Bound for Murder (Scrapbooking Mystery Series) (Paperback)

I've just finished reading "Bound for Murder" the 3rd book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

New Orleans scrapbooking shop owner Carmela Bertrand's pre-wedding party is overshadowed when a friend's intended groom is murdered. Asked by the heartbroken bride to look into the case, Carmela must help her friend pick up the pieces while wrapping up a murder that has more than one lethal loose end.

My Review:

3/5

Death Swatch: A Scrapbooking Mystery (Berkley Prime Crime Mysteries) (Paperback)

I've just finished reading "Death Swatch" the 6th book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

A murder in the midst of Mardi Gras propels Childs's enjoyable sixth Scrapbooking mystery (after 2007's Frill Kill). Carmela Bertrand, the owner of the New Orleans scrapbook shop Memory Mine, and her best friend, Ava Gruiex, are eager to begin the festivities with a party hosted by their float designer pal, Jekyl Hardy. But the discovery of the garroted Archie Baudier, Jekyl's assistant, puts a damper on the fun. In their efforts to solve the murder, Carmela and Ava encounter a host of eccentric characters, including a sullen Russian, a rare coin dealer, a meek curator of the local historical society and all manner of costumed party-goers. Carmela, in the process of a divorce, also meets dapper police lieutenant Edgar Babcock, who might be unappreciative of her investigative efforts but provides some romantic heat.

From Booklist

Scrapbooking store owner Carmela Bertrand and her good friend Ava find float designer Archie Baudier as he lies dying, strangled with barbed wire at a Mardi Gras party. A friend of the victim's asks Carmela to find the murderer, so she begins an investigation into who would want Baudier dead. Is it a rival float designer or someone who wants his coin collection? The investigation quickly becomes a treasure hunt when Carmela learns that Baudier was searching for pirate Jean Lafitte’s legendary buried treasure. As the investigation proceeds, and as the soon-to-be-divorced Carmela deals with the romantic feelings she has for New Orleans police lieutenant Edgar Babcock, the city gears up for and then attempts to enjoy Mardi Gras in the wake of Katrina. 

Product Description

Amid Zydeco rhythms and popping champagne corks, scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is having a wild night at a Mardi Gras party-until she finds a float designer murdered on a balcony.

About the Author

Laura Childs is the bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mystery series and the Scrapbook mystery series, and a pseudonym for a Clio Award-winning advertising writer and marketing firm CEO. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
 
My Review:
 
Loving the development of Carmela's and Edgar's relationship!  Glad she is giving Shamus the boot and always fun to read about Ava her best friend!
 
I really enjoyed reading this one because I've always been fascinated by pirates.

Frill Kill: A Scrapbooking Mystery (Scrapbooking Mysteries) [BARGAIN PRICE] (Hardcover)

I've just finished reading "Frill Kill" the 5th book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

Memory Mine shop owner Carmela Bertrand finds herself caught up in New Orleans Halloween mayhem in Childs's sprightly fifth scrapbooking mystery (after 2006's Motif for Murder). In an alley behind her friend Ava Grieux's Juju Voodoo Shop, Carmela discovers the body of fashion model Amber Lalique, who was in the shop only moments earlier. The cops suspect Giovanni, Ava's sexy new tarot card reader, whose brother, Santino, is Amber's ex-boyfriend. Carmela and Ava become determined to uncover the truth and throw themselves headlong into danger, filling in as models for the big Halloween night unveiling of Moda Chadron's newest fashion creations, snooping around New Orleans and even venturing into the creepy bayou. Childs rounds out the story with several scrapbooking and crafting tips plus a passel of mouth-watering Louisiana recipes. 

Product Description


SCRAPBOOKING TIPS AND RECIPES INCLUDED.

For Carmela Bertrand, a New Orleans shop owner who can turn any scrapbook into a treasure, this Halloween will feature more than the usual scares. On her way home from a ghoulish gathering, Carmela finds the dead body of a model—and is then attacked herself. Her leads are many, including animal tooth marks on the deceased’s neck. And as the witching hour draws closer, Carmela must find what’s lurking in the shadows—or get the fright of her life.

My Review:

Loving the love triangle between Carmela, Edgar & another potential suitor.

The killer was a complete surprise never saw that one coming.

4/5

Tragic Magic (A Scrapbooking Mystery) (Hardcover)

I've just finished reading "Tragic Magic" the 7th book in her Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

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.

My Review:

Storyline: I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and the storyline was believable.

Characters: The characters were well written and I thought Carmela & Ava reminds me of Columbo because they seem to

Romance: I enjoyed the romance between Carmela & her Detective boyfriend Edgar.  It was sweet and it's true that he can't really tell her much about the case.

Killer(s): The killer was a complete surprise never would have suspected that person.

5/5