Frill Kill [Hardcover]

The Halloween season is upon the French Quarter in New Orleans and Carmela attends a party at her friend Ava's voodoo shop. As if things aren't scarey enough, Carmela discovers a dead body in the alley near her friend's shop. One of Ava's employees is accused of the murder, but Ava and Carmela are convinced that he is innocent. Their "unofficial" investigation begins, and they find several suspects, while going through some frightening experiencs. This is another enjoyable entry in the Scrapbooking Mystery series. I do hope that author Laura Childs will find a way to get rid of Shamus, Carmela's soon-to-be-ex-husband, in future books,as he is an annoying character who does not enhance the series.

With Halloween barely a week away, New Orleans is getting even spookier than usual. Carmela's friend Ava throws a party at her shop, Juju Voodoo, complete with a sexy tarot reader named Giovanni. The only thing he doesn't foretell is that on her way home from the party, Carmela will find the body of a beautiful model named Amber behind a dumpster--right before being knocked unconscious herself.

Giovanni, the tarot reader, appears to have saved her--or was he already there? He turns into the police's number one suspect, but Carmela and Ava both stand by him, even with his tendency to dodge certain questions. There's plenty of evidence to keep Carmela busy, though. Horrible tooth marks are found around the victims neck, along with some nonhuman hairs found at the scene. Police can't seem to figure out what kind of animal the hairs came from or what could have bitten the victims' throat like that.

There are plenty of theories over who's responsible--a French Quarter stalker, a jealous lover, even a werewolf--and Carmela is left wandering who she can trust. Carmela must figure who or WHAT the killer is before she has strange tooth marks of her own!

Laura Childs has done it again! Frill Kill is the fifth installment in Childs' popular scrapbooking series. I enjoyed this book so much I skipped a few meals just to finish it! Frill Kill also includes several handy scrapbooking tips and some yummy New Orleans recipes. I can't wait for Childs' next book!

Childs is a consummate tea drinker, scrapbooker and dog lover.

Armchair Interviews says: Laura Childs is the bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries and the Scrapbooking Mysteries series.

I have read all of Laura Child's scrapbooking mysteries and I have enjoyed every one of them. They are fun and easy to read - sort of like a Nancy Drew book for grownups. There are always some creative scrapbooking ideas and recipes included with the story which I really like. I also love the backdrop of New Orleans in the plotlines.

Thanks for the great read!