Fourth of July Forgery

Holiday Cozy Mystery #6

by Tonya Kappes

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES

Get ready for a thrilling and explosive read that will leave you on the edge of your seat until the final twist, in this Fourth of July Forgery.

As the Fourth of July festivities kick off in the quaint town of Holiday Junction, a body washed up on the beach, murdered in cold blood.

Journalist Violet Rhinehammer just can't resist the lure of the case, her nose for news and following the next big story led her straight into finding out all she can about the victim, including digging into their past.

As the investigation begins, Violet finds herself unraveling a web of deceit and uncovering dark secrets hidden behind the town's idyllic facade.

With suspects as numerous as fireworks in the sky, Violet must navigate a dangerous path to uncover the truth, all while celebrating the most American of holidays.

Will she solve the murder before the party ends? Or will the killer strike again under the cover of night, leaving the town to mourn the loss of another innocent victim?

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

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 29, 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,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
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

[Tonya Kappes]

Don’t forget to add it to your shelf on Goodreads!
ONE CLICK PREORDER ☞ https://amzn.to/3MXH0AW

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Violet Rinnehammer and Darren are enjoying the Fourth of July celebration when a body is found on the beach. Violet works for the Holiday Junction paper is involved in the investigation of the murder. Then another murder both victims are involved in the art world 🌎. Violet discovers the killer by accident which leads to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Kindle Book 📕

Playing catch up with this series so I can read the Thanksgiving and Christmas books in November and December. A fun read even in November!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the 4th of July in Holiday Junction, during the fireworks a dead body washes up on the beach. Violet’s journalist instincts kick in and she dives into the murder investigation forgetting all about the celebrations around her.

This is a fun cozy mystery series especially if you enjoy holiday celebrations. The characters are interesting and entertaining. This book introduces a few new characters that have added a new dynamic to the current relationships. We have also been introduced to a new area in Holiday Junction, the art district. The mystery is full now twists and turns to keep you guessing who is he murderer.

I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator is great at bringing the cast to life. She is great at her enunciation and comedic timing.

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

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s the Fourth-of-July Festivities in the quaint town of Holiday Junction, and a body washes up on the beach, murdered in cold blood.

We visit the art district of Holiday Junction which is up the mountain and sounds like a really quaint area to hang out. Plus we get introduced to a few new characters that I can’t wait to see more of.

There were lots of suspects as the Art Dealer was not well liked, along with plenty of twists and turns to keep us entertained and guessing.

I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy loving friends especially if you like stories set around the holidays.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth of July Forgery Earns 5/5 Brushstrokes … Entertaining Cozy Gem!

Ooh! Aah! Argh! The scream was an unfortunate climax to the evening’s brilliant firework display alerting Violet Rhinehammer, her boyfriend Darren Strickland, and other Holiday Junction townspeople to the body that washed up onto the beach. Violet’s reporter instincts, her experience with more than her fair share of murders, and the marks on the victim’s neck make it obvious this is murder. It took the officials awhile to confirm the victim’s identity, but Mama was quick to discover it is Graham Winston, owner of Winston’s Art Emporium, and a past article mentioned the victim had a wide range of interest, traveled extensively, and dealt with budding artists and collectors. So, why is he dead?

Tonya Kappes has created a delightful town in her Holiday Cozy Mystery series, but with all the celebratory festivities, entertaining events, and town-wide participation, there’s a part of Holiday Junction’s reputation they’d like to change … the murders! No matter how, it seems someone is disgruntled, jealous, or vengeful and their only choice to rid them of their antagonist, nemesis, or competition is to commit murder and, secondarily, try to get away with it without much collateral damage, which doesn’t usually work out. Always a great mystery on which to test my own amateur skill.

In this sixth cozy mystery, the fireworks become the perfect background for the crime with a whiz, a bang, and a scream! Under the guise of reporting the news, Violet’s investigation reveals a dark side of the art world which is engaging, filled with interesting characters, a few twists, a plot to deceive, another to make amends, another felony, and Mama doing her very best to insert herself into every situation. Secrets of all varieties are exposed, a new journalist arrives at the Journal, Violet has more time to be an investigative reporter, and the additional murder ups the danger leading to a surprise confrontation. Tonya Kappes adds her own southern flair with this well-written narrative. I enjoyed it all, y’all!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author Tonya Kappes. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A new reporter is in town, does that mean Violet is out of a job? A new neighborhood is introduced I. This book (the art district) along with some newer characters. Violet is out to catch the murder of an art gallery owner, but her investigation leads her to another death and forgeries aplenty.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Fourth of July Forgery (Holiday Cozy Mystery #6)" by Tonya Kappes has touches of the 4th of July theme throughout the book since its a week long celebration in Holiday Junction. The mystery is around the deaths of a couple of art gallery owners. There's possibly forgery and deceit going on in the art world. Violet is out to get the scoop on this story, even if it burns some bridges it seems.

There were continuity issues that made it a little difficult to pin down who really could be the culprit. It's like multiple chapters or story lines were written but not intended to be used together but then never got taken out or re-edited. This seems to be a consistent issue with books by this author. The stories have so much potential though.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much

4.75 stars

Once again, another winner for the series with wonderful characters and an even more intriguing mystery. This one was following the art world and covering up the crime of a forgery with two victims being the damage of said cover up. There were some twists and turns that lead to some exciting moments as Violet tried to figure out the mysteries. It was so good. I couldn’t put it down because I was hooked and wanted to find out who did it.

There was also the added bonus of the 4th of July flair with all its festivities and atmosphere that just gave me the vibes I was looking for. It made all the more consumed by the story. I felt that I was practically there in Holiday Junction for the 4th of July. It was wonderful.

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

Holiday Junction is decked out in red, white & blue for the Fourth of July! Among the ooh-aahs during the grand finale erupted screams at a dead body on the beach.

Violet is determined to get to the truth when Louise Strickland provides a name, and Millie Kay points out that the victim is a local art dealer. Both of them get busy looking for details to add to the article for the paper. An article that was written several years prior added a twist.

The festivities continue while Violet investigates to bring the killer to justice.

There were a lot of suspects with motives that kept me guessing. I laughed at Violet's surprise attack on an unsuspecting addition to the Junction Journal. Violet's discovery of a new area has me looking forward to future books in a different setting.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

I like that this one covered the 4th of July - a holiday and celebration day for the U.S. However, a dead body is found right as the fireworks are going off.

I'm definitely not drawn into these mysteries. I'm not feeling the romance and I'm not loving the town. Somehow I miss Mae and Hank.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks, murder & mystery…oh my!

Violet and the gang are back and Holiday Junction is in full Fourth of July celebration prep mode - the only issue? A dead body is found washed up on the beach putting a damper on the fireworks display & throwing the town into a tailspin. It’s now up to Violet, her momma and a surprise new resident of Holiday Junction to solve the crime, catch the killer and get their town back in the festival spirit!

Tonya Kappes literally never misses and this installment of of her Holiday Cozy Mystery series was no different! Full of so much hoot and a half humor, head scratching mysteries and lovable quirky characters - I cannot wait to see where the series will go from here!

🎆 10/10 recommend!! 🎆

Thank you so much to Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy!

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holiday Junction

Holiday Junction is ready for another holiday this time it's Fourth of July. I love reading Violet and Darren, everyone who lives in these town.
It has mystery,twists and turns, and 2 bodies that turned up murderer. I love the storyline and it's well written. It kept me on the edge of my seat.

[Cammie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was a cute, cozy holiday mystery. My rating is mainly based on if I would read it again, which I probably wouldn’t. I enjoyed it in preparation for the upcoming Fourth of July holiday and would definitely read other books by this author!

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fourth of July Forgery" is book six in the "Holiday Cozy Mystery" series by Tonya Kappes. Violet is living in Holiday Junction, Kentucky, and is working for the Junction Journal. While being new to the town, she gets her fill of dead bodies showing up. The reporter in her just won't let her not investigate. I love this spinoff series from Tonya's "Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery" series. She does such a good job with giving Violet her own series. I ain't going to lie, I wasn't a big fan of her in the Camper series, but reading this series has changed my mind.

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Holiday Junction, where folks celebrate every holiday with exciting festivities and parades! Violet Rhinehammer, formerly of Normal, Kentucky, has lived here for over a year. She has really blossomed in this special place! Violet uses her investigative journalist skills in her position as Editor-in-Chief of the Junction Journal, as well as sleuthing tips Mae West shared during her recent visit. Combine those with good old Southern common sense and a bit of nosiness and you’ll see how she’s helped solve a few murders.

Violet’s enthusiasm for the upcoming Fourth of July festivities is evident from the start. Her joy bubbles over to a near tidal wave as the week progresses. One would scarcely recognize the former nose-to-the-grindstone young woman whose life was all about finding and writing that one big story that would kickstart her career. Violet is still committed to her work as well as to the way of life in Holiday Junction.

Her mama, Millie Kay, is equally thrilled about the village and the grand opening of the Leisure Center. She has outdone herself by bringing the Center to life and lining up programs, games, and other activities to entertain the older residents of Holiday Junction. It will open during the Fourth of July festivities.

The first night of the celebration includes a round of fireworks. Violet and her boyfriend, Darren, went to the top of the lighthouse he calls home to enjoy their own private viewing. When they heard a scream, Violet ran to see what happened. The body of a man had washed up on the beach. She didn’t recognize the man, but she did recognize how he was murdered.

Thus begins the most challenging investigation Violet has pursued to date. For the first time since moving here, she went to the mountain side of Holiday Junction, up to the art district. It is an eclectic area where like-minded artists have their shops and galleries. Goldie, the trolley driver, gave her the background of the district on the way there, as well as local word on the street about the man who died and who Violet should see. Violet’s “voice” is revealed as a journalist and a creative every bit as talented as those who work in watercolors, clay, or even flour and sugar in the bakery.

A newly-hired journalist, Mama’s painful honesty, identifying possible suspects, and keeping up with the anonymous Merry Maker and festival events keep Violet busy. When another body is found, can the week that normally brings shopkeepers the highest sales of the year be salvaged, or will tourists avoid the village due to having a killer on the loose?

The author’s rich descriptions bring to life an area of Holiday Junction Violet hasn’t seen yet, and it sounds fabulous! We meet some very lovely, yet cagey people who are learning that Violet will discover any secret they try to keep from her. I was as stymied by whodunit as Violet was; there were very few hints to the bad guy’s identity. It was a shock when the person was revealed! Everything was wrapped up beautifully, including the final fireworks and the Merry Maker’s regular column in the Junction Journal. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys Southern ladies, cozy mysteries, and holiday celebrations – and even you year-round Scrooges, as this place and its people will convert y’all quickly!

From a thankful heart: I received a pre-publication copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth Of July Forgery
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #6
Toyna Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES
Fireworks aren't the only things causing sparks this Fourth of July in Holiday Junction! The much-awaited sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, Fourth of July Forgery, immerses readers in a mystery that's more intricate than a firework's design.
When the festive atmosphere is dampened by the grim discovery of a body on the shore, it's up to our firecracker reporter, Violet Rhinehammer, to fizzle out the truth. Delving into the shadowy world of art dealing and potential forgeries, Violet must crack this case faster than a skyrocket, all while trying to keep her relationships and reputation from going up in smoke.
As she navigates the labyrinth of deception and accusation, Violet realizes that even in Holiday Junction, secrets can still explode like a M80. Can she solve the puzzle before the last sparkler has fizzled out, or will the fuse on this mystery burn too quickly for her to handle?
Featuring a captivating blend of small-town charm, holiday high-jinks, and a puzzling mystery, Fourth of July Forgery is a firecracker of a summer read, sure to delight cozy mystery fans and holiday enthusiasts alike. This book is more entertaining than a grand finale of fireworks, proving once again that when it comes to holiday mysteries, Violet Rhinehammer is the 'bomb'!" (Amazon)


Review:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. When Violet is trying to enjoy the fireworks and the holiday festivities, a dead body is found. Violet will have to figure out who the culprit is and why before the holiday season is gone.


The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions brought the book to life in my mind's eye. 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 this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Celebrate the Fourth with Violet, her mama and her friends.


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

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

Loved it! The setting is very American in the first few pages of the book. Holiday Junction knows how to celebrate a holiday, and the most patriotic holiday of all is no exception. Everyone is on the beach anxiously awaiting the fireworks, everything in the town is draped in red, white and blue and no one has a care in the world until a scream pierces the air right after the wonderful grand finale of the fireworks. A body has washed up on the shore. Journalist Veronica Rhinehammer makes sure she is on the scene immediately, so she can get the needed information for the newspaper. We can always count on Veronica to use her super sleuthing skills to help solve the crime.

This murder mystery will take you into a different part of Holiday Junction in the mountains in the Art District. I already love this wonderful holiday crazy town on the beach, but now that Tonya Kappes has introduced us to a new part of town, I love it even more. The characters in this series are loveable and provide humor at times. We are introduced to a new journalist who will be working at the newspaper with Veronica and her mother. I look forward to see where this new character will take us.

I always enjoy a Tonya Kappes cozy mystery. She makes me smile and laugh all while providing a very good mystery. She provides plenty of suspects and red herrings which make the mysteries more fun to attempt to solve, as the reader. I would love to live in this quaint little town on the beach using a golf cart or riding a trolley everywhere you go. Tonya Kappes knows how to pull you into her stories and literally make you want to be a part of the story. I always get lost in the story. This is another winner for the lady I have named my own personal Cozy Queen - Tonya Kappes. If you need a light, humorous read with a good mystery, you will enjoy this book and this entire series. It is just good, clean fun.

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredibly fantastic winner in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series! It's the Fourth of July and the secret Merry Makers, Violet and her boyfriend, Darren have set the celebration to be a spectacular one. Violet's Mamma is so excited for the grand opening of the Leisure Center that she has been instrumental in getting the town to agree to it. With the fireworks ready to begin, Violet and Darren heading to the beach for a front row seat, it is so crowded they decide to head to the top of Darren's lighthouse for a great view. There were so many oohs and aahs until a blood curdling scream. Putting on her journalist hat, she rushes down to the beach to see what happened, much to Darren's chagrin. It appears a gallery owner in the art district of Holiday Junction was strangled and washed up on shore. Since Violet is editor-in-chief of the local paper and she is a journalist after a big story after all, she decides to investigate on her own with the help of her mamma, Millie Kay who works at the paper for her daughter. Because of digging into the crime, she couldn't sleep and decided in the wee hours of the morning to head to the office and see what she could accomplish in researching the murdered man since she got his name under the table from one of the paper's owners. When she got to the office, there was a stranger rifling through her stuff and she mace's him. Comes to find out that Louise one of the paper's owners hired him as a reporter to help Violet but never informed Violet yet. There are so many twists and turns in this book with so many quirky yet lovable characters as well as a much hated victim and a dangerous killer on the loose. I loved the surprise ending. I can't wait to read more about Holiday Junction and Violet, Millie Kay and the other characters in these books! I receive an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed there are strictly my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s time for another adventure with Violet and her sassy mama. These two together make for lots of laugh as they discover secrets n the quaint town. I love how the town celebrates every holiday with parades, food, entertainment and shopping. Stumbling upon a body at the beach, Violet is ready to get answers . Too bad there is a storm brewing in the town as fingers start pointing at each other. Who is this man that is found dead and what does his involvement in the art world cause many to fear for their safety?

As Violet starts her investigation she finds herself in the Art District. It is so different then back in town and I loved how the author visually took us on a tour with vivid details of art work. I felt like I was walking beside Violet and the guide as the paintings and sculptures emitted beauty and prestige. As they say, “every picture is worth a thousand words,” and these were speaking clearly for all to hear. Violet begins to understand the value and how many people would desire to have one of these works of art in their home.

Get ready for a trip into the art world where danger lurks just behind closed doors. Violet and her instincts find her face to face with the killer. I kind of suspected this person but was more focused on someone else that the author fooled me once again. With fireworks, laughs and a few twists the story it reminds us that Holiday Junction is filled with love, excitement and adventure.



“We can’t let fear hold us back from seeking the truth.”

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

[Aimee Stark · Rating 5 out of 5]

We meet Violet just in time for the 4th of July festival, having already taken care of her Merry Maker duties, in fact, meeting up with her co-Maker Darren at the popcorn booth. When the beach proves to be too crowded to get a good seat for the fireworks, Darren leads her up to the lighthouse for the best viewing.

But, the fireworks come to an end, the crowd comes to life with cheers and applause, however, the sounds of joy are quickly replaced by screaming, which can’t be a good sign. And of course, the reporter side of Violet Rhinehammer has to see what on earth is going on. And what’s going on is a body, a body that washed up onto the beach.

Violet immediately goes into investigative overdrive on a quest to find out who and why, which causes a few issues between her and Darren. The body turns out to be a local art dealer, but the why is still up in the air. When Violet can’t sleep, she goes for a walk and happens across somebody snooping in her office, thinking it has to do with the investigation, but turns out there’s a new reporter in town, Radley.

The suspect list starts to grow, and Violet finds herself whittling away at it. After another murder, it almost seems like it’s back to the drawing board, but Violet perseveres as always, and finds herself right in the thick of things (as per her usual) and wraps up another case. I can’t wait to see what she gets herself into next time. If you haven’t started this series, it’s a must read. I reviewed an advanced reader copy, but all opinions are my own.

[Julie Howard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I want to say I enjoyed this book and for the most part I did. However there was a few things that just got annoying. The great long description the author went too, to describe something that had nothing do to with the mystery, like the flowers in the florist shop or every 4th July costume the main character saw, was it really necessary or just padding out the story. Also the slight exaggeration of such a Heinous crime that rocked the community, really? The only one the seemed bothered about it was Violet. The assistant and ex girlfriend were worried they would be next but I never understood why? The new reporter claimed to be attached when talking to the mum's but single a few minutes later, why didn't Violet pick up on that? Just lots of niggle things that stopped me from giving it a five star, which is a shame because I like the author. I like Holiday Junction as a series and all the quirky characters that live there but this was not my favourite. The mystery had a number of suspects to keep you guessing.
Firework were meant to be the only thing going off with a bang at Holiday Junction fourth of July celebrations but when a body is discovered on the beach, celebrating is the last thing on reporter Violet Rhinehammer mind. With a killer on the loose she must investigation the art district of Holiday Junction to find the killer. With the art community keeping secrets or too scared to talk it a race against time to find the killer before another body drops.
The narrator takes some getting use to, but the accents certainly transports you to a different place.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes set in Holiday Junction. Violet Rhinehammer is enjoying the Fourth of July celebration with Darren when a dead body is discovered on the beach. Of course, she feels the need to investigate it for a story and justice for the deceased.

I’m not quite sure why Marge felt she needed to hire a new reporter, but Radley seems like he will be a good addition to the town. His introduction to Violet was quite amusing and it was a surprise that he knew Darren. I was afraid he was being added as a love interest for Violet in a love triangle and was so happy that was not the case.

There are a few suspects for the murder of the deceased, who was a shady art dealer. While the killer was not a complete surprise, getting there was a nice journey.

I enjoyed Violet’s wild accusation against a couple of suspects who had alibis and Matthew’s disappointment in himself for listening to her. I’m not really sure how she escaped the killer in the end because it seemed like a leap from him attacking her to Matthew showing up and her being outside.

It will be nice if Ms. Kappes continues to introduce us to the mountainous area of town and Amelia and the Sugarbrush Bakery. I liked the art community that comprises the mountains of Holiday Junction. Looking forward to the next story in this series.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Rhinehammer is celebrating another holiday in Holiday Junction and really starting to think of the town as home. Violet and her boyfriend Darren are all set to enjoy the town’s celebrations and help Violet’s momma, Millie Kay, spread the word about her new Leisure Center. Like Violet, Millie Kay has embraced the town and considers it home, so she decided to open her own version of a senior center.

Violet and Darren were just starting to enjoy the Independence Day celebration when people on the beach started screaming. A body washed up on the beach, immediately setting Violet into action. On top of everything, Violet has a new co-worker at the Junction Journal.

This installment of the Holiday Cozy Mystery Book introduces us to another section of Holiday Junction that Violet has yet to visit. We are taken along for the ride as she acquaints herself with the Art District up the mountain from the central part of the town.

Murder (more than one), mayhem, and mystery take the reader on a journey through the pages filled with vivid imagery and fantastic new characters. I enjoyed meeting the new people in Violet’s life and exploring the Arts District with her. This one will keep you guessing!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

[Lisa Christensen · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this new book that means that the gang in Holiday Junction is back with another mystery. During their 4th of July celebration they got more than just fireworks. When a dead body showed up… more like washed up. Violet Rhinehammer is on the case to figure it out. Of course as with every case there are a few bumps along the way but what sleuth doesn’t have that?

Not only will you find the same old pals from Holiday Junction in this book, but Tonya was able to bring in a new character that will be coming back in future books. We also get to have a more of a background/dive into the relationship Violet has with her mother. You can tell things are not perfect for them but they are trying to work things out.

Not only do we get to see more of the relationship Violet has with other characters but we are taken to a new part of Holiday Junction. This part is one I am very curious about and I hope that we are able to go back to it at some point.

With some additions to more characters and a new location it wasn’t too much for this book. I am giving ‘Fourth of July Forgery’ 4 stars and one you would love from start to finish. Tonya Kappes is the queen of cozy mysteries in my book and she brought her A game again with this book.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth of July Forgery is the sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series, a spin-off of the Camper and Criminals series. The spin-off is headlined by Normal's ace reporter Violet Rhinehammer. She exits Normal to move onto greener pastures and finds herself in a different small town.

Book six finds the town of Holiday Junction preparing for Fourth of July celebrations. As Violet continues to keep Junction Journal afloat and tend to her civic duties, a body washes up on the beach. Violet can't help herself, she just has to look into the murder. Digging into the victim's past brings a lot to light and Violet must tread carefully or she may be next.

Fourth of July Forgery is a fun and quick read. I continue to enjoy Violet and Darren and love how their relationship continues to grow as the series progresses. I enjoy getting to know everyone in Holiday Junction. We get to meet a lot of interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out and I thought I knew who the murdered was, and was shocked during the reveal to discover I was very wrong. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth of July Forgery is the sixth book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.

It's the Fourth in Holiday Junction!! The town is kicking off its holiday festivities with fireworks on the beach. The fireworks are cut short when a dead body is discovered. The victim is a local gallery owner and art dealer, Graham Winston. Can Violet solve the murder so the town can enjoy the rest of the holiday activities?

I always enjoy these books. I love how they are holiday themed. The town and characters are wonderful. As always, I love Millie Kay!

We are introduced to a new journalist starting at the Junction Journal named Radley. He was hired by Marge. I think there is a secret there or more to the story. Hopefully, we can find out more in the next book.

Did you know there was an art district in Holiday Junction? I love how there is another side to Holiday Junction. The town really does have it all!

I can't wait to see what holiday we get to celebrate next with Holiday Junction!!

FIVE PAWS!!!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fourth of July Forgery is another entertaining installment in Kappes' Holiday Cozy Mystery series. Its the Fourth of July in Holiday Junction, and Violet is more than ready to celebrate. Spending the holiday with her new beau, Darren, seems like the perfect way to enjoy the holiday. Things don't go as planned when a dead body is discovered during the festivities. Add in a new hire at the Junction Journal and a second body, things go from bad to worse. However Violet is determined to solve this case.

Kappes sets up a good mystery full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged. I enjoyed the introduction of a new character while also enjoying all of my favorite secondary characters back. I find myself enjoying this series more and more with each outing. I liked that this case allowed Violet to see a new side of Holiday Junction. Overall Fourth of July Forgery proved to be an entertaining holiday read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Violet's next adventure.

Received a copy of Fourth of July Forgery from the author.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Fourth of July in Holiday Junction and everyone is at the beach enjoying the fireworks, including Violet and Darren, when a body washes ashore. Our intrepid reporter is on the scene immediately to glean information for the newspaper. Lo and behold, while the police won’t confirm it, Violet knows the deceased is a local art dealer. Violet and her friends become determined to find out what happened and who killed the man.

Meanwhile, Violet finds out there’s going to be a new reporter working with her and her mom at the newspaper, and we get to discover a new part of Holiday Junction - the Art District. Will Violet uncover all the clues to reveal the killer’s identity or is she next on the hit list? Tonya’s books are always great, but I’m especially a fan of Violet and Holiday Junction, so Violet’s latest adventure was an absolute joy to read. I’m so thrilled for the next escapades in Holiday Junction. I don’t know how I’m going to wait until fall.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 6th book in this series; I’ve read and enjoyed them all, but this book would stand alone fine. I do think the book would be best enjoyed read in series order, though. I love that this book celebrates Independence Day, because I love everything about the holiday and also reading “in season.” The setting is very unique as the town celebrates each holiday like no other town—they’re a huge focus of the town throughout the year. Violet has really grown on me and I care about her long-term happiness; meanwhile she’s a great journalist/sleuth. Her mama is an absolute hoot and her southern ways in a non-southern setting are as sweet as southern tea. I noticed the writing was especially strong in this book, with such beautiful descriptions of the atmosphere and surroundings. The mystery was entertaining and satisfying to solve. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.