Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary

Camper & Criminals #32

by Tonya Kappes

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.

"Questions, Quarrels, & A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 32" invites you back to the heart of Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility.

Local woman Etta Hardgrove, a consignor at the Tough Nickel thrift shop, catches the eye of a Cowgirl Camper with her distinctive jewelry. But when Etta is found dead, the Campers swiftly become suspects, mired in a town teeming with those who harbored ill-will against Etta. The mystery deepens, and no one can be trusted.

Meanwhile, campground owner Mae and her partner Hank have their hands full. Hank is preoccupied with a missing teenager's case while Mae is entangled in wedding plans and premarital counseling that she's not particularly invested in, much to the dismay of her friend Mary Elizabeth.

As whispers of suspicion turn towards the nomadic Cowgirl Campers, Mae, Dottie, and the intrepid Laundry Club Ladies embark on a mission to unravel the truth behind Etta's untimely death. They dig deep into Etta's past and scrutinize the traveling campers, all to ensure the safety of their beloved Normal, Kentucky.

From yard sales to murder trails, "Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary" delivers a captivating blend of cozy camaraderie, nuptial nuances, and mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Cozy, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Murder Mystery

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 25, 2023

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
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Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧

“Well, I’ll be!! If I had known ya’ll served such fine pie at church, I would have found religion a long time ago!” -Dottie

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun adventure with a solid mystery and a happy ending. What I particularly liked about this one is the wedding planning and the counseling sessions where Mae and Hank need to figure out how their married lives will change what they have now. It really made me feel like part of the community and Mae’s circle of friends.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowgirl Campers are come if to Normal for the yearly 127 yard sale. This group for female campers are into to go find some antiques and unique treasures at yards likes like the items at Etta Hardgrove has for sale. When Etta is found dead Mae and the laundry club ladies need to help find the killer before the possible suspect leaves town.

This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. I love every visit to Normal, Happy Trails, and the Laundry Club. The characters are quirky, fun, and full of southern charm. The mystery is full of surprises. Just when I’d think of this is whodunit, there would be a twist to make me 2nd guess my choice of killer. The secondary story of Mae and Hank’s engagement is just as entertaining as the mystery.


All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.

[Tonya Kappes]

YAY!

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“ Questions, Quarrels & Quandary” the 32nd instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series!

The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility.

The mystery was really good, with several suspects and a few red herrings thrown in.

I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Witness, Woods, & Wedding Book 33 as I want the wedding to happen!

I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

[Naomi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I obviously really like this series since I’ve read 32 of them and started the spin-off. I feel attached to the characters and the story is always fun even if it is sometimes a bit predictable. But there was something about this one that was confusing (could be the victim and a suspect had really similar names) or left me unsatisfied. Anyway I’ll probably just keep reading these (and the spin-off series) for a long time but this one didn’t quite work for me.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The annual 127 Yard Sale was underway, where Dottie has a head start at the Curb alert. She proudly nabs a free lawn chair. Mae and Dottie arrived at the Happy Trails Campground and found The Camping Cowgirl group already there with their adorable vintage campers. The Camping Cowgirls were excited about visiting some antique shops.

One of the participants in the yard sale, Etta Hardgrove, an antique dealer and hoarder, was discovered dead. Mae and her group, The Laundry Club Ladies, decided to investigate. Multiple witnesses reported seeing Etta becoming agitated over a particular piece of jewelry. As the Laundry Club Ladies continue to gather information, they begin to suspect various individuals, including one of the Cowgirls.

I really liked reading this story! Mae and Hank are getting married soon and must attend counseling with a preacher who has never been married. The preacher does hone in on the point of contention, but Mae makes a surprising declaration. There are many twists, and the killer wasn't one I suspected.

I received an advanced reader's copy and I voluntarily read and reviewed this book.

[Megan Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is #32 in the series. I enjoy these quick mysteries. They are easy reads and the different characters have fun personalities!

[Etta Wobber]

lol this was just a lil audiobook i listened to while working, and tbh i only picked it cuz the characters name was etta😁 (she dead) 😔

HAHA update from the future i just found out this book is like 30th in a series and i didn’t even know, i thought there were just a lot of plot holes 💀💀

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was another good mystery in the series. A woman is murdered and they know that she is a hoarder. They think maybe she had something someone wanted. Of course, Mae and her friends try to figure out who did it. Thankfully, they solve it and all is well for now.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is another exciting installment in Kappes' camper and criminals cozy mystery series. Who knew that yard selling could be so deadly? It was supposed to be a fun event at Happy Trails Campground who had a group of Cowgirl Campers visiting to take part in a 127 yard sale. Mae is thrilled to be hosting this group at her campground. Things take a turn however when a Normal resident is murdered in the middle of the event. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies decide to solve this case and get justice for a friend and neighbor.

Kappes does a great job at setting up a compelling mystery while still moving along the wedding plans of Mae and Hank's upcoming wedding. I liked seeing how much has changed now that the wedding is getting closer. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader's attention. I also really loved seeing all of my favorite secondary characters especially Dottie back. They really add to the book's story. Overall Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary proved to be a great read that I would most certainly recommend. I look forward to reading Mae's next adventure.

Received a copy of Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary from the author.

[Katlyn Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute hallmark type of mystery with Southern charm.

[Cynthia Wasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Before us, the lake lay serene under the night sky, its still waters reflecting the twinkling stars and the silhouettes of the mountains looming in the distance. The moon's silver light traced a shimmering path across the lake, a celestial bridge in the still of the night.”

I usually have a sassy southern quote to start off my reviews BUT this description was just so beautiful, putting me right there with Hank and Mae, was too good not to share. Tonya Kappes does it again with another mystery solved by The Laundry Club Ladies!

This time it’s one of Normal, Kentucky’s own and Mae and her friends have to find out what happened while planning a wedding and running a camp ground. How does she do it?!

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Laundry Club Ladies are back! I continue to enjoy this series. This book makes me feel like I'm a part of the town. I continue to enjoy Mae's adventures. When one of the locals unexpectedly dies, the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case! I can't say enough about the series.

[Chris Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not predict this ending. Used the word palpable way too many times, but we all know I’m gonna read these borderline AI books, because it’s NORMAL.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Questions squirrels and quandaries is the first book that I have read in this series. I was astounded to see that it was book number 32. I do like to start at the beginning and I have the first four books reserved! Anyway I don’t know that I am going to invest much more time in this series. The writing seems less than professional. The same thing seems to be repeated five or six times before moving forward I’m just a little confused maybe it’s me!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think I done with the series. It took 5 chapters to get to the murder. It has been a while since I have read the previous books but this one had way too much description on every single thing. It just seemed to drag for me.

[Carolyn Manlove · Rating 2 out of 5]

More of a novella than a novel. Quick solution and secondary mystery unsolved.

[Regency · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading 31 books in this series, this 32nd one was a real disappointment. There are certain things that I like about this series - the campground, the National Park setting, the mysteries, the quirky characters the ongoing storylines - that have been enough to override the major flaws in each of the novels. The flaws being the ever-changing background stories of the characters, plotting errors, multiple spellings of a word in the same book, characters misnamed, grammatical errors, spelling errors, disjointed paragraphs, plot holes, etc

But even with all those hurdles, I've kept reading the series because I still liked it and it was available on Kindle Unlimited. So for every book, I've been flagging the errors as I come across them and sending them in until I reach a point in each book where I decide not to bother anymore because it's taking too much time away from reading the actual story.

Every book up until this one had a very distinctive style of writing, character portrayal, degree of action/menace, spunk vs. stupidity, and dialogue. This 32nd book, however, was completely different. The writing style completely changed. There were descriptive paragraphs upon descriptive paragraphs about sunrises, sunsets, the forest, driving along the roads in the forest, the town of Normal KY, the streets in the town, the outsides and the insides of the stores, the items in the windows of the stores, the items for sale in the stores, the items decorating the stores, multiple descriptions of the same campers, yadda, yadda, yadda.

My first thought was, "Oh, looks like the author finally bought a thesaurus". Then as I got further into the book, I realized that the entire writing style had changed. There was no believable spontaneity to the dialogue. Character development was virtually nil in most cases, with some others (e.g. Dottie) being broad to the point of dislike. Also, for some reason Mae began to start speaking now in a more Southern dialect, dropping her "g's" when talking, etc. The storyline was completely linear: murder, think of a suspect, prove the alibi, move on to the next suspect, rinse and repeat. If you've read the other books, you know that the SOP is for Mae to almost guess the correct murderer, put herself in jeopardy and threatened with death, and then discover who the real murderer is. In this book there was absolutely no dramatic tension. The killer confesses and cries; Mae just happens to be there.

The secondary plot in the novel, that of Hank searching for a missing teenager, is underdeveloped and neither resolved nor written with sufficient information for it to be either suspenseful or considered a continuing story arc.

My only conclusion about this book is either that Ms. Kappes farmed this series out to a ghostwriter, or else she ran the manuscript through an AI program to flesh it out. I'm guessing that it was the latter, because there's too much superfluous descriptive padding to the story - remove that and this novel would only be a novella. If she's taking that shortcut now to write her books faster. then IMO she's doing herself a disservice because she's eliminated that spark that made me be willing to continue reading the series despite all the frequent stumbling blocks placed in the reader's path. I can now end my involvement with her writing, because this book finally made me unwilling to slog through another one like it in this series, or to even begin her other series. It is a loss for both of us.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae and Dottie are hosting a one-of-a-kind group of campers that I hope will be back again at Mae’s campground, Happy Trails. The 127 Yard Sale, with a route of 690 miles from Michigan to Alabama, will go right through Normal, Kentucky, bringing vendors and many, many shoppers. Every item for sale has a story and awaits a new purpose.

Early Saturday morning, Mae and Dottie went to a couple yard sales listed in the Normal Gazette. The first sale had a “curb alert”, where some items are totally free. Dottie was so excited to see that Etta advertised it. A reputed hoarder, Etta has some of the best curb alerts.

Hours later, Dottie is thrilled with her newest treasures, including what had been an expensive, well-made, lawn chair. Absolutely free. Waiting for them at Happy Trails Campground are ten campers with an Ohio Chapter of the Camping Cowgirls. Each woman brings their adorable, classic camper with fabulous, unique, painted designs that I would have loved to see in all their brilliant colors. Flamingos. Coca Cola. Gorgeous, creative ideas.

Betts, one of the Laundry Club Ladies, a group of close friends who get together and help solve cases, brought over the church bus to take the Cowgirls into town for lunch and seeing the shops. One of the stops is the Tough Nickel, a thrift and antique store that is the kind of place one could explore all day and still not see everything. Etta was there, trying to consign some of her better vintage brooches as Buck, the owner, will get more for them than she could at her yard sale. One of the Cowgirls was very interested in a beautiful peacock and gem-studded piece, but Etta decided to keep it due to its story.

The next day, Etta is found dead in her yard. Murdered. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies went to Etta’s as soon as they heard about it. Al Hemmer, the sheriff, is way over his head. A description of someone at her sale today matched one of the Cowgirls, so Mae will find out what she can about that camper’s whereabouts that morning. And if Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies do more snooping than that, what will it hurt? Especially when Etta’s husband wants them to look into the murder.

In the meantime, Mae and her mama, Mary Elizabeth, are swamped with wedding preparations. She and her fiancé, Hank, are doing pre-wedding counseling with Preacher Alex. They need to make a decision of where they will live after the wedding. Hank has a case of a missing teenage girl and is frustrated that he can’t find her. And somewhere in Normal, a killer is running around loose.

Mae, Dottie, and their friends have several suspects, including relatives, a camper at Happy Trails, even a well-known business owner. The story is evenly paced except when plot twists add oomph to the action. I am totally stumped by most of Tonya’s plots, but this time I was between two people, possibly both together. I was sad but not surprised at whodunit but I was surprised at the real motive. Overall, I was pleased with the outcome, and highly recommend this to all who enjoy real or armchair camping, well-written Southern cozy mysteries, lots of humor, and stories of folks’ treasures.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always fun to escape into the town of Normal, Kentucky where we all know nothing is normal, right? I think this quaint little town is pretty normal with a wonderful cast of characters who will entertain you with their antics and banter with one another. I guess the only thing that makes this little town not normal is they definitely have their share of murders, but fear not because they also have a group of ladies known as the Laundry Club Ladies. If you want a crime to be solved, you need look no further. These ladies are pretty observant, intelligent, and they are definitely interested in justice.

The yearly 127 Yard Sale runs from Michigan to Alabama and through six states with one of the stops being Normal, Kentucky. Dottie is all about bargain hunting and yard sales. The Cowgirl Camping Group is in town and Dottie and Mae are their hosts at the campground. They take them on tour through the town while Dottie regales them with tales of Normal and its residents. It is a fun day for everyone. The fun ends the next morning when they find out that Etta Hardgrove has been murdered. Etta was known to be a hoarder. She was one of them, so they will not stand by without doing their own investigation.

This is one, if not my very favorite, cozy mystery series. I love the characters and their relationships with one another. Kappes does a great job of pulling you into the story and the characters and their lives. I have been reading this series for a while, and I feel as if I know them personally. Dottie is still my favorite character. You never know what this Southern lady will say or do, and she has a warm heart. I also enjoy the way that Tonya Kappes describes the scenery in her books. For example when she is describing the campground - "As night fell and all the little details of their event came together, Happy Trails Campground transformed into a realm of twinkling magic. The string lights that hung between the trees turned on, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the area." This description transported me to a place of peace where I could imagine these lights, smell the campfire burning and hear the laughter of people as they enjoyed a night with nature. Tonya Kappes is a true artist with her pen. The books are funny and always have a mystery to be solved, but it also allows me to use my imagination as well. It makes me wish there was such a place as Happy Trails Campground with Dottie at the centerpiece.

As usual, I finished this book with a smile on my face. If you enjoy a good mystery with plenty of suspects to choose from, and you also enjoy good humor and fun characters, you will find nothing better than this book and this entire series.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, Quarrels and Quandary
A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book #32
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to Normal, where NOTHING is normal.
"Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary: A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 32" invites you back to the heart of Kentucky's Daniel Boone National Forest. The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, roll into the Happy Trails Campground with their quaint campers, ready to indulge in the annual 127 yard sale and antique treasure hunting. But amidst the cozy camaraderie, a chilling event shatters the tranquility.
Local woman Etta Hardgrove, a consignor at the Tough Nickel thrift shop, catches the eye of a Cowgirl Camper with her distinctive jewelry. But when Etta is found dead, the Campers swiftly become suspects, mired in a town teeming with those who harbored ill-will against Etta. The mystery deepens, and no one can be trusted.
Meanwhile, campground owner Mae and her partner Hank have their hands full. Hank is preoccupied with a missing teenager's case while Mae is entangled in wedding plans and premarital counseling that she's not particularly invested in, much to the dismay of her friend Mary Elizabeth.
As whispers of suspicion turn towards the nomadic Cowgirl Campers, Mae, Dottie, and the intrepid Laundry Club Ladies embark on a mission to unravel the truth behind Etta's untimely death. They dig deep into Etta's past and scrutinize the traveling campers, all to ensure the safety of their beloved Normal, Kentucky.
From yard sales to murder trails, "Questions, Quarrels, & Quandary" delivers a captivating blend of cozy camaraderie, nuptial nuances, and mystery that will keep you guessing till the last page. (Amazon)


Review:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women’s camping club, has come to the Happy Trails Campground to participate in a huge garage sale. When a local woman from the Tough Nickel thrift store is found dead, the Cowgirl Campers become suspects. Mae and the gang will have to figure out who the culprit is and why.


The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it helped me to enjoy the book immensely. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery is well plotted and there were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through.


I would recommend the book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Check it out and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

This has to be my favorite series that the author has written. She has created a quaint little town where local shops entice tourists from all over. I could sit at Cookie Crumble for hours and sample all the delicious sweets that could tempt anyone to over indulge. The coffee is always available at the town’s favorite spot. But what really brings the tourists is Mae’s campground. From the smallest detail of making sure that each campsite has wood to a s’mores adventure, there is much to do at Happy Trails Campground.

I loved the new visitors that have come to stay for an adventure and would love to be part of their group. Who doesn’t love retro trailers and themed ones like Barbie or Coca Cola? The Camper Cowgirls are here to go to the biggest garage around, visit the town of Normal and take in the beauty surrounding the camp. The author takes us along as the women go to a yard sale where treasures are found. Now there is a story behind one item that was purchased but readers will have to find that out for themselves.

Needless to say a murder takes place and I was very sad of who it was. It is a shock to Mae and her group which gears them up to investigate. While this is going on Hank has his hands full trying to solve the mystery of a missing girl. Did I mention that there is also marriage preparations going on as well? The book is well stocked with mystery, a special wedding coming up soon and Dottie who has become my favorite character.

I appreciate the author touching on the subject of hoarding. Some people have a real problem with this and can cause families to fight and isolate the one with the problem? Did Etta’s hoarding have anything to do with her murder? The ending is a shocker for me as the murderer is revealed. The author had me completely fooled because I was so sure of who it was.

As the book ends the author teases us with a getaway with the girls for Mae’s bachelorette party. Oh my I can’t wait to see what happens when they are all together with a plan that will probably send Mae into fits as she endures an adventure with her friends.

I received a copy of this book from Celebrate Lit. The review is my own opinion.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is the 32nd book in the Camper & Criminals series but it's as fresh and exciting as the first book. Reading Questions, Quarrels, and Quandary is just like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the setting, and the comfort knowing Mae the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

It's time for the multi-state 127 yard sale and the highway runs right through Normal, Kentucky. With the festivities comes The Cowgirl Campers make their temporary home in Happy Trails Campground while they treasure and antique hunt. All the citizens in Normal have geared up for the yard salers, including notorious hoarder, Etta Hardgrove.

When the body of Etta is found bludgeoned to death on her property, foul play is suspected. As newcomers flow in and out of Normal, the local police have their work cut out for them. Enter Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies. After a particular incident between one of the Cowgirl Campers and Etta, the Campers are put on the suspect list. Having them close in the Campground allows Mae and Dottie to do some sleuthing.

The author kept me guessing about the person responsible, as well as the motive. There ends up being several characters who have obvious reasons to be on the suspect list. It just took some time to logically sort things out.

The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. The suspense build-up was written well and intensified until the very end.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and several smaller ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic addition to the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series which is Book 32 in this series. WOW! What fun this book was. Once you begin, you will want to read it straight through! In this book, Mae and Dottie are excited about a group of women campers in classic campers called the Cowgirl Campers to Happy Trails Campground. It is the time when the annual 127 yard sale is going on which covers hundreds of miles up and down highway 127. Dottie is in her element when she drags Mae to a curb alert, where some vendors set free thing out at the curb. Dottie bought a vintage looking chair that she was very excited about. After this early bird trip, Mae and Dottie returned to the campground to welcome the Cowgirl Campers group and get them settled in and give them their itinerary. Bette brought over the church buss to take the women into town to the Tough Nickel where antiques and other sundries are sold and are taken in on consignment. While they are in there, Mae and Dottie see Etta there with some brooches she wants to consign and when one of the Cowgirls sees the beautiful peacock one, Etta takes it back and says it's not for sale. The next thing we know, Etta is found murdered. Now we have suspects which include one of the Cowgirl Campers, Etta's husband who he was separated from, her daughter, her daughter's friend and her friend's boyfriend among other possibilities and we find Etta was a major hoarder as well. Could someone be after one of her "treasures?" At the same time, we have Mae and Hank trying to get through wedding plans and Hank is absorbed with a missing girl case. You will turn page after page, until the surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and the entire series. I can't wait to read more! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Aimee Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya has done it again. The newest book in the Camper and Criminals cozy mystery series is here, and it doesn’t disappoint as it takes us on a treasure hunt. A garage sale type of treasure hunt, that is. The 127 yard sale to be exact, a huge garage sale that goes from Michigan to Alabama, leading right through Normal, KY. And Mae has the pleasure of hosting a group of campers called the Camping Cowgirls. And what a group it is! These ladies show up in a parade of decorated vintage campers, each one more special than the last.

Betts helps Mae and Dottie take the Camping Cowgirls into town to shop and for lunch, and meet up with Etta Hardgrove, who is in town to sell some of her antique brooches. Around this time, Mae has the first inkling that something isn’t right in Normal, but she sure hopes she’s wrong. The next day, she finds out that Etta is dead, and all is not right in their town.

As is usual in a small town, rumors and stories abound, and the Laundry Ladies jump into action, so they can determine who killed their friend. Was it over the brooch that she refused to sell, a family matter, or something else entirely? Only time will tell.

While the murder investigation is going on, there are also wedding preparations and Hank’s case of a missing local girl. Will it all prove too much for Mae and Hank or will they come out on top?

This book was a fun read, with all of my favorite characters, but also the Camping Cowgirls, who were fun to imagine. I can’t wait to see what happens next, as this storyline definitely gives us more to think about for future happenings. I received an arc of this book, but all opinions are my own.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this newest installment to the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies are trying to figure out who ended up killing one of their own.  They are dealt with a lot of new and interesting group of visitors called the Cowgirl Campers and they are staying at the Happy Trails Campground.  With a mystery to solve and the campground being busy it doesn’t leave much time for Mae to keep planning her wedding to Hank Sharp who is busy with his own case to solve.

Hank and Mae do manage to find time to do the marriage counseling that Mary Elizabeth wants them to do before they are married.  This does lead to some conversations that they have been putting off, but they do come to a solution in the end. 

‘Questions, Quarrels & Quandary’ has everything we love about a cozy mystery and if you want a nice read with just a little bit of trying to figure out who did what this book is for you. Tonya knows how to really keep us guessing until the very end and all the other characters in this series are ones you really grow to love.  I am giving this book 4.5 stars. It’s a great read that I have come to love when reading Tonya Kappes books and I’m sure you will also love this book.  You can pick this book up wherever you get your books and if you are a Kindle Unlimited member this book is included in your membership.

[Deb Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return once again to Normal, Kentucky where everyone knows each others name and business.
Mae and her friend Dottie are preparing for a large group of campers to spend time at the the campground owned by Mae. These ladies called the Camping Cowgirls travel the country in vintage inspired campers.
Before the Camping Cowgirls arrive Mae and Dottie are sidetracked by a Curb Alert of free items before a much larger Yard Sale begins. Dottie is super excited when she is able to snag an expensive lawn chair absolutely free. Normal, Kentucky's known hoarder, Etta Hardgrove has been found murdered. The local sheriff is called but can't determine who would have caused such a crime. Etta's husband has asked Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club ladies help in capturing the perpetrator of this crime.
With all that is going on in Normal and the campground, Mae, Mary Elizabeth, Mae's foster mother, and Hank, the intended groom, continue preparing for their forthcoming wedding.
This book is action packed and never a dull moment with many twists and turns and delightful southernisms.
Could not put this book down and can not wait for the next book in this series.
These honest opinions are my own.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery in this book involves the murder of Etta Hardgrove, who is a hoarder and consigner of goods in town. One of the suspects in her murder is a member of The Cowgirl Campers, an all-women's vintage camping club, who comes into town for the 127 yard sale. The description of the vintage travel campers made me look them up to see what they look like. This book also made me want to travel to the yard sale.

As Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies investigate, there are quite a few suspects with a variety of reasons. Ms. Kappes does a good job of weaving the story and the suspects. I found the killer to be a total surprise and it was quite sad as to who and why they murdered Etta.

I was puzzled by the side story of Hank and the missing teenager. There is not a lot of detail about the how and why of the missing teenager, just that he is investigating the case and is coming up empty. Maybe it will be continued in the next book.

The description of the pre-marriage counseling sessions makes me laugh. Really, Mae and Hank seem compatible on most things in their lives and I can see how she feels it is kind of pointless. I cannot wait for Hank and Mae’s wedding!

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Campers and Criminals series is a lot of fun, despite the murder of Etta,a local collector/hoarder. In this one a group of women known as the Camper Cowgirls bring their small campers to Happy Trails Campground. Each camper and owner have their unique style and personality. One of these women also is a suspect in the murder.

While Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies try to solve the murder, Hank and Mae are undergoing their pre-wedding counseling with Preacher Alex. This counseling deals with a major issue: where will the couple live after the wedding? Mae loves her small camper while Hank’s fifth wheel is larger and probably more suitable for a couple.


The pros and cons of collecting and hoarding become major elements in solving this murder mystery. The mystery of who killed Etta had lots of twists and turns and ultimately led to an unexpected killer with a surprising motive.

In the meantime Hank has his own mystery solving the disappearance of a local girl. Hopefully this mystery will be resolved later. The very end of this story is also a surprise but a perfect segue to the next book.

As usual the characters in this series make this series a wonderful read. The Camper Cowgirls were a wonderful addition to this story. I love reading Dottie’s unique southern expressions.


I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this book and am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series.