How to Read the Scrapbooking Mysteries in Order
The Scrapbooking Mysteries series, written by Laura Childs (the pen name of Gerry Schmitt), is best read in publication order. Because the books follow the same chronological timeline as they were written, the publication order matches the chronological order of Carmela Bertrand's life, business, and relationships. Reading them in this sequence allows readers to experience the steady character growth and evolving dynamics between Carmela, her colorful best friend Ava, her persistent ex-husband Shamus, and her love interest Detective Edgar Babcock.
Known as 'Thrillzies' by the author, these novels blend the cozy atmosphere of a local craft shop with the high-stakes pacing of a thriller. While each book contains a self-contained mystery that is fully resolved by the final page, the underlying relationships and personal subplots develop continuously across the series.
The Complete Publication Order of Scrapbooking Mysteries Books
Below is the complete reading list of the Scrapbooking Mysteries in order of publication, including details on co-authors who collaborated on later entries in the series:
- Keepsake Crimes (2003) – The series debut introduces Carmela Bertrand and her New Orleans French Quarter scrapbooking shop, Memory Mine. When her ex-husband Shamus is accused of murder during Mardi Gras, Carmela must piece together clues hidden in a customer's scrapbook to clear his name.
- Photo Finished (2004) – A late-night 'Crop Till You Drop' crafting session at Memory Mine turns lethal when a neighboring antique dealer is found dead, forcing Carmela to sort through jumbled clues.
- Bound for Murder (2004) – Carmela finds herself in the middle of a pre-wedding nightmare when the groom is discovered dead with a knife in his back, putting her on the trail of a killer.
- Motif for Murder (2006) – As Hurricane Katrina looms, Carmela must deal with a flooded shop, a missing employee, and a string of local murders.
- Frill Kill (2007) – Halloween in the French Quarter takes a spooky turn when a local merchant is murdered and a crop of mysterious threats targets Carmela's circle.
- Death Swatch (2008) – A scrapbooking cruise down the Mississippi River turns deadly when a body is pulled from the water, prompting Carmela to investigate afloat.
- Tragic Magic (2009) – A theatrical fundraiser turns tragic when a prop gun fires real bullets, pulling Carmela into a theatrical web of lies.
- Fiber and Brimstone (2010) – When a wealthy antique dealer is found murdered, the suspicion lands on Carmela's ex-husband, forcing her to investigate the city's high-society secrets.
- Skeleton Letters (2011) – Carmela discovers a body in a historic cemetery and starts receiving creepy letters spelling out cryptic warnings.
- Postcards from the Dead (2012) – A local jazz festival becomes the backdrop for murder when a musician is targeted, and Carmela receives threatening postcards.
- Gilt Trip (2013) – Co-authored with Diana Orgain. A wealthy scrapbooking client is found dead at a local estate, dragging Carmela into a family feud over a fortune.
- Gossamer Ghost (2014) – A historic home restoration project turns into a crime scene when the lead contractor is killed, prompting rumors of ghosts and real-world greed.
- Parchment and Old Lace (2015) – Co-authored with Terrie Farley Moran. A local wedding coordinator is murdered, and Carmela must decipher the clues left behind in vintage lace patterns.
- Crepe Factor (2016) – Co-authored with Terrie Farley Moran. A winter food festival in New Orleans turns deadly when a local restaurant critic is poisoned, putting Carmela's culinary friends under suspicion.
- Glitter Bomb (2018) – Co-authored with Terrie Farley Moran. A Mardi Gras float explosion reveals a murdered krewe member, and Shamus once again finds himself in the crosshairs of the police.
- Mumbo Gumbo Murder (2019) – Co-authored with Terrie Farley Moran. A jazz musician and scrapbooking enthusiast is murdered, and Carmela must sort through a gumbo of clues to find the killer.
Chronological Order vs. Publication Order
Unlike some mystery franchises that feature prequels or time jumps, there are no chronological deviations in the Scrapbooking Mysteries. Book 1, Keepsake Crimes, takes place first, and each subsequent book progresses naturally through time. Trying to read the books out of order can lead to spoilers regarding Carmela's romantic life—especially her relationship with Detective Edgar Babcock—as well as major life changes for her business and friends.
Key Characters in the Scrapbooking Universe
Understanding the recurring cast helps readers appreciate the ongoing character arcs that tie the series together:
- Carmela Bertrand: The protagonist, a talented graphic artist, and the independent owner of the French Quarter scrapbooking boutique, Memory Mine. Her sharp eye for design and detail makes her an excellent amateur investigator.
- Ava Grieux: Carmela’s spirited, energetic best friend who runs Juju Voodoo, a neighboring shop. Ava brings local New Orleans flavor, humor, and a touch of psychic intuition to the investigations.
- Detective Edgar Babcock: A dedicated NOPD homicide detective and Carmela's primary love interest. While Edgar frequently tries to keep Carmela out of active police investigations for her own safety, he respects her intelligence and instincts.
- Shamus Meechum: Carmela’s ex-husband, a charming but trouble-prone antique dealer. Shamus regularly finds himself accused of crimes, prompting Carmela to step in to prove his innocence.
Crafting Tips and Southern Recipes
A signature feature of Laura Childs' cozy mysteries is the inclusion of thematic bonus content. At the end of each novel in the Scrapbooking Mysteries series, readers will find a collection of practical crafting guides, scrapbooking layout tips, and New Orleans-inspired recipes. These recipes feature Southern classics such as gumbo, jambalaya, and pralines, allowing readers to bring the flavor of the French Quarter into their own kitchens.
Omnibus Editions
For readers looking to collect the physical books or start the series in bulk, the omnibus edition Death by Design (2006) compiles the first three novels of the series: Keepsake Crimes, Photo Finished, and Bound for Murder in a single volume.