Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail: Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, Book 20

Camper & Criminals #20

by Tonya Kappes

The last thing Normal needs is Dottie Swagger or Mary Elizabeth Moberly as the Ms. Blossom Festival Queen.

I thought I had my hands full when Dottie Swaggert and Mary Elizabeth Moberly entered the Ms. Blossom Queen Beauty Pageant for seniors, but when I witnessed a fight at the festival between Carrie Patillo and Jason Dresser, Carrie's daughter's accused killer, I knew Jason was wrongfully accused for the murder and set up.

How was I going to prove it before the trial started? Easy. Gather the Laundry Club Ladies and use our unique sleuthing skills. Right?

Wrong!

After we uncovered some evidence of blackmail and head on over to tell Jason what we found out . . . we found out something alright. The true killer got to Jason first.

If that wasn't enough to deal with, Bobby Ray Bond found his real mama. With her impending arrival, we Laundry Club Ladies have our hands full with Blossoms, BBQ, & Blackmail.

Welcome to Normal where NOTHING is normal!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Humor

Audible Audio

First published July 29, 2021

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

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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

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Blossoms, Barbeque, and Blackmail by Tonya Kappes is the 20th A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Mae West finds herself tangled up in two murder investigations while the Blossom Festival is happening in Normal, Kentucky. I found this cute cozy a quick read. There is plenty of action that keeps the story rapidly moving toward the end. It is always a pleasure to visit Normal, Kentucky where Mae West owns the Happy Trails Campground. I would love to live in this cozy campground surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Forest. The mysteries were fun to follow. There are several suspects along with misdirection. I was able to pick out the guilty party once all the players were introduced, but I still enjoyed this more complex whodunit. I like how everything tied together. It is great that Mae is getting to work with local law enforcement now that Hank has left town. Ranger Tucker Pyle actually welcomes Mae’s insights and the information she (and the Laundry Club Ladies) gleams. I like the easygoing Tucker. Tucker and Mae have a good rapport. There is a secondary storyline involving Bobby Ray Bond, Mae’s foster brother, whose wife has located his birth mother. The whole family is getting an opportunity to meet her. As always, there is humor scattered throughout the story. I loved the Blossom Festival Pageant and its entrants. I did feel that it was incomplete (a bit of a letdown after the buildup). Mae West has a wonderful group of friends that has become her family. We get to see that families do not have to be blood relations. A person can create their own family. My favorite line from the book is, “Family certainly doesn’t have to be blood.” Blossoms, Barbeque, and Blackmail is a cute cozy mystery with Blossom Festival fun, happy pageant participants, campfire cooking, healthy hikes, a mom meet and greet, and contented newlyweds.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae and the laundry club does it again. The solve another murder with a new sheriff and help from the park ranger. This is a nice light hearted mystery.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not bad, Hank is missing from this one and Mae seems to be making it clear that that she’s not interested in Tucker. Both Tucker and Al the new Sheriff, seem to want to work with Mae unlike Hank. Is Hank gone for good? Has Bobby Ray really found his birth mom and is that a good thing?

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a rockin’ summer this has turned out to be! There is more going on in Normal, Kentucky than ever before. Come along and visit the Laundry Club Ladies, some of the most loyal, fun-loving, hard-working, and respected folks in the community. And they just love mysteries.

The Happy Trails Campground, owned by Mae West, prepares for their monthly campground party the night before the Blossom Festival begins. Mae hears three pieces of potentially bombshell news. The Blossom Festival is hosting a pageant the following evening for the lovely ladies in the 60+ age group, and Dottie is one of the contestants! Prizes include $5,000 and a writeup in the National Park Magazine, and Dottie is certain she will win. Mae is still reeling from that when she gets a call from her adoptive mom, Mary Elizabeth, a true Southern lady, who is also competing in the pageant! Who should Mae support in the pageant – her beloved adoptive mom or her close friend, manager of the campground, and mama bear? This is a no-win situation.

The next news is just as explosive. Bobby Ray, Mae’s foster brother, has found his birth mother, according to his new bride and Mae’s friend, Abby. Mae didn’t even know he was looking for his birth mother, and they are close enough to share almost every secret. Mae doesn’t even want to think about how Mary Elizabeth will react. She was the best adoptive mother either of them could ever have, and nobody wants her feelings hurt.

The morning of the pageant, Mae is volunteering at the coffee booth when Carrie comes for coffee and starts yelling at Jason, the alleged killer of her daughter Monica. Her daughter’s fiancé, Monty, tries to get Jason away from her. When leaving, Jason said he can’t wait for her to find out what he knows. Since his trial is to start next week, the question arises of what he might be revealed at his trial. Later that afternoon, Jason is found murdered. The interim sheriff brought the pageant to a screeching halt when coming to arrest Carrie, who was also competing for Ms. Blossom Festival, for Jason’s murder. She said she didn’t kill him but is willing to go to prison for whodunit for getting justice for her daughter.

Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are itching to see if they can solve this murder. The sheriff and the local National Park Ranger, unlike the previous sheriffs, welcome their input. And if you know Mae and Dottie and their friends, that’s like waving a red flag at a bull. They are raring to go, having helped solve other murders in the area.

I do enjoy the Laundry Club Ladies, especially Mae and Dottie! I can almost picture them at the campground every day, and while I’m not a camper, I think I could be happy here! This case gets more complex by the day, especially when they try to find who may have really killed Monica, too. The author consistently gifts us with an unpredictable plot, at least a couple red herrings, and lots of laugh-out-loud scenes! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys camping, Southern charm and sass, and a great escape to one of the friendliest places in the country.

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

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae has stayed busy around the campgrounds while she’s been adjusting to life without Hank in Normal, KY. Bobby Ray and Abby are back from their honeymoon and have bought a house outside the campgrounds . So it seems Mae has had a rough time getting used to all the changes in her life. Just as she thinks things are getting back to normal well…we all now nothing in Normal is normal. Dottie and Mary Elizabeth are both competing in a senior beauty pageant. Mae is worried that this won’t end well for her, especially since the ladies are still feuding over the fire at the B&B. What else can happen? You guessed it another murder but you his time Mae is asked to help with the investigation.

I was on my staycation this week and it was raining. So I spent a couple of days in Normal. This was a great way to escape. The characters are quirky and fun. Mae seems to be getting back to the Mae I loved in earlier books. Dottie is a hoot as usual and the chapters of Dottie and Mary Elizabeth and the pageant are hilarious. The mystery was well-plotted with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises. The secondary storyline with Bobby Ray was interesting, and it seems like we might be in for a little more surprises in the next book. This book can be enjoyed as a stand-alone, no cliffhanger just a possible hint of what maybe next. I loved it and would recommend for fans of the series or the Author, Tonya Kappes, and cozy mystery fans. I’m looking forward to the next one.

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

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Blossoms, Barbecue & Blackmail” the 20th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of Mae West.

The mystery was good, super entertaining and full of twists. We got to see how Ranger Tucker fits in with the whole sleuthing thing that the ladies do..

We also get to learn a little bit more background with respect to Bobby Ray and his foster mum Mary Elizabeth Mosley.

I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 21 as I want to know more about what’s in store for Normal KY!

I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love, love, love this book in the Camper and Criminals series. Mae seems much more herself than she did in the last couple of books. Of course there's a mystery (a new murder tangle up with an old one) and of course Mae and the Laundry Club ladies help solve it. There's also some good old fashioned fun thrown in and a bunch of what I've taken to calling "Dottie-isms". Come hang out in Normal and enjoy the fun and see if you can solve the mystery.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blossoms, Barbeque and Blackmail
A Camper And Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #20
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

The last thing Normal needs is Dottie Swagger or Mary Elizabeth Moberly as the Ms. Blossom Festival Queen.

I thought I had my hands full when Dottie Swaggert and Mary Elizabeth Moberly entered the Ms. Blossom Queen Beauty Pageant for seniors but when I witnessed a fight at the festival between Carrie Patillo and Jason Dresser, Carrie's daughter's accused killer, I knew Jason was wrongfully accused for the murder and set up.
How was I going to prove it before the trial started?

Easy. Gather the Laundry Club Ladies and use our unique sleuthing skills. Right?

Wrong!

After we uncovered some evidence of blackmail and head on over to tell Jason what we found out. . .we found out something alright. The true killer got to Jason first.

If that wasn't enough to deal with, Bobby Ray Bond found his real mama. With her impending arrival, we Laundry Club Ladies have our hands full with Blossoms, BBQ, & Blackmail.

Welcome to Normal where NOTHING is normal! (Amazon)

Review:

There is always something going on at the campground and you know that Mae is involved in all of it. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies will have to try and figure out who killed Jason Dresser, who was awaiting trial for a hunting death. They have to figure out who is responsible and make sure they pay.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and not easily solved.

I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I wonder what will happen to Mae and the gang next?

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

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

When both Mae’s mom, Mary Elizabeth Mobley, and her friend, Dotttie Swaggert, enter into the Ms. Blossom Festival Pageant, she knows she will have her hands full supporting both without showing favoritism. If that wasn’t stressful enough, a confrontation happening first thing, the festival is off to a bad start! As Mary Elizabeth, as a proper Southern lady, heads down the runway, with Dottie strutting her bead dazzled self, following right behind, everyone is enjoying the pageant’s theatrics until an arrest is made is made, and a contestant is hauled off on murder charges. When Mae realizes the contestant was the same woman who confronted the murder victim, she knew that she, and her group of Laundry Club ladies, would be on the case!

If you haven’t started the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes, I don’t know what you’re waiting for! From the very first book in this series, I never realized how invested I would become in the lives of the characters! From the first time I arrived in Normal, Kentucky, I was captivated by the charm of the main character Mae West, her family and friends, along with the draw of the Daniel Boone National Forest. I’ve loved seeing Mae discover what’s important to her and grow through the changes in her life. She has developed self-confidence, and new friends she can count on. As Mae is making peace with the direction her life is going, a phone call will change everything! I need book 21 ASAP! I received an advanced copy, and I’m happily leaving an honest review.

[Miki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae is adjusting to being single and taking time for her.....but it does not mean she won't investigate a murder when she met the victim and even less when authorities do give her the green light to do it. Mae is being more mature in a sense and it was great to see other recognize her talent and ask her help ( directly or in more subtle ways)

i really loved the evolution of the group and the investigation was really captivating so really this book was perfect! if you want a great cozy mystery don't hesitate can be read as stand alone ( but better when read in order to see the evolution of the characters.)

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's another packed day in Normal. It's the Blossom Festival. After a confrontation in the coffee shop, an accused murderer is found dead. The new sheriff has asked for Mae's help. The Laundry Club Ladies are on the case.

I am loving the series. This book was a bit different without Hank. I can't wait to start the next book.

[Kate Tallarigo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful descriptions of the beauty and nature of the Daniel Boone National Forest makes you wish you were there. But, there's nothing like a good blackmail story to twist things around. Blossoms, Barbecue, and Blackmail delivers a twist you won't see coming. Must Read!

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, as disheartened as I was after the last book, I couldn't stop smiling when this one ended! You'll just have to read and see. I knew I could count on this author not to give up on the situation! :)

I got the biggest kick out of the seniors of Normal competing in the Ms. Blossom Festival Pageant. I could just picture (and laughed a lot when I did) Dottie in her bedazzled finery strutting her stuff on that stage. Toooo funny! And Miss Mannerly Southern Lady, aka Mary Elizabeth (gotta love her!) being so sure she'd win because of her society training. Another thing you'll want to tune in and see who won! Mae's life could be made a lot worse if one of them loses! ;)

I literally couldn't put the book down. The showdown was nail biting but had a great outcome. I didn't feel like the reveal (definitely a surprise for me!) was hurried this time. It was just right, and now I absolutely can't wait to get my little KU borrowing hands on the next one!

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blossoms, Barbeques, & Blackmail Earns 5/5 Secrets…Engaging & Clever!

Mae is excited about the Blossom Festival as the weekend’s big event in Normal, Kentucky: booths, food, music, and a Ms. Blossom contest. She tries to be impartial, with both Dottie Swaggert, the camp manager, and Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adoptive mother, vying for the sixty and up category. Yet, while helping out at one of the booths, she and others witness a disturbing confrontation: Carrie Patillo verbally, then physically, attacks Jason Dresser, “I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” Jason is out on bail and soon will be on trial for the death of Carrie’s daughter, Monica. A hunting…accident? But, it seems not to be an accident when Jason is found dead. The local sheriff is reporting it a homicide as result of a botched robbery, but could revenge be a more likely motive? Carrie is arrested. Mae and her Laundry Club ladies are intrigued, afraid their friend Carrie may have invoked “eye for an eye” justice, but so much is called into question, including whether Jason may not have been guilty of Monica’s death.

Southern Gem! Tonya Kappes has released her twentieth book in her Camper & Criminals Cozy, but don’t worry, it is as engaging as ever, and nail biting with a shock of an ending. The drama encompasses some compelling dilemmas—grief and innocence, and how either motivation effects one’s decisions. The characters I love maintain close relationships showing growth and natural ups and downs, and the issue of birth mothers and adoptive mothers arises. Tonya shares her own southern flair through delightful phrases and behaviors adding a giggle or two and bringing my own grandma to mind. Mae, a favorite literary character, struggles in the aftermath of her break-up with Hank Sharp, and his moving on, literally across the state, put a punctuation on that part of her life. But, it’s how the community pulls together midst adversity whether personal or criminal that makes this series a favorite.

Bonus! Camper Hacks and Recipes from Happy Trails Campground: whether camping in the woods or in your backyard start with easy-to-follow recipes: BIG Cast-iron Skillet Chocolate Chip Cookie, Campfire Skillet Mexican Potatoes, and Skillet Spaghetti and Meat Sauce Supper. Included are Camping Hacks to make life less complicated: (1) uses for empty egg cartons, (2) suggestion for cleaning a “gross” grill, and (3) a clever way to cook bushels of corn on the cob.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[ThundaBunz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wowza! Another adventure down. I think I'm blasting through the series because I listen to Audiobooks while I work. This serious so far has been great. This adventure revolves around Mae adjusting to the single life while also trying to solve the murder of a alleged accidental murderer. This has been quite the mystery now. With the help of the laundry club, Mae must find out the dark truth of what really happened.

Mystery wise: The Mystery was very good, it was like a rabbit hole of trying to figure out who did it. The reveal was kind of lackluster in my opinion. When the murderer was revealed, it was like surprising but not really. It wasn't bad I just felt the motive could've been more fleshed out.

Relationship wise: Mae is single now, but the hopes of Hank returning. Bobby and Abby are back from the honey moon. It seems that Bobby wants to reconnect with his mother who he found online. This also stirs up some mixed emotions.

All in all was a great book and can't wait for the next one.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is the 20th book in this series, which sounds like a lot, but they’re quick, absorbing reads and well worth the investment. I’ve read and inhaled them all, but they stand alone fine—you’ll appreciate the relationships between characters and long story arcs better if you read the series in order though. Mae is missing Hank in this book (and so am I!), and I wonder if that relationship will be repaired. There are plenty of other things going on in Normal, Kentucky, though, and I feel like I’m right there when I’m reading about it. I love this cozy mystery series and can definitely recommend this new book. I was provided an arc, but these opinions are my own.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this 20th book of the series.
When Dottie and Mary Elizabeth both enter the Miss Blossom Pageant for seniors, you know that the world is about to turn upside down for Mae. Add her witnessing an argument between a mother and a man accused of killing her daughter, Mae is kept very busy along with the laundry club ladies.
The mystery was excellent and kept me guessing and I loved revisiting these characters and Normal, KY.
There is the added bonus of camping tips and recipes in the back.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Normal, Kentucky is getting ready for Blossom Festival and Mae doesn't quite know what to do when Dottie announces that she signed up for the pageant, followed shortly by Mary Elizabeth exclaiming that she also signed up. Now both will expect Mae to support them.

Bobby Ray and Abby returned from their honeymoon and are proud new homeowners and Dottie can't help but add her two cents about owning a house where a murder took place. Abby shares that Bobby Ray found his birth mother.

When Mae helps a friend with her booth at the festival, she is an eyewitness to a nasty argument between a woman, Carrie Patillo, and a young man, Jason Dresser. Mae learns from Betts that Carrie's daughter while hiking during hunting season was accidentally shot by Jason, who was now out awaiting trial. A short time after, it is learned that Jason was found dead.

Everyone is gathered to watch the Ms. Blossom Pageant when Al Hemmer arrests Carrie, who proudly announces that she'll take the blame despite an alibi.

Agnes Sharp praising Mae's skills that leads to Al Hemmer and Tucker Pyle welcoming any facts that Mae runs across. The Laundry Club Ladies & Mae start to gather a list of suspects who could've killed Jason. Mary Elizabeth surprises both Bobby Ray and Mae with news of her own.

I wasn't sure what to make of Carrie, but I loved how Dottie and Mary Elizabeth try to outdo the other to win the pageant. Their antics were hilarious.

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

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful addition to the Campers & Criminals series with Mae and the gang kicking off the weekend's Blossom Festival at the Happy Trails Campground. Mae hears a radio alert that a local man was found dead in what appeared to be an apparent robbery at his home; so Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies get together to figure out whodunit in this fun and twisty mystery that had me glued to the book from start to finish. I absolutely love this series where all books can be read as stand alone but why would you want to miss any time you can have in Normal, Kentucky with the great small town vibe complete with Southern hospitality. I also like the bonus of recipes and camper hacks at the back of each book - you just get so much from this must-read series. I received an advance reader copy of Blossoms, Barbeque, & Blackmail and am voluntarily posting my review.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is such a cute series because of the setting and the friendship between the core characters. Mae without Hank is a little sad since their whole relationship centered on investigation so it felt like something was missing in this one. The mystery was a good one and didn't go at all the way I thought it would. The story with Bobby Ray's birth mother was the best part for me (I love reunions) and the ending made me so excited for the next one.

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

With former boyfriend, Sheriff Hank Sharp gone, Mae West is keeping herself busy as she tries to adjust to her new life – one without Hank. Even as her heart is breaking, she is keeping busy with the upcoming Blossom Festival being held in Normal, Kentucky. When she finds that her RV park manager, Dottie and her adoptive mother, Mary Elizabeth are both contestants in the Ms. Blossom Festival, Mae just shakes her head and resolves to stay out of the situation. While in line, Mae witnesses an argument and is shaken by the anger displayed. When one of the folks arguing is found murdered it seems obvious who the killer is. But when Mae and the Laundry Ladies begin investigating, they discover that there be more to the story. I love this series. The characters are often hilarious and the storyline keeps me engaged. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listen to these for comfort. Parker's voice is perfect for the stories, and despite being cozy mysteries, they don't require a lot of thought. They're just easy to enjoy audiobooks.

This one had a special surprise guest at the end, which means I will be diving in to the next one right away instead of waiting until I need a literary break.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Blossoms, Barbeque & Blackmail is the 20th book in the Camper & Criminals series by Tonya Kappes where Mae West is trying to put the past behind her. Mae has her hands full with Dottie Swaggert and Mary Elizabeth Moberly entering the Ms. Blossom Queen Beauty Pageant. How can Mae choose her favorite. Another death happens and Al Hemmer the new deputy of Normal is asking Mae to help!

Then Abby founds Bobby Ray's birthday mother, Nina Darkwood. Will Mary Elizabeth understand that Bobby Ray wants to know where he came from?

I was given a ARC of Blossoms, Barbeque & Blackmail for my honest and true opinion of this book.

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae returns and gets involved in solving a new murder tied to an old killing. The new ranger and sheriff are eager for her help. Meanwhile the Blossom Festival is going on with both Dottie and Mary Elizabeth vying for Ms Blossom.

I love the characters especially the laundry ladies. Can’t wait for the next installment.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read. A body is found and the person killed was accused of killing someone else. Mae of course tries to figure out what really happened with the help of her friends. They find the truth and everything is well for now.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is another great book in the Camper and Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. I can't wait for the next book.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 rounded up

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seriously obsessed with this series.

[kathy keith]

Like all of the books in The Camper and Criminal Series, this one is full of great characters and plot twists. Also included is a double dose of humor, as both Mae's southern belle mother and her wacky best friend Dottie participate in the local pageant. I can just picture their costumes and mannerisms. I love the many subplots amid the main murder mysteries, including Bobby Rae finding his birth mother and Mae's love life (or lack of). I am so happy, my daughter introduced me to this series and author. I absolutely love her books.