"Gilt Trip"

Louisiana businessman Jerry Earl Leland served only a fraction of his five-year sentence for white-collar crime, thanks to some political connections and a few greased palms. But he won’t have long to enjoy his freedom…

After Jerry Earl’s early release, his wife, Margo—a much-married Garden District doyenne—throws an extravagant Get Out of Jail Free Party, complete with a Zydeco band, champagne ice luge, and waiters in ties and tails. The guest list includes many prominent New Orleans socialites, as well as scrapbook shop owner Carmela Bertrand and her best friend, Ava Gruiex.  But sometime during the swirl of partying and drinking, Jerry Earl is brutally murdered—then stuffed inside a clothes dryer. 

Carmela has earned a reputation around town for solving murders, and when the grieving widow turns to her for help, she can’t say no. But Jerry Earl took a lot of people to the cleaners with his underhanded business tactics, so Carmela’s going to be hard-pressed to identify which of his enemies was steamed enough to kill him. As she sorts through Jerry Earl’s dirty laundry, she needs to collar the killer before another victim is set to tumble dry...

My Thoughts....

This is the 11th book in this series, however, it is the 1st book I've read in the series, not realizing it was a series book, I have to say it was a very good stand alone book.

Laura Childs has written a fun cozy mystery with Carmela as a spunky heroine. The book contains lots of humor, plenty of intrigue, suspense and a trip through New Orleans.

The novel was a fun, fast, cozy read that left this reader entertained right up to the cake walk ending. It was a delightful 'trip' through a few twists and turns right to the surprise ending. Took me by surprise anyway...

I enjoyed this book so much I awarded it 4 stars.

My thanks to the author, Laura Childs, who provided her book for me to read and give an honest review. Thank you for this fun cozy read this rainy week-end. 

I did not receive any type of compensation for reading and reviewing this book. While I receive free books from publishers and authors, I am under no obligation to write a positive review.