Paper, Scissors, Death: A Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-N-Craft Mystery

Joanna Campbell Slan
Midnight Ink (2008)
ISBN 9780738712505
Reviewed by Leslie Granier for Reader Views (11/08)

 

As the popularity of scrapbooking has increased, so has the number of books that center around the hobby.  “Paper, Scissors, Death” features Kiki Lowenstein, an imaginative and creative scrapbooker whose artistic abilities come in handy when she falls on hard times financially after her husband’s unexpected death.  She begins teaching classes at a local craft store and is hired to complete a large project for a bridal shower.  Shortly afterwards, dangerous events begin happening to Kiki so she begins working with handsome Detective Chad Detweiler to figure out if the danger she is in is somehow related to events that occurred at the shower.  As she tries to determine who is behind these occurrences, she must exercise great caution when deciding who she can trust and who does not have her best interests at heart.

Much of this book revolves around the relationships Kiki has.  She regrets having to relocate her daughter Anya to a bad neighborhood.  As a result, Sheila (Kiki's mother-in-law), who never thought Kiki was good enough to be a member of her social class, will do whatever she can to try to get custody of her granddaughter.  Kiki also learns about true friendship.  She receives support from her former housekeeper and the craft store owner, not her wealthy “friends” who dumped her when her financial status changed.

This book is definitely written for a female audience.  The author provides scrapbooking tips that would be helpful to both amateur and well-seasoned scrapbookers.  The main character is a strong, intelligent female, but the reader is allowed to see her vulnerable side as well, when she must hold things together for her daughter’s sake.  There are romantic aspects in the story and watching a potential relationship develop was fun.

“Paper, Scissors, Death” by Joanna Campbell Slan starts with a bang and the plot never slows down.  Kiki is constantly faced with new adversities which she must meet head-on in order to keep both her life and her daughter’s life from being turned completely upside-down.  The incredible ending suggests a possible sequel may be forthcoming, in which the author will undoubtedly, once again, capture the reader’s complete attention while also stimulating her creativity.

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