deserves a 2.5 rating. This is the first book that I have read in the scrap booking mystery series by Laura Childs. Not really sure if I would spend any more time reading any of the other books in this series. It was ok, but not that compelling.

[Mary · Rating 2 out of 5]

That's it - I'm done. I officially don't care what happens to Shamus and Carmela.

[Connie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first I've read of this series, don't really think I'll go back to the beginning. Lots of occult, few scrapbooking tips or New Orleans recipes.

[Marla · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not the best book in this series.

[Barbara James-Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmela and Ava are a Mardi Gras party held by Jekyll Hardy. A good party as any. There's mystery of the killing of Archie Baudier. Who kill Archie?

[Nancy Higgs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting because I was taking a trip to New Orleans. Got the flavor of the area in a scrap booking mystery!

[Gale Penton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read. I love this series. Great characters and plot. Recommend it

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

great Halloween read. Loved the haunted house descriptions.

[Darinda · Rating 3 out of 5]

The 7th book in A Scrapbooking Mystery series. Fun cozy mystery set in New Orleans. Light and charming.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carmela Bertrand, owner of the Memory Mine scrapbooking shop, and her friend Ava Gruiex, owner of Juju Voodoo, have been asked to prepare the Medusa Manor for a haunted house tour. However, as they arrive one evening the see the owner of the house fall from a tower window. Melody's husband quickly becomes the prime suspect in her murder, but he begs Carmela to investigate and find the real killer. In the meantime, Melody's partner in the haunted mansion asks Carmela and Ava to continue getting the house ready for tours. Carmela and her ex Shamus are still battling over their divorce settlement, but Carmela has moved on and is dating Detective Babcock. I confuse myself on the timeline when I read them out of order, but the main characters don't change that much in this series so at least they are all familiar.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed Tragic Magic, book 7 in Laura Childs' Scrapbooking Mysteries. In this installment of the series, Carmela Bertrand and her friend Ava Gruiex have been hired to decorate Medusa Manor. Melody Mayfeldt wants to turn it into a premier haunted house attraction. Unfortunately before they can even get started, Melody's body tumbles from the third floor tower room of Medusa Manor and leaves Carmela with another murder to solve. Detective Edgar Babcock is soon on the case and his number one suspect is Melody's husband, Garth. This is a entertaining book. I liked the characters, the setting of New Orleans, the interaction between Carmela and Babcock, and the gang that hangs out at Carmela' Memory Mine scrapbooking shop. I am ready to read the next Scrapbooking Mystery!

[Crystal Toller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Carmela Bertrand and her friend, Ava Gruiex are helping Melody Mayfeldt convert an old mansion into a haunted house. When Carmela and Ava go to meet Melody her flaming body crashes through the third floor tower window right in front of them. Melody's silent partner, Olivia Wainwright hires Carmela and Ava to finish the decorating project. When Melody's husband, Garth Mayfeldt begs Carmela to look into who killed Melody, Carmela reluctantly agrees to do so. How Carmela uncovers the murderer makes for a very good read. The killer was a total surprise to me and wasn't even on my register. A really good addition to the series. Highly recommend this book and the series.

[Katie Boston · Rating 3 out of 5]

I checked this out from the local library somehow thinking it was the first book of the scrapbooking series. Not sure what happened there. It was ok, the mystery plot was fine but the characters annoyed me immensely - especially Ava. Probably not going to read more in this series but I will try her teahouse series since I checked one of those too - it actually IS the first one so that might help.

[Grandma Mush · Rating 3 out of 5]

Usually I like books by Laura Child's and this one adds to the list. Not as much scrapbook detail and more concentration on the mystery and for me that's good. I am surprised not much info is given about the destruction in New Orleans from Katrina. Seems like a lot of the places mentioned would have been messed up. But basically a good story. Early on I had the right suspicion about the reason for the murder but ultimately not who did it.

[Melva Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun book.The main character runs a scrapbooking business. There are even scrapbooking tips in the story and in a section in the back. My favorite character was the side kick. She also ran a shop but hers was called Juju Voodoo. They were meeting a friend about a possible staging job on a haunted house when their friend is tossed out of a third story window to her death. The rest of the storyline is their investigation. Enjoy! It's fun.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️'s
For most of this book I was guessing. What I thought was no red herring was actually multiple and I never suspected the real killer. However, the reveal and conclusion was only the last 10 pages, not enough wrap up! So while these are somewhat getting better, they are nowhere near perfect.

[Kimberley Cornwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really love this series. A really good story filled with twists and turns. Didn't see the ending when the murderer was reveal. Also glad that Carmela finally divorced Shamus. Hope her relationship with Lt. Babcock heats up!

[Tommie Nicholas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This seventh book in the series is kind of a letdown...maybe I should read something else for a change. However, I am still also reading The Great Deluge, which is focused on New Orleans during the horrible Hurricane Katrina storm and clean-up. I should finish it in a day or two.

[T · Rating 3 out of 5]

didn't really love, but nothing very wrong with the book

[Ewa · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's not a great book. I had to struggle a lot. Also I hated main characters - so georgous, lovely, beautiful...

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely different preface than the others in the series, but the characters are starting to feel a bit flat and predictable. Still enjoyed the plot and the different beginning of the novel.