Outdoors, Oars, & Oath

Camper & Criminals #18

by Tonya Kappes

I haven’t seen Stanley Shelton since the flamingo keychain with the campervan key dangled from his fingertips as he ripped the Maserati keys out of my grip after my ex-now-dead husband left me broke and penniless, until now.

Stanley claims the Diamond Swamp Mob is after him and he needs my help. Something about my past, but I didn’t take him too seriously until someone was murdered in Stanley’s rented room at the Milkery. The person just so happened to have a tattoo I’ve seen before.

One problem, the tattoo is a brand from a mob in New York City.

Sheriff Hank Sharp has hauled Stanley down to the Normal sheriff’s department for the murder, leaving it up to me and the Laundry Club Ladies to clear Stanley’s name. Looks like I’m driving my campervan back to New York City and make it a girls trip.

I sure hope I can get to the mob boss before he sends anyone else to Happy Trails Campground to finish the job and get revenge on who actually killed the mobster.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy, Mystery Thriller, Humor

178 pages, Paperback

Published June 22, 2021

About the author

Beloved 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,
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Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this fabulous, fast-paced Campers and Criminals mystery filled with Southern charm and Dottie’s witticisms. There is always something new to learn about Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies, and Mae’s past again crashes into her present. For a woman who spent much of her life running from her emotions, she’s had to deal with way too much in recent months, setting her on a collision course to do things she might not normally do since moving to Normal, Kentucky. She is far happier being a Southerner again than she ever was being a Manhattan socialite, but at times the emotions get the better of her and life gets confusing.

Happy Trails campground is hopping with activity and happy campers. Very early one morning, Dottie, resident mama bear, goes to tell Mae someone has broken into the storage facility again. Mae grabbed an oar and sent Dottie to get Hank, her boyfriend and the interim sheriff. Mae went to the storage area and smacked the guy riffling through her storage room. Too late, she found out it was Stanley, the attorney of her ex-now-dead husband Paul.

Stanley wants to know where his diamond is. His diamond? He had her personal items shipped to her a couple years ago. She recently found a huge diamond in one of the boxes and assumed it was the one Paul had bought her in Europe a few years earlier. She found a very worthy home for it and didn’t want to ask for it back.

Stanley found a dead woman in his room at the B & B. A dead woman with a tattoo identifying her as a diamond hawker for the Diamond Swamp Mob for whom he does legal work. Stanley is terrified of returning to NYC without the diamond since he owes them big money. Mae makes the really outrageous decision to go to NYC herself, meet this mob boss, and find out the truth about the diamond and why they are killing people in Normal.

Mae is acting out of character by putting herself in this much danger. The past few months she’s dealt with challenges with Hank and again facing the murder of her family many years earlier. She’s been slapped upside the head with so much reality that I have to give her a break. Thankfully, the Laundry Club Ladies join her on the trip to New York City. We get a stunning glimpse of her former lifestyle, so vastly different from life at Happy Trails. The more immersed she is in the past, the more her old defenses come front and center. I really enjoyed watching Dottie meet one of Mae’s old friends and how thrilled the Ladies are to see NYC. You’ll have to see Mae’s meeting the mob for yourself!

I was so glad to have read this episode of Mae’s life! There are several twists that almost point to various suspects. While I didn’t know what the motive was, I did guess whodunit shortly after being introduced. The rest of the novel was still intriguing. The end was satisfactory with all loose ends tied up except for ongoing issues with Hank. I highly recommend this to fans of the author, the series, and all who enjoy camping in the wild or from the armchair!

From a thankful heart: I received an e-ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars, bumped up to 4

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Outdoors, Oars & Oath” the 18th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies.

Wow Tonya has surprised me again! As always I know if I want to have some laughs, solve a murder and escape for awhile picking up one of Tonya Kappes books is just what the doctor ordered.

I found myself engrossed in the mystery and worrying about people’s relationships as if they were my own. I enjoyed taking a road trip to New York with the Laundry Club Ladies, and having a glimpse into Maes life after Perrysburg.

I did wonder about the bad guy and was correct but it did not take away from the story. But that ending I was like WHAT not again... I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 19 which can’t come fast enough for me as I want to know what’s in store for Mae next!

If your looking for a fun, southern mystery then this is your book! I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths by Tonya Kappes is the 18th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series because the author provides the background on the main character. Mae West thought she was being kind when she gave Bobby Rae the diamond for Abby’s engagement ring. Her husband’s attorney, Stanley Shelton shows up in the middle of the night claiming the diamond belonged to him. If the diamond is not returned to the Diamond Swamp Mob, Stanley could be killed. Before Mae can begin to look into the case, a woman is found dead in Stanley’s room at the Milkery with a Diamond Swamp Mob tattoo on her hand. Mae along with the other Laundry Club Ladies head to New York to make things right. Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths is a lighthearted cozy mystery. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies plus Alicia get to travel in Mae’s trailer to New York. All our favorite characters are back for some fun. The whodunit is light with an obvious solution. I would have liked a little more complexity to the mystery and more time devoted to the murder portion. Mae and Hank are still tiptoeing around the issue of children. I am curious to see what happens next with Sheriff Sharp and Mae. Dottie was a delight in this one. She has some great lines, and her New York apparel is certainly unique. There are camper tips at the end of the book. We are left with a cliffhanger and will have to wait for Wildlife, Warrants, and Weapons to find out what happens next. Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths is a fun-loving tale with a dangerous diamond, a lethal letter opener, bedazzled apparel, a lily-livered lawyer, fervent friends, and relationship troubles.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae gets a visitor from the past. Stanley Shelton comes to Normal but not to catch up on what has happened in Mae's life since he handed her the key to her camper and a very old brochure of Happy Trails Campground. Stanley is caught going through Mae's storage trying to find something he claims he hid among Mae's things when she left New York. Mae didn't really think Stanley was serious about being in trouble until someone turns up dead in Stanley's room at the Milkery.

I love this series. The books keep me laughing and helps me to relax and escape my day. The Laundry Club Ladies especially Dottie are full of personality and southern charm. Although most of the ladies don't help a lot with this murder mystery because they are taken in by all that New York has to offer. Dottie stays right by Mae's side. If I had to find something to critique...Mae keeps more secrets from Hank again even thoughHank will not ask her to stop but only be careful. I know this is a common thing in cozy mysteries to have the protagonist put oneself in harm's way. but this time Mae seemed just careless with her life and her friends. Having said that I still loved the book and the mystery was well-plotted with several twists and turns. I recommend this book to fans of the series and as well as cozy mystery lovers.


All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.

[luckykarmatx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was yet another cute installment in this fun to read, cozy mystery series. The characters are quirky and a little goofy, making this series feel like a hug from an old friend. It would make a nice gift for folks who enjoy listening to audiobooks and enjoy light cozies.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. The laundry club is on the case.

[Cassie | Lost In Tomes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosy little mystery perfect for fans of Nancy Drew.

[Linda · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy these. They are a quick read and this one was fun just to see the laundry club ladies in NYC. I’m not sure if I like where Mae and Hank’s relationship is heading but as always looking forward to seeing what happens next.

[Victoria Koehl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The plot is getting better!

[Regina the Constant Reader · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another solid mystery with Mae and the gang. I loved that they took a trip to NYC and laughed at the reactions they had to New Yorkers. The whole Hank thing from the last book wasn’t really expanded on and it’s still kind of dragging on; I am hoping it will be concluded in the next one.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m giving this story 4 out of 5 stars.

I’m giving the MC character Mae West 1 out of 5 stars.

When Mae’s former, now deceased husband’s attorney comes looking for a loose diamond that he hid among her belongings to pay of his debt to a New York diamond mob.

Mae sets out to find the truth as to whether or not the diamond was actually hers as she gave it to her foster brother for an engagement ring for one of her friends and co-investigators in the many crimes that happen around Normal, Kentucky.

In the process, Mae decides to go meet a New York Mob who has possibly already killed at least one person in Normal to personally deliver the diamond.

Pro’s:

Tonya Kappes does a really great job at bringing out human traits in her characters.

It’s a well written story with defined characters and a few surprises.

Con’s:

I’ve always been against a supposedly intelligent character's own stupidity.

If you put yourself in danger, you shouldn’t have the expectation that the hero/boyfriend will be able to rescue you, or be able to send in the calvary, even if you're in a city 10 hours away.

And going to meet a mob boss under any circumstances is dangerous.

On top of the too stupid to live moment, I’ve lost any respect for the character of Maybelline West that I had.

She’s turning into a manipulative, selfish witch with a “B” that has no problem hiding things and telling lies to get what she wants, whether by omission, spinning the story to put herself in the best light, or by refusing to answer a straight question from the person she “claims” she is in love with.

But, nobody! Especially Sheriff Hank Sharp is going to tell her what she can or can’t do. She’s going to do it anyway.

Just one prime example: Mae agreed with Hank to let former sheriff Jerry Truman ride to New York with the Laundry Club Ladies to ease Hank's concerns by knowing someone would be with them to provide extra security. This of course was a lie, as Mae made sure they were leaving BEFORE the time that Jerry was supposed to get there.

Don’t get me wrong on purpose.

She’s all for compromise and changing of attitudes, as long as it’s Hank that’s doing the compromising and changing.

And then she gets upset when things don’t' work out the way she planned.

I lived with a woman like that for years, and I can tell you it’s pure poison to a relationship. And that relationship will NOT survive in the long run, because eventually, Hank will realize all the compromises, and changes being made, are on his part only. And there is no room for change on Mae’s part.

If Hank is smart, He’ll run for the hills and not look back as far as a relationship with her goes.

He deserves better as there will never be an equal partnership in that relationship.

From this point forward, Hank will always have that lingering doubt as to whether she can be trusted or not.

That’s a doubt that will never go away.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mae is … not very likable lately. She’s being very manipulative, deceitful, full of herself, lately and honestly I find myself wishing Hank would wash his hands of her and move on.

[Mr Francy Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

GOOD IMPROVEMENT ON THE LAST ONE.

PREMISE: I haven’t seen Stanley Shelton since the flamingo keychain with the campervan key dangled from his fingertips as he ripped the Maserati keys out of my grip after my ex-now-dead husband left me broke and penniless, until now. Stanley claims the Diamond Swamp Mob is after him and he needs my help. Something about my past, but I didn’t take him too seriously until someone was murdered in Stanley’s rented room at the Milkery. The person just so happened to have a tattoo I’ve seen before. One problem, the tattoo is a brand from a mob in New York City.

THOUGHTS: So this book was much better for me than book 17. I actually enjoyed the set-up and the connection to Mae's past. I found the plot intriguing also and still love Dotti Swagard to this day! There were a few minor complaints though. I don't like that the adopted sister is still here, is she going to be here for the rest of the series? Also the reveals are still to short. I wish Kappes would devote more time to unpacking the reveal at the end. Oh and a cliff hanger from book 17 was resloved with a quick "I thought it was this, turns out it was this moving on' type plot conveneince which annoyed me. That said though, all in all a far improvement on book 17.

4 Stars!
xoxo.

[Sharni · Rating 3 out of 5]

In which Mae makes a bad choice, sticks with it, doubles down on it and ignores all criticisms in the pursuit of solving the mystery by confronting a mob boss about it. Common sense and self preservation? Haven’t seen them.

I had a year away from Normal, Kentucky mostly because my library didn’t have this available on audio but now they do, so here I am! For a change, I was grateful for the recapping that Mae does, oh so regularly, because some of the details had absolutely escaped me! I needed the reminder (not about Fifi tho - I will never forget her pedigree)

I did really enjoy this EXCEPT for when it became obvious that it was going to end in a “to be continued” - I love getting to know a bit more about Mae before she came to Normal and I was glad that she managed to actually have a serious (if interrupted) conversation with Hank about her feeling on having kids in the future (and he explained his side too - and valid points all around) but I don’t know, I hope they get it together (or at least move on to another plot line - because are they even really serious enough to be having the kids talk?) onwards to finding out what the Laundry Club makes of finding the bag of diamonds Mae stashed in her coffee grounds for safekeeping…

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outdoors, Oars & Oaths
Camper & Criminals
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars


Synopsis:

I haven’t seen Stanley Shelton since the flamingo keychain with the campervan key dangled from his fingertips as he ripped the Maserati keys out of my grip after my ex-now-dead husband left me broke and penniless, until now.

Stanley claims the Diamond Swamp Mob is after him and he needs my help. Something about my past, but I didn’t take him too seriously until someone was murdered in Stanley’s rented room at the Milkery. The person just so happened to have a tattoo I’ve seen before.
One problem, the tattoo is a brand from a mob in New York City.

Sheriff Hank Sharp has hauled Stanley down to the Normal sheriff’s department for the murder, leaving it up to me and the Laundry Club Ladies to clear Stanley’s name. Looks like I’m driving my campervan back to New York City and make it a girls trip.

I sure hope I can get to the mob boss before he sends anyone else to Happy Trails Campground to finish the job and get revenge on who actually killed the mobster.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal! (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well developed and well rounded. It seemed to me that the Laundry Club Ladies did not have as big a role in this book. They all end up taking a trip to New York City and the majority of them just shopped. Except Dottie, she stayed by Mae’s side through it all. And was very funny with some of the things she said and did.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and I was drawn into this book because of these descriptions. The writing style flowed smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted but I did have the culprit picked out very early on. But that did not really detract from my enjoyment.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am sure that Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies will have another mystery to solve.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Anastasia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Outdoors, Oars & Oaths by Tonya Kappes is the 18th book in the Camper & Criminals Mystery series. Mae West comes across her husband's lawyer, Stanley Shelton, rifling through her storage locker for a ring he claims belongs to him but Mae had assumed was hers. When a woman is later found murdered in his room, Mae and her team of laundry club ladies take a trip to New York to investigate further. An interesting mystery, but I don't think things were wrapped up adequately leaving a few unanswered questions and the ending felt a bit rushed. Some fun moments and a quick read. Camping tips and recipes are included at the end.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Are diamonds a girls best friend or could they get you killed?

Diamonds are considered a girls best friend but in this book the bring a diamond mob hawk to Normal along with Mae's ex now dead husband's lawyer. Who gets killed and who almost dies is for you to find out when you read the book. I'm sure you will enjoy it .

[Mona J. (MyameeGirl) · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐️(rounded up to 4⭐️)
This one was just okay for me.
Can't really say what I didn't like without any spoilers, but I'll just say that Dottie stole the show and she had me laughing! More than "Normal" LOL

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

The gang is off to New York to investigate.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae and the Laundry ladies load up to try to find out committed the most recent murder so that they can clear Stanley's name. They go on a girl's trip to New York to see if the mob is involved or if it is something else. The Happy Trails Campground sounds like an interesting place to stay as long as the mobsters stay away. I can't even imagine what a trip with Mae and the Ladies would be like.

[Alexandria · Rating 4 out of 5]

After years of living in Normal, Mae's New York past is coming back. Her husband's lawyer shows up unexpectedly. Shortly after he arrives, a dead body is found. The Laundry Club Ladies are on the case. This case requires a road trip. They pack up Mae's RV and head to the big city. New York is not ready for the Laundry Club Ladies.

I am still enjoying this series.

[Miki · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this story it was fast paced and it was simply just perfect for this investigation. Mae is discovering that the diamond she gifted was perhaps not hers when her dead husband's lawyer appears and murders start again in Normal.... to protect all her loved ones she must find the truth and settle things which means revisiting her past..... we do learn more about her life after she left home at 118y we had ideas yes now we glimpse her life and meet people she knew then which was really interesting. Of course she is not alone in her adventures as the laundry club is with her. However, more is even happening in Mae's life as she is thinking about her relationship with Hank....murder, love's questyion and big apple Mae's is in for a big ride trying to stay safe while doing so.

i did guess who the murderer was not why....so i did enjoy the book a lot but man the cliffhanger is so promising next book can't arrive fast enough this time

so perfect cozy mystery fitting the season.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another person from Mae’s past shows up in Normal – and he brings trouble with him. I’m not sure diamonds are a girl’s best friend in this one. Mae ends up in some hot water over a particular diamond. More memories from the past and more secrets are spilled in this story. Unfortunately, Mae and Hank seem to be on the rocks and I’m not sure where their relationship is heading.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another exciting installment in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! After the ending in the previous book, I held my breath, waiting for this newest. I was relieved to know that what I thought happened in the previously, didn’t.

When Mae’s storage unit was broken into previously, there were no suspects, and no answers, thinking it was just someone traveling through. As the story opens, Dottie wakes Mae up in the early morning to let her know there was someone in the storage unit, and it wasn’t a critter. As Mae gets to the unit, she does see someone and hits them with the oar she brought with her. Ah ha! They’ve caught the culprit that has been going through her things. Once Mae turns on the light, the last person she expected to find was Stanley! Her lawyer from NYC, and her previous life with her now dead, ex-husband, Paul. This does not bode well for Stanley or Mae. Stanley is here to get the diamond he stashed in her belongings, which means. Mae has to get it from Bobby Rae’s fiancé, Abby. One thing always leads to another with Mae. Suddenly there’s a dead body in Stanley’s room at the Milkery B & B, owned by her mother, Mary Elizabeth, and her friend, Dawn Gentry. Another attempted murder is made on the local jeweler who set the diamond for Bobby Rae. When Mae finds her friend, Dawn Gentry, at the jeweler’s, Mae knows Dawn has now became a prime suspect in both incidents. In order to prove Stanley and Dawn are innocent, Mae and her Laundry Club Ladies take on the case, taking them to New York and the search for The Diamond Swamp Mob.

Once again, we see a glimpse into Mae’s past and her time in NYC. With the Laundry Club Ladies in tow, they are all excited to be there, although Mae has mixed feelings. Dottie does not disappoint with her NYC adventure. I have found myself invested in their lives from the beginning of this series, and when something happens, I can’t help but care about what’s going on. This is a great cozy series that always makes me laugh, and this time brought a few tears. Mae is learning to come to terms with her feelings, and what is important to her. I can’t get enough Dottie, and the Laundry Club Ladies continue warm my heart. As usual, I am looking forward to the next installment. There is always something going on at Happy Trails Campground. I received an advanced copy from the author, and voluntarily leaving my review.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Mae has a person she knows show up. They are looking for something she supposedly has. People end up dead. Now her and her friends are trying to figure out who is behind it. Thankfully it gets solved and all is well for now.

[Kathleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like this series but this story left a lot to be desired. I knew who the killer was when the character was introduced. I just didn’t know why. I find that one diamond to lead to two deaths a little over the top.

The story was interesting but the Laundry Room ladies all going to NYC was not germane to the story as most had very little to do except shop while in big city.
It does provide a drop of point for Alicia Becker. We will probably see her in later stories.

Mae was not our usual Mae. She took unnecessary chances and was distracted.
I did like that Hank and Mae had a heart to heart and put their cards on the table.
We’ll just have to see what the future brings.

This story centers on the diamond Mae gave to Bobby Ray for Abby’s engagement ring.
Mae’s attorney Stanley Shelton is looking for the diamond he stashed in the items he sent to her when the ponzi schemed husband was indicted and Mae lost everything she had at the time. Little did she realize how much she would gain from that experience.

I didn’t trust Stanley from the beginning and still don’t believe he took care of Mae. I believe he took advantage of her.

We’ll have to see where the story goes, but I can’t say I’m a fan of its new direction nor the new on take of Dotty misusing and mispronouncing words to be southern. This was not her common practice in the previous books.

I did find it entertaining but very predictable.

We are left with a surprise that will carry into the next book or the one after it.

I was given an advanced copy and am not required to leave a positive review.

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Welcome to Normal , where there are eyes in the woods and gossip spreads faster than poison ivy.

The previous book left us in a major cliffhanger, but we find out that things were not truly as they seemed and we were allowed to breathe.....but not for long because Mae's storage unit has been broken into again, and this time she has caught the invader! It's her old attorney looking for a diamond he stashed there. A diamond that Mae gave to her brother to use for and engagement ring .

It seems there are several people after that diamond and because of it, bodies start to fall. People are being accused and Mae feels the only thing she can do is go on a road trip with the Laundry Ladies to the Big Apple and return the diamond to the Mob Boss looking for it. Can Mae handle going back to the past she ran away from?

The story is fun and humorous, however the whodunit was very predictable and I figured it out almost as soon as I met the character.

Overall I enjoyed the story. I'm not sure I like the direction the author is going with the storyline, but she is the only one who knows which direction it is truly going.

Thank you Tonya Kappas for the advance copy.

[Melissa · Rating 3 out of 5]

So I like these books for what they are light, quick, and fun reads (or in my case listens- I listen on audiobook). But sometimes the detail of the plot gets sloppy, meaning information doesn’t line up. For example Mae takes the dog Fifi for a walk while they are on the road to NYC. However then she says that she was grateful for Hank keeping the dog while she was in the city. Do they just come out so fast that no one checks details. I know it’s not the end of the world, and I will still keep reading them, it just bugs me.