Wren can’t imagine who would want Jamie dead. As far as she knows, Jamie is an orphan with no known family and has made no enemies in his business world, though Carmela is not so sure. Before long, there are ghosts from Jamie’s past as well as some people from the present who seem to be trying to help Wren out in her time of need. Carmela suspects they are really in for what they can get from Jamie’s estate.

Jamie’s software partner, Blaine Taylor, claims that upon Jamie’s death, all rights to their game Neutron reverts to Blaine. Local swell Dunbar DesLauriers wants the contents of Jamie’s store, lock stock and barrel. All this, coupled with some newspaper clippings alluding to a questionable past make Carmela determined to seek out the truth about Wren’s young bridegroom and help the young woman heal enough to be able to make sensible decisions about her future.

Bound for Murder is constructed much like the scrapbooks Carmela makes for a living: bits and pieces, pictures and souvenirs, all carefully placed together to create an overall picture, in this case, a thoroughly enjoyable mystery. Without being obvious, scrapbooking tips, including how to turn old containers into small treasure boxes, are woven into the plot of the story, some even containing clues to Jamie’s past. Carmela has a group of regulars, including doting grandmother Tandy, and fellow French Quarter shop owner, Ava Grieux, who is as loyal a friend as she is sexy.

While preparing two scrapbooks for a charity event, running Memory Mine, attending a scrapbooking convention and searching for Jamie’s murderer, Carmela also confronts her feelings for estranged husband. Shamus has been in and out of her life for several years, yet neither has ever filed for divorce. The mystery of Jamie’s past is neatly woven into the plot, leaving bits and pieces of clues along the way, allowing the reader to meander their way to the solution. Recipes included in the back will also draw fans of culinary mysteries and a touch of macabre helps to keep the book from becoming too precious.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry