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Kiki Lowenstein Scrap-n-Craft Mystery #4
Photo, Snap, Shot
Old money and tradition are the hallmarks of the St. Louis prep school that Kiki's daughter Anya attends. But the elite academy is stamped with scandal when Anya finds the dead body of teacher Sissy Gilchris—and Anya might have seen the killer. Pegged as a dangerous flirt and a lousy teacher, the woman would've made everyone's "least popular" scrapbook page. Was Sissy murdered for her mixed-race romance with the basketball coach? To protect her daughter, Kiki sifts through the school community's many shocking secrets to pin down the killer.
336 pages, Paperback
First published May 8, 2010
486 people are currently reading
539 people want to read
About the author
Joanna Campbell Slan
163 books857 followersNational 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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews
May 16, 2016
I don't know why I keep reading this series. Possibly because the mysteries are fine and come together alright without being too twee or preposterous. But Kiki and her friends are starting to get on my nerves. At least Kiki ends up doing the rescuing this time around instead of needing Detweiler to come and save her.
Still, something hit me while reading this book (4th for me, as a 3rd installment was inserted between this and the previous book since the original publication). Kiki's romantic relationships are maddening. I'm not sure what her appeal is. Even without reading brief descriptions of later books, I know where it's going. I don't like Detweiler, and I don't think he's a great romantic character. Kiki worries about him thinking she might not be faithful to him because she's pursuing a married man (while not being married herself, so that's not cheating on her part) without stopping to think that he's asking a potential partner to WAIT for him to decide if he wants to save his marriage. Has he mentioned this to his wife? Does she know he has a replacement ready? I'd be so done with my husband if I knew he had a backup waiting. Also, maybe they've only shared one kiss at this point, but he's emotional affairing all over the place. He needs to man up and tell his wife that he has a lot invested in this other woman and her kid. I love my husband, but I'd drop him like a hot potato if I knew how much time, care, and effort he was giving to another family. (If you read this, sorry honey, but it's true.) Detweiler isn't faithful, and I don't feel sorry for him. Kiki's fine - boring, but fine.
I'll probably end up reading the next in the series because I'm a glutton for punishment.
Still, something hit me while reading this book (4th for me, as a 3rd installment was inserted between this and the previous book since the original publication). Kiki's romantic relationships are maddening. I'm not sure what her appeal is. Even without reading brief descriptions of later books, I know where it's going. I don't like Detweiler, and I don't think he's a great romantic character. Kiki worries about him thinking she might not be faithful to him because she's pursuing a married man (while not being married herself, so that's not cheating on her part) without stopping to think that he's asking a potential partner to WAIT for him to decide if he wants to save his marriage. Has he mentioned this to his wife? Does she know he has a replacement ready? I'd be so done with my husband if I knew he had a backup waiting. Also, maybe they've only shared one kiss at this point, but he's emotional affairing all over the place. He needs to man up and tell his wife that he has a lot invested in this other woman and her kid. I love my husband, but I'd drop him like a hot potato if I knew how much time, care, and effort he was giving to another family. (If you read this, sorry honey, but it's true.) Detweiler isn't faithful, and I don't feel sorry for him. Kiki's fine - boring, but fine.
I'll probably end up reading the next in the series because I'm a glutton for punishment.
October 14, 2017
Good entry in the series. A lot going on and lots of characters to keep track of. Good ending and I can't wait to see what happens next!
February 8, 2020
I have read these books out of order but I still love them. Photo, Snap, Shot maintains the high quality of character and plot that is the hallmark of all of Joanna Campbell Slan's works. Watching the evolution of Kiki's relationships is my favorite part of the series. The mystery is as intriguing as the others I have read and there were too many reasonable suspects for me to feel like I had figured it out early.
When your child is not safe at school, your life takes a serious turn.
When your child is not safe at school, your life takes a serious turn.
June 27, 2010
I did take a quick break from my library books to read a book just for me. Fun fluff. That's what the Kiki Lowenstein books are all about. If you love scrapbooking and you love mysteries, you'll love these books. It helps that I identify with frumpy housewife Kiki, even if I never had the pampered start to marriage that she did. A midwestern girl trying to find her way about upperclass St. Louis (where my family hailed from), Kiki is downright admirable in her fierce love for her daughter and her desire to be desired by an exciting man. In this third installment of the series, Kiki, yet again finds herself wrapped up in a murder. This one takes place at her daughter's school and lands Anya smack in the middle of all the action. I'm anxious for another book in the series...just because they are fun!
May 22, 2010
I'm not sure I'm going to read another one of these mysteries. The writing felt uneven and Kiki's character was confusing to me. Also, the scrapbook stuff definitely took a backseat and the one project they did work on didn't make sense. Several minor plot lines confused the main storyline and seemed to serve no purpose. I really want to like these, but after three I think I've given it my best attempt and since I don't have a lot of spare time for reading I'm going to have to take this series off my list.
June 1, 2010
This is a very disappointing third entry in the series. In this one Kiki gets involved with a murder at her daughter's private school. There's all kinds of racism, class wars, and just plain foolishness going on.
There's also way too much mooning over the cop who investigated her husband's murder in the first book. Turns out the guy is married and didn't tell her. That doesn't stop her from talking about him in every chapter.
Personally, I found this a big turn off.
There's also way too much mooning over the cop who investigated her husband's murder in the first book. Turns out the guy is married and didn't tell her. That doesn't stop her from talking about him in every chapter.
Personally, I found this a big turn off.
February 12, 2012
I was so hoping this would be the last one. I really only started it because the second book ended on a cliffhanger I actually wanted to know about..only to have that cliffhanger not even addressed until halfway through the book (and even then, it was halfheartedly waved aside).
This series was, for me, a case of torn feelings. I like that more books are done in a scrapbooking theme, but dear god, don't these authors have halfway decent editors? Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, inconsistencies, hanging plotlines that are ignored...
I hate that I spent time reading these. I should have put them down early on, when I sensed how shitty this author's writing is.
This series was, for me, a case of torn feelings. I like that more books are done in a scrapbooking theme, but dear god, don't these authors have halfway decent editors? Spelling errors, grammatical mistakes, inconsistencies, hanging plotlines that are ignored...
I hate that I spent time reading these. I should have put them down early on, when I sensed how shitty this author's writing is.
July 14, 2022
The actual mystery in this book is what happened to the cat we heard so much about in the previous book.
Does this author actually read her own books? They're a jumbled mess. The characters are flat. The pacing is uneven.
I have a bunch of them I got for free on Kindle Plus. After this one I'm deleting them all -- not worth spending my time reading this drivel.
Does this author actually read her own books? They're a jumbled mess. The characters are flat. The pacing is uneven.
I have a bunch of them I got for free on Kindle Plus. After this one I'm deleting them all -- not worth spending my time reading this drivel.
April 1, 2020
Where is Martin?!
December 31, 2017
Enjoyable, Light Entertainment
Kiki Lowenstein sure has lousy luck when it comes to dead bodies. She’s becoming something of a corpse magnet, which would be unremarkable if she were a homicide detective, but given that she’s a scrapbooker, it’s starting to get downright weird.
Sort of like Angela Lansbury’s character in Murder, She Wrote, if you think too hard, suspension of disbelief becomes a laughable notion.
But this series isn’t about thinking, it’s about light entertainment. We know who the killer is long before the protagonist and her friends have figured it out (sometimes they seem impossibly dense, in fact, because it’s so obvious from the outside looking in).
But Kiki is likable. Imperfect, sometimes irritating (especially her attachment to Dettmeier and refusal to give any other man a chance), but likable. The world of St. Louis is fascinating, and although the lessons the author plants in each book are a bit heavy-handed, they’re important and heartfelt nonetheless.
And all of it is set against the world of scrapbooking, which makes for a unique backdrop, and one I particularly enjoy and appreciate—not a scrapper myself, but I am an artist and calligrapher, so I relate to Kiki’s passion for her subject.
The dialogue is stilted, the characters leaning toward 2D cartoons, rather fully flesh-and-bone humans, but real enough that I still really enjoy this series. I’m glad there are several more to go, and plan to keep reading.
Kiki Lowenstein sure has lousy luck when it comes to dead bodies. She’s becoming something of a corpse magnet, which would be unremarkable if she were a homicide detective, but given that she’s a scrapbooker, it’s starting to get downright weird.
Sort of like Angela Lansbury’s character in Murder, She Wrote, if you think too hard, suspension of disbelief becomes a laughable notion.
But this series isn’t about thinking, it’s about light entertainment. We know who the killer is long before the protagonist and her friends have figured it out (sometimes they seem impossibly dense, in fact, because it’s so obvious from the outside looking in).
But Kiki is likable. Imperfect, sometimes irritating (especially her attachment to Dettmeier and refusal to give any other man a chance), but likable. The world of St. Louis is fascinating, and although the lessons the author plants in each book are a bit heavy-handed, they’re important and heartfelt nonetheless.
And all of it is set against the world of scrapbooking, which makes for a unique backdrop, and one I particularly enjoy and appreciate—not a scrapper myself, but I am an artist and calligrapher, so I relate to Kiki’s passion for her subject.
The dialogue is stilted, the characters leaning toward 2D cartoons, rather fully flesh-and-bone humans, but real enough that I still really enjoy this series. I’m glad there are several more to go, and plan to keep reading.
July 22, 2022
Kiki Lowenstein tries so hard to please the people around her. Her mother-in-law pays for Kiki's daughter to go to a school for the wealthier families of Old St. Louis. Hopefully that means a quality education. It definitely means lots of extra activities after school.
But preteens and budding teenagers go through changes no matter where they live or attend school.
Kiki has her hands full with her daughter, Anya, as well as her boss at the scrapbook store, who is currently out being treated for cancer. Then there are the men in Kiki's life, several good looking possibilities who treat her well.
When a murder occurs at Anya's school, and she may possibly have seen the killer, Kiki goes into Mother Bear mode to protect her child. What happens is that she uncovers a Mother Lode of secrets about the Old St Louis families.
Kiki gets her bumps and bruises in this book! But she never backs down.
But preteens and budding teenagers go through changes no matter where they live or attend school.
Kiki has her hands full with her daughter, Anya, as well as her boss at the scrapbook store, who is currently out being treated for cancer. Then there are the men in Kiki's life, several good looking possibilities who treat her well.
When a murder occurs at Anya's school, and she may possibly have seen the killer, Kiki goes into Mother Bear mode to protect her child. What happens is that she uncovers a Mother Lode of secrets about the Old St Louis families.
Kiki gets her bumps and bruises in this book! But she never backs down.
August 20, 2018
Not my favourite in this series, that's for sure. There are many strange angles that the author throws in for Kiki to investigate (e.g., the Veiled Prophet, white supremacy). It's just sort of all over the place. Not good red herrings, just random stuff. Plus, in the other books, Kiki was also in danger. I'm starting to find it quite ridiculous that she ends up in the hospital at the end of all of the books. At least in the first book, she was really tricked into the situation that gets her hurt. But, here, she really goes looking for danger for no good reason. I also have to agree with others that Detweiler doesn't come across as a good character or good guy in this book. And her pining for him seriously irritated me. I probably will still read more of this series, but I hope that some of these issues don't continue to appear.
December 25, 2025
“Photo, Snap, Shot” is a thrilling addition to the Kiki Lowenstein series, masterfully blending a page-turning mystery with the rich, ongoing drama of Kiki’s world. When her daughter Anya finds a body at school, Kiki is thrust back into an investigation with Detweiler that uncovers more than just a murderer; it exposes the sinister threat of white elitism.
I love how Joanna Campbell Slan anchors her entertaining plots in real-world issues, educating without slowing the pulse of the story. Between the intense mystery, Dodie’s courageous battle, and a shocking proposal, Kiki navigates personal and professional peril before a climactic, and physically costly, confrontation. The ending perfectly sets up the next book, and I, for one, am already waiting impatiently!
I love how Joanna Campbell Slan anchors her entertaining plots in real-world issues, educating without slowing the pulse of the story. Between the intense mystery, Dodie’s courageous battle, and a shocking proposal, Kiki navigates personal and professional peril before a climactic, and physically costly, confrontation. The ending perfectly sets up the next book, and I, for one, am already waiting impatiently!
May 6, 2024
Still iffy on if I should be doing a 2-star. This book really didn't work for me. I was frustrated with Kiki more than half of the time. There was so much disparity between what the issues were and where she was spending all of her time. The reason for going to the "BBQ" was absolutely absurd, especially after a significant wreck on her bike. No way in the world would something that bad have allowed her to go to a high-intensity "interview" and then walk around the next day. Too many inconsistencies and really dumb moves. I dislike Detweiller more and more and I have no idea why she is so nuts about him. This one might be the last in the series for me.
January 10, 2018
This book has just about everything that has made the Kiki Lowenstein mysteries one of my very favorite cozy mystery series, even if it's not my favorite book in the series so far. It still has the characters I love, the struggling underdog vs. the mother-in-law with more money than tact, not to forget the actual dogs who raise the cozy factor up a notch. The mystery part of this one feels a little underfed to me, though. Still enjoyed it, but I'm glad her other books are stronger in this area or I would have lost interest in a series I really enjoy.
January 5, 2019
This book was again an amazing mystery and I really do like the characters. I love the way Joanna's books deal with some modern day issues. The thing I didn't like in this one is the on and off going relationship with her married boyfriend and the new guy that her mother in-law wants her to marry just pops up and declares his love for her when they are not even really dating. It was just a little silly. That being said I am still rooting that she ends up with her guy and I do love the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 3, 2022
Photo , Snap , Shop : Book # 4 in the Kiki Lowenstein Mystery Series by Joanna Campbell Slan
I truly enjoyed this # 4 book by Joanna Campbell Slan !!! Even with taking on such a heavy topic as race relations & their deep hate involved she made a great 👍👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊😊 story with laughter , tears , pain & great friends !!! The race relations was woven carefully & delicately though out . All the awesome & quirky characters have grown & matured making a super story !!!! I would definitely recommend this book for your readers !!!!!!🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋💯💯💯💯💯💯😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 yours , Vicki Mencarini
I truly enjoyed this # 4 book by Joanna Campbell Slan !!! Even with taking on such a heavy topic as race relations & their deep hate involved she made a great 👍👍👍👍👍😊😊😊😊😊 story with laughter , tears , pain & great friends !!! The race relations was woven carefully & delicately though out . All the awesome & quirky characters have grown & matured making a super story !!!! I would definitely recommend this book for your readers !!!!!!🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋🙋💯💯💯💯💯💯😀😀😀😀😀😀😀 yours , Vicki Mencarini
July 22, 2023
Kiki's Life Is Never Boring
This was another great adventure in the life of Kiki Lowenstein. This series has a lot of surprises and suspects that have kept me guessing throughout the stories. I love the characters and how they try to help each other with their children. I am wondering what happened to the little kitten, Martin, though. I know he's not relevant to the story, but I recently found an orange tabby and we call him Marty. Loose ends. Great series, I love it. Oh, and the cliffhanger, what the Heck?
This was another great adventure in the life of Kiki Lowenstein. This series has a lot of surprises and suspects that have kept me guessing throughout the stories. I love the characters and how they try to help each other with their children. I am wondering what happened to the little kitten, Martin, though. I know he's not relevant to the story, but I recently found an orange tabby and we call him Marty. Loose ends. Great series, I love it. Oh, and the cliffhanger, what the Heck?
October 25, 2017
Learn from history to avoid repeating it.
This book is of course about murder, you can't have a Kiki story without dead bodies. More importantly, this book touches on the racism that is alive and well in our country. Most disturbing to me is that I lived twenty-five miles from Bloomington Illinois for my first 34 years of life, and didn't know it was the birthplace of such a monster that you'll read about in this book. Joanna did good in this book.
This book is of course about murder, you can't have a Kiki story without dead bodies. More importantly, this book touches on the racism that is alive and well in our country. Most disturbing to me is that I lived twenty-five miles from Bloomington Illinois for my first 34 years of life, and didn't know it was the birthplace of such a monster that you'll read about in this book. Joanna did good in this book.
September 21, 2019
Kiki gets a call, her daughter Anya is okay, but come get her. She found a body at school., a pricey private school. My Detective, who I had fallen for, Till I found out he was married, was over seeing the case. For that I knew my daughter was being looked after and safe..Finding out the secrets that had been covered up, fought danger to Kiki, and her daughter was the one who saved her, Another good mystery.
November 8, 2019
Kiki really managed to get into a lot of trouble here. I must say the so called romance thing between Kiki and Detweiler is irritating. I would not want to be with a guy who 1 is married and who can't make up his mind if he wants to say married and pretty much asking Kiki to put her life on hold in case he wants to be with her.
The story in itself wasn't always easy to follow since there were a lot of characters thrown in throughout the book.
The story in itself wasn't always easy to follow since there were a lot of characters thrown in throughout the book.
September 21, 2017
Twelve-year-old girls should not be stumbling over dead bodies. However, Anya, Kiki’s daughter comes by it naturally. Did the girls see the murderer? Who is trying to bump Kiki off – literally! Too many things are happening at the same time. This is a little darker that the other Kiki books. But, I still recommend it.
March 18, 2018
This 4th book in the series continued to be a relaxing read. Getting caught up in the mystery and drama of things so much that at the end of this book I was beginning to feel these were people I could know in real life. The author does a good job of keeping the characters interacting well together.
December 20, 2019
Get an editor! Or at least a decent proof reader or two! Easily a four star cozy cheapened by stupid grammar and spelling errors. The main character's incessant mooning over the detective is getting a bit old - but that's not nearly as annoying as the simple, yet seemingly growing with each installment, grammar errors.
May 28, 2020
Photo, Snap, Shot......
Awesome read. Characters and storyline are awesome. Widow lives close to her mother-in-law and her mother-in-law pays for her daughter to go to a real fansy school. Maybe not so fansy. The daughter sees a dead teacher along with a couple friends. Her mother decided to “help” investigate and so much happens. A definite must read
Awesome read. Characters and storyline are awesome. Widow lives close to her mother-in-law and her mother-in-law pays for her daughter to go to a real fansy school. Maybe not so fansy. The daughter sees a dead teacher along with a couple friends. Her mother decided to “help” investigate and so much happens. A definite must read
September 9, 2020
Kiki
Anya and two of her friends find a dead body at their exclusive school. Kiki helps Detweiler investigate as the wealthy school refuses to assist or help in any way. Prejudices surface as one of the other teachers, a half black coach was involved with the teacher who was murdered. Kiki is threatened several times, and is run off the road when riding her bike twice.
Anya and two of her friends find a dead body at their exclusive school. Kiki helps Detweiler investigate as the wealthy school refuses to assist or help in any way. Prejudices surface as one of the other teachers, a half black coach was involved with the teacher who was murdered. Kiki is threatened several times, and is run off the road when riding her bike twice.
November 3, 2020
I really like this series. Each book has been hard to put down! It’s definitely time for Detweiler to poop or get off the pot, though. This plot was a little more twisted than the others and Kiki took some very reckless chances that seem a little unbelievable. Good mystery, great characters. Keep ‘em coming!
April 18, 2021
Photo, Snap,Shot book #4. ( Kiki Lowenstein)
These books are so good I would recommend them to anyone. They grab you and it’s so hard to put down. The books keep you wanting more. Thank goodness I have book #5 and if I see book 6 I will grab. These books are for Any age they just grip you and keep you wanting more. Thank you for your writing skills they are awesome
These books are so good I would recommend them to anyone. They grab you and it’s so hard to put down. The books keep you wanting more. Thank goodness I have book #5 and if I see book 6 I will grab. These books are for Any age they just grip you and keep you wanting more. Thank you for your writing skills they are awesome
October 19, 2021
Photo, Snap, Shot
I absolutely love this series. It’s about treasured relationships and murder that always intrigues. The frustration of an impossible love that seems will never happen. Love of friends and walking with them thru the hard days. And at the end, is just plain goodness and kindness that over rides the evil that wants to swallow us up. But love prevails.
I absolutely love this series. It’s about treasured relationships and murder that always intrigues. The frustration of an impossible love that seems will never happen. Love of friends and walking with them thru the hard days. And at the end, is just plain goodness and kindness that over rides the evil that wants to swallow us up. But love prevails.
September 28, 2023
Kiki's daughter, Anya discovers a dead teacher at her prep school. Anna may have seen the killer and Kiki worries that the killer may go after her daughter.
Why was the victim killed because of her mixed grace relationship with the schools basketball coach?
To protect her daughter, Kiki goes through the schools community and discovers many shocking secrets to find the killer.
Why was the victim killed because of her mixed grace relationship with the schools basketball coach?
To protect her daughter, Kiki goes through the schools community and discovers many shocking secrets to find the killer.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 110 reviews