Rating: Good
Source: Publisher
Description: It's Mardi Gras in New Orleans and scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand is excited to be attending the Pluvius Parade along with her best friend Ava. Carmela's ex-husband Shamus rides by the duo on his float at the head of the parade, when suddenly the revelry turns to disaster. Shamus' float crashes and explodes, and although Shamus escapes unhurt, a member of his krewe is killed.
Carmela and Ava plunge into an investigation of the krewe-member's death, but as they dig deeper it starts to look less like an accident and more like a murder....and Shamus seems less like a victim, and more like a suspect.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: This is one of the first cozy series that I discovered and I was such a fan. I missed a bunch in the middle but I read the previous one and really loved it so I couldn't pass this one set in Mardi Gras up!
My Impression: This was one of the very first cozy mystery series I ever discovered but then I kind of lost track of it. Honestly, when I rediscovered it a year or two ago I was surprised to see it was still going since the popularity of actual physical scrapbooking seems to have decreased. I was really intrigued to see how Childs has updated Carmela's store and how she fills her time. It was fun to see all her different projects and it made me feel far craftier than I am!
This was a fun read with a murder occurring smack in the middle of a Mardi Gras parade. I'm not sure there can be a more New Orleans-y murder than that! It also adds a bit of challenge as the police have to deal with crowd control, mass quantities of tourists, and all the madness that accompanies Mardi Gras. I liked seeing a bit more of Carmela's past with Shamus and his sister as well as getting a peek inside the secrets and scandals in the hedge fund world.
My main problem with this series is that Carmela is just a little too perfect and a little too noisy. Everyone seems to love her except when she's asking questions she really has no business asking - which happens frequently. This didn't keep me from enjoying the book and looking forward to seeing how the mystery would unravel.
While there is a bit from Carmela's past here I don't think newcomers to the series would have any problem jumping in here and understanding what's going on. If you're looking for a fun lightweight cozy with a great setting and entertaining characters this is one you really must read!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I'm really looking forward to going back and reading the series from the beginning as well as keeping an eye out for the newest book.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy lighter cozies and haven't read this series you really need to fix that!
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Ironically, I see lots of scrapbooking things in thrift stores, but there are lots of the same things they use that work with my Planner. Back in the day, I knew this lady who was a serious scrapbook person, and her work was amazing. Glad it worked out for you so well. Hugs...RO
ReplyDeleteI never got into scrapbooking but still would be a very creative outlet. It would be very good to catch up with one of the first cozy mystery series that you really read and liked.
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of this series, but have seen it and wondered if I'd like it. Based on your review I think I'll give it a try!
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