Insects, Ivy, and Investigations by Tonya Kappes

 Insects, Ivy, & Investigations

Book Summary

Insects, Ivy, and Investigations by Tonya Kappes has Mae West surprised when Alicia Becker shows up at The Milkery beaten and claiming to be Mary Elizabeth Moberly’s other foster daughter.  Mae is suspicious of Alicia and rallies the Laundry Club Ladies together so they can investigate Alicia.  Before Mae can begin her deep dive, Alicia’s abusive boyfriend Craig Sutton arrives in town.  Alicia is found standing over Craig with the murder weapon in her hands.  Mary Elizabeth asks Mae to prove Alicia’s innocence.  Mae with help from her friends searches for clues that will help them solve the case. 

My Thoughts

Insects, Ivy, and Investigations by Tonya Kappes is the 17^th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Mae West is shocked when she finds out that Mary Elizabeth Moberly had another foster daughter.  Mae did not know that Mary Elizabeth took in other foster children after she left town.  Mae is in for some revelations in this fast-paced tale.  It is always entertaining to visit Normal, Kentucky where Mae owns The Happy Trails Campground.  She has really turned her life around since she arrived to find the rundown campground and her louse of an ex-husband dead.  There is a great cast of characters from Dottie down to Fifi.  I love the picturesque descriptions of Normal, Happy Trails, and the Daniel Boone National Park.  It enjoyed following Mae as she searched for clues to help solve the murder of Craig Sutton.  The lack of suspects made it easy to zero in on the guilty party.  However, it was interesting the way it plotted out.  When Mae is not working on the case, she is busy planning an engagement party at the campground for Abby and her foster brother, Bobby Ray.  There is also tension between Hank and Mae.  Mae is still dealing with the fact that Hank does not want children.  Hank gets a promotion and Mae is proud of him.  It may solve a problem for the sheriff’s department, but it does not help the couples’ relationship.  The ending will shock fans of the series and have you muttering “Oh, no”.  We must wait for Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths to find out what happens next.  Insects, Ivy, and Investigations is a delightful cozy with itchy ivy, partner problems, shocking surprises, party planning, and fun with friends.  

Insects, Ivy, and Investigations is available from Amazon*.  You can borrow if you are a Kindle Unlimited member.  You can find the other novels in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series here.  The next book in the series is Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths which publishes June 24.  Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons releases July 29.  Tonya Kappes has Post Mortem coming out May 27.  It is the 6th book in A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Hope Between the Pages by Pepper Basham tomorrow.  I hope you have a joyful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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