Autumns, Awnings, & Arson

Camper & Criminals #38

by Tonya Kappes

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where the only thing bigger than the Daniel Boone Festival is the mystery that's set the town ablaze!

As autumn leaves fall and the smell of campfire drifts through the air, Mae West is ready to cozy up to the Daniel Boone Festival, the highlight of Normal, Kentucky. But when a fire at the Frontier Village turns into a blazing whodunit, Mae’s relaxing plans go up in smoke.

Dr. Everett Hamilton, a celebrated historian, is found toastier than a s'more at the annual festival. Worse yet, the flames were no accident—Dr. Hamilton was as dead as a doornail before the fire even started. When another body drops hotter than a cast-iron skillet, Mae realizes there's more to this festival than meets the eye.

With her trusty sidekicks—Dottie, Queenie, Betts, and Abby (the Laundry Club Ladies)—by her side, Mae trades in her festival fun for some down-home sleuthing. From suspicious historians to smoldering affairs, the suspects are as thick as campfire smoke, and it’s going to take more than Mae's Southern charm to put out this fire.

Can Mae catch the culprit before the whole festival goes up in flames, or will this mystery be her final campground cookout?

“Autumns, Awnings, & Arson” is a sizzling Southern mystery full of camping chaos, down-home humor, and a heroine who won’t quit until she’s put the lid on this case. Grab your tent and marshmallows—things are about to get heated in Normal, Kentucky!

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

294 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 27, 2024

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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

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

Reviews

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️- Kindle Unlimited and Audible 🎧


“That man couldn’t find a pig in a cornfield with both hands and a flashlight!!”

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Daniel Boone Festival is in full swing when the Frontier Village goes up in flames. Mae and the ladies soon learn this fire wasn't accidental when the body of a historian was found in the fire. Mae, Dottie, Queenie, Betts, and Abby need to smoke out the killers before one of them are the next target.

I love how each of the ladies' knowledge, backgrounds and personalities help them in their investigation. Sure they might be a bit nosy, but they are smart, resourceful, and compassionate. The mystery is well-plotted with plenty of suspects and surprising twists. I was surprised by the killer.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[Tracy Fritts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cozy mystery

I love reading about Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies. It's an cozy mystery that will leave guessing and will have you glued to the pages. It's wonderful written. Has a wonderful storyline.
It's a page turner. It has lots of twists and turns. I love this series and can't wait for the next one.

[Kristina Danza]

Love this series so much ❤️

[Megan Shumaker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why after 38 + murders is Hank still shocked there is another murder?! Hahaha! Love this series!

[Aղցela W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review Coming

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m surprised this series just keeps going and going and going.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes writes a huge amount of very enjoyable cozy mysteries, and this book is no exception. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Worth the time to read.

[Sherida Busche · Rating 3 out of 5]

The mystery was good, but missed the laundry club ladies being more active in helping solve the mystery. They help balance out Mae’s behavior. I found myself wishing someone would just throw her in jail, so she would have time to reflect on her actions especially toward Dottie.

[Missy · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always fun to return to Normal and spend time with the Laundry Club ladies. This book contains everything that readers and campers in Happy Trails expect: small town fun, good gossip, and murder!
This book left my hankering for a cup of seasonal blend from Gertie and a bedazzled shirt from Dottie.
This series is my escape and I eagerly await the next one.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fun and intriguing new offering, we get to join Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies as they participate in a long-beloved annual festival in Kentucky. Residents and tourists celebrate the namesake of the Daniel Boone Festival, with family-friendly events to entertain and entertain attendees in an atmosphere of community spirit, with favorite foods, sweets, and music. I would love to see the historical reenactments, including the signing of the Cane Treaty in 1948.

Mae’s campground, Happy Trails, is fully booked for the week-long festival. Normal and Happy Trails are nestled within the gorgeous fall colors in the national forest. Many anticipate the historical presentation on opening day, given by Dr. Everett Hamilton, who will introduce a special artifact that he claims will totally change their history.

The day before opening, Hamilton had angry words or shouting matches with four of the regular craftspeople or volunteers. Dr. Hamilton suddenly sees their crafts, volunteer service, or artifacts for sale as unacceptable. Mae heard just enough to realize that something was very unusual. As a representative of the National Park Committee, Mae kept her eyes open.

We enjoy a change in Dottie, Mae’s close friend, the manager of Happy Trails, and one of my favorites. Usually grumpy and spouting sassy and fun Dottie-isms, Dottie is being mischievous and playful, especially around Henry, the handyman at Happy Trails. At least until the fire.

Mae finished her committee checklists of the booths and was ready to leave. Her husband, Hank, and other forest rangers ran by. Hank stopped long enough to tell her there was a huge fire at Frontier Village, where several events will be held, and Mae and Dottie hurried back there. Fire engulfed Dr. Hamilton’s cabin, and tour leader Martha Jean ran to it, screaming that he was still inside. By the time he was brought out by a firefighter, he was dead.

Mae and her best friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, treasure their friendship. They scratch their itch to snoop when helping Sheriff Hemmer and Ranger Hank, Mae’s husband, solve murders when having a family member or friend being wrongfully accused – or as in this case, a killer who could possibly destroy one of their best festivals or harm those in attendance.

Dr. Hamilton was murdered before the fire was set, and the special, secret artifact he was to reveal could not be found. Everyone knew Daniel Boone had not kept a journal, but Hamilton told someone that he discovered Boone did write one. Boone’s nephew took it on an expedition as a valuable guide. It was said to have been accidentally dropped in a river and never seen again. Now, Hamilton claimed to have it. The Laundry Club Ladies then found the craftswoman who told Mae about it dead at Hamilton’s cabin.

This was a fascinating mystery! Mae was getting desperate to resolve it, and went over the top when questioning some of their suspects. She and her friends loved Normal and the Daniel Boone National Forest, and didn’t want a killer harming their friends. I finally had a lightbulb moment of whodunit, but I didn’t know why, and eagerly raced to finish. The end was fully satisfying, and I highly recommend it and the rest of the series to Southern armchair campers and sleuths!

From a thankful heart: I read and reviewed an uncorrected, pre-publication version of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumns, Awnings and Arsen
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book # 3
Toyna Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where the only thing bigger than the Daniel Boone Festival is the mystery that's set the town ablaze!
As autumn leaves fall and the smell of campfire drifts through the air, Mae West is ready to cozy up to the Daniel Boone Festival, the highlight of Normal, Kentucky. But when a fire at the Frontier Village turns into a blazing whodunit, Mae’s relaxing plans go up in smoke.
Dr. Everett Hamilton, a celebrated historian, is found toastier than a s'more at the annual festival. Worse yet, the flames were no accident—Dr. Hamilton was as dead as a doornail before the fire even started. When another body drops hotter than a cast-iron skillet, Mae realizes there's more to this festival than meets the eye.
With her trusty sidekicks—Dottie, Queenie, Betts, and Abby (the Laundry Club Ladies)—by her side, Mae trades in her festival fun for some down-home sleuthing. From suspicious historians to smoldering affairs, the suspects are as thick as campfire smoke, and it’s going to take more than Mae's Southern charm to put out this fire.
Can Mae catch the culprit before the whole festival goes up in flames, or will this mystery be her final campground cookout?
“Autumns, Awnings, & Arson” is a sizzling Southern mystery full of camping chaos, down-home humor, and a heroine who won’t quit until she’s put the lid on this case. Grab your tent and marshmallows—things are about to get heated in Normal, Kentucky!


Review:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mae and The Laundry Club Ladies are getting ready for The Daniel Boone Festival. There are all kinds of festivities planned but they did not plan for a fire and dead body. But that was exactly what they got. Now they have to figure out who the killer is and why they did it. Join them as they try to solve this mystery.


The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The mystery was well plotted and I did not know who the killer was until it was revealed at the end.


I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well rounded cozy mystery. Grab your favorite beverage and a cozy spot to sit and enjoy this book.


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

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes’ Autumns, Awnings, & Arson is a delightful cozy mystery set in the charming town of Normal, Kentucky, where the only thing bigger than the Daniel Boone Festival is the mystery that sets the town ablaze. As autumn leaves fall and the scent of campfires fills the air, Mae West is excited to enjoy the festivities. However, her plans take a fiery turn when a suspicious fire at the Frontier Village reveals a chilling murder.

The celebrated historian, Dr. Everett Hamilton, is discovered dead, and it quickly becomes clear that the flames were no accident—he was already deceased before the fire even ignited. When another body is found, Mae realizes that the festival is hiding more secrets than anyone anticipated.

Kappes’ writing is warm and engaging, with a vibrant cast of characters, including Mae’s trusty sidekicks—the lovable Laundry Club Ladies. Together, they navigate a tangled web of suspicious historians and smoldering affairs, making the mystery as thick as campfire smoke. The pacing is brisk, filled with humor and tension, keeping readers hooked until the final reveal.

With themes of friendship, community, and Southern charm, Autumns, Awnings, & Arson offers a perfect blend of lighthearted fun and intrigue. Mae’s determination to solve the case before the festival goes up in flames adds a thrilling urgency to the narrative.

Overall, this sizzling Southern mystery is a must-read for fans of cozy crime fiction. Kappes invites readers to grab their tents and marshmallows, promising an adventure that’s as entertaining as it is mysterious. Prepare for a camping chaos that you won’t want to miss!

[Cozy Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumns, Awnings, & Arson by Tonya Kappes is the 38th book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series.

In this book, fall has come to Normal, Kentucky. The trees are dressed in their finest fall colors, and people have come from all over to attend the 75th Annual Daniel Boone Festival. The festivities stretch from the Pioneer Village all the way to the Happy Trails Campground, and folks plan on celebrating all week long!

Mae West is loving the history of it all and is super jazzed about the festival. But it's not all fun and games. As a member of the National Park Committee, she has some tasks to attend to ensure the festivities go off without a hitch. Plus, there is some friction between the Daniel Boone experts, and keeping the peace is turning out to be trickier than a tick on a teddy bear.

Of course, Normal wouldn't be normal without a body, so one shows up rather quickly. One of the Daniel Boone Festival attendees is found toastier than a s'more. Fortunately for everyone, Mae West and her gang of Laundry Ladies are no strangers to mystery. They start raking up clues, and before you know it, they have a pile of colorful suspects.

This is a great fall read! Tonya Kappes peppers in plenty of cozy descriptions and does a good job of making you feel like you're right there at the festival with Mae and the Laundry Ladies. The mystery was fun, and the humor was a hoot, as usual.

This series never gets old. I would recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries, seasonal reads, and Tonya Kappes books.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumns, Awnings, & Arson is the 38th book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, but it’s as fresh and exciting as all the previous books. Reading Autumns, Awnings, & Arson 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.

Autumn has arrived in Kentucky, bringing with it the Daniel Boone Festival. There are a lot of activities planned as the town gears up for the 75th year of festivities. The history of Daniel Boone is brought to life with reenactments, historical buildings, replications of clothing, tools, and amenities, along with a keynote address. All is going smoothly until there is a fire in the village and the keynote speaker is found dead.

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. 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.

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s autumn in Normal, Kentucky and the Diamond Daniel Boone Festival is just getting started. As a devoted committee member for the festival, Mae is generously giving of her time to see that the festivities are a success. Unfortunately, the mood quickly changes when a fire in the pioneer village is found to be arson and leads to the discovery of historian Dr. Hamilton’s crispy remains.

As always seems to be the case, it’s Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies who must tackle the latest mystery and find the culprit. Who could it be? There are several potential suspects, including the festival scheduler, Normal’s self-appointed historian, a blacksmith, and an antique dealer.

To add to the already fraught dealings, the reveal of a potentially game-changing artifact, a journal of Daniel Boone’s, threatens to further complicate matters, especially after another body is discovered and Mae potentially complicates her relationship with Dottie after letting valuable information slip to Waldo Willy.

Can Mae and the ladies solve the murders before any more havoc further interrupts the festivities? Will Mae salvage her relationship with Dottie? The newest book in the Campers and Criminals mystery series by Tonya Kappes is as riveting as we have come to expect from her books. I’m already dying to read the next in the series.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae is on the committee for the 75th anniversary celebration of Daniel Boone and the fall festival complete with a frontier village, reenactments and a special speaker, Dr. Hamilton who promises to reveal a very incredible journal that could change everything. Hamilton also has been arguing with a lot of the people at the village since his personality had a lot to be desired. So when The cabin Dr. Hamilton was in with his relics burned down with him in it and it was arson, we have a problem. But, when he was found dead before the fire Mae, Dottie and the rest of the laundry club ladies get involved in trying to find a murderer so the festival can continue to go on without any more problems. But when Dottie is told she is going to give the speech Hamilton was going to give, did that put her in danger of being murdered? Then when another resident is murdered the Mae and the ladies have to step up their game while keeping Dottie safe. This book is another page turner in the fantastic Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series. It's amazing how Tonya can keep this series going just as fresh as the first book in this 38th book of the series and when finished reading making you want more! I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumn has arrived in Normal, Kentucky, and the Diamond Daniel Boone Festival is in full swing. Mae, a dedicated committee member, is working tirelessly to keep everything running smoothly. However, the festival takes a dark turn when a fire in the pioneer village is revealed to be arson, concealing the body of Dr. Hamilton, a historian specializing in Daniel Boone.
Why would someone want him dead? Mae, with the help of her ever-resourceful laundry ladies, has a long list of suspects to consider. Could it be the self-appointed guardian of Normal’s history, a local antique dealer, a blacksmith, the festival scheduler, or a local artisan creating replicas for the event?As the investigation unfolds, it becomes apparent that an extraordinary artifact might be at the heart of the murder—a potential journal of Daniel Boone’s. The stakes are raised even higher when another body is discovered. Mae realizes she might have inadvertently put her friend Dottie in danger by sharing a questionable piece of information with Waldo Willy for the paper. Has Mae jeopardized her relationship with Dottie? And what about her and Hank? He still isn’t thrilled about her sleuthing. Can Mae solve the mystery before anyone else falls victim? What an ending! Loved it!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Autumns, Awnings, & Arson is another entertaining installment in Kappes' camper and criminals cozy mystery series. I always look forward to new books in this series, and this latest didn't disappoint. The town of Normal is ready to celebrate its Daniel Boone Festival. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are in the middle of the action. When a suspicious fire takes the life of the festival's guest speaker, the Laundry Club ladies suspect murder. They decide to solve this murder mystery so that the town can feel safe again, and the festivities can go on.

Kappes delivers an entertaining read that captures the reader's interest from the beginning and doesn't let go. I especially loved the Dottie stuff in this book as she really steps up to help Mae out. Mae and her friends have come so far, and I loved how this particular mystery gave them some extra motivation. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader turning the pages. Overall Autumns, Awnings, & Arson proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Mae's next adventure.

Received a copy of Autumns, Awnings, & Arson from the author.

[Jane Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

ANOTHER GREAT ADVENTURE WITH MAE & DOTTIE

The 75th Jubilee of the Daniel Boone Festival has begun & the town is full of tourists! The Autumn colors are beautiful. Mae is the Organizer this year & she is trying to make sure everything goes well. Dr Hamilton is the local Daniel Boone expert & is scheduled to speak the 2nd day about Daniel Boone & his legacy. He has a cabin in the Frontier Village where he has lots of artifacts from the period of time when Daniel Boone was in Normal!

As Mae & Dottie get all the people checked in at Happy Trails Campground for the week, Mae gets a call Dr Hamilton's cabin in the Frontier Village is on fire. when they arrive, the cabin is engulfed in flames & the fire department is keeping it under control so nothing else catches fire. As the firefighters go into the cabin, they find Dr Hamilton's body. What caused the fire & did Dr Hamilton died in the fire? As Mae tries to keep all the activities going, she is her usual "snooping" self! Can she solve the mystery & keep her friends safe if there is a killer at the Festival? Another great Tonya Mapped Book!

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

There is more than campfire smoke in the air in Normal, Kentucky when a fire breaks out during the Daniel Boone Festival. When the smoke clears, Dr. Everett Hamilton is dead. If you know anything about Normal, this was no accident. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies will not rest until they get answers.

I always enjoy visiting Normal and these wonderful characters in this long-running series. Even though it is a mystery, there are so many funny moments. I can always count on a good belly laugh as I read about Dottie's shenanigans and her bejeweled clothing. Queenie, the Jazzercise queen, always provides energy to the story. All of the characters in this book and this series are lovable.

There are plenty of suspects to pick through. Never assume you know the answers because this author likes to pull a fast one when revealing the answers to the mystery. There is never a dull moment in a Camper and Criminal Cozy Mystery. It almost feels like home.

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

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

When history become deadly.....
Mae is part of the team organising this new edition of the Daniel Boone Festival, the big moment for Normal as it celebrates its founding....
For this 75th anniversary lots is schelduled but one historian expert is having disputes with nearly all other participants from the village frontier exposants and when he is found dead it's the whole event that get put in danger so Mae and her laundry club are determined to find the culprit before big presentation.

But why murdering a, historian on the verge of declaring a huge discovery? Mae will need to find what he kept secret to find the one responsible without putting other in danger and without risking her life if possible because Hank sure wants her to be cautious, for once at least....

I really loved Agnes and Dottie in this one, Mae is lucky to be surrounded by so many friends, and Hank has a lot on his plate with her.

Humour, tension, a touch of romance and lot of action, we always have a good time with these books. to be recommended

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae and her friends in the Laundry club ladies group help solve crimes in Normal, Ky.
Life there is surprising and entertaining, the characters hilarious and murders far more frequent than other small towns, which keeps it interesting.

The mythical town is located near the Daniel Boone Forest and Mae is involved in all kinds of sleuthing with her gal pals and occasionally with her hunky husband Hank, the local Ranger.
This time there is a murder during the 75th Daniel Boone festival, so very much a disaster and it must be solved quickly, particularly when there is rumor of a Daniel Boone original journal and multiple deaths result trying to locate said artifact.

Fascinating what characters will do for their personal motivations. Mae continues to be my favorite character and love her with hubby Hank, so happy they are married!!!! And glad she is with her mom Mary Elizabeth and her adopted brother Bobby Ray, hurray! Family goals, love.

Terrific world building and still reading, the series is that good, does not disappoint- wonderful writing and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Amber · Rating 3 out of 5]

Daniel Boone Festival. so the main speaker of the festival ends up being killed and his prized prop is gone and his house is burnt down. main character decides she's going to go and solve this crime and find out where the missing prop is which she now finds out is a diary of Daniel Boone's which can also put some people out of business with truth that might be in this journal. starts investigating people and even thinks that someone might have be keeping it to sell for money. I just don't know if I like this book very well but it seems like I've been reading a lot about women investigating stuff they shouldn't be and not leaving it to the cops. which her husband or boyfriend is a cop and keeps telling her to back off or let him know stuff as she finds it and she doesn't listen and her and her friends have this little Cub that get together and kind of solve crimes in the past so that's what they kind of doing in this one.

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the town of Normal is celebrating the 75th Daniel Boone Festival, it’s not going smoothly. A number of people are having difficulties with the historical expert which could be responsible for his death. Dottie agrees to do his presentation although the outline is vague.

It’s up to Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies to find the killer so the person doesn’t target Dottie. The plot is well developed and I didn’t figure out the killer until near the end when most of the suspects had been eliminated.

I enjoy Mae along with her friends and family.
This series always makes me feel good after reading each installment as the relationships between the characters are always growing. There are always some light moments built into the plot, usually provided by Dottie.

Once I started reading this, I couldn’t stop until I finished it.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this enjoyable read.

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's finally that time...The Daniel Boone Festival celebrating the man that the forest is named for. It's a huge celebration and the town as well as Mae have been preparing for a long time. Things seem to be going great until the Frontier village catches fire and a body is discovered. Dr. Everett Hamilton who was set to give a huge speech that he said would change the outlook on Daniel Boone forever is found murdered in the ashes of the burned cabin in the village. The Laundry Club ladies jump into gear to find out what happened and save the festival and Daniel Boone's reputation. The suspects are numerous and Mae is even bribing the sheriff with pie to stay out of trouble. The mystery is very well written and I didn't even guess who finally was finally revealed as the murderer. Love the adventures of Mae and her group and of course all of Dottie's famous quotes.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

We meet up with the Laundry Club Ladies as the town of Normal, Kentucky is gearing up for the 75th annual Daniel Boone Festival. Tensions are high as Dr. Everett Hamilton, a famous historian, ruffles feathers with other participants at the festival. He claims to have made a discovery that will change history, but someone doesn’t want it becoming known and kills him.

There are suspects aplenty and the ladies are kept busy investigating and trying to keep the festival on track. The setting of Normal is a place I would love to visit, especially the coffee shop. I was surprised by the killer and didn’t even have this person as a suspect. Ms. Kappes did an excellent job with red herrings and kept me guessing.

Normal, Kentucky is a fun place to visit and the ladies are a delight, as usual. Can’t wait to see what the next installment brings.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

The crew is back, and Mae is on the case. Mae is working hard to get the festival celebrating Daniel Boone going. When the Daniel Boone expert keeps alienating people, she isn't sure what to do. Then there is a fire in the cabin in which the expert was working, and the expert was in there. Turns out he was dead before the fire started. Who could have done this? So many people had reason to want the guy dead. Dottie volunteered to give the speech the expert was going to give, but she wants Mae to find the killer before she does so that her life won't be in danger. They think he discovered something that could change everything they know about Daniel Boone and apparently someone will kill to keep it either secret or to sell it for a fortune.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae West is part of the committee organizing the 75th Daniel Boone Festival. She is checking that everything is on track when she learns that a building is on fire in Frontier Village. When she arrives she learns that the keynote speaker has died in the fire and that the fire is suspicious. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies need to help find out who is responsible so that the festival is not disrupted. Also, Dottie has agreed to give the keynote presentation on the last day of the festival and they don't want her to be in danger. I loved the autumn setting of this story and the wonderful characters. I did not see the ending coming.

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

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where Mae and her trusty sidekicks are once again up to no good. I love coming back to this quirky little town. This one’s a fun, twisty murder mystery, and of course, Mae can’t help herself—she keeps getting into things she definitely shouldn't be. As always, Dottie had me laughing out loud with her antics. I was on the edge of my seat, listening closely and trying to piece together who the real culprit was. Johanna Parker does a fantastic job narrating. She brings Mae, TLCL, and all the side characters to life with just the right southern twang. It really sets the mood and makes you feel like you’re right there in Kentucky.

A very special thanks to Tantor Audio for the gifted audiobook.