Tonya Kappes

Valleys, Vehicles and Victims by Tonya Kappes is the ninth A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. For those new to the series, the book can be read alone by why would you want to do that. I always enjoy visiting Normal, Kentucky to catch up with Mae, Dottie, Hank, and the rest of the gang. Tonya Kappes has created a delightful cast of quirky characters. Mae is a spunky woman who has found her place in life which is in Normal. Mae is happy with the campground, her camper, friends, boyfriend, and show more her little dog, Fifi. Normal, Kentucky is a charming town with quaint shops and friendly residents. It is situated next to the Daniel Boone National Park which is currently showcasing reds, oranges, and yellows for fall and the area is enjoying cooler temperatures. Tonya’s conversational writing style draws a reader right into the story (it is like talking to an old friend). The story moves along at a peppy pace. I liked that we get to learn more about Mae’s childhood and her parents. The murder does not occur until after the halfway point. By the time Tom is axed, there is a slew of suspects (he was not a pleasant man). There is misdirection along with a twist or two. I enjoyed how it all came together at the end. Hank’s attitude, though, needs an adjustment. He needs to accept the fact that Mae is going to meddle and there is no stopping her. In the future, though, May might be forced to make a choice. I loved the drama and humor in this engaging tale. A story that can make me laugh is special indeed. Valleys, Vehicles and Victims is an appealing cozy mystery with a ritzy RV, a robbed recipe, a bratty bride, a relentless reporter, and greedy graspers. show less

Deadly Delivery by Tonya Kappes has Bernie Butler enjoying a neighborhood engagement party with her friends in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. Bernie overindulges in champagne and regrets it the next morning. Bernie sets out on the third loop of her route with a large package for Felix Mercer. He is not at home, so Bernie leaves the box with his neighbor. Unfortunately, Felix takes offense and files a formal complaint against Bernie which puts on her unpaid leave. Bernie attempts to apologize, show more but Felix’s snarly attitude has Bernie losing her temper in front of the neighbors. Felix is found dead that afternoon which puts Bernie at the top of the suspect list. Deadly Delivery is the 7th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. The story contains Tonya Kappes engaging writing. The characters feel like old friends. It is nice checking up on Bernie who is newly engaged to Mac Tabor. I love that Bernie is an older protagonist (50) who is kind, smart, and with a big heart. She is going through menopause which causes a variety of symptoms (dry eyes, hot flashes, night sweats are just a couple of them). Our favorite characters are back like the Front Porch Ladies, Iris, Mac, Grady, Julia, and Revonda Gail. The mystery was fun to follow with Revonda Gail helping Bernie to clear her name. It leads to some humorous situations. I laughed often while reading this tale. You need to have your tissues handy because you will need them. There are some emotional moments. There is a cliffhanger at the end which has me eager for Red Letter Slay. Deadly Delivery is a fun cozy mystery with an imprudent green-eyed monster, an engagement get-together, menopause madness, package problems, baby anticipation, a mystifying murder, and a curious cliffhanger. show less

What a perfect time to read this book as Halloween fast approaches. I loved the excitement in the air as the town gets ready for the festival. Violet has been invited to go on the Ghost Walk before the event starts. The author gets us in the mood with goblins, ghosts and spooky trails. What no one expected was to find a dead body in the casket. I think I screamed when they found the poor man. I don’t know about you, but I would be running as fast as I could away from whatever was just show more found.

Violet is once again in the middle of a murder mystery as she happens to be present when the body was discovered. This is where I get really interested in the story because the author gives us clues along the way with plenty of suspects to keep readers guessing. I grabbed my journal and started jotting down notes to see if I could solve the mystery. Finding Peter dead raises a lot of questions and Violet is curious as she begins to investigate. Could the mayor have anything to do with the murder? Peter did want the mayor out of office and was campaigning for a reelection. Well I can see why some would want a new mayor. After all the mayor is a dog. Yes folks a dog is in charge and has fierce competition or is it jealously when it comes to the powerful position of being in charge of the town. The couple who own the mayor could become suspects and Violet was ready to dig into the clues.

Violet’s mom is a hoot and her southern charm is easy to fall for. She has decided that she is joining Violet with the investigation. Her shenanigans are funny and entertaining. Millie Kay is by far my favorite character in the story. She oozes with enthusiasm for everything she is involved with. I laughed so hard when Millie Kay invites all the suspects to her house along with Violet. Talk about a time bomb ready to explode. The house is in chaos as fingers point at each other and tempers start to flare. A secret about the paper is exposed and let me tell you, I think I fell out of my seat.

I loved the interaction between Violet and Darren. I think they have a love/hate relationship at times. They are both stubborn and at times don’t communicate well with each other. I enjoyed getting to know them better and how the author explores their undeniable attraction to each other. It does give a little realism to the story as we see these two work through their issues. I also liked how an old murder starts to play an important role in the story. As we find out, there has been a very well kept secret about a certain person who has been in prison. Could this be the reason that Peter was killed just a few days ago? The plot thickens as I began to check my notes.

I hope you are ready for ghosts, secrets, revenge and a taste of adventure in this latest book that highlights Halloween. I didn’t figure out the killer and I was very shocked at the ending. I never saw this person as a suspect and how it all started such a long time ago. This is a great story that will satisfy any mystery buff.

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

Welcome back to Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky where we are reunited with Bernie and her adorable pets. There is always something going on in this little town that is filled with drama, gossip and mystery. I adore Bernie and how much she is loved in the town. Excitement is in the air as Bernie’s wedding day draws near. The last thing she needs on her mind is a murder but it looks like something is about to happen that will have her focus on everything but a wedding.

I loved the laughter the show more author brings to the story with little quips like,”Friends don’t let friends menopause alone,” That is what you call real friendship folks. Stress eating is causing Bernie to gain a few pounds but I think she has other things to worry about besides her weight. Her friend Vince is a hoot and tries to convince everyone that someone tried to kill him with a letter opener. After all how do you explain a letter opener in your head when you don’t even own one?

The adventure heats up when you guessed it, a murder happens just days before Bernie’s wedding. Along with the Front Porch Ladies, Bernie is determined to find out what happened. I would love to be part of this group of ladies that know everything that is going on in the town. Can you imagine the gossip they share? I bet no one is safe from their eagle eyes. What a mess Bernie has gotten herself into once again. I loved the different theories and suspects that came up. It was fun to read how Bernie methodically went through each idea and never gave up.

The story is full of surprises and takes readers on a thrill ride as we get closer to finding out who the killer is. I loved how the author delivers a fun story with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is funny what people will do for fame, revenge or money. Get ready for another exciting story from an author who spreads her southern charm throughout the book and gets a stamp of approval from this reader. show less