Chocolate Bunny Betrayal: Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book 5

Holiday Cozy Mystery #5

by Tonya Kappes

If y'all love holidays, small towns, undying relationships, Southern food, animals, and a smidgen of homicide, this cozy mystery series is for you.

Celebrate good crimes.

When amateur sleuth and town journalist Violet Rhinehammer stumbles upon a dead body during the Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival, she knows she has to get to the bottom of things.

As she delves deeper into the mystery, she discovers that one of the bunnies auditioning for the top spot was seen running away from the scene of the crime. With the added pressure of keeping her identity as the town's Merry Maker a secret, Violet must work quickly to uncover clues and find the killer before they strike again.

But the investigation takes a delicious turn after some clues turn up at bake-off competition. Could one of the baking contestants have motive to commit murder over a prize-winning dessert?

Is this a case of chocolate bunny betrayal, or is there something even darker at play?

Violet encounters a cast of colorful characters, including rival bunnies competing for the top spot, a demanding Easter Bunny, and a group of mischievous bakers vying for the top baker spot. With twists and turns at every corner, Violet must use all of her skills and wit to solve the case before the killer hops away.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook, Holiday, Fiction, Contemporary, Cozy

Audible Audio

Published June 27, 2023

About the author

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:
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Reviews

[Tonya Kappes]

HAPPY RELEASE DAY! I HOPE YOU ENJOY YOUR VISIT TO HOLIDAY JUNCTION!

[William]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Another will written romantic family and friends relationships murder mystery adventure thriller novel by Tonya Kappes (Holiday Cozy Mystery book five). Violet Rinnehammer and Darren Strickland are making plans for the Easter Bunny 🐇 Party when they find a dead body. Violet continues to investigate and search for clues. Her mother is once again a suspect. Violet stumbles upon the truth leading to the arrest of the killer. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀💘🏡

Book six in the series will be released 6/29/23. Happy reading and have fun 🌙

[Kim]

Spring time has arrived in Holiday Junction and with it so have the Easter Bunnies. Violet is covering the big event of choosing this year’s Easter Bunny. When a fellow judge is found dead, Violent’s momma is the top suspect.

This is such a fun series especially if you are a fan of holiday cozy’s. Th characters are likable, quirky, relatable. Violet and her momma have such a fun relationship. The mystery is full of twists and turns ti keep the reading searching for the hidden surprises that were left for you the reader to find to help Violet solve the murder and clear Momma.

I listened to the audio version of the book too. The narrator is great in capturing Violet’s character. She does a wonderful job in bringing the story to life.

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

[Regina the Constant Reader]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧

Violet Rhinehammer’s mom finds herself in trouble with the Holiday Junction police once again. She’s arrested for murder and she’s really going to need Violet’s help to get her out of jail. Good thing Violet is good at snooping!

[Helen Drake]

When I originally started reading this series, I didn’t like Violet Rhinehammer very much. Over the last few books she has started to grow on me. She is now an accepted and integral part of Holiday Junction, as is her mother Millie Kay, who is also less over the top. Although still a journalist out to solve murders as well as reporting the many activities over each holiday, she seems warmer in her approach. I am also enjoying her budding romance with the police chief’s son and bar owner Darren.

I enjoyed the way this Easter mystery was developed. Surprisingly I figured out the killer much earlier this time as well as the motive.

I appreciate getting to know the other characters in this town. They seem more real to me.

The Merry Maker adds a special touch, especially the brief article at the end of the book. It’s a nice way to tie things up.

I’m not sure if this is the last planned book in the series. I certainly hope not as I’m really enjoying the series now. There are more holidays to be exploited. I was fortunate to receive an Advanced copy of this book.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar]

The town of Holiday Junction is preparing for the upcoming Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival, where Violet, Millie Kay and others gathered at The Incubator to practice for the Bake-Off with designs to win the competition. Several had to rush off for the annual bunny competition.

Millie Kay was excited to be a judge in the annual competition to pick the next Easter Bunny since she was a member of the Village Council. Violet was snapping photos to add to her article in the Junction Journal when a scream by Millie Kay got everyone's attention. One of the Easter Bunnies was down for the count, who just happened to be holding a half eaten chocolate bunny. It was obvious by the way Chief Strickland was going about things, this was a murder. The number one suspect was Millie Kay.

Violet uses her journalistic instincts with Darren's help to come to her mama's aid.

This was another fun read in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series. I enjoy how Millie Kay keeps Violet on her toes from Millie Kay's lack of a filter and saying whatever pops into her head. There are a few twists and surprises.

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆]

This was another good mystery in the series. A dead body is found at the competition. Violet's mother is accused of committing the murder. So Violet spends the rest of the book trying to figure out who did it. Of course she solves it and all is well for now.

[Karen Stallman]

“Chocolate Bunny Betrayal” by Tonya Kappes the 5th book in her Holiday Cozy Mystery series starring Violet Rhinehammer. This is now my favourite out of Tonya’s series.
It’s the week of Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival… Easter Bunny Judge and Bake Off Contestant Frances Green lays flat on her back in a fluffy bunny suit … Millie screams, “The Easter Bunny is dead!” Once again Violet’s Mamma is at the scene of a Murder!

There were lots of suspects as Frances Green was a thorn in a lot of people’s sides. Along with plenty of twists and turns to keep us entertained and guessing. I had no idea who the killer was until Violet did! Also there were a couple of surprises and I can’t wait for the next instalment!

I highly recommend this book and series to all my cozy loving friends especially if you like stories set around the holidays.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Trisha]

The shine of this silly little town is definitely starting to dim. The Easter Bunny goes down in this one and they need to solve who did it before the big event. but the Merry Maker updates are starting to feel a bit like Gossip Girl rumors.

And I miss the cute camping hacks and yummy recipes at the end like the other series.

[Susan]

Chocolate Bunny Betrayal is another exciting installment in Kappes' Holiday cozy mystery series. Violet is ready to celebrate Easter in Holiday Junction. The town has several events planned including the Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival. When Violet discovers a dead body during one of the events, things take an unexpected turn. Then when Violet's own mother becomes the prime suspect, Violet has no choice but to solve this latest murder. No one frames Violet's mother and gets away with it.

Kappes sets up an entertaining Holiday read that grabs the reader's attention from the beginning and never lets go. I also really enjoyed seeing the character development of Violet as she feels more at home in Holiday Junction. Her personal relationships with her fellow townspeople are also getting stronger which is a good thing. The book's mystery was full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. I look forward to reading Violet's next adventure.

Received a copy of Chocolate Bunny Betrayal from the author.

[Deanna]

It’s time for the annual Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival in Holiday Junction and this year things are gonna get deadly. As a member of the Village Council, Millie Kay is very excited to be included as a judge to help determine who will be this year’s Easter Bunny.

Meanwhile, Violet is engaged in snapping lots of pictures for her article in the Junction Journal. Unfortunately, Millie Kay’s screams alert Violet and the townspeople to the fact that one of the potential Easter Bunny’s has been taken out and found with a half-eaten chocolate bunny in their hand.

To make matters worse, Millie Kay becomes the prime suspect in the murder, and it’s up to Violet and Darren to suss out the motive and the real criminal before it’s too late for Millie Kay.

The fifth book in Tonya Kappes’ Holiday Cozy Mystery series is another winner and a great addition to the series. I’m looking forward to reading the sixth book when it comes out just in time for the Fourth of July holiday.

[Tara Kat (MagnoliaPigeonBookBlurbs)]

The perfect spring cozy mystery! In this installment of the Holiday Cozy Mystery Series the gang is back and preparing Holiday Junction for the annual Easter festival. Between Easter Bunny auditions, chocolate making, running the town paper and a budding romance Violet is super busy! All of her duties are put aside though when a townsperson turns up murdered and her momma is the prime suspect! Putting on her investigator cap and springing into action Violet must solve the mystery and bring a killer to justice - all in time for the Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festivities!

This was a super fun addition to a great series and I can’t wait to see what Tonya Kappes comes up with next!!

Thank you to Tonya Kappes for the arc in exchange for my honest review!

[Dwayne Keller]

Welcome back to Holiday Junction, where Easter is coming up. The town is in full swing with decorating and contests. Violet is taking pictures for the paper. One of the “Easter Bunnies” is found dead, and it was murder. The main suspect is Millie Kay, Violet’s mother. Violet needs to solve the mystery and prove her mother’s innocence. Enjoy the usual cast of characters and all their activities while Violet solves the mystery.

[Cynthia Wasco]

What I love the most about Tonya’s books is they are funny, witty, and a quick read! This one is no different. I haven’t read the other books in the Holiday Cozy Mystery Series….YET….but this was delightful! I mean who doesn’t love a town that has a dog for a mayor!

If y'all love holidays, small towns, undying relationships, southern food, animals, and a smidgen of homicide, THIS cozy mystery series is for you.

[Carol Lee]

It's Easter and the town is in full swing with their Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival. Unfortunately Violet has stumbled across another dead body. She has to sort through who might be responsible before it puts a permanent damper on the holiday. She has to decide if it is someone who is involved in the bake-off or something else is at play. Another great turn of events .

[Emmalynn]

Suspected the killer when they became a hanger on :) Finally Darren and Violet made it “official” and they’re off to solve the murder of a baker.

[Michelle Webb]

Well Tickle my gizzard!!! Everyon'es got their Sunday go-to-meetin' clothes on!!!! I love Mama because she is the Dottie version for the Holiday Junction series. Another awesome book in the series and I didn't figure out who the murderer was either. Violet is getting ready for Easter in Holliday Junction and things are so colorful and pretty with the spring flowers and colorful eggs for the parade and of course the bunny contest. Mama is baking up a storm to enter the contests and has she has even been asked to be a judge in the bunny contest until.....a bunny contestant turns up dead and its no other than ??? You have to read it because I'm not spoiling it. Violet is still happy she has a new friend and maybe a boyfriend? Violet has to use all her investigative skills and wit to clear her Mama and find the real killer before it's too late.

[Summer Hedrick]

Thank you Tonya Kappes for a chance to read this book!

This was a fun Easter time cozy that left you wondering whodunit. I never saw that ending coming!

[Julia David]

I like Violet better in this series. It's time for the Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival and Violet's mom is right in the middle of everything. When one of the other judges turns up dead, Millie Kay is the first suspect. Violet and Darren are on the case. Violet is going to make sure her mother doesn't go to jail for murder. The more they investigate, more suspects emerge. Violet is sure that she can figure it out. In the meantime, Violet and Darren grow closer. Is there a chance for them?

[Amy]

Welcome back to Holiday Junction where the town is decorated and getting ready for Easter. The Hip Hop Hurray Festival, annual bake off and bunny competition.
Violet is busy taking lots of photos for the paper the Junction Journal to go with her article.
When one of the Easter Bunnies falls over, it’s apparent that it was a murder.
Millie Kay becomes the prime suspect.
Well, that certainly is not going to go over well with Violet. She starts to nose around to get answers to prove her mom innocent.
Friends, holiday fun, laughs, southern charm all make this a fun fast paced read.

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

[Barb Foerst]

It’s time for the Hip Hop Festival in the town where all holidays are celebrated. Lots of excitement is brewing and Violet and her mom Millie Kay are right in the middle of it. Especially when Millie Kay is about to be charged with killing the Easter Bunny! Love this town and the fun-loving characters. Can’t wait for the next holiday.

[Javon50]

Finding that she is loving her new life and home in Holiday Junction, Violet Rhinehammer, reporter, photographer and editor of the local online newspaper, is excited to participate in the Easter Festival, until someone is murdered, and Violet’s mother is taken in for questioning as a person of interest in the death. Violet will do all she can, using her investigative skills to find the real killer. This is such a fun and entertaining series. This my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kathy]

Another great mystery to solve in Holiday Junction except this time the main suspect is too close for comfort! Don’t miss out on this great southern cozy read!

[Kandy]

This series just continues to get better with each book. Love the characters in this small holiday obsessed town. So much fun getting to know them all.

[Lee Brothers]

I am enjoying the further exploits of Violet as her and her mom create waves in their new hometown. I like where Violet is headed and the relationships she's forming. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Gayle]

It's time for the Hip Hop Hurray Easter Festival along with a Bake-Off in Holiday Hills. Unfortunately, things just can’t be smooth sailing for Violet. Her mom is the prime suspect, again, when a fellow Bake-Off competitor is murdered. With Darren’s help, Violet is determined to exonerate her mother, without regard to breaking the law. I enjoy this series, but I would like it more if the main character worked with the police instead of competing against them. Looking forward to what comes next!

[Jennifer Wertz]

I really enjoyed this book. It is a cute Easter mystery. I love the characters. Violet and Darren work so well together. This is a fun book to read. I can't wait for more adventures in Holiday Junction.

[Annie]

In Holiday Junction, every holiday is important and Easter is no different. While I didn’t read this at Easter time, it was still a delight to read. I loved the characters and the small town vibes. The book is well written and engaging! This is book 5 in the series and I will be continuing to read them.

[Darlene C Robold]

One of my pet peeves is someone who withholds evidence and considers the police inept because they don’t find the clue(s) first. Another is someone who KNOWS they have to solve the mystery and proceed while forgetting how other people are involved or ignored. I noted that while Mama plays a significant role in this book, Dad is basically just someone who answers a phone when Mama is in trouble. I identified the killer early and wasn’t surprised.

[Melissa]

Cozy Mystery / Holiday / Romance / Contemporary / Fiction

⭐⭐⭐.5 / 5

This was cute. I had suspicions, but I thought the 'who done it' aspect was done well. I did find it a little too southern for me personally being a northerner. I think that is all going to depend on the reader.