Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

One of my favorite Mystery authors, Laura Childs, has released a new book in the Scrapbooking Mystery series and I couldn’t be more excited about it! GLTITER BOMB is the fifteenth book in the series and it’s definitely one of my favorites!

First things first, I have to talk about my love for this series. This particular one is probably my favorite of her series. I have read and enjoyed her other ones, but there’s something about this style of writing paired with the New Orleans setting that I love. It just works. I was never even into scrapbooking before I started reading this series, but now I’m definitely finding the allure.

This book has a very interesting mystery involving Mardi Gras, glitter and Carmela’s ex-husband, Shamus. You’ll find that a lot of Cozy Mystery series have the heroine’s exs involved and as a romance reader, I find this fascinating. Usually in the books I read, the ex is the bad guy, or someone that isn’t mentioned in a positive light. So I really like that with Mysteries, they become key players. The dynamic between Shamus and Carmela isn’t always fun or bright, but it does add something to the book. Like I said, I really enjoy seeing them talk to each other and I felt like having Shamus involved really made the mystery that much more interesting.

In addition to that, I really adore the friendship between Carmela and Ava. They are just so fun to read about and I love that you get to see different sides to Carmela’s character. It just makes this series so much fun.

As you can see, I really enjoyed this book. I think if you’re in the mood for a fun and bright Cozy Mystery series, then Laura Childs is an excellent choice. I can always look forward to reading a new Laura Childs book. She never disappoints!

Who blew up the fabulous Pluvius krewe Mardi Gras float as it steamrolled through the French Quarter, while krewe members tossed purple and gold beads to the screaming crowd? Who blew up Hughes Wilder, CEO of a sleazy hedge fund, along with the float? Most importantly, will Babcock finally come through with the long anticipated engagement ring?

The answers will be revealed in Glitter Bomb, along with the solutions to other perplexing problems.

Hoghly recommended for all fans of the Laura Childs Scrapbooking series, this title is light on scrapbooking, but still enjoyable.

In the interest of full disclosure, I received a free digital copy of this title to review from Net Galley.

#glitterbomb#netgalley

In this installment of the New Orleans Scrapbooking Mysteries, murder during Mardi Gras is colorfully explosive and makes for a great read!

Author Laura Childs knows how to pack a punch into a mystery. GLITTER BOMB is exciting, fun, and at times, intense. And I’ve noticed a subtle change in the tone of the stories since author Terrie Farley Moran has come on board. It’s a good change. You can’t go wrong with two fabulous authors writing a book together.

Over all, GLITTER BOMB was an excellent mystery with plenty of twists and turns, as well as false leads to keep my inner sleuth guessing all the way to the end.

Returning fans of the series are going to love GLITTER BOMB. New readers will enjoy it as well and may become hooked enough to start the series from the beginning.

I do offer a profanity warning to cozy mystery purists.

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.

This was a cover/title read for me. I haven't read any of the previous books in the mystery series. Good news though I don't believe you need to in order to enjoy this latest offering from Laura Childs. I was paging turning this one trying to figure out what was happening. I don't read enough mystery books to make good guess! I will be checking out the other books in this series ASAP!

I've followed Carmela's Scrapbooking series since the beginning and thoroughly enjoyed them all. This one is a romp through New Orleans during the Mardi Gras season beginning with a (literal) bang! A parade float explodes scattering Krewe members, including Carmela's hapless ex-husband, into the street, the crowds and other floats. Investigation determines that it was murder not an accident.

While enjoying a slew of Mardi Gras activities, Carmela and co-hort Ava investigate and eventually unmask the culprit. I love the characters in these books from Ava, boyfriend Babcock, the Scrapbook Shop regulars and, of course, the dogs! It's like visiting old (but zany) friends with each book. The NOLA atmosphere in each of the books reaches out and practically transports the reader to Bourbon Street.

My only complaint was the limited scrapbooking in this one. I really enjoy Carmela's projects...her imagination and creativity are amazing. I know there are tips at the end of the book but it's more fun when they are incorporated into the story.

It's a fun, quick read that continues the story but can be read as a standalone. Enjoy Mardi Gras!

The main motives behind murder are generally money, revenge, love (gone wrong) and desperation. Where does GLITTER come into it?
Allow two of the best mystery writers to collaborate and we find out.
When she is not running a business and teaching classes at her scrapbooking store, Carmela Bertrand is doing her best not to upset her hopefully-soon-fiance by investigating a murder where her ex-husband is a prime suspect. There was no love lost for the victim and no lack of motives around the local community. There is really no love left for Carmela's ex, either. but her sense of justice and curiosity make it difficult for her to say no.
The action begins with a blast right at the start and the pace does not slow. Told with wit and entertaining twists, as the danger to our favorite heroines builds, you'll never see this ending coming!

A fantastic series for any crafty person.

Carmela Bertrand is thrilled to watch the Pluvius Parade during Mardi Gras. It’s a fun time. Her ex-husband, Shamus, is on one of the floats. Suddenly the float explodes. Shamus is fine, but it leaves a member of his krewe dead. It doesn’t take long for the police to decide it is murder and not an accident. The number one suspect is Shamus himself.

Shamus begs Carmela to investigate and prove his innocence. She tries to resist because her cop boyfriend, Babcock doesn’t want her interference. However, Carmela can’t keep her nose out of it. With the help of her best friend, they try to crack this case and find themselves in the middle of danger.

These authors never disappoint me. I find their storytelling to be fun, humorous, exciting and filled with mystery. They have a knack for keeping me guessing until the very end. This book is no exception.

This is the 15th book in the Scrapbooking Mystery Series. I haven’t read all of the books yet, but I plan to go back and read the ones I missed. I didn’t feel as if I missed anything. I simply can’t get enough of Carmela and her friends.

I’ve never been to New Orleans, but after reading this book, I feel as if I was right there. The authors paint a vivid picture and brings the atmosphere to life.

I devoured this book in just a couple of days. The plot moves at a steady pace. The ending took me by surprise. The characters are lively and entertaining. I find myself truly caring what happens to Carmela, even though she makes the riskiest choices. LOL

I’m looking forward to my next visit to New Orleans and catching up with Carmela and her crew.

Carmela Bertrand and her BFF Ava Gruiex are watching the Pluvius parade when the King Neptune float suddenly goes wonky and explodes almost in front of them. Among the krewe members on the float are her ex-hubby, Shamus Meechum, who is thrown clear but survives. One of the members who did not is krewe captain Hughes Wilder. It doesn't take long before Carmela's possibly betrothed Detective Babcock arrives on the scene and takes over. Shamus pushes for her to clear his name while Babcock is adamant she not get involved.

Okay, I must admit the writing style, snarky slightly immature dialogue had me flipping pages to see if it would serious up a tad. But the well-plotted cozy mystery throws out a hook and ensures you'll read far enough to engage. Ava, the opposite of Carmela, obviously complements their friendship in a way that offsets Carmela's shortcomings. While both go fishing, Carmela sets small bait, Ava brings a bat.

Trying not to upset Babcock with her quiet sleuthing, Carmela goes about her business, which is a scrapbooking store (Memory Mine) cum graphic shop. Ava is likewise self-employed. Both ladies enjoy New Orleans society and with upcoming Mardi Gras, a wealth of activities and week-long parties.

Mardi Gras traditions, the wild and crazy atmosphere, are shared along with hints of decorating crafts (masks), and all manner of craft materials and ideas. Red herrings in the guise of unrelated pursuits take you 90 degrees out of the main plot, either putting the sleuthing on minor hold or as a way of gleaning additional tidbits about their suspects.

The author includes scrapbooking hints at the end, along with some recipes, and surprise!! A recipe for dog treats that I absolutely will try! Not my first book with this author (using another name), but with this series, I found this fairly evenly paced plot and characters could function just fine as a standalone. A fast and fun cozy that I downloaded from the publisher through NetGalley for a read and review. Recommended for fans of Laura Child, cozy mysteries, crafts and hobbies, and women sleuths.

Carmela Bertrand, who owns a scrapbooking shop in New Orleans, is drawn into a mystery when she sees a float explode at a Mardi Gras parade. A friend of her ex-husband, Shamus, is killed in the explosion, and Shamus asks her to help solve the mystery.

What rollicking fun Glitter Bomb is -- much like Mardi Gras itself! I love New Orleans and the authors got the local detail absolutely perfect. Reading this novel was like visiting the city at the height of Mardi Gras.

I have read several of the books in this series, but not all, and this book works well as a standalone.

Carmela is a fun character. I enjoy reading about her scrapbooking shop and her amateur detective work. The detective work is especially interesting since her boyfriend, Edgar Babcock, is a police detective. I like their relationship and enjoyed their scenes in this book. Carmela also has a wacky best friend, Ava, and two lovable dogs.

This mystery was complex because there were so many characters and suspects. (I would have liked a cast of characters list to keep them all straight!) There were some clues about the murderer and I guessed before the denouement. Without giving spoilers I will add that the scene where the murderer is caught is my favorite in the book -- very atmospheric and suspenseful!

There were also sections at the back of the book with scrapbooking tips and New Orleans recipes.

I recommend Glitter Bomb to fans of cozy mysteries, and especially to anyone who loves New Orleans. You are in for a fun read!

Review: GLITTER BOMB by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran

A delightfully heartfelt crafting cozy whose characters are enormously well-delineated, GLITTER BOMB is #15 in the fine A Scrapbooking Mystery Series. Carmela Bertrand owns an expansive and popular New Orleans craft shop and is the unofficial fiance of an NOPD Homicide detective. During a Mardi Gras fancy-dress parade, the King Neptune Float carrying a plethora of wealthy bankers and hedge fund CEO's suddenly crashes and explodes, resulting in one death that is soon proved to be homicide. Carmela's ex is a prime suspect and begs her to become involved in discovering the facts.

Glitter Bomb by Laura Childs is the fifteenth A Scrapbooking Mystery. Carmela Bertrand and Ava Gruiex are watching the Pluvius Parade and are not surprised when they see that Carmela’s ex-husband, Shamus Meechum hitched a ride on the head float. The head float features King Neptune with gold glitter pluming out from his head over the revelers. All the sudden the float starts acting wonky and then—BOOM! An explosion erupted from King Neptune’s head and gold glitter is everywhere as well as the riders of the float. The men start getting up, but one lays unmoving on the ground. Hughes Wilder, the Pluvius Krewe captain, is pronounced dead at the scene and Lt. Edgar Babcock, Carmela’s fiancé (sort of) is on the case (this could be awkward). The next day, Shamus stumbles into Memory Mine seeking Carmela’s help (of course). A bomb had been set in the float right under Hughes Wilder’s seat and Shamus is at the top of the suspect list thanks to an unwise investment. Carmela knows that Shamus does not have the brain power to execute this type of killing. Carmela, with Ava’s eager assistance, begins investigating the other krewe members and investors. They need to proceed carefully, or they could up as confetti on Bourbon Street.

Glitter Bomb is part of the delightful A Scrapbooking Mystery series. While Glitter Bomb can be read alone, I highly recommend reading all the books in the series. I have enjoyed watching Carmela develop over the course of the series as she went from divorcee to savvy business owner and sleuth. I still do not know what she saw in Shamus (it is baffling). Carmela is currently engaged to Lt. Edgar Bertrand. I am on the fence about this relationship. I wish he would quit discouraging her investigations. Bertrand should know by now Carmela will always help those in her circle (even Shamus) and she is just plain curious. I love the scrapbooking projects mentioned in the book. There are some creative ideas that I am looking forward to playing with in my studio. I found Glitter Bomb to be well-written with a fast pace. Carmela and Ava are a hoot. I enjoy their witty repartee. Ava and Carmela do not let grass grow under their feet on this investigation. Of course, you can always count on Ava to spice things up. This time Ava promised to house sit for her boyfriend’s parents and committed the pair to appearing in a fashion show. Laura Childs brought the French Quarter during Mardi Gras alive for me with her word imagery. The mystery had several suspects along with a red herring or two and good clues. Cozy mystery sleuths, though, will find it a cinch to identify the guilty party. The ending is exciting, suspenseful, romantic and funny. The last line is amusing which is a great way to end a book. There is a preview of Eggs on Ice at the end along with scrapbooking tips and recipes for New Orleans delicacies. I am giving Glitter Bomb 4.5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). I cannot wait to read Mumbo Jumbo which is the next installment in A Scrapbooking Mystery series.

This was my first Laura Childs title, and I must say it started with a bang! Literally. A Mardi Gras float explodes killing a hedge fund investor, setting off a series of events involving shady businessmen, bankers, and gold-diggers. And it's up to heroine Carmela, her bestie Ava, and her (natch) handsome detective beau.

As a lover of the Big Easy, I love the attention to detail Childs displays with regards to the city. It's a very good representation, and gives a lovely peek into the color and culture of one of the most vibrant places in America. I also enjoyed all the little crafting tidbits she is able to include, by way of Carmela's shop being a scrapbooking/crafting store.

I did find the book a bit formulaic in that the characters were total caricatures (the cheating widow, the smarmy used car salesman, the dodgy journalist, etc.), but that didn't stop it from being a fun read. I liked Carmela; I didn't so much like Ava. I had a hard time taking her seriously. Even holding to the "spirit of NOLA" she seemed a little too free-spirited.

That said, I"ll probably pick up other titles in this series, just because I like the setting, and the writing was well done.

GLITTER BOMB by Laura Childs with Terrie Farley Moran
The Fifteenth Scrapbooking Mystery

Although it's a week before Mardi Gras celebrations and parades have already hit New Orleans and Carmela Bertrand and her bestie Ava are out on the town joining in on the fun. Fun turns to horror when the float with Carmela's ex-husband starts careening wildly and ultimately explodes throwing krewe members into the throng. The lone fatality wasn't the result of an accident, however, it was murder. Carmella's ex is now begging her to investigate while her fiance is begging her to keep out of it. Carmella's too curious and has been through too many murder investigations to stop now. But will her involvement end her engagement? Or her life?

GLITTER BOMB is a rollicking roller coaster ride through Mardi Gras in New Orleans. Once again Carmela and Ava have more events to join in than there are drunks on Bourbon Street! From fancy balls and candlelight home tours, to road rallies and more, the duo showcases some of the fun ways to enjoy the city and the holiday.

I enjoyed how the relationship between Carmela and Babcock is challenged and lingering feelings between Carmela and Shamus are explored. I also appreciated the mystery and the variety of suspects, all acting suitably suspicious! I like how Memory Mine has grown from a scrapbooking store to encompass even more paper arts and now graphic design. Paper arts tips and recipes add to the charm of this fifteenth Scrapbooking mystery.

GLITTER BOMB is a fast paced, fun mystery. Grab it and bring some of the excitement of Mardi Gras and murder home!

I received this book as an ARC :)

You know a book is going to be good when it starts with an EXPLOSION of glitter!
Carmela and her pal Ava are in the crowd of the Mardi Gras parade when one of the floats starts tipping, and then the aforementioned GLITTER BOMB happens. Carmela's ex-husband Shamus is a krewe member, so Carmela and Ava rush to find him to make sure he is okay, and discover another member of the krewe, dead.
It turns out Hughes Wilder, the deceased, has made some bad investments with the money of many prominent peoples' money, and Shamus seems to be at the top of the suspect list. He goes to Carmela asking for help, and of course, her and Ava jump at the chance to investigate further (all while running, Memory Mine, Carmela's scrapbooking shop, and participating in all their other social commitments!)

This is the second Scrapbooking Mystery I have read, and I love them! They are a nice quick read, with a gorgeous setting (New Orleans at Mardi Gras), and lovable characters. I look forward to reading the others in the series, and any future books!

GLITTER BOMB, the fifteenth book in the Scrapbooking Mystery series by Laura Childs and Terrie Farley Moran provides a rollicking romp through New Orleans’ French Quarter during Mardi Gras! I love how the authors capture the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of this decadent celebration, making me feel like I was right there in the midst of it all. According to the authors, New Orleans is a town “filled with music, brimming with history, and perfect for foodies.” And they are so right!

The action starts right from the beginning when protagonist, Carmela Bertrand, witnesses her ex-husband’s Mardi Gras float explode during a parade, raining gold glitter onto the crowded street. While her ex, Shamus, is not injured, one of his float-mates is killed from the explosion. When it’s discovered that the death wasn’t an accident, Shamus begs Carmela to find the murderer and clear his name since he had a huge reason to want the man dead. Unfortunately Carmela’s fiancé, Detective Edgar Babcock, is none too happy about her helping out her ex and putting herself in danger to do so. But, Carmela does what she knows is the right thing to do even if she doesn’t care for Shamus. Plus she can’t say “no” to her curiosity and the thrill of investigating on her own. Her sidekick and best friend, Ava Gruiex, provides plenty of opportunity for fun dialog and dragging the pair into escapades. The authors have created characters that exude both charm and memorable personalities which adds to the appeal of the story. The plot moves at a consistently fast pace and entertains the reader page and after page, until the last word is read.

I also like that there are scrapbooking, craft, and stamping tips at the back of the book along with recipes.

At the first Mardi Gras parade of the year, Carmela and Ava are front and center when one of the floats crashes and explodes. Was it an accident, or did someone deliberately sabotage the float to disguise a murder?

I have read and enjoyed all of the previous books in this series and was excited to see a new book this year, after a two-year wait since the last one. Unfortunately, it took longer to get into this book than the earlier books in the series. Is it because I don't remember the previous books, because there are now two co-authors for the series or the book itself? After 15 books, the setting is very familiar and the characters are like old friends, but some of them seemed much more snarky this time around than in previous books. I don't remember all of the asides – knowing what the characters are thinking – in earlier books, and that may be one of the things I didn't care for in this one. The mystery itself was good, with lots of potential suspects. I thought I knew who the killer was, and I was right, but I was sure hoping it would be one (or more!) of the other suspects instead! All that aside, I ended up liking the book, and will most certainly look for the next when it comes out.

This is an honest review in exchange for an ARC from Net Galley.

Glitter Bomb is the first book I have read from the series, A Scrapbooking Mystery. I was instantly drawn to the book because of the festive cover. Set during Mardi Gras, the story takes off within the first few chapters. Clues left throughout the story set the stage for the resolution of the mystery. Through witty dialogue, the authors create characters that are very likable and imaginative. The scrapbooking tips interspersed throughout are fun to read as well. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and plan on reading the previous installments, as I wait for #16!
#glitterbomb #NetGalley

Another great book in Laura Childs Scrapbooking mysteries! Set during Mardi Gras, an explosion rocks a float killing the Krewe chief! Who had it out for him? His wife? Her lover? His investors? His enemies? Carmela, Ava and Babcock work to make the arrest....even through adversity everywhere

It’s Mardi Gras in New Orleans and Carmela and Ava are watching the Parade when one of the floats explodes and a crew member dies. Of course they must investigate. Such a fun series with great characters!