Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice

Camper & Criminals #22

by Tonya Kappes

Let me be the first person to welcome you to Normal, Kentucky located in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Forest. I'm Mae West the owner of Happy Trails Campground.

Fall at the campground is my favorite time of the year. The bursts of orange, yellow, green, and red pop on the falling leaves, creating a colorful path along the trails for all of my guests at my campground is a real life picture that could never be captured by a camera.

Days are warm and at night you need a light sweater to enjoy the campfire or snuggle up in a cozy blanket.
The campground is full and the campers are excited to participate in Normal's annual Pumpkin Carving Carnival.
It's a little spooky seeing the hundreds jack-o-lantern faces all light up with toothless or toothy smiles.
It's the dead body among them that chills me to the bone.

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

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 20, 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:
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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

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

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook

I love this series and this book was the best so far! This one had me laughing so hard. I just love Dottie. She reminds me so much of my 96 year old Aunt Margaret. Highly recommended!!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another satisfying visit to Normal, KY, with Mae and her friends. Mammoth Cave is one of my favorite places so I was glad to see it featured here. I'm also glad everyone is back where they are supposed to be, putting Mae's relationship back on track.

[Linda Galella · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book 22 in the Campers & Criminals series, JACKETS, JACK-O-LANTERNS & JUSTICE can be read as a standalone cozy. There’s a strong fall feeling with a Halloween theme running through it. As an added bonus, there are RV hacks and recipes at the end of the book that lean into fall favorites as well. Thanks, Tonya!

Hank is Mae’s on/off again boyfriend. His sister, Ellis, is in big time trouble, wanted for murder; she claims innocence. Needing help, he returns to Happy Trails, Mae and the Laundry Ladies. Is he duplicitous with his intentions towards Mae? Just looking to get his sister out of a jackpot?

Usually, the books in this series are an easy 4-5 stars. This one was annoying because Ellis was too much. Mae should have left her deep in Mammoth Caves; really, REALLY deep. While she was at it, Hank needs a come to Jesus reckoning. Many will be happy about the turn in their relationship. I want Mae to put on her big girl pants and STAND TALL.

As always, it’s a joy to visit with all the Laundry Ladies. Their antics and dialogue are some of the best actual LOL moments while reading; love these girls! I’m not reading this series in order. I often grab seasonal volumes or special pricing offers. Whatever works for you, this is a quick and enjoyable series with a group of friends and a campground you’ll enjoy immensely and want to visit on the regular📚

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae finally confronts Hank on why he is acting so secretive and why Ranger John Buxley is looking for him. Mae loves Hank, but she can’t harbor a fugitive. Just when Mae is about to tell Hank that she can’t be involved, she hears a voice say “he’s protecting me.” The voice belongs to Mae’s nemesis Hank’s sister, Ellis. Mae hesitantly agrees to help clear Ellis’s name. Now she has to convince the Laundry Club Ladies to help. Can Mae clear Ellis’s from a Murder charge?

OMG! This was a fast wild ride. I love this series! There are all the cozy mystery elements that I love…small town southern charm, quirky lovable characters, a touch of romance, adorable pets, and of course the twists and turns of the mystery. This book does not disappoint. All those elements were there and then some. With Halloween added in the mix this might just be my favorite book yet. Wait until you see the Halloween costumes. As for the mystery, this one had me completely stumped and the culprit took me completely by surprise. I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in the series.

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

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

This latest book in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series is personal for Mae. Hank has returned to Normal, KY looking very different. He wants Mae’s help to clear his sister Ellis who is wanted for questioning in the murder of her boyfriend. Hank is hiding her.

Mae and the Laundry Club ladies reluctantly try to solve the case, each helping in their own way. I enjoyed how they worked together on this one in the Mammoth Cave area. As usual I didn’t figure out who the real culprit was until near the end of the book. Although there were a number of suspects, it’s never the obvious one.

I enjoy the touches of levity from Dottie and the other members of the Laundry Club. One particular scene had me laughing out loud.

I’m looking forward to seeing what happens next for Hank and Mae and the other lead characters.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book.

[Esme · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is October in Normal, Kentucky where the leaves are turning, pine needles are dropping, and the temperatures are cooler. Decorated jack-o-lanterns are appearing at Happy Trails Campground for the pumpkin decorating contest. Mae West, though, is not getting to enjoy her favorite season. She has discovered why Hank has changed his appearance and purchased a new camper. It appears that Hank’s sister, Ellis has gotten herself in a bit of trouble. She is wanted by the police along with Hank. Hank needs Mae’s help to prove Ellis is innocent of the accused crime. Mae with help from the Laundry Club Ladies sets out to uncover the truth. Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, and Justice by Tonya Kappes is the 22nd A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. It contains Tonya Kappes’ engaging writing which makes the story enjoyable to read. The characters are developed and down-to-earth. Mae West has worked hard to turn her life around and make a home in Normal. She has a wonderful group of friends plus her bestie, Fifi. I like the town of Normal with its quirky residents and charming shops. The mystery had Mae and the Laundry Club ladies actively questioning people. There is a couple of suspects in this whodunit with one who stands out more than the others. I enjoyed the vivid descriptions of the cavern with the stalagmites at Mammoth Cave which make you feel like you are there. The author illustrated with words the bats on the ceiling, the rough terrain, and the drips of water. At the end of the book, I was left with unanswered questions. I hope the author clears up things in Mae’s next story. Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, and Justice can be read as a standalone if a reader is new to the series. Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, and Justice is a fun fall tale with a dive to the death, a suspected sister, an obliging brother, a dogged deputy, comical costumes, and jazzy jack-o-lanterns.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was very glad this published so quickly after the last book because I grabbed it on KU the minute it was available. Good thing I'd delayed reading 21 because I'd have gone nuts if I had to wait on this book lol. I think I practically read this in one sitting with my eyes glued to the Kindle, it was that good and the need to know what happened next was all over the place as were the suspects. I don't want to give anything away, but I really like how Tonya's so talented at turning someone formerly unlikable into the opposite. You'll see what I mean when you're finished with this book.

At one point there was a costume party, and Mae and friends costumes were an absolute hoot! I just loved it! I honestly never saw the whodunit coming! I was focused completely on someone else--this author is very good and tricky about that just about every single time, which I enjoy like crazy. At least the ending was calmer this time with no cliff hangers going on. I still can't wait for the next book though, 'cause it's Christmas in Normal. At the end of this, you get to read chapter 1 of the next book.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice” the 22 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.

This instalment doesn't disappoint has a bit of everything, Mammoth Cave, Halloween party, murder and wait till you see their Halloween costumes! As for the mystery, this one had me completely stumped and the culprit took me completely by surprise. The mystery was good, super entertaining and full of twists.

I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 23 as I want to know how Hank and Mae move forward, plus it’s Christmas in Normal KY!

I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher as well as purchased a copy. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Trisha · Rating 2 out of 5]

"I guessed everyone needed a second chance."

Here we are, 22 books after I first met Mae. She'd come to this town and, after her husband (now ex) treated the town terrible, he left a campground to her before he was carted off to jail. Now, she's completely redone the part, given the town a small gathering point and a tourist attraction. She's made friends, brought her family, and really fit right into this town.

I hadn't read between my last one and this one and there was quite a book gap. This one included the hunky love interest - and Mae's second chance with them. I didn't even know our bf had nearby family so it was a surprise when they were introduced.

I just find the conversations and running around doesn't always hold my interest, even for so few pages. It takes me a while to muddle through the drama to get to the mystery. Again, Mae manages to be in a dangerous situation in the end.

I do absolutely love the recipes and the RV Hacks at the end of the story! They were great additions!

[Lucky karma · Rating 3 out of 5]

I truly enjoy revisiting the characters in this series. This particular book didn't have the same charm for me as previous books. Maybe it's just a me thing, but it seems as there were a few risks taken with the writing that just didn't land right. I still love the series and will read through the rest of the books because I just love the series so much.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

As this series goes along I find myself having a love-hate relationship with Mae. In some books I enjoy her and others she makes me want to hurt her. In this one she was okay but in the beginning she made me mad. We find out that Hank's sister is wanted in questioning for a murder. She insists she didn't do it. So they ask her to help them figure out who did it. At first she said no because all of sudden she didn't want to snoop or involve herself for once. Thankfully in the end the truth dies come out and all is well for now.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice is the 22nd book in the Camper & Criminals by Tonya Kappes where Mae confronts Hank about why he bought a different camper and why he grew a beard. Mae cones to find out it all about Ellie Sharp, Hank's sister. Ellie needs Mae's help to find out killed her boyfriend, Walter Adams since Ellie is a person of interest in his killing. Mae gets the help of The Laundry Club Ladies to help. Did Ellie push Walter to his death?

I didn't figure out the murderer until the very end and it was a surprise! I highly recommend each book in this series! Most of the books make you laugh and cry at the same time.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackets, Jack o’ Lantern, & Justice Earns 5/5 Snowy Mochas…Engaging Treat!

Hank Sharp was an FBI agent and park ranger when Mae West first met him and accused her of murder. Later he was the local detective and even served as interim sheriff trying to keep Mae safe and away from investigating the circumstances of the suspicious deaths she encountered. They became an item to the delight of family and friends, unfortunately, Mae and Hank have found themselves at a crossroads in their relationship which resulted in Hank moving cross state to take another ranger job. But, he’s back, without his camper, sporting a beard, and telling Mae he missed her terribly. He started working as a private investigator with his friend and former sheriff Jerry Truman, until trouble arrived in the shape of Ranger John Buxley looking for Hank in connection with the murder of Walter Adams. Mae is furious how this mess may put her, the campground, her friends, and guests in jeopardy, but the truth is more complex and worrisome, and she is very reticent about getting involved, but it’s Hank!

Tonya Kappes’ delightful a treat is just as fresh and engaging, even though, this is the twenty-second book of her Camper & Criminals Cozy mystery. Readers can’t help but be absorbed in a thrilling drama, vivid description, entertaining banter, well-developed characters, and southernisms to love. The timeline is an immediate continuation from the previous book, with family causing a snag that will test Mae’s available patience. Mae rebuilt a supportive adoptive family dynamic since her own parents and sister were killed in a house fire when she was young. Hank’s family, however, was quite dysfunctional putting all their energies into their daughter. But, for Hank, Ellis is family and, risking his career and freedom, he’ll protect his sister from being a scape goat. Many are skeptical of Ellis’s recall of the events, let alone her innocence, and understandably conflicted (me, too) about how much they want to help. But it’s for Hank, so Mae and the Laundry Club ladies hit the road to visit the crime scene, talk to witness, don costumes for a big Halloween party, and try to provide alternative suspects for law enforcement. The investigation was cleverly accomplished with Dottie, Abby, Queenie, and Betts providing the right amount of support as confidants, sounding boards, and extra pairs of eyes and ears, and with shocking revelations, another dead body, and some life-threatening tricks, Kappes’s has penned an excellent page-turning experience.

This series has a unique bonus with Recipes and Camping Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies. Enjoy these easy-to-follow recipes: Magical Pumpkin Cake, Apple and Caramel Bark, and Orange Blueberry Muffins, and Camping Hacks to make life less complicated: (1) uses for styrofoam, (2) decorating with crib sheets, and (3) uses for shower caps.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was almost too good to be true. Hank was back in Normal. He missed Mae and wanted to get back together, but something wasn’t adding up. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies are back on the hunt for a killer in this hardest-to-put down mystery of the series! Sufficient backstory is included so that one can jump right in and enjoy Halloween at Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky. There is a perfect balance of mystery, relationships, investigation, and day-to-day life at Happy Trails.

I love the atmosphere that the author paints for us! I really enjoy the sounds, sights, and smells of Daniel Boone National Forest as Mae experiences them. I especially like how the campground looks at night with Halloween decorations and pumpkins carved by guests.

The head forest ranger where Hank last worked, Mammoth Cave, is looking for him. He is wanted for questioning in the murder of a man. Hank and Mae discussed it, as it puts Mae, her business, employees, and guests at risk if she is harboring someone involved with a murder. Suddenly, Hank’s obnoxious sister, Ellis, joins them. She is the real suspect in the murder of her former lover, Walter, at one of the caves. Hank is also wanted for going on the run with, and hiding, her.

Hank and Ellis want Mae’s help to clear her. Ellis, however, has only ever done things to cause problems for Mae. She tried many times to split Hank and Mae up, and despite their rocky past, Hank won’t let his Ellis get railroaded. Hank and Ellis will leave immediately and be in touch when possible.

Mae will help primarily because looking for clues and putting them together is an addiction, a “strange itch” that she needs to scratch. She and the Laundry Club Ladies have proven how good they are at solving murders many times. Four of the five friends, Mae, Dottie, Abby, and Betts, go on a road trip. It was time to see where the murder took place, attend the funeral, and meet the current and ex-wives. There could have been several people interested in killing Walter. The only witness with any information certainly makes it sound like Ellis did it.

Mae, her friends, and her family are the kind of people I would enjoy knowing! Mae continues to learn and grow through the circumstances she finds herself in, as do the other younger and middle-aged characters. Dottie is one of my favorites. She is at the age where she says what she feels like saying and she can be funny without even trying! Regarding another woman in the story, Dottie says, “I wouldn’t trust (her) if her tongue come notarized.” That’s the kind of laugh I need! It’s almost like comfort food to know that “Dottie was just Dottie, and there was no changing her.”

This was a hard mystery to solve, even if one painstakingly follows everything that looks like a clue! I didn’t get whodunit until just before Mae did. I was stunned at the turn of events that we close with this time! For anyone who needs an armchair camping trip, enjoys being involved in the mystery, Southern humor, and good friends, you can’t go wrong with this mystery or series! I highly recommend this; the series just keeps getting better!

From a thankful heart: I received an advance reader copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Halloween time in Normal, Kentucky. The campground is all decked out in spooky decorations. Mae has organized a pumpkin carving contest for all the guests in her campground. In the middle of the festivities, Mae finally confronts Hank about his abrupt return to Happy Trails, his new appearance, and the change in campers. He's trying to stay under the radar while unofficially working on a case. The case involves his sister, Ellis. Mae reluctantly agrees to help, all in the name of helping Hank out, even if it means avoiding an out-of-town Ranger intent on finding Hank.

The author introduced potential suspects, providing the reader with means, motive, and opportunities for each. Some of the suspects were much stronger than others and it took some deep thinking to get to the bottom of the murder. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive. As Mae unraveled the murder, shocking events are revealed, suspects are added and removed from the list, and danger abounds.

As with the rest of the books in the series, the mystery isn't the only thing going on in Normal, Kentucky. Tonya Kappes did a terrific job of weaving everything together between Hank's return, the murder, and the side stories. The characters are wonderfully crafted, realistically written, and I feel like I'm coming home to Normal with every book in the series I read.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice is another exciting installment in Kappes' camper and criminals mystery series. I always look forward to each book in this series, and this latest installment definitely didn't disappoint. When Hank's sister is accused of murder and Hank goes on the run to help her, Mae finds herself needing to solve this latest mystery as soon as possible. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies quickly find themselves trying to solve the murder before Hank pays the price for Ellis's mistake.

Kappes does a great job at setting up a compelling mystery while giving Mae a good reason to help Ellis, who has never been her biggest fan. I also like this new dynamic between Mae and Hank with them more as equals instead of Hank trying to stop Mae's sleuthing. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back again especially Dottie. Overall Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice proved to be a great read that I would most definitely recommend if you are looking for a great cozy read just in time for Halloween. I look forward to reading Mae's next adventure.

Received a copy of Jackets, Jack-O-Lantern, & Justice from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great read to get you into the mood for Fall, with the changing of the leaves, the cooler weather, and the activities at Mae’s Happy Trails Campground located in the Daniel Boon National Forrest and the fun activities at Happy Trails Campground. Not all of the activities were fun for Mae. When Mae begins to question Hank about the ranger who has been searching for him, Mae is shocked to discover he is really covering for his sister Ellis. He and Ellis both need Mae’s assistance in clearing her name of murder!

This installment will grab your attention and keep it until the very end. I loved the twists and turns throughout. Tonya's talent for storytelling is once again evident in this series. I had a hard time putting it down! I had to keep reading, becoming engrossed in the story. Need ideas for a costume, read what the Laundry Club Ladies are wearing! Those gals will bring a smile to your face and you will feel as if you have found some life-long friends. The ending did not disappoint and I am looking forward to the next installment. Sending a high five to Tonya Kappes for an excellent mystery!

[Nicola Dean · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was recommended via a reading club and I have not read any of this series, so I was not familiar with the back stories and relationships.
Mae, the MFC learns that her boyfriend Hank's disguise with a beard and long hair is due to him being wanted for questioning for a murder, except it's not Hank they are after, it is his sister Ellis.

Mae rounds up the Laundry Club Ladies to head over to the scene of the crime, a cavern. The victim is known as the Cave Casanova because he meets all the ladies there and the gossip is that his death was the result of a love triangle, but is it really that simple?

Seeking out clues and leads to help clear Ellis’s name and prove her innocence, Mae, Hank, and the Laundry Club Ladies gather information at the cavern, the victim’s funeral and his ex-wife’s Halloween party. And then there is a further murder!

I enjoyed this book but I was surprised by who the killer was, and I felt there was more to the reason why they had killed the Cave Casanova that was not mentioned, but maybe because I had not read the previous books in the series this had been mentioned previously.

[Mr Francy Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

I WISH I ENJOYED THIS ONE MORE. SADLY, I JUST DIDN'T.

PREMISE: Fall at the campground is my favorite time of the year. The bursts of orange, yellow, green, and red pop on the falling leaves, creating a colorful path along the trails for all of my guests at my campground is a real life picture that could never be captured by a camera. The campground is full and the campers are excited to participate in Normal's annual Pumpkin Carving Carnival. It's a little spooky seeing the hundreds jack-o-lantern faces all light up with toothless or toothy smiles.
It's the dead body among them that chills me to the bone.

THOUGHTS: After enjoying the last two books in the series, this one, sadly, was an average read for me at best. We're basically dealing with Hank's sister who has been accused of something she swears she didn't do. Look I get that we need a mystery in every cozy, but this one could have done without it. Or done without this particular mystery. Hank's sister just got in the way of so much character development especially between Hank and Mae and it really annoyed me. I am looking forward to the next one though.

3 Stars!
xoxo.

[Tamia M · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 ⭐️

My first real read after my dad passed. Great cozy mystery series that doesn't require too much.

I read book 1 and now book 22. After reading book 1, I think you can jump in and read whichever book, in whatever order.

I enjoyed this story except for the ending. It felt rushed. I didn't see the ending coming at all and it almost felt like it could've been set up to be somebody else but we didn't really get any details on the fallout of the who-done-it. I would've liked to have seen how the case was closed up and if certain characters were involved. The ending felt abrupt and then we fast forward to the closing scene, which didn't really feel needed to the story at hand.

I'll continue to read more books in the series.

[Jamie Rutland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since this is my favorite series, I already knew it would be a great read. Hank makes his way back to the campground, but not without problems. In this latest installment of the Camper and Criminals series, Hank's sister, Ellis, is in the forefront of the story. She is accused of murder and it is up to Mae (along with the Laundry Ladies) to find the real killer so that Mae and Hank can spend more time together. I highly recommend this book as well as all of the other books in this series!!

[Catherine · Rating 3 out of 5]

First off, I have not read this series in order, so I am not familiar with the back stories and relationships. With that said this was a good enough story. Not my favorite but I don't tend to read cozy mystery. This was the best pick for my alphabet challenge and the big moment was very high stakes.

[Jenny Zimmerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great sleuthing mystery with Mae and the Laundry Ladies.

The characters were fantastic. I always enjoy reading about these characters.

The storyline was phenomenal. I completely love this story. It's so full of fun, laughter and sass with a pinch of murder. It's a total page turner. I highly recommend this read.

[Emmalynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hank’s back and so is Ellis 🙄🙄 but did Hank return for Mae or because he’s in trouble. With a murder charge dodging Ellis’ heels with an ever vigilant ranger right behind, Mae and the Laundry ladies have to unravel the murder mystery before death claims another victim.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great cozy

I love Mae and all the quirky characters in this wonderful series by Tonya Kappes and you will too. I can't wait to see what they get into next.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the Halloween theme in this book. I loved how the mystery revolves around a cavern. A fun new twist.

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

Loved it

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy mystery

This was such a good cozy murder mystery. The banter between all the characters were so funny. And I did not see that twist at the end.

[Ariel Butters · Rating 4 out of 5]

I see Hank has taken my feedback…