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.
Craft fairs are popping up like errant mushrooms. Craft stores are selling supplies like crazy. Schools and churches have scrapped bake sales in favor of craft auctions. And the craft site Etsy racked up an amazing $29 billion in sales last year.
What's at the heart of all this craft mania? For one thing, I believe that crafting gives us all a respite from this slick, digital world that we now find ourselves living in. And when big box stores are filled with row upon row of homogenous products, it's only natural that we want to create something unique. Something handmade and one-of-a-kind.
And we crafters are a devilishly clever and resourceful bunch. We love the notion of repurposing paper, labels, ephemera, and even flea market finds. It's smart, challenging and kind to the environment. We know that hand made greeting cards (which truly do come from the heart!) will trump a quickie email any day.
According to the Craft & Hobby Association, more than half of all households take part in at least one crafting activity - whether it's actually making soap, or buying bars of soap and then lovingly wrapping them in beautiful paper. Believe me, you don't need a specially tricked out, designated craft room to reap the joys of crafting. All you need is a flicker of an idea - and the desire to play around a little bit. (Remember playing? From when you were a kid?)
I love weaving craft projects into all my Scrapbooking Mysteries, and my newest mystery, Gossamer Ghost, is no exception. This one is a Halloween myster, so it's particularly suited for this time of year. And, as you might expect, there are a few Halloween-themed crafts that are detailed. Of course, there are also sachets, collaging, and scrapbooking. And tips on how to rubber stamp your own guest towels and design your own wine labels.
But I'm getting ahead of myself now, because the story's really the thing. And I think you'll get swept up in the mystery as scrapbook maven Carmela Bertrand discovers that the owner of Oddities Antiques has been murdered and a Napoleon death mask stolen. She and her BFF Ava scramble for clues, of course. But a Halloween investigation in New Orleans' French Quarter also means shuffling zombies, a phony French countess, and a tricked out ghost train with a deadly confrontation. Oh yes, and along the way are New Orleans recipes for Seafood Bisque, Spoon Bread, Baked Porcupines, and Beignets.
Interested? Then please do enjoy!
All my very best,
Laura Childs
Book 13, I can't wait to meet you.
Rating: 5 stars
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All conclusions reached are my own.
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