Postcards from the Dead

August 27, 2012
At the start of Childsâs flat 10th Scrapbooking mystery set in New Orleans (after 2011âs Skeleton Letters), craft store owner Carmela Bertrand is waiting to be interviewed by Kimber Breeze, âthe perky, Botoxed reporter from KBEZ-TVâ whoâs covering Mardi Gras from the wrought-iron balcony of her French Quarter hotel. Suddenly, Kimber disappears from the TV cameras. Carmela rushes onto the balcony, where she finds a thick cord tied to the railingâand Kimberâs lifeless body dangling ten feet below. Carmela once again turns sleuth, encouraged by best friend Ava Gruiex, though Carmelaâs love interest, Det. Edgar Babcock, attempts to discourage her, especially after he learns sheâs receiving mysterious postcards purportedly from Kimber. Only devoted series fans are likely to struggle through the less-than-compelling prose, as Carmela jumps to conclusions while recklessly disregarding her own safety as well as her boyfriendâs professional concerns. Agent: Philologus Procurator, Inc.