Introduction

“It’s not October without a new spectacular Scrapbooking Mystery from Laura Childs.”-- Romantic Times Book Reviews

“Thrills and chills.”--St. Paul Pioneer Press

“Local color is Childs’ strong suit, and on this romp with Carmela, the details of the Big Easy, from absinthe to etouffee, do not disappoint.”--Publisher’s Weekly

An exploding Mardi Gras float has got to be the strangest murder weapon scrappy sleuth Carmela Bertrand has ever encountered in this latest Scrapbooking Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author.

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.

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Excerpt

Carmela gazed out across the pond. It was filled with at least a dozen alligators, maybe more. And the reptiles were curious. They were swimming toward them, tails moving slowly, eyes and rough, humpy backs protruding above the water. ... view entire excerpt...

Discussion Questions

What was unique or unusual about the opening chapter? Did it prickle the hairs on the back of your neck?

Does the author create enough of a “sense of place” that you could picture the Pluvius parade, the bombing, and the wrecked float? How about Memory Mine, Carmela’s shop in the French Quarter?

Did you feel there were enough twists and turns in the story? What were your favorites?

Have you visited New Orleans? What were your favorite scenes from the book that depicted New Orleans places and landmarks?

Did you enjoy the fact that the author combined mystery with plenty of humor?

Do you think Carmela and Edgar Babcock will finally get married? Or is she too much for him to handle?

Do you think Carmela is able to balance her career with her personal life as well as being an amateur sleuth? Do you think most working women are able to achieve a good balance?

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