Nicole B. (pixinator) - , reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 7 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
Part of a mystery series set in New Orleans, LA and the surrounding area. The main character owns a scrapbook store in the French Quarter and solves mysteries. Pretty good, easy read that kept me interested until the very end.
Marilyn Y. (Scrapydoll) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 13 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a wonderful first in a series. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. If you like female sleuths and mystery, I recommend this in the first of series.
Helpful Score: 1
A lite mystery set in New Orleans and Mardi Gras with a scrapbooking theme. This is the first in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
First in a new series with a scrapbooking backdrop. Takes place in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. Good story!
Helpful Score: 1
Fun, easy quick read. I am a scrpabooker so enjoyed the scrapping references but even more so enjoyed the descriptions and refrences of New Orleans.
Helpful Score: 1
A great book - I am really enjoying this series.
Debbie C. (DebbieC) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 157 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Great. First in the series... gives tips
Debbie C. (toomanybooks) -
Helpful Score: 1
This is a good mystery that revolves around scrapbooking. If you are a mystery lover who scrapbooks, this book is for you!
Bobbie Jo C. (bobbiejo) -
Helpful Score: 1
Great and engaging.
Love the scrapbooking tips and recipes.
Love the scrapbooking tips and recipes.
Becky V. (justducky) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was a very good read and had me hooked on the series.
Instantly a "old" Favorite.
Instantly a "old" Favorite.
On the fringe of New Orlean's French Quarter sits Carmela Bertrand's little scrapbooking shop. Business is booming and life is cozy. But when one of the city's elite dies during Mardi Gras, the police tag Carmela's estranged husband as their number one suspect. Then, as Shamus begs for help, Carmels uncovers an important clue in a most unlikely place - one of her customer's scrapbooks.
This series is set in New Orleans, and is a lot of fun to read just to learn about what is unique to that area of the country. The story is fun as well.
This book was easy reading and more interesting than the normal mystery for anyone who scrapbooks, not edge-of-your seat exciting though.
Loretta G. (myshistory) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
While this book is not as good as the ones in the author's tea shop series, it gives an interesting view of pre Katrina New Orleans.
Elizabeth T. (ebeth) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 81 more book reviews
Cute story.
Stephanie S. (punkinema) -
The first in the Scrapbooking Series by Laura Childs and I was delighted to meet all the characters of the book. Although I wish Carmela would make up her mind about her estranged husband (who I think is a louse), the story was good and full of descriptions of characters so I felt like I knew them. Carmela sees the body of a well-known New Orleanian fall from a Mardi Gras parade float and next then she knows, all signs point to her "ex". She feels she must find the truth - guilty of not? A light read but a good one.
Chris H. (redheadindian) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 55 more book reviews
Excellent book - gives a great description of New Orleans life and blends scrapbooking with murder!
I thought this was pretty good. I liked this series better then then the Tea Shop Mysteries.
DaLynn M. (dalynnrmc) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
I really enjoyed the allusions to scrapbooking, and had to giggle at its inclusion closer to the end of the book after the murderer has been revealed. Other than that and a few neat peeks into pre-Katrina New Orleans, I was not overly impressed with this book.
I've not read anything else by Ms. Childs, and though I'll read the second book in this series, that is only because of the scrapbooking theme, the fact that I've already started the series, and the next book is sitting on my shelf. It's debatable whether I'll continue after book 2, and I will probably not pick up the Tea Shop books.
The author repeats herself, restating facts every 2 or 3 chapters. She does this probably a half dozen times, and I began to feel like she doesn't think her readers are intelligent enough to follow the story. The plot was overly obvious to me, though our heroine seems to completely miss it until the very, very end and just before the revelation. She is completely surprised at the revelation, whereas it simply confirmed my own suspicions.
As a scrapbooker of 10 years, though I enjoyed the allusions to the craft, the tips themselves were not impressive. I did enjoy the fact that they are there, and hope that future books in the series have tips for the more intermediate or advanced level scrappers. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few recipes in the back of the book, though I found the talk of food and cooking a bit out of place with the craft theme.
Overall, a decent read, but not something I'll seek out in the future. I gave 3 1/2 stars for shear enjoyment - and the simple fact that it DOES include a satisfying amount of scrapbook chatter.
I've not read anything else by Ms. Childs, and though I'll read the second book in this series, that is only because of the scrapbooking theme, the fact that I've already started the series, and the next book is sitting on my shelf. It's debatable whether I'll continue after book 2, and I will probably not pick up the Tea Shop books.
The author repeats herself, restating facts every 2 or 3 chapters. She does this probably a half dozen times, and I began to feel like she doesn't think her readers are intelligent enough to follow the story. The plot was overly obvious to me, though our heroine seems to completely miss it until the very, very end and just before the revelation. She is completely surprised at the revelation, whereas it simply confirmed my own suspicions.
As a scrapbooker of 10 years, though I enjoyed the allusions to the craft, the tips themselves were not impressive. I did enjoy the fact that they are there, and hope that future books in the series have tips for the more intermediate or advanced level scrappers. I was pleasantly surprised to find a few recipes in the back of the book, though I found the talk of food and cooking a bit out of place with the craft theme.
Overall, a decent read, but not something I'll seek out in the future. I gave 3 1/2 stars for shear enjoyment - and the simple fact that it DOES include a satisfying amount of scrapbook chatter.
I love "cozy mysteries" and scrapbooking, and thought this would a fun read. Sadly, I found the whole story to be rather predictable and "convenient", as was the ending. It focused more on New Orleans and Mardi Gra then on the "mystery" and scrapbooking.
I liked this story. It took me a while to get used to the "flowery" and overly descriptive style of writing, but I enjoyed it. About 1/2 way through, I decided to keep going and not stop until the end. I didn't predict who the murderer was, and that is a big plus. If I can't figure it out myself before I get to the end, then it's a good book. (Wish I could say that about a lot of movies and books these days). I'm an avid scrapbooker and enjoyed the scrapbooking component to the main character. Looking forward to getting another Keepsake Crimes book!!
Barbara L. (thecomet) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 125 more book reviews
This is really a nice series. Takes place in New Orleans and there is historical info about the town. The characters - all of them are interesting - from the women who come to the shop and the people in the town. Camela's husband - well still her husband, but separated is being looked at for the murder of one of men in town. Camela the owner of the Scrapbook store is great, she has to get involved in solving the mystery. There are scrapbooking tips in the back and some receipes. Nice read and enjoyable. Recommend
Elizabeth R. (bettyj) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 24 more book reviews
I am especially enjoying the Scrapbooking hints, since it is one of my hobbies. I will be moving South with my retirement and I enjoy reading books set in different geographical locations. Of course, there have to be murders!
If you enjoy reading,mysteries & scrapbooking you will enjoy this book. The mystery is interesting and the flow is engaging. However,I found the ending lacking in substance & not consistent with the other chapters. This being the first in this series, I did enjoy it enough to read the second in the series. Loved the scrapbook tips!
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 885 more book reviews
Having read Laura Childs' teashop mystery series, I believe i prefer it to the scrapbooking series, but still an enjoyable read!
The scrapbooker in me just had to read this book! It is a fun quick read, nothing too deep here! I'll continue with the series, it will be good when I'm in the mood for something light.
Cassie I. (thelonestarirwins) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 6 more book reviews
A good quick read with interesting info about Mardi Gras and New Orleans pre-Katrina.
Carmela's not quite up to Benni Harper yet, but she has a good chance, I think. So I'll be requesting the rest of the series.
My first read by Laura Childs. I don't know why, but I assumed this was from a Christian author or should I say "basic Christian fiction". I did enjoy the book even with the occasional bad language. The setting of New Orleans and the colorful characters were an eyeopener for me. I went on to read several more from the series and look forward to seeing new titles come out in paperback.
Fun to read and get ideas from. Great "cozy" mystery series.
Lorrie M. (ilovedale3) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 524 more book reviews
Carmela Bertrand takes a break from the scrapbook store that she owns to attend a Mardi Gras parade. In the middle of the festivities, the parade grinds to a halt and a man is discovered dead on one of the floats. Much to Carmela's surprise, her estranged husband is the prime suspect!
A great, light mystery with lots of scrapbook lingo thrown in! A fun read.
The first in the scrapbook mystery series.
A great, light mystery with lots of scrapbook lingo thrown in! A fun read.
The first in the scrapbook mystery series.
I don't like this series as well as Ms. Child's "Tea" series. I found the women "catty". Did like the scapebooking talk. I did like Boo the dog. Hope the rest of the books in the series have more of him in them. I was concerned for him when the main charater left him running with some hound dogs while she chased down her estranged husband.
Terri M. (ManitouBlue) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 110 more book reviews
Keepsake Crimes is a fun read, set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras. The main character owns and operates a scrapbook store, and gives plenty of interesting ideas on scrapbooking throughout this cozy mystery! There are also some nice historical references. It's a good book.
From Laura Childs, author of the popular Tea Shop Mysteries, comes scrapbooking shop owner Carmelia Bertrand, who delights her customers with the sophisticated looks she achieves with their scrapbooks. But among her client's keepsakes she finds a tip of her own--about a murder.
Rosemary G. (COZYCAT) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 21 more book reviews
Newer series by the author of the Tea Shop Mysteries. This series is set in New Orleans and the herione owns a scrapbooking store. The mysteries and secondary characters can hold your interest even if you aren't into scrappin'.
Murder and romance in pre-Katrina New Orleans-set in a scrapbooking shop. First in the series
Melissa D. (missyjo) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 30 more book reviews
A GREAT READ!!! CARMELLA IS QUITE THE LADY!!!
Patti D. (alaskanbat) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 72 more book reviews
I enjoyed this. A light read... interesting. I am a scrapbooker so of course I was drawn to these right away!
plan to read all this series.
First in the series of scrapbooking murder mysteries. From Laura Childs, author of the popular Tea Shop Mysteries.
Franci R. (FranciJo) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 40 more book reviews
This is a good cozy mystery. Although I'm not a "scapbooker," it was still interesting. The mystery, the descriptions of New Orleans during Mardi Gras and the characters were great.
1st in the scrapbooking series. Great feel for New Orleans, likeable characters and some nice tidbits about scrapbooking (not something I pursue, but found it interesting).
Ivy M. (Luvbug) -
Set in New Orleans during Mardi Gras....not bad for the first book of a new series. Worth the read.
Kimberly B. (Spndalot) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 41 more book reviews
A Scrapbooking Mystery...including some tips! Fun read, just enough fun & mystery.
If you like a good who-done-it and scrapbooking...this is a most read.
From Laura Childs, author of the popular Tea Shop Mysteries, comes scrapbooking shop owner Carmela Bertrand, who delights her customers with the sophisticated looks she achieves with their scrapbooks. But among her client's keepsakes she finds a tip of her own--- about murder.
Colleen H. (Dove) -
As a scrapbooker, I love these light mysteries.
Ashley W. (child-from-night) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 28 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this book. What could be better than a Mystry in a scrapbook store?
Wendy G. (tendy) - , reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 26 more book reviews
Murder during Mardi Gras
On the fringe of New Orlean's French Quarter sits Carmela Bertrand's little scrapbooking shop, Memory Mine. Business is booming and life is cozy. But when one of the city's elite dies during Mardi Gras, the police tag Carmela's estranged husband as their number one murder suspect. Even though the memory of how he scrapped their marriage hasn't faded, Carmela doesn't think that Shamus is cut out to be a killer. She's an expert at framing things herself -- and doesn't like the pattern being laid out by a disreputable detective and shady newspaper columnist. Then, as Shamus begs for help, Carmela uncovers an important clue in a most unlikely place -- one of her customer's scrapbooks.
Very enjoyable. Great information about New Orleans. I even made the Jamabalaya recipe in the book and everyone loved it.
Fun, easy reading, small mysteries...i really enjoyed it
Shannon Y. (dolphinlover) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 209 more book reviews
good book
Karen F. (earlsgirl) reviewed Keepsake Crimes (Scrapbooking Mystery, Bk 1) on + 188 more book reviews
I really wanted to like this series because I'm a scrapbook fiend. I appreciated the New Orleans setting and descriptions, and the scrapbooking theme. However, these characters just didn't do anything for me. This writer also doesn't put "of" after the word "couple". I always like to see a picture of the author on the inside cover too, and that is missing. Who is Laura Childs? Is she an 8th grader? Is she 80 years old? The mystery in this book is boring. She never gets into the character of the murdered or the murderer.
Cliche and totally predictable.
