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Max's Campervan Case Files #14
Campfires and Dead Liars
A trip to Shell Island on the Welsh coast leaves Max desperately trying to uncover a killer before he becomes the next victim!
What could be more relaxing than a few days nestled amongst the sand dunes with nothing for Max Effort to do but take long walks with his best buddy Anxious the Jack Russell, and maybe do a spot of crabbing?
The ex-chef and now old hand at vanlife had barely even slipped off his Crocs and put his feet up before he's viciously assaulted and a man goes missing.
Never one to take a backseat to a mystery, Max soon uncovers the corpse and dives headfirst into solving the murder, once he's been given the all clear at the hospital.
Joined by his over-eager parents, Max and the gang do their best to help solve the puzzle and keep the holidaymakers safe, but it's not all sandcastles and ice-cream this time. When another body is found, and panic sets in, it becomes clear that the largest campsite in the UK is housing a deranged killer seemingly intent on murdering ex-soldiers.
Max still finds time for one-pot cooking and soaking up the sun, as there's only so much one man and two bickering parents can uncover, but when he and Anxious get kidnapped it seems Max has finally bitten off more than he can chew.
Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for those on the road, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up!
A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery on the open road.
What could be more relaxing than a few days nestled amongst the sand dunes with nothing for Max Effort to do but take long walks with his best buddy Anxious the Jack Russell, and maybe do a spot of crabbing?
The ex-chef and now old hand at vanlife had barely even slipped off his Crocs and put his feet up before he's viciously assaulted and a man goes missing.
Never one to take a backseat to a mystery, Max soon uncovers the corpse and dives headfirst into solving the murder, once he's been given the all clear at the hospital.
Joined by his over-eager parents, Max and the gang do their best to help solve the puzzle and keep the holidaymakers safe, but it's not all sandcastles and ice-cream this time. When another body is found, and panic sets in, it becomes clear that the largest campsite in the UK is housing a deranged killer seemingly intent on murdering ex-soldiers.
Max still finds time for one-pot cooking and soaking up the sun, as there's only so much one man and two bickering parents can uncover, but when he and Anxious get kidnapped it seems Max has finally bitten off more than he can chew.
Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for those on the road, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up!
A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery on the open road.
183 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 30, 2025
37 people are currently reading
19 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
June 23, 2025
What sets this book apart is its pacing: each chapter leaves you hungry for more, yet Rhodes knows when to slow things down for poignant emotional beats or reflective moments under starlit skies. The climax is satisfying and surprising—just when you think you’ve pieced it all together, Rhodes pulls the rug out, delivering a final twist that lingers.
July 29, 2025
Pig's and plots.
An entertaining, if preposterous series, told by the hero, Max Effort. An ex Michelin star chef whose obsession for excellence resulted in his wife, Min, divorcing him. As a result he changes his life, gets a VWcamper van and sets off travelling with Anxious by name but not nature Jack Russell dog. At each stop along the way there is a murder Max solves to mixed feelings by a bizarre collection of local police. Occasionally our hero's parents, a pair who still live in the 50's style wise, drop in for the action, as does his ex in nearly every book. They still love each other and she is waiting a year to see if Max will go back to his old ways before deciding to marry again. Oh, and Max kindly adds a one-pot recipe at the end of each book. Got it? Our hero and the unbelievably well behaved dog and their adventures are addictive. I have read them all and will read the last one. Which surprised me because I find the hero smug and annoying, forever telling us how he regrets his past behaviour and how he is dedicated to becoming a better man. Yeah, right. Despite that I admit to having enjoyed these unlikely takes and recommend them.
An entertaining, if preposterous series, told by the hero, Max Effort. An ex Michelin star chef whose obsession for excellence resulted in his wife, Min, divorcing him. As a result he changes his life, gets a VWcamper van and sets off travelling with Anxious by name but not nature Jack Russell dog. At each stop along the way there is a murder Max solves to mixed feelings by a bizarre collection of local police. Occasionally our hero's parents, a pair who still live in the 50's style wise, drop in for the action, as does his ex in nearly every book. They still love each other and she is waiting a year to see if Max will go back to his old ways before deciding to marry again. Oh, and Max kindly adds a one-pot recipe at the end of each book. Got it? Our hero and the unbelievably well behaved dog and their adventures are addictive. I have read them all and will read the last one. Which surprised me because I find the hero smug and annoying, forever telling us how he regrets his past behaviour and how he is dedicated to becoming a better man. Yeah, right. Despite that I admit to having enjoyed these unlikely takes and recommend them.
May 22, 2025
How does Max and Anxious always end up at the right place at the wrong time? Don’t know, but I’m glad they do. As usual, multiple mysteries intertwine. Jack and Jill (dad and mum) came along on this venture to make sure there was just the right amount of hankie pinkie and laughter. And poor Anxious had a particularly rough go of it on this trip to Shell Island. I love how Max reasons things out and has such rich and interesting relationships. Can’t wait for the final book in the series coming out next. I sure will miss these people. For now, if you have been following Max and Anxious, this is a must read.
June 1, 2025
Max and Anxious are certainly in trouble in Campfires and Dead Liars. Max is attacked and left unconscious, Anxious has disappeared and a man is missing! It seems that Shell Island isn't as relaxing as Max thought it would be. Will Max be ok? Where is Anxious? What has happened to the missing man? Read Campfires and Dead Liars to find out. It's nice to see Min, Jack and Jill in this one too. Another easy, fun book from Tyler Rhodes. Enjoy!
June 7, 2025
Brilliant as ever
I love this series of books and this one was one of the best. It keeps you guessing right to the end but looking back afterwards, there were definite clues that I should have picked up along the way.
I really, really, don't want it to be the penultimate one but equally I can't wait to read the next one!
I love this series of books and this one was one of the best. It keeps you guessing right to the end but looking back afterwards, there were definite clues that I should have picked up along the way.
I really, really, don't want it to be the penultimate one but equally I can't wait to read the next one!
May 18, 2025
One of Max's most dangerous adventures! On beautiful Shell Island, the peace is disturbed by 2 murders, with Max far too close for comfort. The fearless Jack and Jill arrive to help (and naturally confuse people) and a long standing mystery is solved!.
June 1, 2025
Fantastic
I so love these books and the adventures of Max and Anxious. Alone with Min, Jack and Jill. Great reading.
I so love these books and the adventures of Max and Anxious. Alone with Min, Jack and Jill. Great reading.
June 2, 2025
Brilliant as always
Read the story in almost one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Have read the whole series and each one has been unputdownable.
Read the story in almost one sitting. Couldn't put it down. Have read the whole series and each one has been unputdownable.
June 19, 2025
Great story
I denied finding who the killer was... I usually the it out! Brilliantly done and I look forward to the next book!
I denied finding who the killer was... I usually the it out! Brilliantly done and I look forward to the next book!
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews