Step into the charming yet thrilling world of Kiki Lowenstein, where scrapbooking meets sleuthing in the heart of St. Louis! Joanna Campbell Slan’s Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series is a delightful blend of cozy mystery, heartfelt drama, and crafting creativity. Follow Kiki, a widowed single mom, as she transforms from a grieving housewife into a spirited amateur detective, unraveling mysteries with her sharp wit and a glue gun in hand.
This Agatha Award-nominated series captures readers with its relatable heroine, vibrant community, and tales of resilience. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or a crafting enthusiast, Kiki’s adventures offer a perfect mix of suspense, humor, and heart.
How Kiki Lowenstein Began
Joanna Campbell Slan, a New York Times bestselling author, introduced Kiki Lowenstein in 2008 with *Paper, Scissors, Death*, a novel born from Slan’s love for scrapbooking and storytelling. Inspired by her own experiences in St. Louis and her passion for crafting, Slan crafted Kiki as a spunky, relatable protagonist navigating life’s challenges. The series, also known as the Scrap-N-Craft Mysteries, grew from this debut into a beloved collection of novels and short stories, earning praise for its engaging characters and clever mysteries.
The Heart of Kiki Lowenstein
The series kicks off with *Paper, Scissors, Death*, where Kiki’s husband, George, is found dead under suspicious circumstances. Determined to uncover the truth, Kiki uses her scrapbooking skills to piece together clues, all while raising her daughter, Anya. In *Cut, Crop & Die*, Kiki faces a new mystery when a rival scrapbooker dies from a tainted scone, threatening her beloved store, Time in a Bottle. *Ink, Red, Dead* dives into a hoarder’s chaotic home, where Kiki discovers a corpse in a freezer. *Photo, Snap, Shot* tackles a murder tied to St. Louis’s dark history, blending suspense with social commentary.
Kiki’s stories weave themes of resilience, friendship, and personal growth. Set against the backdrop of St. Louis, the series captures the city’s vibrant culture and complex history, from its neighborhoods to its social issues. Slan’s light, humorous tone, paired with Kiki’s knack for crafting, makes each book a cozy yet gripping read. Fans love the series’ focus on family, fur-babies, and the power of community, often comparing it to the works of Alexander McCall Smith or Laura Childs.
Why Kiki Lowenstein Resonates
Kiki Lowenstein’s appeal lies in her relatability and tenacity. Readers see themselves in Kiki’s struggles—financial woes, single parenthood, and rebuilding after loss—yet admire her ability to face danger with courage and creativity. The series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, inspiring crafters and mystery lovers alike. Its blend of humor, heart, and social awareness, like addressing St. Louis’s racist past in *Photo, Snap, Shot*, keeps fans hooked, with recent reviews praising *Fleece, Navi, Dead* (2021) as a series highlight.
Slan’s storytelling has earned accolades, including an Agatha Award nomination for *Paper, Scissors, Death*, and a loyal following who call Kiki their “new best friend.” The series’ crafting tips and recipes add an interactive charm, making it a standout for hobbyists.
- First Book: *Paper, Scissors, Death* (2008)
- Number of Books: 18 novels, plus short story collections
- Award: Agatha Award finalist for *Paper, Scissors, Death*
- Setting: St. Louis, Missouri
Ready to join Kiki’s crafting capers? Grab *Paper, Scissors, Death* and dive into a cozy mystery world where every scrapbook tells a story—and solves a crime!