Lassoes & Lies

Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery #2

by Tonya Kappes

Coming Next in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery Series…

How will Cussy save the ranch?

Will she go ahead with Uncle Amos’s wild rodeo plan?

And what secrets are bucking to the surface now that the Bluegrass Belles are back in town?

Saddle up for Lassoes & Lies, the next charming—and chaotic—installment in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery series, where rodeo dreams, small-town scandals, and a murder with too many motives collide under the Kentucky stars.

Preorder now and return to Bluegrass Ridge, Kentucky where nothing stays buried for long.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery

223 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 3, 2026

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]

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

The rodeo is coming to the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch. Cussy needs this to be a success in order to save the ranch.

If you read anything by Tonya Kappes, you know nothing will ever be simple. In the beginning a high falutin lady is going around dragging everyone down with her snide and snobby comments. Her nose is stuck so high up in the air that she would drown if it rained. Someone has had enough, so when her dead body is discovered, the suspect list going to be quite long.

Cussy and her friend Rowan are so relatable and very likable. I really like Rowan. She is an instigator and a great friend. In fact, almost all of the characters are fantastic, with the exception of a few of the local ladies who think they are little better than others. But you have to have those type of characters thrown in to make the story more interesting. The author's vivid descriptions of the scenery, food and people are one of the things that make her books even more satisfying and easy to enjoy. You can almost smell the smells of the ranch as you read.

I always feel like I am playing the game of Clue when I read mystery written by this author. It could be almost anyone, especially in this book because the victim was disliked by all. She keeps the secrets pretty well hidden until the final reveal. The southern sass is ever present as well.

The queen of cozy mystery is off to a great start with another thrilling cozy series as this is book 2. I am already looking forward to book 3.

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

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappe's new series Bluegrass Ridge Ranch mystery series is fantastic and another winning series by the author. Lassoes and Lies is the second book in this series and it is a page turner. You get hooked from the beginning and the main characters are very relatable. Cussy Hollingsworth has inherited the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch from her late Uncle Amos along with its debts. Her uncle had plans for a rodeo to make enough revenue to get out of debt. So, Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Revival Rodeo is born. Everything looks like it will work out until Vanessa Hartwell, a barrel racer is found dead. She was a very abrasive, entitled, disliked contestant and now before everything falls apart, Cussy, her best friend, Rowan and her ranch manager Colt decide to investigate and help the Sheriff before everything goes south. Can she find a murderer? With so many suspects her work is cut out for her. This is a page turning book that keeps you totally engaged and guessing until the very end! I not only highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the first book in this series as well as any new books coming! I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes & Lies is the second book in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mysteries series. Georgia "Cussy" Hollingsworth is trying to maintain the ranch and keep it afloat. Even if that means bringing the rodeo to her land. As if organizing a rodeo isn’t enough, one of the barrel racers is found unresponsive, after alienating just about everyone she’d encountered since day one. Not going to lie but I had a certain Garth Brooks song in my head for a good portion of my reading time.

Lassoes & Lies is a fast-paced murder mystery. Cussy is a great character and I love watching her blossom on the ranch. I loved meeting the supporting characters. Each one brought their own uniqueness to the story.

There are so many suspects in Lassoes & Lies and I found myself working with Cussy and Rowan to develop the list and investigate each person. There are several people attending the rodeo who have means, motive and/or opportunity. There are twists and turns, taking the reader on a wild ride through a working ranch and rodeo set-up. The author set the mystery up well and I ended up being surprised at how everything played out.

[Cozy Champagne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes and Lies is the second book in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. The amateur sleuth is Cussy Hollingsworth, a Kentucky ranch owner intent on saving her family's home and land.

Cussy is planning a rodeo to bring in some much needed money for the ranch. When someone kills a glamorous rodeo queen, Cussy starts digging and uncovers all kinds of buck wild secrets.

I love this ranch cozy mystery! It has a fantastic setting and interesting characters.

The ranch provides a great backdrop for the story and good opportunities for character conflicts.

I liked how the mystery was put together and how the suspects were presented.

Cussy is a delightful amateur sleuth. She is strong and determined with just the right amount of sass. The ranch manager, Colt, is a great counterpart.

I love the slow burn romance, which is just as entertaining as the mystery itself.

And the book cover! It is gorgeous. I really want a physical copy for my bookshelf.

The books in this series are among my favorite Tonta Kappes booksI liked how the mystery was put together and how the suspects were presented. . I will keep reading these as long as she keeps writing them

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes and Lies is the second cozy mystery in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery series. Cussy is trying to save the ranch she inherited from her late uncle and she’s doing it by hosting a rodeo. When the rodeo comes to the ranch there is immediately one contender who rubs everyone the wrong way. When she turns up dead it’s really no surprise, but it could just ruin Cussy’s chances at saving the ranch. In order to save the reputation of Bluegrass Ridge Ranch, she will need to get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late.

I am a fan of everything I’ve read by Tonya Kappes and this series is not different. I really enjoyed the first book in this series and was very excited for this one to come out. I really loved it and it didn’t disappoint. I like Cussy, Rowan and Colt a lot in this series and think they are a great cast of characters. This mystery pulled me in from the beginning and I enjoyed the ride it took me on. I loved this mystery and can’t wait to see what else comes from this series.

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes & Lies is another charming, twist‑filled cozy mystery from Tonya Kappes, and it delivers exactly what fans of small‑town sleuthing crave. One of the things I enjoy most is trying to figure out the who‑dunnit in real time as I read, and this book gives you plenty of suspects to sift through. When the victim isn’t exactly well‑loved and has a long list of enemies, every chapter feels like a new chance to second‑guess yourself.
Cussy shines as a heroine with grit, heart, and a real knack for sorting through the manure to find the real culprit. The background of Bluegrass Ridge Ranch is rich and immersive, giving the mystery a strong sense of place. And the developing relationships—especially between Cussy and Colt, as well as Cussy and the wider town—add emotional depth that promises even more to look forward to in the next books. It feels like the start of a series where the characters and community will only get more interesting.
A fun, engaging cozy mystery with heart, humor, and just enough dust‑kicking drama to keep you turning pages.

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

It certainly doesn't bode well when a star contestant at the rodeo that's meant to save your ranch ends up murdered. And Georgia “Cussy” Hollisworth knows if the rodeo isn't a financial success she can't make the mortgage payment on the ranch her beloved Uncle Amos left her. So Cussy, along with her best friend Rowan and ranch manager Colt, takes the bull by the horns to round up suspects. Will they find the culprit, or will she just get roped into danger herself?


I love this new Bluegrass Ridge Ranch series! Lassos is the second book but absolutely can be read as a stand-alone. We still get the small town Southern charm Ms. Kappes is known for with a bit of a gritty edge. Cussy is more feisty than the typical female lead and beau material, Colt, a bit earthier. I really enjoyed these characters and am eager to see who in the supporting casts gets the next book. Even though I received an advance copy from the author, it was my pleasure to choose to review this book. Rope in a copy for yourself!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes & Lies is another entertaining installment in Kappes' Bluegrass Ridge Ranch mystery series. I really enjoyed the first book in this series, and this second book was worth the wait. Cussy is doing her best to save her Uncle Amos' ranch. She along with family and friends are putting on a rodeo in order to do just that. Things definitely don't go as planned though when one of the participants is found dead putting the whole event in jeopardy. Cussy needs to solve this murder mystery and fast.

Kappes does a great job at setting up an entertaining read in the second book in this new series. I am already liking Cussy and the secondary characters. Putting the rodeo at risk makes the stakes even higher for Cussy since her ranch is depending on this event for survival. The book's mystery is well done full of enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. Overall Lassoes & Lies proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend.

Received a copy of Lassoes & Lies from the author.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy and the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch are hosting their first annual Rodeo. Everything seems to be going smoothly until one of the contestants shows up, and she seems to rub everyone she meets the wrong way (competitors, sponsors, crew). Someone decided they were not taking any of her snide remarks or insults, and her body was found just a few days before the rodeo was to start. Cussy and the local law enforcement have just a few days to solve the murder, just a few days before all the suspects scatter to other locations.

Cussy has great chemistry with her best friend, Rowan, and the ranch manager, Colt. The mystery has no shortage of suspects or twists and turns, but Cussy, with the help of Rowan and Colt, along with some of the town members, was able to find clues to help the Sheriff arrest the murderer in just a few days. For those who enjoy a touch of romance with their mysteries, you will love the new relationship that begins in this book.

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

[Javon50 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fighting for the survival of the ranch her Uncle Amos left her, Cussy Hollingworth, her best friend Rowan and ranch manager Colt have planned a rodeo to be held on her property to celebrate the annual Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Festival. With all the riders and animals arriving there is excitement in the air. Praying that this event will keep the ranch from failing is all Cussy is hoping for. But when one of the most unlikeable riders is found dead, Cussy and her ranch manager are sure the killer is still at the ranch, and they are determined to find them and keep Cussy’s hopes of saving the ranch alive. She hopes that this rodeo is a success but that will only happen if the killer is found before the rodeo is cancelled and everyone leaves. I love this story and hope there are more books in the series. A review of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book even though I’m not fond of Libby. It’s all about her even though she didn’t do right by the ranch manager.

This is the second book in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery series. Cussy has inherited the ranch from her uncle and is doing what she can to save the ranch as his legacy. She is working with the ranch manager and they have spent plenty of time lining up vendors, stock providers, and competitors for the rodeo hosted at her ranch.

Vanessa is a entitled barrel racer that plays all the angles and doe not care who is hurt in the process. Well, she winds up dead and no one is sorry about that.

Cussy becomes embroiled in finding the killer and saving her ranch from foreclosure.
The twists kept coming and I liked how she and her BFF looked into the issues.

I can’t wait for the next installment to see what happens next.

I was given an advanced copy and these are my own opinions.

[Kara Marks · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this excellent cozy mystery series set on a ranch in Kentucky; I’ve read the first book, but this one could easily stand alone. Cussy has inherited a ranch where she used to spend her summers as a child, but she doesn’t feel prepared to manage the ranch—or to get its cash flow out of debt and start producing a cash flow. Her uncle who left her the ranch left behind plans for having a rodeo there to raise money, and it’s on its way to success when there’s a murder. The victim was very unlikable so there are plenty of suspects; she previously solved the murder of her uncle, so she, her best friend and the ranch manager who is becoming her boyfriend set out to ensure the success of the rodeo by investigating. The plot and writing are great and I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I was provided an ARC, which I appreciate, but these opinions are my own.

[Deb Spalding · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassos and Lies is the second book in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mysteries by the talented Tonya Kappes. Cussy Hollingsworth is entrusted with the running and care of the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch by her late Uncle Amos. With debts rising Cully hosts the annual Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Revival Rodeo to bring in needed revenue. Excitement spreads as spectators and participants arrive at the ranch. Rodeo Queen and barrel racer, Vanessa Hartwell arrives and begins stirring up negative energy amongst the participants. She is found dead during the festival. The search begins to find the culprit of this crime. There is no shortage of suspects. Cussy and Sheriff Wade have to investigate through all the twists and turns of this case before it can be solved. What a great cast of characters with Southern charm and personality. A nice easy cozy mystery read from start to finish.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy is hosting a rodeo in hopes that she can save the ranch. The ranch she inherited from her Uncle Amos when he passed away that is in debt. The competitors start to arrive and among them is Vanessa a barrel racer, with an attitude that she is better than the others, spreading rumors and causing problems.
When Vanessa turns up dead, will the rodeo be able to go on as planned. Seems Vanessa has made plenty of people upset so there is no lack of suspects or secrets floating around.
Can Cussy solve the murder and save the ranch?
Tonya Kappes descriptions of the ranch and surrounding area made me feel as if I was there, seeing it all firsthand.
This is the second book in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mysteries series. I love the setting and the dynamics between the characters.

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

[Deanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy is hosting a rodeo in an effort to save the ranch that her Uncle Amos left her when he passed, but along with the stress of pulling it all together she's dealing with animosity between the contestants. When barrel racer Vanessa comes into the circuit thinking she's the best there is, things quickly become heated. When she is later found dead and robbed of her jewelry, Cussy is on the case.

It turns out just about everyone had problems with Vanessa, so there is no shortage of people who had reason to want her dead. Lassos & Lies is the second book in the newest series by Tonya Kappes and dare I say it may be even better than the first book. I can’t wait to read the third installment.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

This newer Tonya Kappes series takes place largely on a Kentucky ranch, where Cussy is trying to save the ranch her uncle left to her. To raise funds they are staging a Rodeo. It’s attracting an interesting group of characters, one of whom is hated by most of the others. It’s not surprising when she turns up dead. The problem in this one is narrowing down the suspects. Cussy, Rowan, and Colt must work together with the sheriff to try to find the killer and save the Rodeo and her ranch.

Overall the plot is well developed although the reveal felt rushed.

I’m enjoying getting to know these new characters as well as more about every day life on a ranch.

I’m looking forward to see what happens next and how the ongoing characters develop.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m really enjoying how Cussy’s character is coming along. She’s set on hosting the rodeo that could save the ranch. But as guests start arriving, one person, Vanessa, immediately draws attention—complaining about everything without caring who hears. Her attitude threatens the rodeo’s sponsorship, risking a stain not just on the event but on the whole town. When Vanessa turns up dead, Cussy begins digging for answers. With so many people holding grudges—Vanessa seemed to cause trouble wherever she went—there’s no shortage of suspects. Can Cussy catch the killer before it’s too late and the rodeo falls apart?

[Michele Coen · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Cussy is forced to try to save the ranch her Uncle Amos gave her, she has to do whatever possible. It's Rodeo time at Bluegrass. Cussy and Colt(ranch manager) hopes this works.
With so much to do to prepare, Vanessa shows up with all her bling and causes so much drama. There's not a person she hasn't hurt or made mad for one reason or another. When she ends up dead, Cussy not only has a rodeo to pull off but now a murder. Will Cussy be able to save her ranch?

This is the 2nd in the series but definitely can be stand alone. The characters are great and witty. I really enjoyed this book. I highly recommend.

I was given an ARC and leave my review voluntary.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cussy is trying to save the ranch that was left to her by her Uncle Amos and along with the help of her two friends decides to host a rodeo to raise some money. When one of the contestants shows up and rubs people the wrong way it was no surprise that she ended up dead. There were so many suspects and lots of secrets to be discovered before the mystery could be solved. I like a strong female main character and Cussy definitely fits that description. I'm looking forward to more books in this series.

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

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy has been busy organizing the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Revival Rodeo in order to bring in enough money to get the ranch she inherited from her uncle out of debt. Everything is ready and the competitors have arrived. Before the Rodeo even starts, the Rodeo queen Vanessa is found dead! Now, on top of everything else that's going on, Cussy feels she must find the killer! Packed with vivid descriptions of ranch life in Kentucky, you'll feel like you're there! Charming characters, plenty of laughs and an ending you won't see coming! Oh, there's some sweet romance blooming too! The first book in the series was great, but this one blows it out of the water! Don't miss it!

[Michelle Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was so glad to get the second installment of this new series, Bluegrass Ridge Ranch series. I loved the first one and have been dying to find out what happened next! If you haven't read the first one go back and read it first so you know what is happening. Cussy is trying to do her best to save the ranch that was left to her but she's got a long road to hoe. Cussy has decided to host a rodeo but one of the contestants is not very well liked by everyone and when she was found dead not long after its up to Cussy, Rowan and Colt to solve the murder before everyone leaves town after the rodeo.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was glad to see this second book come along since I really enjoyed reading the first book last year. It’s got some enjoyable and memorable characters in Cussy, her bestie Rowan and Cussy’s crush, Colt. The problems that started in book 1 were definitely sorted and solved in this book.

The rodeo was what could make or break the ranch, but when a top act was murdered, Cussy and Rowan worked hard to find the killer. The showdown/reveal and conclusion were super satisfying and actually really sweet. Since the story arc was so well concluded, I’m not sure if there’ll be any more books, but I’d definitely read any that come along next.

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy hopes the rodeo that’s been planned will be enough to save the ranch she inherited from her uncle. But when Vanessa, a barrel racer entered in the rodeo. starts spreading rumors, putting people down, and causing tension, then is found murdered, Cussy fears all hope is gone. Turns out there are plenty of people who had means and motive to want Vanessa dead. But which one actually did it? Cussy is determined to find the killer and save the ranch.

Loved this story!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Judy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in this new series, introducing some fun new characters. Whether or not you are a regular Tonya Kappes reader or you are picking up your first book, this story offers a well-established plot, plenty of twists and turns, and no shortage of quirky characters in a charming country setting. Plenty of secrets come to light, and lots of suspects keep you guessing in this fun whodunit about the murder of a not-so-well-liked rodeo star.
I'm looking forward to the next in the series, and most importantly, I think you'll enjoy it, and I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for my gifted copy. All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed this sequel in the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Mystery series. Something about a rodeo screams summer in my mind. The book flowed so well from the first book. The characters continue to reveal more and more about themselves. I love Nettie Faye and Rowan so much. They bring the sass and comedy to this series. The plot kept me engaged from page one. I loved the small town feel to the book. I cannot wait to see where this series goes.

[Alicia Luechtefeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lassoes & Lies by Tonya Kappes is the second book in Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Series. Cussy is back at the ranch and inherited and trying to save it by hosting a rodeo. But when a barrel racer is murdered Cussy has to solve it to keep the rodeo going and save the ranch.

I enjoyed this one more than the first. I liked the crime and the clues leading to who did it. But I also enjoyed seeing the romance develop. This series has things I love cowboys, cozy mysteries and romance. This is a fun, quick read.

[Tami · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lassoes & Lies by Tonya Kappes is another winner! This cozy mystery has everything I love—small-town charm, memorable characters, horses, Southern sass, and a murder that kept me guessing until the end. Cussy is quickly becoming one of my favorite amateur sleuths, and the ranch setting adds a fresh twist to the cozy mystery genre. The perfect blend of humor, heart, and suspense made it impossible to put down. If you love cozy mysteries with plenty of gossip, secrets, and a dash of romance, saddle up for this one! 🤠📚🐎

[Nikki Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy is back trying to keep her uncle’s ranch going with her best friend, Rowan, and Colt, the ranch manager, with the celebration of the Bluegrass Ridge Ranch Festival on the ranch. When one of the unpopular riders is found killed on Cussy’s ranch, the murder must be solved in order to keep the ranch alive. I have really enjoyed this series and love the characters so I’m glad Tonya Kappes has given us another story!

[Barb Foerst · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cussy is at the last stages of holding the rodeo which will hopefully save the ranch she inherited. Rowan is her assistant and her ranch manager, Colt, will hopefully help this rodeo succeed. Everything is running on time until just one large snafu hits. Vanessa who is gorgeous, competitive, and abrasive has been found dead. Will the rodeo be able to continue? Who killed Vanessa? And finally will the ranch be saved? Enjoyable book.