Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies

Camper & Criminals #37

by Tonya Kappes

Welcome to Normal where nothing is normal!!!

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

288 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 23, 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,
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Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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

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https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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

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

Reviews

[Tonya Kappes]

🔍 Cozy Mystery
😹 Hoot in a Half
📚 37th in the Series
🐎 Kentucky
🎆 Fourth of July
🔐 Secrets
🧺 Laundry Club Ladies
🕵️‍♀️ Sleuthing
🧶 Menacing Knitting Needles
🌪️ Twists & Turns

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the bingo game is ending, there seems to be an argument between two of the ladies. Then during the fireworks, one of those ladies is found guilty outside a local shop. The shop owner asks Mae for help finding out who committed the murder. Could this murder be over a silly argument or does this have something to do with the victim's past?

This book is full of humor and Southern charm. Several of the characters show a good bit of development during this book. One of these characters is Dottie. Dottie is one of my favorite characters, she is full of personality makes no apologies for who she is, and speaks what is on her mind. The mystery is full of surprises that keep you guessing whodunit. The secondary story of Mae's sister-in-law's pregnancy is well woven into the mystery perfectly.

All thoughts and opinions are mine and have not been influenced by anyone.

[Susan Reads Cozies · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s time to celebrate the Fourth in Normal. It would not be normal to spend a holiday without someone finding a dead body. I love reading along as Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies solve a murder. It always amazes me how much Mae can get done. I am glad we got to see Henry more than what we normally do. I also like how Ellis is branching out and who she is becoming. In the last few books, Waldo Willy played a bigger role but he wasn’t really involved in this book. It has me wondering why.

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

“She’s as full of wind as a corn eating horse!” -Dottie

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs) · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨ “Welcome to Normal, Where Nothing is Normal!” ✨

Fireworks, Freedom & Felonies is the 37th installment of the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series and it is absolutely explosive! The Laundry Club ladies are back and ready to play bingo and watch fireworks when the unthinkable happens….another murder!! Now it’s up to Mae and her pals to unravel secrets, sleuth out clues & catch the killer in time to enjoy the Fourth of July celebration!

🔍 Cozy Mystery
😹 Hoot in a Half
📚 37th in the Series
🐎 Kentucky
🎆 Fourth of July
🔐 Secrets
🧺 Laundry Club Ladies
🕵️‍♀️ Sleuthing
🧶 Menacing Knitting Needles
🌪️ Twists & Turns

The Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes is one of my absolute favorite series of all time! It’s knee slapping funny, full of southern charm (and sass!) and accompanied by the best cast of characters! I loved this Fireworks, Freedom & Felonies so much and can’t wait to see what happens next!

Thank you Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy!

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

The series is getting better

"Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery #37)" by Tonya Kappes has been the best edited book of the series I've read so far. I also need to catch up on the last couple of books because I didn't know Hank was back to being a full time park ranger and wasn't a private investigator anymore.

While at the Fourth of July fireworks, a local woman ends up with her own knitting needles where no knitting needs should be. The Laundry Club Ladies seem to be the main investigators with the police/Hank helping them. They might as well become private investigators at this point.

[Jessica Crozier · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is by far my favorite series I have read. I am sad that it’s almost over! I have been listening to the audio book versions of all the books, I love the way the narrator reads with the different accents for the different characters. It really brings the story to life. I feel like it adds to the story and gives a must need experience you don’t get if you just read it. Dottie is my favorite character, she is so funny! I love her southern expressions and sass! Hopefully my library gets the rest of the series in audio or I will have to find them somewhere else because I must finish the series!

[Mr Francy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

GREAT BOOK FOR ME TO FINISH ON FOR NOW.

PREMISE: When a local knitting enthusiast is found murdered with her own knitting needles during the towns 4th of July celebration, the community is spun into a whirlwind of suspicion and secrets. Thank goodness Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case.

THOUGHTS: I have to say that the mystery was fanastic! Found myself really intrigued with it! Dottie is such a stitch (funny) haha. Bless her. The reveal was a shock and the way the remaineder of the book played out was very entertaining. One of Kappes's best!

[Ashley Yungbluth · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies" by Tonya Kappes is book 37 in the "Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery" series. It was an awesome read with lots of exploding secrets coming out in Normal, Kentucky. I enjoy when the Laundry Club Ladies get together to figure out who is responsible for the Murder. The way they do the sleuthing and getting answers to their questions is great. My favorite part of this book is when Mae walks in on Dottie and Henry getting a little cozy. Dottie keeps denying anything is going on with her and Henry, but this scene proves otherwise. I did not expect the killer to be who it was at all. This is one of my favorite series by Tonya, and I always look forward to reading the next book.

[Chris Boyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great adventure in Normal. Be careful if you knit, though.

[Alexis · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5*

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5-3☆

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest installment in the Campers and Criminal Series by Tonya Kappes kept me guessing until the end. The mystery was well crafted with a number of suspects. I was surprised when I learned who the killer was and the unique way the killer was identified.

Life goes on in Normal, KY with more changes with relationships and families. I’ve been with most of these characters for years and it’s like they are part of my family. I love how the people of Normal are so supportive of each other.

I was very fortunate to receive an advanced copy and can’t wait to see what happens next.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sparks are flyin’ more than ever in this latest Campers & Criminals cozy mystery! Fireworks, unexpected romance, and a murder greet this Fourth of July celebration week! We join Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the laundry club ladies at the amphitheater on the biggest day of the week-long Fourth of July celebration in Normal, Kentucky.

If you haven’t visited Normal yet, each mystery can be read as a standalone. You will get to know a core group of friends and neighbors, spend time at Mae’s Happy Trails Campground, the finest in all of the Daniel National Forest. Tourism is huge there, and every novel includes tourists and sometimes even new residents. If you like camping, Southern folks, quirky characters, and the occasional murder mystery, you won’t want to leave!

The author introduces her characters with great care, and just as in real life, they change and grow with the seasons of their lives. She also has a great eye for detail, and I was impressed all over again with how the sites, scents, and sounds of the campground and forest change throughout the day and night.

The bingo game came to an end with one of the Stitchin’ Posts’ knitting group ladies winning a blanket made by the shop’s owner, Cheryl. Two friends who tend to compete in everything, including their knitting projects, Nancy and Marla, were sitting together. Nancy won the blanket, and Marla took off for a while. Minutes later, just as the fireworks were ready, they could hear Nancy scream. She had gone to find Marla, and just outside the Stitchin’ Post, she found Marla lying on the ground with her knitting needles protruding from her neck.

Sheriff Al Hemmer, Hank, Mae’s husband and forest ranger, Hank, and deputies gathered. It is Hank’s area of responsibility in the national forest, so he would work with Al to solve the crime. With the huge crowd of tourists and residents at the event, there were many people to collect names and contact information from, and determine whose statements they needed. Later on, Al considered Cheryl, owner of the yarn and fabric shop, the prime suspect. Someone had overheard them arguing shortly before she was murdered and had seen Marla point her needles at Cheryl as if threatening her – or trying to make a point. Cheryl said it was one of their usual arguments over how certain stitches were to be completed.

Sheriff Al specifically did not want help from Mae and the laundry club ladies, despite his asking for help in the recent past. It would take more than Al’s say-so to stop Mae and Dottie from asking questions. Solving this murder was like trying to untangle a mess of yarn after a kitten has played with it to find whodunit this time. Then a stranger came into town, a young man trying to find out about someone who recently died in town. In one instance he specified Marla, in another, he did not.

I had a pet suspect by the time whodunit was revealed at the end, yet was still shocked at the full story. I highly recommend this novel, and series, to those who appreciate well-written Southern cozy mysteries with good friends, campground living, and the beauty of the National Forest.

From a thankful heart: I received an uncorrected e-ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Tonya Kappes' gripping mystery novel "Fireworks, Freedom and Felonies," readers are transported to the picturesque town of Normal, Kentucky, where Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, finds herself thrust into the center of a shocking murder mystery during the town's lively Fourth of July celebrations.

The story kicks off with the grisly discovery of a local knitting enthusiast murdered with her own needles, sending shockwaves through the community and igniting a frenzy of suspicion and hidden secrets. Mae West, alongside her steadfast companions, the Laundry Club Ladies, embarks on a relentless quest to untangle the intricate web of clues surrounding the crime. Amidst the jubilant bursts of fireworks and echoes of the town's colorful history, Mae and her friends uncover stories of a cursed heirloom and rumored hidden treasures concealed within the walls of the Stitchin’ Post.

As Mae delves deeper into the investigation, the stakes heighten against the backdrop of escalating tensions and explosive revelations. Kappes masterfully weaves together past and present, crafting a narrative that keeps readers on edge with its twists and turns. The author's portrayal of Normal, Kentucky, captures the essence of small-town life, complete with quirky characters and deep-rooted community bonds that both aid and hinder Mae's pursuit of justice.

Mae West emerges as a resilient and relatable protagonist, whose determination to unearth the truth resonates throughout the story. Her interactions with the diverse cast of characters add layers of depth and authenticity to the novel, making each encounter a step closer to unraveling the killer’s identity.

"Fireworks, Freedom and Felonies" is a testament to Tonya Kappes' skill in crafting engaging mysteries filled with intrigue, humor, and a touch of Southern charm. The novel blends suspense with a sense of camaraderie, offering readers a thrilling ride through a community where buried secrets prove deadly. As Mae navigates the complexities of loyalty and deception, she races against time to protect the fabric of her beloved town from irreparable harm.

Overall, "Fireworks, Freedom and Felonies" is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries and anyone who enjoys a compelling tale of suspense set against the backdrop of Americana celebrations. Tonya Kappes delivers a riveting story that will keep readers guessing until the very last page.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks, Freedom, And Felonies
A Camper And Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book #37
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is no stranger to the twists and turns of life in Normal, but she never expected her community's knitting circle to unravel into chaos. When local knitting enthusiast is found murdered with her own knitting needles during the town's lively Fourth of July celebration, the community is spun into a whirlwind of suspicion and secrets.

Amidst the burst of Fourth of July festivities and the echoes of fireworks long past, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies unravels a tangled web of secrets. With tales of a cursed heirloom and hidden treasures rumored to be concealed within the walls of the Stitchin’ Post, they find themselves piecing together clues from both past and present.

As tensions mount against the backdrop of booming Fourth of July fireworks, Mae learns that in Normal, Kentucky, some secrets are explosive enough to kill for. Can she unravel the killer’s identity before the fabric of her community is torn apart forever? Join Mae as she chases down clues and crooks amidst the sparks and echoes of Independence Day celebrations!

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. When a local knitter is found dead with knitting needles sticking in to her, Mae and the ladies have another mystery on their hands. Try to help them solve the mystery and get caught up on everything happening in their lives.

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

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well written cozy mystery. Join Mae and the gang as they try to solve another mystery and enjoy the Fourth of July festivities.

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

This is, by far, one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The sights and sounds of the fictional campground known as Happy Trails make me want to visit and sit down with the Laundry Club ladies. The cast of characters are like no other. Once you meet them on the pages, you will never forget them. Queenie is the jazzercise queen who takes exercise very seriously. Mae, whose con man husband left her high and dry with a campground in dire need of updates has made this campground the place to be in Kentucky. Finally, my favorite character is Dottie. You never know what will come out of Dottie's mouth. She is a red-headed fireball who is perpetually smoking and wears hot pink curlers in her hair. These are just a few of the flamboyant personalities who make up the cast of characters.

It is the Fourth of July and the town is decked out in enough red, white and blue to make Lady Liberty proud. Bingo is on the agenda before the fireworks show. These bingo players take it seriously and have no problem lording it over the others when they win. After the smoke clears, one of the ladies from the knitting circle is found dead on the sidewalk. The Laundry Club Ladies come to the rescue. There are plenty of suspects to go around, but once again Tonya Kappes pulled a fast one on me and shocked me with the ending. The mystery, as always, is very interesting to read about as you learn more about the people who make up this quaint town of Normal. There is a particularly hilarious scene involving Dottie in a compromising position. I have to confess that I snort laughed for several minutes after reading it. The Cozy Queen will steal your heart with her incredible writing style and imaginary characters that you will love and want to read more about. I always feel like I have sat down with a group of friends after reading any book in this series. Who knew that solving crime could also be fun?

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

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies is the 37th book in the Camper & Criminals series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies is like coming back home to Normal, Kentucky and hanging out with all my friends. I love the familiarity of the characters, the hominess of the various locations throughout the book, and the comfort of knowing Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are keeping everyone safe.

The Fourth of July celebrations have commenced and it's almost time for the fireworks. On a dark street, lit up intermittently with the brightness of freedom, a confrontation takes place, and just like that, there's another homicide in Normal, Kentucky. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case!

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 loved 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.

[Vanessa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this time of year, and I have found my favorite summer reading book! The visit to Normal, KY feels like a homecoming with its fantastic characters. The Happy Trails Campground is managed by Mae West, who is very involved in the community, including the national forest where her husband Hank works as a Ranger. Mae often lends a hand with the celebrations, and the 4th of July event is no exception. She is currently helping out with BINGO, and if you have ever played, you know how competitive it can get.

During the game, two community members, Marla and Nancy, are fiercely competing for the final prize, a homemade knitted blanket. Nancy emerges as the winner and makes sure Marla knows it. Unfortunately, Marla is later found dead with knitting needles in her neck. Cheryl, the owner of the Stitchin’ Post, becomes the prime suspect, and Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are compelled to assist in solving the mystery.

As Mae and the Ladies work to identify and eliminate suspects, you will be captivated by the story, keeping you guessing until the very end! This series is one of my favorites, and I eagerly await each new release. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, starting from the beginning will provide the background of the incredible characters and setting.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC, but this review reflects solely my own opinion.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s the annual week long Fourth of July celebration in Normal, Kentucky and murder’s afoot. The bingo game came to an end with one of the Stitchin’ Posts’ knitting group ladies winning a blanket made by the shop’s owner, Cheryl. Two friends who tend to compete in everything, including their knitting projects, Nancy and Marla, were sitting together. Nancy won the blanket, and Marla took off for a while. Minutes later, just as the fireworks were ready, they could hear Nancy scream. She had gone to find Marla, and just outside the Stitchin’ Post, she found Marla lying on the ground with her knitting needles protruding from her neck

Sheriff Al specifically did not want help from Mae and the laundry club ladies, despite his asking for help in the recent past. It would take more than Al’s say-so to stop Mae and Dottie from asking questions. Solving this murder was like trying to untangle a mess of yarn after a kitten has played with it to find whodunit this time. Then a stranger came into town, a young man trying to find out about someone who recently died in town. In one instance he specified Marla, in another, he did not.

As always, Tonya provides a great plot and a wonderful group of characters for us to fall in love with and enjoy. I’m always happy to read Tonya’s riveting stories.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the thirty-seventh book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series written by Tonya Kappes.

I enjoyed this book immensely. It seems like all of our characters have grown up a little more. They all care about each other and want to solve the murder. They try to stay safe but have lives of their own. I enjoyed the humor throughout the book. For me, it just makes the characters more relatable.
Unfortunately, a member of the old town family founders is murdered (Marla) with her own set of knitting needles and Cheryl Paisley is the prime suspect. Of course, the victim is known not to be the nicest person and holds grudges, Marla is constantly going back and forth with her semi-close friend Nancy. Nancy is also a suspect since she is seen on tape arguing with Marla after the bingo game.

Ms. Kappes does a great job of giving us plenty of suspects, mis-directions, and laughs.
I find her writing skillful in interweaving all the subplots and ending them by the closing of the book.

I was given and Advanced Readers Copy and am not required to leave a positive review.

This story can be read as a standalone book and you will not feel left out. Ms. Kappes gives you enough information that you will know the recurring characters well by the end of the book.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another cozy mystery solved by the Laundry Club Ladies. Mae West Grant Sharp, and her lady friends have a knack for getting the good gossip that helps solve cases. Mae is married to Hank Sharp, Ranger in the Daniel Boone National Park, and the former Sheriff.
When Marla is killed in the Fourth of July, just as the Fireworks are starting, Mae & Hank go running towards the screams. Marla was found dead on the sidewalk with knitting needles in her neck. A door security camera shows her talking to someone just before it happened! When Nancy reads the lips of Marla on the tape, they realize that the one "out of jail" is her daughter, Olivia.
But they were wrong. All of them. Olivia is NOT who she says she is. She is another prisoner that hears stories of treasure in the building where the knitting classes take place.
An unknown man comes to town looking for Marla, and says he's a business partner. When he sees Olivia, he knows that's not her. He met Olivia at the prison, with Marla.
When Ellis shows up with food for the grieving daughter, she knows something is amiss and saves the day! Then goes into labor and has twin boys!

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who knew Bingo could lead to MURDER, or did it? It’s 4th of July and after a competitive 4th of July Bingo game, a scream sounds out! Marla, one of the spirited bingo players has been found dead, killed by knitting needles! Mae knows she and her Laundry ladies can solve this one and they need to start gathering clues when their friend Cheryl lands on the suspect list. The suspect list starts to grow pretty quickly after Mae and Dottie start investigating, but the motive doesn’t seem to be clear. Was it jealousy or something more? Did a friendly competition, business deal, or something even more sinister lead to the death of Marla? These are just some of the questions that Mae has to untangle. Mae and Dottie also learn that Marla wasn’t always the nicest person, but that is not a reason to kill someone either! Lots of suspects, interesting clues and a great mystery ahead in this exciting new story in the Camper and criminal Cozy mystery series! I am not required to leave a review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies is another entertaining installment in Kappes' campers and criminals cozy mystery series. The town of Normal is celebrating the Fourth of July, and what better way to celebrate than to play some BINGO before the fireworks begin. An argument breaks out at the BINGO game taking everyone by surprise. When one of the ladies turns up dead, it is up to Mae and the Laundry Club ladies to solve this mystery.

Kappes sets up a great holiday mystery that captures the reader's attention from the beginning. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are thrown into this mystery when someone they know becomes a suspect needing them to clear her name. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader's attention. Plus I also really enjoyed seeing all of my favorite secondary characters back especially Dottie. Overall Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to Mae's next adventure.

Received a copy of Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies from the author.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 37th book in this series; I’ve read and loved all the books in the series, but this book could be enjoyed as a standalone. This is a very unique series, though, based around a campground area in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Kentucky. One can best appreciate the deep backgrounds of the characters and the setting if the series is read from the beginning, though. Mae owns the campground and is kind of the leader of the Laundry Club ladies, who gather and try to help solve any local crimes. I love reading “in season,” so this book definitely helped get me into the mood for Independence Day and fireworks. You know that the noise of a crowded public fireworks festival is the perfect way to muffle the noise of a murder, and of course the ladies feel the need to investigate. These books get written better and better and I enjoy them so much. I can definitely recommend this book and the whole series; I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.

[Jodi Skeen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boy - Another great Mae West Sharp book. May and her crew (the Laundry Club Ladies) are unstoppable when it comes time to solve a murder or any mystery really.
Of course Hank is always front and center in her life and snooping, he’s fantastic for supporting her and what she does.
And of course, Ellis her SIL, helps out a lot since she married Ty and quit being a ‘beauty queen’ all the time. Ellis has actually turned out to be a responsible adult.
I think she would be good at being a Laundry Club Lady, except between mothering her two brothers-in-law, and becoming a mother - when would she have time.
Of course I had no idea who the real murderer was, suspected 2 or 3 people before the dawn rolled in and there the person was and was going to kill Mae and her new found friend. and the most surprising person came to their rescue!
This was a really good one and now I can’t wait for the next chapter in Mae’s life.reedom, &

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fireworks, Freedom & Felonies is the thirty-seventh cozy mystery in the Camper & Criminals series. It’s Fourth of July time in Normal, Kentucky the celebrations are in full swing. When the town bingo game turns murderous, Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case.

I have loved this series from the beginning and enjoyed this mystery just as much as the rest. I always love a trip back to Normal, Kentucky and the quick, engaging mysteries that come with the visit. The characters in this series are funny, entertaining and great to follow along with. I always enjoy seeing Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies, but I think we got to see a little more of the side characters in this book which was nice. I can’t wait to see what comes next for this series. These mysteries can be read as standalone or together so if you haven’t started this series before and this sounds interesting, don’t be afraid to give this fun cozy mystery a go!

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Normal, Kentucky’s Fourth of July celebrations come to a screeching halt upon the discovery of a dead body. Who would want to kill Marla and with knitting needles? The obvious suspect is Cheryl based on their argument during bingo, but that is too obvious.

I liked that Henry and Dottie’s relationship is out in the open. I was surprised when Mae asked a total stranger if he wanted to go with her to Marla’s house to see her daughter. She’s lucky she didn’t end up on the side of the road dead. While Ellis can be a pain sometimes, she certainly came through in this story and it makes you like her just a little bit more.

I thought this story was just okay, although the killer was a complete surprise. I think readers will like the down to earth characters and the celebrations that Normal has.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

First: No spoilers in my reviews nor is this a recap of the blurb.
Who would ever connect Bingo, Fireworks, and MURDER? You can always count on finding a dead body and plenty of shenanigans when you dive into a Tonya Kappes Mystery. This series is a super entertaining cozy that you don't have to read in order but I recommend you go back and catch up if this is your first Camper and Criminals read.
Twists and turns keep you turning the pages and just when you think you've figured it out, another surprise is dealt. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are once again on the job to get to the bottom of this untimely crime (but what murder is timely? Ha Ha).
Fun quirky characters, fresh storyline, great cozy! Totally recommend this book and series.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series. I would like to live in Normal, the people are always so helpful and take care of each other. During the 4th of July fireworks, a woman is found murdered. She has lived in Normal for a while and has tried to do a lot of charity work. When Mae and the crew start investigating, they find out some things about the victim that are not very flattering. It seems that she might have bad mouthed someone just because she didn't get her way. There is an old mystery about gold coins and Mae is throwing Ellis a baby shower during the investigation. Again, Mae can't let it go. Someone murdered the woman almost in front of everyone. Can she figure it out this time?