Laura Childs Reviews

Page Two

Added July 5, 2003

Keepsake Crimes

A Scrapbooking Mystery

Author: Laura Childs
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: May 2003
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0425190749
Author Email/Website: www.laurachilds.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Meet Carmela Bertrand, owner of Memory Mine, a scrapbooking store in New Orleans and author Laura Childs' newest heroine.

Keepsake Crimes opens with Carmela and her customers sitting at a table, working on scrapbooks and discussing the upcoming Mardi Gras parade. Tonight was the Pluvius parade and everybody was looking forward to it. Carmela had already made plans to go out with friend and fellow shop owner, Ava.

The parade was in full swing when disaster struck. One of the workers, Jimmy Earl Clayton was rushed to the hospital, dying along the way. His death is ruled a homicide and to Carmela's surprise, her soon-to-be-divorced husband Shamus Meecham is the main suspect. Hating the way he left, Carmela, nonetheless, feels obligated to help clear his name.

Her investigation only raises more questions, none pertaining to the murder of poor Jimmy Earl. In between sleuthing, Mardi Gras parties, and her landlord trying to force her out, Carmela has her hands full. Will she find the murderer before she loses everything she holds dear?

An incredible beginning to a fantastic new series, Keepsake Crimes is trademark Laura Childs. Filled with the unforgettable secondary characters, edge-of-the-seat suspense, detailed locales and a strong, sassy heroine, this is destined for my keeper shelf. When I began reading Keepsake Crimes, I was not a big fan of scrapbooking; now I've caught the bug. Fans of Laura Childs and scrapbooking will find this a perfect addition their library and worthy of many rereads while waiting for the next book. Oh and don't forget to try the recipe for Carmela's jambalaya; it's absolutely delicious.

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Added July 5, 2003

Shades of Earl Grey

A Tea Shop Mystery

Author: Laura Childs
Publisher: Berkley Publishing Group
Available At: Bookstores Everywhere
Publishing Date: Available Now
Genre: Mystery: Cozy
Format: Paperback
Price: $5.99
ISBN: 0425188213
Author Email/Website: www.laurachilds.com
Reviewer: Sharyn McGinty

Theodosia Browning, owner of the Indigo Tea Shop is taking a break from her customers and attending an engagement party at the Lady Goodwood Inn. During the party a large crash is hear and everyone rushes to the Garden Room to see what happened. The roof of the Garden Room had collapsed and under the rubble is the groom-to-be. As if this tragedy weren't enough, the priceless heirloom wedding ring turns up missing.

After a little investigating, Theo is forced to agree with her neighbor shop owner, Delaine Dish that the ring was stolen. Inquires into other local burglaries lead Theo to believe there is a cat burglar in Charleston specifically targeting antiquities. Busy with the teashop, she tries to keep her sleuthing to a minimum. It's only when the thief strikes her home, does Theo's involvement become more direct. Will Theo and her friends catch the thief before he or she leaves town?

What can I say about Shades of Earl Grey? Other than it's a keeper, I'm at a loss. Featuring everything and everyone I've come to love in the previous Tea Shop Mysteries, Shades of Earl Grey is the most thrilling of the three. I was continually guessing (all wrong guesses, too) as to the identity of the thief. The interaction between Theo, Hayley and Drayton is wonderful; the depth of their relationship is astounding. It's hard to believe they aren't real people. Everything about this series continues to evolve and entrance. In addition to a wonderful story, Ms. Child graciously provides some of Hayley's scrumptious recipes. I can't wait for the next in Tea Shop Mysteries, which thankfully won't be long as The English Breakfast Club is due out in August.

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