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Holiday Cozy Mystery #10

Columbus Day Conundrum

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CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

Mystery is Afoot in Holiday Junction!

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!

162 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 22, 2024

158 people are currently reading
456 people want to read

About the author

Tonya Kappes

459 books3,707 followers
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,

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
Profile Image for Tonya Kappes.
Author 459 books3,707 followers
Read
September 22, 2024


🔍🚢 Columbus Day Conundrum is officially out today, and you’re invited to dive into this cozy mystery full of quirky characters, small-town charm, and a mayor who's... a dog?! 🐾🐕
🍂 What’s on the menu?
✔️ A charming Fall Festival 🍁
✔️ Quirky characters you’ll want to grab coffee with ☕
✔️ Twists & Turns at every corner
✔️ And yes... Mayor Paisley is as adorable as you’d expect! 🐶👑
📖 Don't miss out on all the small-town coziness and edge-of-your-seat mystery! Snag your copy today, cuddle up with your favorite blanket, and let the fun begin!
Profile Image for Mary Brown.
1,299 reviews75 followers
Read
September 22, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrum
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #10
Toyna Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Southern Hospitality with a Smidgen of Homicide

CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!

Welcome to Holiday Junction, where festivals are lively, but the secrets run deep... and deadly!

As the Columbus Day Festival sails into town, journalist Violet Rhinehammer is ready for a weekend of parades, historic ships, and town traditions.

But when a body is discovered near the beach and the festive cheer is overshadowed by murder, Violet finds herself navigating murky waters.

With the streets bustling with tourists, and rumors swirling like the autumn breeze, Violet must piece together clues before the killer disappears into the crowd. The town’s festive spirit may be full of pumpkin spice and everything nice, but danger is never far behind—especially when everyone has something to hide.

Will Violet solve the mystery in time for the grand festival finale? Or will this celebration of discovery turn into her darkest journey yet?

Cozy up with Columbus Day Conundrum, where the clues are tricky, the suspects are shifty, and the only thing bigger than the mystery is the holiday spirit! 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. At Holiday Junction they are celebrating Christopher Columbus Day and there is also a wedding set to take place. As luck would have it, Violet and Darren stumble upon a dead body. The person who was killed just happens to be the ex of the woman who is getting married in only a few days. Violet will have her hands figuring out who the murderer is and why he was killed.

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 is well plotted and not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. This author knows how to write a Southern cozy mystery, including having a Southern Mama.

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




6,726 reviews5 followers
September 23, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book ten of twelve

This was a new release by the author more to come 😴

Columbus Day has come to the village and with it a murder. They are part of the investigation team with the leads leading everywhere. It all comes to a happy ☺ ending.

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

Profile Image for Cozy Reader Lady.
1,167 reviews129 followers
January 4, 2025

"Columbus Day Conundrum (Holiday Cozy Mystery #10)" by Tonya Kappes reminds me of the early books of the Camper and Criminals series she wrote. There needs to be another edit before release. There is constant continuity issues, mostly with Violet seemingly forgetting something she just talked about being one way and now it's like she either didn't know about it yet or forgot details. In one particular instance she tells someone the murder weapon was still in the victim. Then a page or two later asks that same person to let her know if they find the murder weapon.

The mystery itself did have me jumping between suspects a little. I was pretty sure it was one of three possible people. In the end I was right but it was for a little bit of an annoying reason. It's a perfect logical reason to a mentally unstable person but annoying all the same.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
302 reviews
October 22, 2024
This could have been a good series had the author taken the time to proofread and edit. Continuity errors. Redundancy. At times it was like there were different people writing some of the books and they forgot to check what the other had written.
This book seems like it was just rushed to publish. Sad!
Profile Image for amelia .
234 reviews98 followers
January 8, 2025
3.25 stars
the murder didn't happen in the first 10 pages this time which was good... but again, there were inconsistencies and its almost as if there were two writers or that the author completely forgets what she wrote a few pages or chapters before. if these issues were fixed, the book would be so much more enjoyable!
7 reviews
December 4, 2024
Plot inconsistencies, annoying characters, factual errors, overuse of similes, and, specifically in this book, a ridiculous motive for murder. Most annoying to me is the boyfriend, who owns a bar, plays the fiddle, AND is now a lawyer representing the accused, who allows his meddlesome girlfriend to interview his client violating all kinds of ethics and attorney client privilege.
841 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2024
Back to Holiday Junction for another big celebration and this time it’s Columbus Day. With the festival in full swing and the ship reenactment coming up things are certainly festive in Holiday Junction until the “Merrymakers” who are retrieving the sign for the finale of the celebration stumble across a dead body in the woods on their way to place the sign at the marina. Quickly trying to hide the sign so no one discovers their secret identity., they said, discover that the dead body is that of the husband of one of the friends in the town who used to be married the next day. Violet and Darren must race against time to clear the fiancé of the husbands murder and keep their secret identities secret. Great mystery as usual! Full of twists and turns.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,164 reviews16 followers
September 22, 2024
Violet Rhinehammer is covering the Columbus Day Festival for the Junction Journal. In addition to the festival, there is a bridal party in town, Violet is also covering all the activities leading up to the couple's big day which takes a turn for the worst when the bride's ex-husband shows up. In addition to all her duties for the newspaper, she finds the perfect apartment for her. Can she handle everything she has going on and help solve the murder?

This is a great series. If you love holiday cozy mysteries look no further. No holiday is too small for Holiday Junction to celebrate. The festivals and Holiday Junction are as much a character as all the actual people and animals. There is always a location picked by the town Merry Maker for the final event and the Major is an adorable dog. The relationship between Violet and her Mamma is great and makes for an entertaining exchange. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of twists and turns to keep you engaged in the story.

All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
Profile Image for Jeanie.
1,325 reviews1 follower
September 20, 2024
I completely enjoyed this exciting new mystery by Tonya Kappes! I had not seen a Columbus Day festival before and couldn’t wait to dive in. It is fully celebrated in Holiday Junction, and I enjoyed every minute of it, especially the historic reenactment and ship tours. One resident said: “There is just something magical about this town in the fall, and the festival reminds us all why we love living here”.

Violet is the editor-in-chief of the Junction Journal, where she has brilliantly grown a dying weekly newspaper into a widely read online and weekly print paper of the latest news and celebrations. She, her friends, parents, and boyfriend Darren, are defined well through realistic conversations and behaviors.

This novel is a treat for the senses, as we vicariously enjoy the scents, colors, and sounds of autumn in Holiday Junction. Violet loved her parents’ cozy garage apartment, and has now gone out on her own and leased a little apartment in the arts district, amidst the eclectic mix of modern and vintage buildings.

Violet took photos of an intricately designed wedding cake for Bedilla and Steve, lovingly prepared by Amelia and Bedilla at the Sugarbrush Bakery. The photos will be part of the online paper’s wedding announcement for the couple. Throughout the day and evening, Violet snapped dozens of festival event photos, including the opening.

Violet stopped at the bar owned by her boyfriend and newly graduated attorney, Darren, before they went to the opening event. Bedilla and her bridesmaids were celebrating the upcoming wedding, and Violet stopped to chat with them. Amelia caught sight of and joined someone coming in and sitting at the bar. When loud voices began at the bar, everyone turned in time to see Owen, one of the regulars, having words with the man Amelia was talking with before the fight broke out. The stranger was Wallace, Bedilla’s ex-husband. Or she thought he was her ex. He told her in front of everyone that she could not marry Steve in two days. She missed signing one of the necessary documents for their divorce, so they are still married. Darren broke up the fight and kicked out both Wallace and Owen.

Hours later, Violet literally tripped over and landed on Wallace’s dead body in the woods. He had been murdered with an unusual weapon.

Violet, with assistance from her mother and Darren, has helped solve several murders since coming to Holiday Junction. Darren’s father is the police chief, which could make his being an attorney somewhat challenging at times. This is not a simple case, as there are at least four suspects so far. One is Bedilla – as if she is a widow, getting remarried would be much easier than finalizing the divorce! Then there is her adoring fiancé, Steve. Amelia, who would do anything to protect her friend, could have done it. Wallace could even have died of internal injuries from his fight with Owen.

The resolution was extremely surprising, especially the dramatic finale! While I was sad for those affected by the murder, I was satisfied with the overall ending. I highly recommend this mystery, and the others in this series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries with a Southern flair and festivals for every holiday. Each is written as a standalone so they don’t have to be read in order.

From a thankful heart: I read an uncorrected pre-publication version of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy.
2,072 reviews66 followers
September 17, 2024
In Holiday Junction, every holiday is celebrated, including Columbus Day. The leaves are turning their beautiful colors of orange and yellow with sounds of laughter and music, as well as the smell of popcorn in the air drawing everyone around to the celebration. Everyone is happy and having a great time. That is until my favorite journalist, Violet Rhinehammer, stumbles over a dead body. And I mean she literally stumbled over this body.

Never fear because even though Violet works at a small town newspaper, her investigative abilities are keen and would be more in line with a big city journalist. She will leave no stone unturned. She has no fear. Once she solves the mystery, she has no problem confronting the culprit. The suspects start piling up as the victim is definitely not a well-liked individual. There are some Sweet Home Alabama vibes going on in this story. You will understand when you read it.

I love everything about this series and this small town. To borrow a quote from Violet's boyfriend, Darren, "Small town living with the best of both worlds - beach and mountains." I would say that it does not get much better than that.

You can never go wrong with this series. The mystery is always well-written and will keep you guessing until the end. The characters are some of my favorite in any series. I feel like I know them personally. Finally, Holiday Junction is a wonderful place to imagine living where you can have your picture made with the mayor while she is decked out in her finest red and blue collar. Yes, I said collar because the mayor is a Boston terrier. The Queen of Cozy has given us another winner, especially if you enjoy a light-hearted mystery that will challenge you as you try and solve the mystery.

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
375 reviews5 followers
September 22, 2024
It’s time for the annual Columbus Day festival in Holiday Junction and there’s so much going on. Violet is busy taking photos of an intricately designed wedding cake for Bedilla and Steve, lovingly prepared by Amelia and Bedilla at the Sugarbrush Bakery. The photos will be part of the online paper’s wedding announcement for the couple. Throughout the day and evening, Violet snapped dozens of festival event photos, including the opening.

Violet stops at the bar owned by her boyfriend and newly graduated attorney, Darren, before the opening event. Bedilla and her bridesmaids were celebrating the upcoming wedding, and Violet stopped to chat with them. Amelia caught sight of and joined someone coming in and sitting at the bar. When loud voices began at the bar, everyone turned in time to see Owen, one of the regulars, having words with the man Amelia was talking with before the fight broke out. The stranger was Wallace, Bedilla’s ex-husband. Or she thought he was her ex. He tells her in front of everyone that she could not marry Steve in two days time because she missed signing one of the necessary documents for their divorce, so they are still married. Darren broke up the fight and kicked out both Wallace and Owen.

After Wallace turns up dead, it’s up to Violet to determine what happened and who is to blame. There are many suspects. One is Bedilla – as a widow, getting remarried would be much easier than finalizing the divorce! Then there is her adoring fiancé, Steve. Amelia, who would do anything to protect her friend, could have done it. Wallace could even have died of internal injuries from his fight with Owen.

As always, Tonya has crafted an entertaining plot for Violet and her crew to solve and the resolution to the latest story is satisfying and heartfelt. I’m looking forward to our next visit to Holiday Junction.
Profile Image for Merry Chapman.
2,611 reviews24 followers
September 22, 2024
The 10th book in an ever evolving, page turning series you just can't put down once you begin! Violet, the journalist and editor of the town paper is excited to take pictures of all the festivities. At the same time she is helping with a wedding to happen the next day and she and Darren are the secret Merrymaker"s and have to put the sign at the end of the day where the festivities will conclude. Add to that and Violet wants to get an apartment of her own, but doesn't know how to tell her mother since she is presently living in the guest house on her mother's property. When Violet goes into Darren's bar to meet up with him, she sees the bridal group at a table and sits with them. But then, there is a violent fight at the bar with a stranger who just happens to be the bride's ex-husband. Darren throws the ex out, and the bridal party leaves angry at the ex showing up. Then it is time for Violet and Darren to secretly place the Merrymaker's sign when as they were carrying it, Violet trips over a body which just happens to be the dead EX. So may threads, so may twists and turns. But will Darren, Violet's mother, Millie Kay, who loves to help investigate and of course, Violet find the real murderer especially when the Groom is arrested and Darren is representing him as his lawyer? Wow, so much there to decipher and so many potential suspects? I highly recommend this entire series and this book is a great addition! I can't wait to see what will come next for Violet, Darren and the rest of the crew. All the characters are really great and well developed. I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Profile Image for Judy.
319 reviews
October 9, 2024
It’s time for another holiday in Holiday Junction and, of course, another murder. Kind of makes you wonder if murders are only committed in this town during the holidays. Of course, Violet Rhinehammer needs to get involved in solving the murder under the guise of “investigative journalist.”

This story revolves around the upcoming wedding of Bedilla and Steve, who are friends of Radley’s (Vi’s co-worker at the paper) girlfriend, Amelia. We find out that Bedilla isn’t really divorced, which throws a wrench in the upcoming wedding. There are twists and turns as Vi investigates and, of course, the suspects are obvious due to motive, but I really thought it was someone else and so the killer surprised me, though it shouldn’t have. Ms. Kappes did a great job of a red herring at the end.

I like that Vi moved out of her mom’s house so that she can adult and she and Darren can have time together without feeling like teenagers being spied on by her parents.

There are a couple of inconsistencies in the story that would have been nice if they had been caught before the book came out because they made me feel like I missed something.

The characters in this town are unique and enjoyable. It bothered me that Ms. Kappes had Fern working at the police department and flirting with Darren. I get that is the way Fern is, but it seems like it is setting up a story for future strife with Darren and Vi.

All in all, this was a fun read and I look forward to more holidays in Holiday Junction.
Profile Image for Sapphyria  .
2,272 reviews58 followers
October 2, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrum is the 10th 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, it is nearing Columbus Day, and the town of Holiday Junction is gearing up for the Columbus Day Festival. A wedding is taking place, as well, and Violet is taking pictures of the cake for the announcement in the paper. When the bride-to-be gets some bad news and Violet and Darren literally stumble over a dead body, Violet moves into investigation mode. The murder throws a wrench into the festivities but, as per usual, Violet puts on her sleuthing cap.

Columbus Day Conundrum is a quick read and full of excitement. 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.
Profile Image for Susan.
613 reviews11 followers
September 28, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrum is another entertaining installment in Kappes' holiday cozy mystery series. I always look forward to each new installment in this series, and this latest definitely didn't disappoint. Violet and the town of Holiday Junction are celebrating Columbus Day as well as anticipating an upcoming wedding. Things go badly when the bride's ex-husband shows up claiming that they aren't divorced putting the wedding in jeopardy. When the husband is found dead, Violet decides to solve this case.

Kappes sets up a good story that includes all the great secondary characters that readers have grown to love as well as good mystery. Violet also makes some changes in her own life as she tries to solve this case. The book grabs the reader's attention from the beginning and doesn't let go. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns making for an entertaining read. Overall Columbus Day Conundrum proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Violet's next adventure.

Received a copy of Columbus Day Conundrum from the author.
Profile Image for Tami.
126 reviews4 followers
October 4, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrums takes readers back to the vibrant town of Holiday Junction, where festivals are a delight but secrets can be deadly. Journalist Violet Rhinehammer is all set for a weekend filled with parades and festivities, but the fun quickly turns grim when a body is discovered near the beach.

Kappes masterfully blends holiday spirit with a gripping mystery. As Violet races against time to piece together clues amidst a bustling crowd of tourists and swirling rumors, the tension rises. The cozy atmosphere is tinged with danger, reminding readers that even the most festive occasions can harbor dark secrets.

The book is packed with charming details, making Holiday Junction feel alive with autumn vibes. Violet is a relatable protagonist, driven by her journalistic instincts and a desire for justice. Kappes keeps the plot engaging, with twists that will keep readers guessing until the very end.

Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, Columbus Day Conundrums is a delightful read that promises laughter, intrigue, and a taste of holiday cheer—just with a side of murder. Grab your favorite beverage, settle in, and join Violet in solving this festive conundrum!



Profile Image for Helen Drake.
987 reviews15 followers
September 23, 2024
I’m enjoying this series more at each holiday. This one was set in early fall for Columbus Day. Holiday Junction citizens are enjoying the festivities in the beautiful setting. The big event is the replica ship based on Christopher Columbus’ ships and having it sail into the marina.

A bride to be and the wedding party are preparing for a destination wedding there. As the preparations are progressing, the bride’s husband who she thought she divorced shows up with proof she never signed the papers. He then turns up murdered with Violet and Darren discovering the body. The groom to be is a suspect and Darren’s client. It’s up to Violet, Darren, with a little help from Violet’s mother to solve the case and save the wedding.

The plot was well developed and kept me guessing until the very end. Every time I thought I had solved it, another wrinkle is revealed.

I am enjoying the way the characters lives continue to develop. I can’t wait to see what happens next.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the entertaining read.
219 reviews3 followers
September 14, 2024
Join our favorite editor-in-chief, Violet, in another thrilling adventure set against the vibrant backdrop of the Columbus Day Festival in Holiday Junction. Balancing her merry-making duties with her editorial responsibilities, Violet finds herself at the center of the town’s latest buzz—a big wedding. However, the festivities take a dark turn when a body is discovered, linked to the soon-to-be-married couple.
Violet and Darren team up to unravel the mystery before Violet’s investigative zeal ruffles too many feathers in town. With her knack for piecing together clues like a seasoned PI, Violet must navigate through a web of suspects to solve the case swiftly, ensuring the wedding and festival can proceed without further disruption.
This book’s vivid descriptions will make you feel as if you’re watching a movie, immersing you in the story from the first page to the last. It’s a solid mystery and a fun time with Violet! Can’t wait for her next big story!
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,015 reviews13 followers
September 18, 2024
Columbus Day celebrations are starting up in Holiday Junction. Violet is busy snapping pictures and writing articles. Including an article for a big wedding. However, the bride’s ex shows up claiming they aren’t divorced. A fight ensues at the Jiggle Joint until they get thrown out. Later that night, Violet and Darren are sneaking through the woods for their Merrymaker duties when they literally fall over a body. The ex has been murdered but who did it? Now Violet is determined to solve the case so the Columbus Day Celebration and wedding can both go on. A twisty, turning mystery full of plenty of suspects. Along with all the excitement, Violet finds an apartment to rent and has to tell her mother she is moving out. You know that won’t end well. Another great story in Holiday Junction.
Profile Image for Kara Marks.
463 reviews81 followers
September 23, 2024
This is the 10th book in this series; I’ve read and loved all the previous books, but this book stands on its own surprisingly well. The setting in Holiday Junction is quite unique, because the townspeople celebrate each holiday, even minor ones, in a big way. So it’s approaching Columbus Day, with gorgeous autumn leaves and a slight chill in the air, and Violet, the main character, is editor of the Junction Journal, as well as the co-Merry Maker with her boyfriend, a secret honorary position, who together decide where each closing celebration will be for each holiday. As a journalist, Violet is in a great position to investigate crimes, and she’s very good at it. This time, she’s the one who stumbles upon a dead body, and plenty of excitement ensues. I can definitely recommend this book and series; I was provided an ARC, but these opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kathleen.
1,853 reviews9 followers
September 12, 2024
Our story involves Columbus Day, a wedding, and a murder. I was enthralled by the means and lengths the town goes to in order to make the festival a wonderful experience. I could feel the vibrations and excitement float through me as I read them.

The way the final ending spot for the festival came about had me smiling. Violet and Darren had lemons and Violet turned them into lemonade.

I had the killer pegged early on but the author took us through plenty of curvy roads and gave the reader plenty of other suspects before the reveal. Anyone one of the offerings could have killed Wallace. I was surprised at some of the information revealed in the denouement.

Keep them coming, Ms. Kappes.

I was given an advanced readers copy and am not required to leave a positive review.
Profile Image for Sarah.
442 reviews3 followers
October 13, 2025
3 1/2 stars

This was my last book to read in the series. Instead of reading them in order, I read them by the holiday. I had started this series last year at Halloween. The books are quick reads and I enjoyed most of them. This one was good. I thought the twists to figuring out the criminal was one of the best in the series.

Violet is busy taking photos and writing stories for local events happening in town. One such event is a wedding set to take place in the next few days. But when a man from the bride’s past shows up dead, the bride and all associated with the wedding are now suspects. Everybody seems to be hiding something, but they can’t all be hiding a murder. So Violet has to piece through the evidence, hopefully in time for the wedding to take place.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,916 reviews15 followers
September 10, 2024
Columbus Day is being celebrated as only Holiday Junction can celebrate including replicas of the Nina, Pinta, and Santa Maria sailing in and giving tours and boat rides. There's also a big wedding scheduled and Violet is busy taking pictures and reporting on everything. She and Darren stumble across a body, literally, and Violet is determined to find out who killed him. There are several suspects and Violet talks with them all. I love the characters. Goldie is lots of fun as she drives the trolley around town. I didn't see the ending coming but it made sense after Violet explains it all.
Profile Image for Sue Rae Buck.
345 reviews13 followers
September 23, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrum is the 10th book in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes where Holiday Junction is celebrating their Columbus Day Festival and The Merrymaker(s) need to find the right place for the festival to end. Lots festivities are happening: a wedding, a old Columbus Day reenactment, meeting Mayor Paisley, the dog, and much more. Everything is going great until Darren and Violet fall over a dead body! Poor Violet needs to let her mother know that she is moving out and has found an apartment in the Art District to rent. Now a murder to solve too! Great book that comes alive as you read it, like you are right there in the mist of Holiday Junction and the rest of the wonderful characters.
Profile Image for Jeanne.
1,921 reviews9 followers
September 23, 2024
Columbus Day Conundrum is book #10 in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.

Another entertaining visit to Holiday Junction where they celebrate all holidays. I always enjoy catching up with Violet Rhinehammer, her friends and family, and the unique characters in Holiday Junction. Violet stumbles on another body and it’s the start of a new investigation. The description of the town and events will make you feel like you are there. I recommend this book and the entire series.

Thank you to the author for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Kelly.
901 reviews19 followers
September 23, 2024
This was another great mystery in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series. I love all of the festivals that the town celebrates and the Columbus Day festival was no exception. What a fun idea for a town to hold so many celebrations and have tourists year round. The writing is so descriptive that I feel like I am seeing the colorful leaves and hearing all of the merriment and also following along with Violet as she digs for clues to the mystery. I love the characters in this series and know that I am in for an enjoyable time when I read a book in this series.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the author. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Profile Image for Debbi.
858 reviews3 followers
October 28, 2025
Holiday Junction is celebrating Columbus Day. So Violet is on the hunt for pictures of everything to put in her article about the festival. Also Bedilla is also getting ready to marry Steve. Amelia is making her cake and wanted Vi to take pictures. Everything is going great until Bedilla’s supposedly ex husband turns up and causes a ruckus. Later on Darren and Violet find him dead. Can Violet figure this one out without Mama’s and Radley’s help? Or will the celebration be overshadowed by it all? This was another enjoyable tale of a town and its colorful characters that celebrates holidays in a big way along with a murder thrown in.
Profile Image for Miki.
1,046 reviews43 followers
September 18, 2024
Lovely! i liked this new instalment and Violet's evolution. She and Darren are still making little mistakes some more funny than others but they are sweet together and have each other back. I liked to see Violet's mother reactions and how she supported her daughter.

The investigation is great, with several twists but i fear this one could have a deeper impact on Violet than precedent case and i'm curious to see how and what will happen next.

Really a great story, can be read as stand alone but it's a wonderful series worth discovering
212 reviews2 followers
September 21, 2024
Once again, Holiday Junction is hosting a holiday celebration. This time it is Columbus Days turn. And what holiday would be complete without a mystery for Violet to solve. Unfortunately, she literally stumbles across a body while doing her Merry Maker duties with her boyfriend Darren. There are many suspects with plenty of motives.

A very entertaining cozy mystery series and with so many holidays to celebrate, the possibilities are endless. Looking forward to what comes next, especially the relationship between Violet and Darren.
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