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Holiday Cozy Mystery #1
Four Leaf Felony
CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is a spin off of Tonya Kappes's A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series!
Smiling eyes aren't shining upon Violet Rhinehammer!
Violet Rhinehammer finally got the call! She's been working so hard in her hometown of Normal, Kentucky as a reporter for Channel Two News and the Normal Gazette to get the national attention to she believes she rightfully deserves!
Now is her time! Violet got an interview of a lifetime with a huge national news network. It didn't take her long to pack her bag and hop on an airplane leaving Normal, Kentucky behind!
While in flight she was so busy dreaming about her opportunity. The passenger sitting next to Violet yammered on and on about her grandchildren, Violet had to use her southern manners to excuse herself to the bathroom after the woman gave Violet a headache.
After all, Violet had to keep her head in the game because she was determined to get the job so she didn't have to go back to her small hometown.
Violet's moment of bathroom silence quickly turned to chaos after she found a dead body in the airplane bathroom causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in the small town Holiday Junction.
The NTSB has grounded any flights leaving in or out of Holiday Junction and every passenger is considered a suspect which means Violet Rhinehammer is stranded until the murder is solved. Y'all know Violet! She's not going to sit on her laurels, she's using her keen journalist skills and possibly a little help from the Laundry Club Ladies from Normal, Kentucky to solve the crime.
After all, she's got to show up for her big interview and her dream job is slipping through her hands.
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is set during the holidays. Some of them will be released before the intended holiday but most won't because Tonya writes these exclusively for her Patreon group and releases them as she sees fit.
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is a spin off of Tonya Kappes's A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series!
Smiling eyes aren't shining upon Violet Rhinehammer!
Violet Rhinehammer finally got the call! She's been working so hard in her hometown of Normal, Kentucky as a reporter for Channel Two News and the Normal Gazette to get the national attention to she believes she rightfully deserves!
Now is her time! Violet got an interview of a lifetime with a huge national news network. It didn't take her long to pack her bag and hop on an airplane leaving Normal, Kentucky behind!
While in flight she was so busy dreaming about her opportunity. The passenger sitting next to Violet yammered on and on about her grandchildren, Violet had to use her southern manners to excuse herself to the bathroom after the woman gave Violet a headache.
After all, Violet had to keep her head in the game because she was determined to get the job so she didn't have to go back to her small hometown.
Violet's moment of bathroom silence quickly turned to chaos after she found a dead body in the airplane bathroom causing the pilot to make an emergency landing in the small town Holiday Junction.
The NTSB has grounded any flights leaving in or out of Holiday Junction and every passenger is considered a suspect which means Violet Rhinehammer is stranded until the murder is solved. Y'all know Violet! She's not going to sit on her laurels, she's using her keen journalist skills and possibly a little help from the Laundry Club Ladies from Normal, Kentucky to solve the crime.
After all, she's got to show up for her big interview and her dream job is slipping through her hands.
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is set during the holidays. Some of them will be released before the intended holiday but most won't because Tonya writes these exclusively for her Patreon group and releases them as she sees fit.
164 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2022
766 people are currently reading
1355 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
438 books3,672 followersBeloved 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
Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11
Pinterest
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,
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
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,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 288 reviews
March 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Hoopla Audiobook/Kindle Book 🎧📱
Book #1 of the Holiday Cozy Mystery Series
Violet Rhinehammer is excited to be on her way to California for an interview with a news station when she finds a body in the bathroom on the plane. With the plane grounded in Holiday Junction until all the passengers can be interviewed Voilet decides to put on her investigation hat and try and figure out who the murderer is so she can get out of Holiday Junction as soon as possible. Her investigation and life doesn’t go as she has planned though and she learns the hard way that it’s best not to assume anything. This was a fun read for St. Patrick’s Day and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series. ☘️
Hoopla Audiobook/Kindle Book 🎧📱
Book #1 of the Holiday Cozy Mystery Series
Violet Rhinehammer is excited to be on her way to California for an interview with a news station when she finds a body in the bathroom on the plane. With the plane grounded in Holiday Junction until all the passengers can be interviewed Voilet decides to put on her investigation hat and try and figure out who the murderer is so she can get out of Holiday Junction as soon as possible. Her investigation and life doesn’t go as she has planned though and she learns the hard way that it’s best not to assume anything. This was a fun read for St. Patrick’s Day and I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series. ☘️
August 10, 2024
Reporter Violet Rhinehammer was on a plane, heading to an interview for the job of a lifetime. When she went to the restroom to escape her seat companion's constant chatter, she received the shock of her life - there was a dead body inside, the knife still attached.
The pilot diverted the plane to the small village of Holiday Junction where there wasn't much happening except a parade, and Violet didn't want to be involved in that. Instead she thought it her duty to find the killer so she could continue on her way...
Four Leaf Felony is the 1st in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes and I won't be reading any further. The MC was totally unlikeable; a complete flip - the story didn't make much sense, as the plane diverted to Holiday Junction, but a lot of the passengers were from that village - including the dead man!!??? Only a novella length, but one I was glad to finish!
The pilot diverted the plane to the small village of Holiday Junction where there wasn't much happening except a parade, and Violet didn't want to be involved in that. Instead she thought it her duty to find the killer so she could continue on her way...
Four Leaf Felony is the 1st in the Holiday Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes and I won't be reading any further. The MC was totally unlikeable; a complete flip - the story didn't make much sense, as the plane diverted to Holiday Junction, but a lot of the passengers were from that village - including the dead man!!??? Only a novella length, but one I was glad to finish!
March 16, 2025
Not a ton to say about this-it is for sure a light, quick, holiday read and there’s something really enjoyable about taking a break from your regularly scheduled TBR for something seasonal. I did feel that the editing was rough and there were way, way too many names to keep track of considering the very short nature of the story. I did find the internalized fat-phobia a major turn off (SO many references to gaining weight, not eating carbs, etc). I’ll probably read the Mother’s Day and Halloween installments since I already have them, but wouldn’t plan on buying others.
September 15, 2024
Four Leaf Felony by Tonya Kappes
Holiday Cozy Mystery series #1. Lighthearted cozies with a holiday theme, southern style. Spin off from the Camper series.
Violet Rhinehammer is on the way to California to make her dreams come true to be a big time reporter. On the way to her interview, Violet discovers a dead body in the plane’s bathroom. The plane is diverted to Holiday Junction, where Violet does her own investigation to find the murderer in the small town filled with unique individuals including a dog as the Mayor. A Boston terroir, so yes, literally a dog.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Elizabeth Demetrios. The performance was fun and included a couple of different voices though the full story is from Violet’s POV. I did speed up recording to 1.6 to more closely match conversational speed.
Fake it till you make it. That’s one of Violet’s mottos to live by. And in living that motto, she ends up with a new job even if it wasn’t the one she intended.
I love the lighthearted stories. They are often humorous and even a bit crazy. Just a fun series to escape for a couple of hours. I felt a little bit sorry for Violet. She tries hard but often comes up short. Her determination and drive gets her through.
Some of the earlier books by this author are filled with editing / grammar text errors so I’ve switched to the audiobook versions. There are a handful of noticeable repeated lines in this audiobook.
I’m not perfect. The story is entertaining and fun escapism. Moving on to the next book.
Holiday Cozy Mystery series #1. Lighthearted cozies with a holiday theme, southern style. Spin off from the Camper series.
Violet Rhinehammer is on the way to California to make her dreams come true to be a big time reporter. On the way to her interview, Violet discovers a dead body in the plane’s bathroom. The plane is diverted to Holiday Junction, where Violet does her own investigation to find the murderer in the small town filled with unique individuals including a dog as the Mayor. A Boston terroir, so yes, literally a dog.
🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Elizabeth Demetrios. The performance was fun and included a couple of different voices though the full story is from Violet’s POV. I did speed up recording to 1.6 to more closely match conversational speed.
Fake it till you make it. That’s one of Violet’s mottos to live by. And in living that motto, she ends up with a new job even if it wasn’t the one she intended.
I love the lighthearted stories. They are often humorous and even a bit crazy. Just a fun series to escape for a couple of hours. I felt a little bit sorry for Violet. She tries hard but often comes up short. Her determination and drive gets her through.
Some of the earlier books by this author are filled with editing / grammar text errors so I’ve switched to the audiobook versions. There are a handful of noticeable repeated lines in this audiobook.
I’m not perfect. The story is entertaining and fun escapism. Moving on to the next book.
March 31, 2023
The main character was so obnoxious, ignorant, and dim-witted that I’m shocked how highly rated this book is. None of what happened even made any sense (eg a dead body is found on a plane on a flight to California, so the plane has an emergency landing in an itty bitty town where the story takes place. But almost everyone on the flight, including the person that got murdered, live in this tiny town??). There are so many instances of things that made me roll my eyes. Not to mention that the main character solved the mystery completely by accident. There is nothing positive about this book that I can think of, except maybe that it was short and I didn’t DNF it.
April 8, 2022
Violet is thrilled to finally leave Normal, Kentucky, in her rearview mirror for the lights of California and the job she wants. Only Violet could spill a cup of coffee and get the interview of a lifetime, and her confidence is sky high. Four Leaf Felony is first in a new series, a spin-off from the Tonya Kappes’s beloved Campers & Criminals series. There are incredibly funny scenes and a confounding mystery, and the characters are defined and developed well. Descriptions of Holiday Junction and the surrounding area are beautifully done; it may be small, but it boasts one of the best mayors in the country!
Violet has always lived in Normal and knows Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies quite well. She has been in most of the Campers & Criminals cozies but was never anyone’s favorite person, including mine. Violet had a regular spot on the Channel 2 news and her own show, “Good Day in the Park”. She also did reporting for the local newspaper. Going to California to interview with a major news network was the most exciting new beginning she could have hoped for.
On the flight west, Violet went to the restroom to escape from the chatterbox in the next seat with her phone full of family photos. When she opened the restroom door, however, she learned what Mae goes through far too often: a dead man, eyes open and staring at her, with a knife sticking out of him.
The plane made an emergency landing in Holiday Junction, a town even smaller than Normal. Violet will not be in California on time for her interview. None of the passengers would go anywhere until statements are taken and investigating underway.
Violet called the man she had an interview with, who had her do a live exclusive from the airport. Violet did the impromptu report thinking she was the best international reporter ever. She learned much later that her makeup was smeared all over her face and her clothing a mess from her near meltdown on the plane. Her grand first major, nationwide story resulted in a meme. And she made police chief Matthew Strickland of Holiday Junction very, very upset with her.
Holiday Junction celebrates every holiday they deem important, and today is St. Patrick’s Day. Most businesses are closed, and a parade is set to begin. This town has no taxis or Ubers; she finally got a ride to the hotel with Rhett, a nephew of the police chief. Violet is convinced that if she solves the crime herself, she will be on her way to sunny California. Mae West and her suggestions are a phone call away.
The mystery was quite a challenge to solve, and whodunit eluded me. I was saddened at how certain actions were so badly misunderstood as to cost two lives. Holiday Junction has a charm all its own, with a higher percent of quirky than Normal could hope for and the best mayor in the country. Violet isn’t my favorite person, but she is learning some invaluable things that might lead to positive changes in her. I am interested in seeing what happens next time, as she just might get to be more likable. I highly recommend this to those who love the Campers & Criminals series, LOL Southern cozy mysteries, holiday celebrations, and a possibility of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Violet has always lived in Normal and knows Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies quite well. She has been in most of the Campers & Criminals cozies but was never anyone’s favorite person, including mine. Violet had a regular spot on the Channel 2 news and her own show, “Good Day in the Park”. She also did reporting for the local newspaper. Going to California to interview with a major news network was the most exciting new beginning she could have hoped for.
On the flight west, Violet went to the restroom to escape from the chatterbox in the next seat with her phone full of family photos. When she opened the restroom door, however, she learned what Mae goes through far too often: a dead man, eyes open and staring at her, with a knife sticking out of him.
The plane made an emergency landing in Holiday Junction, a town even smaller than Normal. Violet will not be in California on time for her interview. None of the passengers would go anywhere until statements are taken and investigating underway.
Violet called the man she had an interview with, who had her do a live exclusive from the airport. Violet did the impromptu report thinking she was the best international reporter ever. She learned much later that her makeup was smeared all over her face and her clothing a mess from her near meltdown on the plane. Her grand first major, nationwide story resulted in a meme. And she made police chief Matthew Strickland of Holiday Junction very, very upset with her.
Holiday Junction celebrates every holiday they deem important, and today is St. Patrick’s Day. Most businesses are closed, and a parade is set to begin. This town has no taxis or Ubers; she finally got a ride to the hotel with Rhett, a nephew of the police chief. Violet is convinced that if she solves the crime herself, she will be on her way to sunny California. Mae West and her suggestions are a phone call away.
The mystery was quite a challenge to solve, and whodunit eluded me. I was saddened at how certain actions were so badly misunderstood as to cost two lives. Holiday Junction has a charm all its own, with a higher percent of quirky than Normal could hope for and the best mayor in the country. Violet isn’t my favorite person, but she is learning some invaluable things that might lead to positive changes in her. I am interested in seeing what happens next time, as she just might get to be more likable. I highly recommend this to those who love the Campers & Criminals series, LOL Southern cozy mysteries, holiday celebrations, and a possibility of romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
March 27, 2022
Great start to a new series by one of my favourite authors. The Holiday Cozy Mystery series is a spin off from the popular Camper and Criminal Cozy Mysteries staring Violet Rhinehammer.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Holiday Junction where Violet finds herself stranded due to a dead body being found on her flight. While the investigation into the murder is happening Violet can’t let the opportunity slip by to do some investigating of her own…
There were lots of suspects as well as twists to keep us entertained and guessing. I had no idea who the killer was until Violet did! Also there were a couple of surprises and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I highly recommend this book and new series to all my cozy loving friends especially if you like stories set around the holidays.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
It’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival in Holiday Junction where Violet finds herself stranded due to a dead body being found on her flight. While the investigation into the murder is happening Violet can’t let the opportunity slip by to do some investigating of her own…
There were lots of suspects as well as twists to keep us entertained and guessing. I had no idea who the killer was until Violet did! Also there were a couple of surprises and I can’t wait for the next instalment!
I highly recommend this book and new series to all my cozy loving friends especially if you like stories set around the holidays.
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 14, 2022
In this first book of the series, Violet Rhinehammer has finally gotten the interview that will surely put her on the map. The excitement can't be extinguished that is until Violet finds a body in the bathroom of the plane she is taking to get to her interview. Violet does everything she can to make her interview but still has what happened.on the plane in the back of her mind. She decides to investigate and gets some help along the way. Follow along in this fun new spin off series and see where the clues take Violet!
April 14, 2022
Four Leaf Felony
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #1
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is a spin-off of Tonya Kappes's popular A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! You do not want to miss Violet Rhinehammer's journey and some appearances from our beloved Laundry Club Ladies and favorite characters from A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery crossover series!
Smiling eyes aren't shining upon Violet Rhinehammer!
Violet Rhinehammer finally got the big break she’s been waiting for. She got the interview of a lifetime and it is only a plane ride away.
Things take a twisty turn after Violet discovers a dead body in the airplane’s bathroom. With a forced emergency landing she finds herself stranded in the tiny seaside mountain Village of Holiday Junction.
Holiday Junction loves all things holiday and currently the town is painted green for their annual Shamrock Festival. Unfortunately the NTSB has grounded any flights in or out of Holiday Junction until the crime scene is wra pped up, leaving Violet scrambling to get to her interview.
Violet takes on the investigation and enlists the help of some of the locals, new friends, and a cute security guard to help her solve the mystery.
Join Violet, Cherise, Rhett, and a lineup of new as well as familiar characters from A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, as they try to catch a killer and get Violet to her dream job.
Review:
This is the first book of a spin-off of the Campers and Criminal series. It focuses on Violet Rhinehammer, the reporter from Normal, Kentucky. She has always wanted to be a big time reporter and now it is her chance. But on her way to the interview she finds a dead body in the airplane. Violet is forced to make an emergency layover in Holiday Junction so the authorities can figure out what happened and who the killer is. Violet decides that she is going to try and figure it out so she can continue on her way for her big break. With a little help from Mae West and new friends she has made, she plans to figure it out.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped pull me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was plotted and there were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider. This was not an easy mystery to solve.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. This book was a good start to a new series and I am looking to reading more of them.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and and I have given this honest review
Holiday Cozy Mystery, Book #1
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
CELEBRATE GOOD CRIMES!
Holiday Cozy Mystery Series is a spin-off of Tonya Kappes's popular A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! You do not want to miss Violet Rhinehammer's journey and some appearances from our beloved Laundry Club Ladies and favorite characters from A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery crossover series!
Smiling eyes aren't shining upon Violet Rhinehammer!
Violet Rhinehammer finally got the big break she’s been waiting for. She got the interview of a lifetime and it is only a plane ride away.
Things take a twisty turn after Violet discovers a dead body in the airplane’s bathroom. With a forced emergency landing she finds herself stranded in the tiny seaside mountain Village of Holiday Junction.
Holiday Junction loves all things holiday and currently the town is painted green for their annual Shamrock Festival. Unfortunately the NTSB has grounded any flights in or out of Holiday Junction until the crime scene is wra pped up, leaving Violet scrambling to get to her interview.
Violet takes on the investigation and enlists the help of some of the locals, new friends, and a cute security guard to help her solve the mystery.
Join Violet, Cherise, Rhett, and a lineup of new as well as familiar characters from A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, as they try to catch a killer and get Violet to her dream job.
Review:
This is the first book of a spin-off of the Campers and Criminal series. It focuses on Violet Rhinehammer, the reporter from Normal, Kentucky. She has always wanted to be a big time reporter and now it is her chance. But on her way to the interview she finds a dead body in the airplane. Violet is forced to make an emergency layover in Holiday Junction so the authorities can figure out what happened and who the killer is. Violet decides that she is going to try and figure it out so she can continue on her way for her big break. With a little help from Mae West and new friends she has made, she plans to figure it out.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions helped pull me into the story from the very beginning. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was plotted and there were plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider. This was not an easy mystery to solve.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. This book was a good start to a new series and I am looking to reading more of them.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and and I have given this honest review
September 10, 2023
Violet Rhinehammer is leaving her small hometown of Normal, KY behind for the big time. Violet hops on a plane heading for a job interview in California. However, Violet’s journey for her next chapter gets put on pause when she finds a dead body in the plane’s bathroom. The pilot is forced to make an emergency landing in the small town of Holiday Junction as the murder is investigated. Violet’s opportunity of landing her dream job is now in jeopardy. She believes if she can solve the murder quickly, she can land the job even from miles away. However, Holiday Junction isn't just any typical small town as Violet soon finds out.
If you are looking for a new unique cozy with a touch of comedic charm and a hint to possible romance, look no further. Author Tonya Kappes has a great imagination. This is a great spin-off of her beloved A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series (Fans of the series this is a must read.) Who wouldn’t want to visit a town that celebrates every holiday on a grand scale. Mrs. Kappes has created a fun setting for her newest cozy series. The characters are quirky and entertaining. One of my favorite scenes is when Violet finds out her first shot at the big time has turned her into a meme. The mystery is full of twists, turns, and surprises.
UPDATE:
This is my second time reading or listening to this book. This is a great audio version of a book. Narrator Elizabeth Dementrios is a great voice for Violet Rhinehammer as well as the other characters. One of my favorite scenes is when Violet finds the dead body on the airplane. Ms. Demntrios really brings Violet's panic attack to life.
All thoughts and opinions are my own; in no way has anyone influenced my opinion.
If you are looking for a new unique cozy with a touch of comedic charm and a hint to possible romance, look no further. Author Tonya Kappes has a great imagination. This is a great spin-off of her beloved A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series (Fans of the series this is a must read.) Who wouldn’t want to visit a town that celebrates every holiday on a grand scale. Mrs. Kappes has created a fun setting for her newest cozy series. The characters are quirky and entertaining. One of my favorite scenes is when Violet finds out her first shot at the big time has turned her into a meme. The mystery is full of twists, turns, and surprises.
UPDATE:
This is my second time reading or listening to this book. This is a great audio version of a book. Narrator Elizabeth Dementrios is a great voice for Violet Rhinehammer as well as the other characters. One of my favorite scenes is when Violet finds the dead body on the airplane. Ms. Demntrios really brings Violet's panic attack to life.
All thoughts and opinions are my own; in no way has anyone influenced my opinion.
April 11, 2022
This brand new series, features Violet Rhinehammer; a journalist/news reporter from Normal, Kentucky. Violet has made several appearances in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. In this crossover, Violet is on her way to her "big break" in California, when she discovers a body in the airplane's bathroom. With this turn of events, the plane makes an emergency landing in the small town of Hoilday. Violet contacts her future boss, letting him know of the events unfolding. She suddenly finds herself going live, using her cell phone to report on the situation. After ending her broadcast, she finds she's a hot topic online. As she watches herself, she realizes it wasn't one of her finest moments. She is a little worse for wear after her emotional discovery. With the murder taking place on the plane, everyone is a suspect, and detained in the small town. Violet decides to investigate, therefore, hoping to secure her job as a news reporter. Upon arriving in the small town, Violet immediately discovers why the town is called Holiday. This town celebrates each holiday to the fullest and Violet arrived just in time to celebrate their St. Patrick's Day Festival and everything green!
This crossover is a great start to a new series. With the popularity of A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, I have no doubt this one will be popular as well. When I first read about Violet as a news reporter in Normal, she drove me crazy! I felt the same in the beginning of this series, but the end of the book, I was enjoying her personality. She is a tenacious reporter, and begins to put the clues togehter with a little encouragement from Mae, back in Normal. With several suspects, I was constantly changing my mind as to who the killer was and didn't make the connection until the very end. Tonya has created an enjoyable cast of characters and I can't wait to read more about them and their many holiday celebrations! If you like small town settings, full of quirky characters, humours situations, with a well-thought-out plot, this cozy mystery is for you. I have had the opportunity to read several books by Tonya Kappes and each one is an etertaining read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and the holiday that will be celebrated. With Violet on the case, there will never be a dull moment.
I requested and receive an advanced copy of this book.
This crossover is a great start to a new series. With the popularity of A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, I have no doubt this one will be popular as well. When I first read about Violet as a news reporter in Normal, she drove me crazy! I felt the same in the beginning of this series, but the end of the book, I was enjoying her personality. She is a tenacious reporter, and begins to put the clues togehter with a little encouragement from Mae, back in Normal. With several suspects, I was constantly changing my mind as to who the killer was and didn't make the connection until the very end. Tonya has created an enjoyable cast of characters and I can't wait to read more about them and their many holiday celebrations! If you like small town settings, full of quirky characters, humours situations, with a well-thought-out plot, this cozy mystery is for you. I have had the opportunity to read several books by Tonya Kappes and each one is an etertaining read. I am looking forward to the next book in this series and the holiday that will be celebrated. With Violet on the case, there will never be a dull moment.
I requested and receive an advanced copy of this book.
October 29, 2025
finally started a new series from Tonya and im loving the start of it!
November 24, 2024
I just knew Normal, Kentucky was too small for 2 sets of murders and sleuths solving them, so I was glad when this shifted where it was. It starts on a plane and shifts to another small town. I did like the little moments where we learned about the paper and the family. They were right, there's a lot of old tradition that was a part of the newspaper - probably something of the past now. It was interesting to remember some of the little ways it touched people's lives.
It was a cute little story and a quick read. I liked it!
It was a cute little story and a quick read. I liked it!
March 24, 2022
Violet Rhinehammer is on her way up in the world, thanks to a spilled espresso and playing up her being a reporter. All she has to do is fly out to California for an interview.
What Violet doesn't count on is a dead body, leading to an emergency landing in a town called Holiday Junction where she'll be stuck for a few days. After worrying about her interview being delayed, Violet is given the opportunity to go live as an interview. Becoming a meme wasn't part of the plan though.
Holiday Junction is in full celebration mode for St. Patrick's Day and Violet finds herself right in the middle of it. When Violet has a bone to pick with the mayor, she has no idea she is barking up the wrong tree, and with a little help from Mae West, Violet is going to turn into an investigative reporter to help solve the case so she can continue on to her big break.
This is the first book in a spin-off involving a quirky town and even quirkier citizens that had plenty for me to laugh at and also try to puzzle out who the culprit was! I really enjoyed this story and seeing a new side to Violet.
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
What Violet doesn't count on is a dead body, leading to an emergency landing in a town called Holiday Junction where she'll be stuck for a few days. After worrying about her interview being delayed, Violet is given the opportunity to go live as an interview. Becoming a meme wasn't part of the plan though.
Holiday Junction is in full celebration mode for St. Patrick's Day and Violet finds herself right in the middle of it. When Violet has a bone to pick with the mayor, she has no idea she is barking up the wrong tree, and with a little help from Mae West, Violet is going to turn into an investigative reporter to help solve the case so she can continue on to her big break.
This is the first book in a spin-off involving a quirky town and even quirkier citizens that had plenty for me to laugh at and also try to puzzle out who the culprit was! I really enjoyed this story and seeing a new side to Violet.
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
May 3, 2022
Violet got to have a taste of what'd become second nature to her pal back home, Mae West which was finding dead bodies and being in on the investigation. Although since Violet's a reporter by profession, she was a bit more welcomed to the investigation than Mae was when she found her first body...or maybe the police just wanted to Violet busy and out of their hair, lol.
I just loved Marge and Louise the minute I met them! Those ladies knew what they wanted. It was so funny to later find out their connections to some others. And the whodunit was a definite surprise to me. Great showdown on Violet's part too!
I don't wanna spoil anything for anyone, so you'll just have to read this and see for yourself. I think Violet's found her niche! I can't wait to read the next book in KU!
I just loved Marge and Louise the minute I met them! Those ladies knew what they wanted. It was so funny to later find out their connections to some others. And the whodunit was a definite surprise to me. Great showdown on Violet's part too!
I don't wanna spoil anything for anyone, so you'll just have to read this and see for yourself. I think Violet's found her niche! I can't wait to read the next book in KU!
April 15, 2022
Four Leaf Felony by Tonya Kappes is the debut the Holiday Cozy Mysteries. Violet Rhinehammer is getting her big break. She has an interview in California for a reporting job. To get away from her plane seatmate, Violet heads the plane’s lavatory. She opens the door to find a man dead with a knife in his neck and a lot of blood. The plane is detoured to the village of Holiday Junction where they are getting ready for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Holidays are a big deal in Holiday Junction which means there is only one officer on duty. Violet’s plane is not going anywhere until the crime scene is processed. Violet is worried that she will miss the interview that could change the course of her career. At the suggestion of Mae West, Violet starts her own investigation. She gets help from Cherise (the airline attendant), Rhett (the airport security guard and nephew to the chief of police), and a few other quirky locals (like Rhett’s two aunts). Can Violet solve the crime and get her dream job? Four Leaf Felony is a lighthearted cozy mystery. It is a spin-off from A Camper & Criminal Cozy Mystery series featuring Mae West. There are references to the characters from the other series as well as phone calls and texts. Humor abounds in this story as Violet finds herself in one amusing situation after another. Only Violet would find herself in the middle of the parade on her way to the inn. Her national news debut is certainly noteworthy. The mystery is light. There are clues to help readers solve the crime (one is all it takes). The suspenseful reveal provides the why. I had to laugh at the ending. Holiday Junction is a lively town. I like how they go all out for holidays (people after my own heart). It will be entertaining to see what happens next time in Mother’s Day Murder (the first chapter is at the end of the book, so we get a sneak peek). Four Leaf Felony will have you wearing green and shouting “Erin Go Bragh.” Four Leaf Felony is a witty whodunit with a lifeless local on an airplane, a scooter stealer, a mascara meme, a sprightly parade, a beer battle, bowwow politics, an important interview, and two tenacious aunts.
April 28, 2022
Four-Leaf Felony Earns 5/5 Green Hankies…Entertaining Fun!
“Opportunity knocking!” Violet was off to California for an interview to the big time in journalism. But, finding a dead body in the plane’s lavatory puts it dream in jeopardy. Her prospective employer suggests she go live with a “Murder in the Sky” report which gives her the opportunity to shine…Violet Rhinehammer, International Correspondent, but “a quick landing” announced by the pilot brings about some challenges for which Violet wasn’t prepared: a town decked in St. Patrick green, another murder, a shamrock pocket square, rumors of discord in the local Hibernian Society, and a town were everyone knows your name.
Tonya Kappes has introduced a delightful spin-off of her popular A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! Violet Rhinehammer is brought out of a secondary role into the lead showcasing her skill as a reporter skill and perfecting investigating techniques in a multiple murder case. She helps uncover the un-holiday side of Holiday Junction with its secrets, jealousies, greed, and major conflicts along with lots of greening to be had. The mystery had a fun complexity, small town dynamics, and offered an entertaining challenge. Violet does become a victim of unfortunate headlines in the Junction Journal, which seemed karmic, but she is forced to accept at the end opportunity closing one door and opening another. Kappes’s writing style is descriptive always with fun banter and a plethora of diverse characters, and always a fun respite. Fans of A Camper and Criminals series will be delighted with a few guest appearances from Mae West, the quirky Laundry Club Ladies, and others from Normal, Kentucky, as Violet reaches out for assistance and insights.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
“Opportunity knocking!” Violet was off to California for an interview to the big time in journalism. But, finding a dead body in the plane’s lavatory puts it dream in jeopardy. Her prospective employer suggests she go live with a “Murder in the Sky” report which gives her the opportunity to shine…Violet Rhinehammer, International Correspondent, but “a quick landing” announced by the pilot brings about some challenges for which Violet wasn’t prepared: a town decked in St. Patrick green, another murder, a shamrock pocket square, rumors of discord in the local Hibernian Society, and a town were everyone knows your name.
Tonya Kappes has introduced a delightful spin-off of her popular A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! Violet Rhinehammer is brought out of a secondary role into the lead showcasing her skill as a reporter skill and perfecting investigating techniques in a multiple murder case. She helps uncover the un-holiday side of Holiday Junction with its secrets, jealousies, greed, and major conflicts along with lots of greening to be had. The mystery had a fun complexity, small town dynamics, and offered an entertaining challenge. Violet does become a victim of unfortunate headlines in the Junction Journal, which seemed karmic, but she is forced to accept at the end opportunity closing one door and opening another. Kappes’s writing style is descriptive always with fun banter and a plethora of diverse characters, and always a fun respite. Fans of A Camper and Criminals series will be delighted with a few guest appearances from Mae West, the quirky Laundry Club Ladies, and others from Normal, Kentucky, as Violet reaches out for assistance and insights.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 25, 2024
I enjoyed this one! I’m trying to read at least the first book in each of Kappes series before meeting her this fall at a book event. I started with the Campers series, then A Killer Coffee series, and now this Holiday series. The narrator is not my favorite but this one is more humorous than the other two series so her goofy accent works. Luckily, pun intended, this came to me just after March so that was perfect. I’ll continue this series of Kappes too.
December 3, 2024
I think I just wanted a holiday-themed cozy murder mystery. This has small town feel. The mystery was mid. No thrills. Listened to the audiobook and that southern draw…
April 21, 2025
Very difficult for me to get into and then stay into. I’m going to try one more book in the series to give it a full chance and go from there
February 11, 2024
I got this on a free offer, and it was worth every penny.
I think this might be the first draft, before an editor, a proofreader, or a formatter got to it. The author tells us Violet is a spinoff from another series, which I haven't read, but if she's the stereotypical entitled pretty girl from small town who thinks she's hot stuff in the other series as well, I'm not interested. Violet is no great intellect, she's naive and quick to jump to conclusions, and she has little ability to look ahead. Who on earth jumps on a plane -- and changes planes in a minor hole-in-the-wall -- for an interview but fully expects to have a national reporting job when she gets there? Violet has no ability to read clues -- the characters' interactions tell the reader there's much information being withheld, but Violet only slowly comes to the realization. Sad.
There are so very many cozy mysteries out there. This one certainly falls to the bottom of the list of good ones.
I think this might be the first draft, before an editor, a proofreader, or a formatter got to it. The author tells us Violet is a spinoff from another series, which I haven't read, but if she's the stereotypical entitled pretty girl from small town who thinks she's hot stuff in the other series as well, I'm not interested. Violet is no great intellect, she's naive and quick to jump to conclusions, and she has little ability to look ahead. Who on earth jumps on a plane -- and changes planes in a minor hole-in-the-wall -- for an interview but fully expects to have a national reporting job when she gets there? Violet has no ability to read clues -- the characters' interactions tell the reader there's much information being withheld, but Violet only slowly comes to the realization. Sad.
There are so very many cozy mysteries out there. This one certainly falls to the bottom of the list of good ones.
April 16, 2024
Silly and unrealistic but it wasn't too bad. A lot of things didn't make sense, such as her whole investigative reporter bit. And her just being able to contaminate everything in a murder investigation. Her having access to all that information. The fact that everyone on the plane was from that small town even though it wasn't where they were taking off from and it wasn't their final destination. It's also a small town but has a full commercial airport. That being said, I'd still read more books in the series. My favorite part was how she got dragged by the Internet when she did her first live news report and didn't know how bad she supposedly looked.
May 19, 2024
I don't get it. The plane was flying to 'sunny california' and was grounded in this place right out of the boondocks but most of the relevant people in the flight were from Holiday Junction, bound to Holiday Junction. And at one point someone wonders if the murdered person wasn't killed in town after all. How? The plane made an emergency landing there, there's no indication that it had stopped there before picking up Violet and her fellow passengers in Normal.
And for a tourist town, the residents of Holiday Junction seem to be remarkably mean spirited towards tourists. The only person I liked in this whole crappy town was the mayor Paisley.
And for a tourist town, the residents of Holiday Junction seem to be remarkably mean spirited towards tourists. The only person I liked in this whole crappy town was the mayor Paisley.
April 18, 2022
This was a good start to the series. Violet is on a plane headed for a job interview. She finds a dead body on the plane. This causes the plane to have an unexpected landing. Here in this town she solves the crime and ends up getting a new job.
October 1, 2024
Unlikeable characters, repeated dialogue in audio book. DNF
February 2, 2025
I went into this book with no specific expectations. I picked it up simply because it was free on Kindle Unlimited, and I was intrigued by the idea of a cozy holiday murder mystery. Unfortunately, it turned out to be a disappointing read, which surprised me, given all the positive reviews.
Right from the start, the main character was entirely unlikable. She came across as full of herself, yet we barely got to know anything about her beyond her ambition to become a successful reporter—an ambition that felt completely unrealistic given her inability to draw logical conclusions. Similarly, the side characters (of which there were far too many for a story of this length) lacked depth, making it impossible to connect with any of them.
The plot itself was all over the place. The main character was originally flying from her hometown to California, but after an emergency landing in "Holiday Junction," it somehow turned out that several passengers, including the murder victim, were conveniently residents of this very town. This made absolutely no sense. The book also failed to build any suspense, and I found it rather dull. I considered DNF-ing it multiple times but pushed through, hoping for a worthwhile resolution. Unfortunately, the "big reveal" was rushed and so disconnected from the rest of the story that it was almost easy to miss.
To make matters worse, the book was riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, making it frustrating to read—even for someone like me, whose first language isn’t English. On top of that, character names were frequently mixed up, which only added to the confusion, especially given the already excessive number of side characters.
I also realized that this is the first book in a series, but I won’t be continuing it. This was a thoroughly disappointing experience, though at least it only took me about two hours to read.
All in all, I definitely *do not* recommend this book.
Right from the start, the main character was entirely unlikable. She came across as full of herself, yet we barely got to know anything about her beyond her ambition to become a successful reporter—an ambition that felt completely unrealistic given her inability to draw logical conclusions. Similarly, the side characters (of which there were far too many for a story of this length) lacked depth, making it impossible to connect with any of them.
The plot itself was all over the place. The main character was originally flying from her hometown to California, but after an emergency landing in "Holiday Junction," it somehow turned out that several passengers, including the murder victim, were conveniently residents of this very town. This made absolutely no sense. The book also failed to build any suspense, and I found it rather dull. I considered DNF-ing it multiple times but pushed through, hoping for a worthwhile resolution. Unfortunately, the "big reveal" was rushed and so disconnected from the rest of the story that it was almost easy to miss.
To make matters worse, the book was riddled with spelling mistakes and grammatical errors, making it frustrating to read—even for someone like me, whose first language isn’t English. On top of that, character names were frequently mixed up, which only added to the confusion, especially given the already excessive number of side characters.
I also realized that this is the first book in a series, but I won’t be continuing it. This was a thoroughly disappointing experience, though at least it only took me about two hours to read.
All in all, I definitely *do not* recommend this book.
June 17, 2025
I feel like I need to give some backstory before I get into the meat of this review. This book didn't quite work for me, but I think it was me, not the book. See, I went from reading a couple of gloriously unhinged sci-fi horror books (the type that gave me nightmares) and needed something a LOT lighter. This is the book I went with and, yes, it was absolutely lighter, but it wasn't the best transitional piece between hardcore creeping horror and non-creeping horror.
So, yeah. It's me, not the book.
To be fair, I'm also not a fan of people being...I don't know how to put this. Like, malicious to others in a what they think is an amusing way? Yeah, that works. When Cherise filmed Violet for her eye in the sky segment with makeup running down her face, that's pretty much the opposite of funny to me. Which again, is a me thing.
But enough about me. Violet is the unfortunate individual who finds a dead body on a plane, the plane is rerouted to the small town of Holiday Junction where (oddly) both the victim and several other folks on the plane appear to be from. In an effort to speed up her delay in getting to California for a job interview (which her treatment by her potential boss is another thing that chapped my hide), Violet steps in to help investigate. Along the way, she uncovers some juicy Holiday Junction secrets and puts herself in a dangerous situation or two.
This wasn't a bad book, it was just the wrong book for me to read at the time.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
So, yeah. It's me, not the book.
To be fair, I'm also not a fan of people being...I don't know how to put this. Like, malicious to others in a what they think is an amusing way? Yeah, that works. When Cherise filmed Violet for her eye in the sky segment with makeup running down her face, that's pretty much the opposite of funny to me. Which again, is a me thing.
But enough about me. Violet is the unfortunate individual who finds a dead body on a plane, the plane is rerouted to the small town of Holiday Junction where (oddly) both the victim and several other folks on the plane appear to be from. In an effort to speed up her delay in getting to California for a job interview (which her treatment by her potential boss is another thing that chapped my hide), Violet steps in to help investigate. Along the way, she uncovers some juicy Holiday Junction secrets and puts herself in a dangerous situation or two.
This wasn't a bad book, it was just the wrong book for me to read at the time.
-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal
December 31, 2024
violet is a journalist and has just had the opportunity to fly to california from kentucky to interview for the big role. however, on her flight over she goes to the toilet on board and finds a dead body which causes the flight to land in small town, holiday junction. every passenger is held in the small town whilst they are interviewed by the police and the investigation takes place. another person is found murdered in the fountain the next day so violet starts to investigate the murder after the police ask her to, due to her history of investigating crime in her old town.
this book is the first in the series and i have read the 4th and really enjoyed it. i didn't quite enjoy this book as much but it was a very quick and easy read. however, since id read book 4 and violet had clearly had character development since then it was slightly hard to read this book but that makes sense since it was an earlier book in the series. the book also had some plot holes as the plane was on its way to california yet most passengers on the plane, including the dead man, and the air hostess and poilet were all from this small town even though the flight was never meant to stop there.
this book is the first in the series and i have read the 4th and really enjoyed it. i didn't quite enjoy this book as much but it was a very quick and easy read. however, since id read book 4 and violet had clearly had character development since then it was slightly hard to read this book but that makes sense since it was an earlier book in the series. the book also had some plot holes as the plane was on its way to california yet most passengers on the plane, including the dead man, and the air hostess and poilet were all from this small town even though the flight was never meant to stop there.
April 14, 2022
Violet Rhinehammer is leaving Normal, Kentucky heading towards a bigger and better. Finding a dead body in the plane’s restroom is not in her plans. Neither is being kept in Holiday until all passengers have been interviewed and her name means she is one of the last on the list. When the local police chief asks for her help, Violet begins asking questions around town, not making her very popular. Is Violet ready to investigate without the help of Mae West and the rest of the Laundry Ladies back in Normal? I think I am going to like this series a lot. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
April 19, 2022
Violet is on her way to the interview of a lifetime. While on the plane ride there, the stumbles on a dead body on the airplane and instead of making her way to the big interview, she finds herself in Holiday Junction as the plane is grounded until they can find out who is really responsible for the murder. Violet realizes that she is going to miss her big interview if she does not step up and try to find out what happened . The town she is in seems like a great place to visit , but unfortunately Violet is not able to enjoy the quirky town, but does make several new friends to help her solve the mystery .
I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.
I received a copy of the book to read, the review is mine.
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