Keepsake Crimes

In Keepsake Crimes, Laura Childs introduced us to a new character in her new cozy series, in the first Scrapbooking Mystery series. Carmela Betrand owned a small craft shop in New Orleans, and specialized in the art and craft of scrapbooking. She used to live the high life, until her husband Shamus bolted from her and wanted to change careers. Until then, she made a niche store of her own and formed a circle of friends. During Mardi Gras season, someone was murdered during one of the float parade. People spread vicious rumors about it being her ex-husband and placing the blame on him. It was up to Carmela to clear his name and find out who was the culprit and why. The closer she'd gotten to the truth, the more perilous her life and her craft store would be from ruination. This series also included scrapbooking tips to do at home.

I liked Carmela and the central crafty focus of scrapbooking. New Orleans was a fantastic setting for any holiday season. For Mardi Gras, it made it even better. Seamus was an okay character for her ex, though his sister Glory was an interesting person as well with a love/hate series. I didn't like Ruby and Jack in my mind's eye. I became personally invested into Carmela and her scrapbooking friends in this new cozy series. I love the bonus touch of scrapbooking tips.

Ready to get crafty? Check out this cozy series today!