Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
There are two sides to every divorce . . . yours and the jerk's.

In this case, there's Clancy's side and then there's the JERK's side. Of course, Kiki sides with Clancy because they're BFFs (Best Friends Forever). As for the JERK, well, the poor guy can't make up his mind. The JERK has left and come back to Clancy once before. Now he's fed up with his young girlfriend and wants to come back to Clancy yet again. Or does he?

Then JERK drives over a bridge in a low-lying area known for flash floods. Wouldn't you know it—his car is swept away and he's found unconscious. As he lies in his hospital bed fighting for his life, Clancy and his girlfriend are waging warfare, and it ain't pretty. One secret after another tumbles out.

Kiki is there for Clancy to lean on, but Kiki has problems of her own. Another divorce has her attention, as does the corpse Kiki finds in a car.

Kiki's hunky husband is dealing with police department problems. Her bi-racial son is being picked on. Her daughter's Hebrew tutor is decidedly against mixed marriages. And Kiki needs to hire more help at her store, Time in a Bottle.

263 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 2020

146 people are currently reading
153 people want to read

About the author

Joanna Campbell Slan

166 books864 followers
National bestselling and award-winning author Joanna Campbell Slan was born in Jacksonville, Florida, but she grew up in a small town in Indiana. After graduating from Ball State University with a degree in journalism, she worked as a newspaper reporter, a newspaper ad salesperson, a television talk show host, a college teacher, a public relations professional, and a motivational speaker. In that capacity, she was named by Sharing Ideas Magazine as “one of the top 25 speakers in the world.”

Slan's work has appeared in five of the New York Times Bestselling Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and one of those became a television show. She is the author of nearly 80 books, nonfiction and fiction, including Death of a Schoolgirl, which won the 2013 Daphne du Maurier Award of Excellence.

Joanna's personal essays have appeared in the Chicken Soup for the Soul series, and one was made into a television program on the Pax Network. The college textbook Joanna wrote—Using Stories and Humor: Grab Your Audience—has been praised as an invaluable resource by Benjamin Netanyahu’s speechwriter and endorsed by Toastmasters, International.

RT Book Reviews has called Joanna “one of mystery’s rising stars.” Her first novel—Paper, Scissors, Death—was an Agatha Award finalist. It features Kiki Lowenstein, a spunky single mom who lives in St. Louis. The sixth book in that series will be released Summer 2013.

Kirkus Reviews has said, “Slan’s mysteries are most valuable for the well-developed characters and the issues they raise.” RT Book Reviews has said, “Kiki is so darn entertaining that she’ll keep readers hooked.” A series of short stories featuring Kiki are available on Kindle.

Joanna’s newest series—The Jane Eyre Chronicles—began with Death of a Schoolgirl (Berkley) and continues with the release of Death of a Dowager. The series features Charlotte Brontë’s classic heroine Jane Eyre as an amateur sleuth.

As “Lila Dare,” Joanna has penned the fourth book in the Southern Beauty Shop series—Wave Good-bye.

Joanna is married to David Slan. The Slans live on Jupiter Island, Florida.

Website: www.JoannaSlan.com

Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/JoannaCampbel...

Twitter: @JoannaSlan

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
317 (63%)
4 stars
132 (26%)
3 stars
43 (8%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
176 reviews3 followers
May 9, 2021
I enjoyed this book but I was way ahead of Kiki as to the identity of the murderer. In this book she dithered so much it got on my nerves. It was clear that Clancy, as smart as she is, should have had legal help long before she got it. I felt the ending was a bit abrupt. Obviously several loose ends need to be addressed in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Mallory.
150 reviews2 followers
September 14, 2022
OK so better storyline, better intrigue, still some editing issues including mixing up her own characters names. I don't understand that at all, but looking past that this one was better than the last one. By a smidgen. I'll go 3.4 on this one not enough to round up to 4 but better than the last one.
258 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2021
You've got to read this one!

Wow! Kiki didn't even get to get a start on this hunt! It just fell into her lap! Desperate people do stupid things! Great book! Book 16is a bundle of books 1-3 so its start on your next adventure! Enjoy! You won't be sorry!
Profile Image for Kim Hammond-beyer.
193 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2021
Editing!

Continues to confuse characters in most books. This one was within same paragraph. But overall fun; just read fast :)
Profile Image for Theresa J.
3 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2021
Binge read all 15 books

I enjoy cozy mysteries when I have a lot going on in my life. This series provided the escape that I needed. The characters are interesting; they face problems in their lives above and beyond amateur sleuthing. The author addresses alcoholism, teen suicides, aging parents and prejudice in a manner that enhances her stories while also giving readers something more to think about if they choose.
There were a minimum of grammar and spelling errors! This is awesome for me because I will stop reading a book if the author doesn't care enough about her/his craft to have it proofread.
I will definitely be reading more by this author. I enjoyed her stories, her characters, her research and her respect for her readers.
135 reviews3 followers
December 19, 2020
Law, Fully, Dead

Once again Kiki is working at her scrap book store. Trouble starts with two women not getting along. One of these women disappears. Kiki’s friend Clancy gets a phone call that her ex husband is in the hospital. Kiki’s adopted son is having problems with a boy at school calling him names because he isn’t white. There are many problems for Kiki to solve.
I enjoyed this book and look forward to when there will be another!

Profile Image for CATHERINE.
9 reviews1 follower
January 15, 2021
Slightly disappointed.....

I have devoured the 1st 14 books and couldn’t wait for #15 to be fee, so I paid the $3.99. There has been more detail and suspense in all,the previous books. I felt like the ending was missing lots of details! I certainly wasn’t expecting it to end as abruptly as it did. I sure hope there are more books after #15, since this one left me longing for more ❗️
311 reviews1 follower
December 20, 2020
Kiki is back!!

I love, adore, and cherish Kiki Lowenstein-Detweiler!
This book is a little different from the other books due to several very sensitive subjects, which will tug and your heart and really make you think about life. Another fantastic book by Joanna Campbell Slan. It's a must read!
Profile Image for Virginia.
334 reviews18 followers
February 20, 2021
Greedy Death

Divorce, grief, and racism are major themes as Kiki's friendship for Clancy leads her to stand by Clancy to offer comfort and support. At the same time, one of Kiki's scrapbooking students goes missing following an evening workshop. This is a wonderful series dealing with both murders and every day emotional issues.
838 reviews10 followers
April 5, 2021
Another Great Kiki Lowenstein Story

I thoroughly enjoy this series. This book in particular touched on many of the racial, religious, & economic issues that are plaguing our society at the moment. I not only enjoyed, but learned some new ways to deal with bullies. I can’t wait for the next installment.
89 reviews
January 21, 2021
I didn’t want to put it down!

Joanna Campbell Slan always writes fast paced, and socially thought provoking books, and this is no exception. Her Kiki books have ideas for projects in paper crafts, and this one has junk journaling. Of course there is a mystery too. Two in fact.
Profile Image for A.J..
630 reviews7 followers
March 25, 2024
Excitement builds to a thrilling climax

Cute cozy series, clean language, and includes craft ideas. Touches on many social issues and features realistic family drama. This novel also has an ending that the reader might not expect. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Darshell.
4 reviews1 follower
February 9, 2021
Another winner

I love the Kiki Lowenstein (Detweiler) series! This one was another winner.Getting ready to start a new junk journal now lol.
204 reviews5 followers
May 11, 2021
As a scraobooker I really enjoy this cozy mystery series. You learn a little more about the characters in each book. This was one of my favorites.
347 reviews
August 30, 2021
Jealousy

Can a death come from someone being jealous? Seems some will murder for anything especially if money is involved. Kiki gets included in the most inconceivable ways. Read.!
Profile Image for Linda.
14 reviews1 follower
October 8, 2021
one of the best in the series

I have really enjoyed this series. It does a good job of keeping you curious as to the culprit is. Can’t wait for the next one. Feels as is I really know the entire crew.
944 reviews7 followers
February 22, 2022
Cliffhanger

How can I possibly wait for another book. This series is one of the best. I am addicted! Humor, mystery and romamce, who could ask for anything more.
Profile Image for Anika.
796 reviews
March 19, 2022
Without too much of a spoiler I wanted to know what happened between Clancy and Bambi at the end.
Profile Image for Shannon Binegar-Foster.
3,012 reviews22 followers
July 25, 2022
Loved it

Boy this one sure was intense. Lots of extra drama this time from all sides. I can't wait for the next book.
Profile Image for Cindy Lee.
1 review1 follower
April 24, 2023
Loved the book

Kiki is the best character ever!! I look forward to every story. Cannot wait to read more from Joanna Campbell Slan.
32 reviews
March 24, 2024
Wow. Surprise ending

I like Joanna's writing and I've loved Kiki for tears. Dove right into this book and devored it. I didn't expect the ending!!
Profile Image for Sue.
1,794 reviews32 followers
May 27, 2025
This was an exciting story with lots of romance and angst in addition to a murder. I am really enjoying the Kiki Lowenstein series. The writing is excellent and the characters are fun.
53 reviews2 followers
December 29, 2020
Junk journaling

I like characters who work at scrapbooking store. Kiki brings out the best in their personalities. And everybody brings a gift to the relationships.
2,450 reviews44 followers
September 15, 2021
Author Joanna Campbell Slan never fails to touch my heart as well as peek my interest. Law, Fully, Dead, is the perfect example of how the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery series brings so much more than a great cozy mystery. The beautiful but not always easy interpersonal relationships of Kiki and her friends, and sometimes not so beautiful relationships of the patrons of Time in a Bottle, hook the readers as much as the intelligent and complex mysteries that land in Kiki's lap.
Profile Image for Lyn Soulia-Smith.
1,327 reviews8 followers
June 10, 2024
This is a good series, even better now that Kiki is married and has a family.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews