What do you think?
Rate this book
Camper & Criminals #6
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal.
When the principal of Normal High School asks Mae West to teach a semester on small town economics, since she helped bring the thriving economy in Normal, Kentucky when she used her brilliant ideas to bring the Happy Trails Campground back to life, Mae is thrilled and happy to teach the young people. But when a fellow teacher and archery Coach Roger Carlson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in one of Happy Trails Campground campers with an arrow sticking out of his back, it puts a damper on the thriving campground when tourists cancel their reservations and Mae's excitement to teach.
Mae's hankering to snoop into the coach's private life and find out exactly why he was renting a camper in Happy Trails and not living at home with his young wife. Her efforts don't leave her short on suspects. Especially, since Mae uncovered many unhappy parents who had relied on an archery scholarship as their child's ticket to get out of Normal and go to college. Mae has to be careful or she just might find an arrow with her name written on it.
When the principal of Normal High School asks Mae West to teach a semester on small town economics, since she helped bring the thriving economy in Normal, Kentucky when she used her brilliant ideas to bring the Happy Trails Campground back to life, Mae is thrilled and happy to teach the young people. But when a fellow teacher and archery Coach Roger Carlson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in one of Happy Trails Campground campers with an arrow sticking out of his back, it puts a damper on the thriving campground when tourists cancel their reservations and Mae's excitement to teach.
Mae's hankering to snoop into the coach's private life and find out exactly why he was renting a camper in Happy Trails and not living at home with his young wife. Her efforts don't leave her short on suspects. Especially, since Mae uncovered many unhappy parents who had relied on an archery scholarship as their child's ticket to get out of Normal and go to college. Mae has to be careful or she just might find an arrow with her name written on it.
184 pages, ebook
First published March 24, 2019
1321 people are currently reading
1277 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
447 books3,682 followersBeloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
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:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
Pinterest
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,
The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.
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:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
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,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews
October 1, 2021
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers by Tonya Kappes
Campers & Criminals series book 6. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series in order.
Mae West heads to school and finds the janitor dead with an arrow in his back. While she and her friends would be snooping anyway, Mae gets the nod from Hank to officially investigate.
She’s getting blazee over finding dead bodies. Amusing, silly and way too many coincidences, these cozies are fast and fun.
🎧 I listened to the audio version to avoid text and copy errors. The narrator is the same for the full series (at least so far) Johanna Parker. Her southern accent is a bit slow so I sped this up to 1.4 instead of my usual 1.2. She does a good job with voice differences.
RV Camper hack/ tips and recipes at the end of the book.
Campers & Criminals series book 6. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series in order.
Mae West heads to school and finds the janitor dead with an arrow in his back. While she and her friends would be snooping anyway, Mae gets the nod from Hank to officially investigate.
She’s getting blazee over finding dead bodies. Amusing, silly and way too many coincidences, these cozies are fast and fun.
🎧 I listened to the audio version to avoid text and copy errors. The narrator is the same for the full series (at least so far) Johanna Parker. Her southern accent is a bit slow so I sped this up to 1.4 instead of my usual 1.2. She does a good job with voice differences.
RV Camper hack/ tips and recipes at the end of the book.
December 28, 2019
Staff at the local high school are being killed off at a rapid pace so Mae and the Laundry Club gals are on the case to find the killer before Mae finds herself the next victim. An intriguing plot entwined with the lives of a unique cast of southern characters makes for an entertaining read!
November 23, 2021
To my hear my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my cozy mystery YouTube channel @:https://t.co/Jx58B4KNW5?amp=1
October 21, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book six of 39
Mae gets involved in the school system. Then there are three murders and Mae and friends are involved in the investigation. It all comes to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book six of 39
Mae gets involved in the school system. Then there are three murders and Mae and friends are involved in the investigation. It all comes to a happy ending 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
March 10, 2019
Canyons, Caravans & Cadavers by Tonya Kappes was another fun visit to Normal, KY. Mae West and The Laundry Club must once again hunt for a killer that seems to be hunting at the local high school. Ms. Kappes' descriptive writing always draws me into the story. I love the close friendships among the ladies of The Laundry Club and each one of the ladies, Betts, Queenie, Abby and Dottie, are likable and just a little quirky which makes me love each one of them. I also enjoyed getting to know more about Mae's boyfriend, Hank Sharp, and his family.
The plot was quickly paced with three murders that must be solved as Normal's thriving tourist revenue is drying up with these unsolved murders. There were plenty of twists, several suspects and a reveal that had me on the edge of my seat. I always look forward to the next book in this clean, cozy series and was not disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
The plot was quickly paced with three murders that must be solved as Normal's thriving tourist revenue is drying up with these unsolved murders. There were plenty of twists, several suspects and a reveal that had me on the edge of my seat. I always look forward to the next book in this clean, cozy series and was not disappointed.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
March 17, 2023
I am done with this author. I will not waste any more time or money on her books.
This book was simply frustrating for me. There are so many spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes, not to mention typos, that I was continually taken out of what could be an interesting story. Add to that the writing is something I would expect from a junior's high school creative writing assignment that I would give a grade of C, and I just couldn't finish it.
I have found this with every book of hers, but as the story ideas were interesting, I powered through. It's as though she couldn't be bothered with editors, proofreaders, or Beta readers or, if she did get them, they were people who never passed Grade 12 English courses.
How these books became 'best sellers' is beyond me. There are authors who work so hard to get things as good as they can, and then turn their work over to others to check, double check and triple check. This writer publishes what looks like first drafts.
No more for me!
This book was simply frustrating for me. There are so many spelling, grammar, and formatting mistakes, not to mention typos, that I was continually taken out of what could be an interesting story. Add to that the writing is something I would expect from a junior's high school creative writing assignment that I would give a grade of C, and I just couldn't finish it.
I have found this with every book of hers, but as the story ideas were interesting, I powered through. It's as though she couldn't be bothered with editors, proofreaders, or Beta readers or, if she did get them, they were people who never passed Grade 12 English courses.
How these books became 'best sellers' is beyond me. There are authors who work so hard to get things as good as they can, and then turn their work over to others to check, double check and triple check. This writer publishes what looks like first drafts.
No more for me!
January 10, 2022
Loved it! Love this series!
March 12, 2019
Release Date: March 25, 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers is the 6th book in the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series! This series is a must read and one that I can't help but devour. These characters are some of the best I have read and I feel a deep connection with them all. Normal Kentucky is also an amazing fictional town. I can almost smell the flowers and feel the breeze coming off the pages! Tonya does a wonderful job when it comes to describing the setting and the cute campers! If I were to ever travel I would want these types of campers to live in myself!
With that being said, this is an amazing series! The mystery is fantastic- I honestly didn't know "who-dun-it" until it was revealed at the end, and Normal is where I want to be! I highly recommend this series to all cozy fans!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers is the 6th book in the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series! This series is a must read and one that I can't help but devour. These characters are some of the best I have read and I feel a deep connection with them all. Normal Kentucky is also an amazing fictional town. I can almost smell the flowers and feel the breeze coming off the pages! Tonya does a wonderful job when it comes to describing the setting and the cute campers! If I were to ever travel I would want these types of campers to live in myself!
With that being said, this is an amazing series! The mystery is fantastic- I honestly didn't know "who-dun-it" until it was revealed at the end, and Normal is where I want to be! I highly recommend this series to all cozy fans!
July 21, 2022
The author doesn't seem to understand how education works. HIGH SCHOOLS DON'T GIVE DEGREES!!! They also don't assume a business owner knows how to teach economics. In Ohio, you can become a substitute teacher if you have a bachelor's degree, but you have to apply for a license through the state, and that includes a background check. NONE OF THIS HAPPENED in the book. They just gave Mae a job teaching a 6 week course in economics because her campground helped draw business to the town and they gave her a "key to the city". Same goes for the reporter, Violet. Just because she won an award for an article she wrote and got a "key to the city" because of it, she is suddenly given a job teaching journalism at the high school. Are any of their teachers qualified? I have a degree in education (as well as degrees in English and fine arts). I probably wouldn't be able to get a job at their school because I would be qualified. They could be guest speakers for a day or two, but to be teachers for 6 week classes is way beyond belief.
March 6, 2019
Mae West goes back to school to teach an Economics class and things get sticky. This is a thrilling story showing amazing friendships and a loving relationship. I loved the ending and can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful campground series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and pre-ordered an e-Copy.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and pre-ordered an e-Copy.
March 8, 2019
Mae is receiving the Key to the City for helping to turn the Normal economy around. As well as making Happy Trails Campground a place you want to visit or stay at.
She is also asked to teach six weeks at the High School.
When the school Archery Coach is found dead in a camper he has been renting, cancellations come fast.
Now starts the police investigation and of course the Laundry Club Ladies are going to help.....by snooping where they don’t belong
Well written, with twists and turns and I really love the friendships that have formed throughout this series as each characters personality came out more.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
She is also asked to teach six weeks at the High School.
When the school Archery Coach is found dead in a camper he has been renting, cancellations come fast.
Now starts the police investigation and of course the Laundry Club Ladies are going to help.....by snooping where they don’t belong
Well written, with twists and turns and I really love the friendships that have formed throughout this series as each characters personality came out more.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
September 3, 2019
Picking up shortly after previous book, our story opens with Mae receiving the key to the city for all the work she’s done to help revive Normal’s economy. In addition, she’s offered the chance to teach a six-week course at the high school. However, when a teacher ends up murdered at the Happy Trails Camp Ground, Happy Trails starts losing reservations, and Mae finds herself with a full-time subbing position teaching at the school.
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers is another fun tale in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. This time around, the murder mystery is centered around the local high school. Being a new setting, several new characters are introduced, making things a bit confusing for a little while. This storyline felt a little bit darker and unearthed a slightly seedy underbelly, with all the talk of secrets and such at the school - a lot of drama. I liked the mystery, but I felt it was a bit predictable. Although I knew from the start the who, I didn’t know the why, which kept me engaged. As did the regular characters, whom I still enjoy, including Mae’s love interest, Hank, and his Granny. Although meeting Hank’s family was a huge disappointment and fueled more unnecessary drama.
Narration: I’ve come to love Ms. Parker’s southern drawl and how it adds ambiance to these stories. The series is shared from Mae’s first person narrative, and Ms. Parker’s voice fits Mae’s personality: friendly, courageous, and determined. Overall, Ms. Parker fits the southern, small-town feel and pacing of the narrative. Each character has a slightly different voice fitting his/her age and gender, with her male and older women characters having deeper voices.
Now that we are six books into the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series, I have to wonder why anyone would visit Normal when there has been at least a dozen murders in the past year. I like Mae and the residents, and the books are short, easy, mostly entertaining listens. However, I’m starting to get annoyed by inconsistencies in the world-building and overly dramatic and stupid behavior from one or more characters. The seventh title in the series comes out in audiobook next month, and I’ll listen, but I may need a break from the series after that.
My Ratings:
Story: C
Narration: A
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers is another fun tale in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. This time around, the murder mystery is centered around the local high school. Being a new setting, several new characters are introduced, making things a bit confusing for a little while. This storyline felt a little bit darker and unearthed a slightly seedy underbelly, with all the talk of secrets and such at the school - a lot of drama. I liked the mystery, but I felt it was a bit predictable. Although I knew from the start the who, I didn’t know the why, which kept me engaged. As did the regular characters, whom I still enjoy, including Mae’s love interest, Hank, and his Granny. Although meeting Hank’s family was a huge disappointment and fueled more unnecessary drama.
Narration: I’ve come to love Ms. Parker’s southern drawl and how it adds ambiance to these stories. The series is shared from Mae’s first person narrative, and Ms. Parker’s voice fits Mae’s personality: friendly, courageous, and determined. Overall, Ms. Parker fits the southern, small-town feel and pacing of the narrative. Each character has a slightly different voice fitting his/her age and gender, with her male and older women characters having deeper voices.
Now that we are six books into the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series, I have to wonder why anyone would visit Normal when there has been at least a dozen murders in the past year. I like Mae and the residents, and the books are short, easy, mostly entertaining listens. However, I’m starting to get annoyed by inconsistencies in the world-building and overly dramatic and stupid behavior from one or more characters. The seventh title in the series comes out in audiobook next month, and I’ll listen, but I may need a break from the series after that.
My Ratings:
Story: C
Narration: A
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio
March 29, 2019
Things are going swimmingly for Mae, she is receiving a key to the city for her contribution in helping turn Normals economy around and making her Campground a destination you want to visit. It gets even better when she is asked to give a six weeks class on all that she has done at the local high school. The only downside was having to share her day with a certain reporter. The economics teacher, Coach Roger Carlson, happens to be staying at her Campground for the moment so she decides to take him up on his offer for help. When she finds him in his camper dead with an arrow sticking out of his back Mae knows that attendance might go down if people learn of the murder. After being questioned by the police, her boyfriend Hank, she jumps into action and gets all the ladies together so they can start sleuthing. Coach Carlson was the coach for the archery students, could one of them have been angry enough to do him in? He was staying at the campground because he was having issues with his wife but were they so bad that she would commit murder? Then there were the parents to several of his students that he didn't see eye to eye with. Having so many places to search and people to look at is sure to keep Mae busy. Follow along as her and the ladies go through all the suspects in search of a killer, can she keep one nosy reporter on the outskirts of the investigation or will she get in the way? This is such a fun series with a unique cast of characters, a down home style setting, and a plot that will definitely keep you guessing. I love this series and always get tickled by Mae and the ladies, not to mention all the hijinks they usually find themselves involved in!!!
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 17, 2023
It was a fun read and I liked the ending. I would've loved to see a bit more of Betts though.
June 30, 2020
Great storyline, great character development, not so great typos
I’m really enjoying this series ... but the ridiculous number of typos (misspellings, wrong word choice, incomplete sentences, etc) is ruining it for me ... in this book a character’s name switched from Holly to Natalie!! I had to go back a few chapters and check. It’s so disappointing to find so many errors in an otherwise great book.
I’m really enjoying this series ... but the ridiculous number of typos (misspellings, wrong word choice, incomplete sentences, etc) is ruining it for me ... in this book a character’s name switched from Holly to Natalie!! I had to go back a few chapters and check. It’s so disappointing to find so many errors in an otherwise great book.
July 7, 2022
This felt like it was written by a bot.
March 20, 2019
Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes takes us back to Normal, Kentucky. Mae West receives the key to the city for her work in transforming Happy Trails Campground which helped increase the town’s economy. The shops in town are now thriving thanks to Mae and her creative ideas. Principal Donald Bass invites Mae to teach a six weeks economics course at Normal High School, and she cannot wait to get started. After the party, Mae decides to take some food over to Coach Scott Goodman, the high school’s economic teacher, to see what he thinks of her ideas. She finds him on the floor of his trailer with an arrow in his back. Scott was also the coach for the Archery and Rifle Club. Immediately people start phoning the camp and canceling their reservations. If tourism does not pick back up, Mae could lose her beloved campground. Mae and the Laundry Club gather together to work up a plan to solve Scott’s murder. Violet Rhinehammer, new editor-in-chief of Normal Gazette, wants them to join forces and Mae reluctantly agrees. Mae soon has a list of suspects that include angry parents, disgruntled students, and the victim’s wife. Her investigation takes a turn when the killer strikes again. Mae needs to work quickly to find the executioner before she ends up his next target.
It is always a delight to visit Normal, Kentucky with its charming shops and quirky residents. Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers is the sixth book in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I suggest that you read the series in order. It will give you a better understanding of Mae, her friends, the campground and the town. Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers contains good writing and a snappy pace. Mae West is quite a character (starting with her name). She loves her trailer, her friends, boyfriend and her dog, Fifi. Mae is happy that she has been able to turn Happy Trails into a thriving enterprise and it has helped improve the town’s economy. The last thing she expected is a key to the city and an opportunity to teach economics at the high school. The murder of Scott Goodman is threatening her livelihood and that of her friends. Mae and her close group of friends (called the Laundry Club) are quick to gather together and form a plan. Mae and her friends never fail to entertain. I like that they have such a close friendship. There are three murders in the book which is not good for tourism and Violet, of course, is reporting all the details in the Normal Gazette. There is active investigating with Hank repeatedly telling Mae to quit (she is not going to listen, but he wants to keep her safe). The mystery is clever, and I believe some readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed. I enjoy the descriptions of the picturesque Normal. The Laundry Club sounds like a cozy establishment. I would love to work on a puzzle there and catch up with friends while doing my laundry. I had to laugh when the ladies discussed getting detective licenses (Hank would have a fit). The beauty shop, Cute-icles sounded unique (poor Mae ended up with an unfortunate nail polish color). Tonya Kappes conversational writing style along with her friendly characters and attractive town will keep you riveted until the very last word. Do not miss out on Mae’s latest adventure in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.
It is always a delight to visit Normal, Kentucky with its charming shops and quirky residents. Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers is the sixth book in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I suggest that you read the series in order. It will give you a better understanding of Mae, her friends, the campground and the town. Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers contains good writing and a snappy pace. Mae West is quite a character (starting with her name). She loves her trailer, her friends, boyfriend and her dog, Fifi. Mae is happy that she has been able to turn Happy Trails into a thriving enterprise and it has helped improve the town’s economy. The last thing she expected is a key to the city and an opportunity to teach economics at the high school. The murder of Scott Goodman is threatening her livelihood and that of her friends. Mae and her close group of friends (called the Laundry Club) are quick to gather together and form a plan. Mae and her friends never fail to entertain. I like that they have such a close friendship. There are three murders in the book which is not good for tourism and Violet, of course, is reporting all the details in the Normal Gazette. There is active investigating with Hank repeatedly telling Mae to quit (she is not going to listen, but he wants to keep her safe). The mystery is clever, and I believe some readers will be surprised when the solution is revealed. I enjoy the descriptions of the picturesque Normal. The Laundry Club sounds like a cozy establishment. I would love to work on a puzzle there and catch up with friends while doing my laundry. I had to laugh when the ladies discussed getting detective licenses (Hank would have a fit). The beauty shop, Cute-icles sounded unique (poor Mae ended up with an unfortunate nail polish color). Tonya Kappes conversational writing style along with her friendly characters and attractive town will keep you riveted until the very last word. Do not miss out on Mae’s latest adventure in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.
March 25, 2019
Canyons, Caravans & Cadavers
A Camper & Criminals Cozy, Book #6
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal. A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series is another brainchild of USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. If you love her quirky southern characters and small town charm with a mystery to solve, you're going to love her new cozy mystery series!
When the principal of Normal High School asks Mae West to teach a semester on small town economics, since she helped bring the thriving economy in Normal, Kentucky when she used her brilliant ideas to bring the Happy Trails Campground back to life, Mae is thrilled and happy to teach the young people.
But when a fellow teacher and archery Coach Roger Carlson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in one of Happy Trails Campground campers with an arrow sticking out of his back, it puts a damper on the thriving campground when tourists cancel their reservations and Mae's excitement to teach.
Mae's hankering to snoop into the coach's private life and find out exactly why he was renting a camper in Happy Trails and not living at home with his young wife. Her efforts don’t leave her short on suspects. Especially, since Mae uncovered many unhappy parents who had relied on an archery scholarship as their child's ticket to get out of Normal and go to college.
Mae has to be careful or she just might find an arrow with her name written on it. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The style allowed me to get a better insight into the characters and their actions. With the author’s descriptive writing, I was pulled right into the story and I was taken on a grand adventure. I felt like I was right there listening in on conversations and watching all of the action taking place at the campgrounds.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I find Mae and her friends to be very funny and quirky and I really enjoy getting to spend time with them. They all appear to be Southern sweet and genteel, but do not cross them, you will be sorry if you do! I enjoyed getting to learn a little more about Hank’s family, who is Mae’s boyfriend.
The mystery is well plotted and moves along at a nice pace. With more than one murder to solve, it is not easy to figure out the culprit. There were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through.
I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint. I would recommend that you check out the whole series, you will be glad that you did.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
A Camper & Criminals Cozy, Book #6
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal. A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series is another brainchild of USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. If you love her quirky southern characters and small town charm with a mystery to solve, you're going to love her new cozy mystery series!
When the principal of Normal High School asks Mae West to teach a semester on small town economics, since she helped bring the thriving economy in Normal, Kentucky when she used her brilliant ideas to bring the Happy Trails Campground back to life, Mae is thrilled and happy to teach the young people.
But when a fellow teacher and archery Coach Roger Carlson, is found stone-cold dead, facedown in one of Happy Trails Campground campers with an arrow sticking out of his back, it puts a damper on the thriving campground when tourists cancel their reservations and Mae's excitement to teach.
Mae's hankering to snoop into the coach's private life and find out exactly why he was renting a camper in Happy Trails and not living at home with his young wife. Her efforts don’t leave her short on suspects. Especially, since Mae uncovered many unhappy parents who had relied on an archery scholarship as their child's ticket to get out of Normal and go to college.
Mae has to be careful or she just might find an arrow with her name written on it. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The style allowed me to get a better insight into the characters and their actions. With the author’s descriptive writing, I was pulled right into the story and I was taken on a grand adventure. I felt like I was right there listening in on conversations and watching all of the action taking place at the campgrounds.
The characters are well developed and well rounded. I find Mae and her friends to be very funny and quirky and I really enjoy getting to spend time with them. They all appear to be Southern sweet and genteel, but do not cross them, you will be sorry if you do! I enjoyed getting to learn a little more about Hank’s family, who is Mae’s boyfriend.
The mystery is well plotted and moves along at a nice pace. With more than one murder to solve, it is not easy to figure out the culprit. There were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through.
I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint. I would recommend that you check out the whole series, you will be glad that you did.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
March 26, 2019
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers is the 6th book in Tonya Kappes’ A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes brings readers back to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal. A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series is filled with Southern charm and quirky characters. Mae West and the laundry club ladies’ activities keep this series entertaining drawing in readers from the beginning of each “episode” to the end. With the influx of tourists and money since Mae’s arrival in Normal, Kentucky and rehabilitation of the campground, Mae receives a key to the city. Mae agrees to teach a six-week economics class at the high school, but before school starts, Mae finds Scott the economics teacher/archery coach, dead at Happy Trails campground with an arrow through his back. Soon after that discovery, Mae finds the body of the high school janitor, also with an arrow in his back. Why are school employees being targeted? Before additional staff members are targeted, Mae and her friends from the “Laundry Club” are on the case. Ms. Kappes delivers a tightly woven plot with multiple twists that keep the reader guessing. If Hank thinks he can keep Mae from investigating, he is highly mistaken. I truly appreciate reading an entertaining, clean cozy mystery.There are wonderful tips and recipes at the end of this highly entertaining book. If you haven’t discovered this series, I’d suggest you include this one on your book wish list or get a copy today. You won’t be disappointed. I enjoyed it and can’t wait for a return visit with Mae and the gang in book #7!
December 22, 2021
Different vibe for this book, but still enjoyable. I’m enjoying this group of friends and Mae’s antics. Looking forward to the next.
July 6, 2020
I am really enjoying the characters and would love to visit a place like the Happy Trails Campground in Normal some day. Maybe because of the chaos in the world right now, it sounds like heaven to me to stay in a camp ground and enjoy the crisp air. With that being said I have to say that maybe because I'm reading these stories back to back and most of the people who have given such high ratings probably had to wait in between each story line, I have found many discrepancies in the stories that it is annoying me and distracts from complete enjoyment. Maybe the author is in a hurry to get the stories out and consistency is not a high priority, maybe she needs a better editor. Book 1 and 3 of the series listed Agnes (the loveable front desk greeter at the Sherriff's Dept. ) As Hank's mother, now she has finally established she is his Granny with the introduction of his snobby parents in Book 6. Dawn a new character introduced in Book 3 was introduced as a chef from Chicago, which is why her and Mary Elizabeth take over the Milkery and add a bed and breakfast, however in Book 5 Mary Elizabeth is teaching her to cook for the guests. In this book there is a scene where Mae meets Violet the new reporter at the local hair salon in town Cute-icles. In book 2 (I think) she had run into the owner who states something along the lines of 'Ever since you came to town I've wanted to get my hands on that hair'. Mae goes to the salon and meets some of the local women and gets her hair straightened etc which she dreads doing. In this book, the salon is described completely different (like a house and kitchen) and the salon owner again states the same thing about Mae's hair, so the whole ordeal never happened in the previous book unless there are 2 salons on the same street in town. Again little inconsistencies but they have added up enough to annoy me. A better editor would be able to stop these silly issues. Just my thoughts. Again the stories are enjoyable and maybe I should let time go by before I read the next ones so the editing doesn't get to me ;0)
March 25, 2019
Mae receives a key to the city and she gets to teach the kids at the local high school, Economics. On the down side she finds the dead Economics teacher in one of her campers.
As people start to cancel and business starts to decline there is only one thing to do. Get the club together and help. With Detective Sharps knowledge and consent Mae will be on the look out at the school for him.
I enjoy this series not only for the great characters, but it is fast paced with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. the plot and characters are always well done. You never know what Mae will stumble on next.
As people start to cancel and business starts to decline there is only one thing to do. Get the club together and help. With Detective Sharps knowledge and consent Mae will be on the look out at the school for him.
I enjoy this series not only for the great characters, but it is fast paced with lots of twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. the plot and characters are always well done. You never know what Mae will stumble on next.
August 21, 2024
Audio. Another fun little romp into world of Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground. When a body of a local teacher is found in one of her campers, Mae feels she has the right to get involved. Her Police Detective boyfriend doesn't agree, but does agree that her help "may" be beneficial, given her current temporary role at the local high school. Another body shows up, murdered in the same way as the teacher. Mae employs her "Laundry Club" friends to help sort through the clues. It ends with mayhem and adventure and the apprehension of the killer(s).
March 26, 2019
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. Mae is given the key to the town. Her campground has been great for the community and because of that she is given a chance to teach an economics class at the high school. While at the school things start to go bad. She and her friends spend the book trying to figure out who is behind it.
August 31, 2021
Mae West has really made a name for herself in Normal, Kentucky. Bringing back the camp ground has helped the entire town. She was given a key to the city and a teacher position for a semester at the high school. When one of the teachers turns up dead at her camp ground, Mae uses her position to find out more about the teacher's life.
An added bonus in this book is meeting Hank's parents and sister!
An added bonus in this book is meeting Hank's parents and sister!
February 12, 2022
This series is so fun, I love Mae & The Laundry Club crew! If you haven't tried this series yet I am recommending it to you now.
September 15, 2022
I have enjoyed this series via "audio" however, the narrator makes all of the characters sound "dumb" or southern hickish which takes away from the character development and story line. Will keep going with the series regardless of narration.
March 6, 2019
I can’t get enough of this series! Ms Kappes has done a wonderful job creating a small town that mainly relies on tourist to keep it thriving. She formed a tight group of unique ladies who call themselves The Laundry Club. In the first book we met the main character and narrator, Mae West. She inherited Happy Trails, a run down campground in Normal, Kentucky located in the Daniel Boone National Park. People in Normal weren’t too happy to have her but she turned the campground around and won the hearts of the town’s people along with the Key to the City. There are lots of things going on, a number of murders and a lot of character driven world building in this series. You don’t have to read each book in order but for full enjoyment, I recommend that you do. The books are fast paced so you will catch up before you know it.
In this book, along with the key to the city, (an honor she shares with a certain pushy reporter), Mae is given the opportunity to conduct a six week class on economics and how she turned around the campground. She is excited and honored with this opportunity, but can she make an impact on the students? She grew up in Kentucky, a Commonwealth that hasn’t had much to offer since farming has been cut down and mines are shutting down. She knows what it is like to be in high school facing slim opportunities for the future unless you leave. Which is exactly what she had done only to return, where she became a success story. She knows she can do this but then she finds the dead body of a teacher/coach in one of her rental trailers. Now the body count is rising and the lead investigator is agreeing she can be “eyes and ears” at the school for him, not to mention there seems to be a possibility of some love competition!
The story is intriguing and fast paced. It is easy to get lost in the book and want to finish it in one sitting. It is possible to do this as time flies when you’re having fun. The mystery gets wrapped up in each book. There are background storylines that continue book to book. They aren’t so big, though, that you can’t follow the story if you haven’t read them all. Each book is written in a way that allows you to join in reading it regardless of the number of previous books and whether or not you read them all. My preference is to read them in order.
There are also camping hacks, tips and recipes at the end of each book. I normally try one or two before I write the review. This time I didn’t have ingredients on hand to whip one up and enjoy while reading. I do plan to make the cookies this week and possibly the chili. The pizza recipe is intriguing as I would love to make pizza outdoors!
I received an electronic ARC of the book. I voluntarily reviewed it because I love sharing book news and talking about books. Because it was an ARC some changes may be made with the official release of the book. I enjoyed this book and plan to purchase a copy of it to add to my series collection. I do recommend the book as well as the series.
In this book, along with the key to the city, (an honor she shares with a certain pushy reporter), Mae is given the opportunity to conduct a six week class on economics and how she turned around the campground. She is excited and honored with this opportunity, but can she make an impact on the students? She grew up in Kentucky, a Commonwealth that hasn’t had much to offer since farming has been cut down and mines are shutting down. She knows what it is like to be in high school facing slim opportunities for the future unless you leave. Which is exactly what she had done only to return, where she became a success story. She knows she can do this but then she finds the dead body of a teacher/coach in one of her rental trailers. Now the body count is rising and the lead investigator is agreeing she can be “eyes and ears” at the school for him, not to mention there seems to be a possibility of some love competition!
The story is intriguing and fast paced. It is easy to get lost in the book and want to finish it in one sitting. It is possible to do this as time flies when you’re having fun. The mystery gets wrapped up in each book. There are background storylines that continue book to book. They aren’t so big, though, that you can’t follow the story if you haven’t read them all. Each book is written in a way that allows you to join in reading it regardless of the number of previous books and whether or not you read them all. My preference is to read them in order.
There are also camping hacks, tips and recipes at the end of each book. I normally try one or two before I write the review. This time I didn’t have ingredients on hand to whip one up and enjoy while reading. I do plan to make the cookies this week and possibly the chili. The pizza recipe is intriguing as I would love to make pizza outdoors!
I received an electronic ARC of the book. I voluntarily reviewed it because I love sharing book news and talking about books. Because it was an ARC some changes may be made with the official release of the book. I enjoyed this book and plan to purchase a copy of it to add to my series collection. I do recommend the book as well as the series.
March 27, 2019
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers” earns 5/5 Southern Delights…Clever and Entertaining!
I am a member of Tonya “Kappes Krew,” a long-time fan of her magical, caffeinated, and ghost whispering books, and a new fan of her Camper & Criminals Mystery series. After having just finished an excellent, but nail-biting and draining crime thriller, it was a nice change of pace to read a true cozy. The covers of these six books are so delightful and creative and definitely the precursor to a delightful and creative series.
Tonya Kappes goes beyond the traditional cozy formula by adding her own southern flair that brings humor, quirky characters, small town life, and always a clever mystery to solve. Mae West (cute name fits her fun personality) is pleased receiving recognition for her success with her campground and it's impact on the small town Normal, Kentucky, and very excited to be asked to bring her expertise and experience into the high school classroom. Her eagerness to impart her knowledge to the next generation is overshadowed by the discovery of teacher/archery coach in one of the campers at her campground, of course, with an arrow in his back! This find is effecting her successful business, so using her amateur detective skills to find the killer is now imperative, but not without the support of her boyfriend/sheriff and, my favorite, the Laundry Club ladies. Hooked! Using an engaging first-person narrative from Mae’s perspective, Tonya always has a few twists that challenge your own detective abilities, which it did mine, vivid descriptions, and entertaining banter. The victim isn't so innocent as the many suspects from his wife to students to their parents will attest, and along with more victims, Mae deals with drama at the campground and her boyfriend and his family. Quite the entertaining page-turner!
Tonya also provides some fun extras: “Recipes and Cleaning Hacks From Mae West and Other Women From Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails. Campground.” I enjoyed the three clever RV Hacks (Grippy Rubber Mats, Badge Holder Clips, and Get Lots of Vinegar cleaners) and especially the easy-to-follow recipes (Spring Lemon Drops, Coach’s Campfire Chili, and Coach’s Campfire Pizza).
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
I am a member of Tonya “Kappes Krew,” a long-time fan of her magical, caffeinated, and ghost whispering books, and a new fan of her Camper & Criminals Mystery series. After having just finished an excellent, but nail-biting and draining crime thriller, it was a nice change of pace to read a true cozy. The covers of these six books are so delightful and creative and definitely the precursor to a delightful and creative series.
Tonya Kappes goes beyond the traditional cozy formula by adding her own southern flair that brings humor, quirky characters, small town life, and always a clever mystery to solve. Mae West (cute name fits her fun personality) is pleased receiving recognition for her success with her campground and it's impact on the small town Normal, Kentucky, and very excited to be asked to bring her expertise and experience into the high school classroom. Her eagerness to impart her knowledge to the next generation is overshadowed by the discovery of teacher/archery coach in one of the campers at her campground, of course, with an arrow in his back! This find is effecting her successful business, so using her amateur detective skills to find the killer is now imperative, but not without the support of her boyfriend/sheriff and, my favorite, the Laundry Club ladies. Hooked! Using an engaging first-person narrative from Mae’s perspective, Tonya always has a few twists that challenge your own detective abilities, which it did mine, vivid descriptions, and entertaining banter. The victim isn't so innocent as the many suspects from his wife to students to their parents will attest, and along with more victims, Mae deals with drama at the campground and her boyfriend and his family. Quite the entertaining page-turner!
Tonya also provides some fun extras: “Recipes and Cleaning Hacks From Mae West and Other Women From Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails. Campground.” I enjoyed the three clever RV Hacks (Grippy Rubber Mats, Badge Holder Clips, and Get Lots of Vinegar cleaners) and especially the easy-to-follow recipes (Spring Lemon Drops, Coach’s Campfire Chili, and Coach’s Campfire Pizza).
"Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments."
March 24, 2019
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Mae West is at it again! She is solving another mystery!
Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes is another great cozy that has fabulous characters and a marvelous mystery filled with southern charm. We are back with Mae West, the Laundry Club girls, and Hank in Normal, Kentucky.
What I like:
Written in the first-person with Mae West, our sleuth, being the narrator. I enjoy getting inside Mae’s head and seeing how she figures things out, especially when it comes to the mystery.
I still like that the main character runs her own campground and has fixed it up as well. Is anyone interested in some glamping?
Mae and Hank are dating in this book. They make an adorable couple.
Mae is becoming a fixture of the community.
What I don’t like:
The one thing that I didn’t like was that I didn’t figure out who the killer was and I’m still stumped by how it could be the person that it was. I totally missed the clues, and there are lots of red herrings.
Five Star
Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes has a marvelous mystery, and this book is another great one in the Campers and Criminals series. I can’t wait for the next book, Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides to come on in late May. I am giving it a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that likes cozy mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes is another great cozy that has fabulous characters and a marvelous mystery filled with southern charm. We are back with Mae West, the Laundry Club girls, and Hank in Normal, Kentucky.
What I like:
Written in the first-person with Mae West, our sleuth, being the narrator. I enjoy getting inside Mae’s head and seeing how she figures things out, especially when it comes to the mystery.
I still like that the main character runs her own campground and has fixed it up as well. Is anyone interested in some glamping?
Mae and Hank are dating in this book. They make an adorable couple.
Mae is becoming a fixture of the community.
What I don’t like:
The one thing that I didn’t like was that I didn’t figure out who the killer was and I’m still stumped by how it could be the person that it was. I totally missed the clues, and there are lots of red herrings.
Five Star
Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes has a marvelous mystery, and this book is another great one in the Campers and Criminals series. I can’t wait for the next book, Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides to come on in late May. I am giving it a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that likes cozy mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
Displaying 1 - 30 of 409 reviews