Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter

Camper & Criminals #35

by Tonya Kappes

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where the only thing normal is the unexpected! Join Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies as they untangle a mystery as intriguing as the winding paths of Daniel Boone National Forest.


During National Wildflower Week, Normal is abuzz with nature enthusiasts and botanists. But the festivities take a dark turn when a renowned botanist known for her groundbreaking research is found dead under the moonlit sky. The tranquil celebration is shattered, and the town is gripped with shock and disbelief.

The trails may have gone cold, but Mae and her friends are hot on the case. From a land developer with a not-so-clear conservation plan to an assistant whose obsession takes a dangerous turn, the list of suspects is as diverse as the town's flora. Mae delves into a thicket of hidden motives and secrets, discovering that danger in Normal can sprout up unexpectedly.

Navigating through a labyrinth of environmental politics and hidden agendas, the Laundry Club Ladies are determined to expose the truth and bring justice. But in Normal, where the extraordinary often lurks beneath the surface, can Mae piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again?

"Moonlight Marshmallows & Manslaughter" invites you on a captivating journey through the heart of Kentucky. It's a cozy mystery that intertwines the charm of small-town life with the thrill of the unknown. So, get ready to be immersed in a tale where uncovering the truth is as vital as preserving the beauty of nature itself.

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

288 pages, Kindle Edition

First published February 22, 2024

About the author

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:
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Webpage
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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 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧

“If that boys brains were dynamite he couldn’t blow his nose!” -Dottie

[Tonya Kappes]

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normal, KY is hosting a wildflower festival during National Wildflower Week. The town is full of nature enthusiasts and botanists. However, it didn’t take long before things had a dark turn. When one of the botanists that is renowned for her groundbreaking research doesn’t show up for her speaking engagement, Mae goes looking for her. When the botanist is found dead Mae is determined to find her killer.

It’s always an entertaining time visiting Normal. One thing you can count on in Normal that nothing is Normal and that Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies will get involved in a murder investigation. The Lady Club Ladies have great friendships and use their individual skills to solve problems the murders in and around the Daniel Boone National Forest. One of my favorite characters is Dottie. She is funny and apologetically herself. The mystery is full of twists and mis-directions. I was surprised by who the killer was and why.

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

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️

Officially re-caught up on what my library has!

[Mona J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun book by Tonya Kappes. I took a break on the series and just finally picked up #35. I really enjoyed it... but I didn't love it. Not sure why. It has the usual great characters like always, a fun mystery, and lots of Dottie moments...lol. The ending was just ok for me, which is probably why I gave it a little lower of a rating. Still a fun read/listen though.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Every visit with the Laundry Club Ladies is a treat and this was no exception. I enjoyed my time in Normal, this time during National Wildflower Week and was intrigued by the research the botanist was undertaking. The mystery was well-paced and I was surprised by the eventual conclusion. Looking forward to trying (desperately!) to catch up in this series.

[Russeller · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened on audiobook while doing fall canning! Fun! Left me wanting marshmallows though... :)

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

The Laundry Club Ladies are back and ready to sleuth in the 35th installment of Tonya Kappes’s Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Moonlight, Marshmallow & Manslaughter!

The Wildflower Festival is underway and nature lovers are flocking to the Daniel Boone National Forest. The festival is full of beautiful landscapes, talks on conservation and….a dead body??? With news traveling fast it’s up to Mae West & the Laundry Club Ladies to sleuth out the clues, catch the killer and save the reputation of their beloved town!

🌸 Wildflower Festival
🐎 Kentucky
😹 Hoot & a Half
🧺 Laundry Club Ladies
🫶 Found Family
🔍 Cozy Mystery
📚 35th in the Series
🏡 Small Town

The Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series never fails to crack me up, keep me guessing and have me wishing I could join the Laundry Club Ladies on their sleuthing adventures! 10/10 recommend!

Method Read: 📖

Thank you Tonya Kappes for the ARC!

[Chris Grizzle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great series I have been with since book one!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter is another exciting installment in Kappes' camper and criminals cozy mystery series. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are excited about National Wildflower week in Normal. The town has many activities and festivities planned for this week which is so important to the Normal economy. Things take a turn for the worse when a guest speaker for the event is found murdered. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are determined to solve this case to protect this important activity for the town.

Kappes sets up not only a good mystery but also a test for Mae and Hank now that they are married and beginning their new life together as a married couple. Mae and Hank need to confront some things now that circumstances have changed, and this case allows them to do just that. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back in action as well. Overall Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter proved to be an entertaining read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Mae's next adventure.

Received a copy of Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter from the author.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest installment in the Camper and Criminals Series is a great read. National Wildflower Week is going on in Normal and all business owners in town are participating in one way or another. Unfortunately there is some turmoil over protecting the forest as is or allowing a nature center in the forest. When a leading botanist and strong conservationist is murdered, it’s up to Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies to try to find the killer. Her death is affecting the mood of the special week. As usual there are multiple suspects

The murder mystery was well developed. I
was very surprised when the killer and motive were revealed.

There are changes going on for Hank, Mae and their family. It’s great how the characters continue to develop.

What I really enjoyed was all the descriptions of the forest, the town, and the campground. It helps you really appreciate this beautiful settings of this story.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy. I can’t wait to see what happens next with these likable and realistic characters!

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

My first story by this author; I loved the title and synopsis. The descriptions also prompted us to toast marshmallows over a fire under moonlight, thank you thoughtful author! A cozy, easy read, and Mae was a likable character. I enjoyed the outdoor setting imagery and camping vibe as the mystery gets solved, but personally could have done without the proverbs and redundant gossip that did not add to the plot. Just a personal preference. Overall, a fun, cozy murder mystery. The recipes and camping tips are truly appreciated by readers! 2.5/5

[Jane K · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the book overall. I found the storyline about the rare flowers and the effect of development on them interesting. I thought the reason for the murder a little silly. Thurmond murdered Emily over rare records. Hank is back to being a ranger. Does that mean that he’s in law enforcement again? I see there are going to be arguments between Mae and Hank about her involvement in solving murders in the future.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another enjoyable cozy mystery by Tonya Kappes. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Very well worth the time to read.

[Caz Knight · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Coming

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being back in Normal is always a good time. This time Normal is hosting a wildflower festival. Things take a turn when a botanist is found dead. The Laundry Club ladies are on the case. The case takes a few turns. They continue to search for clues even though they receive threats.

I continue to enjoy this series. I'm looking forward to the next book.

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter" is book 35 in the "Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery" series by Tonya Kappes. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are doing a Moonlight hike and come across 2 people arguing. Normal, Kentucky is having the Wildflower Festival and has a lot of people in town for the event. They find out that one of the flowers in The Daniel Boone National Forrest has a rare flower that can be used to help with cancer. While all of this is going on, a murder happens, and Mae and the girls need to figure out who did it and why it happened. On another note, Hank has another job opportunity come up, and Mae is nervous that it will put a strain on their relationship. I enjoyed this book and always look forward to the next one. I love Mae and the Laundry Club ladies. Dottie is a hoot and has no problem just coming out and saying what is on her mind.

[Tabby Shiflett · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars
Great idea, but just not my cup of tea. This cozy is part of a long-standing Southern cozy series (so obviously a lot of readers love it) and there's plenty of pros: positive Southern cozy (yay, finally!), important conservation issues included in the plot, quintessential characters and beautiful setting, and recipes and camping hacks at the end (loved this); but so much text and time was spent on the scenery and petty small-town gossip and proverbs, it took away from the story and marginalized the "culture." I'll give one of the earlier books a try to see if that makes a difference, but if you love the rest of the series, you'll probably enjoy this one too.

GoodReads FirstReads Giveaway

[Loren · Rating 2 out of 5]

ALL OF THAT OVER SOME RECORDS?!!! This is my first book in this series, and while I like a good cozy mystery, this one was just so far fetched that I sadly couldn't get into it.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight, Marshmallows, And Manslaughter
A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #35
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where the only thing normal is the unexpected! Join Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies as they untangle a mystery as intriguing as the winding paths of Daniel Boone National Forest.

During National Wildflower Week, Normal is abuzz with nature enthusiasts and botanists. But the festivities take a dark turn when a renowned botanist known for her groundbreaking research is found dead under the moonlit sky. The tranquil celebration is shattered, and the town is gripped with shock and disbelief.

The trails may have gone cold, but Mae and her friends are hot on the case. From a land developer with a not-so-clear conservation plan to an assistant whose obsession takes a dangerous turn, the list of suspects is as diverse as the town's flora. Mae delves into a thicket of hidden motives and secrets, discovering that danger in Normal can sprout up unexpectedly.

Navigating through a labyrinth of environmental politics and hidden agendas, the Laundry Club Ladies are determined to expose the truth and bring justice. But in Normal, where the extraordinary often lurks beneath the surface, can Mae piece together the puzzle before the killer strikes again?

"Moonlight Marshmallows & Manslaughter" invites you on a captivating journey through the heart of Kentucky. It's a cozy mystery that intertwines the charm of small-town life with the thrill of the unknown. So, get ready to be immersed in a tale where uncovering the truth is as vital as preserving the beauty of nature itself. (Amazon)

Review:

It is National Wildflower Week and the celebrations are just getting started. But the celebrations are short lived when a botanist is found dead. The ladies will have to put on their sleuthing shoes and figure out who killed her and why before the killer strikes again.

The author is very talented and these descriptions and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider and it was not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Anytime I am able to spend time with the Laundry Club Ladies, I am a happy camper.

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]

It's National Wildflower Week in Normal, Kentucky. A variety of people have descended on the town including a lot of nature enthusiasts and botanists. The book opens up with a wildflower night tour in the Daniel Boone National Forest led by one of my favorite characters, Queenie. Queenie is in her element leading the tour and explaining about all of the different wildflowers and plants on the trail. Of course we know that Mae and the rest of the laundry club ladies are along for the hike helping light up the trail as these ladies stand together in everything they do. Their friendship runs deep.

When a botanist is found dead on the trail the next morning, the celebration is not so happy now. The laundry club ladies will have their work cut out for them in this mystery because the suspects will be many. There are two groups of people in town. One is all about preserving the naturalness of the Daniel Boone Forest by doing nothing to hinder its natural beauty. While another group is happy to preserve nature, but they also want to see some development to help the local economy. The mystery, as always, is well written and interesting with plenty of red herrings and twists to make it even more fun to read.

I always enjoy reading a mystery starring the Laundry Club Ladies. Dottie makes me laugh all the way through the book. One of my favorite ones in this book was, "If that boy's brains were dynamite, he couldn't blow his nose." You can expect to see many more funny scenes like that in this book. Dottie has a gruff exterior and no filter on her mouth, but she is a softie at heart who cares about those around her and about justice. Normal, Kentucky is anything but normal. However, it is a great place to live and raise a family. If you enjoy a cozy mystery with a good mystery and plenty of laughs, you will enjoy this book and this entire series. I am completely addicted to this series.

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is the time for the Wildflower Festival in Normal Kentucky. Tourists, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are along with a famous DR. Emily Grayson, Botanist who is known for her incredible research in botany and conservation, for a hike at night in the Daniel Boone National Forest to see the very rare Trillium flower, led by Queeny one of the Laundry Club Ladies. While on the hike, a blowout yelling fight between Emily and developer, Marshall Robins was heard by the hikers. Trying to hear the fight, Mae inched her way forward, but couldn't get it all to make sense. It appears, when Dr. Grayson gives her talk, the next day, at the festival, she was going to divulge a new fantastic discovery that could make history. Robins wants to develop the area which would affect the protected areas Dr. Grayson and a lot of the town is dead set against. When Dr. Grayson doesn't show up the next day for her talk, Queeny and Mae go back to the Trillium path to see if she returned there and forgot the time. When they find her dead there, Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies decide to investigate while they are meeting in the Laundry. As they were discussing what they will do and who could be suspects, the very annoying journalist Waldo who normally likes to stir a hornet's nest wants to help the ladies in the investigation. And it just so happens there are so many suspects on either side of the question, Mae, Dottie and the rest of the ladies and Waldo have their work cut out for them. Can they find a murderer? And what is her husband, Hank, doing that may change things? I love book this book with so many twists and turns you just want to read this in one sitting. I also highly recommend the 34 books in this series before this one as well. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight, Marshmallows, and Manslaughter is the 35th book in the Camper & Criminals series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Moonlight, Marshmallows, and Manslaughter is like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky and hanging out will all my friends. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the various locations throughout the book, and comfort of knowing Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

It's National Wildflower Week and Normal is bustling with activities to celebrate the flowers in and around the Daniel Boone National Forest. Daytime and late-night hikes to see the flowers in all their glory bring locals and travelers to the forest. The flowers also bring out the botanists, conservationists, and land developers, along with their secrets, motives, and dangerous plans. When of one the celebrated botanists is murdered, National Wildflower Week wilts under the glare of the horrific event. Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies take charge, determined to bring justice to the dead before any more lives are lost.

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. I was kept guessing until the very end. I was surprised by how the loose threads quickly and methodically tied right up.

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. I was provided a copy of this book.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so excited to dive into the next Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! I have loved each of Tonya’s books and this was no exception!

In "Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter" by Tonya Kappes, readers are whisked away to the quaint town of Normal, Kentucky, where the unexpected becomes the norm. When a renowned botanist is found dead during National Wildflower Week, the tranquility of the festivities is shattered, and Mae West and her Laundry Club Ladies find themselves embroiled in a gripping mystery. Kappes expertly weaves together a tapestry of intrigue, blending the charm of small-town life with the suspense of a murder investigation. As Mae and her friends delve into the case, they encounter a diverse cast of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets lurking beneath the surface. From environmental politics to hidden agendas, the novel explores the complexities of human nature against the backdrop of Kentucky's scenic beauty.
The author's vivid descriptions bring Normal to life, immersing readers in its idyllic setting and close-knit community. Mae West is a relatable and determined protagonist whose wit and perseverance drive the narrative forward. As the plot unfolds, Kappes keeps readers on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a satisfying conclusion that will leave readers eager for more.
"Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter" is a captivating cozy mystery that combines the allure of nature with the thrill of solving a crime. With its engaging storyline and charming characters, this book is sure to delight fans of the genre and leave them longing for another adventure in Normal, Kentucky.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moonlight, Marshmallows and Manslaughter is the thirty-fifth book in the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series. It is National Wildflower Week in Normal, Kentucky and the town is full of wild life enthusiasts. A renowned botanist is in town to share the findings on her breaking discovery, but when she turns up murdered it appears someone will stop at nothing to make sure the discovery never sees the light of day. As always, when a murder takes place in Normal, Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies are on the case not stopping until they’ve uncovered the killer.

By this point in most cozy mystery series the books have lost their edge and I’m reading out of a sense of duty instead of enjoyment, that is not the case at all with this series. I can’t get enough of Mae and the gang and I love visiting Normal again. I don’t ever want to see this series end and I am so glad that these mysteries just keep getting better instead of declining. I also love how short and easy to read these books are. I can fly through them in no time at all. If you haven’t read this series yet and are a cozy mystery fan you need to check it out! I have loved everything I’ve read by Tonya Kappes and am always excited to see a new book or series coming out. I can’t wait to see what comes next in this series and will be reading the next few books soon. Cozy mystery fans need to check this series out!

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think Normal, Kentucky must be a fun place to live because they have so many festivals!

We meet back up with Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies as they investigate the death of a botanist who was involved in the National Wildflower Week. She was going up against a developer in protecting the night-blooming trillium. Could the developer have killed her? His associates? Or could it have been the doctor’s assistant, who has her own research ambitions.

There were so many new characters in this story that I had a tough time keeping everyone straight, which is not a bad thing. I love Mae’s and Hank’s life together. I was really concerned for Hank for a few minutes with the PI business folding, but he is where he belongs.

I can honestly say that the killer came out of left field and Ms. Kappes did an excellent job concealing the identity. As always, the Laundry Club Ladies are a delight and I loved how they included Waldo in their investigation this time. I am looking forward to many more stories about Normal, Kentucky and the Laundry Club Ladies.

Thank you Tonya Kappes for this opportunity to read this story in advance.

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is always a pleasure, i love to see how the characters are "growing" with each new instalment and we return to Normal each time with joy.
This time a very well known botanist is found murdered on a trail during a festival about wildflowers... not only Mae saw that woman the day before but she found her corpse so she is determined to protect Normal and that means finding the culprit before tourists leave and finding the truth about a investment group's plan....

Thankfully Mae can count on the laundry club group and we love Dottie sharp mind and even sharper tongue. Time is the essence and secret group, special discoveries are making it even more complicated but nothing to deter Mae from her goal
Hank is on the brick to make important choice and that's add a little stress but thankfully he is not reverting to his overprotective jerk even when threats are received.

Really i loved the investigation part, and how Waldo for once was not in the way but in the team, even if what is happening to some characters made me a little sad.

I definitively want more!

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Wildflower Festival in Normal, Kentucky, and the Laundry Club Ladies are on a nighttime tour in the forest. Can wildflowers be exciting? They are when a rare bloom only seen at night is paired with a murder, but who would want to kill a botanist? A dispute between a land developer and those wanting to preserve nature could set things in motion. Mae West and her sleuthing team, the Laundry Club Ladies, are on the case and checking out the many, many potential suspects. Add in some major changes in Mae and Hank’s lives, and you have a story that is almost impossible to put down.

This was my 35th visit to Normal, Kentucky, and I enjoyed every moment of getting lost in the vivid descriptions of the forest, the campground, and the town. The characters and scenery come to life in each Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series book. I am hoping for at least another 35 books in this series. I appreciate the advanced copy and the opportunity to visit with Mae and her family and friends.

[Deb Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s that time of year for the Wildflower Festival in Normal, Kentucky. Mae and her friends from the Laundry Ladies Club help their good friend Queenie. It’s Queenie’s job to lead an informative hike pointing out rare wildflowers that only open during a full moon. A prolonged, heated discussion takes place between a botanist, Dr. Emily Grayson and land developer, Marshall Robins. The next day, Dr. Emily is late being the featured speaker at the local public library. Mae and Queenie become concerned about Dr. Emily’s tardiness to the presentation. Receiving a led, the ladies are off to the national forest, following the Lunar Trillium Path. With vultures flying overhead the ladies discover the body of Dr. Emily Grayson.
Many red herrings, unexpected clues, twists and turns led to the real killer.
Hopefully the good citizens of Normal, Kentucky can move past this unexpected tragedy.
Another interesting, well thought out cozy mystery by the talented Tonya Kappes.