Tangled Up in Tinsel

Kenni Lowry #6

by Tonya Kappes

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle...

It’s Christmastime in Cottonwood, Kentucky, and Sheriff Kenni Lowry is determined to keep the peace. Vivian Lowry, Kenni’s Mama, is having a Christmas-size hissy fit because Kenni plans to spend Christmas in Chicago with her Deputy Sheriff-turned-boyfriend Finn Vincent and his family.

Plus, the snowstorm of the century is headed right toward Cottonwood, leaving the residents in a frantic frenzy and potentially derailing Kenni’s Christmas plans with Finn.

If that’s not enough to dampen the Christmas spirit, the ghost of Kenni’s grandfather—the ex-sheriff—makes an appearance, and that means only one thing: there’s been a Christmas murder, and there’s a tinsel-wrapped victim at the center of it.

Relying on her Poppa more than ever, Kenni uses him as the Ghost of Christmas Past to help solve the murder, but will it be in time for her to save Christmas in Cottonwood and hop on her plane to meet Finn’s family?

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Christmas, Holiday, Cozy, Fiction

238 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 19, 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,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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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

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first venture into the quaint town of Cottonwood, KY, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. All the plot twists were wowzers and the author had me fooled several times as to the murderer’s identity. I loved the leading twosome, Sheriff Kenni Lowry, and her Deputy Finn, who’s also her boyfriend. I was also entertained by the para-twist of Poppa’s ghost, Kenni’s grandfather, who only Kenni and her hound dog, Duke, can see and talk to.

This is a story that touches upon everyday travesties such as mental and physical abuse, jealousy, deceit, and hate—all of which can trigger crimes of passion. I’ll definitely be catching up on my reading of the earlier books in this fantastic Southern cozy mystery series!

I reviewed a digital arc provided by Edelweiss and Henery Press. Thank you.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Sheriff Kenni Lowry only has one thing on her mind, spending the holidays with Deputy Sheriff, now boyfriend, Finn Vincent, and his family in Chicago. No matter what the meteorologists or the rest of Cottonwood says about the huge snowstorm on the way, Kenni is not going to let it dampen her spirits or change her plans. When her grandfather, former sheriff, currently a ghost shows up she realizes MURDER may be the one thing that can tangle up her plans royally.

A young woman goes missing after the Hunt Club Christmas Cantata. Her parents are frantic and her boyfriend is worried. When her vehicle is found all hope is gone when she is found inside. It initially looks like a suicide but Kenni knows that if her Poppa is there the girl did not kill herself.

Kenni with the assistance of her Poppa, Deputy Finn, and the temporary deputy there to fill in for her while she is on her trip, band together to put the killer behind bars before the snowstorm hits. While her mama may be happy she is stuck in Cottonwood Kenni hopes her plans to spend Christmas in the windy city don’t fall through.

Christmas in Cottonwood means family to Vivian Lowry as long as it is her family getting together. She is not happy that her daughter has Christmas plans away from her. As the day gets closer she tightens the screws more and more in hopes that Kenni will change her mind. Of course, a young woman’s death was not in her plan. She just wanted Kenni to stand up to Finn and make him choose not to leave. Vivian Lowry is a woman to be reckoned with, crossing her is not advised. The way that the author has crafted this character and all the others is totally believable. Their Southern charm just rolls off of them. Even Finn is starting to fit right in.

I really love the ghostly presence of Kenni’s grandfather. He can only be seen and heard by Kenni and her lovable dog Duke. With each new installment of this series, it gets harder and harder for Kenni to keep her secret from Finn. So much humor comes from the moments of Kenni with her Poppa, his outlandish comments and her trying to cover up when someone overhears her side of the conversation,

The death of Leighann Graves is heartbreaking and to have it happen so close to Christmas was even more wrenching. The suspects are all residents of Cottonwood. Some secrets come out to twist the case toward one person but then turns another way to incriminate someone else and the twists and turns keep coming right up until the very end. I can’t believe how fast I read this story. I just couldn’t wait to reach the end to find out who killed Leighann? does the storm of the century hit Cottonwood? did Finn and Kenni catch their plane to Chicago?

This book was so enjoyable to read. I am glad I saved it to read during the hustle and bustle this holiday season. It is one I recommend adding to your holiday reading lists as well. Totally entertaining!

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 6 of 10

Kenni and Finn have plans to fly to Chicago and spend Christmas with Finn's family. But murder and a storm get in the way. Kenni uncovers the truth leading to the arrest of the killer.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships murder mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ohhh this was such an awesome Christmas read! And just when I thought I knew who the killer was, there were twists and red herrings along the way--and I was wrong.

Kenni was so excited about going to Chicago to meet Finn's family over Christmas that she refused to believe any of the news reports about the huge blizzard that would hit Cottonwood, KY. When a local young girl was found dead in her car in the river, Kenni was worried that might interfere with her Chicago plans if the weather didn't. With the help of her Poppa's ghost as always, as well as an extra set of hands in the form of an interim deputy named Scott Lee, Kenni and Finn got their answers as always. The killer was caught and you'll just have to read it to find out if the blizzard ever happened!

I always love visiting Cottonwood! There was something even more special and magical during Christmas, and that led to a very sweet happy ending!

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya keeps you guessing until the end! Even then she throws in a twist after you think you guessed right. This book was no different. It was fun seeing Cottonwoods Christmas traditions in the next Kenni Lowry series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmas time in Cottonwood but Kenni’s isn’t making plans to spend the holidays at home she is looking forward to spending time with Finn’s and his family in Chicago. Kenni’s mother- Vivian Lowry, Mother Nature, and a killer might just have other plans for where Kenni and Finn spend Christmas.

Once again I loved the characters and the setting of Cottonwood, KY. Kenni is a smart hardworking female protagonist but she isn’t perfect and sometimes needs a little help to solve the murders. Sometimes the help comes in the from small-town gossip, or her lovable pup but sometimes the help comes from her grandfather’s ghost. I love that it is getting harder for Kenni to keep her grandfather's ghost a secret from Finn and I can’t wait to see how this secret evolves as their romantic and working relationships evolve. Vivian is exactly how I can picture most Southern Mommas especially if her one and only child is spending the holidays somewhere other than at home with family. The book is well written with wonderful descriptions of the setting. There is a perfect balance of humor and romance woven into the mystery storyline. The mystery is well paced and plotted, with enough twists and turns to keep you engaged and entertained.

This book truly has something for everyone… mystery, romance, holidays, small-town southern charm, paranormal, and pets. I would definitely recommend this book. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.

[JoAn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Up in Tinsel by Tonya Kappes is another entertaining addition to this series.

Christmas is coming to Cottonwood and Kenni is planning on spending it away from home with Finn. Her momma, Vivian, is doing her best to manipulate Kenni; but Kenni is remaining firm and I applaud Kenni for sticking up for her relationship with Finn. The plot moved quickly with very few suspects but plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. Being set right before Christmas this was a sad tale of young love, anger issues and jealousy. There were some humorous moments, too, thanks to Kenni's Poppa. Ms. Kappes does a fantastic job in describing Cottonwood and the town residents which always make me feel like I'm visiting once again. I always enjoy my visits to Cottonwood.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.

[Stormi (StormReads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am a huge fan of the Kenni Lowry series and so this was a fun new installment surrounding Christmas. Kenni wants to visit Finn's family in Chicago, and her mother thinks she is trying to shatter her heart by not being in Cottonwood for Christmas.

Meanwhile, a blizzard is headed their way and it might derail her plans along with a murder.

This one was kind of sad because the murder was of a young lady that has been in previous books and so you kind of know her more than it just being someone you have never read about.  It had a great mystery and kept me guessing as there was so many good suspects!

My favorite character is Kenni's ghostly grandfather who is her ghost deputy when a murder happens so yes there is a little paranormal element in the stories.

Recommend this one to all cozy lovers!

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next book of the series Kenni is looking forward to the upcoming holidays, you see she has made plans to go out of town with her beau Finn and meet his family. When the local radio dj starts in on a huge storm headed their way all Kenni can do is pray and hope that she makes it out of town before it hits. When a local girl doesn't come home from the annual Christmas Cantata she attended the evening before her parents are worried and ask Kenni to look into things. Kenni saw the young woman the night before in an argument with her boyfriend so she starts there in her investigation. Later that day a local comes across a car sticking out of the local river and Kenni ends up finding the girl dead inside. Who would have wanted to kill someone so young and why? She knows the boyfriends mother couldn't stand the girl, she thought she ruined her sons chances for a better life. Kenni also learns that the girls father is actually her step-father and that he didn't like the road she was taking for her future. Was one of these adults angry enough to kill the girl though? Follow along as Kenni looks for clues into who killed the girl and why. Will she solve the murder in enough time to leave on holiday, will her and Finn beat the storm before it gets to town? Will her grandfathers ghost pop in and help her with this investigation? Answer these questions and more while reading this fun southern cozy mystery that delivers a great story line filled with a variety of fun characters.


I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tangled Up In Tinsel
A Kenni Lowry Mystery, Book #6
Tonya Kappes
5+ Stars

Synopsis:

Don’t get your tinsel in a tangle...

It’s Christmastime in Cottonwood, Kentucky, and Sheriff Kenni Lowry is determined to keep the peace. Vivian Lowry, Kenni’s Mama, is having a Christmas-size hissy fit because Kenni plans to spend Christmas in Chicago with her Deputy Sheriff-turned-boyfriend Finn Vincent and his family.

Plus, the snowstorm of the century is headed right toward Cottonwood, leaving the residents in a frantic frenzy and potentially derailing Kenni’s Christmas plans with Finn.

If that’s not enough to dampen the Christmas spirit, the ghost of Kenni’s grandfather—the ex-sheriff—makes an appearance, and that means only one thing: there’s been a Christmas murder, and there’s a tinsel-wrapped victim at the center of it.

Relying on her Poppa more than ever, Kenni uses him as the Ghost of Christmas Past to help solve the murder, but will it be in time for her to save Christmas in Cottonwood and hop on her plane to meet Finn’s family?

- - - - - - - - - - - - -

TANGLED UP IN TINSEL by Tonya Kappes | A Henery Press Mystery. If you like one, you’ll probably like them all. (Goodreads)


Review:

I absolutely love the characters in this book. Kenni is smart, hardworking, fair and an all around good person. Kenni and Poppa’s (her deceased grandfather) is so heartfelt and loving and their love for each other has no boundaries (earthly or otherwise). Her mom is starting to be a little more caring and a little less annoying. Her relationship with Finn is moving along nicely and I think they make a great pair. The secondary characters add a lot to this book.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is so talented in her descriptive writing and I felt like I was right there, waiting for the mother of all snow storms to hit Cottonwood, Kentucky. I had to keep laughing when Kenni kept saying that the snow storm would miss them. If wishing could make it happen, then she is right.

The mystery was well plotted and moved at a nice pace. There were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I did not figure out the culprit until it was revealed at the end.

I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. It has everything that I enjoy in a cozy, romance, great characters, family and a puzzling mystery. Throw in a ghost and I could not ask for anything more.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Carla · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Christmas approaches, Sheriff Kenni Lowry is adamant that she is going to spend Christmas with Finn Vincent's family in Chicago. Even though a huge snowstorm is predicted, Kenni refuses to accept that she might have to spend Christmas in Cottonwood. They have a temporary deputy lined up and are trying to get him up to speed on their procedures. When Poppa's ghost, the former sheriff, shows up she realizes that a murder may be the one thing that can tangle up her plans.

When a young woman, Leighann Graves, goes missing after the Hunt Club Christmas Cantata, her parents are frantic and her boyfriend is worried. She did not take her phone, and no one can reach her. When her vehicle is found with her body inside, it is originally deemed an accident or even a suicide, but Kenni knows better, why else would Poppa have appeared. Kenni is also dealing with her mama, Vivian Lowry who has never been away from her daughter on Christmas. She is not happy that her daughter has Christmas plans away from her, and as the day gets closer she tightens the screws more and more in hopes that Kenni will change her mind. With the murder, the storm and Mama's pressure, will Kenni and Finn get to Chicago for Christmas?

I enjoy my visits to Cottonwood Kentucky. Kenni's Mama, Vivian Lowry, is a woman to be reckoned with. She oozes southern charm and I love her appearances in the book y'all. The ghostly presence of Kenni’s grandfather, is always a welcome addition to the cast. He can only be seen and heard by Kenni and her dog Duke. Kenni is still trying to keep her secret from Finn, and it is harder all the time. I laugh at Poppa's antics as well as what Kenni says and does to cover up when someone overhears her talking to no one. The death of Leighann was so sad and with Christmas approaching, it was terrible to feel the emotions from her family. The suspects are all residents of Cottonwood, and there are a few. As secrets come out, they point to one suspect, then another. There are several twists and turns that kept me guessing right up until the very end. This was one of those stories that I listened to in one sitting. I couldn’t wait to reach the end to find out who killed Leighann, where do Kenni and Finn spend Christmas and does the storm of the century hit Cottonwood? I listened to this story and it was fun to hear the voices of the various characters. The narrator, Hillary Huber, did a great job with this story and I will look for future books narrated by her. I am definitely looking forward to the next Kenni Lowry mystery.

[Sophia · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this latest Kenni Lowry paranormal cozy mystery, Kenni, her ghostly grandpa, and Phin must solve a case in record time before Kenni and Phin are scheduled to go on a holiday vacation to visit his family in Chicago. Kenni has never been away from Cottonwood and family for Christmas, but Phin is worth it even if she has to put up with her southern mama's sass about it.

A young woman goes missing after a Christmas party and her parents call in Kenni and the sheriff's department. Soon enough the girl's car with her body in it is fished out of the river. The parents' seem devastated as does the boyfriend. The modern-day Romeo and Juliet had opposition from both sets of parents about their relationship and that the pair chose not to go to college, but is it worth killing over? Kenni has to sift through the facts and evidence with the help of her ghostly Poppa who used to be the sheriff.

The blend of Cottonwood quirkiness led by Kenni's mama Viv, the hometown holiday spirit, her needing to find a time to tell her boyfriend Phin about her secret ghostly detecting partner, and her own need to buck up and get over her already homesickness over missing Cottonwood Christmas traditions to visit Phin's family all surround the mystery.

It was a fun, light, and yet well-laid mystery encounter that I've come to appreciate from this series. Though, that said, I appreciated that the author addressed domestic violence, blended family, economic and health struggles, and more to lend emotional depth and thought to an otherwise 'cozy' story. At one point, I suspected four people and never could settle on the culprit.

Hilary Huber has a fun southern country twang that pairs well with the tone of the book and characters. This was my first time engaging one of the series books in audio and I had no trouble hearing Hilary's voices for the well-known characters.

All in all, another splendid series outing and I look forward to my next encounter. Definitely for those who enjoy a paranormal element, small town setting to their cozies.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the sixth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. I have enjoyed reading every single one of them and this book right up there as one of my favorites. While I think the story can be read stand-alone, there is so much involved with character and plot building, I highly recommend reading the series in order.

It’s Christmas time and Sheriff Kenni Lowry is trying to wrap things up so she had her boyfriend can head out of town to visit his family for the holidays. Between Kenni’s mother wailing about the first Christmas they will be apart and the threat of the snowstorm of the century, Kenni is trying to stay optimistic about actually getting out of town.

Then a murder happens. How does Kenni know it is a murder? Well, that’s when Poppa (her grandfather’s) spirit shows up to help. Her Poppa was sheriff of cottonwood for many years and is tied to the town when murder is on the ticket.

Kenni’s boyfriend, Finn, is also her deputy. He’s beginning to question how Kenni seems to “know” things that appear unknowable (unless you have ghost giving you the inside scoop.)

The story is good and the characters well-developed. This is good whodunnit cozy mystery that gives me a lot of laughs while reading it.

I’m already looking forward to the next in this series. I want to know how the characters grow together. It’s always interesting to see so many murders in such a small town. You’d think eventually you’d run out of characters either by being victim or assailant.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Edelweiss.

[Elisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG Murder shouldn't be funny but I have to say I laughed out loud a lot during Tangled up in Tinsel.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry and her partner Finn are at it again with some Christmas Cheer and a Murder to solve before they jet off for Chicago and Christmas with Finn's family, leaving Kenni's sobbing mother behind ....lol Vivian Lowrey is a master of Mamma Manipulation but she was never going to win this one, well not unless Mother Nature stepped in and helped out to keep her one and only daughter in town for Christmas, but Kenni was having none of it there was no storm of the century on the way at all and look out anyone who mentioned it in her presence.

But back to murder most fowl, Young love with a very tragic end, families feuding and someone who would do absolutely anything for the one she loved, in the end was it murder or suicide of course Kenni knew from the outset because Poppa turned up to help out as usual and then they are off finding clues and eventually unraveling it all to find the right killer.

Another riveting mystery.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Kenni Lowry series. I love the setting of this small Kentucky town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The characters are people you would like to get to know. The storyline is great with the town sheriff being a young woman who is very good at her job. This book has romance, drama and a ghost in the form of her grandpop. The relationship between these two is wonderful. As the former sheriff, he helps her work out the details of the crime. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about family dynamics, a multi-faceted storyline and a great ending. I was provided an advance copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an unbiased review.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Kenni Lowry series. I love the setting of this small Kentucky town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The characters are people you would like to get to know. The storyline is great with the town sheriff being a young woman who is very good at her job. This book has romance, drama and a ghost in the form of her grandpop. The relationship between these two is wonderful. As the former sheriff, he helps her work out the details of the crime. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about family dynamics, a multi-faceted storyline and a great ending. I was provided an advance copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an unbiased review.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great addition to the Kenni Lowry series. I love the setting of this small Kentucky town where everyone knows everyone else’s business. The characters are people you would like to get to know. The storyline is great with the town sheriff being a young woman who is very good at her job. This book has romance, drama and a ghost in the form of her grandpop. The relationship between these two is wonderful. As the former sheriff, he helps her work out the details of the crime. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes reading about family dynamics, a multi-faceted storyline and a great ending. I was provided an advance copy of this book and voluntarily wrote an unbiased review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this sixth in the series.
Kenni wants a smooth time to go to Chicago with Finn to meet his family at Christmas. It is anything but smooth. Her mama is not happy, a snowstorm is coming and a girl who is known for running away turns up dead.
The mystery was excellent, it kept me guessing, not knowing who to trust. The ending had a few unexpected twists, which tied up nicely in the end.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining cozy mystery with an adorable ending. Great characters in a quirky Southern town. I will share my review soon.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenni is trying to get everything done before she heads to Chicago for Christmas with Finn to meet his family. Seems a murder and Mother Nature have other ideas. Poppa is back to help Kenni solve this case. I loved being back in Cottonwood where secrets will be revealed. Suspects are plenty, twists to keep you guessing. Quick read and even in trying to solve a murder there is humor.

I received an ARC of this book prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.

[Roberta (Always Behind) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the narrator! I am usually very OCD about reading series in order, but this Christmas themed story worked well for me.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another enjoyable cozy mystery by Tonya Kappes. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Very well worth the time to read.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

The town of Cottonwood is getting ready for the Christmas season. Sheriff Kenni Lowry is torn between going to Chicago with Finn to meet his parents, and missing all the traditions in Cottonwood. Vivian, Kenni's mama, isn't making it easy on Kenni with the guilt trips about leaving.

Kenni's plans may take a nosedive with everyone in town talking about a forecasted blizzard. While Kenni makes a plea to her deceased Poppa to keep the storm at bay, Poppa makes an appearance. That only means one thing, there was a murder! Kenni uncovers some secrets, along with evidence, that doesn't look good for the prime suspect, who professes they are innocent.

This is book six in the series. I love the small-town setting with a lively bunch of interesting characters! My favorite is Poppa, which only Kenni can see, and helps her solve cases.

I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tangled up in Tinsel by Tonya Kappes is the sixth novel in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kenni Lowry is looking forward to spending Christmas with her deputy/boyfriend, Finn Vincent and his family in Chicago. Kenni’s mother, Vivian is upset (putting it mildly) that Kenni will not be in Cottonwood for Christmas and has decided to run for Snow Queen (to keep herself occupied). Kenni is enjoying the annual Hunt Club Christmas Cantata with Finn and notices that Leighann Graves and Manuel Liberty are together. Leighann is now eighteen and her family can no longer can stand in the way of their relationship. The next morning, Kenni hears that a blizzard is heading their way which could interfere with her Christmas plans. Kenni refuses to believe the meteorologists and is sure that positive thinking will hold off the snowstorm. Kenni is notified that Leighann Graves failed to come home last night and Manuel has not seen her since the dance ended. When Poppa appears, Kenni knows that Leighann will not be returning home again. If Kenni wishes to depart for Chicago on time, she needs to rely on Poppa to help her wrap up the case. Which one of the suspects will be hanging their stocking in a jail cell? Will Kenni and Finn make it to Chicago for Christmas?

Tangled up in Tinsel is set in the small Southern town of Cottonwood, Kentucky which is filled with quirky characters. I believe Kenni’s mother outdoes all of them with her crazy antics. The town has charming shops and gossipy citizens. Kenni has spent every Christmas in Cottonwood until this year. While she is eager to meet Finn’s family, she will also miss her family and the town festivities. The threat of a big snowstorm along with a murder just might keep her in Cottonwood. I always enjoy Poppa as he adds liveliness to the story plus I like the ghostly element. I enjoy Tonya Kappes writing style. It draws in the reader and keeps them turning the page (or swiping if you use an e-reader). There are a handful of suspects for Kenni to interview and figure out which one killed Leighann Graves. There are good clues to aid readers in solving the crime before the solution is revealed. I do wish it had been more of a challenge to solve this whodunit. Tangled up in Tinsel can be read alone, but I recommend reading the series in order. It helps you to understand Kenni, the town, her relationship with her mother, and why Poppa appears. My rating for Tangled up in Tinsel is 4 out of 5 stars. If you are looking for a humorous and entertaining cozy mystery, then Tangled up in Tinsel is the book for you.

[Daniele · Rating 4 out of 5]

TANGLED UP IN TINSEL is the solid sixth entry in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series. It is a lot of fun and strikes just the right balance of murder, romance, paranormal, and humor.

In this installment, we find Kenni anxiously awaiting her planned trip to Chicago to spend Christmas with Finn’s family, but the guilt trip her mother Vivian is laying on and the prediction of snow threaten to dampen her holiday spirit. In the days leading up to her departure date, what begins as a potentially missing person case becomes a murder investigation when Kenni’s grandfather appears, and she finds Leighann Graves’ car, with Leighann in it. Those closest to Leighann have the biggest motives for her murder, and Kenni, along with Finn and Poppa, unearth secrets kept behind closed doors, jealousy, and love.

I always enjoy my time in Cottonwood, Kentucky. Kappes has created a wonderful Southern, small town backdrop for her dauntless protagonist. I like Kenni; she is intelligent and personable. It is not easy being the sheriff where everyone knows everyone and everything, but I think she is finally comfortable with her role as sheriff and has earned the respect she deserves. Finn is Kenni’s steadfast deputy and boyfriend, a combination that I think is sometimes a little distracting, both to the reader and characters. Poppa is my favorite character; his love for his town and Kenni is obvious, and I think he adds the perfect amount of paranormal whimsy to the story. I cannot wait to see how Finn reacts when he finally learns that Kenni has some otherworldly investigating help.

The mystery of Leighann’s death is complex enough to keep readers guessing, and there is one huge twist at the end that I did not see coming. My only quibble is that Kenni’s constant denial of the coming weather is annoying.

I really enjoyed TANGLED UP IN TINSEL and recommend it to any cozy reader looking for zany characters and a Southern setting.

I received and ARC of this title and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenni Lowry is on a mission-a mission to make it to Chicago and meet Finn’s family despite her mother’s best efforts to keep her home for the holidays. It seems Mother Nature is working against her too as the “Storm of the Century” is looming. Kenni knows deep down that there is a large possibility of the storm happening, but she is staying optimistic. Finn and Kenni start off the season at the Cottonwood Christmas Cantanta and find themselves watching the people and their body language as they communicate-hazards of the job-and see that the Graves family and Liberty family are still at odds over Leighann and Manuel’s relationship. The next day a call comes in from Jilly Graves saying that Leighann is missing. Again. Kenni is not worried as this has happened several times in the past, but this time is different. Leighann is 18 and not under her parents roof anymore and Manuel had not seen her since the night before after an argument.
Kenni finds herself wrapped up in another murder mystery and learns that people are not always what they seem. That friendly neighbor may not be so friendly behind closed doors. She learns secrets about Cottonwood that she hoped to never have learn, but can she solve the mystery without her emotions getting in the way? She has extra help this time from Finn, Poppa (the one true known reason it is murder before it is officially announced) and a fill-in named Scott. They go up against the odds, and mother nature, to find the true killer. It will leave you astounded and maybe make you question what’s going on behind your neighbors doors. Be sure to pick this story up and join the citizens of Cottonwood as they prepare for Christmas and stay warm with this Southern cozy mystery!

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kenni is tying up loose ends at the sheriffs department before her and her boyfriend Finn head to Chicago to celebrate Christmas with his family, despite her mama's protests. A young teen's body is found and while it initially appears to be suicide, clues are uncovered that say otherwise. Now, Kenni is in a rush to solve this crime before she leaves town. Not only is she racing the clock at work, but she's also racing Mother Nature... trying to beat the blizzard that is supposed to arrive anytime now. All your favorite characters are here. A couple new faces as well. As you might expect from a southern small town setting, there are some pretty colorful characters. This particular mystery involves more of the younger folks in town, and thus was a hard pill to swallow for everyone. The lose of a young life. There are, of course, several suspects. Some interesting twists to the crime. Even the grand reveal has a surprising twist.

It's an easy and quick read. Clean and safe for teens and up. No violence. There is that bit of supernatural, in the form of a ghost (Kenni's deceased grandfather, and former sheriff,) who comes along to help her solve the murders. It's not a romance, but there are some romantic gestures played out, which adds a bit of sweetness to the story. It it part of a series, but can be read as a stand alone, though in this book, you don't get as much background of the characters, so you may not fully understand or appreciate them, as much as if you've been reading the series from the beginning. (But you will not have any troubles following the story/plot.)

[Taryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this next book of the series Kenni is looking forward to the upcoming holidays, you see she has made plans to go out of town with her beau Finn and meet his family. When the local radio dj starts in on a huge storm headed their way all Kenni can do is pray and hope that she makes it out of town before it hits. When a local girl doesn't come home from the annual Christmas Cantata she attended the evening before her parents are worried and ask Kenni to look into things. Kenni saw the young woman the night before in an argument with her boyfriend so she starts there in her investigation. Later that day a local comes across a car sticking out of the local river and Kenni ends up finding the girl dead inside. Who would have wanted to kill someone so young and why? She knows the boyfriends mother couldn't stand the girl, she thought she ruined her sons chances for a better life. Kenni also learns that the girls father is actually her step-father and that he didn't like the road she was taking for her future. Was one of these adults angry enough to kill the girl though? Follow along as Kenni looks for clues into who killed the girl and why. Will she solve the murder in enough time to leave on holiday, will her and Finn beat the storm before it gets to town? Will her grandfathers ghost pop in and help her with this investigation? Answer these questions and more while reading this fun southern cozy mystery that delivers a great story line filled with a variety of fun characters.


I received an ARC of this book, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Angela Jett · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas in Cottonwood, KY is coming up and Kenni Lowry is making plans to go to visit her boyfriend, Finn’s, family in Chicago for the holiday. Needless to say, Kenni’s mother, Vivian, is not happy that her daughter will not be around for the holidays!
Unfortunately, Mother Nature might intervene with a huge storm that could block Kenni and Finn from traveling. This is all just background drama to the main murder mystery of the book, a local girl doesn’t come home from the annual Christmas Cantata, so the family asks Kenni to look into her disappearance. Later that day someone notifies the police of a car stuck in the river and when Kenni goes to investigate she finds the missing girl dead inside.
Kenni’s grandfather’s ghost appears and starts to help her untangle the series of events and relationships that lead to the young woman’s death. Navigating the small town gossip channels and hard police work finally get Kenni to the truth.
This is the third book in the series I have read and each one is thoroughly enjoyable. A great balance between small town charm, the humor of families, a budding romance and a great mystery make these books a fun read. Especially enjoy the side story about family holidays and the expectations that holidays bring on. This is a Christmas holiday treat to read!
Thank you Edelweiss+ and publisher, Henery Press, for the opportunity to read this ARC.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

First, a lump or two of coal. The story’s flow is occasionally blocked by choppy dialogue and a plodding plot pace. And the ending is a bit exasperating (not to worry, everything is ultimately tied up neatly into a logical little bow). Tangled Up in Tinsel is still entertaining and a quick read (the book took me roughly the time of two or three Hallmark Christmas movies to finish it), it just felt a bit unpolished in places.

On to the good stuff. The mystery contained plenty of twists and red herrings to keep me guessing, but Kappes’s charming depictions of Cottonwood and its colorful townsfolk are why I kept reading. Kappes’s small-town touches to the story are spot-on. Another bright spot is the story’s humor. Kenni’s stubborn refusal to accept the possibility of a blizzard hitting the town before she can leave for Chicago and the antics of Kenni’s mother as she tries to become the town’s holiday Snow Queen (because, with Kenni out of town, “What else do I have to look forward to this Christmas?”) are priceless.

Tangled Up in Tinsel isn’t perfect, but it is fun. My suggestion? Fix up a hot mug of homemade hot chocolate, grab a handful of little candy canes to absentmindedly nom on, and cozy up under a warm afghan before you start reading. Not a shabby way to spend a December afternoon. Not at all.