All My Bones by P.J. Nelson

 All My Bones

Book Summary

Madeline Brimley, new owner of a bookstore in a small Georgia town, finds herself playing sleuth when a friend is charged with the murder of a much-disliked woman.

Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.

When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren't many people in town who hadn't wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt's best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.

My Thoughts

All My Bones by P.J. Nelson is the second book in Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series.  We get to catch up with Madeline, Gloria, Philomenia, David, and Billy.  I wanted to like this story, but I found it to be predictable with slow pacing. The final third of the book was particularly sluggish (helpful if you suffer from insomnia).  The body is discovered in the first chapter which makes for a lengthy story.  The mystery can easily be solved early in the book, which is a disappointment (it was so obvious).  There is a lack of suspense, but I enjoyed the conflict, humor, and secrets (they always come to light during a murder investigation).  The romance between David and Madeline is sweet.  I like the opinionated bookshop cat (I can envision the haughty cat).  All My Bones can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is helpful to have read Booked for Murder.  All My Bones is a southern cozy mystery with a murdered woman, a charged priest,  rampant rumors,  helpful friends, a toffee-nosed cat, a fairy tales first edition, and a maturing romance.

All My Bones is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Old Juniper Bookshop Mysteries is Booked for Murder.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I know how busy everyone is during the holiday season.  On Thursday, December 4, I am sharing my thoughts on The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston.  I have been busy this week decorating my front yard for the holidays (and enjoying every minute).  After I am done with my yard, I get to decorate two of my neighbors yards.  I am hoping that all of my neighbors will decorate in the future (a girl can dream).  I hope that you have a wonderful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.

A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert

 A Fatal Booking

Book Summary

Victoria Gilbert’s third Booklover’s B&B Mystery, a treat for fans of Mary Daheim and Kate Carlisle, finds owner Charlotte Reed and her former spy neighbor, Ellen Montgomery, pitted against a tea-party poisoner.

Booklover Charlotte is delighted to welcome an eclectic group of guests to Chapters Bed and Breakfast for a book club retreat focused on fairy tales and classic children’s literature. But when one of the guests is poisoned at a Mad Hatter tea party, Charlotte realizes she’s fallen down a rather unpleasant rabbit hole

The victim – an opinionated busybody whose jewelry store sold original designs, along with some possibly “hot” merchandise – had plenty of enemies, spurring Charlotte and Ellen to offer their well-honed investigative skills to assist the local police. But as they delve deeper into each of the guest’s stories, they realize all of them had a motive, and the means, to close the book on the unfortunate victim.
 

Enlisting the aid of a few local residents, as well as their new ally, agent Gavin Howard, Charlotte and Ellen vow to reveal the truth, even if the path to any sort of happy ending is strewn with deadly danger.

My Thoughts

A Fatal Booking by Victoria Gilbert is the third A Booklover’s B&B Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series.  I enjoyed reading this charming cozy mystery.  I thought it was well-written and engaging.  I did find A Fatal Booking to be a slow starter as we are introduced to the characters.  The pacing increased towards the halfway mark.  I find Charlotte Reed to be a great main character.  She is realistic and relatable.  I like Charlotte’s inquisitive mind.  I also like her neighbor, Ellen, who was a spy before she retired.  There is a great mix of personalities in this story which makes it more interesting.  I also like the diversity of the characters.  I just love the descriptions of Chapters.  A literary themed bed and breakfast is just the place for booklovers to stay while on vacation.  I would love to live in this gorgeous home.  The library (of course) is my favorite room.  

The mystery was well-plotted with a handful of suspects and a red herring.  It seems the victim had crossed every member of the book club at one time or another as well as a someone who lives nearby.  I had a good time solving this whodunit.  I like a mystery that is out of the box.  There are clues to help readers solve the crime before the reveal (if you are paying attention).  Charlotte comes across helpful information and notices clues.  I did feel that Charlotte dropped the ball a couple of times.  Charlotte would notice something, but she did not follow up.  I like that she enlists the help of her friends and Charlotte does share information with the detective on the case.  There is romance in the story as well.  Charlotte’s spy boyfriend, Gavin is back.  I think they are a nice, compatible couple, and I hope they get to spend more time together in the future.  The author combined interesting characters, a curious crime, a touch of romance, some suspense, and hints of humor into one engaging cozy mystery.   I am curious what is going to happen in the next A Booklover’s B&B Mystery.  A Fatal Booking is an inviting Southern cozy mystery with an argumentative book group, an open attic door, missing mementoes, murdered rumormonger, curious clues, and an inquisitive innkeeper.  

A Fatal Booking is available from Amazon*.  The other A Booklover's B&B Mysteries are Booked for Death and Reserved for Murder.  Victoria Gilbert also writes A Blue Ridge Library Mysteries.  The seventh book will be out on December 6, and it is titled Death in the Margins.  Thank you for stopping by today and reading my review of this new cozy mystery.  I will return on Monday with The Good Time Girls at War by Fiona Ford.  I hope that you have a fun weekend (or relaxing if you need some rest).  I am almost done with my side garden project.  I have gotten several compliments on it from my neighbors.  I will take some pictures and share them as soon as I am done.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

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.

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.

Getaway with Murder by Diane Kelly

  Getaway with Murder

Book Summary 

Getaway With Murder is the first in a cozy series from Diane Kelly set in a lodge in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where secrets hide behind every hill.

As if hitting the half-century mark wasn’t enough, Misty Murphy celebrated her landmark birthday by amicably ending her marriage and investing her settlement in a dilapidated mountain lodge at the top of the Blue Ridge Mountains. With the old inn teetering on both a bluff and bankruptcy, she must have lost her ever-loving mind.

Luckily, handyman Rocky Crowder has a knack for rehabbing virtual ruins and for doing it on a dime, and to Misty’s delight, the lodge is fully booked on opening night, every room filled with flexible folks who’d slipped into spandex and ascended the peak for a yoga retreat with plans to namastay for a full week. Misty and her guests are feeling zen—at least until the yoga instructor is found dead.

With a killer on the loose and the lodge’s reputation hanging in the balance, Misty must put her detective-skills to the test. Only one thing is as clear as a sunny mountain morning—she must solve the crime before the lodge ends up, once again, on the brink.

My Thoughts 

Getaway with Murder by Diane Kelly is the debut of The Mountain Lodge Mysteries.  Misty Murphy has just signed her divorce papers ending her twenty-year marriage on her fiftieth birthday.  She is starting over in Beech Mountain, North Carolina.  Misty has purchased a rustic lodge where she spent many vacations.  Her new venture gets off to a bad start when minor drainage damage turns into a major problem.  Misty is fortunate to get Rocky Crowder, the local handyman, to complete the repairs just in time for a yoga retreat.  The owner of the yoga studio turns out to be demanding and rude.  The yoga instructor is murdered putting Misty’s new venture at risk.  Misty must use her skills to locate the killer before her new lodge is sunk permanently.  

Getaway with Murder is an engaging new cozy mystery.  It is well-written with steady pacing and realistic characters.  Misty is a smart, resourceful, and friendly.  I like that she is fifty and experiencing menopause systems.  I could certainly relate to her hot flashes.  There are some great secondary characters that include Rocky the handyman, Patty who owns the local diner, and Brynn the assistant and housekeeper.  I thought Diane Kelly captured the area with her beautiful descriptions.  The winding roads up the mountain, the trees, the cool air, the Southern food, the mountains, and the Appalachian trail.  The whodunit was fun with several suspects.  I enjoyed piecing together the clues.  I liked Misty’s approach to sleuthing.  There is humor scattered throughout the story and I loved the chapters from Yeti’s (Misty’s cat) point-of-view.  I thought the author really captured a cat’s personality (this is a feline with catitude).  Getaway with Murder was a fun story that made me smile.  I am eager for the next book in The Mountain Lodge Mysteries.  Getaway with Murder is a welcome whodunit with a hunky handyman, a Wiccan assistant, an intense yoga instructor, a missing singing bowl, a lodge in peril, and a setup trail trekker.  

Getaway with Murder publishes, Tuesday, October 26 and it is available from Amazon*.  Diane Kelly has Batten Down the Belfry releasing February 22, 2022.  It is the 4th A House-Flipper Mystery.  The Proof is in the Poison is the 2nd A Southern Homebrew Mystery and it publishes June 7, 2022.   You can find Diane Kelly's other novels here.  You do not want to miss Diane's A Paw Enforcement Novels.  Thank you for visiting today.  I am sharing my thoughts on  A Harvest of Love by Marta Perry tomorrow.  It is the 3rd novel in The Promise Glen Series.  I hope that you day filled with hope.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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

 qualifying purchases.

Murder by the Bookend by Laura Gail Black

Murder by the Bookend

Book Summary

Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn sleuths again when a pair of glass bookends puts an end to a librarian's life, in this second installment of Laura Gail Black's cozy series.

The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town's beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn's peace of mind is shattered when the local library's Director of Antique Books turns up dead in the parking lot--his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.

As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness--the victim's dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.

Alas, finding the killer won't be so easy, even though this is not Jenna's first murder investigation--indeed, she inherited Twice Upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous--the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guests--but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did.

Now, Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one, before the bloodthirsty bookend-wielder becomes the author of Jenna's demise.

My Thoughts

Murder by the Bookend by Laura Gail Black has Jenna Quinn having a grand reopening of the bookshop she inherited from her uncle.  She is renaming the store to Twice Upon a Time.  The party has a few bumps along the way, but it seemed to go well.  That is until Linus Talbot is found dead in the parking lot.  Jenna must deal with disagreeable Detective Frank Sutter once again since her beau, Keith Logan is a witness.  Jenna is told to stay out of the investigation, but she has no intention of obeying.  Linus was a kind man with a sweet dog, and he was killed in her parking lot.  Plus, Jenna does not trust Detective Sutter.  Jenna begins gathering information that will lead her to Linus’ killer.  Murder by the Bookend is the 2^nd book in An Antique Bookshop Mystery series.  I believe it can be read as a standalone.  A summary of the main details from For Whom the Book Tolls is included.  It contains good writing with steady pacing.  I like the small town of Hokes Folly, North Carolina.  The author provided vivid descriptions of the town along with the residents.  We are introduced to quite a few people in the beginning of the book as they attend the grand reopening.  There are a couple of individuals who I would have preferred as the victim instead of the Linus Talbot (maybe in the next book).  There are several suspects in Linus’ death.  There is a good misdirect to lead readers away from the true culprit.  The clues are there to help readers solve the crime. I was left with an unanswered question regarding the mystery at the end. I just loved Linus’ dog, Eddy (full name Edition).  He is a sweet dog.  There is a little violence in the story as well as a small amount of profanity.  I did have some trouble relating to Jenna which meant I was never able to become fully immersed into the story.  I also felt the romance between Jenna and Keith Logan progressed too quickly for a cozy mystery.  Murder by the Bookend is a quaint Southern cozy mystery with a cute canine, blown glass bookends, a departed antiquarian, a banged-up book, a disgruntled detective, and a sleuthing bookseller.  

Murder by the Bookend is available from Amazon*.  The first novel in An Antique Bookshop Mystery series is For Whom the Book Tolls.  You can follow Laura Gail Block on Amazon and get updates on her latest releases.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am showcasing The Heart of Splendid Lake by Amy Clipston.  This is Amy Clipston's first non-Amish novel.  I hope you will join me to learn more about this new tale.  May you have a serene day.  Take care 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.

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicides by Tonya Kappes

Happy Book Release Day!  A few of the new books out today are The Amish Widow's Rescue by Rachel J. Good, Southern Sass & Killer Cravings by Kate Young, A Daughter's Truth by Laura Bradford, Into the Frying Pan by Sarah Osborne, Crepe Expectations by Sarah Fox, Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran,  Sconed to Death by Lynn Cahoon, Murder with Cucumber Sandwiches by Karen Rose Smith, The Amish Cookie Club by Sarah Price and Hitches, Hideouts and Homicides by Tonya Kappes!  Which book are you interested in reading?

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide by Tonya Kappes takes us back to Normal, Kentucky.  Mae West is assisting Betts Hager in cleaning the Old Train Station Motel owned by Coke Ogden.  Coke transformed the old train station into a motel, and she is having a grand opening the next day along with a hoedown.  Before they depart, they witness Jay Russel, who teaches competition riding, chasing off a hiker with a gun.  It seems the man has been hanging around the stable.  The next day there are break-ins at Deter’s Feed-N-Seed and the Cookie Crumble Bakery.  Mae wonders if the hiker Jay ran off could be responsible.  The hoedown is a rousing success until the electricity goes out.  Coke asks Mae to see if she can spot the problem, and Mae ends up stumbling over Jay dead against the electrical fence (explains the power outage).  Mae wants answers and she is going to get them despite Hank telling her to keep her nose out of the investigation (not that Mae will listen).  There are rumors that Jay robbed the Normal Bank & Loan twenty years ago and the money is hidden in the stable.  There is plenty of gossip swirling around town, but it is hard to know what is real and what is fake.  Mae, with the aid of the Laundry Club, begins asking questions which helps her assemble a suspect list and gather clues.  Mae has her work cut out for her this time if she is to outwit the wily killer and get justice for Jay.

 

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is the seventh tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  I suggest reading the series in order as they build upon one another, but the book can be read alone.  Mae West is a strong woman who has taken her last asset and turned it around.  She continues to plow the profits back into the camp to attract tourists.  Mae is fortunate to have Dottie Swaggert as her friend and manager of Happy Trails Campground.  Mae also has her friends known as the Laundry Club.  They love helping Mae solve crimes (aka get into trouble), and they are there for each other in times of need.  Normal, Kentucky is a small Southern tourist town that sits alongside the Daniel Boone National Forest (it is a charming town).  They get hikers and campers visiting to take part in town events like the upcoming hoedown at the Old Train Station Motel for Coke Ogden’s grand opening.  Tonya Kappes has an engaging writing style.  It is down-to-earth which draws the reader right into the story.  The story proceeded at a snappy pace as Mae talks to various suspects and follows up on leads.  I liked the variety of fun loving characters from Dottie Swaggert to Abby Fawn.  Abby is having some self-assurance issues after a talk with Ty.  It leads to some zany behavior on her part, and, of course, she manages to drag Mae into it.  The mystery was intriguing with the multiple suspects and red herrings.  There is a twist or two to surprise readers.  I like the way the author tied a past event to the current murder (who doesn’t love a treasure hunt).  There are good clues to help readers solve the crime.  Hank, though, got on my nerves in this installment.  I did not like the way he talked to Mae and the way he handled information Mae gave him while visiting his parent’s (ungentlemanly).  Mae needs to think long and hard if Hank is the right man for her.  If you are looking for a fun loving Southern cozy mystery, then look no further than Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide.  Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide has two cute dogs, an unusual murder scene, missing money, a cranky detective, good friends, a hoedown, three robberies and one nosy campground owner. 

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is available on Kindle Unlimited.  You can find a complete list of the books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series here.  Thank you for reading my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring A Daughter's Truth by Laura Bradford.  I hope you have lively day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes

Welcome!  The Memory House by Rachel Hauck will be published on April 2 with A Silken Thread by Kim Vogel Sawyer.  Bat Wings, Rings and Apron Strings by Erin Johnson releases on April 6.  It is the final book in the Spells & Caramels series starring Imogen Banks, Hank and the bakers.

Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes takes us back to Normal, Kentucky.  Mae West receives the key to the city for her work in transforming Happy Trails Campground which helped increase the town’s economy.  The shops in town are now thriving thanks to Mae and her creative ideas.  Principal Donald Bass invites Mae to teach a six weeks economics course at Normal High School, and she cannot wait to get started.  After the party, Mae decides to take some food over to Coach Scott Goodman, the high school’s economic teacher, to see what he thinks of her ideas.  She finds him on the floor of his trailer with an arrow in his back.  Scott was also the coach for the Archery and Rifle Club.  Immediately people start phoning the camp and canceling their reservations.  If tourism does not pick back up, Mae could lose her beloved campground.  Mae and the Laundry Club gather together to work up a plan to solve Scott’s murder.  Violet Rhinehammer, new editor-in-chief of Normal Gazette, wants them to join forces and Mae reluctantly agrees.  Mae soon has a list of suspects that include angry parents, disgruntled students, and the victim’s wife.  Her investigation takes a turn when the killer strikes again.  Mae needs to work quickly to find the executioner before she ends up his next target.

It is always a delight to visit Normal, Kentucky with its charming shops and quirky residents.  Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers is the sixth book in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.  I suggest that you read the series in order.  It will give you a better understanding of Mae, her friends, the campground and the town.   Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers contains good writing and a snappy pace.  Mae West is quite a character (starting with her name).  She loves her trailer, her friends, boyfriend and her dog, Fifi.  Mae is happy that she has been able to turn Happy Trails into a thriving enterprise and it has helped improve the town’s economy.  The last thing she expected is a key to the city and an opportunity to teach economics at the high school.  The murder of Scott Goodman is threatening her livelihood and that of her friends.  Mae and her close group of friends (called the Laundry Club) are quick to gather together and form a plan.  Mae and her friends never fail to entertain.  I like that they have such a close friendship.  There are three murders in the book which is not good for tourism and Violet, of course, is reporting all the details in the Normal Gazette.  There is active investigating with Hank repeatedly telling Mae to quit (she is not going to listen, but he wants to keep her safe).  The mystery is clever, and I believe some readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed.  I enjoy the descriptions of the picturesque Normal.  The Laundry Club sounds like a cozy establishment.  I would love to work on a puzzle there and catch up with friends while doing my laundry.  I had to laugh when the ladies discussed getting detective licenses (Hank would have a fit).  The beauty shop, Cute-icles sounded unique (poor Mae ended up with an unfortunate nail polish color).  Tonya Kappes conversational writing style along with her friendly characters and attractive town will keep you riveted until the very last word.  Do not miss out on Mae’s latest adventure in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers. 

There are recipes and helpful RV tips (hacks) at the end.  Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers is available on Kindle Unlimited. The next A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide which comes out May 28. Thank you for visiting me today.  I hope you will consider following my blog (upper right--various methods) so you can know when I will have contests and feature different books.  I plan on reviewing Murder Lo Mein by Vivien Chien tomorrow.  It is the third book in A Noodle Shop Mystery series.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader