Ranch and Red Herrings

Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery #1

by Tonya Kappes

Murder’s just another scandal waiting on the porch.

Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth thought she’d left small-town drama behind when she traded Kentucky for city life. But when her beloved uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, she’s pulled straight back to the last place she wanted to be—right into the middle of a horse and cattle ranch she never asked for and a murder she can’t ignore.

The plan was simple: settle his affairs, sell the property, and head home. Instead, Cussy finds herself tangled in long-held grudges, whispered secrets, and neighbors who remember everything—except who had a reason to kill.

Now she's balancing farm chores with fact-finding, dodging shady locals, and stumbling across more questions than answers. And with someone clearly trying to scare her off, Cussy has to decide: walk away, or dig in her heels and uncover the truth—before the killer makes her the next loose end to tie up.

Small town. Big secrets. And a reluctant sleuth who’s about to learn that some roots run deeper than she ever imagined.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Cozy

268 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 27, 2025

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

[Tonya Kappes]

[Kaela Mettler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such a good book. Tonya keeps you guessing all the way till the almost end. She made a world I wish I could dive in and a community I wish to be a part of.

[Meaghan · Rating 2 out of 5]

ARC Review - Huge thanks to Tonya Kappes and Victory Editing for the opportunity to receive a review copy of Ranch & Red Herrings!

⭐️⭐️ - I’m not going to mince words. This book is a complete mess. This is my first time reading Tonya Kappes, so I don’t have anything to compare the book to, but I know she has countless other books out there (a series of which is being developed for television with Hallmark Media), which makes it very strange that this book was sent out for review in its current format.

The book is not complete, and as a few other reviewers have pointed out, is not fit for publishing. There are at least two instances where FMC Cussy is called by a different name entirely (I’m guessing the author was considering that other name at some point and missed it with find and replace when she went with Cussy - which, what kind of a name is that, and who would choose to go by that name when their first name is Georgia? But I digress…). There are other instances where the town doctor and veterinarian’s names are mixed up, a secondary character, Libby, is described as having red hair which later becomes blonde (spelled “blond” which is typically masculine), and the timeline is all over the place which creates continuous plot holes.

Beyond the fundamental issues with structure and formatting, I found Cussy’s friend Rowan (who kind of just appears all of a sudden) incredibly immature and annoying. Every single woman whose hair colour receives a description has auburn hair - Cussy included - except for Libby and Rowan (at first). The book is single POV and Cussy describes the expressions or words of others as “something I couldn’t quite place” so many times I decided it was actually the author who was choosing to be lazy and/or lacked the ability to, in fact, place said emotion.

OK, so you’re probably asking yourself “why didn’t she just DNF the book then?” Despite all of the above (and so much more), I actually really liked the concept for this book and found I was intrigued enough to stick around and find out what direction it took (when I could decipher a direction, that is), hence the reason for the 2⭐️ rating. This book had the potential to be a kitschy southern murder mystery, but instead, just ended up as a bunch of stereotypical sounding names and unorganized events thrown together (remember the Hallmark series? I can definitely see how the author’s style lends itself to that). I’m a bit confused about how I ended up with this ARC to begin with when I almost exclusively only browse the Romance category on NetGalley, so I’m guessing it was listed as such at the time I found it? This book is not a romance. There are occasional will they/won’t they moments between Cussy and the ranch foreman, Colt, but there is literally no romance present.

[Literary Redhead · Rating 4 out of 5]

That fab cover, a Kentucky horse and cattle ranch, small town secrets, compelling characters including one named Cussy (!), and a murder mystery I couldn't solve kept me rapt. Yeehaw! Can't wait for Book 2.

[Abby Rogish Bodin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy!

I wanted to like this book, because it has everything I usually like: a mystery, cute guy, and a badass female main character trying to figure everything out. The writing was really clunky, and the book currently is not ready to be released. It feels like all the characters move one step forward and then 25 steps backwards. The author seems to forget what she is doing with her characters, because they'll be in a scene just to be told that they're actually just walking in. None of the characters seem well-fleshed out, besides Uncle Amos, who was murdered.

I think this book has a lot of potential, once it goes through a more rigorous editing and more characters are fleshed out. Was not a fan of the "will they, won't they" when one of them is literally engaged to someone else.

This new series has a lot of potential, and I hope to be able to continue reading it if it gets better!

[Lisa Blankenship · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book!! This is a new series for Tonya and she hit it out of the park. I had no idea who the bad guy was until the very end!! I can’t wait to read the next one in the series!! Read this today you will not be disappointed!!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book so much. For the first book in a series the characters already show so much depth in their characters. They have great chemistry even when they “don’t” have chemistry. Cussy is a great protagonist, to me she has a unique voice for a cozy mystery slueth. The setting of her uncle’s ranch and the small town are great additions to the storyline. The descriptions of the ranch and town give you a great background of Cussy’s childhood growing up there before moving away and why she feels the way she does coming back. The mystery was well paced and full of red herrings. I never even thought of the person who was the killer as a suspect. I am looking forward to reading more in this series!

All thoughts and opinions are mine and not been influenced by anyone else.

[Sue Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.25⭐
Welcome to Bluegrass Ridge Ranch, a new cozy mystery series, that will have you wishing to move there yourself. When "Cussy" Hollingsworth inherits the million dollar ranch from her uncle over his two children, she knows there's a story or mystery behind it. Turns out her uncle was murdered and Cussy can't go back to the big city until the truth is uncovered. Filled with memorable characters and a mystery chick full of the red herrings the title warns us about. The book is a winner and now it's time to patiently (cough, cough) for the next one in the series. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth goes to Bluegrass Ridge to attend the funeral of her Uncle Amos. While there the lawyer asks her to attend the will reading where she finds out her uncle left her the ranch and not his 2 children. She soon finds out that her uncle died under mysterious circumstances and she is determined to find out who killed him. She has so many suspects and when her friends, Rowan, comes to town she has help investigating everyone includes Colt, the ranch manager, whom she is attracted to. To bad he's already seeing someone. It was really enjoyable watching Cussy find her way around the ranch and then falling in love with it.

[Melissa Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely ate this book up!!! This is the first book in Tonya’s new Bluegrass Ridge Ranch series and she keeps you guessing almost to the very end!! In this story we follow Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth goes to Bluegrass Ridge to attend the funeral for her uncle Amos and finds out she’s the one who has inherited his ranch, not his two kids and to everyone’s surprise, his death has been ruled a homicide.

While there she meets Colt Morgan, who Tonya describes as being “as stubborn as the horses he trains” and boy oh boy did she hit the nail on the head with that!!🤣 He’s been the one running the ranch as the ranch manager for years and he’s not about to change his routine now, just because “some city girl” arrived. But he sees a spark in her that reminds him why he fell in love with this ranch in the first place.

Can Cussy find out who wanted her uncle dead and while and maybe find love along the way, in the last place she expects?

Thank you SO SO SO much again Tonya for the physical arc!!!

Ranch & Red Herrings comes out 6/27/25!!

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story has a ranch/farm setting with everything that comes with it. There is also murder and romance. I liked this mystery. I had hoped it would end differently. The romance was okay. I hope this goes the way I want it to and doesn't take too long to get there.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy Mysteries are my favorite! This book gave me everything I wanted in a comfort read. Fun characters, unique setting, a hot love interest, and a quirky best friend.

[Get Your Tinsel in a Tangle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ranch and Red Herrings is what happens when you toss a city girl into a Kentucky murder plot, hand her a pair of workboots, and hope for the best. Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth shows up for her uncle’s funeral and leaves with a cattle ranch, a murder to solve, and about fourteen people giving her side-eye in the local bar. I wanted chaos. I got...slow-burn cowpoke drama where the murder mystery is kind of lounging in the background like a tired bloodhound.

Cussy’s supposed to be wrapping up her uncle’s affairs, but surprise. The man was poisoned, not heart-attacked, and now she’s in the middle of a suspiciously hostile ranch staff, the world's most obviously shady cousins, and a sheriff who might be the slowest, if not hottest, investigator in Kentucky. Her bestie Rowan shows up halfway through with blue hair, zero patience, and the much-needed energy of someone who has definitely sent more than one strongly worded Yelp review.

Now let’s talk Colt. He’s the ranch manager and also a walking Hallmark trope with a fiancée who shows up more often than a nosy neighbor in a ‘90s sitcom. The man smolders, sure, but he’s also engaged and not in a “we’re on a break” kind of way. More like “actively planning a wedding while making eyes at the new boss.” Cussy catches feelings, catches him shirtless, and somehow still keeps convincing herself this is fine. Girl. No. Focus on the potential murderers and not the emotionally unavailable farmhand with the jawline of sin.

The mystery itself is...serviceable. Suspicious characters appear, drop vague threats or clutch pearls dramatically, then vanish for twenty chapters. There's ketamine, gossip, secret meetings, and an inheritance plot that feels one twist short of compelling. When the killer is revealed, it’s not shocking so much as “Oh right, I forgot they were even in the book.” It’s less a red herring and more of a red suggestion.

There’s definitely heart here though. The ranch feels cozy. The town has that sticky, everyone-knows-your-business charm that works really well in cozies. Including an adorable mayor. And Cussy’s journey, grieving, adapting, slowly bonding with the land, is sweet in an “eat your feelings with pie” kind of way. It just needs more bite. More urgency. Less back-and-forth about whether she should keep the ranch and more actual sleuthing.

Also? Editing. It needs it. Characters teleport in and out of scenes, timelines bend like a pretzel, and dialogue sometimes reads like it was written by a committee that never met in person. It’s not unreadable, but it pulls you out of the story just when things are starting to get juicy. If this was a dish, it would be under-seasoned and over-stirred.

Still. I didn’t DNF. And I want more Rowan, more town secrets, and more actual ranch drama that doesn’t revolve around Colt’s romantic limbo. Book two has potential. If the series can lean harder into the chaos and clean up the mechanics, it might just find its rhythm.

Also, the cover? Perfection. It’s giving vintage pulp, late-night sleaze, and ranch girl noir all in one beautifully illustrated package. I saw it and immediately said “I don’t know what this is, but I’m reading it.” So mission accomplished. Three stars. A little dusty, a little uneven, but I’ll give the series another ride.

Whodunity Award: For Giving Me Forty Suspects and Zero Urgency

Thanks to Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC and for letting me dramatically shout “poison!” in my living room like it was a stage play.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Southern mystery is the fabulous start of a new series by Tonya Kappes, and it checks all the boxes to be another of her best-selling series. Intriguing. Engaging, colorful characters. Fast-paced. Nemesis. Nail biting scenes. Small town. Red Herrings. Yep, every box checked!

Tonya Kappes demonstrates her talent of designing step-off-the-page realistic characters and feast-for-the-senses descriptions of Bluegrass Ridge Ranch, the town, and its surrounding areas. Readers can imagine full panoramic views, aromas, and sounds, from within a crowd or the open Kentucky ranch country.

At twenty-seven, Cussy has not yet discovered the career of her heart, so she works part time jobs while seeking the best fit for her skills. She was devastated to be called to Uncle Amos’s ranch for his funeral and the reading of his will. She assumed everything would go to Amos’s daughter, Tassie Ruth, and son, Beau. She reflected on memories of her beloved uncle, sorry that he passed as her father did. The attorney had to repeat Cussy’s inheritance: the ranch, lock, stock, horses, cattle, and barrels! Stunned, Cussy didn’t know what to say. It warmed her heart that Amos trusted her with his legacy, but she hadn’t visited for years! Her cousins, hurt and annoyed, offered to take it off her hands if she’ll give it to them.

There is a lot to think about, including the ranch hands and the too-handsome ranch manager, Colt. Nettie Faye, Amos’s housekeeper, knows Amos was content with the heirs he designated. He hadn’t seen her since the town banned her when she was twelve, yet he knew she would love care for the ranch as he did.

Sheriff Wade Landry came to see Cussy, each surprised to see the other. They knew each other as children, when nobody could imagine Wade being a deputy, much less a sheriff. The autopsy on Amos revealed two surprises. A heart attack did not kill him. An overdose of a horse anesthetic did. Amos had been murdered.

Cussy is gobsmacked. Neither she nor Colt could imagine who would kill Uncle Amos. There were people who wanted to buy the ranch to develop commercial properties, but would they kill him for it?

Cussy’s roommate, Rowan, came to see Cussy and wanted them to solve the murder. They quickly learned vital information. One, Amos had changed his will only a couple weeks before he died. Two, the father of Libby, Colt’s fiancée, was a land developer, and had recently given him an offer. Three, Amos had serious financial problems, and the banker refused him a loan.

Rowan, an extrovert, dove into the social life of young women in the area, including Libby, to learn what she could. Libby, seemingly the lead of the Southern belles, despised Cussy, who clearly wouldn’t be invited to join. To Cussy, it would be better for her work hard to keep up the ranch while finding Amos’s killer, and return to the city.

There were twists and turns and a couple red herrings, but nobody stood out as a suspect. The killer took me completely by surprise. I couldn’t imagine any motive that person had to kill Amos. The resolutions and ending were completely satisfying, and I am eager to see Cussy and Colt put Amos’s plans for the ranch into place! I am just nosy enough to want to know some of the secrets on the ranch alluded to by others. I highly recommend this new mystery and Ms. Kappes’s newest protagonist, Cussy!

From a thankful heart: I requested and read an uncorrected eARC, and this is my honest review.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since my ambition as a child was to grow up and be a cowboy, never mind I was a girl, the "Ranch" in the title pulled me in immediately. I'm also a Tonya Kappes fan, so a win-win. Overall, this is an excellent start of a new series. Kappes descriptions pulled me right in, making me feel like I was there enjoying the beautiful setting and horses as much as Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth. Lots of small town western charm with more than a touch of Kentucky's Southern charm for good measure. Her grandfather Amos's death turns out to have been murder, however, complicating her return.

Much to the displeasure of some family members, Cussy has unexpectedly inherited her grandfather's cattle ranch, While close to her grandfather, she hadn't been there for many years and, quite frankly, even most community members figure she won't last long. She doesn't help herself by disrupting an established relationship between ranch manager Cole and Libby, a bit of a town diva with a monied family. Heck, she's not even sure she will stay, especially after tackling the list of daily chores she's expected to handle as even "maybe" ranch owner. She is definitely attracted to Cole, however, but that doesn't keep her from making a series of bad choices. I liked her but still have reservations, I guess it would be honest to say. When her friend Rowan, perky and outgoing, blue hair and all, and the type who can and will talk to anyone, things definitely get, um, interesting. There were hints of a potential romance for her, too, so she's probably a long term character. In any case, together they set out to try to discover who would murder Amos despite the expected cautions from Sheriff Wade Landry, who turns out to be a former friend.

I won't detail the plot any further than these general comments but I doubt it's any surprise Cussy runs into danger. I didn't figure out whodunit until the final reveal,gotta admit. That small town was full of secrets, major league gossipers, and people who just didn't quite know what to make of Cussy's grand entrance back into town life. It was definitely quite memorable. I didn't feel like we got to know most of the likely continuing cast well but for a first book, we got the basics. I'm still on the fence about Cole and am sure my head would be spinning if I hung out with Rowan too long, but they were definitely interesting and seemed to be good, caring people. I'm sure we'll get to know the townspeople and ranch crew better as the series progresses. And, oh, Cussie's mother. She makes an appearance but didn't seem to make an impact on my brain, sorry. In any case, if you want to lose yourself in rolling pastures and immerse yourself into ranch life, including getting to know the ranch dog, and like an intriguing mystery where everyone seems to have both secrets and a story (or two) to tell, give this one a read. Thanks #NetGalley - #VictoryEditingNetGalleyCo-op for letting me have an early peek at this one and wallow in my little girl dreams of endless horses and gorgeous spaces to ride them across forever.

[Jo ThreadsAndFiction · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ranch and Red Herrings has a wonderful country charm and whimsy suitable for a southern small-town setting, but unfortunately this felt more like a draft than a ready for publication novel. I am not familiar with Tonya Kappes' other cosy mysteries, so not entirely sure what the standard she holds is.
The editing, or lack of, was a serious distraction and had me wanting to DNF the entire way through. Events seemed jumbled, character names were mixed up, and there were continuity issues throughout that pulled me out of the story. It felt like scenes were out of order, or written without a clear sense of what had already happened. I almost wonder if a draft copy was uploaded instead of the final edition? If you're someone who values smooth storytelling and consistency in details, this will be a frustrating read.
The mystery itself was serviceable, but not especially gripping. I kept wondering why Cussy, who has no history in police work or what have you, was even investigating when the townspeople seemed more than willing to give the same information they no doubt had already told the investigating sheriff of the town. Her role in the investigation didn't feel particularly necessary, or unique.
The characters are flat, some come in and out for a matter of paragraphs that leave you wondering why they were even introduced in the first place, and the conversations throughout felt unnatural.
Romance wise, the subplot was underwhelming and felt entirely tacked on to tick a box. It had no atmosphere and a weird complication. It did not add depth to the characters or the story in the slightest.

That said, the book does succeed as a kind of love letter to country living. The setting is warm, cozy and full of charm - the kind of backdrop that makes you want to sit on a front porch with a slice of pecan pie. As a light, no-stakes vacation read, it could succeed: easy to dip in and out of without having to focus on details. But it just doesn't hit any higher marks.

Thank you to NetGalley, Tonya Kappes and Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op for the ARC.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranch & Red Herrings
Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mysteries, Book #1
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Murder’s just another scandal waiting on the porch.
Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth thought she’d left small-town drama behind when she traded Kentucky for city life. But when her beloved uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, she’s pulled straight back to the last place she wanted to be—right into the middle of a horse and cattle ranch she never asked for and a murder she can’t ignore.
The plan was simple: settle his affairs, sell the property, and head home. Instead, Cussy finds herself tangled in long-held grudges, whispered secrets, and neighbors who remember everything—except who had a reason to kill.
Now she's balancing farm chores with fact-finding, dodging shady locals, and stumbling across more questions than answers. And with someone clearly trying to scare her off, Cussy has to decide: walk away, or dig in her heels and uncover the truth—before the killer makes her the next loose end to tie up.
Small town. Big secrets. And a reluctant sleuth who’s about to learn that some roots run deeper than she ever imagined. (Amazon)


Review:


The characters are well rounded and well developed. Cussy has returned to her uncle’s ranch because he had died and she came to settle his estate. But things are not easily solved and there are more a
questions than answers. And when it is discovered that her uncle has been murdered Cussy will have to figure out who murdered him and why they did. It will not be easy to find the answers.


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 was an easy read. The mystery is well plotted and is carried on well throughout the whole book.


I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next one.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder’s just another scandal waiting on the porch—and in Tonya Kappes’ Ranch and Red Herrings, that scandal runs deep into the red clay and bluegrass of small-town Kentucky. With a mix of cozy mystery charm, southern sass, and unexpected grit, this novel kicks off what promises to be another addictive series from a master of the genre.

At the center of the storm is Georgia “Cussy” Hollingsworth, a sharp-tongued, big-hearted woman who thought she’d left behind gossip, grudges, and rural life for good. But when her beloved uncle dies under suspicious circumstances, Cussy is pulled back into a world she tried to outrun—only to discover that sometimes, your past isn't done with you.

Kappes crafts a mystery that’s as layered as the hills surrounding Cussy’s newly inherited ranch. What was supposed to be a quick trip turns into a twisted puzzle of motives, lies, and family secrets, all wrapped in the quirks of a town that remembers everything—except who had the best reason to commit murder. The tension simmers between neighborly smiles and not-so-subtle warnings, making for a deliciously slow burn.

Cussy is a standout protagonist—relatable in her reluctance, endearing in her stubbornness, and surprisingly capable as she juggles livestock with sleuthing. Readers will root for her as she digs through half-truths and local lore, uncovering not just a killer, but her own connection to a place she thought she’d outgrown.

Kappes’ signature humor and knack for dialogue shine through, adding levity to the darker themes of loss, betrayal, and identity. And the small-town setting? It’s practically a character in its own right, full of vivid detail, nosy neighbors, and charm with just enough menace to keep you on edge.

Verdict: Ranch and Red Herrings is a cozy mystery with bite—a smart, spirited, and suspenseful start to a promising new series. Fans of small-town secrets, reluctant sleuths, and southern storytelling will want to saddle up for this one.

[Jane Vaughan · Rating 5 out of 5]

RANCH & RED HERRINGS!

Cussy Hollingsworth has come to Bluegrass Ridge to her Uncle Amos's funeral. Her Daddy used to bring her to visit the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch when she was younger. She was at the reading of her Uncle Amos's will but she didn't understand why. She figured her cousins/Amos's son & daughter would get the Ranch & maybe he had left the beautiful table he made for her from a tree with a burl on it. Everyone is shocked when the lawyer reads the will & Amos leaves the Ranch & property to Cussy. Her cousins are shocked & upset, especially his son-in-law, Hunter.

As Cussy tries to learn more about the Ranch, Bettie Faye, Amos's housekeeper & Colt, the Ranch Manager are there to help her. As she works on getting into the routine of feeding & grooming the horses & mucking out the stalls, she gets in somewhat of a routine.

She is taking a bath when there is a loud pounding on the door. She gets out & wraps a towel around her to answer the door as the pounding continues. When she opens the door, her childhood friend from visits to the Ranch was standing there in uniform. Sheriff Wade Landry has stopped by to let Cussy know the results of the autopsy. Wade has bad news; it was not a heart attack like they thought. Her Uncle had been poisoned with horse tranquilizer/Ketamine! He warns her to be careful about trying to investigate on her own.

Cussy has a mind of her own. This is the first in this series & I love it! I bought it on Release Day & read it in 2 days! Looking forward to more!

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ranch and Red Herrings by Tonya Kappes is the debut of the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mysteries. I thought the characters lacked development. We are given scant information on them besides their physical appearances. Auburn and blonde are the two popular hair colors (of course, it can change from one chapter to the next along with the spelling of blonde). I did not understand why Georgia’s nickname was Cussy (she was called a completely different name twice). Other character’s names are mixed up as well. I am not a fan of Rowan, Cussy’s roommate and friend. She is annoying, over the top, and pushy. Just because she is Cussy’s roommate in the city does not give her the right to break into the ranch house while Cussy is out and makes herself at home in the primary bedroom (which, naturally, is Cussy’s bedroom). Some characters appear and disappear within a couple of paragraphs. It makes you wonder why they were even written into the story. The dialogue is awkward and there are continuity issues. You will need to dig out your telescope to find the whodunit. The mystery is lackluster (Oh, I might as well say it, it is boring). I did not understand why Cussy was investigating when the townspeople were perfectly willing to talk to the kindly sheriff (the uncle excuse does not fly). This is not Tonya Kappes’ first rodeo, so I expected a better whodunit from her. I felt Ranch and Red Herrings should be Ranch and the Red Hot Romance since Cussy thinks about her handsome ranch manager often. The story moved slower than a cattle drive on a hot July day. Repetitive details were also a problem. I’m sorry, but Ranch and Red Herrings did not strike my fancy.

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ranch and Red Herrings is the first book in the new Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery series. Following her uncle’s death, Cussy Hollingsworth finds herself back in Bluegrass Ridge, Kentucky for the first time since her childhood. Cussy doesn’t plan on staying, but when she’s suddenly in charge of the ranch her uncle used to run she needs to stick around longer than expected. Now that her uncle’s death appears suspicious she wants to get to the bottom of it before leaving for good, but nothing ever goes as planned. As Cussy throws herself into solving her uncle’s murder she may just fall in love with the ranch and Bluegrass Ridge all over again.

I have loved everything I’ve ever read by Tonya Kappes and knew this latest cozy mystery would be no different. I was so excited to start this new series and was definitely not disappointed. I think this might be the start of my favorite series yet. I loved Cussy and the other characters so much. The ranch is a great setting and I’m already falling in love worth Bluegrass Ridge. This mystery pulled me in and held me until the very end as I guessed at the culprit until the very end. I loved the twists and turns in this book and getting to know this new cast of characters. I was so into this story that I didn’t want this book to end and now I can’t wait to revisit Cussy again in the next installation! So good!

[Hege-Kristin Beck · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to enjoy Ranch and Red Herrings. A cozy mystery set on a horse ranch sounded like the perfect summer read. Unfortunately, this book missed the mark for me on every level.

The characters felt flat and underdeveloped. The main character, Cussy (honestly, not a fan of the name), flip-flops between being a prissy city girl and a down-to-earth ranch hand with no real consistency. The romance? It sparks out of nowhere and has zero depth — more of a checkbox than a believable subplot. The murder mystery is just...not great.

The ranch setting could’ve been charming, but it felt like the author had little understanding of farm life. Cussy complains about cleaning the barn and feeding chickens — what exactly did she expect on a ranch? The plot jumps around confusingly, and the editing (or lack thereof) makes it hard to follow. Everything feels extremely rushed, from the pacing to the character arcs.

I’m all for cozy mysteries, but this one just didn’t deliver. It needs more time, more care, and a lot more character development. It feels like the author is trying to ride the cowboy trend that Lyla Sage does so well, but this ended up as a strange copy placed in a “random” genre

Thank you to Netgalley, the author and the publisher for providing me with an advance copy of this book to review.

[Sapphyria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ranch & Red Herrings if the first book in a brand new series by Tonya Kappes. Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth is called back to the small town where her uncle Amos and cousins live after the unexpected death of her uncle. Her uncle's death reveals an unexpected inheritance. She was chosen to take over the ranch instead of her cousins. As she's trying to figure out ranch life and whether or not it's for her, the cause of Amos's death is revealed. Now Cussy is not only trying to run a ranch but also find a murderer.

Ranch & Red Herrings is a fast-paced murder mystery. Cussy is a great character but I wish she was more confident and stood up for herself. I loved meeting the supporting characters. Each one brought their own uniqueness to the story.

I found myself working with Cussy to develop a suspect list. There are several people in town who have means, motive and/or opportunity. The author does a great job setting up the mystery. There are twists and turns, taking the reader on a wild ride through a working ranch. I do think the suspect reveal and ending were a bit abrupt but after the explanation was relayed, it does make sense. The person involved was never even on my radar. The author set the mystery up well and I ended up being surprised at how everything played out. Well done!

[Cheyenne Golden · Rating 4 out of 5]

This felt like Nancy Drew meets Yellowstone, well sort of. This book is about a girl who comes back to her family ranch to take over after the sudden. passing of her uncle. Not only is this novel about a Kentucky Cattle Ranch, with a handsome and tough ranch hand but it’s also a small town full of secrets and unforgettable characters. It also gave me a mystery that had me at the edge of my seat. From the beginning of the story until the end Tonya kept me on my toes. I was shocked to find out who the murder was and it was something I would have never figured out if it wasn’t told to us. I found the novel to be enjoyable and I was really hoping to have seen more of Cussy and Colt but there will be more books. It was a lot more mystery than romance but I can’t complain when the plot is just that good. I found this read to be cozy and fun up until the very end. The only thing I found were a few plot errors but it could just be because it’s an ARC but overall it didn’t mess with how much I enjoyed the book. I would 10/10 recommend for anyone looking to read a cozy, cowboy mystery.
Thank you #NetGalley for allowing me to get the Arc for an early read.

https://www.netgalley.com/book/643837...

Publication Date June 27, 2025

[Melanie Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was not for me. I need a little more action and a definite hook to pull me in from page 1. This is not that type of book. Cussy seemed a little out of her depth on page 1 so she allowed herself to be steered into a life she was meant for. I get the initial shock of a whole new life but I find the opening a tad hard to swallow. From the beginning, this story read more like a small town story where a woman build a new life and finds herself. Like I said, I need mystery and action but I am not the every woman. I ultimately did not finish the book, calling it at about 75%, only to learn from other readers that it is after that part that the action kicks in.
For myself, I would give this book 2 stars but understanding that it may interest other readers with its small time charm and hot cowboy, I am giving it 3 stars. If you are a fan of stories about woman building a new life you may enjoy this. The theme of a woman learning to be her best self might be right up your allay and it might give hope that sometimes life puts us right where we need to be. For mystery and suspense and action aficionados like myself, maybe this is not your book any more than it is mine.
hanks to NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | MIRA for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y’all, Ranch & Red Herrings is the start of what’s sure to be Tonya Kappes’ most captivating series yet. If you’re a mystery lover craving a cozy escape, grab a copy, pour yourself a glass of sweet tea, slice up some pecan pie, and settle in—you’re in for a wild, twisty ride!
The story introduces us to Cussy Hollingsworth, who returns to her hometown of Bluegrass for her Uncle Amos’ funeral—only to discover she’s inherited his ranch. Things take a dark turn when Cussy learns that Uncle Amos didn’t die of natural causes—he was murdered. Determined to solve the mystery before heading back to city life, Cussy soon finds herself deeply entangled in small-town secrets.
From a simmering romantic spark with handsome ranch manager Colt Morgan (who just so happens to be engaged to the local queen bee, Libby), to long-buried family drama, this book is packed with twists, turns, and just the right amount of sass. With help from her big-city best friend, Cussy dives headfirst into ranch life, unearthing truths that challenge everything she thought she knew about her past—and her future.
Full of heart, humor, and suspense, Ranch & Red Herrings is a smart, satisfying mystery that’ll keep you guessing right up to the final page. Don’t miss it!

[☆Laura☆]

La sinopsis sonaba interesante: una historia ambientada en un rancho, un misterio por resolver o mejor dicho, un asesinato y un romance. Todos esos elementos me gustaron, pero hubo algo que hizo que no disfrutara la lectura: Colt está comprometido, y durante todo el libro parece olvidarlo y se la pasa coqueteando con Cussy e incluso casi se besan, pero su prometida los interrumpe.

Luego está Cussy, que al enterarse del compromiso simplemente lo ignora. Incluso se convence de que Libby (la prometida) es sospechosa del asesinato, cuando lo único que hizo Libby fue no confiar en Cussy e intentar que Colt se alejara de ella. Pero para Cussy, ese comportamiento fue motivo suficiente para sospechar de Libby, seguirla e incluso burlarse de todo lo que hacía.

En conclusión, la infidelidad arruinó toda la historia para mí. No pienso seguir leyendo esta tortura. Solo espero que Libby tenga su venganza, aunque, honestamente, lo dudo. Lo más probable es que la conviertan en la villana para que Cussy y Colt queden como las víctimas y puedan estar juntos.


Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest

[Katie Lavoie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I normally love cozy mysteries but this one didn’t work well for me.

At its core, the story focuses on Cussy who is surprised to learn she inherited a ranch from her uncle. The story flips between Cussy trying to decide if she wants to give the ranch away, learning to run the ranch, and trying to solve the question of who killed her uncle.

I has several issue with this book - but the biggest is that I never liked Cussy and the entire story focused on Cussy…

While framed as stubborn, curious, and full of heart, Cussy’s actions had me questioning her morals and generally judging her (e.g., wading into a love triangle and never seeing an issue with that, trying to drive drunk, promising Betty she would consider staying only to immediately break that promise, etc). She was also quick to over react and never see the other side which got on my nerves (e.g., being jealous Libby didn’t invite her to join the Blueridge Belles when Libby caught Cussy cuddling with Libby’s fiancé).

Thank you to Tonya Kappes and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

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

Well bless your heart. Here is the start of another fantastic new series from the vivid imagination of Tonya Kappes. This one is a little different in some ways, but it still has the southern sass we have come to love from this author. This is a gritty mystery and little more serious with less humor, but there are still some great scenes with humor built into them. The new scenery set in Kentucky also comes with an unforgettable cast of characters that I have already fell in love with.

This book sets up a great mystery surrounding a mysterious death. It will test your skills as an amateur armchair sleuth. Just when I thought I had the answers, the story will take another turn

Cussy Hollingsworth and her best bud, Rowan, are two of my new favorite fictional characters. This dynamic duo of two city girls thrown into the country life are perfect together. One is serious and observant, and the other may seem a little flighty and more interested in fun, but don't underestimate her powers of persuasion.

Bring on book 2. I am ready to dive into another Bluegrass Ridge Ranch mystery.

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Prolific author, Tonya Kappes has done it again with a new and very promising series. Our main protagonist is city girl, Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth. She goes to Kentucky to her Uncle Amos' funeral and finds she has inherited a working horse and cattle ranch and a mystery. Why didn't Amos leave it to his children? And then when she finds her Uncle was murdered, she must investigate. The Sheriff, who Cussy knew from childhood is slow in investigating. When her friend and roommate, Rowan shows up, she convinces Cussy she needs to find a murderer. With so many potential suspects from developers to Amos' children to irate ranch hands, Cussy and Rowan have their hands full. Can they find a murderer or will they put themselves in danger. What is the town hiding? What caused Amos' money problems and are they related to his murder. There are so many red-herrings that you keep guessing but are totally surprised at the end. This is a great beginning to a new series with lots of promise. I can't wait to see what Cussy gets into next and what about Colt? I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.