Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. And doesn't our Sheriff Kenni Lowry know that? Well, she knows a lot of things. Lucy Lowell takes great pride in writing negative reviews in the local newspaper for anything that does not go her way. When Lucy is found dead, it appears to be from natural causes. But Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows there is more to it because the ghost of her grandfather, the ex-sheriff, is standing over the body. His presence can only mean one thing: Murder! Since Kenni's relationship with Deputy Finn Vincent has heated up, Kenni is having trouble conducting the investigation without Finn questioning her every move. Can Kenni unravel the mystery on her own, or will she have to tell Finn the real reason she knows it was murder-the ghost of her poppa? It's blowin' up a storm, and only Kenni knows how it'll end.
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.
Maybe Lucy Lowell isn't the nicest person in this small town. And maybe she's a bit pushy and loud, and rude. And maybe she writes all those awful negative reviews in the newspaper for anything that doesn't please her. But is that any reason someone would kill her?
Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows immediately that this was a case of murder ...because the ghost of her grand-daddy (the ex-Sheriff) is standing over her body. Seems to be the only time he turns up.
When she treats this as a homicide, she gets some mighty peculiar looks because everyone else is assuming a heart attack.
Her boyfriend, Deputy Finn Vincent, is starting to look at her a bit strangely. Will she be able to solve the case without trying to explain Grand-Daddy to him?
This one seems to be a bit of a cozy with a little paranormal thrown in. It's a fast, entertaining read. Although 5th in a series, this one can easily be read as a stand alone. I love the small town characters ... a lot of the action takes place in a beauty salon, reminding me of Steel Magnolias. Being from a small town in Mississippi myself, I especially appreciated the biscuits and gravy, substituting chocolate sauce for the gravy. Yum!
Many thanks to the author / Henery Press / Netgalley for the advanced digital copy. Opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.
The fifth installment of the Kenni Lowry series just keeps on getting better. This is the best one yet. Kenni is the sheriff of a small town, Cottonwood, Kentucky. Whenever there is a murder the ghost of the previous sheriff and Kenni's grandfather becomes visible to her. The town is thrilled as the Mayor is getting married and his bride has the town in an uproar. Kenni is tricked into being the Maid of Honor. Penny Lowell, a woman who has many enemies and writes negative reviews that are printed in the daily paper is found dead of an apparent heart attack. Poppy ghost shows up and Kenni knows it is murder. The twists and turns begin and it will surprise you. There a copy of side themes to add spiced to the tale. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
I just love coming back to Cottonwood KY for a visit! I really enjoy these amazing and sometimes quirky characters that all live there. My favorite character of course is Poppa's ghost who unfortunately only appears when there's been a murder, but hey, it wouldn't be a murder mystery series without one, right?
Kenni Lowry was trying to enjoy her day off by using a gift card given to her by her deputy now boyfriend, Finn Vincent. She was sitting in Tiny Tina's hair and nail salon soaking in more than just the water Tina used on her cuticles. When local busybody and all around sometimes nuisance, Lucy Ellen Lowell is found dead at her home early next morning by her husband Darnell, Kenni knows just from Poppa's presence that this is not just a heart attack.
Add the possible homicide investigation to the mix of Mayor Ryland and Polly Parker's upcoming wedding and you have a sometimes hilarious combo going on. Polly is a bridezilla and has insisted Kenni be her maid of honor. The job comes complete with a very ugly green dress reminiscent of something from Gone with the Wind. It's a juggling act for Kenni all through the book.
There were some great twists and turns as always and I definitely didn't see the ending coming. I had jokingly thought in my head it might be the person that ended up being the killer but I had no idea why so I just enjoyed the ride of reading the story.
Mama is always such a hoot, not that she tries to be funny, she's just ridiculous sometimes but Kenni loves her dearly and wouldn't really want her to change.
Friendships are tested to the max in this page turner but everything turns out like it should and life goes on. I can't wait to see what's in store next for Kenni and Finn. I hope it's a Christmas mystery!
Kenni Lowry’s adventures as sheriff in a small Kentucky town continue to be entertaining and hilariously endearing. Solving crimes is one thing, but dodging an overzealous Mama and the town’s gossip mill is where all the delightful sass comes to the surface. Making it even better in my book is the delicious romance between Kenni and her swoony deputy Finn Vincent – a northerner who fits in pretty darn well despite his Yankee roots.
I love everything about this series – from the sweetly-snarky-Southern asides to the familiar-to-me setting to the quirky characters that sum up life in a small Kentucky town to a T. The mystery is very well-plotted and layered, and the sassy humor is delightful. Kenni’s ghostly assistant (her late Poppa, formerly the sheriff of Cottonwood) is a wonderfully creative technique that allows us (and Kenni) to see behind closed doors and investigate two places at once. And, of course, who doesn’t love Duke the dog!
In Dead as a Doornail, the quirky characters are out in full force – and it kicks off in a beauty shop where of course all kinds of trouble is just waiting to happen. On top of trying to solve a murder, Kenni is wrangled into being the maid of honor for a bride she barely tolerates, thanks to her Mama’s scheming. Between the two incidents – the murder and the wedding – is a whole passel of both hilarious and touching moments as well as the kind of moments that make you grit your teeth in one of those painfully awkward grins on Kenni’s behalf. Kappes’ writing voice is stellar, as always, with just the right amount of sweetened-up snark and wry observations.
Bottom Line: Small town Southern sass meets a feisty sheriff determined to prove herself to her hometown, even if that means secretly accepting help from her deceased Poppa who used to hold the job. The continued subplot with her Poppa adds affection, humor, and clever case-solving to the mix – and now that it’s beginning to intersect with Kenni’s romance subplot with Finn it adds even more layers to the story’s flavor. Cottonwood KY comes brilliantly to life with Kappes’ talented pen, and I can’t wait for more adventures with Kenni, Finn, Poppa, Duke, Betty, Mama and the whole gang!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Readers may want to be aware that there are some scattered curse words throughout this book.
Her grandfather’s ghost only shows up when a murder has been committed, so when Sheriff Kenni Lowry arrives on the scene of Lucy Ellen Lowell’s death she knows it is murder even though it appears she has passed from natural causes. With Finn nearby, all the time know because they are actually dating, it is hard for Kenni to discuss the case with her grandfather. Finn is suspicious about her behavior, “talking to herself” and why she is putting so much effort into this case. She needs some proof to back up what she already knows, that Lucy being Dead as a Doornail was at the hands of a killer.
We return to Cottonwood just in time for the mayor’s wedding. His bride is having trouble keeping the maid of honor spot filled so Kenni’s mother volunteers her for the spot and all the duties the job entails. Kenni really doesn’t have time for this especially now that she is investigating a murder. If my mother would have done something like this I would have lost my mind, but this story takes place in the south and Kenni knows she just needs to roll with punches, no matter how ugly the dress is.
The story starts out at Tiny Tina’s Salon and Spa where we catch up with Bridezilla Polly and her bridal party. It is also the place to hear all the latest gossip. A very important place in any small town. The way the owner is implicated in Lucy’s murder was very interesting. The author takes us down quite a path to find who did in poor lucy. Twists and turns that lead to a super surprising ending.
Small town politics play a role in the story. Kenni has to watch her P’s and Q’s if she expects to be reelected. The mayor was his bride to be happy so he would like the wedding to be Kenni’s top priority and solve the murder after his bride walks down the aisle. I admire the way Kenni juggles everything going on in her life. She is one busy lady. I absolutely love that her “Poppa” is still watching over her and is there when she needs him. I wish it were possible to continue relationships like that with loved ones we have lost.
I have enjoyed every book in this series. Tonya Kappes is an excellent storyteller. She makes Cottonwood and its residents jump right off the page. Each visit to this place seems to end way too soon.
This was another fun fantastic mystery from this author filled with Southern charm and engaging characters. Well plotted and written and checks all my boxes for a Perfect Escape.
Being maid of honor in a wedding isn’t in Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s job description. Neither is wearing a hideous green dress. But, it’s quite the big deal, being the Mayor’s wedding and all, so she will suck it up and do her part. Or maybe not. Called to the scene of a dead body, Kenni runs into her grandfather. He’s long shed his mortal coil but returns to help Kenni when its a case of murder. Which she now knows this to be.
I’m enjoying seeing how Kenni grows in her role as Sheriff. It seemed to me she used to think of her job as not a permanent thing, and second guessed herself often. Now, she’s strong, confident and darn good at her job.
And the relationship between Kenni and Deputy Finn is steaming right along. They’re getting very close and I enjoy their encounters throughout the book. While Finn has no idea that the ghost of Kenni’s grandpa is helping her with the case, he is suspicious when she appears to have conversations with herself and acts on clues that seem to come out of thin air.
With plenty of suspects to choose from, the mystery wasn’t easy to solve. When the culprit is revealed its like that box of chocolates, you never who you’re gonna get. I sure had fun following along as Kenni, her grandpa and Finn got to work.
The quirky and endearing character’s, funny encounters and situations and convoluted mystery are something I’ve come to expect and look forward to in this series and Tonya delivers again.
I received a complimentary copy via Netgalley. My review is voluntarily given.
Kenni is called out in the early morning hour for what looks like a natural death but with the help of her ghostly sidekick, aka papa, she knows better. Who would want to kill Lucy Ellen and why? The evidence points to an obvious suspect but when that lead ends up having an alibi Kenni must dig deeper into who the killer could be and what exactly made them a killer. She quickly learns that there were quite a few people who didn't mind the the death of Lucy Ellen at all. The mayor seems to want the investigation to go away, his upcoming nuptials is what he wants everyone focused on. There are several people who ended up on the wrong end of her column, outing them for wrongs she perceived they committed against her. Lets not forget the ladies of the hunting club, always trying to one up each other especially Alma. Tag along and see how she deals with being the maid of honor at the mayors wedding, her budding relationship with her deputy Finn, and her ghostly helper. This is such a fun series that will have you laughing the whole way through and leave you wanting more.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Book five in the Kenni Lowry series. Lucy Lowell is running around town terrorizing folks and Sheriff Kenni has to calm people down until she runs across Lucy dead that is. To make it even worse some particular nail polish seems to be involved which Kenni does not need as she is roped into being in the mayor's upcoming wedding. Solving this one gets tough even with Poppa's help as everyone seems to be standing in her way. I gotta give her mad props for her determination and I was loving the developments in her personal life as well. If you enjoy enjoy well written Southern cozies that feature a strong female lead that has the law backing her then you really have to try this book/series. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Kenni is called out in the early morning hour for what looks like a natural death but with the help of her ghostly sidekick, aka papa, she knows better. Who would want to kill Lucy Ellen and why? The evidence points to an obvious suspect but when that lead ends up having an alibi Kenni must dig deeper into who the killer could be and what exactly made them a killer. She quickly learns that there were quite a few people who didn't mind the the death of Lucy Ellen at all. The mayor seems to want the investigation to go away, his upcoming nuptials is what he wants everyone focused on. There are several people who ended up on the wrong end of her column, outing them for wrongs she perceived they committed against her. Lets not forget the ladies of the hunting club, always trying to one up each other especially Alma. Tag along and see how she deals with being the maid of honor at the mayors wedding, her budding relationship with her deputy Finn, and her ghostly helper. This is such a fun series that will have you laughing the whole way through and leave you wanting more.
This was my first time reading in this series but the book worked just fine as a stand-alone. The small town Southern setting was quirky, and the characters were quirky, bordering on over the top. Kenni's mother was over the top and obnoxious. I just could not warm up to her. Kenni was more enjoyable - impatient, loyal, snarky, smart, and funny. She's a good sheriff if not always a good daughter. As annoying as her mother was, there were times when I empathized with her. Kenni had a way of sabotaging her poor mother's expectations which was alternately amusing and thoughtless. But I enjoyed reading about Kenni and her interactions, with everyone and not just her mother. Kappes created a cast of characters that was interesting, if, as previously mentioned, sometimes over the top. There's a sweet romance going on between Kenni and her deputy, Finn, that appears to be heating up.
The mystery had lots of red herrings and suspects. The victim had angered or alienated many people in town with her negative reviews of their businesses which made for a plethora of suspects, and there may or may not have been marital problems. Kappes kept me guessing and trying to figure out the clues. Every time I thought that I had it figured out, Kappes threw a curve ball.
Add in wedding woes (not Kenni's), local politics, humor, a helpful ghost, and family drama, and "Dead As A Doornail" was an entertaining read.
I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
If I could give an award for the coolest Murder Weapon ever used in a cozy it would be to Tonya Kappes. I loved Dead as a Doornail. This May release doesn't disappoint and with Sheriff Kenni her Deputy Ghost, trusty dog and small town already and usually in Chaos, somehow sheriff has her hands full with not just a murder investigation but a wedding of the year, brazilia and duties that fall far outside her job description. This was a great read and it is a fun series. Tonya Kappes is a wonderful author. Perfect touch of southern charm, the perfect paranormal character and the right amount of romance. A must read.
Dead As A Doornail Kenni Lowry, Book #5 Tonya Kappes 5 Stars
Synopsis:
Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. And doesn’t our Sheriff Kenni Lowry know that? Well, she knows a lot of things.
Lucy Lowell takes great pride in writing negative reviews in the local newspaper for anything that does not go her way. When Lucy is found dead, it appears to be from natural causes.
But Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows there is more to it because the ghost of her grandfather, the ex-sheriff, is standing over the body.
His presence can only mean one thing: Murder!
Since Kenni’s relationship with Deputy Finn Vincent has heated up, Kenni is having trouble conducting the investigation without Finn questioning her every move.
Can Kenni unravel the mystery on her own or will she have to tell Finn the real reason she knows it was murder—the ghost of her poppa?
It’s blowin’ up a storm and only Kenni knows how it’ll end. (Goodreads)
Review:
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and whenever I read one of her books I am transplanted to the setting that she creates. Cottonwood, Kentucky, seems as real a place as any other small town in the United States. I always enjoy my visits.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The characters are defined very clearly by their actions and words. The characters are well rounded and three dimensional. I so enjoy spending time with Kenni and her grandfather. Their love for each other crosses the border between the living and the dead.
The mystery was well paced and well plotted. There were enough twists and turns to almost give me whiplash enough red herrings thrown in that I thought cats might start following me! It was not an easy mystery to solve and that is fine with me.
I would recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy paranormal. This series is one of my favorite ghostly cozies and I cannot wait to read the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Henery Press, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
“Dead as a Doornail” earns 5/5 ‘Perfectly Posh’ed Nails…Murderously Fun!
When you're the only salon in town, you are everyone’s destination for all things mani/pedi and gossip. But, Lucy Ellen’s tantrum over not getting preferential treatment on a day when there are no available appointments can only lead to trouble…another negative review? bad mouthing around town? boycotting? There seems to be no easier solution. Lucy Ellen is found dead, and despite plenty with motives, her death appears to be from natural causes. However, Kenni knows when the ghost of her grandfather and former sheriff shows up, it's a sign of murder. Forestalling a quickie funeral, Kenni, with Poppa in tow, needs to first find evidence of murder, then…a killer!
Cool! I am an eager cozy mystery fan, and Tonya Kappes is one of my ‘Top Ten’ favorite authors. Her signature steady pace and clever mystery is always entertaining, and the references to Southern culture, mores, and libation and culinary delights always make the work unique. She has created a plethora of well-developed characters with Kenni showing a positive profession and personal growth, but with a quirky mother/daughter dynamic and continued “goo-goo” eyes for her subordinate, the side stories enhance the entertainment. And a ghost? Tonya is the best making the paranormal aspect fit well into reality…no hocus-pocus or juvenile Casper the Friendly Ghost here. She almost makes the “beyond the veil” character as a delightful literary technique akin to that inner voice we all engage with when reviewing events or emotional dilemmas. I highly recommend this book, as well as the entire series!
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. However, my review is voluntary, and my insights and comments are honest."
This is such an enjoyable series. In this one the mayor is marrying his fiancée, who is a spoiled Bridezilla. Kenni gets roped into being her maid of honor after her the original one can’t participate due to just giving birth. To make matters worse the dress she is supposed to wear is hideous.
Enter the murder of the person who is always writing cutting letters on businesses and people to the newspaper if she doesn’t get her way. Trying to solve the murder is interfering with her bridesmaid role. The murder weapon is unusual and unexpected. Fortunately she had her dead grandfather’s ghost, Poppa, and her deputy boyfriend to help her. There are plenty of twists and I was surprised to find out who the killer was.
The characters are so much fun, especially Kenni’s mom and Betty, the dispatcher and secretary. Polly, the Bridezilla, as well as Tina, the owner of the beauty shop all add a comic touch.
I’m looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
I listened to the audiobook and enjoyed the narration.
Dead As A Doornail by Tonya Kappes was another adventure with Kenni and her Poppa in this fifth book in this series.
Ms. Kappes never fails to both intrigue and entertain me as I was caught up completely in her book from page one. I truly want to visit Cottonwood, KY and meet the lovely and often quirky residents that make up this small community. The plot flowed swiftly and I just kept turning the pages to find out how this mystery played out. The twists kept me guessing right up to the end as the victim had made plenty of residents of Cottonwood unhappy with her negative reviews. I confess that I never guessed who the killer was until the reveal. On a sweet side note, Kenni and Finn's romance seems to be heating up now. Humor, "southernisms", a well-crafted small town and characters, and a mysterious murder all made this a book I couldn't put down.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Henery Press via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
*I received a copy from #HeneryPress #NetGalley I want to thank you so much!*
Tonya outdone herself with this one. It is my favorite in this series so far. There were parts I couldn’t stop laughing at. I just love Finn. The mystery really kept me guessing until the end. I took off one star because I felt like the fact that the coroner had to point out Lucy painted her own nails wasn’t believable. Any cop would’ve realized that. Since she was right handed, the nails on the right hand were sloppy. There was also something else that seemed wrong but I don’t want to spoil it. And the fact that they were considering her organs for donation was unbelievable because in order to use anything but eyes and possibly tissue, the body has to be on the life support type machines to keep the blood flowing and heart pumping. I hate to sound morbid but it was something that stuck out to me. However, this didn’t take away from the mystery. I loved it.
I loved this book as I do the series, I think with each new book it becomes my favorite. When a woman ends up dead after throwing a fit about having her nails done for the upcoming wedding of the Mayor, Kenni and Finn are on touchy ground when a few of the suspects are friends. This mystery had many twists, just when I thought that I had it figured out a new surprise would appear. The characters are fun and likable. Kenni is a strong woman who does what needs to be done, she puts up with some harassment but when push comes to shove, Kenni wins. I will definitely continue on with this series and eagerly await the next.
*I was lucky enough to receive this book and this is my honest opinion.
Dead As A Doornail by Tonya Kappes is the 5th book in the Kenni Lowry mystery series, and another fun book. Sheriff Kendrick (Kenni) Lowry is the granddaughter of the late Sheriff Elmer Sims. Lucy Lowell is found dead, and it looks like natural causes, but Kenni knows it's murder because her grandfather's ghost is with the body. Lucy was not well liked in town, so Kenni has her work cut out for her, especially since her boyfriend/deputy Finn Vincent, believes the victim died a natural death. Not only is this book really funny, it has a great mystery, with an element of the after life. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. Kenni is strong and independent women. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love humorous cozy mysteries, you will enjoy this book/series, with it's southern charm.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review
With the town in a tizzy for the mayor's wedding next week, Kenni Lowry, sheriff knows the death of Lucy is a murder, not a heart attack. She's sure because her dead grandfather is back as a ghost when there is a crime. Her boyfriend, deputy Finn isn't sure why she's so convinced it's murder but figures Kinni knows best. With her duties as maid of honor and investigating the murders, now 3 locals dead, she is up to her eye balls in small town gossip and advise. Easy to read as a stand alone, I seemed to have missed Tonya Kappes' previous books this is a great cozy with just a hint of the paranormal with Grandpa leading the investigation. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I love this series, it is full of small-town southern charm, humor, quirky characters, entertaining storylines, a ghost, romance, pets, and suspenseful mysteries. What more could you ask for from a mystery? Dead As A Doornail has all this and more as you add a wedding and a Bridezilla to the mix. I couldn’t help laugh when Kenni gets roped into being Polly’s Maid of Honor and having to wear a dress that could have been ripped right out of the Gone With the Wind Movie. I was laughing out loud as Kenni’s mother was trying to zip Kenni into a dress that was made for a much smaller person. I knew Polly would be a bridezilla from the start of the book, she even asked the Mayor to ask Kenni not to investigate the murder until after the wedding, I really liked how Kenni handle the Mayor, she was very professional and classy. The mystery had its twist and turns and kept me glued to the story. Every time I thought I had it figured out there was another twist, I was surprised at who the murderer was. For the romance fans, Kenni and Finn make a great couple. He not only respects her as person and boss at work but respects her and stands by her off duty as well. He also knows when to make himself scarce.
I recommend this book to all mystery lovers. As I stated earlier this book really does have something for everyone… comedy, romance, paranormal, and suspense. I was provided with an ARC of this book with the hopes I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way influenced by anyone.
Wedding Bells are the talk of Cottonwood for Polly Parker and Mayor Ryland. Dresses to get, hair and nails to get done. When Lucy Ellen is found dead by her husband it looks like natural causes, Sheriff Kenni knows better. Poppa is back in town so that makes this case murder. Who and why would someone kill Lucy Ellen? That’s what Kenni needs to figure out before the wedding takes place. I love seeing how Kenni and Finn’s relationship has grown and is moving forward. Humor, twists and turns, quirky fun loving characters always make a trip back to the small town of Cottonwood a treat.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I am officially hooked on the Kenni Lowry Mystery series, in which this is the fifth intriguing offering. Escaping to Cottonwood, Kentucky is now officially one of life’s not-so-secret pleasures. If anything occurs in this little town, Sheriff Kenni Lowry hears it through the grapevine. The author brings unique characters, witty dialog, action, and surprising plot twists that keep a gal up late trying to solve the mystery before Kenni does. Kenni is in Tiny Tina’s Salon and Spa for a very rare mani-pedi when Lucy Ellen barges in, begging Tina to squeeze her in, or at least sell her one of Tina’s specially-mixed nail polishes. Because of a bridal party, she can’t be seen today, and threatens to put a bad review in the local paper. Very early the next morning, Lucy Ellen’s husband, Darnell, returns early from preparing their hunting cabin to find his bride of 45 years, dead. Kenni arrives to find her Poppa’s ghost, who only comes back when Kenni needs a sounding board to help solve a murder. Poppa had been sheriff when he was alive, and got his granddaughter interested in helping him solve crimes by playing “what-if”. When he “visits” now, only Kenni and her deputy hound, Duke, can see or hear him. He doesn’t want her to tell anyone, including her boyfriend, Deputy Finn Vincent – even though this could cause trouble for the couple in the future. Lucy Ellen was definitely murdered, the coroner learns when he finds her wish to be an organ donor. Her organs have all been compromised; the lady was poisoned. With no smoking gun or evidence, Kenni has a challenging case, as the person who looks most guilty finally gives an alibi that checks out. There may be many other suspects, maybe even those who Lucy Ellen gave bad reviews about in the Chronicle. Kenni is also challenged by a very trying bride-to-be, Polly Parker, whose wedding to Mayor Chance Ryland will make her “first lady” of Cottonwood. Her maid of honor, a new mother, is unable to attend, and someone suggests Kenni for maid of honor even though they are not friends. Kenni’s loving mother paid for the less-than-flattering Civil War era gown that is a couple sizes too small. The bride doesn’t want to ask her life-long best friend because…well, because. This is a fast-paced mystery with lots of suspense, wit, and humor. In her spare moments, there’s sweet romance, too. Kenni’s interactions with Poppa, the bride-to-be, and her mother Viv, are some of the finer moments. Southern gals have to listen to their mommas, but there are times Viv is over the top. Just ask Kenni about “happy fat”. The characters are unique and some might be called eccentric; most could easily step off the page and into any neighborhood that can treasure a true Southerner. The mystery is intensified by plot twists such as secret affairs and how the killer plotted against Lucy Ellen. I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy/ gal was! The killer was a complete surprise to me as it was someone not high on the list of suspects. It took a stroke of luck and good observation for the real culprit to get tossed in the slammer. And the old Southern maid of honor gown? I’m not telling! All I’m saying is that I highly recommend Dead as a Doornail to Kenni Lowry fans and fans of well-written Southern cozy mysteries with good friends, intriguing investigations, and romance. Bet you can’t read just one! From a grateful heart: I received an e-ARC from the author and NetGalley, and was not required to post a review.
This was first published on my blog "Lecture toute une Aventure"
Such a good mystery ^^.I've always loved a good investigation and with this story it was perfect. i loved to see how Kenni was progressing despite a mayor making things difficult and a very long list of suspects. Really the story was perfectly balanced between the investigation , the romance and the touch of humour.
Kenni and Finn work wonderfully together and their relationship deepens but there is still secret between them as Poppa 's help is still something that Kenni keeps to herself in fear to loose him. Duke is still the perfect dog so intelligent and courageous. and of course Kenni's mother is still trying to get things done her way and annoying her daughter to no ends^^
This is really a great series we love to follow as we are learning something new each time and each story gets better than the last so i do recommend it without hesitation if you want a good cozy mystery with southern charm.
Another great installation in the Kenni Lowry series! A well thought out plot that gave you a variety of suspects as you untwist the mystery surrounding the murder and a hefty dose of humor as Kenni navigates daily life with her mother always lurking nearby to drive her insane! I was originally given an advance copy of the book to read and review, but downloaded it incorrectly so just as I got to the part where ****Spoiler Alert**** Kenni informed her mom that she was going to Chicago for Christmas with Finn, the book disappeared and I had to wait forever for the book to publish so I could purchase it and finish reading it! It was worth the wait, but now I am once again waiting for another book to be published so I can keep enjoying the series. Great character development with plenty of humor and southern charm to keep you giggling as you follow Kenni as she unravels the mystery and discovers the culprit!
Another mystery solved by Sheriff Kenni Lowry, Deputy Sheriff Finn Vincent and the ghost of Kenni's Grandfather, Poppa. The romance between Kenni and Finn only add to the fun and mayhem that runs throughout this latest Kenni Lowrey book. A few paragraphs are a bit too descriptive (for my taste) and Mama would have been shut down from the get-go, but this is a fast read that will keep you entertained. Get it and enjoy!
Kenni is back at it again as she jumps hurdles trying to solve another murder. With her ghost grandfather Poppa and her boyfriend/deputy helping her along she solves another case but not without lots of humor and mayhem! The upcoming wedding of the mayor along with his bridezilla Polly tends to make Kenni crazy and makes solving the crime almost impossible. This latest in the series will have you cracking up with laughter and guessing who did it til the very end. An awesomely delightful read!
Another great murder mystery with Kenni, Finn, Grandpa and the town. Kenni also has to deal with being involuntarily selected bridesmaid to the future First Lady of the town, comments on her weight, guilt trips from her mom and friends all while trying to solve a murder. Kenni and Finn’s relationship is moving to the next phase (intro to parents), and Kenni has to decide if she will reveal the truth about her ghostly deputy to Finn. It’s a quick, fun, read.
This was a very unique book, including the form of murder. There were a couple of nitpicky research errors, but I only noticed because I know way too much about the subject. I had a lot of fun with the descriptions of how huge Duke is. The ending was definitely surprising.
Another great addition to the Kenni Lowry series from Tonya Kappes. I love this series of cozy mysteries. They are fast and super fun reads. I'm a huge fan of mysteries and especially love those not filled with gory details, yet ones that keep me guessing. I love seeing the change in the relationship between Finn and Kenni over the series to date and can't wait to start the next book today. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery.