Sleight of Hand: A Maisie Doss Mystery

Maisie Doss Mysteries #1

by Tonya Kappes

Maisie Doss knew the weight of secrets all too well. Once a troublemaker in her small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, she struck a dangerous bargain to become a confidential informant for the police. But when betrayal led her to send a family member behind bars, the lines between right and wrong blurred. Unable to bear the weight of her actions, she fled into the secluded heart of Appalachia, praying her past wouldn't catch up.

For a time, the hills kept her secrets. Determined to atone, she tried to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard. When Maisie stumbles upon a mystery that begs her attention, she can't resist diving in. Yet, this isn't just any crime; it's tangled with threads from her concealed past. And as fate would have it, a detective from her old life discovers her hidden refuge.

Now, he presents her with a chilling Return to her role as a CI and face the ghosts of her past or find herself behind bars.
In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.

From Tonya Kappes, the Queen of Southern Charm and Whimsical Whodunits...

Immerse yourself in the allure of the South, where the tea is sweet, the mysteries are deep, and the humor is downright sinful. Tonya Kappes, celebrated for her delightful mix of southern charm, captivating mysteries, and wickedly funny humor, introduces a brand-new amateur sleuth that's bound to become a reader favorite.

Dive into the Maisie Doss Mysteries and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and laughter. If you've loved her previous series, this new addition promises all the signature Kappes charm and then some. Join Maisie as she dances on the edge of danger and digs deep into the heart of the South's most intriguing crimes. It's a journey you won't want to miss!

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Suspense, Contemporary, Mystery Thriller, Ebooks

194 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 18, 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...

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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

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand by Tonya Kappes
Maisie Doss Mystery series #1. Cozy mystery, amateur sleuth, southern style.
Maisie Doss is on the run from the law. She can be found in a small town near the Appalachia mountains and sure enough, a new mystery brings the detective from her old life to her hideout. Maisie is pressured back into the Confidential Informant role to help solve the current problem.

Dark and wacky humor with plenty of thrown in one-liners.
I knew CI’s existed and get paid but didn’t know it was a job.
Loved the Precious Moments inclusion. Sure brought back memories.
The main mystery solved but the last chapter includes a strong hook for the next book.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook of this book performed by Tiffany Morgan. I’ve found that listening rather than reading this author, helps me ignore some of the basic editing issues. The performance is well done and includes emotional highs and lows in the playback. I did increase the speed to 1.5 which closer matches my Midwest conversation speed. It could have been bumped up a bit higher.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, but just too sad for me to fully digest and rate.

[Tonya Kappes]

I'm so over the moon with all the fantastic reviews! Thank you!!!

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

If Tonya Kappes writes it - I’m going to read it! So, when I saw that she was releasing a brand new series I jumped at the chance to read an advanced copy! This was such a wild ride! This suspenseful mystery is darker & grittier than her cozy mystery series but still packed with all of the Kentucky charm!

We follow Maisie Doss who has fled her hometown after a deal she struck with the law goes south for her family. Taking solace in the hills of Appalachia she takes on a new identity and lives the quiet life…until a mysterious barn, runaway van and a murder pull her back into the life she was so desperate to leave behind.

🔍 Mystery
💅🏼 Nail Biter
💀 Murder
🔐 Secrets
🫶 Family
🖤 Friendship
🐎 Kentucky
🐾 Puppies

Sleight of Hand kept me guessing, had me pacing and made me audibly GASP at the last page! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 2!!!

Thank you Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie Doss, a former troublemaker, struck a deal as a confidential informant for the police, but to keep her family’s secrets she ran and went into hiding . When Maisie stumbles on a mystery in her new town she cannot help but get involved. Maisie involvement in this investigation, allows the police to find to her and reinstated her CI agreement.

This is the first installment of a new series by Tonya Kappes. This book is more of a mystery/suspense instead of a cozy mystery, but still a fabulously crafted mystery. The characters are still full of the Southern charm we have come to expect from Mrs. Kappes. The mystery is still full of twists and turns and well-placed red herrings. I am looking forward to the next in the series.

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

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am an avid reader, and I love mysteries and cozy stories. This was the absolute perfect mix! I enjoy Tonya Kappes’ Southern cozy mysteries, but I immediately knew this book was different. And this is a GOOD difference!

This is the first book of the Maisie Doss Mysteries, and I cannot wait to read the rest. The book jumps right in as Maise, known as Bobbie Jo, is hiding out in a small town, avoiding some previous brushes with the law when she uncovers a puppy ring. You know she has a good heart if she worries about saving puppies! Her cover is blown when, while investigating the puppy ring, a US Marshall tracks her down, and she is pulled back into her previous life as a Confidential Informant. She now must face her family, the attraction between her and the US Marshall, her best friend, and even reconcile her life as Maisie with that of Bobbie Jo.

This book had me guessing from start to finish. I usually figure out the culprit, but I was shocked at this reveal. Maisie is confident, tough, competent, and intelligent and uses all those skills to save the puppies, find a murderer, and integrate her past and present lives. I will be counting down the days for the book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book and provided my honest, voluntary review.

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This was a fun mystery. Kinda dark, but also wickedly hilarious at times, I felt it was a good balance. I loved the Southern humor, and burst out laughing at different times. I also liked Maisie, and I think this is a strong start to a new series.

But damn, I did not see that cliffhanger ending coming. However, because of said cliffhanger, the ending felt rushed, as we didn’t get much time to revel in the resolution before being (force) rushed into the next book, which I wasn’t a fan of. It just felt abrupt and left me with wrap-up questions that I don’t know if we’ll get answered in book 2. So that took it down a star for me. Overall though, a solid, fun mystery if you don’t mind your mysteries being a little dark.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very different book for Cozy Author, Tonya Kappes. It reminded me of a suspense novel with the charm of characters from Kentucky as in Tonya’s cozy series set there. Maisie Doss is a kick ass heroine with legal issues which force her to be a confidential informant (CI) for the FBI with Wes, a handler who is a hunk. When she disappears for a year to avoid testifying against a family member, and assumes a new identity, Wes continues to look for her. Family loyalty is very important for Maisie. She is also loyal to her friends which leads to more drama.

When she is unexpectedly found by Wes, she is forced back into her CI role to try to foil a dog napping ring. There is lots of action and I enjoyed how her street smarts help her. Much of Maisie’s past becomes important in this caper. The mystery leads to unexpected culprits, as do most of Tonya’s cozy mysteries.

I enjoyed the way the last chapter sets up the next book in this exciting series. I can’t wait to read it.

[Katie Amos · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved all the descriptive details of this book which really made you feel like you were there. It was so easy to visualize everything that was happening. Maisie is a super down-to-earth Southern girl that isn’t going to take any crap from anyone (like most Southern girls!) I knocked off a star though because there were at least a couple of spots that were like sections were missing from the book. You jumped from one thing to the next so much that I literally went back to see if I missed something and try to figure out where I was. It was seriously like the Author got ahead of herself and forgot to write down a paragraph or two to fill in the blanks between. Overall, it was a great read even with the “missing sections”

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maisie has tried to turn her life around and is doing her best to do better but when she she does something to betray a family member she wonders if she is doing the right thing. She soon finds herself leaving and finding a new place to start over. But as she soon finds out you can't leave your past behind. She soon find herself having to become a CI again or give up her new life. It is up to her to figure out what exactly is going on so that she can get back to her new life. A great start to a new series.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm a huge fan of all of Tonya's series, but y'all, she's outdone herself on this one. It's so different from her other series and in all the best ways. You are drawn in from the start and immersed into Maisie's universe. Southern to the core and even a nod to the Dixie chicks. I'm so looking forward to this series!

[Victoria Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this new side to the author’s writing

The story started out making me smile at the “southernisms” then quickly had me hooked with the tension, twists and personalities of the characters. Well done Tonya! You’ve taken your mysteries to a whole new level. One that I completely enjoyed. I highly recommend this book, but only if you don’t mind reading it in one sitting, it was that gripping!

[Janice Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book in the series. Looking forward to the other two.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 1 of the Maise Doss Mystery Series
Cozy Mystery story
This was a fun read and laugh out humor.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand by Tonya Kappes is the first instalment in A Maisie Doss Mystery series. What a fantastic start to a new series from one of my favorite authors. In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.
I’m a huge fan of the authors other mystery series set in Kentucky so had to get this one and boy was I not disappointed, it’s a bit edgier than her cozy mysteries but still has her traditional trademarks of southern charm and humor.

The mystery is interesting and had lots of twists which kept me guessing till the very end. I was very surprised by the ending! I quickly picked up book 2 to see what happens next for Maisie.

I highly recommend this book to all my Mystery loving friends.

All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleight Of Hand
A Maise Doss Mystery, Book #1
Tonya Kappes
5+ Stars

Synopsis:

Maisie Doss knew the weight of secrets all too well. Once a troublemaker in her small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, she struck a dangerous bargain to become a confidential informant for the police. But when betrayal led her to send a family member behind bars, the lines between right and wrong blurred. Unable to bear the weight of her actions, she fled into the secluded heart of Appalachia, praying her past wouldn't catch up.

For a time, the hills kept her secrets. Determined to atone, she tried to lead a quiet life, but old habits die hard. When Maisie stumbles upon a mystery that begs her attention, she can't resist diving in. Yet, this isn't just any crime; it's tangled with threads from her concealed past. And as fate would have it, a detective from her old life discovers her hidden refuge.

Now, he presents her with a chilling ultimatum: Return to her role as a CI and face the ghosts of her past or find herself behind bars.
In a game of cat and mouse, where trust is a luxury Maisie can't afford, she must use every sleight of hand she knows to outwit the law, uncover the truth, and keep her freedom.

From Tonya Kappes, the Queen of Southern Charm and Whimsical Whodunits...

Immerse yourself in the allure of the South, where the tea is sweet, the mysteries are deep, and the humor is downright sinful. Tonya Kappes, celebrated for her delightful mix of southern charm, captivating mysteries, and wickedly funny humor, introduces a brand-new amateur sleuth that's bound to become a reader favorite.

Dive into the Maisie Doss Mysteries and get ready for a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and laughter. If you've loved her previous series, this new addition promises all the signature Kappes charm and then some. Join Maisie as she dances on the edge of danger and digs deep into the heart of the South's most intriguing crimes. It's a journey you won't want to miss! (Amazon)

Review:

This was one of those books where I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen and not wanting to keep reading it because I did not want to know what was going to happen next. The book was non-stop action packed and very suspenseful. The author is very talented in creating tension and she is able to keep layering it with no relief. The author has the beginning of a great series and I cannot wait to read the next book in the series when it is published. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes a well crafted mystery.

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

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author: Tonya Kappes

Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

"Sleight of Hand," the inaugural installment in Tonya Kappes' Maisie Doss Mystery series, is a captivating journey into the heart of Appalachia, where secrets are as dense as the mountains and mysteries run deep. Kappes, known as the Queen of Southern Charm and Whimsical Whodunits, introduces readers to Maisie Doss, a compelling amateur sleuth whose past is as enigmatic as the crimes she seeks to unravel.

The narrative unfolds in a small Kentucky town near Cincinnati, where Maisie grapples with the weight of her tumultuous past. Once a troublemaker turned confidential informant for the police, Maisie's choices have led to betrayal and a self-imposed exile in the secluded Appalachian hills. The delicate balance between right and wrong becomes even more precarious when Maisie stumbles upon a mystery intertwined with her concealed history.

Kappes skillfully weaves a tale of suspense, emotion, and humor, showcasing her signature blend of southern charm and wickedly funny storytelling. Maisie Doss is a nuanced protagonist, flawed yet resilient, making her instantly relatable to readers. The author explores themes of redemption, trust, and the consequences of one's choices, creating a narrative that goes beyond the typical mystery novel.

The cat-and-mouse game between Maisie and a detective from her past adds layers of tension and complexity to the story. The chilling ultimatum presented to Maisie propels the plot forward, keeping readers on the edge of their seats. The writing is immersive, painting a vivid picture of the South, where the tea is sweet, the mysteries are deep, and humor is as sinful as ever.

As Maisie navigates the dangerous terrain of her past, the reader is taken on a roller coaster of emotions, suspense, and laughter. Kappes delivers a narrative that not only satisfies fans of her previous works but also establishes Maisie Doss as a compelling and promising amateur sleuth in her own right.

In "Sleight of Hand," Tonya Kappes invites readers to dive into the Maisie Doss Mysteries—a journey that promises to be filled with charm, intrigue, and the unmistakable allure of the South. This book is a must-read for mystery enthusiasts and anyone who appreciates a delightful mix of southern charm and whimsical storytelling.

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

The cozy mystery queen has stepped into a new dimension with this newest book for a promising start to a new series. This still has the Southern charm we know and love from a Tonya Kappes' book, as well as a sassy, super crime sniffing woman named Maisie Doss. I knew I was going to like Maisie Doss from the first chapter.

Maisie Doss just wanted to start over again. She knows she messed up. She has a dark past with plenty of regrets, but she can see the glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel as she begins her life anew as someone else. Unfortunately for Maisie, her sense of what is right and wrong and her uncanny ability to sense something is amiss will not allow her to ignore something she sees right in front of her. As she states, "... he's got this... aura of guilt around him." So, when she takes off after someone she suspects is up to no good, she gets a little more than she bargained for. Now she is back in the hot seat as a Confidential Informant. Her sleuthing skills are far superior to the average person. She also has no fear of anything or anyone. She just wants to make things right. She will protect her friends and family at all costs.

Though this book and this new series is a little different from what Tonya Kappes usually writes, I think mystery lovers will inhale this book like I did. The mystery is fantastic, intriguing and interesting. The cast of characters are going to be fun to get to know as well. There is the Southern wit that we all know and love. The ending was jaw dropping and surprising. Maisie Doss has a great future ahead of her. Just put a cape on that crime fighting girl. She deserves it. Now I cannot wait until the next installment in this series!

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

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series from one of my favourite author so i was very excited to try it as it's a suspense mystery but not a cozy mysery, the focus is on the investigation not romance.

This is a promising beginning but so far i'm not fond of this new heroine, it was a little hard to warm up to her at the beginning as we have little info about her and her values . we discover her when she is undecover hiding in a small city...when we start learning why she grows on you. She is not a bad person, she made bad choices but she may want to get justice for those who need it. .... So is tarted to like her until she made a new choice i'm not happy with...., we will need to see how it goes from there.

Maisie is a character you need to discover, she has a deeper side we still must uncover but i loved how protective she was of the puppies and how she was willing to take risks for them.
Wes is a FBi agent and his liaison, he is protective of her but stay on the law side, he had her back and still do so they are good partner at first look.

The investigation was really well done and written , with lot of twists and mixed with the investigation, personnal troubles to deepen the mix, it was very interesting to see the culprits. It was an very enjoyable read.
There is a big cliffhanger so next book will be awaited a lot

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! Tonya has done it again. Every series she writes is gold. This new series has the main character Bobby Jo whose real name is Maisie Doss, hiding out as a waitress in the Cheapside Diner in the small Appalachian town of Slate Creek Hollow. Having gotten into trouble in her home town by not fulfilling a contract with the police she took off and is keeping a very low profile. But when she overhears a puppy mill conversation by a sleazy stranger, her sense of justice kicks in and she follows him. But things don't go so well and she takes off and returns to the diner only to be met by Wes, the US Marshall that was looking to bring her back to face the music with the FBI that she was supposed to be undercover for. But still her sense of justice is deep, especially when it comes to defenseless puppies. Will Wes help her get to the bottom of the puppy mill or will he take her right back to face the music. What made her run from the contract with the FBI to her detriment? There are so many threads to this book that the author so deftly puts back together that once you begin this book you can't put it down! Be prepared though...there is a cliff hanger. I can't wait to see what is going to happen in the next book! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this new series and am excited to follow Maisie on her adventures. Fans of the author know her for her wonderful cozy mysteries, but this series is much different. It has a little more suspense and danger that for me was intriguing. I love how the author moved a bit away from the usual fun and quirky characters. This series dives deep into crimes that find Maisie in over her heads,

At first I didn’t know why she had been hiding out but slowly her past is revealed. Can you imagine being a confidential informant? There is no sense of security as Maisie is always having to keep her identity a secret. It sends shivers down my spine as I think about the things she has witnessed. I’m not sure that I could do what she does.

A puppy ring is at the core of this story where Maisie is placed to help nap the people behind it. There are more twists than expected and I cheered for the writing that has made me love this author even more. The author still has a quaint little town in this story, but there is a more serious undertone that highlights the dynamics of a talented author. I am a huge fan of the new series and am excited to read the next book n this very promising series.

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

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a new series by Tonya Kappes and the style is a little different compared to her other series. I was prepared not to like it when the killer let Maisie go at the beginning of the book, but as you read further on, you see why he did. Also, who goes running through a field with no shoes on? Based on those two things, plus a little slow at the beginning, I didn’t think there was any redemption for this story, but I was wrong.

Maisie Doss becomes a confidential informant for the police in order to stay out of jail, but by doing so, she needs to turn against her family. Because family is important, she flees before the trial and goes into hiding. It was a fun story on what she was doing while in hiding and how Wes, the U.S. Marshal, tracked her down.

Once again, Ms. Kappes gives us characters we can become invested in and wish we knew them. The twists and turns to find out more about the puppy mill was well written and I have to admit I was hoping one character was the bad guy so he would get his. The ending was a shocker and it will be interesting to see where this series goes from here.

[Chelsea7x · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a brand new series from Tonya Kappes, an author with a penchant for writing southern mysteries.
I discovered her "Campers and Criminals" series a couple of months ago, and as someone with family in Kentucky, I immediately fell in love.
When I was given the chance to read Tonya's newest series as an ARC, I jumped at the opportunity.

This story is the first of her new "Maise Doss Mystery" series. Maise Doss, former trouble maker turned CI, flees to a secluded area of the Appalachia. However, her past begins to catch up to her when she stumbles upon a mystery she can't resist, forcing her to confront her ghosts and return to her role as a CI.

"Sleight of Hand" is a little "grittier" than her usual stories but is still a very enjoyable mystery. It kept me on the edge of my seat and still guessing well into the final chapters.
There are some small inconsistencies such as Bobbie Joe delivering the wrong order to the officers in chapter 4, but none of them take away from the enjoyment of the story.
I would definitely rate it a 4 out of 5 stars and am eagerly looking forward to the next book!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand is the first in a new series by Tonya Kappes. Long time fans of her books will find that this one is a little different – it is not quite so cozy. Readers are introduced to Maisie Doss, who has become a confidential police informant.

Maisie, who is hiding out in rural Kentucky and is known to her friends there as Bobbie Jo, is asked to join the investigation of a puppy smuggling ring. She gets herself into some scary situations but is successful in helping solve the case.

We meet an eclectic group of characters ranging from Maisie’s co-workers at the local diner, an abused friend, villains, contacts in law enforcement, to her family. Unexpected clues are unearthed, friendships are formed, and there are thrilling moments that will make you gasp for breath. Ms. Kappes is no stranger to writing stories set in small towns, so the relationships between her characters are well defined. She has a talent for leading her readers down paths that they do not see coming but making those roads believable.

I really like the direction this series is going and encourage others to give it a try.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand is the first book in the new Maisie Doss Mysteries by Tonya Kappes. As a fan of her books, I went into this one not knowing what to expect. It's not your normal cozy mystery. It's much darker and less Dottie-esque. It took me a bit longer to read than other books/series in the author's catalog due to the complexity of the characters and plot.

Maisie is a very complex character with a complicated past and a seemingly twisted future ahead of her. As a CI for the FBI, Maisie is on the run, hiding from her past because of the implications to her family. When a mystery pops up in her refuge, Maisie can't help but get involved. Unfortunately for Maisie, that curiosity puts her right back in the crosshairs of the detective who has been actively tracking her down.

This book was fantastic. There are a few continuity errors but I was able to look past them. Sleight of Hand is an edge of your seat kind of mystery. There are twists and turns that take the reader on a wild ride. The author also tosses in a domestic issue with an old friend and side stories with her family. The author set the mystery up well and I was shocked at how everything played out. Well done!

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! If you enjoy a well written cozy mystery, look no further. Sleight of Hand tells the story of Maisie Doss who works at the Cheapside Diner in Slate Creek Hallow, Kentucky. In reality she is Bobbie Jo former confidential informant for the local FBI and the police. She has been trying to keep her past from catching up with her then she accidentally stumbles upon a puppy mill operation. US Marshal Wesley Dalton tracks her down and she ends up needing to clear her name and right some wrongs. This book comes to life due to the many metaphors Tonya Kappes uses such as "the paint was peeling like sunburned skin", The wooden floorboards creaking beneath my feet like an old friend whispering secrets.", "Secrets that he was holding onto like a gambler with a full house.", and "The creak of the heavy door cut through the hum of conversations and laughter, prompting a Pavlovian response as every patron glanced up.". I give this book an enthusiastic 5 stars and I look forward to reading future books in the series. FYI, this book ends with a cliffhanger as Maisie steps in to help her friend Dixie Rae.

[Missy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge Tonya Kappes fan, and this was different from what I've read from her in the past. It is more gritty and dark than her cozy mysteries, but it is still great! Kappes can draw readers in with her mystery writing, and before you know it, it's two AM, and you have to get up in three hours for work! I especially like that this series features parts of northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Having visited this area several times, I can picture it and envision that action and mystery. I can't wait to see what mystery Maisie Doss gets into next! I am a huge fan of Tonya Kappes, and this book differs from her previous works. It is grittier and darker than her cozy mysteries, but it is still fantastic! Kappes has a talent for drawing readers in with her mystery writing, and before you know it, it's 2 AM and you have to get up in three hours for work! I particularly enjoy that this series is set in parts of northern Kentucky and Cincinnati. Having visited this area several times, I can easily picture the locations and envision the action and mystery unfolding. I can't wait to see what mystery Maisie Doss gets into next!

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arriving in Slate Creek Hollow, Maisie Moss, now known as Bobbie Jo, is working at the Cheapside Diner when she overhears talk of a puppy trafficker. Hearing that sets Bobbie Jo’s heart pounding at the thought of puppies being trafficked. Recklessly she follows the man to an out of the way destination only to see a man killed. With her fingerprints on the van she tried to follow she is soon visited by a US Marshall who plans on taking Maisie back to the FBI where she had been working as a confidential informant for them and the police. I guess running away, Maisie thinks, was not the best idea as she has been caught and taken back to the life she tried to escape. Much different from the cozy mysteries usually written by Ms. Kappes, this book is a thoroughly different story that is extremely exciting, edge of your seat well-written mystery. I can hardly wait for the second book in the Maisie Doss mysteries. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sleight of Hand is an entertaining read that begins a brand new series by Tonya Kappes. Maisie Doss is trying to hide from her past when it unexpectedly catches up with her once again. Faced with a choice of returning to her life as a confidential informant or go to prison, Maisie decides to help solve the mystery of a puppy ring that ties her present life with that of her past. Maisie wants to solve to solve this mystery and make amends for her past mistakes.

Kappes sets up an entertaining story full of many twists and turns. I really enjoyed exploring this new world and especially this new character. Maisie is developed very well, and it is not long before the reader is rooting for Maisie. I also liked the introduction of the book's secondary characters as well especially Maisie's family. The book's mystery is also well done full of enough twists and turns. Overall Sleight of Hand proved to be a great read. I look forward to reading Maisie's next adventure.

Received a copy of Sleight of Hand from the author.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maisie Doss has become a confidential informant for the police after she found herself flirting with the wrong side of the law. While on assignment, she discovered a family member was tied up with some shady business. Unable to turn on her family, she fled town and tried to lay low in her new life. Maisie’s inability to keep her nose out of a good mystery causes her past to come crashing in in the form of Detective Wes. She now finds herself returning home to face her family and the dangerous return to her role as CI to uncover a wild web of secrets. Sleight of Hand is a cozy mystery meets detective thriller with high stakes drama, southern charm, sit-on-the-edge-of-your-seat suspense, and perfectly flawed characters. I could not put this book down! A perfect first book in the Maisie Doss Mystery series. I cannot wait for the second book to see how Maisie gets herself out of the next pickle she’s found herself in.