Blowin' Up a Murder by Tonya Kappes

 Blowin' Up A Murder

Book Summary

There's a murder blowin' up and Sheriff Kenni Lowry is the only one who knows how this will end.

My Thoughts

Kenni Lowry is attending a wedding with her beau, Finn.  Her mother is in attendance as well with her gossip buddies.  Kenni’s mother is taking advantage of the circumstances to comment on what she plans for Kenni’s wedding ignoring the fact that Kenni is not engaged.  At the reception, the wedding party are giving their speeches to the happy couple.  When it comes time for the best man, he fails to appear.  A flash of lighting illuminates the patio and Kenni sees a man on the ground with one of the wedding umbrellas protruding from his body.  The only umbrella missing belongs to the best man.  Kenni doubts the case is as simple as it appears.   Much to the bride’s outrage, Kenni shuts down the reception so everyone can be questioned.  With help from Poppa, Kenni’s deceased grandfather, Kenni sets out to catch the killer.

Blowin’ Up a Murder by Tonya Kappes is the eighth A Kenni Lowry Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  If you read the whole series, it will allow you to get to know the characters and their storylines.  The story has quirky characters that suit the southern town of Cottonwood.    Humor abounds in this cozy mystery thanks to Kenni’s mother.  She is determined to push Kenni towards the altar as quickly as possible.  She is not going to let the matter of no fiancé stand in her way.  I love Poppa.  He is a delight and provides several laugh out loud moments.  He also gives some helpful advice to Kenni regarding the murder case and her life.  The whodunit is a fun one to solve.  The wedding party and their attorney were determined to give Kenni a challenging time.  The case was even more challenging thanks to Kenni’s mother and her friend.  They decided to do a little snooping on their own.  You just know that it is going to cause more problems for Kenni.  There is a large pool of suspects and good clues.  We are left with a cliffhanger at the end of the book. We will have to wait for Heavens to Bribery to find out it turns out.  Blowin’ Up A Murder is a lighthearted Southern cozy mystery that will have you laughing from beginning to end.  Blowin’ Up A Murder is a witty whodunit with a domineering mama, a bouquet bashing bridezilla, a spectral Poppa, a slew waiter, rampant rumors, a malicious lawyer, and a curious cliffhanger. 

Blowin' Up a Murder comes out on May 20 and it is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other seven A Kenni Lowry Mysteries here.  The next A Kenni Lowry Mystery is Heavens to Bribery which comes out September 29.  Rangers, RVs and Revenge comes out June 30.  It is 26th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  If you follow Tonya Kappes on Amazon, you will receive notifications when she has a new release.  Thank you for visiting today.  I will return on May 19 with Fatal Flowers by Jess Dylan.  It is the third A Flower House Mystery.   I hope that you have a glorious day.  I am enjoying a break in the heat while it lasts.  It is nice to be able to work outside in the garden.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Adventure, Abduction, and Arrest by Tonya Kappes

 Adventure, Abduction, and Arrest

Book Summary

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.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!

When Hank Sharpe asked me in the laundry club ladies to join him in an undercover investigation to help find a missing person, me and ladies grabbed our sleuthing notebook without hesitation.

As undercover Forest Bathing Therapist trainees we were bound and determined to find out with happened to Kyra Tenney. When we did find her body in what appeared to be an accidental forest fire, we thought we were finished with our undercover act. Only the coroner’s report came back that our missing person had been killed before the fire.

Put on your sleuthing caps and join Mae West along with the Laundry Club Ladies as they take their investigation skills to a whole ‘nuther level! Especially after Mae finds herself in the fire!

My Thoughts

Adventure, Abduction and Arrest by Tonya Kappes is the 25^th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  I like Tonya Kappes’ writing style.  It is casual (like talking to an old friend).  Mae West, Hank Sharp, and the Laundry Club ladies are heading to a Forest Bathing Therapy Retreat in the Daniel Boone National Forest to hunt for a missing girl.  Hank was hired by Laura and Steve Tenney to find their daughter, Kyra who disappeared over two weeks ago.  She went out on a hike never to be seen again.  The people at the retreat have proved to be less than helpful.  Hank, Mae, Betts, Dottie, Abby, and Queenie are going undercover at the retreat in the hopes of getting some answers.  Unable to sleep after their first day at the retreat, Mae is admiring the scenery when she notices a fire in the forest. Officials arrive and quickly put out the fire only to find a body in the middle of it.  Someone tried to cover up evidence of a murder with the fire.  Hank, Mae, and the ladies are on the case.  The mystery was fun but simple. There are good clues to help readers arrive at the solution.  I thought the mystery was easy to solve (early in the book).  Mae and the gang conducted a good investigation.  They asked questions and searched for clues.  There are, of course, some hijinks along the way (be prepared to laugh often while reading this story).  Mae also helps out Violet Rhinehammer with her murder mystery in Holiday Junction.  I like how the author tied in Violet’s new series.  There are clever camping hacks and recipes at the end of the book.  Those who enjoy lighthearted, humorous cozy mysteries will enjoy A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mysteries.  Adventure, Abduction and Arrest is an amusing tale with a vanished offspring, happy tree huggers, kumbaya around the campfire, unassuming yurts, a fatal fire, a determined reporter, and six savvy sleuths.

Adventure, Abduction, and Arrest is available from Amazon*.  It is available through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find the other A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mysteries here.  The 26th A Camper & Criminals  Cozy Mystery is Rangers, RVs, and Revenge which publishes on June 30.  The second A Holiday Cozy Mystery starring Violet Rhinehammer is Mother's Day Murder which comes out on June 2.  If you follow Tonya Kappes on Amazon, you will receive an email when she publishes a new book.  Thank you for visiting with me today.  I am off to get a new tire put on our car.  It is all my fault because I hit a curb that I could not see (the curbs are very low in this county).  It will give me an opportunity to run a few errands.  I hope that you have a relaxing weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes

 Spoonful of Murder

Book Summary

Welcome to the Bean Hive Coffeehouse where the coffee and gossip are HOT!

Sure, Honey Springs, Kentucky is a destination for summer time visitors but our annual Christmas Festival, which includes a PAW-rade (mmhmmm for furry friends) is giving the summer tourist season a run for its money quickly becoming a tourist favorite!

Aunt Maxi is hosting a progressive supper for the community to raise funds for Pet Palace, our local SPCA. You'd think it would be GREAT for the tourists and it is but when Aunt Maxi literally has a hissy fit with a tail on it after she finds out Loretta Bebe's involvement...things turn south.

A dead body appears during the appetizers, Aunt Maxi and Loretta are suspects, and it's all she wrote from there.

Lordy bee...let's hope this things wrapped up in a nice little package with a bow on top so Santa doesn't have to make a stop at the local jail!

My Thoughts

Spoonful of Murder by Tonya Kappes is the 10^th A Killer Coffee Mystery.  Roxy is looking forward to the holidays in Honey Springs, Kentucky.  Aunt Maxi has organized a progressive dinner with the proceeds benefiting the Pet Palace, their local SPCA.  At the Bean Hive, Roxy will be providing coffee and dessert.  The day of the progressive dinner, the woman providing the appetizers has to bow out after breaking her ankle.  Loretta is quick to step in, but her food is the last thing Aunt Maxi wants served.   Aunt Maxi comes up with a plan to save the day.  Before the guests can move on to the main course, a body is found on the beach.  Loretta and Aunt Maxi are at te top of the suspect list.  The pair declare a truce until the case is solved.  They are relying on Roxy to sift through the clues and produce the killer.  Can Roxy serve up the guilty party before her Christmas dinner?  

Spoonful of Murder can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  Everything you need to know is included.  Christmas is quickly approaching which means plenty of activities in Honey Springs.  Aunt Maxi dreamed up the progressive dinner which has Roxy providing coffee and dessert.  Roxy is looking forward to the Paw Parade and the other fun activities.  She is also hosting dinner at the Bean Hive for family, friends and anyone who wishes to attend.  Spoonful of Murder is an amusing cozy mystery with Aunt Maxi and Loretta up to their old tricks.  Loretta wants to provide the appetizer for the progressive dinner which has Aunt Maxi (and many others) in an uproar.  There is no one that wishes to eat Loretta’s cheese balls.  I like the characters in this series.  They are relatable and realistic.  Honey Springs is a typical small Southern town where gossip spreads faster than butter on hot pancakes.  I noticed a continuity issue or two in the book which I hope will get corrected.  The mystery was uncomplicated.  There was a lack of suspects which made it a cinch to identify the wrongdoer.  There are good clues in the story and Roxy is good at obtaining information.  The puppy up for adoption at the Bean Hive stole the show.  He is a cutie pie.  I wanted to bring him home.  There is a special surprise at the end that will delight fans.  Spoonful of Murder is a lighthearted tale with a precious puppy, delectable coffee, cheese ball bedlam, a merry mystery, a crafty killer, a resolute Roxy, and a cheery Christmas.  

Spoonful of Murder publishes December 23 and it is available for pre-order from Amazon*.  You find the other nine books in A Killer Coffee Mystery series here. The next novel in A Killer Coffee Mysteries is Barista Bump Off which releases February 24, 2022.  You can find  Tonya Kappes' other novels here.   Thank you for visiting today.  I will return tomorrow with Christmas Card Murder by Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Peggy Ehrhart.   I hope that you have a merry weekend.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Southern Magical Bakery by Tonya Kappes

 Southern Magical Bakery

Book Summary

Yes. I'm the daughter of the infamous couple, June Heal and Oscar Park.

One teeny weeny problem, I'm a mortal. Yep. I guess I got my granny Darla's DNA.

Good news! I might not have spiritual powers but I have a mean set of baking skills. I'm delighted to be moving out of Whispering Falls, where y'all know I can't live since I'm mortal, and to Celestial Falls, another small southern town where I'm opening Heavenly Desserts. Of course The Marys wouldn't let me leave unless I took my new kitten with me.

I'm beyond excited but fluff left my dough when Orin Reguila showed up. But that's not all that put too much flour in my cookies, there just so happened to be a murder...when someone ate my cookie.

I've got no one to turn to! It looks like I'm going to have to enlist Orin's help with his wizard skills.

I just hope I can clear my name and save my business before The Marys make me pack up and go back to Whispering Falls.

My Thoughts

Lo Heal-Park is excited when she gets permission to move to Celestial Falls where she can live like a mortal and open the bakery of her dreams—Heavenly Desserts.  Of course, The Marys insisted that she take a little gray kitten along with her which Lo promptly names Skylar Blue.  Lo arrives to meet the landlady of the baker, Mrs. Pickering and learns the woman promised the building to another lady to open a dress shop.  It is suggested that they let the town vote at the Moonlight Festival that evening which business they would prefer.  Lo is thrilled when she wins.  When the rival shop owner stops by the next morning, Lo offers her a cookie.  Soon the woman is found dead and Lo is the sheriff’s prime suspect.  Lo has one week to prove her innocence or she returns to Whispering Falls.  It is a good thing that some help has arrived.  If Lo had her choice, she would zap him back home.  Can they solve the crime in time?

Southern Magical Bakery by Tonya Kappes is the beginning of a new paranormal cozy mystery series that is a spin-off from A Magical Cures Mystery series.  June Heal and Oscar Park’s daughter is all grown up.  Lo has no spiritual gift and desires to live in a mortal town.  Lo gets her wish, but things do not turn out quite as planned.  I felt bad for Lo.  I do not know how she put up with her overbearing mother (there was no sneaking out for Lo).  There are some entertaining characters, but it can be a challenge to keep track of them all.  The nosy next-door neighbor, the upbeat reporter, Orin who Lo prefers to avoid like the plague, Skylar Blue who is Lo’s new kitten as well as familiar characters from A Magical Cures Mystery series.  I liked the town of Celestial Falls.  It is a quirky town where there is more to it than meets the eye.  The mystery was not at the forefront of the story.  The whodunit was light.  The motive was understandable, but I thought it was weak.  There is humor scattered throughout the story that will make readers laugh.  Southern Magical Bakery is a cute story that fans of A Magical Cures Mystery series will enjoy.  Southern Magical Bakery is an enchanted tale with tasty treats, a lease delay, a mortal dilemma, a cookie conundrum, a cute kitty, the meddling Marys, a slow sheriff, and an unexpected experience that leads to a disconcerting conclusion. 

Southern Magical Bakery is available from Amazon*.  If you belong to Kindle Unlimited, you can read it for free.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other novels here.  Tonya has Santa, Sunrises, and Suspicions out today as well.    It is the 23rd A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  Vistas, Vices, and Valentines comes out January 27.  Thank you for stopping by today.  I am off to do some straightening up.  I am amazed at how quickly things get out of order.  I hope that you have a productive day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading! 

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths by Tonya Kappes

Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths

Book Summary

I haven’t seen Stanley Shelton since the flamingo keychain with the campervan key dangled from his fingertips as he ripped the Maserati keys out of my grip after my ex-now-dead husband left me broke and penniless, until now.

Stanley claims the Diamond Swamp Mob is after him and he needs my help. Something about my past, but I didn’t take him too seriously until someone was murdered in Stanley’s rented room at the Milkery. The person just so happened to have a tattoo I’ve seen before.

One problem, the tattoo is a brand from a mob in New York City.

Sheriff Hank Sharp has hauled Stanley down to the Normal sheriff’s department for the murder, leaving it up to me and the Laundry Club Ladies to clear Stanley’s name. Looks like I’m driving my campervan back to New York City and make it a girls trip.

I sure hope I can get to the mob boss before he sends anyone else to Happy Trails Campground to finish the job and get revenge on who actually killed the mobster.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal! 

My Thoughts

Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths by Tonya Kappes is the 18^th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series because the author provides the background on the main character.  Mae West thought she was being kind when she gave Bobby Rae the diamond for Abby’s engagement ring.  Her husband’s attorney, Stanley Shelton shows up in the middle of the night claiming the diamond belonged to him.  If the diamond is not returned to the Diamond Swamp Mob, Stanley could be killed.  Before Mae can begin to look into the case, a woman is found dead in Stanley’s room at the Milkery with a Diamond Swamp Mob tattoo on her hand.  Mae along with the other Laundry Club Ladies head to New York to make things right.  Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths is a lighthearted cozy mystery.  Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies plus Alicia get to travel in Mae’s trailer to New York.  All our favorite characters are back for some fun.  The whodunit is light with an obvious solution.  I would have liked a little more complexity to the mystery and more time devoted to the murder portion.   Mae and Hank are still tiptoeing around the issue of children.  I am curious to see what happens next with Sheriff Sharp and Mae.  Dottie was a delight in this one.  She has some great lines, and her New York apparel is certainly unique.  There are camper tips at the end of the book.  We are left with a cliffhanger and will have to wait for Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons to find out what happens next.  Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths is a fun-loving tale with a dangerous diamond, a lethal letter opener, bedazzled apparel, a lily-livered lawyer, fervent friends, and relationship troubles. 

Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths is available from Amazon* (can borrow with Kindle Unlimited).  You can find the other novels in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series here.  The next A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons which publishes July 29.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other creations here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Pint of No Return by Dana Mentink.  It is the debut of A Shake Shop Mystery series.  I hope that everyone has a day filled with laughter.  Laughter is good for the soul.  I had something arrive today that gave me the best laugh.  It certainly lightened my mood. Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Post Mortem by Tonya Kappes

 Post Mortem

Book Summary

Bernie Butler is on her mail route using her bicycle because her mail truck is out of commission.  She has her cat, Rowena tagging along in the basket.  Rowena jumps out and takes off into the woods.  Bernie takes off after Rowena and sees something shiny which turns out to be the cleats on a golf shoe.  Nearby is a man on the ground who is missing a shoe.  It appears that Bernie has found the missing Jeff Faulkner who disappeared the day before during the Sugar Creek High School Fundraiser at the country club.  The Front Porch Ladies share gossip that Jeff liked to gamble and owed money to a friend.  Bernie feels for Jeff’s widow and son who just won a prestigious college scholarship.  As soon as Bernie recovers from finding another body, she dives into the investigation.  Along her route, Bernie delivers the mail and collects the gossip.  Bernie believes she knows the identity of the killer, but first she needs to prove it. 

My Thoughts

Post Mortem by Tonya Kappes is the 6^th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series or if you have missed a book.    Bernie Butler loves her job, her town, friends, boyfriend, son, and daughter-in-law, and most especially her granddaughter, Clara.  Bernie is a widow with a married son, and she works as a mail carrier in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky.  She is dating Mac Tabor a local architect who lives near her.  Bernie has helped solve a few cases, but she is not used to finding dead bodies.  After discovering Jeff Faulkner dead in the woods, Bernie’s curiosity gets the best of her.  The Front Porch Ladies keep her up to date on the latest gossip and Bernie gets assistance from Vince, a retired FBI agent.  The mystery was straightforward and can be solved early in the story.  I wish the whodunit had been more challenging.  The killer might as well have been waving a red flag and yelling “you hoo, I did it!”  There are some great characters in A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series.  The Front Porch Ladies, Mac, Grady, Julia, Bernie’s parents, Vince, and Monica are just a few of them.  I like the setting of Sugar Creek Gap as well.  It is a cozy town with friendly (except for a few bad apples) residents.  I enjoy going with Bernie on her mail route.  It allows us to meet the residents and visit the shops.  There is humor scattered throughout the story that will have you giggling and sometimes laughing out loud.  I like the inclusion of Bernie’s animals in the story.  The ending will delight fans of the series and leave readers smiling.  Post Mortem is a lighthearted cozy mystery with a curious cat, gone golfer, rampant rumors, a cross sheriff, and an indomitable mail carrier.  

Post Mortem is available from Amazon*.  It is available through Kindle Unlimited.  You can find the other novels in A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series here.  The next A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery is Deadly Delivery releasing August 26.  Tonya Kappes has Outdoors, Oars, and Oath publishing on June 24.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other novels here.  Thank you for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am featuring Death in Bloom by Jess Dylan.  It is the debut of A Flower House Mystery series.  I do hope that you have a day filled with joy.  We need more happiness in our lives (keeps us young).  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Paddlers, Promises and Poison by Tonya Kappes

Paddlers, Promises, and Poison

Book Summary

Paddlers, Promises, and Poison by Tonya Kappes has Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies out looking at the new housing development being built on rare Daniel Boone National Park land in Normal, Kentucky.  Many people are unhappy with the construction including Happy Trails Campground manager, Dottie Swaggert.  The group enters the model home to find realtor, Chelsea O’Connell dead.  Detective Hank Sharp quickly arrives at the scene, but Mae can tell that something is bothering him since he brought Chester with him.  It turns out that cutbacks are going to be made to the Sheriff’s Department and the rumor is it will be Hank’s job.  He wants to solve this high-profile case quickly to show his worth.  Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies want to help Hank and immediately begin investigating.  They have several suspects including owner of the housing development, a local deputy, the victim’s husband, and the town’s mayor.  Can the ladies help Hank?

My Thoughts 

Paddlers, Promises, and Poison by Tonya Kappes is the 16^th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  We return to Normal, Kentucky where Mae West and her friends are in an uproar over homes being built on land from the Daniel Boone National Park.  It has already begun affecting the habits of the local wildlife.  When the realtor of the development is found dead (by Mae of course), the Laundry Club Ladies have a new case.  I always enjoy visiting Normal with its charming shops, the gorgeous scenery of the Daniel Boone National Park, the cozy Happy Trials Campground, and its quirky residents.  Tonya Kappes’ has an engaging writing style.  It draws the reader right into the story and holds onto them until the very last page.  Paddlers, Promises, and Poison went by quickly thanks to its quick pace.   The whodunit has several good suspects, a red herring, and subtle clues.  We are left with some unanswered questions at the end regarding a couple of items that I hope that author will address in Insects, Ivy, and Investigations.  There is humor sprinkled throughout the story that had me laughing.  I just love the Southernisms, especially Dottie’s.  There is some good news for some people close to Mae.  I just love how Mae helped them out.  The ending left me wondering what is going to happen in the next book.  I would say more, but I do not want to spoil this charming tale for you.  Paddlers, Promises, and Poison is delightful Southern cozy mystery with Southern sweet tea, housing hubbub, a job in jeopardy, a puzzling poisoning, unjust government, and relationship queries.  

Paddlers, Promises, and Poison is available from Amazon*.  You can fIind the other A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery novels here (can be borrowed through Kindle Unlimited).  Tonya Kappes writes several other engaging series.  You can find Tonya Kappes' Amazon page here.  The next book in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series is Insects, Ivy, and Investigations.  Thank you for joining me today.  Phantoms and Felonies by Lucy Ness is planned for next time.  It is the 2nd A Haunted Mansion Mystery.  I hope that you have a fulfilling day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes

 

Book Summary

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes has the town of Honey Springs buzzing about the opening of Crissy Lane’s Bee Happy Resort with its holistic health spa.  Roxy Bloom is curious as to the identity of Crissy’s investor, but Crissy is keeping the person’s identity under wraps.  She has made Roxy promise to attend the grand opening, but Roxy has a staffing problem.  Loretta Bebe happens to have a solution with her granddaughter, Birdie.  Roxy might have her hands full with Birdie whose behavioral problems are the reasons she is in Honey Springs.  Tom Foster is a reporter with Healthy Women’s Magazine who plans to do a feature on Crissy’s new spa.  After Tom has an encounter with Birdie, Roxy learns that the reporter is known for his caustic reviews that have caused enterprises to go out of business.  At the grand opening, Roxy is looking out of the window of a guest room when she observes someone killing Tom Foster.  Unfortunately, Roxy’s new employee becomes the prime suspect and Loretta insists on Roxy using her skills to prove Birdie’s innocence.  Can Roxy clear Birdie’s name or will Loretta’s granddaughter become one caged bird?

My Thoughts

Frothy Foul Play by Tonya Kappes is the 9^th novel in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series.  Everything a reader needs to know is included.  Roxy Bloom owns the Bean Hive in Honey Springs, Kentucky where she roasts her own beans for unique blends of coffee for her customers plus bakes up sweet treats.  She is happily married to Patrick Cane and they have two fur babies at home.  I always enjoy diving into one of Tonya Kappes’ lighthearted tales.  I like the author’s conversational writing style which makes the story a joy to read.  This humorous tale moved along at a quick pace which had me finishing it in a couple of hours.  The series has a cast of developed, quirky characters that includes Maxi Bloom, Loretta Bebe, and Bunny.  The author’s word imagery brought the town to life for me.  The interactions between Roxy and Birdie are great.  I like Birdie who is a great addition to the series.   The mystery surrounding the death of Tom Foster had several good suspects.  Anyone of them could have done the deed.  There are clues to help the reader solve the crime if you are paying close attention.  There is a secondary mystery that is driving Roxy crazy.  She wants to know the identity of Crissy’s investor.  The person is quite a shocker.  Pepper and Sassy are so cute, and I love reading about their antics.  There is an adorable black kitten up for adoption who needs a forever home and a name.  The humor scattered throughout the story keeps it fun and lighthearted.  I enjoyed visiting Honey Springs, Kentucky and I look forward to catching up the Bean Hive family again soon.   Frothy Foul Play is a lively cozy mystery with a cute kitten, a departed reporter, killer coffee, a covert backer, a new employee, and a bevy of baked goods.

Frothy Foul Play is available from Amazon* along with the other novels in A Killer Coffee Mystery series.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other novels here.  Tonya Kappes has Paddlers, Promises, and Poison publishing on March 25.  It is the 16th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour tomorrow for A Side of Murder by Amy Pershing. It is the debut of A Cape Cod Foodie Mystery series.  I hope you will join me and that you have a peaceful day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes

 

Book Summary

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes has Mae West heading to her hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers regarding the fire that killed her family.  The fire was ruled an accident, but Mae’s recently regained memories suggest foul play may have been at work.  The Laundry Club ladies are going with Mae to provide support and help with the investigation.  Mae works to piece together the snippets of recovered memories along with information the ladies gather to arrive at the truth. 

My Thoughts

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies can be read as a standalone for those new to A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  Everything a new reader needs to know is included.  We are finally finding out what happened the night a fire destroyed Mae’s life.  She lost her mother, father, and two younger sisters.  This Southern cozy mystery contains Tonya Kappes’ trademark writing.  Her stories have great characters along with a good flow and humor.  We depart from Normal, Kentucky for this tale and head to Mae’s hometown where she is determined to get answers.  Mae and the Laundry Club ladies head out in a blue camper (road trip).  It is wonderful how these ladies have become Mae’s family along with Hank Sharp, Dawn, and Mary Elizabeth.  We get to see a different side of Mary Elizabeth in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies.  The “mama bear” in her comes out (she is still about Southern manners, but we get to see her protective side).  Mae reconnects with an old beau which brings out Hank’s jealousy (just a bit).  We get to learn more about Mae and her childhood.  I did feel the humor was missing in this story.  There is some, but it is not on par with the other stories in this series.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a heavier story that the previous installments.  I was curious about this whodunit.  I wanted to know what happened the night of the fire, and I was eager to meet the suspects.  I liked the added suspense.  I could have done, though, without the repetition of information (I got it the first time).  The ending left me smiling.  Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a character driven cozy mystery with a cold case, tricky riddles, a fierce fire, missing memories plus faithful family and friends.  

Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies releases December 31 and it is available from Amazon*.  It is part of Kindle Unlimited along with the other books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  The next A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is Paddlers, Promises, and Poison which releases January 21, 2021.  You can find Tonya Kappes' other books here.  I hope that you had a delightful Christmas.  My mother and I had a quiet one which was just what we needed.  I will see you tomorrow when I share my thoughts on The Monster MASH by Angie Fox.  It is the first book in The Monster MASH trilogy.  I hope that you have an uplifting day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

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