Good Day! Isn't the cover of Christmas, Criminals and Campers festive? It puts a smile on my face. My mother is a fan of Tonya Kappes' A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series, and she could not wait to read the the latest installment. The first three books in A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series are (1) Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries, (2) Deserts, Driving and Derelicts and (3) Forests, Fishing and Forgery.
Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is the fourth tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book
club meeting where they are discussing the latest Nadine White book chosen by Abby
Fawn, librarian and the author’s biggest fan.
When Betts Hager tells the group that Nadine is coming to town to stay
for a few months and will speak with their group, Abby is extremely excited. Abby is surprised by the author’s rudeness
and dismayed when she learns the author utilizes a ghost writer. Abby becomes angry and makes some remarks
that she soon regrets. Hank and Mae are
enjoying their first real date. On the
way home, they notice the library lights still on and stop to investigate. They find Abby standing over Nadine with a bloody
knife in her hand. Mae knows that Abby
did not kill Nadine, but she must prove it to Detective Hank Sharp. As if Mae does not have enough on her plate, her
foster brother, Bobby Rae has invited their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth
Moberly to visit for Christmas. Mae left
the Moberly home when she was eighteen and has never looked back. Mae has bitter feelings toward Mary Elizabeth
about the way she was raised. Is Mae
going to get the festive holiday she planned?
Mae is going to need a Christmas miracle to solve the murder before
Santa comes riding into town. Join Mae
and her friends in Normal, Kentucky for a merry adventure in Christmas,Criminals and Campers.
The books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are best read in order. It will allow readers to understand Mae West
and her history. I found Christmas, Criminals and Campers to be nicely written with Tonya Kappes’ conversational
writing style. She has a way of drawing
the reader into a story and making them feel welcome. There is plenty of Christmas spirit as Mae
prepares for her first Christmas at the Happy Trails Campground and is hosting
a Christmas dinner at the campground for anyone who wishes to attend. The mystery is traditional with a close
friend of Mae’s accused of the crime, and Mae needs to prove her innocence. I thought the solution was apparent, but I
liked following Mae as she questioned suspects and sifted through the
clues. I would have preferred a solid
resolution to the crime. I found the
reveal to be incomplete (missing details).
I like the cozy feel of the town and campground. Normal is a unique small Southern town that I
would love to visit. There are quirky characters that enhance the story and all
our favorites are back in Christmas, Criminals and Campers. I am glad that we get to learn more about Mae
and her growing up years. Mary Elizabeth
Mobley is visiting for Christmas which allows Mae to deal with unresolved
feelings. There is romance with Mae and
Hank finally going on their first date. There
are recipes and helpful RV tips at the end of the book. Christmas, Criminals and Campers combines a charming
small Southern town, friendly characters, a mystery, romance and humor into one
winsome cozy mystery.
All four books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are included in the Kindle Unlimited Program. Thank you for stopping by today and reading my latest book review. I will return tomorrow with my thoughts on Final Roasting Place by Devon Delaney. May you have a jovial day. Take care and Happy Reading!
Kris
The Avid Reader
thanks for participating in the giveaway
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