Tonya Kappes

Kenni Lowry is doing her duty as sheriff in Cottonwood, Kentucky - a small southern town - by attending the funeral of one of the locals, Woody Moss. It's there that she overhears and sees Woody's grandson Rich, a bad apple if there ever was one, arguing with Avon Meyers, who was Woody's physical therapist. Once she assures herself everything is fine, she leaves, because right now she has another problem:

Her boyfriend, Deputy Finn Vincent, has just informed her that his parents have arrived show more in town to meet Kenni and her parents. What should be a meet-and-greet supper at her parents' home turns into much more when both sets discover that they're different religions, and in a small community like Cottonwood, that's not a good thing; and leads to a verbal confrontation that doesn't end well.

But Kenni soon has to put the problems with the parents aside when she finds out a young woman has been murdered - even before anyone knows it's a murder. How? Because her deceased grandfather, 'Poppa', who was sheriff before her, shows up in her truck as she's heading to the scene. Her Poppa's ghost only appears when there's a murder to solve, so they're together again to solve the murder of Avon, who was found dead by a single gunshot at close range.

Then after having a conversation with Finn he tells her he doesn't want to be a deputy his entire life, and after an incident or two she's convinced he wants her job, which both angers and saddens her. This, of course, only adds to her problems, along with the fact that she has a new part-time deputy she'd like to make full-time.

So Kenni has her hands full, trying to juggle her relationship with Finn, her parents, his parents, and the murder of a young woman. It's not an easy task for a sheriff, especially since she's the only one (besides her dog Duke) who can see and hear her Poppa. But without him, her job in finding a killer might just get a lot harder with few clues and a disappearing suspect...

I have to say that I love this series. Kenni is a complicated woman. She's constantly fighting against her mama's ideas of what she should be, is running a two (maybe three) person department that's in the back of a restaurant, and trying to juggle a relationship that's still in the stages of 'where do we go from here?' It's not an easy job, but she does her best, not to mention constantly worrying about whether she's going to be reelected or not when the time comes.

But when Avon is found dead in a park, she has to figure out who put her there, and who hated her enough to want her dead. What seems like an open and shut case turns out not to be so, but the clues, such as they are, eventually lead down a different path entirely, and even that path might be more confusing than not.

It's a tale that's full of both Kenni trying to do her job and trying to handle her personal life without having them both come together at the same time, which is nearly impossible when you have a mother like hers; Vivian doesn't have boundaries where Kenni's concerned, and is trying her darnedest to get her daughter married so she can have grandbabies (I can't even imagine a mother who would hound you about this). It helps that although Viv has a one-track mind, she's also a very likable character. I've actually warmed up to her quite a bit, because for all her faults, she fiercely loves her daughter and will go to any lengths to make sure she's happy. There's a mama bear protection there that's enviable to a lot of people.

The mystery is done very well; the subplots are woven in together so nicely that what seems like random acts come together in a deliberate way, and it all leads to a story that is entertaining to read. As always, the characters are delightful and the community a tight knit one; they're a quirky bunch that have each other's back in all situations.

When the ending comes and the murderer is revealed it's a surprise, but that's how it should be. I have to say that it's always a pleasure to visit with the townsfolk of Cottonwood, I enjoyed it immensely, and look forward to the next book. Recommended. show less

I’m so glad to be back in Normal, Kentucky. I love this series and Mae is my favorite character. Her charisma is contagious and I would be the first in line to check into her place. Surrounded by nature and quirky characters, I would be content to stay forever.

This adventure is filled with hitchhikers, buried secrets and a murder that rocks the community. How does Mae find herself in this mess? Perhaps it has to do with her hunky boyfriend Hank. His job as a detective just breeds danger show more and mystery. This latest murder is sad to me. I hated to read about the man who had been a fixture in the community for years. Did greed get him killed? Some say he had a dark secret that could cause him harm. There are others that suspected his secret and with the gossip around the campground you never know what will be said.

The gang is back in this murder mystery with all the slapstick comedy and a trail that leads to danger. I really wish someone would get smart and turn this into a show. I just imagine how funny it would be to watch Mae and the Laundry Club as they gather to talk about the latest mishaps in the town. It is a tight group that has each other’s backs. I love how easily it is to get wrapped up in the story and forget everything around you. As always there is a squabble between Mae and Hank. Could he please make up his mind; either he wants Mae to help him in investigations or he doesn't. Gee talk about can't commit. I loved the ending and was a bit surprised at who the killer was. Well gang until next time, Happy Trails to you.

I received an arc copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. show less

Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries by Tonya Kappes is the first tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West’s (not the actress) life has been turned upside down. Her husband, Paul duped people into investing in his Ponzi scheme and Mae did not know until the FBI showed up at their house. She has lost her home, car and possessions. Her attorney, after he takes her car keys, states that there are two items that she owns and one of them could help her earn a living. For some show more reason, Paul put an RV and the Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky in Mae’s name. With no other options, Mae hops into her new home on wheels and heads for Normal. The brochure shows a beautiful campground on a lake and Mae could use a vacation before making plans for her future. Mae arrives at Happy Trails and discovers that the brochure was printed twenty years ago. Mae is surprised to find out that the residents of Happy Trails and Normal were also victims of Paul’s nefarious schemes. Mae does not think life can get worse, but then she is approached by Detective Hank Sharp (local FBI agent and park ranger). Paul has escaped from prison and his body has been found floating in Happy Trails gunky lake (covered in green slime). Mae, of course, is at the top of the suspect list, but there is a town full of alternatives. She sets out to find the Paul’s killer as well as revitalize Happy Trails. She will need help and the ladies of The Laundry Club are happy to assist. Come along to Normal, Kentucky where life is happily never normal.

Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries was a delight to read. I found it well-written and entertaining. It has a nice steady pace throughout the whole book. Mae West is an interesting and likeable main character. She would rather wallow in her new home, but she is lacking in clean laundry. That is how Mae meets the Laundry Club ladies whose stories make Mae wants to help those taken advantage of by Paul. Mae, though, is lacking in the life skills department (laundry, cleaning, cooking, how to use a Keurig). It is a good thing she met Dottie and the other ladies of The Laundry Club are willing to help Mae. The ladies warm up to Mae and set out to help her fix up Happy Trails. The town has a group of diverse characters and shops. I loved Happy Trails and the residents. I like how they come together for dinner and I had not heard of iron skillet smores before this book. There is a hint of romance in the story (a little flirting or interest expressed). I am happy the author did not rush Mae into a relationship. The mystery was straightforward, and I thought the killer stood out like a dog sitting in the middle of a group of cats. My rating for Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries is 4 out of 5 stars. Beaches, Bungalows and Burglaries is an amusing story and I am keen to read Deserts, Driving, and Derelicts. show less

I truly love the way Tonya Kappes writes! Every story I have read from her has been a hoot to read. This one was no exception. Emma Lee and the folks of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky are back. I swear, opening this book is just like going home. Every character feels like friends or family just waiting to welcome you back and catch you up. Like small towns everywhere gossip is king. Not only are live folks ready to dish out the latest news over some sweet tea, the dead are too! In case you haven't show more read the first book, A Ghostly Undertaking, or heard the news, (it's not gossip if it's true), Emma Lee has the Funeral Trauma. That guarantees somebody dead will be joining you. If you need to know more about the Funeral Trauma you will need to get one of A Ghostly Southern Mysteries. Someone from Sleepy Hollow is bound to spill the beans all about it. There will be a mystery to solve. The dead never show up just because they want to show you where some money is. They are restless because they have a problem. Emma Lee gets some help from beyond so you will be getting all the clues with her. You can get you some sweet tea and treat to eat. I'll be drinking coffee, myself. Get real comfortable; you might want to put on pajamas and act like your sick. That helps keep family members away so you can read in peace. If you act sick well enough, they might even be sorry for you and pop in with food and more tea. Trust me, once you start reading this book you will be happy I told you to do this. Don't worry none about bad language or graphic sex. Tonya Kappes knows how to write an entertaining story without that. She probably understands that your children, or worse yet, your granny might pick it up to see what you were snickering about. She don't want your granny trying to call her up about what your reading and how she had to confiscate it. One more thing, A Ghostly Grave is the second book in the series. It's all right if you haven't read the first book though it might be more fun if you do. This book stands alone just fine. show less