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The Campsite Cadaver: A gripping and hilarious cozy camping murder mystery
A Campsite Renovation, a Rekindled Love, and a Murderer on the Loose!
Ex-chef and vanlife convert Max Effort (no, he will never forgive his parents for the "guaranteed to make you a winner" name) is living the dream. Not only has he just remarried his ex-wife (it's a long story), but they've bought a rundown campsite and have decided to give up the nomadic lifestyle at least in part and build a new life for themselves with their best buddy, Anxious the Jack Russell Terrier.
With the outdoors in his bones, Max has no intention of returning to a conventional life, and he and Min have vowed to pitch at a different spot at the campsite every month of the year. First, it has to be his beloved 67 VW Campervan, but with the option of tents, yurts, bell tents, and more (if they can manage to actually get glamping set up) and acres of space, they can continue to be close to nature while they make the renovations and begin their new business.
Vowing never to return to his obsessive, stressed-out past as a chef working in fancy, 3 Michelin-star restaurants, Max is determined to continue with his one-pot cooking every single night without fail. No more fancy meals served on slates, or posh desserts nobody can even pronounce, it's good old one-pot wonders or bust.
The new life is idyllic, if hard work, but who cares? The newlyweds are together, and as a team can handle anything. Good job, too, as within days the house falls down, the septic tank explodes, and all the taps spring leaks, but at least things can't get any worse.
Then there was a murder...
Oh, and who's that weird bloke at the bottom of the campsite?
Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for camping, vanlife, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up!
A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery in the beautiful British countryside.
Ex-chef and vanlife convert Max Effort (no, he will never forgive his parents for the "guaranteed to make you a winner" name) is living the dream. Not only has he just remarried his ex-wife (it's a long story), but they've bought a rundown campsite and have decided to give up the nomadic lifestyle at least in part and build a new life for themselves with their best buddy, Anxious the Jack Russell Terrier.
With the outdoors in his bones, Max has no intention of returning to a conventional life, and he and Min have vowed to pitch at a different spot at the campsite every month of the year. First, it has to be his beloved 67 VW Campervan, but with the option of tents, yurts, bell tents, and more (if they can manage to actually get glamping set up) and acres of space, they can continue to be close to nature while they make the renovations and begin their new business.
Vowing never to return to his obsessive, stressed-out past as a chef working in fancy, 3 Michelin-star restaurants, Max is determined to continue with his one-pot cooking every single night without fail. No more fancy meals served on slates, or posh desserts nobody can even pronounce, it's good old one-pot wonders or bust.
The new life is idyllic, if hard work, but who cares? The newlyweds are together, and as a team can handle anything. Good job, too, as within days the house falls down, the septic tank explodes, and all the taps spring leaks, but at least things can't get any worse.
Then there was a murder...
Oh, and who's that weird bloke at the bottom of the campsite?
Contains a stunning one-pot recipe at the end. Perfect for camping, vanlife, or anyone who wants a great meal without all the washing up!
A journey of freedom, friendship, and murder mystery in the beautiful British countryside.
210 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 29, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 29, 2025
Life has changed for Max, Min and Anxious, as they are permanently back together again and have bought a campsite. When the story begins with "RUN!!" I YELLED," you just know there's going to be trouble along the way. The Campsite needs work, a dead body turns up and the mystery needs to be solved. It's fun to catch up with some old friends who arrive to help out in this first book of Max's Camsite Mysteries series. It looks like this series is going to be just as much fun as Max's Campervan Case Files.
September 29, 2025
This is the first book in a new series spinoff of Max's Campervan Case Files. It has the same characters I have come to love plus some new regulars from the local home town. Tyler Rhodes is not only a great cozy mystery story teller, but his ability to develop characters is steallar. I have come to love these friends on paper. There are some new characters that makes me want to get to know them better because they are just a little edgy--like Moose and measuring tape man. Great start to a new series...it is going to be a fun one!
May 14, 2026
This was an enjoyable, easy read with a cosy mystery feel throughout. The campsite setting was fun and relaxing, and the book moved along quickly enough that I finished it in no time. It had a nice comfort read quality to it, which suited my mood perfectly.
That said, I never fully felt gripped by the mystery itself. I enjoyed spending time in the world more than I felt desperate to know what happened next. For me, it lacked that strong pull or atmosphere that turns a good read into a great one.
Overall, a solid 3⭐ read. Light, easy, and enjoyable
That said, I never fully felt gripped by the mystery itself. I enjoyed spending time in the world more than I felt desperate to know what happened next. For me, it lacked that strong pull or atmosphere that turns a good read into a great one.
Overall, a solid 3⭐ read. Light, easy, and enjoyable
September 29, 2025
Max and Min Start a new adventure as campsite owners and it looks like being an immediate success, Not withstanding a collapsing cottage to repair together with numerous things to upgrade at the long neglected site. to top it off, they find a body stuffed into an old fridge! Of course, Max is more than up to the investigation with the help of some familiar faces one smart dog and a ninja friend.
October 19, 2025
I have just finished reading, The Campsite Cadaver. A seamless transition from Max's Campervan Case Files which I loved.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
Keep up the good work, Tyler Rhodes and thank you from an avid reader.
Looking forward to the next in this series.
Keep up the good work, Tyler Rhodes and thank you from an avid reader.
October 17, 2025
Twist and turns
A lovely easy read which had me hooked from the start! A great summer read especially for those who camp or caravan!
A lovely easy read which had me hooked from the start! A great summer read especially for those who camp or caravan!
January 3, 2026
Campsite Cadaver
This book is a bit steady. I found it quite mind numbing at times. I won't be bothering to read any of the others
This book is a bit steady. I found it quite mind numbing at times. I won't be bothering to read any of the others
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews