Cozy Review: Crepe Factor (A Scrapbooking Mystery)

I've finished "Crepe Factor" the 14th book in her Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace.

The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand — but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava.

The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.

The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard — who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.

Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon.

Scrapbooking tips and recipes included!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, enjoys travel, and has two Shar-Peis.

Product Details
Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery (Book 14)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley (October 4, 2016)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425266702
ISBN-13: 978-0425266700

My Review:


It's really obvious that Quigg hasn't gotten over Carmela and it's quite hilarious when Quigg puts the moves on Carmela and she can't seem to reject his advances!

I believe Martin Lash was too harsh in his criticism in his restaurant reviews and someone took it personally!

3/5

Cozy Review: Ming Tea Murder (Tea Shop Mysteries)

I've finished "Ming Tea Murder" the 16th book in her Tea Shop Mystery Series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

It’s scones and scandal for Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Steeped in Evil.

Normally Theodosia wouldn’t attend a black tie affair for all the tea in China. But she can hardly say no to her hunky, handsome boyfriend, Max, who directs public relations for the Gibbes Museum in Charleston. Max has organized an amazing gala opening for an exhibit of a genuine eighteenth century Chinese teahouse, and the crème de la crème of Charleston society is invited.

In the exotic garden staged in the museum’s rotunda, a Chinese dragon dances to the beat of drums as it weaves through the crowd. The guests are serenaded by a Chinese violin as they sample an assortment of tempting bites. And to give them a memento of the occasion, there’s even a photo booth. But Theodosia makes a grim discovery behind the booth’s curtains: the body of museum donor Edgar Webster.

While Theodosia prefers tea service over the service of justice, this case is difficult to ignore — especially after Max becomes a suspect. Now she must examine the life of the fallen philanthropist and find out who really wanted him to pay up.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbook Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and a recent recipient of the Romantic Times Book Review’s Award for Best Amateur Sleuth. 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-profit organizations, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.

Product Details
Series: Tea Shop Mysteries (Book 16)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley (May 5, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425281647
ISBN-13: 978-0425281642

My Review:

4/5

Cozy Review: Scorched Eggs (A Cackleberry Club Mystery)

 I've finished "Scorched Eggs" the 6th book in her Cackleberry Club Mystery series by Laura Childs.

In Laura Childs’s New York Times bestselling mystery series, Suzanne, Petra, and Toni — co-owners of the Cackleberry Club Café — are equally good at serving up breakfast and serving up justice. This time they turn up the heat on a deadly firebug.

As Suzanne is getting her hair colored at Root 66, she’s stunned to witness the County Services office next door suddenly go up in flames. Concerned neighbors throng the streets, and the fire department does their best. Unfortunately, their best isn’t enough to save longtime civil service worker — and friend to the Cackleberry Club — Hannah Venable.

Soon enough, it’s discovered that an accelerant was used to fan the flames. Someone set the fire on purpose — was Hannah the intended victim? Suzanne, Petra, and Toni vow to smoke out the culprit.

Unfortunately, the list of suspects is as varied as the Cackleberry Club’s menu. When Suzanne finds a possible connection between the fire and the nearby Prairie Star Casino, she comes to realize that the arsonist wanted something very big and bad kept secret. And if the ladies aren’t careful, they may be the ones gambling with their lives.

About the Author 

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Scrapbooking Mysteries, and the Cackleberry Club Mysteries. The most recent of these, Gilt Trip, won the RT Book Reviews Reviewers’ Choice Award for Best Amateur Sleuth. She is a consummate tea drinker, scrapbooker, and dog lover, and travels frequently to China and Japan with Dr. Bob, her professor husband. In her past life she was a Clio Award–winning advertising writer and CEO of her own marketing firm.

Product Details
Series: A Cackleberry Club Mystery (Book 6)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley (December 2, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 042525559X
ISBN-13: 978-0425255599

My Review:

4/5

Cozy Review: Gossamer Ghost (A Scrapbooking Mystery)

I've finished "Gossamer Ghost the 12th book in Scrapbooking Mystery Series by Laura Childs.

Carmela Bertrand knows that Halloween in New Orleans means a week of rabble-rousing, costumed craziness — and she can’t wait to get the party started. But when a local antiques dealer turns up dead, Carmela suddenly finds herself in a real-life danse macabre.

An evening’s work deciding on the class schedule for her scrapbooking shop has put Carmela in the mood to kick up her heels. But after some strange noises draw her into Oddities, the neighboring antiques shop, Carmela’s night is abruptly put on hold when a bloody body falls out of a curio cabinet — and into her arms.

While shop owner Marcus Joubert was known for being an eccentric with a penchant for eclectic merchandise, Carmela never thought he was the kind of man who could inspire the passion required to kill. But when Marcus’s assistant — and fiancée — Mavis reveals that a priceless death mask was also stolen, it becomes clear that murder wasn’t the culprit’s sole intention.

Carmela can’t resist the urge to investigate the growing mystery, but as the list of suspects increases, she realizes it’ll take every trick in the book to unmask the killer thief before there’s another night of murderous mischief.

Product Details
Series: A Scrapbooking Mystery (Book 12)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (October 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425266664
ISBN-13: 978-0425266663

My Review:

5/5

Cozy Review: Steeped in Evil (A Tea Shop Mystery) Hardcover

I've finished "Steeped in Evil" the 15th book in her Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.

In the newest mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Sweet Tea Revenge, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is about to learn the true meaning of terror.

Theodosia Browning has never considered herself a wine connoisseur — tea has always been her forte. But that doesn’t mean she’s going to pass up an invitation to a fancy wine-tasting party at the upscale Knighthall Winery, just outside of Charleston, South Carolina.

But a sweet evening takes on a bitter aftertaste when a dead body is discovered in one of the wine barrels. The son of proprietor Jordan Knight has been murdered.

Dissatisfied with the police investigation, Knight turns to Theo for help. She’s heard through the grapevine that there are both family and business problems at Knighthall. They say in vino veritas, but everyone at the winery seems to be lying through their teeth. Sorting through the guest list as well as family and staff, Theo has her pick of suspects. It may look like the killer has her over a barrel, but cracking tough cases is vintage Theodosia Browning.

About the Author

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.

Product Details
Series: A Tea Shop Mystery (Book 15)
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover; First Edition edition (March 4, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425252957
ISBN-13: 978-0425252956

My Review:

Sorry I haven't feeling well and been going to bed early so most of my review posts only have a rating and no review!

3.5/5

Cozy Review: Eggs in a Casket (A Cackleberry Club Mystery)

I've finished "Eggs in a Casket" the 5th book in her Cackleberry Club Mystery series by Laura Childs.

The ladies of the Cackleberry Club are always ready to serve — whether they’re cooking up breakfast or sniffing out a bad egg.

While Petra handles the breakfast rush at the Cackleberry Club, the café’s other two owners, Suzanne and Toni, head to Memorial Cemetery to help prepare for its 150th anniversary celebration. But as they search the winding paths for the historical society tent, they discover something else out of place: the body of ex-prison warden Lester Drummond lying facedown in someone else’s freshly dug grave.

In the small town of Kindred, everyone knows everyone, and Lester was no exception. Suzanne knew him as the creepy guy who made unwanted advances on her friend Missy Langston. But now it appears the man was hiding a few secrets and at least one of them was worth killing for.

As the case cracks open, there are plenty of suspects to consider — from recent parolees to Missy herself, who Suzanne and Toni saw speeding away just before they found the body. Now, with a cemetery celebration in the offing, and the local authorities in over their heads, it’s up to the Cackleberry Club to unscramble the clues and clear their friend’s name.

Recipes Included!

About the Author

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.

Product Details
Series: A Cackleberry Club Mystery (Book 5)
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (January 7, 2014)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425255581
ISBN-13: 978-0425255582

My Review:

3.5/5

Cozy Review: Sweet Tea Revenge (A Tea Shop Mystery) [Hardcover]

I've finished "Sweet Tea Revenge" the 14th book in her Tea Shop series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of The Agony of the Leaves, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning may always be a bridesmaid, never a bride, but this groom is never going to make it to the altar.

Theodosia Browning’s dear friend, Delaine Dish, has asked her to be a bridesmaid for her wedding. But when the big day arrives, everything seems to be going wrong. First, a massive storm is brewing over Charleston. A bad omen? Second, Delaine’s maid of honor is late for the ceremony. And finally, the groom not only has cold feet — his whole body is cold. A murderer has crashed the wedding.

As Theodosia comforts a devastated Delaine, she needs to sort out the suspects on the groom’s side from the suspects on the bride’s side. One thing soon becomes apparent — revenge won’t be the only dish served cold at this wedding. And if Theodosia doesn’t watch her step, a cold-blooded killer may have a rude reception in store for her.

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, the Cackleberry Club Mysteries, and the Scrapbooking Mysteries. She is a consummate tea drinker, scrapbooker, and dog lover, and travels frequently to China and Japan with Dr. Bob, her professor husband. In her past life she was a Clio Award–winning advertising writer and CEO of her own marketing firm.

Product Details
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover; First Edition edition (March 5, 2013)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425252884
ISBN-13: 978-0425252888

My Review:

Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning is a bridesmaid for her friend Delaine Dish's marriage to attorney Dougan Granville.  The wedding day has arrived but the groom is missing so Theo goes to get him but finds him dead with an unknown powder around him.  It is soon known that it was not an overdose but a homicide.

Detective Burt Tidwell arrives and Delaine becomes the prime suspect.  Delaine asks Theo to do a little detecting and soon ghost hunters Jed and Tim Beckman arrive at Ravencrest to film a segment for their show Southern Hauntings.  They are extremely happy to hear that a death has occurred because they believe it will help them make contact with the spiritual contact.

Max Theo's boyfriend makes an appearance and they seem solid but she seems to be noticing a P.I. who she thinks is attractive.  Hmm not really like her at all!

I find it quite funny when she goes investigates and she runs into trouble or things happen to her.

I love the yummy recipes at the end with suggestion for staging your own tea parties.

3.5/5

Cozy Review: Agony of the Leaves (A Tea Shop Mystery)

I've finished "Agony of the Leaves" the 13th book in her Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

In the latest novel from the New York Times bestselling author of Scones and Bones, Indigo Tea Shop owner Theodosia Browning finds herself in hot water when a body surfaces at the grand opening of Charleston's Neptune Aquarium ...

The opening of the aquarium is a major Charleston event, and Theodosia has been hired to cater tea, scones, and sandwiches for the private party to honor dignitaries and big buck donors. Things are going swimmingly, until Theodosia escapes the party for a momentary rest, only to discover the body of a man entangled in a net, drowned in one of the aquarium's state-of-the-art tanks.

To make matters worse, the victim is Theodosia's former boyfriend Parker Scully. The EMTs on the scene think Parker's drowning was an accident, but when Theodosia notices what look like defense wounds on his hands, she realizes that someone wanted Parker dead. The local police aren't keen on hearing her theory-especially because of her ties to the victim - so Theodosia knows that if she wants Parker's killer brought to justice, she'll have to jump into the deep end and start her own investigation...

INCLUDES DELICIOUS RECIPES AND TEA TIME TIPS!

About the Author

Laura Childs is the New York Times bestselling author of the Cackleberry Club, Tea Shop, and Scrapbooking mysteries. In her past life she was a Clio Award – winning advertising writer and CEO of her own marketing firm. She lives in Plymouth, Minnesota.

Product Details
Reading level: Ages 18 and up
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (March 6, 2012)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425245535
ISBN-13: 978-0425245538

My Review:

Theodosia Browning was hired to cater tea, scones and sandwiches for the private party to honor dignitaries and big buck donors at the opening of the Charleston Aquarium. She takes a breather and finds a man tangled in a net in a state of the art aquarium.

She discovers the body is her former boyfriend Parker Scully and he has defensive wounds on his hands when she investigates his body.  She's in shock and determined who would want to kill Parker and why?

It was a delight to see Drayton the tea expert extraordinaire and Haley the Indigo Tea Shop Chef had a bigger role in helping Theodosia solve the case. This is a great series to learn about all the different types and varieties of teas and there is always recipes at the end and ideas how to host a theme tea party.

4/5

Other books in series:

1.   Death by Darjeeling
2.   Gunpowder Green
3.   Shades of Earl Grey
4.   The English Breakfast Murder
5.   Jasmine Moon Murder
6.   Chamomile Murder
7.   Blood Orange Brewing
8.   Dragonwell Dead
9.   Silver Needle Murder
10. Oolong Dead
11. The Teaberry Strangler
12. Scones and Bones

Thanks Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Scones & Bones (A Tea Shop Mystery) [Hardcover]

I've finished "Scones and Bones" the 12th book in her Tea Shop Mystery series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

Charleston tourist notes enhance Childs's charming 12th tea-themed cozy featuring Theodosia Browning, proprietor of the city's Indigo Tea Shop (after 2010's The Teaberry Strangler). During the Heritage Society's Pirates and Plunder show, someone steals a diamond-embedded skull cup possibly fashioned from the skull of pirate Edward Teach (aka Blackbeard) right beneath the noses of Theo and Drayton Conneley, Theo's master tea blender. Even worse, the robber fatally stabs college kid Rob Commers, the society's history intern, and assaults Camilla Hodges, the society's office manager. While plucky Theo, her faithful shop employees, and CPD's Det. Burt Tidwell chase a nasty killer, Theo feels romantically torn between her boyfriend, chef Parker Scully, and an attractive newcomer, Max Scofield, a local museum's PR director. As usual, everyone finds time for abundant tea breaks. Tempting recipes include creamy dreamy parfait and lemon chess pie.
 
Product Details
Hardcover: 320 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (March 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425238962
ISBN-13: 978-0425238967

My Review:

Storyline:  Theodosia and her right-hand man, master tea blender Drayton Conneley, attend the heritage society's "Pirates and Plunder" party which features all kinds of historical pirate memorabilia but at center stage is a diamond-embedded cup made from a human skull, believed to be that of Blackbeard himself. When the cup is stolen and a guest is murdered in the process, Theodosia finds herself once again on the trail of a killer, putting herself and her friends at risk of becoming his or her next victim.

Characters:  Theodosia and Drayton both own the teashop and Haley is their chief.  All three have different personalities but work well together.  Love the way Drayon and Haley banter with one another.  Some great lines!

Romance:  Theodosia is dating chef Parker but is wildly attracted to Max the local museum PR director.  She and Max have shared a couple of spine tingling kisses which leaves her confused between her Parker and Max.

Killer:  Wow never expected the killer to be that certain person and you didn't find out until near the end who it was.  This person thought their relative was wronged and wanted revenge.

I love the way Laura incorporated the Blackbeard legend into the storyline and I certainly want to go visit her Tea Shop!

4/5

Thanks Laura from Penguin Canada for sending me this book to review, greatly appreciated!

Bedeviled Eggs (A Cackleberry Club Mystery) [Paperback]

I've finished "Bedeviled Eggs" the 3rd book in her Cackleberry Club series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

The ladies at the Cackleberry Club café are busy preparing for Halloween. But someone's jumped the gun on the tricks. As mayoral candidate Chuck Peebler leaves the café, he gets struck with a crossbow arrow and is killed instantly. And when another murder occurs on the historical society's Quilt Trail, the Cackleberry Club needs to sniff out the bad egg-before he strikes again.

Product Details
Paperback: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley; Original edition (December 7, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425238237
ISBN-13: 978-0425238233

My Review:

I highly recommend this series if you like a light and humorous cozy.

I really enjoy the banter between Suzanne, Toni, and Petra and how they comfort and support each other when Pebbles is murdered by reading inspirational messages drawn from their affirmation crockpot.

I also enjoy the charitable events, luncheons, and busy mealtimes at the café which helps us look into how to run a restaurant.

Really love trying out the recipes at the end of the book which anyone can make!

4/5

Fiber & Brimstone (A Scrapbooking Mystery) [Hardcover]

I've finished "Fiber and Brimstone" the 8th book in her Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

It's Halloween in New Orleans-and the festivities are going to be killer.

With the help of her best friend Ava, Carmela Bertrand is building a giant monster puppet for the Halloween Monsters & Mayhem parade. Things get terrifying earlier than expected when they overhear an argument between Jekyl Hardy and Brett Fowler - and just minutes later they find Fowler's dead body.

Carmela has known Jekyl for years and can't believe he'd ever resort to murder, despite the fact that Fowler owed him money. But when another victim is discovered - who also had an unfriendly relationship with Jekyl - Carmela is convinced someone is framing her friend and now must find a way to unmask the real killer.

Product Details
Hardcover: 336 pages
Publisher: Berkley Hardcover (October 5, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0425236749
ISBN-13: 978-0425236741

My Review:
 
Storyline:  To find out who killed Brett Fowler by using a Minotaur mask and why! 

Characters:  I really like Carmela because she's always finding a dead body and is determined to intrude in her boyfriend's Edger Babcock cases. He always warns her to stay out of it because she's always getting into danger!  She tries to convince Babcock that Jekyl is innocent!

Romance:  The romance between Carmela and Babcock is very sweet!  They are on the outs in this case because he believes Jekyl is one of the guilty parties!  Ava happens to be starting a new romance herself.

Killer:  I wish we knew more about the killer!

4.5/5

The Teaberry Strangler (A Tea Shop Mystery)

I've just finished reading "The Teaberry Strangler" the 11th book in her Tea Shop series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

The bestselling author of Oolong Dead serves up an Old-World treat, spiced with a Sherlock Holmes-style murder mystery.

It was the Dickensian evening Theodosia Browning had been hoping for. Charleston shop-owners dressed in cloaks of yore threw open their back doors to visitors, who took advantage of bargains and Theodosia's delicious teas.

But later, the alleys clear except for one body- which a horrified Theodosia discovers. It's Daria, the map store's owner. Locals have shown interest in buying her shop-but enough to kill? Plus there's been a customer hell-bent on acquiring a not-for­sale map. Most alarming of all theories, however, is Detective Tidwell's: the killer mistook Daria for Theodosia. And if that theory holds, the killer's work isn't done.

My Review:
 
4/5

Eggs Benedict Arnold (A Cackleberry Club Mystery)

I've just finished reading "Eggs Benedict Arnold" the 2nd book in her Cackleberry Club Mystery series by Laura Childs.

Product Description

When Cackleberry Clubber Suzanne delivers a pie to funeral director Ozzie Driesden, she discovers him not working at the embalming table but lying on the embalming table. She barely has time to recognize his corpse before she's drugged with chloroform. With more suspects than breakfast specials, the Cackleberry Club scrambles to crack the case before one of their own ends up six feet under.

My Review:

3/5

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

Eggs in Purgatory: A Cackleberry Club Mystery (Cackleberry Club Mysteries) (Paperback

I've just finished reading "Eggs in Purgatory" the 1st book in her Cackleberry Club Mysteries by Laura Childs.

Product Description

Now Laura Childs is cracking a whole new case of murder in a brand new series—RECIPES INCLUDED.

Introducing the Cackleberry Club Mysteries...

Suzanne, Toni, and Petra lose their husbands but find independence when they open the Cackleberry Club. Then their cozy cafe becomes the scene of a crime when a lawyer dies with a secret on his lips and egg on his face. What this all has to do with a religious cult and Suzanne’s past could put her own life on the line.

Motif for Murder (A Scrapbooking Mystery) (Paperback)

I've finished reading "Motif for Murder" a book in her scrapbooking series by Laura Childs.

From Publishers Weekly

Childs's fourth scrapbooking mystery (after 2004's Bound for Murder), her first in hardcover, offers plenty of action even if it doesn't take full advantage of its setting, post-Katrina New Orleans. Just when series heroine Carmela Bertrand decides that reuniting with Shamus Meechum, her bad-boy ex-husband, might be a mistake, Shamus is kidnapped. Carmela rushes across the alley to seek help from Shamus's elderly uncle Henry, only to find Henry murdered. Det. Edgar Babcock isn't thrilled to have another case involving the meddling Carmela, and his irritation increases when Carmela and her best friend, Ava, rescue Shamus from the kidnappers themselves. Once Shamus is safe, he reverts to his old ways, adding to Carmela's woes. Mix in the usual scrapbooking and craft tips, and you have another engaging read from this reliable cozy author.

Product Description

After Hurricane Katrina, scrapbooking shop owner Carmela Bertrand has her hands full getting Memory Mine back in business-and her relationship with her ex-husband, Shamus, back on its feet. But then Shamus is kidnapped, and Carmela discovers Shamus's Uncle Henry, murdered.

Carmela puts together a sentimental scrapbook of memories and keepsakes of Henry. But her project holds a clue that could identify the killer and kidnapper-and the murderer is going to try to close the book on Carmela once and for all.