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Camper & Criminals #9
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!Join Mae West and the Happy Trails Campground gang on another southern murder mystery adventure. The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won't see anywhere else. That's why it's such a popular destination for weddings!When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She's all things girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for.Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she's been desperately trying to escape...especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn't any couple, it's the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company.Determined to get the happy couple married off and on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators.The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there's no way she's going to help out with Tom Moon's daughter's wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend.A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. There might not be a happily ever after for the bride to be or Gert Hobson if Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies don't solve the murder before the wedding party's RV rolls out of town.
268 pages, Paperback
First published September 25, 2019
609 people are currently reading
1218 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
455 books3,692 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,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
November 6, 2021
Valley, Vehicles, & Victims by Tonya Kappes
Campers & Criminals book 9. Cozy mystery. Best read in order but can be read as a stand-alone.
Happy Trails Campgrounds is attracting bridal parties for extended events. After a reveal of a stolen coffee recipe and a dead body is discovered with a connection to Mae West’s hometown, she makes the drive home. Mae and detective boyfriend talk with suspects and old friends to discover clues.
This story finally gives us more background on Mae’s hometown with a surprising twist near the end. Definitely fodder for future stories.
Entertaining.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker who has done the full series to-date. She does a fantastic job with the southern drawl and different character voices. I listened to this at 1.5 which is faster than my preferred because it upped the drawl to a more reasonable talking speed.
Campers & Criminals book 9. Cozy mystery. Best read in order but can be read as a stand-alone.
Happy Trails Campgrounds is attracting bridal parties for extended events. After a reveal of a stolen coffee recipe and a dead body is discovered with a connection to Mae West’s hometown, she makes the drive home. Mae and detective boyfriend talk with suspects and old friends to discover clues.
This story finally gives us more background on Mae’s hometown with a surprising twist near the end. Definitely fodder for future stories.
Entertaining.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker who has done the full series to-date. She does a fantastic job with the southern drawl and different character voices. I listened to this at 1.5 which is faster than my preferred because it upped the drawl to a more reasonable talking speed.
September 23, 2019
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims by Tonya Kappes is the ninth book in her Camper & Criminals series and was another amazing read.
Mae and the Laundry Club girls have their hands full this time as a wedding party descends on Mae's campground. Ms. Kappes gave us some of Mae's childhood in this one which I enjoyed as it rounded out her character more. Not long after the bride and groom make a big announcement at the Chicken Festival there's a murder. As usual, Mae just can't keep out of it as one of her friends is a number one suspect. The plot moves at lightening speed with several suspects and some twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Mae and the Laundry Club girls have their hands full this time as a wedding party descends on Mae's campground. Ms. Kappes gave us some of Mae's childhood in this one which I enjoyed as it rounded out her character more. Not long after the bride and groom make a big announcement at the Chicken Festival there's a murder. As usual, Mae just can't keep out of it as one of her friends is a number one suspect. The plot moves at lightening speed with several suspects and some twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 27, 2019
Release Date: September 27, 2019
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 5 stars!
Tonya Kappes is a pro at capturing the southern town of Normal, Kentucky! From the descriptions of the crisp leaves changing colors in the fall all the way down to the perfect wedding venue Tonya provides a vivid pictures for all to see. The Camper & Criminals series has been a favorite series of mine since the first book released and I have been captivated by each book since. Kappes writes in a league of her own and I am always looking forward to her next release with enthusiasm. If you are a reader of cozy mysteries and enjoy books that not only provide the perfect setting and backdrop that will fulfill your needs of travel without having to actually leave the house, then this series is a must read for you. Not only that, the mysteries are excellent! She knows how to leave a trail of breadcrumbs leading to a killer while also tricking us into thinking it's one person when it's actually another! I love the surprise factor! In this book, I certainly didn't see "who-dun-it" until the big reveal at the end!
That being said, readers who are fans of this series are going to want to join Mae, Gert, Dottie, and the rest of the crew as they get ready for their first wedding party at the Happy Trails Camp Ground. Unfortunately, what's supposed to be a happy moment for everyone involved turns deadly when one of the individuals in the wedding party gets killed... What will happen to the wedding? Has Mae finally met her match with a killer? And what will happen with all the ladies as one of their own is thrust into the spotlight for possibly being a killer? Well, you'll have to read Valley's, Vehicles & Victims to find out!
SIDE NOTE: I recommend reading this book in order of publication as a certain romantic relationship does blossom throughout the series. Not only that, these books are lighthearted and fairly quick to read so you can breeze through the series in no time!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Rating: 5 stars!
Tonya Kappes is a pro at capturing the southern town of Normal, Kentucky! From the descriptions of the crisp leaves changing colors in the fall all the way down to the perfect wedding venue Tonya provides a vivid pictures for all to see. The Camper & Criminals series has been a favorite series of mine since the first book released and I have been captivated by each book since. Kappes writes in a league of her own and I am always looking forward to her next release with enthusiasm. If you are a reader of cozy mysteries and enjoy books that not only provide the perfect setting and backdrop that will fulfill your needs of travel without having to actually leave the house, then this series is a must read for you. Not only that, the mysteries are excellent! She knows how to leave a trail of breadcrumbs leading to a killer while also tricking us into thinking it's one person when it's actually another! I love the surprise factor! In this book, I certainly didn't see "who-dun-it" until the big reveal at the end!
That being said, readers who are fans of this series are going to want to join Mae, Gert, Dottie, and the rest of the crew as they get ready for their first wedding party at the Happy Trails Camp Ground. Unfortunately, what's supposed to be a happy moment for everyone involved turns deadly when one of the individuals in the wedding party gets killed... What will happen to the wedding? Has Mae finally met her match with a killer? And what will happen with all the ladies as one of their own is thrust into the spotlight for possibly being a killer? Well, you'll have to read Valley's, Vehicles & Victims to find out!
SIDE NOTE: I recommend reading this book in order of publication as a certain romantic relationship does blossom throughout the series. Not only that, these books are lighthearted and fairly quick to read so you can breeze through the series in no time!
March 24, 2021
A bridal party descends on the camp ground, but it seems there is more than good pre-wedding fun planned for the weekend when the bridezilla turns out to be from Mae's old social circle in the Hamptons. Once again Mae finds herself in the middle of a murder mystery with a friend on the hook and a detective boyfriend who just doesn't like her being in the mix. Great plot, fun characters and interesting setting make this book a great entertaining time! Available on audio if you like audiobooks.
September 22, 2019
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims is the 9th instalment in the Camper & Criminals mystery series . I am always anxiously awaiting the next book to come out as I Just LOVE this series! Once again we were transported to “Normal, Kentucky” and Happy Trails campground. I must say this might be the best instalment yet!
What a fantastic read, kept me guessing till the very end. Its full of personality, humour, non-stop action, and plot twists which keeps you interested till the very end. The quirky characters are as fabulous as usual, rallying to help each other. I liked how we had a glimpse into Mae’s childhood and hope we find out more in upcoming instalments. These characters have become like family and i just wish I could actually visit Normal Kentucky and hang out with them for a day.
I cant wait for the 10th installment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
What a fantastic read, kept me guessing till the very end. Its full of personality, humour, non-stop action, and plot twists which keeps you interested till the very end. The quirky characters are as fabulous as usual, rallying to help each other. I liked how we had a glimpse into Mae’s childhood and hope we find out more in upcoming instalments. These characters have become like family and i just wish I could actually visit Normal Kentucky and hang out with them for a day.
I cant wait for the 10th installment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
September 21, 2019
With fall in full bloom in the Daniel Boone National Park. A wedding party arrives at Mae's campground. The bride wants the Southern Wedding she always read about.
It turns out that they knew each other from when Mae lived in New York.
When the brides' father is killed, Mae's friend Gert is the number one suspect. She has long held that Mr. Moon of Moonbuck's coffee had stolen her recipe to start up the now mega-million dollar, international company.
When Mae starts to investigate. She unknowingly puts herself in danger, and almost loses her live, twice.
Another fun and action-filled story from the mind of Tonya Kappes. The stories get better each time.
It turns out that they knew each other from when Mae lived in New York.
When the brides' father is killed, Mae's friend Gert is the number one suspect. She has long held that Mr. Moon of Moonbuck's coffee had stolen her recipe to start up the now mega-million dollar, international company.
When Mae starts to investigate. She unknowingly puts herself in danger, and almost loses her live, twice.
Another fun and action-filled story from the mind of Tonya Kappes. The stories get better each time.
November 28, 2021
Oh, and I forgot two other things that irritate me.
She said that they add caffeine to the coffee (wtf) and she calls the 80-year-old Agnes cute and feisty.
Ageism. Blah.
She said that they add caffeine to the coffee (wtf) and she calls the 80-year-old Agnes cute and feisty.
Ageism. Blah.
December 20, 2023
Good addition to the series.
May 6, 2021
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one.
September 13, 2023
This was one of my favorites from the series so far. I’m still loving the characters, but man, there are so many murders in Normal, Kentucky 😂
September 27, 2019
The Laundry Club ladies are back! Don’t miss this ninth in the series which includes some of the strongest – and funniest – Southern ladies you’ll ever meet. To Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campgrounds, the Laundry Club ladies are her best friends and partners in crime-solving. It the most beautiful time of year in Normal, with the leaves in high color in the beautiful Daniel Boone National Forest. A high society wedding is going to take place here, with the editor in chief of High Society magazine in town to write up the nuptials of Shay Moon, daughter of Misty and Tommy Moon, of THE famous international coffee company, Moonbucks.
Mae realizes, too late, that she knows the family from her days of being married to Paul West, the guy who robbed his friends in New York of millions in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. This bridal party might not be as fun as she had hoped, but determined to make the best of it, Mae took them around town to introduce them to the folks at The Barn, the unique and glamorous wedding venue at the historic Old Train Station Motel. Mae learns the bride promised Pierce of High Society that if he did their wedding, Mae would give him an exclusive interview about her past, but forgot to tell Mae first.
Bless their hearts, her friends would rather lose the money from the wedding than have Mae in a biased tell-all tale. To get around it, Mae finally agreed to do an exclusive for the local news/ investigative reporter, Violet. Violet, wanting to get national attention to herself, will shop the national rag sheets to see who will buy the article since so many people heard about the scam.
Mae and her friends can’t catch a break from murder and mayhem. Tommy Moon and his attorney are in several disagreements with the groom and his family and Gert, the owner of The Trails Coffee Shop. Gert finally tells Mae where she knew Tommy from – and how he stole “the recipe” that was her special mixture for the coffee shop they worked in during college. The Recipe is now Moonbucks’ Original Blend, making Tommy beyond wealthy and famous. Shay publicly gives her half of stock ownership in the coffee empire to her fiancé, Lewis, during their rehearsal dinner at the local Chicken Fest. Then the other shoe falls, and one of the bridal party members is found stabbed to death.
I enjoyed learning more about Mae and Gert and spending time with these wonderfully fun ladies again, even the grumpy Dottie. The mystery is fresh and unique with plot twists that move the story along in different directions. It is fast-paced and while I came up with several solutions, none of them were the real one. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who enjoy fun, challenging cozy mysteries with lots of Southern sass and ‘tude!
From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
Mae realizes, too late, that she knows the family from her days of being married to Paul West, the guy who robbed his friends in New York of millions in an elaborate Ponzi scheme. This bridal party might not be as fun as she had hoped, but determined to make the best of it, Mae took them around town to introduce them to the folks at The Barn, the unique and glamorous wedding venue at the historic Old Train Station Motel. Mae learns the bride promised Pierce of High Society that if he did their wedding, Mae would give him an exclusive interview about her past, but forgot to tell Mae first.
Bless their hearts, her friends would rather lose the money from the wedding than have Mae in a biased tell-all tale. To get around it, Mae finally agreed to do an exclusive for the local news/ investigative reporter, Violet. Violet, wanting to get national attention to herself, will shop the national rag sheets to see who will buy the article since so many people heard about the scam.
Mae and her friends can’t catch a break from murder and mayhem. Tommy Moon and his attorney are in several disagreements with the groom and his family and Gert, the owner of The Trails Coffee Shop. Gert finally tells Mae where she knew Tommy from – and how he stole “the recipe” that was her special mixture for the coffee shop they worked in during college. The Recipe is now Moonbucks’ Original Blend, making Tommy beyond wealthy and famous. Shay publicly gives her half of stock ownership in the coffee empire to her fiancé, Lewis, during their rehearsal dinner at the local Chicken Fest. Then the other shoe falls, and one of the bridal party members is found stabbed to death.
I enjoyed learning more about Mae and Gert and spending time with these wonderfully fun ladies again, even the grumpy Dottie. The mystery is fresh and unique with plot twists that move the story along in different directions. It is fast-paced and while I came up with several solutions, none of them were the real one. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who enjoy fun, challenging cozy mysteries with lots of Southern sass and ‘tude!
From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel and this is my honest review.
September 27, 2019
Valleys, Vehicles and Victims
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #9
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!
The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won't see anywhere else. That's why it's such a popular destination for weddings!
When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She's all things girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for.
Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she's been desperately trying to escape...especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn't any couple, it's the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company.
Determined to get the happy couple married off and on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators.
The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there's no way she's going to help out with Tom Moon's daughter's wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend.
A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. There might not be a happily ever after for the bride to be or Gert Hobson if Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies don't solve the murder before the wedding party's RV rolls out of town. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions drew me into the story right from the very beginning.
The author is also very talented in developing her characters. The Laundry Club ladies are a force to be reckoned with. They are strong southern women who know how to handle themselves in any situation. You really do not want to get on their bad side because they will cut you down to size really quick.
The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the book. I was not sure who the culprit was until the reveal, which is fine with me. I had a few people in mind as the culprit but I was wrong (and that is okay).
I would recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery, especially if you like Southern charm in your cozy.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #9
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!
The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won't see anywhere else. That's why it's such a popular destination for weddings!
When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She's all things girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for.
Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she's been desperately trying to escape...especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn't any couple, it's the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company.
Determined to get the happy couple married off and on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators.
The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there's no way she's going to help out with Tom Moon's daughter's wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend.
A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. There might not be a happily ever after for the bride to be or Gert Hobson if Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies don't solve the murder before the wedding party's RV rolls out of town. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions drew me into the story right from the very beginning.
The author is also very talented in developing her characters. The Laundry Club ladies are a force to be reckoned with. They are strong southern women who know how to handle themselves in any situation. You really do not want to get on their bad side because they will cut you down to size really quick.
The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the book. I was not sure who the culprit was until the reveal, which is fine with me. I had a few people in mind as the culprit but I was wrong (and that is okay).
I would recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery, especially if you like Southern charm in your cozy.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
September 27, 2019
I really enjoy the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, and VALLEYS, VEHICLES, AND VICTIMS is a fun adventure with campground owner Mae and the residents of picturesque Normal, Kentucky.
Mae gets a blast from her past when a bridal party comes to town, and she realizes that she knows the family from her former high society life through her deceased ex-husband Paul. She has no idea that the bride Shay Moon’s bargained an exclusive interview with Mae to get a society magazine to come cover the wedding. A secret comes to light that could threaten the family’s coffee empire, and when the father of the bride is found stabbed to death in the groom’s motel room, Mae feels she must solve the case to help her friend Gert, the local coffee shop owner.
I had a hard time getting into VALLEYS, VEHICLES, AND VICTIMS, perhaps because the murder does not take place until more than halfway through the tale or because all of the characters associated with the wedding are terribly unlikable. I cannot stand the entitled attitude of the bride and her father. I also missed the Laundry Club members’ contributions; they seem mostly absent here. The mystery itself is entertaining though, and I did not figure out whodunit right away.
I continue to be a fan of Mae and recommend VALLEYS, VEHICLES, AND VICTIMS to readers of the series and those looking for a light, funny cozy mystery.
I received an ARC of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
Mae gets a blast from her past when a bridal party comes to town, and she realizes that she knows the family from her former high society life through her deceased ex-husband Paul. She has no idea that the bride Shay Moon’s bargained an exclusive interview with Mae to get a society magazine to come cover the wedding. A secret comes to light that could threaten the family’s coffee empire, and when the father of the bride is found stabbed to death in the groom’s motel room, Mae feels she must solve the case to help her friend Gert, the local coffee shop owner.
I had a hard time getting into VALLEYS, VEHICLES, AND VICTIMS, perhaps because the murder does not take place until more than halfway through the tale or because all of the characters associated with the wedding are terribly unlikable. I cannot stand the entitled attitude of the bride and her father. I also missed the Laundry Club members’ contributions; they seem mostly absent here. The mystery itself is entertaining though, and I did not figure out whodunit right away.
I continue to be a fan of Mae and recommend VALLEYS, VEHICLES, AND VICTIMS to readers of the series and those looking for a light, funny cozy mystery.
I received an ARC of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
September 26, 2019
Valleys, Vehicles, & Victims OH MY!!!!! This is Book 9 in the Camper & Criminal Cozy Series!
I absolutely loved this book. We are back in Normal Kentucky. I was so thrilled to learn more about Mae. I loved a Bridal Party showing up at Happy Trails campground.
The characters in this series are so real y'all. I really want to live there, except for all the murders, ha! The mystery was so great and I loved little flashbacks of earlier adventures.
This could totally be read as a stand alone thanks to the author and her ability to intertwine key elements from previous stories. I do think you will have a better time if you read them all though because they are fantastic.
Take a visit to Normal Kentucky, where everyone is family. I do love how the community rallies up to help Mae. Such a well written story with twists as great as the characters!
I absolutely loved this book. We are back in Normal Kentucky. I was so thrilled to learn more about Mae. I loved a Bridal Party showing up at Happy Trails campground.
The characters in this series are so real y'all. I really want to live there, except for all the murders, ha! The mystery was so great and I loved little flashbacks of earlier adventures.
This could totally be read as a stand alone thanks to the author and her ability to intertwine key elements from previous stories. I do think you will have a better time if you read them all though because they are fantastic.
Take a visit to Normal Kentucky, where everyone is family. I do love how the community rallies up to help Mae. Such a well written story with twists as great as the characters!
June 20, 2023
After being emotionally battered by my last audio listen, it was time for a little mind candy. Yes, there's a murder, but these are the coziest of cozy mysteries with lots of characters to follow & quaint Southern customs to keep up with in Normal, Kentucky. Mae West's past comes back in the form of a wedding party full of society types who are staying at Happy Trails Campground. Mae's life gets increasingly complicated as she realizes their real reason for coming to Normal, then becomes embroiled in their coffee company intrigues. When she finds the body of the coffee king, she's on the case, even though her detective boyfriend objects. Again.
September 19, 2019
Kindle Copy for Review
When a bridal party shows up at the campground Mae is thrilled until she realizes she knows the bride parents from her past. A past she wishes to move forward from as she and the laundry crew offers their help as wedding planners.
Things quickly go astray as bad history over a coffee blend stolen and soon a dead wedding party body is found. Nothing ever goes normal in Normal, KY. There are always hijinks and dead bodies to be found.
When a bridal party shows up at the campground Mae is thrilled until she realizes she knows the bride parents from her past. A past she wishes to move forward from as she and the laundry crew offers their help as wedding planners.
Things quickly go astray as bad history over a coffee blend stolen and soon a dead wedding party body is found. Nothing ever goes normal in Normal, KY. There are always hijinks and dead bodies to be found.
April 3, 2021
Would give 5stars if...
Almost everything was great about this book EXCEPT for the sloppy proof reading and continuity. The errors were glaring and distracting. Stop relying on computers and hire a human .
Almost everything was great about this book EXCEPT for the sloppy proof reading and continuity. The errors were glaring and distracting. Stop relying on computers and hire a human .
July 24, 2022
Missed opportunity to provide coffee recipes at the end. It would have been nice to have the recipes at the end of each entry in the series, but it only seems to happen occasionally (roughly every 3 or so books).
August 3, 2022
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook
December 1, 2023
I forgot how terrible the audiobook narrator is and the how poorly these books are written
March 18, 2024
This was book 9 in the
"Camper & Criminals"
series. The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won't see anywhere else. That's why it's such a popular destination for weddings! When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She's all things girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for. Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she's been desperately trying to escape...especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn't any couple, it's the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company. Determined to get the happy couple married off and, on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators. The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there's no way she's going to help out with Tom Moon's daughter's wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend. A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. The bride to be, Shay is a snobby rich girl that has her daddy wrapped around her finger I didn't like her. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies start investigating and Hank is not happy about it. This was a really good addiction to this series. I also liked that we learn more about Mae's history. This book was well written with no error in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
July 13, 2022
Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes is another fun adventure with Mae West and the Laundry Club gals.
Did Gert kill Tom Moon out of revenge?
Mae West and the Laundry Club gals are on the case again when a friend of theirs is the police's main suspect in the killing of a wealthy businessman. The girls didn't think Gert did it since they know that their friend would never commit a crime like that. The evidence that the police were finding was hurting the chances of Gert being found innocent. Mae, though, is undeterred and wants to figure it out. She is still our main character, and this one is as good as the others.
The Mystery
The mystery is about Tom Moon being found with a knife in his back in his soon-to-be son-in-law's motel room. Everyone knows that Gert didn't like Tom, especially since she publicly confronted Tom about stealing her recipe. That doesn't help Gert at all. There is also the whole thing of Tom being found in her daughter's fiancee's room when anyone could see that Lewis, the soon-to-be son-in-law, and his dad were coming up with an idea to steal Tom's company. Then, Amy, the woman that kept Tom organized, had motive as well if she was fired. But would she do that?
A lot of motives are popping up. There was not enough time to figure it out as everyone there for the wedding was going back to New York soon to take care of business.
Four Stars
Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes is an exciting tale that started when Gert was in college, working at a coffee shop. Now, will she get what she is rightfully owed, or will it still be kept from her? Guess it will all depend on if the Laundry Club gals can figure it out.
I am giving Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes four stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a good cozy mystery.
Other Books in the Series
Did Gert kill Tom Moon out of revenge?
Mae West and the Laundry Club gals are on the case again when a friend of theirs is the police's main suspect in the killing of a wealthy businessman. The girls didn't think Gert did it since they know that their friend would never commit a crime like that. The evidence that the police were finding was hurting the chances of Gert being found innocent. Mae, though, is undeterred and wants to figure it out. She is still our main character, and this one is as good as the others.
The Mystery The mystery is about Tom Moon being found with a knife in his back in his soon-to-be son-in-law's motel room. Everyone knows that Gert didn't like Tom, especially since she publicly confronted Tom about stealing her recipe. That doesn't help Gert at all. There is also the whole thing of Tom being found in her daughter's fiancee's room when anyone could see that Lewis, the soon-to-be son-in-law, and his dad were coming up with an idea to steal Tom's company. Then, Amy, the woman that kept Tom organized, had motive as well if she was fired. But would she do that?
A lot of motives are popping up. There was not enough time to figure it out as everyone there for the wedding was going back to New York soon to take care of business.
Four Stars
Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes is an exciting tale that started when Gert was in college, working at a coffee shop. Now, will she get what she is rightfully owed, or will it still be kept from her? Guess it will all depend on if the Laundry Club gals can figure it out.
I am giving Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes four stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a good cozy mystery.
Other Books in the Series
You can find my reviews of the other books by clicking their titles under "Also in this series" beside the Valleys, Vehicles and Victims cover above.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove
September 20, 2021
I enjoyed this ninth in the series as I have the whole series so far. A wedding has come to town with a lot of tension between families plus a heated argument between Mae's friend and the father of the bride.
Things keep moving in this story, you don't know who to believe but it all ties up nicely. I enjoyed revisiting Mae and her friends, I love these characters and the setting of Normal itself, I place that I would love to visit.
I will continue on with this series. There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes in the back and also some helpful camping tips.
Things keep moving in this story, you don't know who to believe but it all ties up nicely. I enjoyed revisiting Mae and her friends, I love these characters and the setting of Normal itself, I place that I would love to visit.
I will continue on with this series. There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes in the back and also some helpful camping tips.
May 11, 2021
This books are perfect "palate cleanser" when I need a quick break from my regular reads. I love going back to Normal, Kentucky where the bodies drop, and Mae West is always in the middle of everything. This one was no different. I had so much fun with a crazy bridal party on the camp grounds. As always it was cute, funny and a bit crazy. Ladies from the Laundry Club are always making me feel good.
September 12, 2020
The mystery is good...
The mystery is solid and crafty; the characters, while mostly likeable, are becoming either banal or obnoxious (does Dottie possess an expression beyond snarling?), and the repetitive descriptions are getting old. And please may we address the desperate need for competent editing?! This author is better than this.
The mystery is solid and crafty; the characters, while mostly likeable, are becoming either banal or obnoxious (does Dottie possess an expression beyond snarling?), and the repetitive descriptions are getting old. And please may we address the desperate need for competent editing?! This author is better than this.
March 5, 2024
This is the ninth book in the Camper & Criminals series and what a hoot this book was! Happy Trails Campground is book by a wedding party from high society New York, one of the families Mae West knew from her past. When the coffee mogul comes up dead, the Laundry Club is on the case. I really enjoy this series and can't recommend it enough.
May 7, 2020
When Gert is under suspicion of having killed Tom Moon, it comes out that Moonbucks' famous blend was actually Gert's recipe that Tom had stolen years ago. That's enough for the local police, but Mae is determined to prove her friend had nothing to do with it.
An enjoyable, entertaining story with really engaging, fun characters. Lots of plot twists that kept me guessing right to the last few pages. I recommend!
An enjoyable, entertaining story with really engaging, fun characters. Lots of plot twists that kept me guessing right to the last few pages. I recommend!
July 1, 2021
This is a great series and easy read.
September 12, 2023
3.5 stars ⭐️
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