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Over two hundred years ago, famed explorer Meriwether Lewis died on the Natchez Trace under mysterious circumstances. Historians still argue whether it was suicide or murder. That shouldn't affect a weekend campout in present day for Frannie Shoemaker and her friends, but it does. They meet interesting characters at a mountain man rendezvous and get mixed up as usual with the strange goings on. Because camping can be murder!

190 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 17, 2021

90 people are currently reading
126 people want to read

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Karen Musser Nortman

27 books164 followers

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5 stars
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28 (14%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
Profile Image for Brenda.
5,076 reviews3,014 followers
August 20, 2022
Frannie Shoemaker and her husband Larry, along with Mickey and Jane-Ann, Rob and Donna, arrived at the camping ground for the weekend, where a rendezvous was taking place, taking them back two hundred years prior when everything was much more simple. But it was the death of Meriwether Lewis that was the hot point of discussion - murder or suicide, and even two hundred years later, no one could agree.

When first one death, then a second, occurred within the rendezvous, Frannie decided to get involved - again. Would they discover the culprit before they had to leave on Monday morning?

Corpse of Discovery is the 9th in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries by Karen Musser Nortman and although I haven't read one in awhile, it was great to catch up with Frannie and her friends, watching while she investigated all things mysterious. A fun and entertaining series, I'm looking forward to #10 in the not too distant future. Recommended.
Profile Image for Kim.
1,161 reviews15 followers
October 16, 2022
Frannie Shoemaker and her friends are visiting the campground in the area where Meriweather Lewis died over two hundred years before. Like many historians Frannie and her brother-in-law debate if Lewis was murdered or committed suicide. When history seems to be repeating itself Frannie can’t help but get involved to solve the suspicious death of one of the campers.

I love this series. This book is a great addition to the series. I always enjoy reading about the gang’s camping adventures and all the trouble Frannie seems to find herself in. The characters are relatable and interesting. The mystery is well-plotted and entertaining with plenty of suspects and red herrings,

I listened to the audio version of the book. Narrator Michelle Babb is great at bringing the characters to life. She really captures each character’s voice and personality.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.

Profile Image for Anne Rightler.
1,966 reviews36 followers
September 25, 2022
Corpse of Discovery is another delightful cozy mystery in the Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries series by Karen Musser Nortman. By number 9 in the series, readers know that when Frannie and her hubby and friends make camp in a campground, there is a body soon to be found. And as they settle in at the mountain man rendevous with people debating whether Merriweather Lewis was murdered or committed suicide, a similar debate comes up with another dead camper at the rendevous. And Frannie is right there in the middle of it all. I enjoy Frannie's involvement in solving the murders. There are lots of suspects, quirky characters, adventure, and a little history tossed in too. Will Frannie be able to suss out the culprit before they have to leave? Don't miss the next in a fun line of cozy mysteries. Michelle Babb does a good job narrating the story which makes for an enjoyable listening experience. I received a complimentary copy of the audiobook and was not required to write a positive review. The opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Terri.
2,359 reviews52 followers
October 15, 2022
Frannie and her camping buddies are at it again! This time they are learning about Meriwether Lewis of Lewis and Clark. There are lots of people around for taking them back in time--musicians, craft people, those doing shootouts. But one of the shootings was real and Frannie is on the case!

This was a delight as are all the books in the series. I love Frannie and her family and camping companions. It really is almost enough to make me want to go buy an RV.

I listened to the audio version of this book narrated by Michelle Babb. It was great. I really appreciate how level she keeps the volume of her voice. It makes it much easier to listen to while walking along a busy street.

I was gifted a copy of this audio book. All thoughts are my own.
51 reviews
June 20, 2021
Love this series

We also camp in our RV . With the pandemic we have stopped but will continue eventually. In the meantime reading these books reminds me of our good times.
Profile Image for Lis Carey.
2,213 reviews137 followers
September 25, 2022
Frannie Shoemaker and husband Larry, along with friends Mickey and Jane-Ann Ferraro, and Rob and Donna--I think but will not swear I heard their last name as Kenwick--are on another RV camping adventure. Like many of their previous trips, this will be a little more exciting than they would really prefer.

This time they're at a campground adjacent to an annual celebration of Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery exploration of the massive land purchase, the Louisiana Purchase. There will be demonstrations and reenactments of the craftwork, survival skills, clothing, everyday life and food, and Native American dances. It should all be so much fun...

But after the Lewis & Clark trip was over, Meriwether Lewis became governor of the Missouri Territory, and died there in mysterious circumstances. His death could have been either murder or suicide, and the question was never satisfactorily answered.

It should be no surprise that among enthusiasts of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, it can still be a heated topic of discussion among some. Frannie and friends meet a colorful cast of characters. include a professor whose book strongly supporting the suicide theory is about to be published, and a man named Dirk Smothers, who claims to have maps leading to the gold mine Lewis is rumored to have found, a gold nugget, and more papers that will, he claims, prove Lewis was murdered. He's regarded in the Corps of Discovery regulars as a marginal figure, not reliable, likely to be a conman. They don't believe him.

But just a couple of days into the event, Frannie and Donna go to his tent expecting to meet with him, and find his dead body. Because of the timing, during the flag raising ceremony, it's perfectly possible that the gunshots would not have been heard. As with Lewis, it's perfectly possible, on just this evidence, that it could have been either murder or suicide.

It's the early 21st century, though, not the early 19th century, and the police have both more tools, and more professionalism.

An amusing change from previous entries in the series is that Frannie, for once, really tries to follow Larry's advice to not get involved. She really, really does.

It's another fun entry in the series, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. As usual, Michelle Babb did an excellent job narration.

Recommended.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
September 23, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I love joining this group of friends as they travel around to different campgrounds sight seeing and solving mysteries. This means not only does the scenery change but also the plot line for each book but the one thing that stays the same is the wonderful characters and the friendship/ banter between them. The mystery was fun especially with all the reenactment entertainment and activities, even the murder weapon was from that era. Living in England I knew nothing about the Lewis and Clark Expedition but after listening to this I found myself googling them, not because I didn't understand this story but because I wanted to know more. Another good mystery by a talented author who will keep you guessing until the end.
Frannie and her friends have everything planned out, so they don't miss a second when attending a campground hosting a reenactment of the famous Lewis and Clark Expedition. They want to try everything from the food of that era to axe throwing, to even solving attending talks about whether he was murdered or if it was suicide but what they didn't plan for is Frannie finding a dead body. Can Frannie and her friends find a killer?
I liked the narrator. She is pleasant to listen too and always puts in a good performance that keeps you hooked until the end.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
277 reviews3 followers
September 24, 2022
Karen Musser Nortman’s Corpse of Discovery, A Frannie Shoemaker Camping Adventure mystery is not classic literature — it is more fun and entertaining. I am a big fan of this series, if only because the voices of the main characters are so true to life and realistic, with intelligent banter between them, as well as Frannie’s inner thoughts, which ring very true. I enjoy and appreciate that the main characters are all old enough to be retired but still love life and are very active. Not only do they continue to camp in various locations, but they hike, bike and partake in local activities near the campground, in this case activities based upon Lewis and Clark’s expedition, hence the title of the book. Along with a series of activities and foods that are time appropriate, there are a couple of murders. As usual, Frannie finds herself involved, even as she protests that she doesn’t want to be. But her unfailing curiosity always undermines her strongest resolve to not become involved. The mystery itself is not particularly deep, but that is beside the point. The best part of this book is Frannie and her friends.

Michelle Babb does a great job with the narration, capturing each of these characters perfectly.

I very much enjoyed this short book and highly recommend it. Four Stars.

I was given a free copy of the audio book by the narrator in exchange for an honest review. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions are solely my own.
Profile Image for Elena Alvarez Dosil.
867 reviews14 followers
October 30, 2022
Frannie and her friend visit this time the Lewis & Clark reenactment event, where some people take explorer Meriwether Lewis’ death more seriously than others.

It was an entertaining cozy mystery like the previous books in the series, but I found the buildup a bit too slow. The first death doesn’t happen until the one-third mark, and apart from some disagreements among some of the characters, nothing much happens for a while. From this point onward, the pace picked up, and I very much enjoyed it.

It was a while since I read the previous book in the series, and at first, I was a bit overwhelmed by the number of main characters. Frannie travels this time with her husband Larry, and two other couples: Mickey and Jane-Ann, and Rob and Donna. I had issues remembering who was who from previous adventures, and I’m still not sure that the third couple added much to the story.

It was a cute story, like the others in the series, great for a lazy weekend.

I loved Michelle Babb’s narration. Her casual tone and wonderful character interpretations make listening to her narrations a delight. It really matches this kind of book well, emphasizing the light tone of the narrative, and bringing the characters to life.

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Profile Image for Jennifer  Tipton.
35 reviews2 followers
October 2, 2022
I just really like cozy mysteries especially the Frannie Shoemaker mysteries are fun with plenty of scary thrown in to get ones heart rate up. This is book nine in the series with as always has a very talented narrator Michelle Babb who makes the characters seem like old friends. I genuinely like this story I thought the Blue Coyote was my favorite but this one comes a close second.

I received this book in exchange for my honest review.
Frannie Shoemaker and her friends go to a reinactment of famed explorer Lewis, Meriwether whom historians can’t determine wether he killed himself or was murdered, even though Frannie and Mickey think they have it figured out. Camping has brought these friends closer together through many dangers as well as helping solve some odd murders.
With this new set of murders that start popping up during this new adventure that’s got Frannie completely involved the trouble closing in on her if she doesn’t watch out!
Profile Image for Beverly.
302 reviews20 followers
May 22, 2024
Hot and Humid

I have visited the area of the setting. It was summertime and it was miserable.
I enjoyed the festival immensely because I would never go in real life. I have a Jekyll and Hyde personality when it comes to hot and humid. I don't like myself very much.
The first part of the book was more about the scenery and the festival. I enjoyed the reading immensely.
Frannie finds the dead body of a man she was meeting to learn about some Lewis and Clark artifacts. Of course, this starts a police investigation. Frannie starts working on the mystery of it all, so now the book is covering Frannie's deductions, a little police work and more festival.
Little girl mischief, another murder, and Frannie becoming a target all comes to a crescendo.
It was a fun read for sure. Enjoy!
Profile Image for Trisha.
1,087 reviews17 followers
February 17, 2023
Way back in the day Meriwether Lewis died and every since it has been argued whether it was suicide or murder. Frannie and the crew are camping in the same park as a rendezvous. They can watch activities and even try a few things out for themselves. When a man shows up saying all these things he can’t back up right then, things go from good to horrible real fast when he turns up dead.
I love these campground mysteries I have been doing the audios and the narrator Michelle Babb is awesome for this role. She does a great job with all the characters and makes it all so much fun on my commute. The characters are like family now it is wonder and the books awe so wholesome even if there is a murderer in the midst.
Profile Image for Valerie Irwin.
317 reviews6 followers
August 2, 2021
Another Great Story!

Oh how I've missed these old friends! Karen Nortman's characters are so real, you feel like it's a reunion of friends when a new book in this series is released. This adventure takes us to learn about Lewis and Dark in a way it wasn't taught in school. Mystery and murder follows Frannie once more and we are left with a long line of suspects. We meet some interesting people in this book as well and are never disappointed by the food choices. I can't wait for the next installment as we learn whether the upcoming yet cancelled wedding can be saved. No spoiler here...read about it for yourself in this excellent book!
Profile Image for Roger.
5,598 reviews28 followers
December 24, 2022
Corpse of Discovery: The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries, Book 9, my third read from author Karen Musser Nortman and my second in this highly enjoyable series. Enjoyable 3-hour 50-minute, 190-page cozy mystery. Having read Mask of Death: The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries, Book 10 before reading book 9 I found myself having to remind myself that they were not the campground hosts. I was given an Audible copy of this book & am voluntarily reviewing it. I was impressed and enjoyed the vocal variety & inflections of narrator Michelle Babb. I look forward to reading more in this series & from this author as I get them. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

Profile Image for Cathy Hodge.
1,609 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2023
Frannie and the gang are back in the RVs for a trip to the campground Rendezvous. This time we have a Lewis and Clark theme outing with historic re-enactors, music, and artifacts from the Lewis and Clark expedition. I loved learning about the 200-year-old mystery about whether Merriweather Lewis committed suicide or was murdered. This mystery was reflected in the campground as someone was found dead in their Teepee. Will the happy campers solve the mystery, or will they be the next victims? I have read all the camping cozy books in this series. They are slow, cute, and filled with camping related fun. Enjoy.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,159 reviews12 followers
January 22, 2022
This is the 9th in the series. The main characters are Frannie and her camping family. They are at a rendezvous for a Lewis and Clark stop. They are all having a great time when Frannie discovers the dead body of Dirk, who not many people liked and who claimed he had a gold nugget and a map to the mind that belonged To Lewis. Before long there is another murder of a John Smith. How do these two murders come together and who did it. Frannie thinks she might have figured out but will it be soon enough to save her from death ?
3,970 reviews14 followers
September 26, 2022
( Format : Audiobook )
"Getting old isn't for sissies."
I might be a determined non-camper in reality but I very much enjoy vicarious camping with some fun personalities in fiction and amongst these Frankie Shoemaker and friends are some of the very best. Corpse of Discovery is their ninth outing and as well as discovering sunshine, stunning scenery, stinging mosquitoes and mud, Frankie just has to find another dead body

Loads of fun read by the incomparable Michelle Babb.
My thanks to the rights holder, who freely gifted me with a complimentary copy at my request.
2,016 reviews8 followers
September 30, 2022
I enjoyed book 9 of "The Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries" very much. I liked that the author included an actual historical event and wove that tale in with her contemporary murder mystery. I enjoyed the comradery between Frannie and her camping friends. I appreciated the moments of humor that percolated throughout the prose. Michelle Babb's narration was charming, and it was easy to listen to her performance. I was given a free copy of the audiobook, and I have voluntarily posted this review.
Profile Image for Ashley Hedden.
5,259 reviews43 followers
October 23, 2022
Corpse of Discovery (Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries #9) was a great read by Karen Musser Nortman. Famed explorer Meriwether Lewis died over two hundred years ago. He died on the Natchez Trace under mysterious circumstances. To this day historians still argue if it Wass suicide or murder. It ends up affecting a weekend campout for Frannie Shoemaker and her friends. There are interesting characters at a mountain man rendezvous and they find themselves getting mixed up in the strange things going on. I enjoyed reading this book and can't wait to read more by the author.
Profile Image for Pat McGhan.
165 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2023
So glad to find another in this series which I love

This series always gets me thinking about camping in our truck camper. Which we only manage to do once a year in the fall. My husband is a workaholic! Anyway, I love this gang who is about my age and all their crazy trips. This was a fun adventure with some history about Lewis and Meriweather and Nachez Trace. Gives me ideas on new places to explore. Love the characters, they are so realistic that I feel like I know them well.
60 reviews1 follower
December 22, 2021
Fun read for RVers!

Rea!ly liked this book! First time to read this author. Could relate to many of her scenarios of camping. The heroine and cohorts are involved in solving a murder and all the excitement of the adventure keeps the reader on edge! Recommend this to others looking for a story that's different from cops and robbers that will hold your attention. Plus, it was fun to read!










Profile Image for Jan.
6,531 reviews102 followers
September 25, 2022
Two hundred years ago Merriwether Lewis died while on the Natchez Trace with the familiar question as to whether it was a suicide or murder (unsolved even yet). After setting everything up, a man involved in a National Park reenactment dies in just the same way. Cue the camping friends to investigate. Another good story!
It is a good read made even better by Michelle Babb who can make all the diverse characters clear and real thereby making the book so much better!
Profile Image for Dana Fernandez.
472 reviews16 followers
October 17, 2022
I love these Frannie Shoemaker Campground Mysteries. Frannie and her crew can’t seem to stay out of trouble. This adventure takes them on a Lewis and Clark Expedition with plenty of activities, food and even a couple of murders thrown in. With Frannie smack dab in the middle. If you love cozy mysteries then you will love this one.

I was able to listen to this one on audible. Michelle Babb does an excellent job.
Profile Image for fred jones.
1,784 reviews11 followers
December 21, 2022
Another really entertaining cozy mystery in this fun series. Frannie and hang are at a Lewis and Clarke celebration weekend and of course there is a murder. These book always have great characters and wonderful dialogue. The mystery is engaging, the subject interesting and has some nice scenes. I really enjoy these books. Michelle Babb does a fine job as always with the narration. A pleasure.
Profile Image for Mary.
922 reviews38 followers
October 15, 2023
It was funny!

I did not know what to expect when I started the book. But a body appeared and the fun started.


It’s not funny when a body is found, but what happens
with the campers is fun.

When one of them falls into a puddle of mud trying to help someone, she really does not get hurt, but her pride is hurt. Then she gets stuck in a deserted hotel when the rain starts And she is so scared that she is hoping that her husband can come and save her!
Profile Image for Caroline 'relaxing with my rescue dogs'.
2,769 reviews43 followers
September 24, 2022
As an Australian living in England, what I love about this series is that whilst still being fun you actually learn things, whilst enjoying a great narration, on topics that I have no idea about. Although I have no desire to go camping I can live through Frannie and her friends. Thoroughly enjoyed and do recommend.

I was given a free copy by the narrator the review is entirely my own.
60 reviews
October 13, 2022
Bad luck follows Frannie around like kids chasing an ice cream truck. She and her friends are once again in the middle of two murders, this time at a Lewis & Clark reenactment event. Who did it this time? Will clues from a current murder help solve a 200 year old mystery? Find out in this latest campground mystery.
Profile Image for Fred Fanning.
Author 46 books53 followers
October 26, 2022
The Corpse of Discovery is an exciting and entertaining book. I enjoyed it very much. I liked how the author used the actual death of Merriweather Lewis from the Lewis and Clark expedition in the storyline. She also used humor well to highlight several issues in the story. I have read other books by Karen Musser Nortman, and this one is another excellent job.
189 reviews
June 22, 2021
Great book

Another winner! What a great adventure Frannie and the gang had. Just an nice weekend camping trip until the murder or was it suicide . Grab this book and join Frannie in her adventure!
743 reviews4 followers
September 12, 2022
Frannie and her family and friends are at a reenactment campground for the reenactment of Lewis and Clark Expedition. While various activities going on, there are two murders. Frankie and group solve the crimes. Not who expected.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews

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