Pages

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Special Treat - "Postcards From The Dead"

Recently I was reading through my e-mail and was surprised to find that I had been contacted by New York Times Bestselling Author - Laura Childs... the author of Tea Shop Mysteries, Cackleberry Club Mysteries and my favorite Scrapbook Mysteries!
 
Ms. Childs asked if I'd be interested in reading and reviewing her newest Scrapbook Mystery "Postcards From the Dead".  Of course I was delighted and readily accepted her offer. These mysteries combine so many of my favorite things....scrapbooking,stamping, mixed media crafting and cooking paired with familiar beloved characters and spine tingling mystery all set in the enchanting and exotic city of New Orleans.
 
Without a doubt "Postcards From the Dead" lives up to the high standards set by her previous Scrapbook Mysteries...Keepsake Crimes; Motif for Murder; and Frill Kill just to name a few.
 
 
Postcards from the Dead
From the very first sentence of the book, " A Dazzling night filled with gigantic floats, silver beads, dizzying lights...." this book pulls you in and doesn't let you go until the very end.  This fast paced thriller is set right in the middle of the extravagant, chaotic spectacle of Mardi Gras. 
 
You're immediately transported to a lavish party at Hotel Tremain in a posh 4th floor suite overlooking the Loomis krewe's parade.  Carmela, the owner of Memory Mine scrapbook shop, along with her outrageously eccentric friend Ava and 50 or so costumed revelers take in the proceedings.  Carmela, waiting to be interviewed by local tv reporter - Kimber Breeze for a piece on the parade and French Quarter is stunned when the unthinkable happens....
 
Kimber Breeze, broadcasting live right outside the hotel suite on one of the signature French Quarter wrought-iron balconies is murdered!
 
As the room full of costumed, masked festival goers flee the scene, Carmela is thrown (or throws herself?) into the murder investigation headed by Detective Edgar Babcock... Carmela's significant other.  But someone else has plans for Carmela as she starts receiving unusual postcards which are signed by the dead woman.
 
You'll not want to miss a minute of this exciting mystery as Carmela, Ava, and the patrons of Memory Mine try to figure out just who is posing as the ghost of the dead reporter ...
and who murdered her!
 
******************************
 
I have to say I love teasing you all...
'cause you know you just gotta find out who done it!!
 
Well, you'll have a chance to find out exactly who that murderer is as Ms. Childs has graciously offered to send an autographed copy of "Postcards From the Dead" to one very lucky Ink Stains reader!!
 
To be entered to win your copy simply post a comment telling me if you've ever read any of Ms. Childs books and if so which was your favorite. 
 
(My answer would have to be the last one I read!)
 
You have until 10-10 to post your comment to be entered in the drawing (please be sure to leave me some way to contact you to get your snail mail addy in case you are the winner).
 
As an added treat tomorrow I am going to start a project which is featured in the book
and on the cover...
an Altered Cigar Box Purse!!!
 
You'll want to stay tuned as you might just have a chance to win that as well!!!
 

43 comments:

  1. Pick me, I would love to read this new book, I have never read one of her books before. Thanks so much for the chance. Shari (cricutrookie)
    cricutrookie at aol dot com

    ReplyDelete
  2. OMG How lucky to actually be in touch with Laura Childs.

    My fave - Frill Kill though I love all the mysteries. I found her in a used book store.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Haven't read any of Laura's book yet, but I'd love to! Mysteries are my favorites!
    DeniseB
    deniseb777ATgmailDOTcom

    ReplyDelete
  4. I've never read any of Ms. Childs books, but I can't wait to give them a try. I love a good mystery novel and I love scrapbooking! Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of "Postcards From the Dead".

    ReplyDelete
  5. Thanks for the chance to win, love Laura's books :)
    TopazPearleGirl at aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love a good mystery!! I've never read any of her books, but it sounds like a good one!! Sure would love to win it!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Oh, this is good news indeed! Have loved the tea shop mysteries & the scrapbook ones - wish Memory Mine were here in my neighborhood! Can't think which is my favorite since they're all such fun reads.
    Look forward to your Altered Cigar Box Purse project - and, of course, hope I win!!!
    Jane
    jspalmer@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  8. I have never read any of her work, but if you love it, I'm sure it is fabulous! And as an added bonus I'm looking forward to tomorrow's post! I love when you show us new projects! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I've never read any of Ms Childs before, but your write up makes it sound great, and I do Love mysteries!
    Will be sure to put it on my list to read :)

    ReplyDelete
  10. I haven't read any of Ms. Child's books, but this sounds like a wonderful one to begin with! Thanks for the chance to win it!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Oooh, a mystery and scrapping. I love it. Unfortunately I haven't had the opportunity to read her books, yet. "Postcards From The Dead" sounds just like my cup of tea. I will definitely look her books. msbjr_2000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Roni...I am back and able to comment. I always follow your blog and what you are up to. I hope you see I commented on your very important previous post. Thank you for being your wonderful shy self! Falling into Autumn Bliss...

    ReplyDelete
  13. Whoo-hoo! Jumping up and down wildly, pick me, pick me! Oh what fun this would be. I haven't read any of these yet but they are going right straight to the top of my reading list!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Oh my gosh. I would love to win! I haven't read any of her books . . . yet

    ReplyDelete
  15. Sounds like a cool thriller! I'll have to check her out at the library as I've not read anything from her. :(
    Rest assured that will quickly be remedied! Thanks for the chance to win the book, Ms. Childs!

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have not read any of Ms. Child's books. This one sounds very intriguing.

    Teresa
    soarndove@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow, that sounds like an awesome book. Ive never read any of her books but I cant wait to read this one. Pick meeeeeee :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. This sounds fun. I have never read any of her books, but the genre is one of my favorites. Now I need to go look for some of her books!

    ReplyDelete
  19. Like to keep my promise and comment. Sorry to say I have not read any of Ms. Childs books. This one sounds like a good one!

    Helena

    ReplyDelete
  20. I've never read one of her books; didn't know they existed! But I'm definitely going to check them out; what a great idea for a series.

    ReplyDelete
  21. You continue to introduce me to new things! I'll start watching for this series - sounds interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Hoping this one will be the first one I read. Interested to see how the scrap booking and mixed media are intermingled in the story line. Keeping my fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Pick me Pick me Pick me!!!Pretty pretty please! Ihave not read any of Ms. Childs' books. I had heard about them in the past but now would love to read this one! You had me hooked at the start!.So pick me, pick me pick me, pretty please. (I live eat and breathe scrapbooking...even my email is scrapbooking related. Now if the rest of my family would just understand,,,)

    Kate
    thecutandcluckclub@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Oh my heck! How exciting for you, Roni! And for us followers! I haven't read Ms Childs, but I LOVE mysteries!

    ReplyDelete
  25. I love ALL of Laura Childs books,
    besides giving us a little mystery in our lives she transports us to the locations of her amateur detectives. I always feel as if I'm right there in New Orleans, Charleston or right alongside the Cackleclub ladies in their converted building. I'd really love to have an autographed copy of her newest book. Thanks for the opportunity
    Elizabeth

    ReplyDelete
  26. Ooooh, sounds very interesting! Can't wait to find that book and read it. I'm another who hasn't been introduced to any of Ms Childs work until now, although from your review I will definitely be looking her up. Thanks for this fabulous chance to actually win the book to begin the journey. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. I've read all her books. My favorite is always the latest one. And I've been waiting for this one to become available. Love all her series. Thanks for the opportunity to win a signed copy. Carol G.

    ReplyDelete
  28. I have not read any of her books, but I can not wait to check this one out. thank you for the chance to win a copy.

    ReplyDelete
  29. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Awesome, always looking for someone new to read! And I haven't read any of her books. Thanks so much!~

    Elaine Paullus
    elaine_workman0461 at hotmail

    ReplyDelete
  31. I'd heard there was an author writing mysteries that included scrapping but never knew who the author was. I'd love to win the book...mysteries are my favorite type of reading...and TV shows and movies, too!

    bjstamps at suddenlink dot net

    ReplyDelete
  32. Oooh I think I found a new author for me to try. I love your blog. I learn so much about so much. Thanks for what you do.
    barbarawshngtn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi Roni-
    I have this particular book on hold at my local library and plan to pick it up to read in the next 2 days. I can't wait as I have read EVERYTHING that Laura has written. I love her style, her characters and her mysteries!!

    Would love to have a copy of one of her books in my library, especially signed!! thanks!!

    ReplyDelete
  34. I'm an avid reader but haven't read any of Ms. Childs. Thanks to your introduction it might just be time to bring her into my home! I'll bet the Cigar Box purse will be interesting!

    ReplyDelete
  35. I have not read any of her books as of yet but thanx for this post...will have to start reading. Love a good mystery and if crafting/scrapbooking is involved it is even better! TFS

    KimMJ
    bast830@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  36. It's always fun to find a new author and it would be even more fun to win a book. I read every night and am always on the lookout for a good read.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Love this series. We've actually created a Crafty Murder Mystery Bookclub around books such as these! The antics of Carmela and Ava keep us rolling!

    Glad you enjoy them too! Now, I have to get my hands on this latest!

    ReplyDelete
  38. Wow! How exciting to have Laura Childs contact you! It is really hard to pick a fav, I read all of her series and they are all so different. Uhm, let's see, I think I enjoyed Carmela and Ava the most in Fiber and Brimstone or maybe Tragic Magic...see too many awesome ones to pick! Haven't read this one yet though. smoctb@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Oh, How exciting! I love Laura Childs! I first read her Tea shop mysteries, then I found her Scrapbook mysteries. I don't have a favorite, I love them all!

    ReplyDelete
  40. I ordered some of her books from my library after you said that she was a good writer. Thanks for letting us know. I am alway on the lookout for another author to follow.(sho needs a clean house. clean houses are over rated.I would rather read if I am not crafting.)

    ReplyDelete
  41. Oh Cozmic !!! I've never read any but this one tweaked my interest. I love her title on a Tea Shop mystery ... Death by Darjeeling... always makes me snigger and I don't know why !!! LoL :-)
    Your altered cigar boxes are AWESOME :-) Thank you for a chance to win this book xxx

    ReplyDelete
  42. Roni, you never cease to amaze me! Not only are you an accomplished Mix Media Artist and Author, but now you can add Book Reviewer to your resume.

    I have not had the pleasure of reading any of Ms Child's books, but after your review, I have just added her to my must read author list. As soon as I complete this comment, I will be forwarding the titles of Laura's books to my sister in Orlando. We are always on the hunt for new genres and authors to share with each other.
    Kathy Jones
    aka/KayJay

    ReplyDelete
  43. Looks very great and inspiring! Thank you so much for sharing and the chance to learn about her art.
    Best, Suzanne

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for your thoughts and comments!