April Fool's Alibi

Holiday Cozy Mystery #9

by Tonya Kappes

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

Mystery is Afoot in Holiday Junction!

Dive into the heart of Holiday Junction, where April Fool's festivities are no laughing matter. Violet Rhinehammer, the sharp-witted editor of the Junction Journal, is on the scene, capturing the frolics and fun of the Fool's Festival for the eager readers of the village. But this year, the jokes take a backseat when a chilling prophecy from a festival palm reader turns Violet's world upside down.

Celebrations turn to suspicions at the surprise party for Violet's boyfriend, Darren, who's just aced the bar exam. But the night is marred by a scuffle with a notorious bar regular, leading to a series of events that even Holiday Junction's merry traditions can't overshadow.

As Violet juggles her reporter's notebook with her knack for sleuthing, the festive air is shattered by a grim discovery—the body of last night's troublemaker. With Darren's legal eagle eyes and Violet's determination, they delve into a mystery where everyone's a suspect and motives are as plentiful as easter eggs hidden in the park.

"April Fool's Alibi" is a twisty, brain-teasing cozy that will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you crave a mystery that feels like a walk through a small town filled with big secrets, hit that one-click button and join Violet in unraveling Holiday Junction's most perplexing case yet. No gore, no foul language, just pure, captivating intrigue wrapped in the charm of the South.

Ready for a killer party? "April Fool's Alibi" is your invitation to the sleuthing soiree of the season!

Dear reader, if you love dogs, every holiday with all the holiday trimmings, and a cozy town, you’re going to love this new series by Tonya Kappes. It's time to CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES in the town of Holiday Junction! Just because it's the holiday, doesn't mean it's free of crime and murder! But I can guarantee this series is clean with no foul language or gore. Each book can be read as a stands alone because each murder is wrapped up. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee! It's time to sleuth along Violet Rhinehammer and celebrate good crimes!

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

234 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 28, 2024

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

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 9 of 10

Violet is covering the April Fools Day Party for the local paper. There is a party tonight for her boyfriend gets his degree. There is a murder and another. What is going on? Violet keeps asking questions which leads to the arrest of the killer and a happy ending.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024

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

April Fools is approaching in Holiday Junction and you know what that means! It’s time for a town festival, secret traditions and…murder?! Violet Rhinehammer (Former Normal, KY resident, town reporter & amateur sleuth) is back on the case - collecting clues, interviewing neighbors and trying to balance the holiday festivities with solving yet another crime!

📚 9th in the Series
🔍 Cozy Mystery
🐓 Mischievous Rooster
🏡 Small Town
🔮 Fortune Telling
😹 Hoot & a Half
🫶 Lovable Characters
📰 Town Reporter
🗓️ April Fools

April Fool’s Alibi is another fantastic edition to Tonya Kappes’s Holiday Cozy Mystery series! Full of humor, mystery, twists, turns, a smidge of romance, southern charm and an ending I never saw coming!

Method Read: 📖

[Tonya Kappes]

Whooohooo!! It's here! It's here!!! No foolin'!!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Fool’s Festival celebration for April Fool’s Day is going strong in Holiday Junction. Violet is enjoying people watching as she covers the festival for the newspaper when she is approached by a palm reader. The fortune teller gives Violet an ominous message for her future. Violet later learns this warning may have come true as she and Darren investigate a murder for his first case as an attorney.

This book is full of fun quirky characters and small town charm. Violet is a strong female protagonist who is likable, smart, and just a little bit nosy. The chemistry between Violet and the secondary characters is great. This chemistry allows the readers to feel as if they are reading about something that is happening to their friends. This series is fun as it celebrates holidays no matter if big or small. The mystery is well crafted with plenty of red herrings to keep you guessing. The storyline moves at a quick steady pace keeping you glued to the page to see if you’ve guessed right or if you followed the wrong twist or turn.

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

[Emmalynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Darren finally graduates and immediately has his first client. Violet is on the case to assist and root out the murderer. One of the things I’m not found of is how much control Violet’s mom has over her life 🙄🙄 she’s a grown woman for goodness sake. Anyway, it was pretty good mystery and the murderer did come as a bit of a surprise at the end. There were not to many TSTL moments from Violet so that’s a plus.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This latest in the Holiday Mystery Cozy series is darker than earlier installments even though it revolves around April Fools. It’s a complex mystery that is well written but doesn’t have the same charm as most of its predecessors. There are fewer lighter moments with the exception of Dave the Rooster and his antics. Violet’s mother who usually adds a bit of levity had a minor role in this story.

I missed the storyline around the Merry Maker. This character only shows up in the final summation chapter. It was an excellent summation as usual, but I enjoy the antics involved in choosing where the Merry Maker sign will be placed and how Violet and Darren manage to get the sign in place.

The characters are interesting but there is more emphasis on new characters except for Violet, Darren, Radley, the newer Junction Journal Reporter and Goldie, the trolley operator.

I do enjoy this series and look forward to the next installment. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure if I should even give it 3 stars, but it was a good little book. However, the Author, Tonya Kappes, really needs to have a better editor and proofreader. This book felt like 2 different people had written it and they just combined their parts without reading what the other had written. Shouldn't an author that has written as many books as Ms. Kappes have better support so there is better continuity and less redundancy which would result in a better written book?

[amelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars
yet another person is found dead in holiday junction and violet, like the other books, decides to investigate it. darren has recently qualified as a lawyer and acts as the lawyer for the case so is intertwined in it.
like the past book, i found that the author seems to be repeating things that make the story no longer make sense. for example, violet and darren were both present when a certain piece of information was revealed but a couple of chapters later, violet is revealing the info to darren as if he wasn't there. this just made the story difficult to follow because you aren't sure which part is actually true.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another festival in Holiday Junction has everyone in great spirits. Violet Rhinehammer, editor and reporter for the Junction Journal is busy taking photos for her newspaper and online readers. Things are going well with her boyfriend Darren who recently passed the Bar and is now a full-fledged lawyer, which is a good thing after his mentor, local attorney is taken in for the murder of a man. With Violet’s help, Darren is sure to clear his friend and mentor’s name. I love this charming series set in a lovely seaside town that celebrates every holiday imagined. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The greatest of follies is to be afraid of making one”

Fool’s Festival is under way and everyone is having fun.
When a Palm reader whispers a cryptic message to Violet “someone’s end is near” things get turned upside down.
Celebrations, surprise party and a dead body or two have Violet sleuthing for clues. You will be captivated and guessing until the end.
Small town with fun, entertaining mystery and wonderful characters that have become friends.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is time for the Fool’s Festival in Holiday Junction! Darren has just passed the bar exam and has his first case. Violet takes on the task of trying to find the killer. I love how the art district has been featured in the books since being introduced  before. It leaves room for potential for new characters. It’s also good to see another side of Holiday Junction. I enjoyed the father/daughter moment between Violet and her father. I hope his character is shown more in future books. I just love how Holiday Junction knows how to celebrate their holidays!
 
Thank you to the author for my copy in exchange for my review.

[Bonnie Dieffenbacher · Rating 3 out of 5]

Two murders take place in a small southern town and the young woman who is editor of the towns newspaper tries to solve it. A cute mystery, but predictable

[Jeanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Fool’s Festival is underway and Holiday Junction is full of residents and tourists eager to celebrate April Fools’ Day. Violet, editor of the Junction Journal, is taking photos of people enjoying the festival. She will include photos in their weekly newspaper and the rest on their up-to-the-minute online paper. Violet describes Holiday Junction as “a community, a family brought together by tradition and good old-fashioned fun”. Holiday Junction has many such festivals throughout the year that are enjoyed by all.

Violet was heading to the office when a palm reader stopped her for a special message. At the booth, Violet was given a strange message that she assumed meant there is a fool among them whose final jest would lead to their own downfall.

Violet had too many things to do to get caught up in the psychic’s words. Her boyfriend, Darren, has just passed his bar exam and is ready for his first case rather than assisting his mentor, Diffy Delk. Violet and their friends planned a surprise party for Darren that evening at the bar he owns. It’s fun to see how they have taken their time to get to know each other, and the respect Darren has for Violet.

At the office, she talked with their journalist, Radley. His girlfriend Amelia wanted to get her palm read, and the fortune teller tried to convince them that something terrible would happen that night. Amelia is into psychic stuff, Radley isn’t, but it won’t spoil their night!

Later at the bar, a grumpy man, Frank, was there only to drink, not join the party. His temper rose when he felt his service was too slow. Darren and Violet shared a kiss for the first time in public, and Frank told them to get a room. Diffy went to handle him, Frank threw a drink at him, Diffy threw a punch back, and Darren’s father Matthew, the police chief, broke it up.

Early the next morning, Darren’s phone rang. Frank was found dead in Diffy’s office, and it looked like he had been murdered. Unfortunately, Darren may have his first official case, for his mentor and boss. Diffy will see the other side of the law as a murder suspect. As police chief, Matthew has to walk a fine line with this case so nobody can claim a conflict of interest. From his son’s boss being a suspect to his son’s girlfriend being editor of the paper, it cannot have any appearance of favor for anyone. Soon afterward, Ginny, the palm reader, was also found dead.

Violet and Darren only have time to talk about the case as she, a talented investigative reporter, follows every lead. She and Darren are reminded again that things are never what they seem, especially once they learn the real causes of death for both Ginny and Frank. Violet’s impulsiveness surprised me this time with regards to sharing information with the police chief. I did miss seeing more of the Merry Maker this time! The activity of this secret, vital role brings an added dimension to the festivities.

Solving these murders gave me more than a few edge-of-the-seat moments, especially when she discovered whodunit. The author kept me guessing throughout, and I was only one breath ahead of Violet in guessing the identity of the killer. I was satisfied with the resolution, and am looking forward to visiting Holiday Junction again! I highly recommend this novel and series to those who enjoy fast-paced cozy mysteries with Southern charm, a bit of romance, and another holiday to celebrate!

From a thankful heart: I read an uncorrected copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Fool’s Alibi
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #9
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

Mystery is Afoot in Holiday Junction!

Dive into the heart of Holiday Junction, where April Fool's festivities are no laughing matter. Violet Rhinehammer, the sharp-witted editor of the Junction Journal, is on the scene, capturing the frolics and fun of the Fool's Festival for the eager readers of the village. But this year, the jokes take a backseat when a chilling prophecy from a festival palm reader turns Violet's world upside down.

Celebrations turn to suspicions at the surprise party for Violet's boyfriend, Darren, who's just aced the bar exam. But the night is marred by a scuffle with a notorious bar regular, leading to a series of events that even Holiday Junction's merry traditions can't overshadow.

As Violet juggles her reporter's notebook with her knack for sleuthing, the festive air is shattered by a grim discovery—the body of last night's troublemaker. With Darren's legal eagle eyes and Violet's determination, they delve into a mystery where everyone's a suspect and motives are as plentiful as easter eggs hidden in the park.

"April Fool's Alibi" is a twisty, brain-teasing cozy that will keep you guessing until the very last page. If you crave a mystery that feels like a walk through a small town filled with big secrets, hit that one-click button and join Violet in unraveling Holiday Junction's most perplexing case yet. No gore, no foul language, just pure, captivating intrigue wrapped in the charm of the South.

Ready for a killer party? "April Fool's Alibi" is your invitation to the sleuthing soiree of the season!

Dear reader, if you love dogs, every holiday with all the holiday trimmings, and a cozy town, you’re going to love this new series by Tonya Kappes. It's time to CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES in the town of Holiday Junction! Just because it's the holiday, doesn't mean it's free of crime and murder! But I can guarantee this series is clean with no foul language or gore. Each book can be read as a stands alone because each murder is wrapped up. Grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee! It's time to sleuth along Violet Rhinehammer and celebrate good crimes! (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. What was supposed to be a fun gathering for Violet’s boyfriend turns into some tense moments with one of the partygoers. And when that person is later found dead, Violet will have to figure out who the killer is and the why behind it.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and the descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved. You will definitely need to wear your thinking cap to solve this one.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. You are in for a good time when you read this book.

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Far be it for Holiday Junction not to celebrate any day that could be another festival. So now, it is April and there's April Fools day, we have the Holiday Junction Fool's Festival with visitors and townspeople celebrating with booths and activities. Violet is the town's journalist and is out and about taking photos of the fun for the next journal addition. As she is talking pictures, the woman from the palm reader's booth came up to her with a dire message. Although Violet couldn't put the message out of her mind, she new she had to. At the same time, she is putting the final touches on a surprise party for Darren, her boyfriend who owns the local pub but has just passed his bar exam. With so many friends in town and the bar crowded, Darren was certainly surprised. Everything was going well until a disgruntled Frank who wasn't invited demands his drink loudly and starts bad mouthing Diffy the lawyer in town who Darren trained under. It came to blows and finally the mild Diffy hits Frank and more could have happened if the police Chief, Darren's father stepped in and told Frank to leave. He left and so did Diffy. Unfortunately, the next day, Frank is found murdered in Diffy's office. So now we have an obvious suspect. Both Violet and Darren believe in Diffy's innocence and Darren has his first law case to prove his client's innocence and Violet is also on the case. Then we have the murder of the palm reader. What is going on? Are the murders connected and how? This book as all the books in this series is a page turner that keeps you hooked from the beginning and held until the very end turning page after page. The ending is a surprise and really well done. I highly recommend this book as well as the whole series. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

"April Fool's Alibi" is a delightful addition to Tonya Kappes' charming cozy mystery series set in the quaint town of Holiday Junction. In this installment, readers are whisked away into the heart of the Fool's Festival, where festivities take a sinister turn with the chilling prophecy from a festival palm reader. Violet Rhinehammer, the sharp-witted editor of the Junction Journal, finds herself at the center of the mystery when celebrations are overshadowed by suspicions and a grim discovery.

Kappes masterfully weaves a twisty and brain-teasing plot that keeps readers guessing until the very last page. The author's knack for creating vibrant small-town settings and endearing characters shines through, making Holiday Junction feel like a place readers would love to visit time and time again. With Violet's determination and her boyfriend Darren's legal expertise, the duo delves into a mystery where everyone is a suspect, and motives are as plentiful as Easter eggs hidden in the park.

What sets "April Fool's Alibi" apart is its perfect blend of intrigue, humor, and holiday charm. Kappes delivers a cozy mystery that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening, complete with adorable dogs, festive celebrations, and plenty of small-town gossip. Moreover, the book is refreshingly clean, with no foul language or gore, making it suitable for readers of all ages.

Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply looking for a light-hearted and entertaining read, "April Fool's Alibi" is sure to satisfy. So, grab your cozy blanket and a cup of tea or coffee, and join Violet Rhinehammer in unraveling Holiday Junction's most perplexing case yet. It's time to celebrate good crimes in this charming Southern town!

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

Just in time for every prankster's favorite holiday, we see another fun festival known as Fool's Festival in the holiday-crazed town of Holiday Junction. These folks know have to have a good time.

Local reporter Violet Rhinehammer is taking photos of the festival for the newspaper. She is enjoying the festival, but she is really excited about the party later tonight for her boyfriend, Darren. Darren just passed the bar exam, and they are throwing him surprise party to honor his achievement.

The party is in full swing and everyone is happy until a disgruntled customer verbally attacks a friend. They get into a little scuffle. The next morning the town is not so merry when a body is found in a very compromising position. Violet Rhinehammer's investigative nose will not allow her to stay out of it. She has to get involved in the search for a killer.

There are plenty of suspects to choose from in this holiday mystery that has quickly become one of my favorite series. This vibrant, lively town has wormed its way into this holiday lover's heart. I love all of the characters, including Mayor Paisley (a dog) and a rooster who serves as security at their tiny airport. Violet's mother is one of my favorite characters as she tries to steer Violet in the right direction with her funny antics and hissy fits. Southern humor is one of my favorites. The tagline of Celebrate Good Crimes is fitting for this fun series, but do not discount the mystery. It is well written with surprising twists and complex clues. I have no issue giving this book five stars, as it is well earned.

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

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Fool’s Alibi is the ninth 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.

As the title indicates, is April Fool’s time in Holiday Junction. The Fool’s Festival is in full swing, and the town of Holiday Junction is in celebration mode. When the local palm reader focuses one of her predictions on Violet, and then a body is found, Violet finds herself in the middle of a murder case that gets weirder by the minute.

April Fool’s Alibi is a quick read, and a bit darker than previous books in the series. Other than the antics of Dave the Rooster, there wasn’t as much lightheartedness in the pages of this book. It was a refreshing change up and an enjoyable addition to the series.

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 interesting people and learn how important holidays are in this town. The mystery was well thought out, full of suspense, and contained red herrings. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is time for the Fool's Festival in Holiday Junction and Violet is at the park to take photos for the Junction Journal when she and her Mama are approached by a fortune teller with an unsettling message for Violet. She and her Mama quickly leave the park without a second thought to the fortune tellers message because Violet has a lot to do today. She has to finish her article for the newspaper's online edition and she's throwing a surprise party for Darren for passing the bar exam. Things seem to be going well until a fight breaks out at the party and the next day one of the people involved is found dead. Darren is about to have his first case and Violet is hot on the trail to help him solve the case and defend his client, as well as report it to the good people of Holiday Junction. I love all the descriptions of the festival, the town and the arts district. Such different areas of the same town with interesting residents. The mystery has a good pace and some red herrings to throw you off the trail of the culprit. Another great book from Tonya Kappes.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the town of Holiday Junction, all holidays are celebrated, including April Fool’s Day, with a charming Fool’s Festival. During this festival, Violet receives a foreboding message from a palm reader, which catches her off guard. Despite this, Violet remains focused on celebrating her boyfriend Darren's achievement of passing the bar exam. However, tensions arise at the gathering, and the following day, unexpected consequences unfold. As a new lawyer, Darren is faced with his first client being his mentor, and when a mysterious death occurs in Diffy’s office, he is suddenly thrown into a challenging case.
Fortunately, with Violet's keen reporter instincts and curiosity, the couple embarks on a journey to solve not just one but two murders.

This engaging story kept me intrigued throughout, with surprises at every turn. I found myself invested in the lives of Violet, Darren, and their circle of friends and family as they navigate small-town life, relationships, and the challenges of crime-solving. While I received an advanced copy of this book, the views expressed here are solely my own.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

April Fool's Alibi is another exciting installment in Kappes' Holiday mystery series. Holiday Junction has festivities for every holiday including April Fool's Day. Violet is busy covering events for the Junction Journal when a palm reader gives her a chilling message. Trying to put the message aside, Violet tries to focus on celebrations including Darren passing his bar exam. Things take a bad turn when a body is discovered giving Darren his first client. Violet is determined to solve this case and help Darren prove his client's innocence.

Kappes delivers an entertaining read that fits the holiday theme perfectly. I am also really enjoying this new dynamic of Violet and Darren. This case provides a great case for them to enter into this new phase of their relationship as well as Darren's new role as lawyer. I also really loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back as well since I feel they really add to the story. I always look forward to each new installment in this series. Overall April Fool's Alibi proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend.

Received a copy of April Fool's Alibi from the author.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Holiday Junction’s April Fool’s Festival is in full swing and the townsfolk are having a grand time enjoying the celebration. But a somber warning the local fortune teller gives her casts a cloud over the event and makes Junction Journal editor and amateur sleuth Violet anxious. Once again Violet and Darren find themselves drawn into a murder investigation.

Although the festivities make it clear that the Merry Maker has been in action, long time readers of this series will notice that there is little mention of this mysterious person. April Fool’s Alibi centers more around solving the mystery. Those who are less familiar with the series will likely never notice this as it does not impact the story. Ms. Kappes still creates wonderful characters for us and weaves an intricate mystery that needs to be solved. She once again left me guessing about “whodunit.”

It is a fun story that will not take long to read. You cannot go wrong with this book if you enjoy a good cozy mystery.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a very strange holiday to celebrate in Holiday Junction, but if you are going to celebrate April Fools’ Day, a carnival seems an appropriate way to do it. As Violet is taking photos for the Junction Journal, she comes across a palm reader (Ginny) who foretells of an impending death. When Darren’s mentor Diffy is accused of a murder, it is all hands on deck to clear him. Seem like the murdered man has many enemies who would like to see him dead. When there is a second death (Ginny), things heat up on suspects.

As always, the characters in Holiday Junction are fun. It was great to see Darren get his degree and Violet throw him a party for family and friends. I enjoy it when Violet visits the art district because those people are interesting as well. The killer was a complete surprise and I can’t say that I blame them for why they killed. I don’t think there will be many people missing Frank or Ginny.

I’m not quite sure why Violet as an adult is worried about her mother’s opinion on where she spends the night. I know I’m not Southern, but still. 😊

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet Rhinehammer is covering the annual Fool's Festival in Holiday Junction, where she receives a cryptic message from a palm reader. She doesn’t have a lot of time to dwell on the message, though, since she’s got the festival to report on and the surprise party for her boyfriend, Darren, who just passed the bar exam and is now a full-fledged lawyer.
When Frank Mulligan, a regular customer at Darren’s bar, causes a scene and is later found dead in Diffy Delk’s law office, Violet sets out with help from her co-worker, Radley, to find the palm reader, decipher the cryptic message, and figure out who wanted Frank dead. Darren serves as Diffy’s lawyer, sure his mentor is innocent of the crime. Then, another body is found. What is going on?

Another fun whodunit in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series with twists, turns, many questions, and plenty of suspects. I love this series!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet and the other residents of Holiday Junction are enjoying the Fool’s Festival when a palm reader warns Violet that someone is in danger. While Violet tries to stay focused and get ready to celebrate with Darren after he passes his bar exam, the party goes awry when an unruly customer starts a fight with Diffy before the Chief breaks it up.

Later on, however, the man is found murdered in Diffy’s office. Another murder seemingly connected to the first soon follows, and while some believe Diffy is to blame, Violet isn’t so sure and begins her own investigation with Darren’s help. Will Violet uncover the motive for the murders and apprehend the killer before someone else falls victim to the same fate?

Tonya is my favorite cozy mystery author because she always delivers wonderful characters and compelling plots. April Fool’s Alibi is just the latest in her ever broadening series to touch my heart and uplift my soul.

[Charissa Wilkinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overview: Darren Strickland is Holiday Junction's newest lawyer. His mentor, Diffy, has had a fight at Darren's celebration party. Too bad that Frank Mulligan, the second party in that little dust-up, was found dead in Diffy's office. Who would want to frame Diffy for the murder? And what will happen to Dave the Security Rooster? Let's find out.

Dislikes: Frank Mulligan seemed to be money hungry. He looked out only for himself. Not that Jenny was much better. I don't care much for the fortune telling charlatans.

Likes: The entire town seemed to back up Diffy. Come to think of it, the town was quite proud of their newest lawyer as well.

Enid Carlton lived for her orphanage children, and they paid it back in spades.

I liked Peter's alibi. I'd put him in the paper.

Conclusion: This story was okay. I missed the Merry Maker shenanigans though. You do have to already be a fan of Holiday Junction series to like this addition, however. Enjoy the read.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reporter Violet Rhinehammer is on the job again, but this time, her boyfriend Darren is involved. A palm reader gives Violet room for pause as she predicts something awful is about to happen in her life without even actually performing a reading. The Fool's Festival is in the planning stage as well as a party that Violet wants to throw for Darrin...what a super busy town! Throw in a murder, twists and turns that will keep you guessing and you have a very fun cozy with likable characters that totally keep the reader's attention.

BTW, if you haven't read the others, that's okay, although you'll want to go back and read them for the backstory, in addition to the Camper Series of which this is a spinoff. This book does just fine as a standalone. Read any of Tonya's books and you'll be captivated and addicted, so why not start here?

[Dwayne Keller · Rating 5 out of 5]

April is coming and it's time for the Fool's Festival in Holiday Junction. Violet is planning a surprise party for Darren for passing the bar. The party is a huge success, except for one person. Frank Mulligan spouts his mouth off and is escorted out. However, the next morning he is found dead in Diffy's office and Diffy is the main suspect. Darren has his first case and Violet has another mystery. The more Violet investigates, the more questions she has. Does an orphanage from the past hold the answers? A second murder ups the ante. Violet needs to put the pieces together before they have a third body. Plenty of action and suspense is pulled together at the end to provide a solid picture of what happens. Enjoy this exciting mystery.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another home run for Tonya with the latest installment of the Holiday Junction series. Welcome to April's Fool's Day as only the residents of Holiday Junction can do it. Festivities galore and everyone having a great time. Violet and the town are celebrating Darren passing the bar exam and becoming a real lawyer but things go horrible wrong when Darren's boss is found in his law office with a dead body of a client that was not to happy about the way Diffy handled his case. Darren of course has to defend his boss and along with Violet they set out to figure out what happened without spoiling the festivities in the town. As another murder comes to light things get more urgent and it takes everything Violet has to bring the case to a shocking conclusion.

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Beware, for there's a fool among you, one whose final jest will be met with silence, not laughter" After Violet hears these chilling words, from a fortune teller, she heads to Darren's surprise party with a bit of trepidation.
After the party, it seems that Frank Mulligan was founfdydead in Diffy, the lawyer's office. Darrenhas his first case, but it's his mentor.
Violet, who is always curious, needs to know what's what.
Another body appears, but things become curiouser and curiouser. So many motives. So much finger pointing. Can this mystery be wrapped up before the end of the April Fool's festival? Read this book and find out.
Thank you to Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy.