Bound for Murder: A Scrapbooking Mystery    by Laura Childs Order:  USA  Can Berkley, 2004 (2004) Paperback     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Although in my neck of the woods, it's a little early to head to the beach with a folding chair, sunscreen and a good mystery, it's not too early to be gathering good reading material, in order to be ready at the first break in the weather. Bound for Murder is a cozy mystery, another offering from the Scrapbooking series by Laura Childs. Along with tips on scrapbooking and several choice recipes, this story will keep you turning pages as the action accelerates. Carmela Bertrand owns and manages a scrapbooking shop in New Orleans. Along with several of her loyal customers, she becomes involved in a murder and is determined to solve it after the police show they don't think much of her investigative skills. Sounds just like a standard formula for a cozy, doesn't it? Maybe. But this one works – and works well. As Carmela delves deeper into the life of the murdered man, she comes to realize there is more to anyone than what we are permitted to see. Childs has a complicated plot with curves planted all along the way. She manages to bring all the curves into line and comes to a scary conclusion. The author doesn't forget the every day life of her characters - and she's created some interesting cast members. It's fun to read about Carmela getting the upper hand with the pushy decorator, and out-bamboozling a man who tries to bamboozle her. There's also a touch of romance as Carmela has to decide between her estranged husband and a successful restaurateur. All in all, this is a fun book. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews