A cozy/thriller mystery! The starry skies over New Mexico, the "Land of Enchantment," may hold secrets of their own. The Shoemakers and the Ferraros, on an extended camping trip, find themselves picking up a souvenir they don't want and taking sidetrips they didn't plan on.
Unbeknown to Larry and Frannie Shoemaker, an escaped convict was in the area when they had to stop to change a flat tyre.
Headed to a campground in Roswell, New Mexico with their friends Jane Ann and Mickey (who happened to be Larry’s sister and brother-in-law) the two motorhomes eventually settled side by side in the park. Exhaustion hit both couples quickly and they all went to bed early.
After a day of sight-seeing, the news when they returned to the park wasn’t good. And it wasn’t going to get any better either – certainly not for the friends on this camping holiday. What was it about Larry and Frannie; Jane Ann and Mickey – that always seemed to attract trouble?
The Space Invader is the 7th in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series by Karen Musser Nortman and it’s a light-hearted cosy mystery which I thoroughly enjoyed. Each episode is easy to read, and it was great to catch up with the four friends once again. Highly recommended for fans of cosy mysteries.
This camping trip with Shoemakers and the Ferraro's to New Mexico is a bit more intense than the other cozy mysteries. An escaped murderer is hiding in the storage space in Frannie's and Larry's camping trailer to bring some distance between him and the police but expect it to get worse than that....
Larry and Frannie Shoemaker, Larry's sister Jane Ann Ferraro and her husband Mickey, are out traveling in their campers again, this time to New Mexico. Having stopped briefly for gas and snacks on the last day before arriving at the campground near Roswell, they acquire a hitchhiker they're unaware of, in the cubby where some of their supplies are stashed. When they arrive, they park and hook up their campers, and, completely exhausted, collapse immediately into their beds, and sleep.
When they awake, their hitchhiker is already gone, and they head out sightseeing. In a happy change of pace from their previous adventures, this time they don't find a body.
Someone else finds a body.
Initially thought to be the body of an escaped convict, it's soon identified as the body of a hiker who had been staying in the same campground. The Ferraros and the Shoemakers had seen him leaving the campground for the day before they did. But he's wearing part of Larry's rainsuit, and was hit with what might have been the missing crossbar from the Shoemakers' grill, both of which were stored in the cubby, and are now missing.
Not finding the body themselves this time isn't going to make things any easier for the friends.
This is, as always, a light, enjoyable cozy mystery, enlivened this time by the escaped convict and a UFO cult somewhat similar to the Heaven's Gate cult founded in the 1970s, which blew up spectacularly in the late 1990s. When Jane Ann and Mickey are kidnapped along with their bright red camper, Larry and Frannie have to keep that from Larry and Jane Ann's mother as long as possible--while she's hoping to talk to Jane Ann to tell her an old school friend is back in their hometown.
It's fun to catch up with the old friends again, and as always they meet some likable and interesting people, as well.
Fun and enjoyable. As always, Michelle Babb is an excellent narrator.
Recommended.
I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Frannie and Larry Shoemaker are excited to travel with their friends/relatives, Jane Ann and Mickey Ferraro, in their respective RVs from Texas to Roswell, New Mexico. Mickey is especially eager to explore the UFO museum. However, with an escaped convict on the loose in their vicinity, the couples soon find their trip invaded by more danger than all previous ones combined as well as a close encounter with some "unusual" life forms. Although I still only like camping vicariously and generally don't like things having to do with aliens, I really enjoyed this story! It was a bit different than others in the series, but that was cool by me as it shook things up a little bit. I liked that the action started from the very beginning and didn't really let up. I was pretty much on the edge of my seat for the last third of the book. There was one thing that didn't seem quite in character with the careful nature of one of the couples (that led to a key turn of events) that I think could have easily been addressed with one sentence tagged onto an existing one about the matter. Then again, not one of us perfectly acts within the confines of our typical character all of the time, so it was believable. I always enjoy "going virtual camping" with Frannie and the gang: no bug bites, no scary critters, no uncomfortable temps, and - unlike in their case - no escaped convicts or UFOs!
The Shoemakers and Ferraros are on an extended camping trip from Texas to New Mexico. On their way to a campground in Roswell, the friends make a stop for fuel only to pick up a stowaway. The stowaway is an escaped murderer who sees the Shoemakers’ camper as a perfect way to get far away from the police. Once at the campground the group of friends becomes more than just bystanders as they are pulled into the chaos. Can Frannie and her friends make it out of the adventure alive this time?
This book is a little different than the previous books in the series. In the book, the Shoemakers and Ferraros are more personally affected by this adventure than in the past books. Having said that, this is probably my favorite book in the series so far. The plot moves at a quick pace and I could not find out what happens next fast enough. I was on the edge of my seat and recommend this book as the series.
I was lucky enough to listen to the audio version of this book. Michelle Babb the narrator is wonderful. She brings this story to life, with her awesome accents and tone of voice. She gives every character their personality so you never have trouble knowing which character is speaking at a time. She adds the experience of reading this book.
I received a copy of this book at my request, and I have voluntarily left this review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I really like these Frannie Shoemaker books by Karen Musser Nortman. They almost make me want to go camping. With Frannie at the next campsite, I'm sure there would never be a dull moment.
Once again Frannie, her husband and her in-laws are embroiled in a murder investigation with an escaped convict. All kinds of surprises and danger await the gang and the author does a great job of keeping the reader's interest.
The Space Invader is another fun book that readers who love solving cozy mysteries won't want to miss.
I truly enjoyed Karen Musser Nortman’s The Space Invader (The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries, Book 7). The title is a clever wink of the eye to the book’s location near Roswell, New Mexico, but the “space invader” is not a little green man but an escaped and opportunistic prisoner who stows away in the Shoemaker’s camper. Though their stowaway doesn’t remain in their camper long, Baxter “Badger” Bagley wreaks havoc wherever he goes and puts two of the main characters in true peril. Badger has no conscience and has no problems killing to get what he wants. Though Frannie Shoemaker is the “main character,” the series basically features two related couples as the central figures, Larry and Frannie Shoemaker and Larry’s sister Jane Ann and her husband Mickey Ferraro. The two couples are both retired and frequently camp together. I love that the four are active, vibrant and intelligent, even though they are of a “certain age.” The book is highlighted with bouts of humorous banter and observations, but it has a serious plot line which finds not only two of the main characters in danger, but others as well. Badger is truly dangerous and stops at nothing in his efforts to escape the police. The book’s tension is further ramped up by a chance encounter with an off-the-grid extremist group with a paranoid, anti-government leader. The danger is real.
Michelle Babb does a great job of narrating the book and her narration adds much to the tension and atmosphere in the book. I had previously read this book in print form and found I enjoyed it so much more with Ms Babb’s narration.
I truly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it, especially for fans of the series or those who enjoy mysteries. I also think campers and those of a certain age would especially appreciate it. This particular entry in the series could probably be labeled more suspense than mystery. The book is short but that does not detract from it.
I was given a free copy of the book by the narrator in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write an honest review and the opinions stated are solely my own.
( Format : Audiobook ) "Nice guys finish last." Always the vicarious camper fan of the Shoemakers and their friends and family camping expeditions, this reader was less comfortable with the latest trip into New Mexico. Instead of a who-dun-it, The Space Invader sucks Frannie, husband Larry, his sister Ann and her partner Nicky into affiliated and deprivation after an escaped lifer prisoner hides in the storage compartment of one of their trailers. It's all downhill for their vacation near Roswell after that.
Ms.Nortman's characters are so well defined that they have become more like distant friends as the series progressed, always quirky, funny and very real, their camping experiences deliciously nosey and enjoyable. But this episode is darker, danger very present throughout. Again read by Michelle Babb, the warmth of her voice and underlying emotion make this book even more generally involving: another fine performance.
My thanks to the rights holder who, at my request, freely gifted me with a complimentary copy The Space Invader. Number seven in the Frankie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series, it, like the previous books, can be read as a stand alone although having grown close to the protagonists from earlier books enhances the tension. The unexpectedly sudden ending suggests that trailer life might just have lost it's previous charm for the fun loving families. Let's hope not and that there will be more camping mysteries still to come. A recommended (not quite so) cozy read.
I really enjoyed this in instalment to the campground mystery series. It is very different to the others in the series, in the fact that they know who the killer is and it is more of an adventure to rescue there kidnapped friends than a murder mystery but I still really enjoyed it. There was some interesting twists and every time you thought there were rescued something else happened. The story is told from several of the characters perspectives so you know everything that is going on and why, making it enjoyable adventure. The shoemakers and the Ferraros are continuing there adventure from he previous book by stopping of in New Mexico so that Mickey can visit with some aliens but they never expected to get kidnapped. While on the way to the campground they stop at a rest stop where a dangerous prisoner has just escaped from a transport bus, on his way to serve life in a maximum security prison he has nothing to lose and does not want to go back. Getting away from the police and past there road blocks was the easy part but surviving the desert isn't so easy. Which is why he decides he needs help, whether it is willing on not. Can Frannie and Larry rescue the Ferraros before Larry's mother finds out her daughter was kidnapped by a killer? I liked the narrator and think she really helps bring the story to life.
Badger, a dangerous and violent convict, who is being transported to a high-security prison, escapes and seeks refuge in the Shoemakers’ trailer without them knowing while they are on their way to a camping ground close to Rosswell. Desperation makes Badger act recklessly, putting the campers in danger.
This is not a whodunit like other books in the series. We know who is the culprit in this story, but the intrigue is even greater, as our friends are in terrible danger and Badger has little to lose in his escape. There was a twist and an unexpected series of events that were hilarious and terrifying at the same time.
The book had the perfect mix of humor and tension, to make this a pleasant listen. Its length made it ideal to be enjoyed from beginning to end on a rainy Sunday.
Michelle Babb did the story justice, with a natural and casual narration style while at the same time delivering very expressive narrations. It was like listening to real people. Babb does always a great job in voicing characters and giving each of them a distinctive voice and style while being also subtle. She is also great at doing different male voices, which is not something that we often see.
All in all, a very enjoyable listen, entertaining and quickly satisfying. Looking forward to the next in the series.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Another fun book by Karen Musser Nortman about the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mystery series. In this story The Shoemakers and the Ferraros are at it again when they travel to New Mexico and pick up an unwanted stowaway whom does not have any good intentions. While at there campsite the escapee causes havoc by killing one hiker and injuring another. Then to top it off the escapee kidnaps the Ferraros and then they get captured by a cult. Can the Shoemakers find their friends in time and finally maybe enjoy their trip minus all their unwanted excitement without any real aliens?
I listened to the audible version of this great book and in exchange I received this book free for my honest review .
Michelle Babb is the awesome narrator for this story and I have to admit is my favorite because she has an amazing way of making all the characters come to life with individual personalities along with different tones and accents. I’ve tried listening to other stories in the series that were read by someone else and it doesn’t even seem like the same story or the same characters .
I love these Frannie Shoemaker books by Karen Musser Nortman. They almost make me want to go camping. With Frannie at the next campsite, I'm sure there would never be a dull moment. Once again Frannie, her husband and her sis- and brother-in-law are embroiled in a murder investigation. All kinds of surprises and danger await the gang and the author does a great job of keeping the reader's interest. The Space Invader is another fun book that readers who love solving cozy mysteries won't want to miss. The narrator, Michelle Babb, does a nice job of giving characters their unique voice, making for an enjoyable listening experience. I listened to a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a review. The opinions are my own.
I listened to the audio version of this book. I love these cozy mysteries by Karen Musser Nortman. The character of Frannie is someone I'd like to hang out with. As she goes RVing and camping with her husband and his sister and her husband, there is always a murder or two that needs solving. This book seemed a little different to me. It was more involved and Frannie's little group was more of the victim in this story than bystanders, making it seem a little more personal. There is an escaped convict involved and a strange cult-like group. This was such an enjoyable story to listen to. Michelle Babb's pacing was great, as always. Her voice is perfect for this type of book. I was given a complimentary copy of this audiobook. All thoughts are my own.
I just love everything about traveling in a camper/RV and this series is even more loveable since it includes a fun mystery. Although, I am sure the characters involved would not use fun in their description of their story. Each book reels me in so quickly with such great, easy to relate to, characters. The trips they take are described in such a way that I feel as if I am along for the ride. This book is a fun one with the added aspect of the possibility of aliens. If you are looking for a somewhat quick read that includes traveling, fun, and an adventure, this is the perfect series for you. I, for one, hope this series continues.
do love this series it is just like a warm hug in these times. I love exploring America through Frannie and her friend's adventures, but with their luck would not like to be with them. This time around Mikey and Jane Ann are really the main characters and that was a great change. (Not saying that I didnt like the other books) but it just mixed it up a bit.
I listened to the audio version and yet again Michelle Babb narrated this - she has such a gift in narration and really brings the characters to life.
I was given a free audio copy in exchange for a fair and honest review which I have done.
Frannie and the gang are back again and they are exploring New Mexico, the Roswell area where the alien worshipers live. Between a man on the run after escaping from prison and the alien cults things get very hairy for Frannie and the gang.
This is another fine mess the gang has landed in (see what I did there). There camping trip is full of action and suspense. But this is a case they need to solve for themselves as it is some of their own that are missing this time. If you are a fan of this series too this book is not to be missed. If you are listening to this series as I am Michelle Babb is back with her wonderful narration, that will transport you there to help the gang.
For the most part, I have enjoyed the campground series, usually giving them 5 stars. However, this one made absolutely no sense. There's an escaped murderer who kills two more people in the campground. Then he hangs around until he can steal a getaway vehicle. Surprise, surprise, he steals Micky and Jane Ann's, with them in it. He knows they are in it. Why not kill them instead of taking them hostage? Then the killer and hostages are taken hostage by a militant doomsday group. Trust me readers, it gets sillier and sillier, and ends with a highly improbable ending
I read this because of the New Mexico setting hoping the land of enchantment would be a starring character, but it was not. It just made it look like a not worth it tourist destination. I did end up finishing the book, but that's because when it comes to books I apparently have closure issues and have to know how they end. The story and characters were not particularly interesting. A RV is not a plausible vehicle for these "adventures." You might think that makes it humorous but it was not. Wanted to like it...
If you're thinking of aliens from outer space, think again. The space invader here is a murderer who has invaded the space of the Shoemaker camper as they head for Roswell, NM. As usual Frannie and Larry with their camping friends the Ferraros become involved in the quest for the killer. The structure of the novel enables the reader to know simultaneous but separate events, a device that keeps the plot moving quickly and unexpectedly.
Having enjoyed several "time travel trailer" books by this author, I got interested in reading about a space invader. Of course it does not involve aliens, but the suspense and fast-paced investigation kept my interest in the story. I'd think twice about camping with Frannie Shoemaker--she seems like a murder magnet. Reading about all the RV adventures is fun and the characters are believable.
This is the 7th in the series. I loved this one. The main character are the same 2 families. In this a convict escapes and manages to hide inside Frannie's trailer. He gets out after they go to sleep and hides in the hills by the campground. He ends up killing one person and hurts another before he steals Mickey and Jane Ann's motorhome with them in it . Then is really gets strange. I can't tell you how much I think you'll enjoy this book.
The Space Invader ( A Frankie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries Book 7) was another great read by Karen Musser Nortman. The Shoemakers and the Ferrari’s decide to extend their camping trip in New Mexico. Unfortunately they find themselves picking up a souvenir they didn’t want in Badger. Michelle Babb did a great job in narrating the characters so you want to know exactly what happens to them. I can’t wait to read more by Karen Musser Nortman.
This was a good book.Just when you think the adventure can't get more absurd,they toss in another dangerous element.An escaped convict hitches a ride,unbeknownst to the crew,and another murder gets Frannie and the gang in the middle of another bad camping experience.Michelle Babb does Frannie with flair! I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
This cozy starts out a little scary and there is no surprise corpse in it. They unwittingly picked up a hitchhiker at a stop and that made everything different from what was planned by the six veteran campgrounders had planned. Don't want to slip into spoiler territory, so I'll simply wax enthusiastic about the voice interpretation by Michelle Babb who can make all the diverse characters clear and real thereby making the book so much better!
I Rated this as 4 Stars but Goodread review site will not allow more then 1 Star!! Narrator does a good job just like she has on all the Frannie Shoemaker Series. As usual the Shoemakers end up in the middle of things. 1st there is a Escape Convict then a murder, next a Kidnapping of the Ferro's. Then stumbling into a Group of people who had formed a Religious/Alien group who believed that Space people would come get them before Armageddon. What a lot to happen and what a wild Ride.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I received a free audio version of this book in exchange for a review. I have enjoyed this series and have listened to them in order to get the full effect. I have enjoyed getting to know the characters and their lives. The narrator is very good and is becoming one of my favorites. If you want a fun, quick listen that will keep you entertained then this series is for you. It makes me want to get a camper and take some road trips!!
I was entertained by book 7, but I thought the story was a little bit darker than the first six books. In this story, Frannie and her friends are traveling through the "Land of Enchantment". The story was exciting. There was more danger and intensity of action than in some of the other stories. Michelle Babb's narration was fabulous and engendered an emotional response to the tale. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
The only reason this wasn't a straight through read is because I took my phone to bed with me and fell asleep with it in my hand. I finished up when I awoke in the morning. This one was filled with an escapee hiding in the storage cubby, kidnapping, avoiding recapture, capture by really loony space alien groupies and rescue in the knick of time. A little out there, but what a lot of fun!
This book was not what I expected from Karen Musser Nortman. I missed the campground activity that usually has colorful characters and camping situations that you can relate to. The book ended very abruptly and I was left wanting a little bit more closure. But, the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries is definitely one of my favorite series.
This book was a different take on the series. There is no mystery - it is more like an adventure novel and I had so much fun reading it. I was so worried for my favorite characters as they accidentally get mixed up in some crazy dangerous happenings and I miss a bit of the camping atmosphere, but overall it was heart pumping fun!