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Calamity Jayne #8
Calamity Jayne and the Sisterhood of the Traveling Lawn Gnome
What do you call a fly in a blonde's brain? A space invader. Ace Cub Reporter Tressa "Calamity" Jayne Turner is back in Grandville and ready to enjoy the slower pace of with small town life and begin building a dating resume with one handsome ranger. It’s Frontier Days at the Historical Village, but mischief’s afoot—of the malicious variety—when vandals target the area, stealing and damaging property and leaving behind spray-painted signatures in the form of hot pink tornadoes. So what else besides a gang of local thugs threatens Knox County’s frontier festivities? Only a cross-dressing aunt bent on a reunion "gotcha," two-relationships in crisis, three dates from hell, an eccentric local with an ET obsession, five burning questions for a man-o’-mystery, and a missing lawn gnome that makes Chucky seem benevolent by comparison. It’s a countdown to a showdown where strange lights in the sky, “signs” on the trees, and horses of a different color are only the beginning of this close encounter of the Calamity Jayne kind. And Tressa Jayne? She’s ready to believe. Calamity Jayne Calamity Jayne – book #1 Calamity Jayne and the Fowl Play at the Fair – book #2 Calamity Jayne and the Haunted Homecoming – book #3 Calamity Jayne and the Campus Caper– book #4 Calamity Jayne in the Wild, Wild West– book #5 Calamity Jayne and the Hijinks on the High Seas– book #6 Calamity Jayne and the Trouble with Tandems– book #7 Calamity Jayne and the Sisterhood of the Traveling Lawn Gnome – book #8 What critics are saying about the Calamity Jayne "Filled with dumb-blonde jokes, nonstop action and rapid-fire banter, this is a perfect read for chick-lit fans who enjoy a dash of mystery." ~ Publishers' Weekly "Fun and lighthearted with an interesting mystery, a light touch of romance and some fascinating characters." ~ RT Book Reviews "Throw in two parts Nancy Drew, one part Lucille Ball, add a dash of Stephanie Plum, shake it all up and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind amateur sleuth with a penchant for junk food and hot-pink snakeskin cowgirl boots. A word to the if you’re prone to laughing out loud when reading funny books, try not to read Calamity Jayne when you’re sandwiched between two sleeping passengers on an airplane…sometimes we learn these things the hard way." ~ Chick Lit Cafe "Bacus provides lots of small-town fun with this lovable, fair-haired klutz and lively story, liberally salted with dumb-blond jokes." ~ Booklist *starred review*
- GenresCozy MysteryMystery
330 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2015
44 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
December 30, 2021
One of the things I really enjoy about these books is that they are not all murder mysteries. Having them set in small town America, a trail of bodies would just not work. Even without murders, we do get danger, intrigue etc. All in all, good fun.
The relationships are continuing to get expanded on and the the character interactions are quite fun. The middle of the story dragged a bit, but the ending made up for it.
The relationships are continuing to get expanded on and the the character interactions are quite fun. The middle of the story dragged a bit, but the ending made up for it.
December 25, 2025
For the love of God!!! Please end the series or give us more growth between the relationship with Tressa & Rick. Each time I start a book in this series which I used to love I see that all of one week has passed and Tressa is still indecisive about her relationship with Rick. It's so ridiculous!! Let her have the HEA she so greatly deserves and let her feel loved for who she is, flaws and all. We should not have to wait two year in between books just to be a few days/weeks down the road.
September 8, 2018
This was the best of the 8 books i read by Kathleen Bacus. Looking forward to more adventures - the preview for this book said a new book would be coming 2016 - I contacted publisher - and there will be another book soon.
Read
April 21, 2023I really enjoyed this series because they are fun, quick reads and they're pretty clean. Sadly, it seems like the author left us hanging after this one and I can't find any explanation for why the series was dropped.
December 27, 2017
Well written but it left me wanting more on the relationship angle. Im looking forward to book nine.
March 30, 2018
Loved the series, please can we have some more
April 13, 2018
Ahhh, a great, fun, refreshing, light read! Perfect to take with you on vacation and finish in just a few days! Love it!
June 9, 2025
The last book in this series. That's a shame. I will miss the adventures of Tressa Turner.
January 3, 2026
a good one
Once again Kathleen has done an excellent job writing this book. I have fallen in love with these characters. I am really curious about Manny!
Once again Kathleen has done an excellent job writing this book. I have fallen in love with these characters. I am really curious about Manny!
February 6, 2024
Good book overall; however, it felt like it chased a whole other topic before mentioning the gnome again. Most of the reading revolved around that other topic. It finally did tie them together, but it seemed like the gnome should've been mentioned more since the book was titled for it. There were a few moments that made me laugh, so it was still entertaining.
August 8, 2015
Tressa Jayne Turner was saddled with the unfortunate nickname of "Calamity Jayne" at a young age and has never been able to lose it. She was given this monicker by her brother's best friend - Ranger Rick Townsend, who, by the way, is now her boyfriend. Trouble always seems to find Tressa despite her best efforts to ride the straight and narrow. Seeing Tressa grow and mature throughout this series has been fun, entertaining and sometime frustrating when no one takes her seriously (But she is Calamity Jayne, so why would they?).
In this installment of the series Tressa's crazy life gets crazier due to a peek-a-boo playing lawn gnome, hot pink tornado's, aliens, high school "mean girl" cheer leaders, a relative with a secret who is not quite what they seem and her "always looking for an adventure" Grandma and step-Grandpa (as well as the rest of her family). Full of mystery, romance and of course Tressa's "Calamity-Like" adventures, this book is a Must Read!!!! I could not put it down and was up until 2:30am finishing it.
Although 8th in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone (Kathleen does an amazing job clarifying references to things from previous books with short and concise synopses when needed). Although, if you love this book and characters as much as I did, you will want to read all of the books in the series. You won't be disappointed!!!
In this installment of the series Tressa's crazy life gets crazier due to a peek-a-boo playing lawn gnome, hot pink tornado's, aliens, high school "mean girl" cheer leaders, a relative with a secret who is not quite what they seem and her "always looking for an adventure" Grandma and step-Grandpa (as well as the rest of her family). Full of mystery, romance and of course Tressa's "Calamity-Like" adventures, this book is a Must Read!!!! I could not put it down and was up until 2:30am finishing it.
Although 8th in the series, this book can be read as a stand alone (Kathleen does an amazing job clarifying references to things from previous books with short and concise synopses when needed). Although, if you love this book and characters as much as I did, you will want to read all of the books in the series. You won't be disappointed!!!
July 31, 2015
Warning! Sore stomach muscles from laughing likely!
This is one of my favorite series, and #8 doesn't disappoint in any way. I like the way Calamity and Ranger Rick's relationship has grown throughout the series, yet Ms Bacus keeps us wanting more. I this book, I felt the mystery was a little better than in some of the other stories. Just when you think you know what happened, you trip over Gram and Joe or find something out that shoots your theory out of the water. So many things to like about this book and nothing to complain about...well maybe Tressa's car is worth complaining about...
This is definitely a book that is best read in the order of the series. Otherwise you won't understand many of the characters and their actions or reactions in some cases. So here's what I suggest you do... Start with CALAMITY JAYNE, and continue reading until you have read the entire series. You may have sore stomach muscles when you are done (from too much laughing of course) but you will have gained friends and a favorite author by the time you are finished!
This is one of my favorite series, and #8 doesn't disappoint in any way. I like the way Calamity and Ranger Rick's relationship has grown throughout the series, yet Ms Bacus keeps us wanting more. I this book, I felt the mystery was a little better than in some of the other stories. Just when you think you know what happened, you trip over Gram and Joe or find something out that shoots your theory out of the water. So many things to like about this book and nothing to complain about...well maybe Tressa's car is worth complaining about...
This is definitely a book that is best read in the order of the series. Otherwise you won't understand many of the characters and their actions or reactions in some cases. So here's what I suggest you do... Start with CALAMITY JAYNE, and continue reading until you have read the entire series. You may have sore stomach muscles when you are done (from too much laughing of course) but you will have gained friends and a favorite author by the time you are finished!
July 27, 2015
Tressa tries hard to do her job and stay out of trouble, but trouble just comes looking for her. Her Grandmother asks her to look for Abrigal's garden gnome, Cedric. While looking into several incidents of vandalism in the area, she discovers that Cedric, the garden gnome, shows up just before the vandalism occurs. While researching her story for the paper, she runs into mean girls, a believer in aliens and a surprise relative!
Tressa Jayne's nickname is Calamity Jane. She really would like to change everyone's perception of her but she has a knack for getting into really strange situations!
I find these books entertaining with laugh-out-loud scenes. Kathleen Bacus has a way of describing a scene that you can just see in you mind! A great book for a lazy Summer afternoon!
Tressa Jayne's nickname is Calamity Jane. She really would like to change everyone's perception of her but she has a knack for getting into really strange situations!
I find these books entertaining with laugh-out-loud scenes. Kathleen Bacus has a way of describing a scene that you can just see in you mind! A great book for a lazy Summer afternoon!
May 8, 2018
Studying too hard?
Absolutely Fabulous. Loved it. When graffiti starts appearing and then morphs into more serious crimes everyone is perplexed. Covering the story might be another front page for her, especially as she doesn't know where she stands with her beau. Plus her BFF is having a meltdown over all the time her husband is spending mentoring the new teacher. Can she get to answers to her questions. And what does the gnome from hell have to do with anything, especially as he has been stolen out of the garden of the nastiest senior in the community. Great plot that really understands the mentality of wanting to belong to a group. Fun, amusing and a return to our favourite klutzy blonde's new adventure.
Absolutely Fabulous. Loved it. When graffiti starts appearing and then morphs into more serious crimes everyone is perplexed. Covering the story might be another front page for her, especially as she doesn't know where she stands with her beau. Plus her BFF is having a meltdown over all the time her husband is spending mentoring the new teacher. Can she get to answers to her questions. And what does the gnome from hell have to do with anything, especially as he has been stolen out of the garden of the nastiest senior in the community. Great plot that really understands the mentality of wanting to belong to a group. Fun, amusing and a return to our favourite klutzy blonde's new adventure.
September 21, 2015
I liked it. Hilarious case, many funny moments and Tressa and her family and friends at their bests.
The only thing I didn't like was that we didn't get enough Rick. Worse, Tressa's fighting a bad case of jitters and insecurities regarding her relationship with Rick.
After all the time it took for them two to get together, I sincerely hope K.B. doesn't get any ideas on ruining it again - or have Tressa explore a fling with Manny. Seriously. Manny is a great supporting character and was perfect to rile up Rick a bit - but for more? Boyfriend-material? No, thanks.
The only thing I didn't like was that we didn't get enough Rick. Worse, Tressa's fighting a bad case of jitters and insecurities regarding her relationship with Rick.
After all the time it took for them two to get together, I sincerely hope K.B. doesn't get any ideas on ruining it again - or have Tressa explore a fling with Manny. Seriously. Manny is a great supporting character and was perfect to rile up Rick a bit - but for more? Boyfriend-material? No, thanks.
August 12, 2018
Another in the Calamity Jayne series.
In this take, Tressa finds herself in the middle of another strange happening: a lawn gnome, belonging to her grandmother's foe and neighbor, has gone missing, just to show up as a precursor to vandalism around the county. Of course, Tressa has been recruited (perhaps self-assigned) to figure out what is going on.
It's what I expect from the author - I've read the others in this series. I was hoping for a little more of Townsend, especially since they've just begun their relationship, but it looks like that may come in the next installment.
In this take, Tressa finds herself in the middle of another strange happening: a lawn gnome, belonging to her grandmother's foe and neighbor, has gone missing, just to show up as a precursor to vandalism around the county. Of course, Tressa has been recruited (perhaps self-assigned) to figure out what is going on.
It's what I expect from the author - I've read the others in this series. I was hoping for a little more of Townsend, especially since they've just begun their relationship, but it looks like that may come in the next installment.
October 28, 2016
I was given an ARC of this book for an honest review.
I have loved this series from book one. I was ecstatic when Tressa picked Ranger Rick in the last book.
Having said that, I was disappointed in this book. I didn't have any laugh out loud moments like I have had with the other books. Also, I was really hoping for more interaction between Rick and Tressa. It was sadly lacking in this book.
The teaser for the next book sounds promising. I would love to see Tressa and Rick work together to solve the crimes.
I have loved this series from book one. I was ecstatic when Tressa picked Ranger Rick in the last book.
Having said that, I was disappointed in this book. I didn't have any laugh out loud moments like I have had with the other books. Also, I was really hoping for more interaction between Rick and Tressa. It was sadly lacking in this book.
The teaser for the next book sounds promising. I would love to see Tressa and Rick work together to solve the crimes.
July 29, 2015
Hilarious! I love this series and I think this book is the best one yet. From donkey baseball to the blonde jokes to the search for the 'traveling lawn gnome', this book entertains. I never knew there were so many synonyms for "gnome" :) If you are a fast reader, you will want to slow down and savor this book because you will be laughing every other sentence! A great cast of fun characters. A very enjoyable read. This author has a wicked sense of humor - can't wait for the next one.
August 26, 2015
First time I didn't give 5 stars
Calamaty is one of my fav series look forward to reading and have had to wait a while a few times. This time a little bit of a let down not enough Rick. And it was slower going in the beginning .Mystery took a long time to come together but then once it picked up it was great. Loved a new character that was put in.
Calamaty is one of my fav series look forward to reading and have had to wait a while a few times. This time a little bit of a let down not enough Rick. And it was slower going in the beginning .Mystery took a long time to come together but then once it picked up it was great. Loved a new character that was put in.
March 14, 2016
So funny
I have never laughed over a book so much in my entire life. The donkeys had me in tears it was so funny. I loved the couples and the dates, again so funny. And Aunt Eunice what a hoot. There was a more serious side to this story too and it was really good. Definitely a must read.
I have never laughed over a book so much in my entire life. The donkeys had me in tears it was so funny. I loved the couples and the dates, again so funny. And Aunt Eunice what a hoot. There was a more serious side to this story too and it was really good. Definitely a must read.
March 12, 2016
Fantastic series
Hope you have read the previous seven books so you are up on the family. Feuding spouses, pink tornadoes, alien sightings all come together in the most hilarity in a book I have ever read. My family thinks I am nuts over the laugh out loud story telling of this author. I recommend these books for everyone. You will love them.
Hope you have read the previous seven books so you are up on the family. Feuding spouses, pink tornadoes, alien sightings all come together in the most hilarity in a book I have ever read. My family thinks I am nuts over the laugh out loud story telling of this author. I recommend these books for everyone. You will love them.
July 27, 2015
Laugh Out Loud Series!
I always enjoy every Calamity Jayne book that Kathleen Bacus writes & this one did not disappoint! It's funny, awesomely quirky, & a light easy romp. The situations that just seem to find Tressa definitely earn her the nickname of "Calamity" Jayne.
I always enjoy every Calamity Jayne book that Kathleen Bacus writes & this one did not disappoint! It's funny, awesomely quirky, & a light easy romp. The situations that just seem to find Tressa definitely earn her the nickname of "Calamity" Jayne.
July 28, 2015
This series is so much fun!
Filled with fun and funny characters, this latest episode in the series is a quick and amusing read. Kathleen Backus creates characters that remind us closely of friends and family we deal with every day, both frustrating and amusing. Five stars.
Filled with fun and funny characters, this latest episode in the series is a quick and amusing read. Kathleen Backus creates characters that remind us closely of friends and family we deal with every day, both frustrating and amusing. Five stars.
August 4, 2015
Kathleen Bacus never disappoints with her Calamity Jayne series. She had me in stitches with Uncle Bo and the donkey baseball game! Lots of mystery and laughs will keep you turning pages. Girl power all the way!
August 2, 2015
Love Calamity Jayne!
As always, Calamity Jayne will have you laughing while she's sleuthing to solve the crime. This time, the chase to figure out who stole a garden gnome, leaves pink tornadoes, and vandalized property will have you turning pages all night.
As always, Calamity Jayne will have you laughing while she's sleuthing to solve the crime. This time, the chase to figure out who stole a garden gnome, leaves pink tornadoes, and vandalized property will have you turning pages all night.
August 3, 2015
Calamity Jayne and the Pink Tornadoes.
The vandals are moving around the county and leaving a trail of pink tornadoes. Calamity Jane is on the story and mischief follows. Funny and a great read.
The vandals are moving around the county and leaving a trail of pink tornadoes. Calamity Jane is on the story and mischief follows. Funny and a great read.
January 23, 2017
The Calamity Jane series is laugh out loud funny. Her characters are quirky and colorful. The situational events are unique and endearing. It's evident Kathleen Bacus does her research on the areas, the subjects, and the characters to create a thoroughly enjoyable story.
December 2, 2021
Another zany comic mystery from Calamity Jayne and her crazy cohorts. In this story, there is a rash of vandalism events, seemingly involving an evil yard gnome. Of course, Jayne and her friends and family have to investigate the unbelievable goings-on and try to find the culprits.
August 4, 2015
Another great addition to a cute and fun series! I just needed more Ranger Rick!
August 20, 2015
These books have grown on me more and more throughout the series. Very cute!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews