Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots

Camper & Criminals #42

by Tonya Kappes

Now in development as a Hallmark Channel Original Series , this bestselling series is perfect for fans of feel-good mysteries with a Southern twist. So pull up a camp chair, pour yourself a mason jar of sweet tea, and get ready to solve a mystery—because in Normal, the only thing you can expect... is the unexpected.

Welcome to NORMAL... where nothing is normal!

It’s a not-so-merry Christmas in Normal, Kentucky! When bossy Gingerbread Gala chairwoman Harper Stewart is found strangled with holiday garland, campground owner Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies swap cocoa for clues. From feuding bakers to a fake fundraiser—and even Mae’s mother-in-law landing on the suspect list—Happy Trails Campground becomes ground zero for one festive whodunit.

Packed with small-town charm, Southern sass, and Christmas chaos, Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots is the perfect cozy mystery for sleuths who like their holidays sweet…with a dash of murder.

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

1 pages, Audio CD

First published November 30, 2025

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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Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
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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

[Ana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was incredibly cozy, filled with delightful descriptions, southern charm, a festive atmosphere and a murder mystery.. I do think that the descriptions overpowered the plot, but I still enjoyed it.

The narrator did a great job, with both the characters and the setting. It transported me into the town and made me miss the holidays and the snow. 

The Gingerbread Gala is being organised, with Harper as the chairwoman in charge, but she's been making some enemies while she's at it.. Mae and Dottie find her strangled with a garland and after she made her fair share of enemies, Mae's mother-in-law included, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are determined to found out who killed her. With a list of suspects and the Christmas atmosphere always present, will they find the killer quickly?

I have to say I was a little shocked when I found out this was book #42 in a series. I still enjoyed it though, even if I'm probably missing a lot of backstory for this characters. They were a fun group of people, little quirky, very gossipy and really determined to investigate all the suspects..
I liked the picturesque small town and how the author set the mood, heartwarming and cheerful with a little mystery and some clues. 

My biggest complain is that the descriptions were a lot more prominent than I would've liked, but they did set the mood.
The mystery was straightforward and predictable, but still nice. I finished it pretty fast and while I do prefer stories with more depth, this was exactly what I needed right now.

I'll probably read some of the other stories with Mae and Hank and all the ladies in the future, it's such a perfect palate cleanser. Sometimes all you need is an overly cozy mystery to unwind.

*Thank you to Netgalley and to Tantor Media for providing me with an ALC.*

[Tonya Kappes]

[☆Amanda☆ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who would have thought a crime of murder by garland would be such a cozy, little, hallmark mystery story!
This is a short, fun read full of mystery and intrigue. You have a group of southern ladies with some southern christmas competition that leads to one being murdered by garland strangulation. As a Christmas Hallmark lover, this gave me all the christmasy feels (even though its summer here) and I very much enjoyed the ride! The narrator did a fantastic job bringing you into all the feels, the good and the bad!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmas time in Normal, Ky and there is no better why to celebrate than having a Gingerbread Gala. Harper Stewart is the chairperson over planning the gala, but she seems to be more foes than friends. When she’s found strangled by some of garland used in the gala’s decoration everybody involved seems to be a possible suspect. Mae and the laundry club ladies have their work cut out for them getting everything for the gala set up and solving a murder.

What a fun visit to Normal. Mae and Dottie are unfortunate to have found Harper’s body among the gala’s decorations. As usually the ladies use the small town niceties and a little bit of nosiness gather clues that law-enforcement cannot always get. The mystery is well written with twists and turns along the way of solving who killed Harper.


This review is my opinion and has not been influenced by anyone.

[Amanda Reads Cozies · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Gingerbread, Garland, & Gunshots by Tonya Kappes. The storyline was creative and kept me interested from start to finish. I especially loved the festive Christmas descriptions—they made the whole book feel cozy and cheerful. A fun and charming holiday mystery!

[Marcie McPherson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Oh, how I love a good murder mystery.

This was gingerbread, garlands, southern mountain charm, nosy small-town chaos, and murder wrapped up in one very fun, very cosy holiday mystery. Slightly more Hallmark than my usual reading taste? Absolutely. Did I still have a great time? Well, butter my biscuits — yes.

What really sold the atmosphere for me was how vividly the author set every scene: snow falling outside, twinkling Christmas decorations, the smell of pine, and gingerbread drifting through the town. The whole book felt wrapped in holiday warmth, even while someone was busy committing murder.

The characters were stereotypical in the cutest possible way, and lines like “Active crime scene, my foot. This is our decorating spot” completely sold me on the town’s chaotic priorities.

The mystery itself kept things moving, the audiobook flew by, and the whole thing felt like the literary equivalent of curling up under a blanket with a cheesy Christmas movie and a plate of cookies — except someone ends up dead.

[Cozy Reader Lady · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 42)" by Tonya Kappes has all the ladies getting ready for some Christmas/Winter events in town. One lady in particular is really trying to dominate the planning and prep. Especially for the Gingerbread Gala. Her efforts even get Mae's mother-in-law bonding with Mae.

Well, they're bonding until Mae's mother-in-law is a pretty strong suspect in the newest suspicious death. Then Mae and her end up not as bonded as they were heading towards but not as bad off as they were. Two steps forward one step back.

There were a few other suspects in the death. I personally didn't have any of them at the top of my list until one was introduced but not as a suspect. Then I kept saying, "what about them?" We get the usual wrap up with Mae nearly being killed and getting saved just in time. You'd think she would have learned some better self defense or at least not to open her mouth when she's alone with the killer she just figured out.

[Holli D.W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Camper & Criminals #42 is Gingerbread, Garlands, and Gunshots. A Not so Merry Christmas In Normal, Kentucky.

The Audio Narrator had the perfect tone and accent for the Small town Southern charm this book needed. Many of the characters and their lines were absolutely ridiculous and Sassy, but it painted a picture of “oh bless your heart” spot on. (And you should know this can be both a kindness or an insult)

A quick holiday “who-dunit” kind of story that is fast paced with just enough twists and pointing fingers to keep you guessing. Can be read as a standalone, but also enjoyed as part of the series with return main characters.



Thank you NetGalley, Tantor media, and Tonya Kappes for the ALC.

[Leah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun Christmas mystery. It has fraud, theft, murder, a gingerbread gala, a winter festival, and festive food and drinks. I liked the mystery. It had an interesting ending. I was expecting someone else.

[Sara Duttry · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the town of Normal, Kentucky, the Christmas season is in full swing-lights are twinkling brighter than Rudolph's nose on a foggy night! The Laundry Club ladies are decking the halls (and the gala) when-plot twist-someone gets sleighed. Join Mae, Queenie, Dottie, and the gang as they jingle all the way through clues to catch a killer who's clearly on the naughty list. This cozy will have you ho-ho-ho-ing harder than Santa after too many cookies and counting down the days until Christmas even faster.

Dottie, the feisty, chain-smoking matriarch of the group, steals every scene she's in with her deadpan one-liners and zero filter. And the way author Tonya Kappes paints the Normal town square is pure holiday magic: twinkling lights draped over every lamppost, garland-wrapped gazebos, a massive tree glowing in the center, and that light dusting of snow that makes everything look like a Hallmark card come to life. You can practically smell the hot cocoa and hear the carolers while the ladies work their way through another murder investigation.

If you want a cozy mystery that's equal parts hilarious, heartwarming, and festive, with a sleigh-full of small-town charm and a dash of romance, this one will put you right in the Christmas spirit— eggnog and fuzzy socks not included (but highly recommended)! Perfect for curling up with during
the holidays.

[Stacey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was SUCH a cozy little Christmas mystery

Small town drama, campground chaos, the nosy Laundry Club Ladies, holiday gossip, cocoa-fueled sleuthing, and a genuinely fun mystery? This is my type of book lol. I flew through the audiobook and immediately understood why people love this series so much.

If your ideal holiday read includes quirky townspeople, festive murder, and Hallmark movie energy with a body count… add this one to your list!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas is coming to Normal, Kentucky! Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies are busy preparing for their gatherings, and there is enough snow to result in a beautiful snow globe effect with an occasional drift. It wouldn’t be Christmas, however, without a mystery! Come to Normal to get your sleuthing itch scratched, and enjoy being with Mae, Dottie, Betts, Queenie, and Abby!

Mae, the Laundry Club Ladies, and several other ladies were helping decorate The Barn venue for the Gingerbread Gala. Harper Stewart was, for the very first time, in charge of everything for the Winter Festival. She wanted everything done perfectly, her way, but was sadly lacking people skills. She even accused Christine, owner of the Cookie Crumble Bakery, of using a box kit for her gingerbread house! Harper’s words were harsh, insulting to everyone helping out. Rather than argue, the volunteers left.

Later that evening, Mae was concerned when Harper missed her big moment to light the tree, and didn’t seem to be anywhere at the festival kickoff! Mae and Dottie went back to the Barn to help Harper finish. The lights were on, and Harper’s car was in the parking lot. Inside, they found a couple chairs tumbled over, and other items broken on the floor. Just beyond that, Harper lay on the floor, dead. Strangled by garland used for the decorations.

On behalf of the sheriff, Mae and Hank went to tell Harper’s husband, Levi, what happened. The evening ended with Mae agreeing to complete the decorating according to Harper’s plans. Levi wanted it done in her honor. They also discussed an unusual event. There was an ongoing fundraiser to put a bench downtown in Harper’s honor. It was never requested for review at the National Park Committee, where Mae worked. When she saw the amount raised, Mae added it to her to-do list.

Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies had much to do, and so little time! Mae picked up all the plans Harper had made at their home. They were also trying to help solve the murder and the phony collection for Harper’s bench. The suspects were primarily everyone Harper insulted or argued with at The Barn venue. Bev, Hank’s mom, was one of the primary suspects, especially since she and Harper had a long, stormy history.

While Bev was not one of Mae’s favorite people, she didn’t want her to be a police suspect, especially when Sheriff Al questioned those decorating the Barn. The night they went to cut the Christmas tree for Normal, Bev and Mae actually had a few shared moments of fun – for the first time! Then, one innocent action resulted in an over-the-top reaction until Bev realized that Mae wanted to get her off of the suspect list, not accuse her.

Mae, Betts, Dottie, Queenie, and Abby did their best snooping to discern who the killer was. Harper was not popular with most folks in Normal, so, like the police, they focused on those who she insulted at the Barn. There were as many twists and turns regarding the murder and fake fundraiser as the roads in the nearby mountains, but they persevered – but would Mae survive the cost of the search? I highly recommend Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots, and hope that you have as much fun reading it as I did!

Many thanks to the publisher, Tonya Kappes Books, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel. This is my honest review.

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

AUDIO VERSION 4H 40M

It's been quite awhile since I've popped into Normal to catch up with Mae West, now married to Hank, so I was delighted to stumble across this audio version. Narrator Johanna Parker does an excellent job creating different voices for the various characters that help capture their personalities well. I definitely loved her Dottie voice, direct, no holds barred, and to the point. The chapters are simply announced and then the story moves along. The pace is relatively quick but author Kappes still makes time to set the scene for us. And a lovely sounding Christmas snow globe setting Normal sounds like. Unfortunately, the mood of some of the characters isn't as, uh, "peace on earth" sounding. Harper Stewart, chair of the town's Gingerbread Gala has pretty much managed to aggravate just about everyone. It didn't come as a shock that she was the murder victim.

I won't go into the plot further other than to say that we learn quite a bit about Hank's family this go round, including his strained relationship with Bev, his mother. She and Mae have never quite come to a calm, accepting relationship but, well, even Mae is finding it difficult to believe Bev might be the killer. Let's just say, there's a backstory there that you'll discover. The suspects are neatly laid out, so to speak, and Mae, usually with Dottie, tackles each. Her tendency to want to be in the middle of investigations hasn't changed in the time I've been awol, I noted, nor has her tendency to wind up putting herself in danger. Mae and the Laundry Ladies have their work cut out for them as the suspects are friends and seem unlikely, albeit Harper did push them to the edge repeatedly. The fun is largely from Dottie's zings and one-liners, albeit picturing the holiday decor is fun, too. Kappes knows how to showcase a great setting and the Southern charm and holiday spirit shines through.

Bottom line, while I still cringed at Mae's tendency to lose control of her mouth at the worst possible times, translate that to "at the most dangerous moments", I fully enjoyed the read/listen and like the characters. Watching the Laundry Ladies, whose story goes back to book one, come together to support Mae and Harper's family provides a nice, warm, cozy feel. The customs of the Southern town of Normal are nicely shown and even discussed, to add to the feel. Small town, Southern charm, quirky and fun characters, and a mystery to solve add up to a fun read. Thanks #TantorMedia for allowing me this early listen. I'm delighted to learn the series is being developed as a potential Hallmark Channel Original Series. It's easy to almost visualize the events and character interactions as the plot moves along, so that could be a fun show.

[Charlotte · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re after a cosy Christmas vibe, this book has it in spades!

We join Mae and her Laundry Club Ladies in the little town of “Normal” as they hunt down the killer of Harper Stewart while also trying to revive Mae’s pride and joy, the Gingerbread Gala.

After finishing the book, I realised this was actually around Book 42 in the series, which explained why some of the characters’ backstories felt a little unclear at times.

That said, I absolutely loved the Southern charm woven throughout the story, and it certainly made me feel Christmassy despite reading it in May! It’s a great choice if you’re looking for a quick burst of festive spirit to get you in the holiday mood.

The book is hugely descriptive and SO very Christmassy at every turn. However, I did find the murder mystery somewhat predictable, and at times the detailed descriptions seemed to overtake the plot itself.

On a personal note, I found the narrator wasn’t entirely to my taste. I loved the accent, but some of the intonation felt slightly off to me, and she spoke very quickly. Slowing the playback speed made a huge difference and made for a much more enjoyable listen. That said, this is purely personal preference, and many listeners may enjoy the faster pace.

I think that this would probably rate as a 3.5 stars for me (I rounded up rather than down as half stars aren't possible on goodreads) for the reasons outlined above.

That being said, I would definitely pick up other books in the series — perhaps some earlier ones — to get a better understanding of the characters’ backstories, as I think that would have made this read even more enjoyable.

*Thanks to the Author and Publisher for providing me with an ARC to read and review*

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gingerbread, Garlands, And Gunshots
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #42
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Now in development as a Hallmark Channel Original Series, this bestselling series is perfect for fans of feel-good mysteries with a Southern twist. So pull up a camp chair, pour yourself a mason jar of sweet tea, and get ready to solve a mystery—because in Normal, the only thing you can expect... is the unexpected.

Welcome to NORMAL... where nothing is normal!
It’s a not-so-merry Christmas in Normal, Kentucky! When bossy Gingerbread Gala chairwoman Harper Stewart is found strangled with holiday garland, campground owner Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies swap cocoa for clues. From feuding bakers to a fake fundraiser—and even Mae’s mother-in-law landing on the suspect list—Happy Trails Campground becomes ground zero for one festive whodunit.
Packed with small-town charm, Southern sass, and Christmas chaos, Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots is the perfect cozy mystery for sleuths who like their holidays sweet…with a dash of murder. (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Everyone is getting ready for the Gingerbread Gala. But when the chairperson is found dead, the Laundry Club Ladies will have to get on the case and figure out who did it.

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

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Try it and see what you think.

[Barbara Schultz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Title: Gingerbread, Garland, & Gunshots
Series: Campers & Criminals
Author: Tonya Kappes
Format: 🎧
Narrator: Joanna Parker
Publisher: Harlequin Audio
Genre: Cozy, Christmas Fiction
Pub Date: May 26, 2026
My Rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 176

Aww Christmas time in Normal, Kentucky and that means the annual Winter Festival is approaching and The ‘Laundry Girls’ as well as everyone else in town are getting involved, especially the Gingerbread Gala. As they are busy baking, they find out that Harper Stewart is this year’s Gala chairperson. She is known to be bossy, critical and usually doesn’t follow-through. However, they need to make the best of it.
Sure enough Harper starts acting like a queen. When she accuses a baker of using a ‘Gingerbread baking kit’ for her entry in the Gingerbread house contest- this comment upset everyone as they knew it wasn’t true but a mean thing to say.
As the final stages are in the making, a tragedy happens. Harper is found strangled by the garland she loves and was used in the gala’s decoration. Since she upset so many - everybody involved with the Gala seems to be a possible suspect.
Mae and the laundry club ladies have their work cut out for them, getting everything for the gala set up and solving a murder.
Whodunit and why turned out to be somewhat of a surprise to me.

I enjoyed this story and am looking forward to another in this series.

I want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture Audio for granting me this audiobook.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for May 26, 2026.

[Julie Howard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. This cozy Christmas mystery has a feel good feel to it, even through there is a murder and it is prefect for you to enjoy any time of the year.

It's no wonder this series is being made into a tv program or why this is book 42 in the series. The series continues to entertaining and delight. Even if this is your first time joining the Laundry club ladies or if you have been here right from the start, there is something about this series that brings a smile to your face. I love the quirky characters and after listening to the description of the town festivities, it sounds the perfect place to visit for Christmas. Well once Mae has wrapped up any murders of course.
The mystery was interesting with plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. I did have my suspicions and was proved right but it played out nicely and I like how all the characters has a part to play.
Long may this series continue.
Christmas is the season to be jolly but with Harper taking charge of the Gingerbread Gala it's anything but. Tempers fly with her bossy attitude and demanding ways but when Mae finds her body, she and the Laundry club ladies set out to investigate. Especially when it turns out her mother-in-law is one of the suspects. Can Mae and the ladies find the killer and still keep the gala on track?
I liked the narrator. She really helps transport you to Normal Kentucky with her southern accent.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.

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

There is no peace on earth for Normal, Kentucky during their Christmas celebration this year.

When Gala Chairman Harper Stewart is found dead with garland around her neck, the Gingerbread Gala is thrown into chaos. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies know what their duty is, and that is to find the killer, restore peace to their little town and add a little Christmas spirit. Unfortunately, this will not be easy because Harper was more than a little naughty, so the suspect list will be long. The fun loving, intelligent and sassy ladies of the Laundry Club have never met a mystery they were afraid to solve.

As always, this author expertly writes a mystery that will tickle your brain as well as your funny bone while also increasing your holiday spirit.

Oh how I wish I could visit the fictional town of Normal, Kentucky. I just know that I would fit right into this quaint little town full of locally owned businesses and quirky characters who make me laugh, and I also know we would be best buds. The descriptions of the Christmas decorations on the business and downtown were the things of this Christmas loving gal's dreams. This is another one of the things that make this series so much fun to read as the author transports you into the story with her descriptions. After reading this book, I feel as if I have had a visit with old friends.

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

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh i loved it, not my favourite as i still have a few questions at the end ( nothing major) but the story was well written and the setting i would love to see such a Christmas ( minus the dead people)

Anyway Mae and the team is helping put the Christmas gala together under a very, very bossy director of the organisation: Harper. Harper has a vision and nothing can be a milimetre misplaced and sadly she is also ruffling a lot of feathers with false accusation, bossy attitude and pride over the rainbow...but it seems that Harper attitude started long ago and even Mae's mother in law hold a grudge....so when Harper is found dead at the gala event suspects are not few

In hope to help prove her mother in law innocence, Mae accepts to investigate once more with the laundry club ladies which end up with being given the task to make Harper vision come true. Time is racing, a full room of documents are to checked to get said vision and a murderer must be catch

Really it was great, i loved to see the team in action again, and granny Agnès is so perfect as always, the twists were well written , though i did guess who did it, and we really felt like part of Normal during such a festive time.

so if you want a good cozy southern mystery set at christmas, check this one you can definitively read it as a stand alone (but so much better read in order)

[Mia Mia · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book and the writing style wasn’t for me but it could be for you, there’s a big and loyal following for this series. I ended up DNF’ing @ ~40% in but I have a feeling I’m in the minority here.

I was expecting a cozy murder mystery but it took a long time for the actual murder to happen (about a third of the way into the book). Many cozy mysteries dive straight into the action so this felt unusual with lots of impromptu cozy details rather than set up for the crime.

I struggled to connect to our FMC Mae. The story is told from her point of view and there’s a running commentary of everything she sees and hears but very little about her thoughts and feelings to form that bond between heroine and reader.

As I am new to this series, I was expecting to play catch up with characters however I didn’t expect to be bombarded with 14 characters in the first chapter. I took extensive notes to keep track but it was still overwhelming especially as more and more characters were introduced and popped in and out for short periods. This wouldn’t be the case if you are familiar with the writer’s previous works. A cast list may be advisable for future works.

Minor Spoiler: the perpetrator left a very obvious footprint. The amateur sleuth doesn’t always need to outwit a cunning suspect but I personally prefer a murderer who at least attempts a basic crime scene clean-up.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe this is the 42nd book in a fantastic series! This book makes a great addition that you can't put down. It is Christmas time in Normal, Kentucky and time for the Gingerbread Gala being held at the barn. Mae, Dotty and the rest of the Laundry Club ladies have volunteered to help with getting everything set. But for the first time, the obnoxious, critical, overbearing, demanding, insulting, Harper Stewart is chairing the event. So when she failed to show up to kick off the events at the tree lighting, Mae and Dottie felt something must be wrong. They went back to the barn to find Harper and they did...Dead with garland wrapped around her throat. Obviously, her personality leads to so many suspects that need to be investigating. But when Mae's mother-in-law becomes suspect number one, since she had a past history with the victim. Mae, Dotty and the rest of the laundry club ladies have to investigate to clear her mother-in-law's name. With so many twists and turns and the other suspects seeming to have alibis, we are kept guessing until the surprise ending. Not only do I recommend this book in the series but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's the Christmas season and people in Normal, Kentucky are busy planning and working on the annual gala. There is even snow to get folks in the mood. Harper Stewart gets things done, but it more than a little pushy. She has appointed herself as chairman of the gala.
When Mae goes to check on progress in the barn where the event is being held, she finds Harper dead, strangled with garland around her neck. Even though there is a sheriff in Normal and Mae's husband, Hank, is a deputy, Mae enlists her friends, the Laundry Club Ladies, to find the murderer. There are plenty of suspects since Harper has offended many people with her cruel remarks.
As the investigation goes on, several suspects stand out. Unfortunately, one of them is someone connected to Mae. Can Mae and the ladies solve the murder before the killer strikes again?
This novel is perfect for the holidays and the title really fits. Readers will enjoy this latest visit to Normal in a book that stands well on its own, as do all the ones in the many Camper & Criminals series stories
The most exciting part of this series is that it will be brought to light in a new TV series in the near future. I can't wait to see who plays Dottie!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gingerbread, Garlands and Gunshots is the forty second cozy mystery in the Camper & Criminals series. It’s Christmas time in Normal, Kentucky and the town is ready for the festivities. When Mae finds the woman organizing the gala strangled by garland a shadow is cast over the town. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies will stop at nothing to uncover the truth of what happened to her. Will they find the killer before they strike again?

I have loved this series from the beginning and it just keeps getting better! There aren’t many series that can have this many books and still hold my attention as much as it did at the beginning, but this series definitely does that. I love the characters, the town and everything about this book and series. The holiday vibes in this mystery make for a cozy read that is hard to put down. I was hooked from the first page and flew three this book, loving the twists and then along the way. If you are in the mood for a good, character driven holiday mystery this is a great one to check out. I can’t wait to see what the Laundry Club Ladies get up to in the next book!

[Lilpep · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Christmas season is in full swing in Normal, Kentucky.  The highlight of the season is the annual Gingerbread Gala, chaired this year by perfectionist Harper Stewart. Her nitpicking and snide remarks to exhibitors and volunteers alike have gotten on their last nerve. At the very least, everyone wishes for coal in her stocking. But when she turns up strangled, with Christmas garland no less, there's plenty of suspects for the naughty list.  Not the least of these is our heroine, Mae West's, own mother-in-law. Can Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies find the killer, keep the gala on track, and save the Christmas season for the town?


This latest in the long-running Campers series does not disappoint. All the small town charm is present as are all the wonderful characters. As usual, the author paints a delightful picture of the area and the season. The mystery unfolds with all the tangles of a string of Christmas lights, keeping the reader completely engaged.  What better way to spend a winter's evening than curled up with this book? Why not put it under the tree for all your cozy loving friends?

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

The latest addition to the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery is a delightful holiday read. The small town of Normal, Kentucky is preparing for the Winter Festival with activities in the town Square and the main event of the Gingerbread Gala at the Barn behind the Old Train Station Motel. When the person in charge of all the events, Harper Stewart, fails to show for Normal’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, Mae and Dottie go looking for her and find her dead in the Barn. Although Harper’s methods had rubbed people the wrong way, people were shocked by her death.

It’s up to Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies to solve the murder so the Winter Festival and Gingerbread Gala can be successful. I actually suspected the killer about two thirds into the book. There were a number of red herrings that I kept track of. In the end, Mae discovered the killer, again.

There are so many wonderful descriptions in this story that it reminded me of a Christmas Card to the reader.

The characters are amazing. After years of reading this series, I feel like they are my neighbors.

I can’t wait to see what happens next for Mae and her friends.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots is the 42nd book in the Camper & Criminals series. While this may be the 42nd story, the author does a spectacular job keeping each story fresh and imaginative. This story takes place around the time of the Gingerbread Gala. All of Normal, KY is getting ready while trying to avoid the wrath of Harper Stewart, this year’s chairperson. She gets under the skin of more than one townsperson, and then she’s found dead, strangled by her own garland.

The author developed so many suspects and they all had means, motive, and opportunity. The book was full of twists, turns, red herrings, and shifts in direction. The mystery would start out going one direction, then completely shift a new way. I was kept guessing until the very end. I loved how the loose threads quickly and methodically tied right up.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in the book. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job weaving the main storyline and other ones together. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series.

[Madison Warner Fairbanks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots by Tonya Kappes
Camper and Criminal mystery series #42. Southern cozy mystery. Can be read as a standalone but better in series order.
The Laundry Club ladies must again try to solve a murder in Normal, Kentucky. It’s the Christmas season and someone didn’t appreciate Harper Stewart’s eye for detail.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook narrated by Johanna Parker who does the full series. The performance is filled with recognizable voices for more than half a dozen of the main characters. You’ll hear Mae of course, and Dottie, Queenie, Betts, Hank, and several others. Most are covered in a slow Southern drawl to match the small Kentucky neighborhood while a few others take on the power of position.
I love listening to these mysteries and being immersed in the friendships, small township and the murder du jour.
I listen typically at 1.7 for these to be closer to my Midwest conversation ear.

Engaging, a bit humorous, and southern hospitality you want to be included in.

I received a copy of this audiobook from NetGalley and publisher Tantor Media. I already owned an ecopy.

[Cassie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes has done it again and this one feels like stepping right back into the Normal, Kentucky rhythm we’ve been missing since the last book. The winter festival is in full swing, and Harper Stuart is running the show with all the rigid, rule‑obsessed energy of a slightly‑less‑evil Dolores Umbridge. Naturally, that means Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are destined to get pulled into the chaos the moment things go sideways.

The mystery is cozy, festive, and twisty, but it’s the character dynamics that shine as always. Mae is as grounded and lovable as ever, the Laundry Club Ladies are unstoppable, and the town feels alive with that familiar Normal‑KY warmth- gossip, baked goods, and all.

Narration Notes:
Johanna Parker continues to be the voice of Mae as in the previous books. I genuinely can’t imagine another narrator ever stepping into her hiking boots. Her delivery keeps the humor sharp, the tension steady, and the characters distinct. Amazing as always!

Final Thoughts:
A fun, festive return to form novel with all the charm, humor, and small‑town shenanigans that make this series such a delightful comfort read.

[Theresa A · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes delivers another cozy holiday mystery with Gingerbread, Garlands, & Gunshots, where the festive cheer of the Gingerbread Gala is quickly overshadowed by murder and mayhem. Event planner Harper Stewart is supposed to be orchestrating the town’s most anticipated celebration—but instead, she’s stirring up trouble and making enemies faster than she can hang garlands. When Harper turns up dead, the list of suspects is as long as Santa’s naughty list.
Enter Mae West and her trusty Laundry Club ladies, who are no strangers to sleuthing. With a cookie maker, a candy artisan, a nosy reporter, and even Mae’s own mother-in-law—all tangled up in Harper’s past—the case is anything but simple. As secrets unravel and loyalties are tested, Mae must navigate a tangle of tinsel and tension to uncover the killer before Christmas arrives.
Packed with small-town charm, quirky characters, and a dash of holiday spirit, this mystery is a delightful treat for fans of festive whodunits. Kappes keeps readers guessing—and grinning—until the very last page.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Lordy bee, if looks could kill, we’d be scrapin’ Harper off the floor right now.”

“Well, sugarplum, this gala’s about to go down quicker than a snowman in July.”

“Well, butter my biscuits twice. I knew she was squirrely, but I didn’t think she had murder under her clipboard.”

What would a Winter Festival be like without snow? Normal, Kentucky is seeing snow flakes coming down just in time for that festive winter cozy feel.
Harper Stewart is working on the Gingerbread Gala. The town of Normal is ready to celebrate.
Seems Harper is making enemies every time she opens her mouth.
When Harper is discovered dead, the suspect list is long and the tongues of gossip are wagging. Mae’s mother in law is included on the suspect list.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies get busy looking for answers as they untangle the garland.
Quirky characters, small town charm.
Grab a mug of cocoa and see if you can solve this murder before Mae.

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