title: Motif for Murder (A Scrapbooking Mystery)
author:  Laura Childs 
description: Childs's fourth scrapbooking mystery (after 2004's <i>Bound for Murder</i>), her first in hardcover, offers plenty of action even if it doesn't take full advantage of its setting, post-Katrina New Orleans. Just when series heroine Carmela Bertrand decides that reuniting with Shamus Meechum, her bad-boy ex-husband, might be a mistake, Shamus is kidnapped. Carmela rushes across the alley to seek help from Shamus's elderly uncle Henry, only to find Henry murdered. Det. Edgar Babcock isn't thrilled to have another case involving the meddling Carmela, and his irritation increases when Carmela and her best friend, Ava, rescue Shamus from the kidnappers themselves. Once Shamus is safe, he reverts to his old ways, adding to Carmela's woes. Mix in the usual scrapbooking and craft tips, and you have another engaging read from this reliable cozy author. <i>(Sept.)</i> <br />Copyright  Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
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  > > THE RELUCTANT SPY
  
  
  > > Love’s Imposters
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > > MAGGIE DALLEN
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  > CONTENTS
  
  > [Chapter 1](index_split_003.html#filepos2632)
  
  > [Chapter 2](index_split_004.html#filepos18330)
  
  > [Chapter 3](index_split_005.html#filepos34847)
  
  > [Chapter 4](index_split_006.html#filepos50341)
  
  > [Chapter 5](index_split_007.html#filepos66002)
  
  > [Chapter 6](index_split_008.html#filepos80457)
  
  > [Chapter 7](index_split_009.html#filepos95128)
  
  > [Chapter 8](index_split_010.html#filepos114689)
  
  > [Chapter 9](index_split_011.html#filepos126370)
  
  > [Chapter 10](index_split_012.html#filepos144136)
  
  > [The Reluctant Bride](index_split_013.html#filepos152208)
  
  > [About the Author](index_split_014.html#filepos177157)
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  >
  
  
  > CHAPTER ONE
  
  
  England, 1809
  
  
  
   The sword was pointed at Daniel Ashford’s heart. Its silver length seemed to
  flicker and glow from the light of the fire. No one in the room dared to
  breath.
  
  
  
   Daniel met his friend’s gaze over the tip of the sword. “Lay o