Introduction

In this cozy-thriller, scrapbook maven Carmela Bertrand tries to track down the killer of a young bride-to-be who’s been brutally murdered in a New Orleans cemetery. Could it be the conflicted groom, stalker attorney, jealous bridesmaid, or crazy mother-in-law to be? As Carmela sorts through this dysfunctional group of suspects, a snippets of antique lace and parchment become critical clues. It all comes to a head at a raucous casino party and ends with a frantic chase through an abandoned theme park. From New York Times bestselling author Laura Childs, Parchment and Old Lace delivers a gripping, realistic mystery that also includes scrapbook tips and recipes for Pecan Pie Muffins, Sweet Potato Casserole, and Big Easy Butter Chicken.

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Excerpt

Gripping the gun, Carmela dashed into the fun house. There was an enormous cutout of a clown, directly in front of her. To enter, she had to dive through the clown’s gaping mouth, braving a dirty, shredded curtain.

Carmela took a deep breath and jumped through, batting away the stinking curtain and thick strands of spider webs. She was in a long, dark hallway now, creeping along. She could hear faint sounds of Ava and Prejean somewhere ahead of her. Ava whimpering, Prejean barking at her.

Sneaking along, Carmela hugged the rough wall until her right hip bumped hard against the edge of a discolored and cracked mirror. She eased her way past as, suddenly appearing three feet tall and five feet wide.

Carmela was beginning to feel like Alice in Wonderland – that she’d tumbled down the rabbit hole. This place was awful and strangely disconcerting. Emerging into a narrow hallway, Carmela crawled into the lower half of an enormous wooden barrel-of-fun. The barrel no longer rotated and the roof above had caved in. The hole allowed just enough moonlight to seep in for Carmela to catch sight of Prejean dragging Ava into the next room.

“Stop right there, Bobby Prejean!” Carmela screamed in her most commanding voice. “Don’t take another step!” view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

What was unique or unusual about the opening chapter? Did it prickle the hairs on the back of your neck?

Does the author create enough of a “sense of place” that you can picture Commander’s Palace, Lafayette Cemetery, and Memory Mine in your mind? If so, what do they look like?

Was the killer cleverly concealed among all the various suspects, or did you have an inkling of who the killer really was? Did the author drop enough “red herrings” to make it exciting?

Who do you think was really in charge of the investigation – Carmela or Detective Babcock?

Do you think Carmela is able to balance running her scrapbook shop while still making time for her real life? Do you think most small business owners or working women are able to find a good balance?

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