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Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery #2
Designed to Death
Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.
As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell—or worse, a funeral.
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! DESIGNED TO DEATH is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. Be sure to check out the first crafty mystery, CROPPED TO DEATH. Bonus: includes scrapbooking tips.
PRAISE FOR CROPPED TO DEATH:
“Christina’s characters shine, her knowledge of scrapbooking is spot on, and she weaves a mystery that simply cries out to be read in one delicious sitting!” — Pam Hanson, Multi-Published Women’s Fiction Author
“This was a great read that had me reading non-stop from the moment I turned the first page. The author did a good job in keeping me in suspense with plenty of twists and turns and every time I thought I had it figured out, the author changed the direction in which the story was headed. What intrigued me most is Faith’s past and how it played in her approached to the clues she uncovered. The writing flowed easily and I liked the cast of characters in this charming whodunit. Christina has written an enjoyable story and I look forward to learning more about Faith and her friends.” – Dru Ann Love, Dru’s Book Musings
“Cropped To Death is a cozy mystery that exceeds expectations….Freeburn has crafted a mystery that does not feel clichéd or cookie-cutter….it’s her sense of humor that shows up in the book, helping the story flow, making the characters real and keeping the reader interested.…And she promises more Faith Hunter books—I hope she writes fast!” – Cynthia McCloud, Scrapbooking is Heart Work Blog
As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell—or worse, a funeral.
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you'll probably like them all! DESIGNED TO DEATH is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. Be sure to check out the first crafty mystery, CROPPED TO DEATH. Bonus: includes scrapbooking tips.
PRAISE FOR CROPPED TO DEATH:
“Christina’s characters shine, her knowledge of scrapbooking is spot on, and she weaves a mystery that simply cries out to be read in one delicious sitting!” — Pam Hanson, Multi-Published Women’s Fiction Author
“This was a great read that had me reading non-stop from the moment I turned the first page. The author did a good job in keeping me in suspense with plenty of twists and turns and every time I thought I had it figured out, the author changed the direction in which the story was headed. What intrigued me most is Faith’s past and how it played in her approached to the clues she uncovered. The writing flowed easily and I liked the cast of characters in this charming whodunit. Christina has written an enjoyable story and I look forward to learning more about Faith and her friends.” – Dru Ann Love, Dru’s Book Musings
“Cropped To Death is a cozy mystery that exceeds expectations….Freeburn has crafted a mystery that does not feel clichéd or cookie-cutter….it’s her sense of humor that shows up in the book, helping the story flow, making the characters real and keeping the reader interested.…And she promises more Faith Hunter books—I hope she writes fast!” – Cynthia McCloud, Scrapbooking is Heart Work Blog
288 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2013
34 people are currently reading
622 people want to read
About the author
Christina Freeburn
24 books243 followersChristina Freeburn started jotting down stories on her thirty-minute bus commute to middle school and still hasn't stopped (though the bus commuting has).
The Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series is a mix of crafty and crime, bringing together Christina's love of mysteries, scrapbooking, and West Virginia.
The New Beginnings series is an inspirational romantic suspense featuring heroines and heroes willing to risk their lives in order to find hope, promise and a future for those struggling in a world that seems set against them.
Christina served in the JAG Corps of the US Army and also worked as a paralegal, librarian, and church secretary. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, children, a dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid or allergic to felines.
The Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series is a mix of crafty and crime, bringing together Christina's love of mysteries, scrapbooking, and West Virginia.
The New Beginnings series is an inspirational romantic suspense featuring heroines and heroes willing to risk their lives in order to find hope, promise and a future for those struggling in a world that seems set against them.
Christina served in the JAG Corps of the US Army and also worked as a paralegal, librarian, and church secretary. She lives in West Virginia with her husband, children, a dog, and a rarely seen cat except by those who are afraid or allergic to felines.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
September 12, 2020
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Scrapbookers take their creations seriously and heaven forbid some steals someone else’s designs and submits them to a magazine. That is just what local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson is accused of. The accusation by Belinda’s cousin Darlene happened in front of a full class at Scrap This. Faith does her best to gain control when the glitter starts to fly. But later Belinda is found dead behind the scrapbooking shop and Faith finds herself cropped into another murder investigation and working with DARLENE!
Faith Hunter is a smart protagonist that has returned home to manage her grandmother’s scrapbook store. When she receives a call from the security company about a possible break-in she tells them to call the police and she heads to her neighbor and assistant prosecutor, Steve’s home to get him to go with her to find out what is happening at the store. Her grandmothers think Faith and Steve would make the perfect couple. Homicide detective Ted Roget also has eyes for Faith but he has a murder to solve while trying to keep Faith out of his investigation. The murder could upend everything her grandmothers’ have worked so hard for that Faith just can’t back off.
The scrapbook theme is a wonderful venue for a cozy mystery series. The author uses her descriptive talents to set the scene and the projects making it easy to visualize everything.
Ms. Freeburn has created strong core characters with strong relationships for this series. They are engaging and true to life. Faith’s grandmothers, Hope and Cheryl, are just amazing. They just want Faith to be happy. Her devotion to them is heartwarming. Her love triangle with Ted and Steve is still fresh and new. Due to her past, she is taking things slow, and her actions and reactions clearly show this is a wise choice.
The mystery was very interesting. Pairing Faith with Darlene was unexpected and at times their antics had me shaking my head. Plenty of twists kept this reader on her toes.
Designed to Death has a strong family dynamic along with an entertaining mystery and a nice dose of humor. I was late to the party for this series but home to remedy that soon.
Scrapbookers take their creations seriously and heaven forbid some steals someone else’s designs and submits them to a magazine. That is just what local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson is accused of. The accusation by Belinda’s cousin Darlene happened in front of a full class at Scrap This. Faith does her best to gain control when the glitter starts to fly. But later Belinda is found dead behind the scrapbooking shop and Faith finds herself cropped into another murder investigation and working with DARLENE!
Faith Hunter is a smart protagonist that has returned home to manage her grandmother’s scrapbook store. When she receives a call from the security company about a possible break-in she tells them to call the police and she heads to her neighbor and assistant prosecutor, Steve’s home to get him to go with her to find out what is happening at the store. Her grandmothers think Faith and Steve would make the perfect couple. Homicide detective Ted Roget also has eyes for Faith but he has a murder to solve while trying to keep Faith out of his investigation. The murder could upend everything her grandmothers’ have worked so hard for that Faith just can’t back off.
The scrapbook theme is a wonderful venue for a cozy mystery series. The author uses her descriptive talents to set the scene and the projects making it easy to visualize everything.
Ms. Freeburn has created strong core characters with strong relationships for this series. They are engaging and true to life. Faith’s grandmothers, Hope and Cheryl, are just amazing. They just want Faith to be happy. Her devotion to them is heartwarming. Her love triangle with Ted and Steve is still fresh and new. Due to her past, she is taking things slow, and her actions and reactions clearly show this is a wise choice.
The mystery was very interesting. Pairing Faith with Darlene was unexpected and at times their antics had me shaking my head. Plenty of twists kept this reader on her toes.
Designed to Death has a strong family dynamic along with an entertaining mystery and a nice dose of humor. I was late to the party for this series but home to remedy that soon.
July 13, 2013
5 STARS
I have now read 2 Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery books and have enjoyed both. Faith can get into a lot of trouble doing nothing.
This is a cozy mystery novel. It kept who the bad person was till almost the end. It had some twists I was not expecting.
the plot was believable. It had lots of humor, love triangle sort of, gossip, lots of scrapbooking ideas and information. Kept my attention and I hated that I could not finish last night but I did this morning.
Faith Hunter has a lot of secrets about what she did when she was away from her hometown about her marriage. She was hurt and afraid to get back into the dating scene. She is attracted to two guys. Both are good guys. One is Ted a police detective. The other is Steve a Prosecutor.
Steve lives in same area as Faith and her two grandmothers. They all live in same condo complex. Faith's grandmothers keep throwing her at Steve. Steve has some secrets too. He is interested in Faith.
Ted is a homicide detective and he is one person that knows about Faith's past. He tries to keep Faith out of his way he is afraid she will get into trouble. He cares about Faith too.
Faith gets into a fight in her grandmothers scrapbooking store. She is trying to stop two cousins Belinda and Darlene from fighting.
That night Belinda is killed behind the shop. Faith and Steve find the body.
There are a couple of things that I still wonder about in the story. But it good be I missed the answers. One scene I found really funny is both grandmas ground her for a month.
Their are lots of relationships mothers, daughters, sisters, cousins or grandmothers and granddaughter. Some seemed healthy and some not so much. I really do like Faith and her Grandmothers relationship to each other. Both sets of grandparents stepped into raise her after her parents died. They lived next store to each other and best friends.
I look forward to reading more Faith Hunter Scrap this books.
I was given this ebook to read and asked to give honest review of it by Netgalley.
09/10/2013 PUB Henery Press 288 pages ISBN 9781938383526
February 3, 2019
Designed to Death is book two in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. When Faith's store "Scrap This" ends up being the scene of a murder, Faith is once again thrust into the spotlight with the local police.
This is a well developed story, with well rounded characters. Faith, her family and friends are enjoyable characters and I can picture them in my mind. As a papercrafter I go to scrapbook stores , attend classes so am able to picture the scenes, but the author does a great job of describing it even if you aren't a crafter you get pulled in. The protagonist Faith is growing in this installment and is also coming closer to facing her past and revealing it to her two grandmothers Hope and Cheryl.
There was humour, a little romance and lots of twists and turns. I could not put it down, had to finish it in one sitting. I honestly did not figure out who the murderer was until the end.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers whether you are interested in scrapbooking or not.
This is a well developed story, with well rounded characters. Faith, her family and friends are enjoyable characters and I can picture them in my mind. As a papercrafter I go to scrapbook stores , attend classes so am able to picture the scenes, but the author does a great job of describing it even if you aren't a crafter you get pulled in. The protagonist Faith is growing in this installment and is also coming closer to facing her past and revealing it to her two grandmothers Hope and Cheryl.
There was humour, a little romance and lots of twists and turns. I could not put it down, had to finish it in one sitting. I honestly did not figure out who the murderer was until the end.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers whether you are interested in scrapbooking or not.
February 4, 2018
Faith gets pulled into a brawl when two women get into a fight during a book signing/scrap booking class at Scrap This. When one of the women ends up dead at Scrap This's back door, Faith comes under suspicion. Rumors fly and the fate of the store owned by her grandmothers is put in jeopardy. Steve, the handsome district attorney, is more than happy to help Faith, much to the chagrin of Ted, the detective assigned to the case. It seems Faith has two men who are more than willing to keep her safe and out of trouble.
August 8, 2021
2 1/2 stars. I was surprised by the criminal, but I found the mystery to be silly at times. The relationship between Darlene and Faith, as well as that between Hazel and Faith is far fetched. With the exception of her grandmothers and the bachelors in town, no one seems to like Faith.
July 8, 2018
I enjoy cozy mysteries, that are in a series! This book was based on scrapbooking. I enjoy this activity & enjoyed this book!
September 18, 2013
Title: Designed to Death
Author: Christina Freeburn
Series: A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery #2
Publisher: Henery Press
Synopsis (from bn.com):
Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.
As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell-or worse, a funeral.
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all! DESIGNED TO DEATH is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. Be sure to check out the first crafty mystery, CROPPED TO DEATH. Bonus: includes scrapbooking tips.
My thoughts:
Can we say YAY!! for another scrapbooking/papercrafting cozy mystery series! Some of the other scrapbook/papercraft mystery series that I follow have just lost their edge to me so I am very excited to have found this series! Wooooo!
I really enjoyed this book. Now I am the type who hates to read their series out of order, so in the middle of reading this book I didn’t want to miss anything from the first book in the series – Cropped to Death – so I quick downloaded it to my iPad (Kindle app $0.99, hello fantastic deal)! So I read both books simultaneously, the first one while I was working out on the elliptical and the second one the rest of the time!
I find this a charming, engaging series. The characters are fun, energetic and I want to know more about them.
This may sound strange, but another thing I really love about this series is that much of the action of the story actually takes place in the scrapbook store, Scrap This! I have found in some of my other cozy series as they go along that the characters are almost never in the location that made the book a cozy to begin with. If I am reading a cozy mystery I want to be in the location, in this case the scrapbook store, and get a vivid picture in my mind of what that place is like . . . LOVE! This is the exact reason I read cozies so I can dream about that place and what I think it looks like. Call me strange, but . . .
As a papercrafter/cardmaker myself, I really got a kick out of reading about all of the supplies that I myself use . . . papers, Copic markers, layouts, YAY!
I look forward to reading more in this series .. . after all I want to see what Faith gets into next!!!
Since this book is about scrapbooking/papercrafting, I thought it would be fun to include a picture of my own little card studio as I like to refer to it . . . ok, its my dining room, but it is my creative space. And yes I can see why Faith’s space is always a mess, I’m right there with her!
Author: Christina Freeburn
Series: A Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery #2
Publisher: Henery Press
Synopsis (from bn.com):
Faith Hunter planned the perfect event at her grandmother’s shop, Scrap This, featuring local scrapbooker and Life Artist Diva, Belinda Watson. But the extravaganza goes up in a cloud of glitter when Belinda and her cousin, Darlene, brawl over scraplifted designs. Faith attempts to break it up, but only makes things worse. Then when Belinda turns up dead behind the Scrap This store, Faith’s involvement goes viral.
As accusations against her turn vicious, Faith sets out to prove her nemesis, Darlene, committed the crime, only to realize they are both innocent. Now they must team up or the murderer’s plan will come together seamlessly with the frenemies sharing a jail cell-or worse, a funeral.
Part of the Henery Press Mystery Series Collection, if you like one, you’ll probably like them all! DESIGNED TO DEATH is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. Be sure to check out the first crafty mystery, CROPPED TO DEATH. Bonus: includes scrapbooking tips.
My thoughts:
Can we say YAY!! for another scrapbooking/papercrafting cozy mystery series! Some of the other scrapbook/papercraft mystery series that I follow have just lost their edge to me so I am very excited to have found this series! Wooooo!
I really enjoyed this book. Now I am the type who hates to read their series out of order, so in the middle of reading this book I didn’t want to miss anything from the first book in the series – Cropped to Death – so I quick downloaded it to my iPad (Kindle app $0.99, hello fantastic deal)! So I read both books simultaneously, the first one while I was working out on the elliptical and the second one the rest of the time!
I find this a charming, engaging series. The characters are fun, energetic and I want to know more about them.
This may sound strange, but another thing I really love about this series is that much of the action of the story actually takes place in the scrapbook store, Scrap This! I have found in some of my other cozy series as they go along that the characters are almost never in the location that made the book a cozy to begin with. If I am reading a cozy mystery I want to be in the location, in this case the scrapbook store, and get a vivid picture in my mind of what that place is like . . . LOVE! This is the exact reason I read cozies so I can dream about that place and what I think it looks like. Call me strange, but . . .
As a papercrafter/cardmaker myself, I really got a kick out of reading about all of the supplies that I myself use . . . papers, Copic markers, layouts, YAY!
I look forward to reading more in this series .. . after all I want to see what Faith gets into next!!!
Since this book is about scrapbooking/papercrafting, I thought it would be fun to include a picture of my own little card studio as I like to refer to it . . . ok, its my dining room, but it is my creative space. And yes I can see why Faith’s space is always a mess, I’m right there with her!
October 1, 2013
Designed to Death
Christina Freeburn
Henery Press
September 6, 2013
4 stars
Designed to Death is book two in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. This was a page turner and I honestly did not figure out whodunit and was surprised by the end, always a treat for me. I’ve been known to know who did it within the first chapter…one time before the murder even happened. Kudos to Ms. Freeburn. I’m going to have to go back and read book 1, which I believe I do have.
Faith Hunter has returned home after a devastating incident involving her former husband while serving in the military. Her grandmothers own a row house, and they kept the third unit for Faith for when she returned. She was raised by her grandmothers after her parents were tragically killed, and they run the scrapbooking store, Scrap This, and have hired Faith on to manage it.
The excitement begins in the store when they host a book signing for a customer who was named a Life Artist Diva by a scrapping magazine. However, her cousin storms in and claims that Belinda won by submitting her layouts. A brawl ensues and the event ends dismally. Later that night, Faith receives a phone call from the security company that they picked up a disturbance. Faith tells them to call the police and decides to go to the store to see what is going on, intent on protecting her grandmothers. Luckily, Faith heads two doors down and rouses her neighbor, Steve, the assistant prosecutor and the man her grandmothers want her to have a future with. When they arrive at the store, they find Belinda dead at the back door. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation, much to the chagrin of homicide detective Ted Roget, her efforts to protect her grandmothers leave Faith over her head in danger.
Likable characters who are not perfect make the Scrap This series one that I look forward to visiting over and over. There are red herrings and suspects aplenty, along with assorted motives that fit each one. If you like cozy mysteries, you’ll enjoy Designed to Death.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
Christina Freeburn
Henery Press
September 6, 2013
4 stars
Designed to Death is book two in the Faith Hunter Scrap This mystery series. This was a page turner and I honestly did not figure out whodunit and was surprised by the end, always a treat for me. I’ve been known to know who did it within the first chapter…one time before the murder even happened. Kudos to Ms. Freeburn. I’m going to have to go back and read book 1, which I believe I do have.
Faith Hunter has returned home after a devastating incident involving her former husband while serving in the military. Her grandmothers own a row house, and they kept the third unit for Faith for when she returned. She was raised by her grandmothers after her parents were tragically killed, and they run the scrapbooking store, Scrap This, and have hired Faith on to manage it.
The excitement begins in the store when they host a book signing for a customer who was named a Life Artist Diva by a scrapping magazine. However, her cousin storms in and claims that Belinda won by submitting her layouts. A brawl ensues and the event ends dismally. Later that night, Faith receives a phone call from the security company that they picked up a disturbance. Faith tells them to call the police and decides to go to the store to see what is going on, intent on protecting her grandmothers. Luckily, Faith heads two doors down and rouses her neighbor, Steve, the assistant prosecutor and the man her grandmothers want her to have a future with. When they arrive at the store, they find Belinda dead at the back door. Despite her best efforts to stay out of the investigation, much to the chagrin of homicide detective Ted Roget, her efforts to protect her grandmothers leave Faith over her head in danger.
Likable characters who are not perfect make the Scrap This series one that I look forward to visiting over and over. There are red herrings and suspects aplenty, along with assorted motives that fit each one. If you like cozy mysteries, you’ll enjoy Designed to Death.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for a review.
June 2, 2015
In book 2 of the Faith Hunter 'Scrap This' mystery series, Faith finds herself in hot water when one of their own, Belinda, is named Life Artist Diva and no long later is found murdered at the backdoor of the scrapbook business owned by her two grandmothers.
Faith assures Ted, the detective in the town of Eden, that she will not get involved in the investigation this time, but Faith cannot keep her word and keeps searching for clues. When Belinda's cousin Darlene starts bashing the magazine who made Belinda the Life Artist Diva on the internet, a scandal erupts that places Faith square in the middle of the action.
The fire sizzles between both Faith and sometimes love interest Steve Harris and then between Faith and her favorite detective, Ted. I have not put my vote in for who will win Faith's heart but I do have my ideas... and they may not be the same as Faith's. :)
The antics between Darlene and Faith sometimes got a bit out of hand and Faith used questionable commonsense more than once. I would have thought Faith would have learned her lessons about things like that in book one, but I guess you need a little questionable behavior to keep all the books in the future stable on two wheels in the plot department. (That probably made no sense to anyone but me and I'm okay with that.)
I look forward to future books and I think this one definitely deserves you to check it out. If you like crafting, scrapbooking and washi tape, then this mystery is definitely up your creative alley
4 stars.
I bought this book with my own money.
Faith assures Ted, the detective in the town of Eden, that she will not get involved in the investigation this time, but Faith cannot keep her word and keeps searching for clues. When Belinda's cousin Darlene starts bashing the magazine who made Belinda the Life Artist Diva on the internet, a scandal erupts that places Faith square in the middle of the action.
The fire sizzles between both Faith and sometimes love interest Steve Harris and then between Faith and her favorite detective, Ted. I have not put my vote in for who will win Faith's heart but I do have my ideas... and they may not be the same as Faith's. :)
The antics between Darlene and Faith sometimes got a bit out of hand and Faith used questionable commonsense more than once. I would have thought Faith would have learned her lessons about things like that in book one, but I guess you need a little questionable behavior to keep all the books in the future stable on two wheels in the plot department. (That probably made no sense to anyone but me and I'm okay with that.)
I look forward to future books and I think this one definitely deserves you to check it out. If you like crafting, scrapbooking and washi tape, then this mystery is definitely up your creative alley
4 stars.
I bought this book with my own money.
October 15, 2013
Designed to Death -
This is a great read, I enjoyed this thoroughly. It made me laugh-out-loud at some of the ridiculous moments in Faiths' life. Almost every chapter made me smile, and I would consider reading the other two installments in the series. I won this book on the giveaways, and I am glad I did. I would never have picked this book up, if it weren't for the giveaways. Usually, this is not my style/genre to chose, but it was totally worth it.
Faith lives in a quintessential quaint town, where everyone knows everyone else and knows what happened to you before even you have a chance to find out. This reminds me so much of my own town, and I could understand all-the-more how most of the events occurred throughout the book. Faith is watched over/protected by her adorable grandmothers; they are both my favorite characters. She and her grandmothers own/run a scrap booking store called: "Scrap This". After a fiasco at the store, a woman winds up dead behind the building. Leave it to Faith to try and figure out who killed the woman, because she doesn't want the town gossip to continue: someone spreads a rumor that Faith is involved or committed the murder. There is also a love triangle occurring but this did not deteriorate the story-line, it actually added to the 'real' feeling. There did not appear to be any gaps in story-line, which I have found in other books from time to time. The only issue were a couple of typos? I believe... but, I could be wrong.
Pick up a copy!
This is a great read, I enjoyed this thoroughly. It made me laugh-out-loud at some of the ridiculous moments in Faiths' life. Almost every chapter made me smile, and I would consider reading the other two installments in the series. I won this book on the giveaways, and I am glad I did. I would never have picked this book up, if it weren't for the giveaways. Usually, this is not my style/genre to chose, but it was totally worth it.
Faith lives in a quintessential quaint town, where everyone knows everyone else and knows what happened to you before even you have a chance to find out. This reminds me so much of my own town, and I could understand all-the-more how most of the events occurred throughout the book. Faith is watched over/protected by her adorable grandmothers; they are both my favorite characters. She and her grandmothers own/run a scrap booking store called: "Scrap This". After a fiasco at the store, a woman winds up dead behind the building. Leave it to Faith to try and figure out who killed the woman, because she doesn't want the town gossip to continue: someone spreads a rumor that Faith is involved or committed the murder. There is also a love triangle occurring but this did not deteriorate the story-line, it actually added to the 'real' feeling. There did not appear to be any gaps in story-line, which I have found in other books from time to time. The only issue were a couple of typos? I believe... but, I could be wrong.
Pick up a copy!
January 8, 2014
(Galley copy provided for review by NetGalley)
I tried to finish this book, but I just couldn't do it. The author really, really needed a good editor, and it didn't happen. This is the second book in the series, and I understand that I missed things by not reading the first book. However, I have read many other sequels that did a great job with the "catching the reader up" bits. It's reasonable that there should be a few gaps, but it's not great to be completely lost. The characters are terribly developed. The book read more like an outline than a full novel. Nothing segued smoothly- it was as if Freeburn wrote the novel in individual chunks, and then copied and pasted them together without making sure plot, dialogue, and characterization moved in sync. At one point the main character is startled into a yelp by a loud banging sound, and then she mulls over her love life, instead of investigating or otherwise reacting to the banging sound. Later, someone asks her a pointed question and is waiting for a response... and the reader gets several paragraphs of inner monologue. Major leaps in logic, whiplash-inducing mood swings, continuity errors... characterization that's so inconsistent, it's like there are multiple versions of the same character. I liked the idea of this book- a new type of murder mystery seemed fun- but this book is a disaster.
I tried to finish this book, but I just couldn't do it. The author really, really needed a good editor, and it didn't happen. This is the second book in the series, and I understand that I missed things by not reading the first book. However, I have read many other sequels that did a great job with the "catching the reader up" bits. It's reasonable that there should be a few gaps, but it's not great to be completely lost. The characters are terribly developed. The book read more like an outline than a full novel. Nothing segued smoothly- it was as if Freeburn wrote the novel in individual chunks, and then copied and pasted them together without making sure plot, dialogue, and characterization moved in sync. At one point the main character is startled into a yelp by a loud banging sound, and then she mulls over her love life, instead of investigating or otherwise reacting to the banging sound. Later, someone asks her a pointed question and is waiting for a response... and the reader gets several paragraphs of inner monologue. Major leaps in logic, whiplash-inducing mood swings, continuity errors... characterization that's so inconsistent, it's like there are multiple versions of the same character. I liked the idea of this book- a new type of murder mystery seemed fun- but this book is a disaster.
January 8, 2014
Designed to Death was right up my alley. A little humour, a little romance but mainly a lot of mystery. Definitely in my favorite genre, American Cozy mysteries.
Faith works in her grandmothers' scrapbooking shop, Scrap This. They have a special event planned with a local celebrity scrapper which turns into an all out brawl. When one of the main participants turns up dead later that day, Faith needs to find out who the murderer is to save her grandmothers and their store from disaster, not to mention clearing her own name. Her involvement with the D.A. and the local homicide detective make her investigations even more interesting.
Designed to Death is set in a small town and that atmosphere really comes through. It's got a light feel to it. It emphasizes family relationship and friends in a positive way, something I appreciate after some of the books I've read lately. I know nothing about scrapbooking but that doesn't detract from the story. I felt like I learned quite a bit about the subject through this book. This is the second in the series and I think it would have been better to read the first one first, but I still enjoyed this immensely and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who likes an entertaining cozy mystery.
I received this through Netgalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
Faith works in her grandmothers' scrapbooking shop, Scrap This. They have a special event planned with a local celebrity scrapper which turns into an all out brawl. When one of the main participants turns up dead later that day, Faith needs to find out who the murderer is to save her grandmothers and their store from disaster, not to mention clearing her own name. Her involvement with the D.A. and the local homicide detective make her investigations even more interesting.
Designed to Death is set in a small town and that atmosphere really comes through. It's got a light feel to it. It emphasizes family relationship and friends in a positive way, something I appreciate after some of the books I've read lately. I know nothing about scrapbooking but that doesn't detract from the story. I felt like I learned quite a bit about the subject through this book. This is the second in the series and I think it would have been better to read the first one first, but I still enjoyed this immensely and wouldn't hesitate to recommend this to anyone who likes an entertaining cozy mystery.
I received this through Netgalley and appreciated the opportunity to read and review it.
June 16, 2015
This book is better than the first. Our heroine, Faith, is a funny gal that works for her two grandmothers at their local scrapbook store, “Scrap This”. They treat her like a child and are always trying to set her up. In this episode she is taken advantage of by someone she does not even like, Darlene, who is both a drama queen and also the prime suspect in a murder.
Faith is growing in this book and is coming closer to facing her past and revealing it.
The customers and employees seemed true to life and the description of Faith’s scrapbooking room in her home is spot on with every woman’s craft room. The pIot is not plausible as written but is fun and I did not know “who done it” until the end – lots of twists. Personally I have never met anyone who scrapbooks that is competitive but I scrapbook and don’t look at any of the magazines and I have never heard of someone like this giving classes in local scrapbook stores. Classes usually take place at large Expos. I did run into one of these diva types in a class I took at the last Expo I attended. However, I liked the competition in the book. I do recommend it and look forward to the next.
Faith is growing in this book and is coming closer to facing her past and revealing it.
The customers and employees seemed true to life and the description of Faith’s scrapbooking room in her home is spot on with every woman’s craft room. The pIot is not plausible as written but is fun and I did not know “who done it” until the end – lots of twists. Personally I have never met anyone who scrapbooks that is competitive but I scrapbook and don’t look at any of the magazines and I have never heard of someone like this giving classes in local scrapbook stores. Classes usually take place at large Expos. I did run into one of these diva types in a class I took at the last Expo I attended. However, I liked the competition in the book. I do recommend it and look forward to the next.
June 14, 2013
Couldn't put it down! Just loved it! I am a fan of two things, scrapbooking and mystery books. This encompasses both! Great sequel to the CROPPED TO DEATH! :) Very well written and entertaining!
Faith Hunter works for her two grandmothers at Scrap This, a scrapbooking store that often hosts fun classes and events. When a murder occurs on the back doorstep of the store, Faith inserts herself into the detective investigation to clear her name and save the reputation of the store. With her overprotective and loving grandmothers, her hunky prosecutor/next-door-neighbor, and the ever so handsome Detective Roget, this story is not lacking fun and entertaining characters! Will she be able to crack this case or will she find herself framed like the pictures in her colorful and crafty scrapbooks? You'll just have to read and find out!
This book not only is a suspenseful page-turner, but also offers some inspiration for scrapbooking!
http://www.amazon.com/Designed-Death-...
Faith Hunter works for her two grandmothers at Scrap This, a scrapbooking store that often hosts fun classes and events. When a murder occurs on the back doorstep of the store, Faith inserts herself into the detective investigation to clear her name and save the reputation of the store. With her overprotective and loving grandmothers, her hunky prosecutor/next-door-neighbor, and the ever so handsome Detective Roget, this story is not lacking fun and entertaining characters! Will she be able to crack this case or will she find herself framed like the pictures in her colorful and crafty scrapbooks? You'll just have to read and find out!
This book not only is a suspenseful page-turner, but also offers some inspiration for scrapbooking!
http://www.amazon.com/Designed-Death-...
August 28, 2013
Designed to Death is the second book in the Faith Hunter Scrap This Mystery series. It was as well written and edited as the first book with a completely new murder mystery to solve.
The main character, Faith, is still trying to hide from an incident in her past that makes her paranoid about being blamed for a crime she didn't commit and causes her to be a commitmentphobe. Another murder near her grandmothers' scrapbooking store places her back under the scrutiny of the community and the two men in her life. Faith feels she has no choice, but to help solve the murder to protect her family and herself.
The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of small town America eccentrics. They provide a fun, light element to the mystery.
Faith comes across as being more fearful and conflicted in this book, which was a bit off putting for me. I tend to like my heroines with a bit more spunk and self esteem.
I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
The main character, Faith, is still trying to hide from an incident in her past that makes her paranoid about being blamed for a crime she didn't commit and causes her to be a commitmentphobe. Another murder near her grandmothers' scrapbooking store places her back under the scrutiny of the community and the two men in her life. Faith feels she has no choice, but to help solve the murder to protect her family and herself.
The secondary characters are an eclectic mix of small town America eccentrics. They provide a fun, light element to the mystery.
Faith comes across as being more fearful and conflicted in this book, which was a bit off putting for me. I tend to like my heroines with a bit more spunk and self esteem.
I recommend this book and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
ARC provided by the publisher via Netgalley.
August 25, 2013
Christina Freeburn's scrapbook cozies are definitely worth a read! Designed to Death is the second book in the series, and follows up on Faith Hunter and her job as manager at her grandmothers' scrapbook shop. Faith is once again drawn into a murder, which has taken place on the store's doorstep. It seems that no matter how Faith tries, she just can't keep her nose out of the investigation. Now, it seems, is also the time for Faith to make a decision on the men in her life. Will she decide to start seeing Steve, her hunky neighbor, or will it be detective Ted Roget? Either way, she can't lose!
I loved the fast pace of this book, I never had a chance to get bored while I was reading it. I am looking forward to her next scrapbook adventure Embellished to Death, which will be out in April 2014.
I loved the fast pace of this book, I never had a chance to get bored while I was reading it. I am looking forward to her next scrapbook adventure Embellished to Death, which will be out in April 2014.
September 19, 2013
Wonderfully written, funny, some romance and a mystery. Everything I look for in a book and love.
I feel like these characters are part of my family, Faith, grandma Hope, grandma Cheryl and of course Steve and Ted. The there is the other side of the family, you know we all have one, Belinda, Darlene, Hazel and Leonard. I love that Steve is a prosecutor and Ted a police officer and the fact that they are both super guys.
And the whole story takes place around Scrap This, where we have a fight and a murder!
This is a well developed story, with wonderful well rounded characters makes this a great read. I love Faith, her family and friends so much that I can't wait for the next book. You will fall in love with them too!!
I was given a free copy in return for an honest review. I will be purchasing a copy of this book, it was that good.
I feel like these characters are part of my family, Faith, grandma Hope, grandma Cheryl and of course Steve and Ted. The there is the other side of the family, you know we all have one, Belinda, Darlene, Hazel and Leonard. I love that Steve is a prosecutor and Ted a police officer and the fact that they are both super guys.
And the whole story takes place around Scrap This, where we have a fight and a murder!
This is a well developed story, with wonderful well rounded characters makes this a great read. I love Faith, her family and friends so much that I can't wait for the next book. You will fall in love with them too!!
I was given a free copy in return for an honest review. I will be purchasing a copy of this book, it was that good.
October 21, 2013
I had a little more a struggle with this one, simply because some of the main character’s decisions were so...unrealistic, I suppose? Her choice of helping Darlene seemed very out of place, especially when she had just been talking to Detective Roget. A few other conversations and descriptions felt rather abrupt as well, like they were a bit rushed. (On that same note, I really can’t stand Steve’s character and am waiting with baited breath for Faith to realize that she really needs to get together with Detective Roget.)
Those minor discrepancies set aside, it was still a decent “fluff” book and it kept my attention enough that I finished reading it. And I do enjoy the characters and quirky humor woven into the story.
Those minor discrepancies set aside, it was still a decent “fluff” book and it kept my attention enough that I finished reading it. And I do enjoy the characters and quirky humor woven into the story.
October 3, 2013
I'm not sure I liked the second book as much as the first but it did keep me suspended and not wanting to put it down. Was a little disappointed to find out it wasn't about a scrapbook cruise as the cover photos led me to believe. Hoping the author writes many more on this series but it's a small town so there's gonna need to be some new characters added cause too many have died or been the killer so far. :)
August 25, 2013
I found this to be a fine sequel to Cropped to Death. I'm glad that Faith showed a little more spunk in this book and I love her grandmothers. I also liked the development of a romance between Faith and Steve and the mystery kept me entertained.
February 12, 2015
Loved it. Will read the rest of the series. Of course, it helps that I'm a huge scrapbooker who doesn't have much time to scrapbook anymore so it was fun to scrap through the characters in the book. Plan to read any books that this author writes...
September 3, 2013
another fun cozy centered around scrapping. like with the first book, I didn't have a clue who the killer was....I like that!
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October 30, 2013Received this book free from Goodreads First Read. Was a good and interesting read .
September 21, 2013
I loved this book more than the first! I love the scrapbook references and try to picture the techniques referenced. And I will never look at Washi tape the same ever again!!!
September 14, 2013
This is a fun read - not deep but interesting.
July 6, 2014
An enjoyable second book in the Scrap This Mystery series. Great characters, romance and mystery. I look forward to more.
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July 27, 2017“Battling scrapbook divas, secrets, jealousy, murder, and lots of glitter all make Designed to Death a charming and heartfelt mystery.” –Ellen Byerrum, Author of the Crime of Fashion Mysteries
September 12, 2016
Awful. I just don't even have words.
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