What do you think?
Rate this book
Camper & Criminals #1-10
A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery: All Ten Books : Box Sets Book 1
Amazon.com #1 in Cozy Mystery, Mystery Anthologies, and Private Investigator. ‘Reading this series is like coming home to a cozy town with all the southern fun, gossip and good friends to help scratch our meddlin' ways to solve a good whodunit crime.'
When Mae West finds herself penniless and with a rundown campground in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Park in her name, she's on a mission to sell it...
… finding herself as the number one suspect in her ex-now dead-husband's murder forces her and her new found friends to put on ameateur sleuthing caps to find the real killer.
If you would've told me year ago that I was going to be broke and penniless after my husband took everyone to the cleaners after he pulled off one of the biggest Ponzi schemes, leaving me a run down campground, a set of camper keys, before he escaped prison and when the FBI came to the campground to see if I helped him escape, then the no good you know what floated up to the top of the lake in that campground making me the number one suspect, I'd said you were lying.
Read this fast-paced cozy mystery and nine more full-length stories that will entertain you right to the very end. Over 2,000 pages of pure cozy fun!
This boxed set of books contains the following titles:
Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries
Desserts, Driving, & Derelicts
Forests, Fishing, & Forgery
Christmas, Criminals, & Campers
Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers
Hitches, HIdeouts, & Homicide
Assailants, Asphalts, & Alibis
Valleys, Vehicles, & Victims
Sunsets, Sabbatical, & Scandal
When Mae West finds herself penniless and with a rundown campground in the heart of the Daniel Boone National Park in her name, she's on a mission to sell it...
… finding herself as the number one suspect in her ex-now dead-husband's murder forces her and her new found friends to put on ameateur sleuthing caps to find the real killer.
If you would've told me year ago that I was going to be broke and penniless after my husband took everyone to the cleaners after he pulled off one of the biggest Ponzi schemes, leaving me a run down campground, a set of camper keys, before he escaped prison and when the FBI came to the campground to see if I helped him escape, then the no good you know what floated up to the top of the lake in that campground making me the number one suspect, I'd said you were lying.
Read this fast-paced cozy mystery and nine more full-length stories that will entertain you right to the very end. Over 2,000 pages of pure cozy fun!
This boxed set of books contains the following titles:
Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries
Desserts, Driving, & Derelicts
Forests, Fishing, & Forgery
Christmas, Criminals, & Campers
Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder
Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers
Hitches, HIdeouts, & Homicide
Assailants, Asphalts, & Alibis
Valleys, Vehicles, & Victims
Sunsets, Sabbatical, & Scandal
1706 pages, ebook
Published August 3, 2021
About the author
Tonya Kappes
466 books3,746 followersA 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,
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
March 18, 2022
Good mystery
I enjoyed the mystery, but not some of the misspelled words. I found myself proofreading. I am not talking about the incorrect grammar that was used by the locals. At times parts were confusing and I had to go back to see to whom she was referring, since there was not a smooth transition from the previous scene. But I read all 10 books. The stories were good, the writing could definitely been better.
I enjoyed the mystery, but not some of the misspelled words. I found myself proofreading. I am not talking about the incorrect grammar that was used by the locals. At times parts were confusing and I had to go back to see to whom she was referring, since there was not a smooth transition from the previous scene. But I read all 10 books. The stories were good, the writing could definitely been better.
March 30, 2022
Light cozy reads
First let me start by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks of Normal Kentucky. I feel as if I know each of the Laundry Club ladies and would welcome the all as friends. After reading the first 10 in the series I got to know the rhythm of them to books and each mystery was different and enjoyable. But! Why is there always a but? Doesn't anyone use proofreaders anymore? Seriously there were so many misspelled, missing or misplaced words my teeth were grinding. The icing on the cake was when Kentucky was spelled Kentuckey.
First let me start by saying that I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know all the folks of Normal Kentucky. I feel as if I know each of the Laundry Club ladies and would welcome the all as friends. After reading the first 10 in the series I got to know the rhythm of them to books and each mystery was different and enjoyable. But! Why is there always a but? Doesn't anyone use proofreaders anymore? Seriously there were so many misspelled, missing or misplaced words my teeth were grinding. The icing on the cake was when Kentucky was spelled Kentuckey.
March 23, 2025
Entertaining mystery listening 🐕😉
This box set is from my Kindle Unlimited account books one to ten
I listened to the first ten books individually. Each story is different with interesting characters lots of action, misdirection, adventures, and some violence leading to each conclusion.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure thriller mystery novels 😕😃 2025 👒🐕
This box set is from my Kindle Unlimited account books one to ten
I listened to the first ten books individually. Each story is different with interesting characters lots of action, misdirection, adventures, and some violence leading to each conclusion.
I would highly recommend this series and author to readers of romantic family and friends relationship adventure thriller mystery novels 😕😃 2025 👒🐕
September 19, 2025
Occasionally I like to read cozy mysteries to read something light and easy for a change. However, I don’t think I would read a 10 book set again. The characters were fun but the stories were weak. Unfortunately the author kept repeating some of the characters background over again and again in each book. The mysteries were too simple and unbelievable. Not as enjoyable as I hoped they would be.
July 28, 2023
mistakes galore!
These books were full of mistakes-spelling mistakes. Several times Happy Trails Campground was referred to as Happy Trials Campground. Storyline mistakes. Her brother had stringy thin hair then he had curls to die for. The worst mistake was that the final book, number 10, was a repeat of book number 9 with the exception of the last chapter! Seriously! Hire an editor and a proofreader! Hire me-I can do both!
These books were full of mistakes-spelling mistakes. Several times Happy Trails Campground was referred to as Happy Trials Campground. Storyline mistakes. Her brother had stringy thin hair then he had curls to die for. The worst mistake was that the final book, number 10, was a repeat of book number 9 with the exception of the last chapter! Seriously! Hire an editor and a proofreader! Hire me-I can do both!
August 8, 2022
Fun Stories
These are fun stories if you’re looking for a quick read. However, you do have to be willing to look past the grammatical and spelling errors that occasionally show up.
These are fun stories if you’re looking for a quick read. However, you do have to be willing to look past the grammatical and spelling errors that occasionally show up.
March 13, 2023
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mysteries Series Books 1-10 — Tanya Kappes Dec. 14-, 2022
As always, brief review here, details under individual titles and at the bottom the book set’s overall score.
# 1: Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries — (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 14-15, 2022 — A woman’s husband turns out to be crooked and leaves her with nothing of her own but a run-down campground and a death that makes it look like she did it. Three stars.
# 2: Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts — (18 chapters + Recipes and Cleaning Hacks) Dec. 16-17, 2022 — Another death involving a pampered pooch’s nanny, and the pooch’s owner is held for the murder. Mae looks into the death, and babysits the pooch, Fifi, who snoots her nose into her life. Three stars.
# 3: Forests, Fishing & Forgery — (15 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 18, 2022 — During the Labor Day weekend, a rowdy group of men start the weekend in one of the bungalows, but turns to questions when the groom-to-be goes missing and two locals end up dead. Three stars.
——
# 4: Christmas, Criminals, and Campers (20 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — Dec. 22, 2022 — Mae’s “fake” momma shows up and a water that Abby worships does a small meet and greet and then is killed. Mae investigates to find the killer as it appears to Hank a solid case that Abby done did it. Christmas, but not. Three stars.
# 5: Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — Dec. 31, 2022 — Mae and the campground crew are getting ready for a war re-enactment; an escape criminal is coming to exact revenge on the jurists. Three stars.
# 6: Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers (17 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 31, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023 — Mae gets the key to the city of Normal; and then is asked to teach a semester of small town economics. When several unalive bodies start appearing, Mae knows that she has to figure the mystery out before more bodies show up. Four stars.
——
# 7: Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — March 1, 2023 — Was it a hiker cutting through? A horse thief? Or someone else? Mae investigates the murder of a local despite Hank not liking it. (What else is new?) The recipes and camping hack were not included on the audiobook.) Four stars.
# 8: Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis (19 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (19 chapters + Recipes and Cleaning Hacks) March 2-3, 2023 Treasure seekers wind out dead, was is nature causes; the legendary curse; or malice of another kind? (The recipes and camping hack were included on the audiobook.) Three stars.
# 9: Valleys, Vehicles & Victims (18 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (18 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) March 6-8, 2023
A wedding party; a stolen recipe; and now a dead father of the bride. What else could go wrong? Three stars.
——
# 10: Sunsets, Sabbatical & Scandal (18 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (18 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) March 8, 2023 A local is found dead in the diner she worked at, and no one seems to know who would’ve killed her. Mae and the Laundry Club is on that case! Three stars.
Eight three stars and two four stars; no matter how you rank it, these are fun, quick stories to read. As long as the reader is a cozy mystery fan, get lost in one of these books and it won’t be regretted.
Excellent narrator too. Some editing issues but not over-the-top bad.
Three stars.
As always, brief review here, details under individual titles and at the bottom the book set’s overall score.
# 1: Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries — (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 14-15, 2022 — A woman’s husband turns out to be crooked and leaves her with nothing of her own but a run-down campground and a death that makes it look like she did it. Three stars.
# 2: Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts — (18 chapters + Recipes and Cleaning Hacks) Dec. 16-17, 2022 — Another death involving a pampered pooch’s nanny, and the pooch’s owner is held for the murder. Mae looks into the death, and babysits the pooch, Fifi, who snoots her nose into her life. Three stars.
# 3: Forests, Fishing & Forgery — (15 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 18, 2022 — During the Labor Day weekend, a rowdy group of men start the weekend in one of the bungalows, but turns to questions when the groom-to-be goes missing and two locals end up dead. Three stars.
——
# 4: Christmas, Criminals, and Campers (20 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — Dec. 22, 2022 — Mae’s “fake” momma shows up and a water that Abby worships does a small meet and greet and then is killed. Mae investigates to find the killer as it appears to Hank a solid case that Abby done did it. Christmas, but not. Three stars.
# 5: Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — Dec. 31, 2022 — Mae and the campground crew are getting ready for a war re-enactment; an escape criminal is coming to exact revenge on the jurists. Three stars.
# 6: Canyons, Caravans, & Cadavers (17 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) Dec. 31, 2022-Jan. 4, 2023 — Mae gets the key to the city of Normal; and then is asked to teach a semester of small town economics. When several unalive bodies start appearing, Mae knows that she has to figure the mystery out before more bodies show up. Four stars.
——
# 7: Hitches, Hideouts, & Homicides (20 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — March 1, 2023 — Was it a hiker cutting through? A horse thief? Or someone else? Mae investigates the murder of a local despite Hank not liking it. (What else is new?) The recipes and camping hack were not included on the audiobook.) Four stars.
# 8: Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis (19 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (19 chapters + Recipes and Cleaning Hacks) March 2-3, 2023 Treasure seekers wind out dead, was is nature causes; the legendary curse; or malice of another kind? (The recipes and camping hack were included on the audiobook.) Three stars.
# 9: Valleys, Vehicles & Victims (18 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (18 chapters + 3 Camping Hacks and Recipes) March 6-8, 2023
A wedding party; a stolen recipe; and now a dead father of the bride. What else could go wrong? Three stars.
——
# 10: Sunsets, Sabbatical & Scandal (18 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) — (18 chapters + 2 Camping Hacks and Recipes) March 8, 2023 A local is found dead in the diner she worked at, and no one seems to know who would’ve killed her. Mae and the Laundry Club is on that case! Three stars.
Eight three stars and two four stars; no matter how you rank it, these are fun, quick stories to read. As long as the reader is a cozy mystery fan, get lost in one of these books and it won’t be regretted.
Excellent narrator too. Some editing issues but not over-the-top bad.
Three stars.
October 28, 2025
I will never read anything by her again. Lazy author, lazy editor, lazy publisher. The continuous plot errors, name errors of characters, misspelled words, missing words, etc drive me crazy. I have crazy OCD so I read the entire series and the witch series set in whispering falls bc I’m an idiot and have to read everything an author writes, but this author broke me. Never again. I would give negative stars if I could. It is such a disservice to the consumer bc we deserve a polished and well edited product. I just finished one book in the witch series where it’s obvious the author was making notes to herself to go back and finish her thoughts later and it’s written right in the book inside asterisks I kid you not. Either ghost writing is going on bc facts change from book to book or the author entirely loses her own plot and characters from book to book or she’s just lazy. The editor is even lazier. I don’t even understand how any publisher would put these out and put their names on them. I’d die of embarrassment. I guess they have all made money on them, but any third grader could do a better job in my honest opinion. Do yourself a favor and grab a bottle of booze and take a drink every time you see a mistake bc eventually you won’t care and you’ll be able to get through this hot mess. If I were a teacher I’d give it an “F”. Zero attention to details. I think I rated a couple of the individual books with 3 stars, but having read about 60 now it’s definitely a negative star thing. Issues from book one to book 60 across three series. I’m a glutton for punishment with my ocd. This series has at least made me realize I need to seek help for my OCD. It’s a train wreck of errors in the series. All of the different series. I think I’m most ticked off that I won’t get the hours back that I wasted reading them and that the corrections I submitted to kindle will go nowhere. Not that it matters I guess bc I probably only reported one percent of them. There are just too many. I did find it hilarious that the author kept thanking her editor though. For what I don’t know because I’d have fired her after book one. This is hands down the most mistakes in any books I have read in 58 years. It’s depressing that this is what literature has come to- the dumbing down of America. And that is what really irritates me. Nobody cared enough to put out a decent product. It’s crap start to finish.
April 27, 2022
Camper’s & Criminals Cozy Mystery’s
I have been reading books with the Retired seal teams back working for the government finding bad guy’s or stopping something from blowing up. I
saw these books and starting reading and I have really enjoyed reading them. I like Mae and her team. All the characters are great, believable. I am not tensed up, but looking to see what is going to happen. I highly recommend these books for all ages. It will put a smile on your face and will make you want to go camping. I am now going to read all of Tonya’s books. Happy reading. I don’t want the story to end, but I can’t put it down once I start reading.
I have been reading books with the Retired seal teams back working for the government finding bad guy’s or stopping something from blowing up. I
saw these books and starting reading and I have really enjoyed reading them. I like Mae and her team. All the characters are great, believable. I am not tensed up, but looking to see what is going to happen. I highly recommend these books for all ages. It will put a smile on your face and will make you want to go camping. I am now going to read all of Tonya’s books. Happy reading. I don’t want the story to end, but I can’t put it down once I start reading.
April 13, 2022
If you're looking for a fun read with a few mysteries attached, this is a great series. I wasn't sure about a series centered on a campground but I fell in love with it. The characters are quirky and entertaining and I want to visit Happy Trails now, although I'm aware it's fiction. Daniel Boone National Forest is not fictional, and the pictures I've seen are gorgeous. Fantastic background for the series. Read it, it's fun.
June 16, 2022
I absolutely LOVE Tonya Kappes camper series. Buying the first 10 books was a great deal. It took me about 3 days to read each one. So a month or so to fully read this set.
These books are light, funny and easy to read. There is no sex (thank God) and no foul language.
Keeping up with Mae, Dottie and the laundry club ladies was a hoot. Dottie is my favorite (I think she is a lot like me).
There were a few inconsistencies that really disappointed me. I would think with a series this long, that Tonya would have someone on her team to point those out.
There were 2 that stood out to me - when Mae called Mary Elizabeth mother she made a big deal about it. But 2 books before that Mae had already called her “mom”.
The other one was when she went in to Cuticles. She acts like it’s the first time she has been there and the lady who runs it says ooh I can’t wait to get my hands on those curls. Or something like that. When a book or two before she did do her hair. She straightened for her and when Mae went back into the office Dottie says “can I help you?” Dottie didn’t even recognize her.
I just hope those don’t keep happening on the next 16! I know it’s a lot to keep track of but to me it means a lot. Instead of cranking out so many books maybe slow down a bit. What’s the saying quality over quantity?
These books are light, funny and easy to read. There is no sex (thank God) and no foul language.
Keeping up with Mae, Dottie and the laundry club ladies was a hoot. Dottie is my favorite (I think she is a lot like me).
There were a few inconsistencies that really disappointed me. I would think with a series this long, that Tonya would have someone on her team to point those out.
There were 2 that stood out to me - when Mae called Mary Elizabeth mother she made a big deal about it. But 2 books before that Mae had already called her “mom”.
The other one was when she went in to Cuticles. She acts like it’s the first time she has been there and the lady who runs it says ooh I can’t wait to get my hands on those curls. Or something like that. When a book or two before she did do her hair. She straightened for her and when Mae went back into the office Dottie says “can I help you?” Dottie didn’t even recognize her.
I just hope those don’t keep happening on the next 16! I know it’s a lot to keep track of but to me it means a lot. Instead of cranking out so many books maybe slow down a bit. What’s the saying quality over quantity?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2023
Who did it, Mae?
This boxed set is really zany. Ten murder mysteries solved by a group of women that meet in the downtown laundromat! You will get to meet Mae West the focus of these books and her boyfriend, Detective Hank Smith. All the rest of the folks you meet in Normal, Kentucky surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Park will leave you with the good feeling of camaraderie.
This boxed set is really zany. Ten murder mysteries solved by a group of women that meet in the downtown laundromat! You will get to meet Mae West the focus of these books and her boyfriend, Detective Hank Smith. All the rest of the folks you meet in Normal, Kentucky surrounded by the Daniel Boone National Park will leave you with the good feeling of camaraderie.
March 18, 2022
Entertaining
This set of books tell the adventures of a rag to riches to rags life of a woman who is forced to start over in a dilapidated RV in a campground that needs extensive repairs. The characters are well developed and are an enjoyable mix sprinkling humor throughout the stories. These stories inc!ude solving several crimes not only some murders. These are fun reads.
This set of books tell the adventures of a rag to riches to rags life of a woman who is forced to start over in a dilapidated RV in a campground that needs extensive repairs. The characters are well developed and are an enjoyable mix sprinkling humor throughout the stories. These stories inc!ude solving several crimes not only some murders. These are fun reads.
January 19, 2023
Riddled with errors, titles that don't match the plot points, jumps that make you think you missed some pages, and details that don't make sense. Initially I thought it might be a one-off, first book problem, but after 3 books it persists and I've abandoned the series. It's too bad, I really liked the concept and the characters were growing on me.
March 18, 2023
Camping and Mystery etc
I really enjoyed this books. The laundry group was exceptional. I’m not sure going into a small town it would be the same as the books I think the books needed more romance. The only happy group we’re singles. Most of the marriages had problems. Camping was the best part was the scenery.
I really enjoyed this books. The laundry group was exceptional. I’m not sure going into a small town it would be the same as the books I think the books needed more romance. The only happy group we’re singles. Most of the marriages had problems. Camping was the best part was the scenery.
April 29, 2024
camper and criminals mystery series
I have never read anything by Kappes before but took a chance on this series. Lucky me. I love the different books and stories and grew to love all the characters. I also appreciate all the recipes and camping hacks at the end of each book. There are more series she has written, cannot wait-
I have never read anything by Kappes before but took a chance on this series. Lucky me. I love the different books and stories and grew to love all the characters. I also appreciate all the recipes and camping hacks at the end of each book. There are more series she has written, cannot wait-
July 5, 2022
Great read
I loved this series. Keeps you these my whodunit! Love the
descriptive way That Tonya writes. Happy to say by the time I read the last book. I worked out who the killer was. Following the clues.
I loved this series. Keeps you these my whodunit! Love the
descriptive way That Tonya writes. Happy to say by the time I read the last book. I worked out who the killer was. Following the clues.
January 1, 2023
Fun mysteries with nice variety.
I enjoyed how the writer created unique characters and placed them in a fun atmosphere. The mysteries have a nice variety though set in a similar place.
I enjoyed how the writer created unique characters and placed them in a fun atmosphere. The mysteries have a nice variety though set in a similar place.
December 10, 2023
FUN SERIES
I had fun reading this series & actually download the second series. The only let down was that book 9 & 10 were the same.
I love how all the women’s club get together, it’s a nice feeling!
I had fun reading this series & actually download the second series. The only let down was that book 9 & 10 were the same.
I love how all the women’s club get together, it’s a nice feeling!
June 6, 2025
I am loving these books. I love the characters, the stories,and the interaction. the only thing that I don't like is the author has to tell us her back story and how she got the campground. in every book. But other than that these books are amazing.
May 21, 2022
Binge read these! Luv the characters and twisty plots! The dogs are great too! Can't wait to read more about all the quirky fun characters! I want to be in their Book Club!
June 16, 2022
Fun, easy to read, nice characters. A lot of typos in later books and repetition/recap.
June 16, 2022
Camping
Seems a lot of murders happen in Kentucky at the Daniel Boone National Park. Mae has a camp ground there and keeps tripping over bodies. Read!!! You will really enjoy.
Seems a lot of murders happen in Kentucky at the Daniel Boone National Park. Mae has a camp ground there and keeps tripping over bodies. Read!!! You will really enjoy.
December 5, 2022
An absolutely fantastic collection of cozies! I love them all!
February 26, 2023
Fun and easy read
Easy to read and understand. Good for any age. Can't wait to read the other books she's written. Please enjoy
Easy to read and understand. Good for any age. Can't wait to read the other books she's written. Please enjoy
March 29, 2023
Great cozy mystery series with wonderful characters, friendship, humor, and lots of snooping!
May 20, 2023
Camper series
I am enjoying this series so far. I do however enjoy the audio books more than reading it on my kindle.
I am enjoying this series so far. I do however enjoy the audio books more than reading it on my kindle.
May 23, 2023
criminals
Well this was a good story. Yes I knew who the bad guy was when he was introduced. Hope when this series ends there are still people alive in Normal
Well this was a good story. Yes I knew who the bad guy was when he was introduced. Hope when this series ends there are still people alive in Normal
October 30, 2023
camping
Great how one can adjust to a new way of life.
Was entertaining to read.
Thank you for your sorties.
Great how one can adjust to a new way of life.
Was entertaining to read.
Thank you for your sorties.
February 24, 2024
Cute series to read just for fun
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews