#BookReview ~ Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #ParnormalCozyMystery

 

Sh0tgun Wedding (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 12)

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0DXLJP185

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication Date: ‎ February 27, 2026

Page Couunt: ‎ 226 pages

Book 12 of 13: ‎ Kenni Lowry Mystery

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About the Book:

Small-town Southern cozy mystery with a sheriff sleuth

Something borrowed, something blue… and something deadly.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s wedding day should be about vows, cake, and finally catching her breath. Instead, her wedding night is interrupted by a visit from her ghostly Poppa—and a warning that something is very wrong.

Miss Tilda Boone, a beloved church fixture and lifelong rule-follower, was expected at the ceremony. She never arrived.

Before Kenni can even consider a honeymoon, she’s back in uniform, standing inside Miss Tilda’s quiet home, where a familiar afternoon routine ended in death. What first appears to be a natural passing quickly turns suspicious when evidence points to tampered tea and a kettle prepared with deadly intent.

With the town watching and rumors spreading fast, Kenni must uncover who had access to Miss Tilda’s home, her habits, and her trust. The suspect list grows to include church volunteers, family members, and neighbors who knew Miss Tilda’s meticulous routines a little too well.

Balancing newlywed life, small-town politics, and a homicide investigation—while Poppa offers his unfiltered commentary—Kenni is determined to uncover the truth before another life is lost.

Because in Cottonwood, Kentucky, marriage doesn’t slow down murder… and this sheriff won’t rest until justice is served.

My Review:

Sh0tgun Wedding is the twelfth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni and Finn say "I do" in this story but their happiness is short-lived when Poppa brings unhappy news. The happy couple trade wedding clothes for uniforms to check in on a guest who RSVP'd but didn't show. What they find chills Kenni's blood and she knows she'll do anything to find out what happened to retired schoolteacher Miss Tilda Boone.

I enjoyed Sh0tgun Wedding. I’m a fan of books with supernatural elements and having Poppa’s ghost help Kenni is a fun aspect. Having her grandfather back in her life must be exciting and wonderful but not being able to hug him must be torture. Poppa proves to be quite the asset to Kenni as she investigates and attempts to analyze the clues and piece everything together.

World-building and character development continues in Sh0tgun Wedding. I enjoyed the characters and their involvement in this book. Enjoyable and interesting, this cozy mystery pulled me in and kept me engaged. The mystery was intricate and wonderfully woven through the pages.

Previously reviewed on Reviews by Saph.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Dandelions, Deception, & Detours by Tonya Kappes (Camper & Criminals, Book 43) #CozyMystery

Dandelions, Deception, & Detours (Camper & Criminals, Book 43) by Tonya Kappes 

 

In the heart of Kentucky’s Daniel Boone National Forest, murder has checked into Happy Trails Campground.

ASIN: ‎ B0FP5TMFH9

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication date : ‎ March 29, 2026

Print length: ‎ 232 pages

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About the Book:

When a high-profile RV dealership manager is crushed beneath a fifth-wheel trailer, it looks like a tragic hitching accident.

Until the coroner rules it homicide.

And Mae West’s husband becomes the prime suspect.

As owner of Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky, Mae is used to managing campfires, communal suppers, and the occasional tourist meltdown—not clearing her husband’s name in a murder investigation.

With help from the sharp-eyed Laundry Club Ladies, a campground full of watchful guests, and more than a little Southern stubbornness, Mae follows a trail that will lead her straight to the killer.

In a town where reputation is everything and word travels faster than wildfire, Mae must uncover who was really behind the wheel before Hank’s future goes up in smoke.

Because at Happy Trails, loyalty runs deep.

And no one messes with family.

My Review:

Dandelions, Deception, & Detours is the 43rd book in the Camper & Criminals series. While this may be the 43rd story, the author does a spectacular job keeping each story fresh and imaginative.

Spring is here and that means RV shows. Competing dealerships are showcasing the newest RVs, features, and hot pricing. Mae and Hank are perusing the RVs on display when Hank comes face-to-face with a former classmate. One who clearly has issues. He's found dead at the dealership the next day and it seems like a tragic fifth-wheel accident. When the death is ruled a homicide, Hank is first on the suspect list.

We all know Hank didn't do it so that's not a spoiler. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies put their heads together to clear Hank's name and get him removed from the suspect list. The author developed several suspects besides Hank, and they all had means, motive, and opportunity. The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. I was kept guessing until the very end.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and other ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Four Leaf Felony (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 1) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

 

Smiling eyes aren't shining upon Violet Rhinehammer!

About the Book:

Violet Rhinehammer finally got the call! She's been working so hard in her hometown of Normal, Kentucky as a reporter for Channel Two News and the Normal Gazette to get the national attention to she believes she rightfully deserves!

Now is her time! Violet got an interview of a lifetime with a huge national news network. It didn't take her long to pack her bag and hop on an airplane leaving Normal, Kentucky behind!

While in flight she was so busy dreaming about her opportunity. The passenger sitting next to Violet yammered on and on about her grandchildren, Violet had to use her southern manners to excuse herself to the bathroom after the woman gave Violet a headache.

After all, Violet had to keep her head in the game because she was determined to get the job so she didn't have to go back to her small hometown.

Violet's moment of bathroom silence quickly turned to chaos after she found a dead body in the airplane bathroom causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in the small town Holiday Junction.

The NTSB has grounded any flights leaving in or out of Holiday Junction and every passenger is considered a suspect which means Violet Rhinehammer is stranded until the murder is solved. Y'all know Violet! She's not going to sit on her laurels, she's using her keen journalist skills and possibly a little help from the Laundry Club Ladies from Normal, Kentucky to solve the crime.

After all, she's got to show up for her big interview and her dream job is slipping through her hands.

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ASIN: ‎ B09W5XWC4D
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ April 14, 2022
Print Length: ‎ 172 pages

Four Leaf Felony is a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. The spin-off stars Normal’s ace reporter, Violet Rhinehammer as she is offered what she thinks is the opportunity of a lifetime and finally, her chance to leave Normal for bigger and better things. Unfortunately, fate is not on Violet’s side.

Violet finds a dead body in the bathroom on the airplane and knows as soon as she sees it, that the death is no accident. Foul play is certain. Now she’s stuck on a plane with a murderer until the pilot makes an emergency landing in Holiday Junction. Everyone is a suspect, so no one can leave until the murder is solved and culprit apprehended.

No one to sit on the sidelines, Violet makes it her mission to report on, and hopefully solve, this case. As she investigates, she learns Holiday Junction isn’t your average small town. The residents are quirky, their traditions set and there is no wavering, and the festivities outlandish. Just wait until you meet the mayor!

I found Four Leaf Felony a fun and quick read. Violet’s character in the Camper and Criminals series didn’t impress me much and I had a hard time with her in the beginning of this spin-off. She was pretentious and condescending in certain scenes. Sure, she’s a reporter in Normal, KY but an international journalist she is not. Honestly, the Violet at the beginning of Four Leaf Felony and I would never be friends. However, that said, she finally loosens up a bit after getting to know and understand the town and its residents and I found myself enjoying her character a little bit more.

I enjoyed getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out and I didn’t have a clue who the murderer was or why until the author reveals everything. I was shocked. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

My review copy is from my ebook library. 

Originally reviewed on Saph's Cozy Corner.  

My Rating:

#BookReview ~ New Year Nuisance (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

 

ASIN: ‎ B0BDXS2GJV
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books (January 26, 2023)
Publication Date: ‎ January 26, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 196 pages

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About the Book:

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

New Year's Eve has always been a special time for the small town, Holiday Junction, with its annual tradition, the Sparkle Ball, along with the town Merry Maker spreading joy and cheer to all its residents. But this year, the joy is short-lived when local nuisance and troublemaker, Hillary Stevens, is found murdered in holiday town’s mini-village.

As the town's resident nosy journalist, Violet Rhinehammer is determined to uncover the truth behind Hillary’s murder and bring the killer to justice. But her investigation is complicated by her own secret - she is the town Merry Maker, and must keep her identity hidden from Mae West, her best friend who is visiting for the festive town’s Sparkle Ball.

With suspects at every turn and a town full of secrets, Violet must use her keen investigative skills and determination to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. Will she be able to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice, or will her own secret be her downfall?

New Year Nuisance is a gripping tale of mystery and intrigue, perfect for fans of small town crime novels. With well-developed characters and a twisting plot, this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

My Review:

New Year Nuisance is the fourth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town. Book four finds the town of Holiday Junction preparing for their New Year's celebrations. As Violet continues to keep Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a local is found dead in the mini-village. Now Violet, and a special guest are on the case.

I love it when Tonya Kappes unites, or in this case reunites, characters from a different series.  Having Mae visit Violet in Holiday Junction was a fantastic blending that I hope we see more of in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series. Violet and Mae really had to put their heads together on this one. 

New Year Nuisance is a fun and quick read. I enjoyed Violet and Mae together in this book. My love for Violet's character continues to grow as the series progresses. I love continuing to get to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out and I didn’t have a clue who the murderer was or why until the author reveals everything. I was shocked. Definitely looking forward to the next book.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

Review previously posted on Sapphyria's Books.

My Rating:

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Wands, Waffles, and Whispers (Southern Magical Bakery Book 2) by Tonya Kappes

About the Book:

Every small town hides a secret. This one has a few dozen... and a magical cat who knows them all.

After leaving her enchanted hometown behind, Lo Heal-Park thought she’d finally found a quiet life in Celestial Falls—complete with a charming bakery, a suspiciously talkative cat, and a second date with the local vet. But when a beloved town elder is found dead under mysterious circumstances and strange magical pulses begin rippling through the streets, Lo’s hopes for a fresh start vanish like sugar on a hot skillet.

Now, with her unexpected spiritual gifts waking up and a magical crack in the town’s foundation threatening to burst wide open, Lo has to sift through secrets, seal old spells, and figure out who—or what—is stirring ancient magic from its slumber. All without burning the biscuits.

Warm, witty, and just a little wicked, Wands, Waffles & Whispers is the delicious first course in a new cozy mystery series perfect for fans of spellbinding small towns, cinnamon-sweet suspense, and heroines who stir up more than just batter.

Because in Celestial Falls, even the magic has a sweet tooth… and it’s hungry.

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ASIN: ‎ B0D57N9N5Q
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication date: ‎ July 20, 2025
Print length: ‎ 232 pages

My Review:

Wands, Waffles, and Whispers is the second book in the Southern Magical Bakery series. Lo Heal-Park is settling into her new home in Celestial Falls. Her bakery, Magical Desserts, is whipping up wonderful treats, and Lo even has a date with the local vet. When Odessa, one of the magical locals drops by and leaves Lo with a gift, she can’t imagine the string of events that would happen after. Now, Lo is investigating Odessa’s death and anxiously trying to figure how to control her not-so-latent magical powers.

The Wands, Waffles, and Whispers town of Celestial Falls has a rich history, lots of secrets, and some quirky characters. The story was interesting, kept me engaged, and was well-paced. The author provides a very descriptive setting, explores Lo’s magical side, and develops the character between the pages. I enjoyed spending time with Lo, Skylar Blue, and Orin, along with the side characters. I’m not keen on love triangles but I’m willing to give the one in this story a go in hopes that Lo will make the right decision.

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Ranch & Red Herrings (Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery, Book 1) by Tonya Kappes ~ #CozyMystery

 

ASIN: ‎ B0F652KD1Y

Publisher: Tonya Kappes Books

Publication date: June 27, 2025

Print length: 292 pages

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Murder’s just another scandal waiting on the porch.

Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth thought she’d left small-town drama behind when she traded Kentucky for city life. But when her beloved uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, she’s pulled straight back to the last place she wanted to be—right into the middle of a horse and cattle ranch she never asked for and a murder she can’t ignore.

The plan was simple: settle his affairs, sell the property, and head home. Instead, Cussy finds herself tangled in long-held grudges, whispered secrets, and neighbors who remember everything—except who had a reason to kill.

Now she's balancing farm chores with fact-finding, dodging shady locals, and stumbling across more questions than answers. And with someone clearly trying to scare her off, Cussy has to decide: walk away, or dig in her heels and uncover the truth—before the killer makes her the next loose end to tie up.

Small town. Big secrets. And a reluctant sleuth who’s about to learn that some roots run deeper than she ever imagined.

My Review:

Ranch & Red Herrings if the first book in a brand new series by Tonya Kappes. Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth is called back to the small town where her uncle Amos and cousins live after the unexpected death of her uncle. Her uncle's death reveals an unexpected inheritance. She was chosen to take over the ranch instead of her cousins. As she's trying to figure out ranch life and whether or not it's for her, the cause of Amos's death is revealed. Now Cussy is not only trying to run a ranch but also find a murderer.

Ranch & Red Herrings is a fast-paced murder mystery. Cussy is a great character but I wish she was more confident and stood up for herself. I loved meeting the supporting characters. Each one brought their own uniqueness to the story.

I found myself working with Cussy to develop a suspect list. There are several people in town who have means, motive and/or opportunity. The author does a great job setting up the mystery. There are twists and turns, taking the reader on a wild ride through a working ranch. I do think the suspect reveal and ending were a bit abrupt but after the explanation was relayed, it does make sense. The person involved was never even on my radar. The author set the mystery up well and I ended up being surprised at how everything played out. Well done!

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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Thank you for supporting Sapphyria’s Books.

#BookReview ~ Thick As Thieves (Kenni Lowry Mystery Book 11) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappesBooks

 

Sheriff Kenni Lowry should be blissfully planning her wedding, but Cottonwood, Kentucky has other plans. When Judge Horace Blackwell is found murdered in his chambers, Kenni is thrown into a case packed with family feuds, a mysterious inheritance, and secrets buried—literally—beneath the town.

With her ghostly Poppa offering his usual (and sometimes unwelcome) advice, her trusty hound Duke, and her fiancé Finn by her side, Kenni is racing to solve the case before the killer strikes again. As the trail winds through high-stakes poker games, long-forgotten tunnels, and scandalous secrets, Kenni realizes the culprit may be closer to home than she ever imagined.

Can Kenni crack the case and keep her wedding plans on track, or will the murderer make sure she never makes it to “I do”?

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ASIN: ‎ B0D5BYV893
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ February 23, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 217 pages

My Review:

Thick as Thieves is book 11 in the Kenni Lowry series. A murdered judge disrupts wedding planning for Kenni, the local Sheriff in Cottonwood, KY. The death was horrific enough, but the sheer amount of evil that oozes out of the walls in this small town is enough to choke a person. Filled with feuds, finances, and secrets, Kenni finds herself flitting all over Cottonwood trying to pin down a suspect.

I enjoyed Thick as Thieves. I’m a fan of books with supernatural elements and having Poppa’s ghost help Kenni is a fun aspect. Having her grandfather back in her life must have been exciting and wonderful but not being able to hug him must have been torture. Poppa proves to be quite the asset to Kenni as she investigates and attempts to analyze the clues and piece everything together.

World-building and character development continues in Thick as Thieves. I enjoyed the characters and their involvement in this book. Enjoyable and interesting, this cozy mystery pulled me in and kept me engaged. The mystery was intricate and wonderfully woven through the pages.

And that ending!!

I was provided with a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

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#BookReview ~ Steamed Secrets (Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery, Book 16) by Tonya Kappes #NewRelease #TonyaKappesBooks #CozyMystery

 

Steamed Secrets (Killer Coffee Cozy Mystery, Book 16) by Tonya Kappes

ASIN: ‎ B0D5BHQP3Y
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ January 26, 2025
Print Length: ‎ 209 pages

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About the Book:

Welcome to Honey Springs, where the gossip flows as smoothly as the coffee—and murder is the latest buzz.

When Roxy Bloom traded in her high-powered lawyer heels for cozy barista sneakers and a fresh start in her charming hometown, she never expected murder to darken her doorstep. But when Vanessa Hartman—a model with secrets to spare—turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop becomes the center of small-town whispers, and Roxy can’t resist stirring the pot.

With her trusty rescue pup Pepper at her side, Roxy dives headfirst into a swirling mystery of tangled relationships, jealous rivals, and one too many secrets steeping in the background. And just when the case gets hot enough to scald, Patrick Cane, the swoon-worthy man who stole her heart, is there with kisses and steadfast support to keep her grounded—if only Roxy could keep herself out of trouble.

As the Honey Springs Spring Festival lights up the town with laughter and charm, Roxy faces a parade of quirky suspects, a squawking parrot who just might hold the key, and a killer determined to keep their secrets buried. Can Roxy solve the mystery before the culprit skips town, or will her snooping put her back in a life she swore she left behind?

Perfect for fans of small-town cozies, sweet romance, and a dash of southern sass, Steamed Secrets will keep you turning pages faster than Roxy can serve up her famous lattes

My Review:

Steamed Secrets is the 16th book in the Killer Coffee Mystery Series. The book takes place during the Honey Springs Spring Festival. The Bean Hive and the rest of town are gearing up for the festivities when a blast from Roxie's past blows into town. Vanessa Hartman, Roxie's former college roommate turned model, suggested Honey Springs for a perfume campaign photoshoot, and here she is...Surprise!

When a murder taints the reunion and the festival, Roxie dons her lawyer's hat, her sleuthing cap, and her superhero cape. Her tasks are daunting but if anyone can unravel secrets, jealousy among suspects, and dissect a messy relationship or two, it's Roxie. I found this book to be exceptionally emotional as I followed Roxie on her latest investigation.

Steamed Secrets pulls you in and keeps you engaged. The mystery was well-written and kept me on my toes. I found myself continually guessing who the murderer could be throughout the story. Every time I thought I knew who the suspect was, something would happen or new evidence would appear, and I’d have to try and figure it out again. I love that in a mystery - fill the book full of twists and turns, red herrings, and deliberate misdirects so I have a tough time figuring everything out.

I enjoyed all the characters. The world building had me feeling like I was right in the middle of Honey Springs. I was able to visualize the town, the activities, and the people.

I was provided a copy of this book. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

My Rating:

#NewRelease #BookReview ~ Snowcaps, Skiing, & Sabotage by #TonyaKappes

Welcome to Normal, where nothing is normal.

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0D6744TWG
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books (December 29, 2024)
Publication date: ‎ December 29, 2024
Print length: ‎ 231 pages
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About the Book:

The small town is buzzing as Normal, Kentucky, hosts the Southeast Olympic ski trials for the first time, drawing elite athletes and sponsors to the usually peaceful Happy Trails Campground. But whispers of sabotage and broken equipment soon cast a dark shadow over the competition—and all clues seem to lead back to Mae’s campground, where one of the competitive skiers is found dead.

With ruthless sponsors, jealous rivals, and old grudges coming to light, Mae finds herself on a slippery slope of secrets and lies. Alongside her trusty friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, Mae digs into the lives of the skiing elite, uncovering motives as sharp as the winter chill.

As Mae races to uncover the truth, she’ll have to tread carefully through snowy trails and hidden dangers. Because in Normal, where everyone knows everyone, the killer might be closer than she thinks.

Perfect for fans of small-town charm, sassy amateur sleuths, and mysteries that keep you guessing, Snowcaps, Skiing, & Sabotage will have cozy readers flipping pages well into the night. Grab a mug of hot cocoa and settle in for a thrilling ride through the heart of winter in Normal, Kentucky—where the temperature’s low, but the stakes have never been higher.

My Review:

Snowcaps, Skiing, and Sabotage is the 39th book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Snowcaps, Skiing, and Sabotage is like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky and hanging out with all my friends. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the various locations throughout the book, and the comfort of knowing Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

The town of Normal is buzzing with winter activity. The snow is falling and the Olympic Trials are being held locally. The old distillery has been transformed into ski slopes, a lodge, and other buildings. Well-known skiers have infiltrated town, filling up the lodging including some bungalows in Happy Trails Campground. When one the stars is found frozen to death, Mae and the the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies find themselves in the middle of another murder investigation.

The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. There are several viable suspects since it appears the victim wasn't very well liked. I was kept guessing until the very end. I loved how the loose threads quickly and methodically tied right up at the end.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

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#CozyMystery #Review ~ Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book 37) by Tonya Kappes

 

ASIN: ‎ B0CQ371JBL
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication date: ‎ June 23, 2024
Print length: ‎ 211 pages

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About the Book:

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is no stranger to the twists and turns of life in Normal, but she never expected her community's knitting circle to unravel into chaos. When local knitting enthusiast is found murdered with her own knitting needles during the town's lively Fourth of July celebration, the community is spun into a whirlwind of suspicion and secrets.

Amidst the burst of Fourth of July festivities and the echoes of fireworks long past, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies unravels a tangled web of secrets. With tales of a cursed heirloom and hidden treasures rumored to be concealed within the walls of the Stitchin’ Post, they find themselves piecing together clues from both past and present.

As tensions mount against the backdrop of booming Fourth of July fireworks, Mae learns that in Normal, Kentucky, some secrets are explosive enough to kill for. Can she unravel the killer’s identity before the fabric of her community is torn apart forever? Join Mae as she chases down clues and crooks amidst the sparks and echoes of Independence Day celebrations!

My Review:

Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies is the 37th book in the Camper & Criminals series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies is like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky and hanging out with all my friends. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the various locations throughout the book, and the comfort of knowing Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

The Fourth of July celebrations have commenced and it's almost time for the fireworks. On a dark street, lit up intermittently with the brightness of freedom, a confrontation takes place, and just like that, there's another homicide in Normal, Kentucky. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case!

The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. The suspense build-up was written well and intensified until the very end. I was kept guessing until the very end. I loved how the loose threads quickly and methodically tied right up.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series. I was provided a copy of this book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#CozyMystery #BookReview ~ April Fool's Alibi (Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book 9) by Tonya Kappes #TonyaKappesBooks #Review

 

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0CGXSD5BJ

Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books

Publication date: ‎ March 28, 2024

Print length: ‎ 173 pages

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About the Book:

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

Mystery is Afoot in Holiday Junction!

Dive into the heart of Holiday Junction, where April Fool's festivities are no laughing matter. Violet Rhinehammer, the sharp-witted editor of the Junction Journal, is on the scene, capturing the frolics and fun of the Fool's Festival for the eager readers of the village. But this year, the jokes take a backseat when a chilling prophecy from a festival palm reader turns Violet's world upside down.

Celebrations turn to suspicions at the surprise party for Violet's boyfriend, Darren, who's just aced the bar exam. But the night is marred by a scuffle with a notorious bar regular, leading to a series of events that even Holiday Junction's merry traditions can't overshadow.

As Violet juggles her reporter's notebook with her knack for sleuthing, the festive air is shattered by a grim discovery—the body of last night's troublemaker. With Darren's legal eagle eyes and Violet's determination, they delve into a mystery where everyone's a suspect and motives are as plentiful as easter eggs hidden in the park.

"April Fool's Alibi" is a twisty, brain-teasing cozy that will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you crave a mystery that feels like a walk through a small town filled with big secrets, hit that one-click button and join Violet in unraveling Holiday Junction's most perplexing case yet. No gore, no foul language, just pure, captivating intrigue wrapped in the charm of the South.

Ready for a killer party? "April Fool's Alibi" is your invitation to the sleuthing soiree of the season!

My Review:

April Fool’s Alibi is the ninth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town.

As the title indicates, is April Fool’s time in Holiday Junction. The Fool’s Festival is in full swing, and the town of Holiday Junction is in celebration mode. When the local palm reader focuses one of her predictions on Violet, and then a body is found, Violet finds herself in the middle of a murder case that gets weirder by the minute.

April Fool’s Alibi is a quick read, and a bit darker than previous books in the series. Other than the antics of Dave the Rooster, there wasn’t as much lightheartedness in the pages of this book. It was a refreshing change up and an enjoyable addition to the series.

I continue to enjoy Violet and Darren and love how their relationship continues to grow as the series progresses. I enjoy getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out, full of suspense, and contained red herrings. I am looking forward to the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

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#CozyMystery #Review ~ Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book 32) by Tonya Kappes

 

Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary, A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 32, invites you back to the heart of Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. 

The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility. Local woman Etta Hardgrove, a consignor at the Tough Nickel thrift shop, catches the eye of a Cowgirl Camper with her distinctive jewelry. But when Etta is found dead, the Campers swiftly become suspects, mired in a town teeming with those who harbored ill-will against Etta. The mystery deepens, and no one can be trusted. 

Meanwhile, campground owner Mae and her partner Hank have their hands full. Hank is preoccupied with a missing teenager's case while Mae is entangled in wedding plans and premarital counseling that she's not particularly invested in, much to the dismay of her friend Mary Elizabeth. As whispers of suspicion turn towards the nomadic Cowgirl Campers, Mae, Dottie, and the intrepid Laundry Club Ladies embark on a mission to unravel the truth behind Etta's untimely death. They dig deep into Etta's past and scrutinize the traveling campers, all to ensure the safety of their beloved Normal, Kentucky. 

From yard sales to murder trails, "Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary" delivers a captivating blend of cozy camaraderie, nuptial nuances, and mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page.

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BYXKGNSJ
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ July 27, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 208 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/43P6BkT

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/123360857-questions-quarrels-quandary

My Review:

Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is the 32nd book in the Camper & Criminals series but it's as fresh and exciting as the first book. Reading Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is just like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the setting, and the comfort knowing Mae the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

It's time for the multi-state 127 yard sale and the highway runs right through Normal, Kentucky. With the festivities comes The Cowgirl Campers make their temporary home in Happy Trails Campground while they treasure and antique hunt. All the citizens in Normal have geared up for the yard salers, including notorious hoarder, Etta Hardgrove.

When the body of Etta is found bludgeoned to death on her property, foul play is suspected. As newcomers flow in and out of Normal, the local police have their work cut out for them. Enter Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies. After a particular incident between one of the Cowgirl Campers and Etta, the Campers are put on the suspect list. Having them close in the Campground allows Mae and Dottie to do some sleuthing.

The author kept me guessing about the person responsible, as well as the motive. There ends up being several characters who have obvious reasons to be on the suspect list. It just took some time to logically sort things out.

The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. The suspense build-up was written well and intensified until the very end.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Fourth of July Forgery (Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #6) by Tonya Kappes @tonyakappes11

ASIN: ‎ B0BYTK9FWT
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ June 29, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 178 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3pquWiR

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/124929775-fourth-of-july-forgery

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES

Get ready for a thrilling and explosive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final twist, in this Fourth of July Forgery.

As the Fourth of July festivities kick off in the quaint town of Holiday Junction, a body washed up on the beach, murdered in cold blood.

Journalist Violet Rhinehammer just can't resist the lure of the case, her nose for news and following the next big story led her straight into finding out all she can about the victim, including digging into their past.

As the investigation begins, Violet finds herself unraveling a web of deceit and uncovering dark secrets hidden behind the town's idyllic facade.

With suspects as numerous as fireworks in the sky, Violet must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth, all while celebrating the most American of holidays.

Will she solve the murder before the party ends? Or will the killer strike again under the cover of night, leaving the town to mourn the loss of another innocent victim?

My Review:

Fourth of July Forgery is the sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town. 

Book six finds the town of Holiday Junction preparing for Fourth of July celebrations. As Violet continues to keep Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a body washes up on the beach. Violet can't help herself, she just has to look into the murder. Digging into the victim's past brings a lot to light and Violet must tread carefully or she may be next.

Fourth of July Forgery is a fun and quick read. I continue to enjoy Violet and Darren and love how their relationship continues to grow as the series progresses. I enjoy getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out and I thought I knew who the murdered was, and was shocked during the reveal to discover I was very wrong. I am looking forward to the next book.

I was provided a copy of this book.

My Rating:

#Review ~ Cappuccino Criminal (A Killer Coffee Mystery, Book 12) by Tonya Kappes #CozyMystery #TonyaKappes

Book Details:

ASIN: ‎ B0BDXSM1G7
Publisher: ‎ Tonya Kappes Books
Publication Date: ‎ May 25, 2023
Print Length: ‎ 178 pages

Amazon: https://amzn.to/3oJuYBM

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/63003264-cappuccino-criminal

About the Book:

In the quaint town of Honey Springs, the Bean Hive Coffee Shop is the heart and soul of the community, and its vivacious owner, Roxy Bloom, is always ready to serve up a steaming cup of java with a side of gossip. But when a brewing storm of real estate treachery ends with the cold-blooded murder of a local agent, Roxy finds herself in the thick of a frothy whodunit that's anything but decaffeinated.

The victim, a hotshot real estate agent, had been spearheading a massive development project that went sour after an intrepid environmentalist unearthed a reason for the town to put the kibosh on the plan. Now, with the town's picturesque charm drawing tourists in droves, Roxy must grind through a list of suspects as long as a coffee bean's journey from farm to cup.

From double-shot deceptions to espresso intrigues, Roxy's quest to unmask the Cappuccino Criminal will plunge her deep into the dark heart of Honey Springs' seedy underbelly. As she sifts through a muddy mixture of secrets, lies, and steamed milk, Roxy will have to rely on her wit, intuition, and the help of her loyal friends to solve the mystery before it boils over and scalds them all.

In this steamy, cozy mystery with a frothy blend of suspense and humor, the stakes have never been higher—or the coffee stronger. It's time for Roxy Bloom to pull the perfect shot and catch the Cappuccino Criminal before their next bitter brew leaves someone else in the grinder. So, curl up with a cup of your favorite beverage, and join Roxy in this un-put-downable tale of murder, mystery, and macchiatos.

My Review:

Cappuccino Criminal is the 12th book in Tonya Kappes' Killer Coffee mystery series. Honey Springs is attempting to bring more tourism to the town with the introduction of a development project. A massive and expensive undertaking, everyone who's invested has something to lose, so when an environmentalist drops a bomb at a town meeting, tensions run sky high. The next day, a body is found and it's none other than the real estate agent helming the project. Armed with a long list of suspects, Roxy finds herself investigating to put a killer behind bars in order to keep her town safe.

Cappuccino Criminal pulls you in and keeps you engaged. The murder of the real estate agent was well-written and Roxy's sleuthing kept me on my toes. I was not at all clued into who the murder was and the motive shocked me. The person wasn’t even on my radar. Every time I thought the suspect was this person or that person, something would happen, and I’d have to try and figure it out again. I love that in a mystery - fill the book full of twists and turns, red herrings, and deliberate misdirects so I have a hard time figuring everything out.

I enjoyed all the characters and how the author created them. The world building had me feeling like I was right in the middle of Honey Springs. I was able to visualize the town, the activities, the people, and feel the emotions.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

My Rating: