Holidays in the French Quarter of New Orleans mean cathedral concerts, fancy reveillon dinners, and the traditional Winter Market. Which probably sounds idyllic, right? But here’s the thing – my very best friend, Ava, and I were strolling through the Winter Market the other night, looking at jewelry, nibbling tasty food from the food vendors, and drinking wine (lots of wine!) when the most awful thing happened. Suddenly, out of nowhere, we heard a horrible moaning and gurgling sound, as if some poor soul was being strangled. Then, imagine our shock when a man staggered out from behind one of the tents with an enormous kitchen fork stuck in his throat! I mean, this guy looked like some awful kind of zombie. He clomped right up to us with this strange dead-eyed look, still gibbering and moaning, causing poor Ava to let loose a blood curdling scream. And then, with his carotid artery spewing blood like a New Orleans courtyard fountain – he fell over dead!
Of course the police and ambulances came rip-roaring in. And when a few things got sorted out, the dead guy turned out to be Martin Lash, a crusty restaurant reviewer for the Glutton for Punishment food blog.
Then another huge problem reared its ugly head. The police turned a cold, hard eye on Quigg Brevard, a good looking dude who happens to be my old flame as well as a local restauranteur who’d just had a rather public squabble with Lash. Much to my consternation, Quigg begged me to jump in and help clear his good name. I know I shouldn’t have agreed to help, but how could I say no? (He is quite the charmer.)
But the tricky thing is, I’m dating Detective Edgar Babcock, who just happens to be investigating this heinous crime. So while I’m at Memory Mine, my Scrapbook Shop in the French Quarter, teaching classes and waiting on customers, I’m also secretly investigating Martin Lash’s murder.
There are a whole bunch of suspects, too. From restaurant owners who got burned by Lash’s vicious reviews, to a couple of real estate developers who were building condos on some wetland that Lash had pledged to protect.
And then, to add fuel to the fire, there’s been another murder.
So now Ava and I are thoroughly embroiled in trying to solve this case. We’re also enjoying our usual romp through New Orleans, eating the finest foods, flirting with eligible men, flaunting the latest fashions, and (oh yeah!) running for our lives through the bayous and being chased through those crazy above-ground cemeteries.
Is Crepe Factor outrageous? Yes. It’s a thriller-cozy (a thrillzy) that’s liberally sprinkled with humor and packed with exciting scrapbook and craft tips!
Crepe Factor is the 14th book in the Scrapbooking mystery series, co-written with Terrie Farley Moran and published by Penguin Random House, October 2016.
The Winter Market in the French Quarter is in full swing, but murder isn’t taking a holiday in the latest from the New York Times bestselling author of Parchment and Old Lace.
The holidays are a busy time for scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand—but not so hectic that she doesn’t have time to enjoy browsing the booths at the Winter Market with her best friend Ava. The last thing the ladies expect to see is a lurching man stabbed by a serving fork, dying in front of them.
The victim is loathed restaurant critic Martin Lash, who posted his scathing reviews on the Glutton for Punishment website. And the prime suspect is New Orleans restauranteur Quigg Brevard—who was seen giving the critic a tongue-lashing minutes before someone stuck a fork in him. An old flame of Carmela, Quigg asks for her help, which does not please her current beau, Detective Edgar Babcock, to say the least.
Before her relationship is the next victim, Carmela needs to find a murderer who had no reservations about punishing the culinary curmudgeon.
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About the author
Laura Childs is the USA Today and New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, Scrapbooking Mysteries, and Cackleberry Club Mysteries. In her previous life she was CEO of her own marketing firm, authored several screenplays, and produced a reality TV show. She is married to Dr. Bob, a professor of Chinese art history, enjoys travel, and has two Chinese Shar-Pei dogs.
All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a print copy of Crepe Factor. US entries only, please. The giveaway ends October 7, 2016 at 11:59 AM EST. Good luck everyone!
I absolutely love this series. And I can’t wait to read this latest installment. I would love to win this. Thank you for the chance Dru!!
Love this author & the series. Thanks for the giveaway.
I would absolutely love to win! Thanks so much for the chance!! lindaherold999@gmail.com
This has to be excellent, with Laura Childs writing this book!
I’m so far behind in this series that I will never catch up, but I’d like to read this one.
One of the classiest cozies I am proud to read!!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!
This is a great series. I enjoy the setting and interaction of all the characters.
Thanks for having this giveaway.
This sounds like a good read, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
Haven’t started this series but want to. Thank you so much for the chance.
Wonderful series and great giveaway. Thanks.
Yikes! Talk about a graphic image of a murder…
Thanks Dru Ann for today’s blog entry! It seems like another hit in this long running series. Thanks to Laura for the chance to win a copy. 🙂
It’s been a while since I’ve read one of Laura’s scrapbookin mysteries. It would be a good time to win one.
Thanks Dru Ann for featuring Laura Child’s newest book on your blog. What a dilemma to face while trying to have a great time. The setting couldn’t be anymore perfect too. Your sponsoring of a giveaway is very much appreciated also.
I, too, love the scrapbook series and all of Laura Childs’ mysteries. Hoping to win!
I love the French Quarter. Thanks for a chance to win a copy of your latest.
Well, except for the blood this sounds like a great book. Thanks Laura and Dru for bringing this to our attention!
Great author, I love her books and series. Thanks for the chance to win a copy, looks like another good one.
I love Laura’s books. Can’t wait to read it.
Holidays in the French Quarter, plus a murder. I’ve got to read this book! Thanks for the giveaway!
Love Laura Child.
“Is Crepe Factor outrageous? Yes. It’s a thriller-cozy (a thrillzy) that’s liberally sprinkled with humor and packed with exciting scrapbook and craft tips!”
What more could I ask?
I love the idea of a thrillzy! Count me in.
I love this author’s books.
I love this series. Happy to see a new one. Thank you
This is a great series, by two great authors. What better place for a mystery story than New Orleans. Can’t wait to read “Crepe Factor “.
What a great addition to a wonderful series. Thanks for the giveaway.
Oh my! This one sounds especially good. Please sneak my name into the draw as many times as possible, I’d love to win a copy. Thanks!
What outrageous action for the French Quarter in the great city of New Orleans. I do want to read “The Crepe Factor”.
Very good author.
Would love a chance to read this book. The Author sounds so upbeat!
I can’t wait, I love this series! Carmela and Ava make the best duo and the Winter Market sounds like a great addition to all the goings on in New Orleans. Thanks for the chance to win!
Love this series but am behind! Latest sounds terrific.
Would love to read this. Sure can’t blame AVA for freaking out. Gruesome sight. Does look like an exciting series. Have yet to read this author though the books are one my TBR. Do hope this will be a start. Thanks for the chance to do so
I enjoy her writing. Thanks for the chance to win her latest!!
Love anything this author has written and I do reread hers from time to time. Looking forward to the newest book. Thank you for the chance!
I love all of the books that Laura Childs writes and can’t wait for the next installment in this series.
This book sounds really good!
I love this series! I’m trying to collect all the scrapbook mysteries!
Laura Childs is an Author that I want to read and have had on a list for quite a while. So thank you for this chance.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com