Checkered Thief

A Laurel London Mystery #3

by Tonya Kappes

Brassy, sassy southern babe Laurel London is back!

Once again, the entire Laurel London crew is in action, including Trixie Turner, and trying to figure out who is the mastermind behind the Glitz and Glam casino heist.

The heist king blackmails Laurel into believing Laurel’s long time best friend, Derek Smitherman, will be on the other end of the vigilante gun if she doesn’t help in stealing the money using her history of petty crime.

Cursed with a disastrous new task of putting her amateur sleuth skills to work and an increasing sense that it's really time to get a new job, Laurel spirals and tumbles through CHECKERED THIEF with all the wisecracks and pace her fans have come to expect.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy, Cozy Mystery

156 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 26, 2015

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

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For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of three

Laurel London continues to drive the taxi 🚕 service. She is being blackmail and must find a solution. It all comes to a happy ending 😀.

I would highly recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😉

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes has done it again with another great book! Laurel London is one of my favorite characters because you never know what she is going to do next. I can see why the other residents of Walnut Grove, Kentucky thinks she is crazy. However, knowing why she does the things she does, makes for a very wonderful and interesting book. She is in a very difficult predicament in this book because as she tries to save her best friend Derek, her boyfriend Jax pulls away. It was very engaging to see how she handled some of the obstacles in this book. I don't want to give anything away, but I loved every second. The ending was wonderful and very heartfelt. Tonya Kappes has a genuine gem in this book. Laurel shined with displays of her loyalty, but her edge was also very visible. That is what I love most about her. She is sweet and kind, but don't mess with her, or her loved ones. I got really attached to her in this book, and found myself rooting for her. The ending packs quite a punch, especially after you get to know her.

[Yvonne Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!! Didn't see that coming!! What an ending....
Could Laurel get herself in any more trouble than she is in?
This book was AMAZING!!!!
5 STARS ALL THE WAY!!

[Thomas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Laurel London completely looses it when she meets Derek's new girlfriend. She gets drunk and assaults the new girl with a bowling ball, then passes out because of the alcohol. While still drunk, she lets Jax know she is still in love with Derek.

After learning that Brittany has been kidnapped and both she and Derek's lives are in danger, Laurel helps Brittanies twin to rob the new casino to save her sister. Laurel gets caught and arrested for her efforts.

I really enjoyed this story. I'm giving it a lower rating due to some continuity issues. Jax, who was on disaplinary leave from the FBI in the first book, was now undercover for the FBI. The story he had told Laurel in the first book was he was undercover.

[Patti · Rating 2 out of 5]

Sigh.

I like the characters that Tonya Kappes has created with the "Checkered" series. That's why I read them all. But in "Checkered Theif," I felt the story was rushed, & the characters weren't given a chance to fully develop.

My other problems are with editing. There are not just typos but numerous plot errors and one factual error.

I've read almost a hundred of Ms.Kappes other books, and her newer stuff is usually better edited than her older books.

Her characters are lovable. Her stories enjoyable. This one was not.

[Lisa Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed another great book by Tonya Kappes

Someone has taken some money from the new Casio in the area and people are looking to Laurel to find the thief. Is this sleuthing to much for Laurel? You will have to read to find out. Some of the reasons I enjoy reading this series is because they are clean, funny, witty, cozy mystery, with characters that are only great but relatable. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

[Lee Brothers · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series, I just really like it so much!!! I love the imagination and creativity of Ms Kappe. This book was exciting to read with nonstop action and you just didn’t ever know who the good guys were! Talk about putting together a well-crafted story and con, this is it!! I’m so sorry to see that this is the last book!!

[Joan W. Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robbery

As usual Tonya has told a thrilling and heartfelt story for everyone no matter your age. Being an orphan cannot be fun and as we read this series we find out what Life might be like in some orphanages. I hope all orphans have a better start than some I've heard. Please read I think you will enjoy.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laurel is struggling with her life. Jax is acting oddly, she has to keep her inheritance a secret and Derek has brought a girlfriend to bowling night. Laurel jumps into action when she learns from Derek’s life is threatened. It seems his girlfriend’s sister has a twin with a gambling problem. There are some crazy twists and turns with this story! A nice ending!

[Mari · Rating 3 out of 5]

An unexpected ending. Good that the series is finished with this book, I might have stopped reading further. Not a bad book, but everything exciting in this series goes back to mainstream boring with a white picket fence. No thanks.

[Rachel Billingham · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the first book on this series but I felt that the story lost its way and the last half of this book was rush.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good read

I really enjoyed this book and the characters. A town like Walnut Grove Kentucky sounds like a place that would

[K-BRC · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this series a lot but I really love this author.

[Rowena Huser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good series

I just read all 3 good in this,series. Very enjoyable. The third book just finished the series very well. Fun read.

[Janice Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this series. Laurel could really get herself into a mess. This was the best ending I have ever read — I’m glad it ended like it did, but sorry it’s over.

[Frances R. Aldridge · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Laurel London

I loved all 3 of the Laurel London books. She's feisty, funny & fabulous. Of course Tonya Kappes has the greatest sense of humor and writing skilks.

[Truitti · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute story but the ending was rushed. I borrowed the shovel from Amazon as a prime reader.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great series

Love how the books are written about a small KY town and that all the characters have great southern hospitality

[Amie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Laurel and her past are at it again! I must say, I did not anticipate the ending!! It's a shame the book series stopped here.

[Janet Overstreet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Take a Gamble on Checkered Thief, it's a Winner!!! Tonya Kappes is awesome!!!
This third and final book in The Laurel London Mystery series is a wonderful read. I love the Laurel London character. She is such a refreshing, funny, curious, down-home country girl. Its the curiosity part that seems to get her into trouble, but somehow she manages to come out on top. Way to go, Laurel! All three books in this series have been awesome. I would recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a little humor with their mystery.

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly another amazing book written by Tonya. This book really was a great ending to a good series. I enjoyed this book to the very end. A little sad I don't get to read anymore books about Laurel but I enjoy this book the most. Love the whole casino heist in small town Walnut Grove, Kentucky. Tonya knows how to write a book with laughs, love and family support. As I read I get the feeling that I am in Kentucky in a small town where everyone knows me hanging out with the characters. Truly will miss Laurel who does her detective work even though she is getting her self in danger.

[Krystyna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not my favourite - did she choose the right man?

Not my favourite of the three. Slightly convoluted plot and although I like her final choice in the romantic stakes, I didn't really think he had the same attitude towards mayhem as she did. Now that her money troubles are sort of over she gets embroiled in a plot that could see her oldest friend hurt or worse. Fraud, kidnapping and danger are woven into a plot that will keep you guessing until the end. Who is the real bad guy. On top of that she is trying to find a way to keep Trixie out of trouble and give back some good to the community.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wish I Could Give this 6 Stars!!

This series keeps getting better! While I love all Tonya Kappes books, the Laurel London series is my favorite. I'm afraid of saying too much as I don't want to give away any spoilers, but I will say this book has an eccentric cast that draws you in immediately (although you have to read the other 2 books in the series first). Laurel London, while the rebellious orphan screwup proves that love triumphs over all!

[Tami Schafer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok Love this series its a fun fast read and keeps you hooked from page one . Laurel packs punch you cant help rooting for her at every turn . The men in her life have her so confused her heart is up for grabs or is it ....they all would do whatever they can to protect her mostly from herself lol . The ending packs a punch. I tell you tho go start at book one it will be much easier to keep up with all that goes one :D Love this whole group is all I can say READ the books !

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't wait to get old enough to wear foil hats and get away with it. How fun! I love me some penny slots! This gave me a good craving to sneak into the pages and go a few rounds with the famous money maker. Relationships are so edgy. You just never know who you'll end up with or do you? Some fun reading! A great ending! I highly recommend this series.

[Linda Paterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Great Mystery!

I just love reading Tonya Kappes book. There is always a lot going on that makes you keep turning those pages. If u haven't read this series do. You can't go wrong. Looking forward to the next Tonya Kappes book .

[Lyn Jenkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well that sure put several twists in the tail. Thrilled to read Laurel get her HEA. JUST STUNNED WITH WHO.

[Linda Cole · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good

I really enjoyed reading this series. The characters were a little quirky and the mysteries had some meat to them. This book ending was short and fizzled out.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Funny , zany, heartwarming. What a good read . And what a surprise ending . A really great series .

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mobs and casinos and twins!!! Who would ever guess which one is the worst??? I enjoyed the story and recommend the book.