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Camper & Criminals #27
Campfires, Courage, & Convicts
Southern hospitality with a smidgen of homicide.
It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival.
Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking (When is the wedding?) Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised.
Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies start poking around into the Bourbon King’s complicated life and soon find out there's more than bourbon underneath the lid of a bourbon barrel.
It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival.
Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking (When is the wedding?) Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised.
Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club Ladies start poking around into the Bourbon King’s complicated life and soon find out there's more than bourbon underneath the lid of a bourbon barrel.
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 15, 2022
346 people are currently reading
970 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
459 books3,706 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 174 reviews
May 21, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ -Audiobook 🎧
“I’m as confused as a cow in a parking lot!”
“I’m as confused as a cow in a parking lot!”
August 24, 2022
It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival. Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking (When is the wedding?) Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, this is the perfect way to put the wedding questions on pause.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with humor and a touch of romance this is the book/series for you. I love Mae and her friends, the Laundry Club Ladies. They are a group of smart, quirky friends with a knack of solving murders. The mystery is well-written with plenty of surprises along the way. The secondary story of Mae and Hank’s engagement is as much of a page turner as the mystery. I can hardly wait for the next one.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
If you are looking for a cozy mystery with humor and a touch of romance this is the book/series for you. I love Mae and her friends, the Laundry Club Ladies. They are a group of smart, quirky friends with a knack of solving murders. The mystery is well-written with plenty of surprises along the way. The secondary story of Mae and Hank’s engagement is as much of a page turner as the mystery. I can hardly wait for the next one.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
September 14, 2022
Wow! Did the author ever surprise me this time! It was exciting to be back in Normal, Kentucky, especially in autumn, Mae West’s favorite season. I could almost smell the fresh, clean air and see the wooded areas so vividly painted. I love the Laundry Club ladies, who are a real hoot! One never knows what they will come up with next, especially Dottie! This time I liked seeing a side of Dottie that we usually do not. The mystery kept me guessing, and while I was close, I was still wrong. This, and all the novels, can be read as standalones, with sufficient backstory provided.
The Bourbon Fall Festival has brought many tourists to Normal. The local T. Elliott Bourbon Distillery was giving out samples of various types of their bourbon. Family members had a tense conversation with Jay Cobb, who claims to be an investor.
The next morning, Mae, a member of the National Park Committee, was contacted to check out a possible new trail as soon as possible. It doesn’t seem to be going through the usual channels, as a request often sits for months before it is acted on. On her way to look at the trail, she stopped to see her fiancé, Hank, at the office of the PI firm he and his friend Jerry run. T. Elliott, owner of the distillery, was brought in by his son, Alex. T’s much younger wife, Anna, is missing, and he was afraid she had been kidnapped.
Mae’s priority is looking at the trail, and she was very impressed with it. Everyone else’s priority for Mae is that her and Hank set their wedding date. Dottie, Mae’s close friend and manager at Happy Trails Campground and Mary Elizabeth, her adoptive mother, met her on the trail. Mary Elizabeth had an app to locate Mae’s phone and had a Very Important Question to ask about the wedding, so she and Dottie found her at the trail’s stream. Dottie fell and saw Anna Elliott’s credit card on the ground. Mary Elizabeth found Anna’s body nearby; she had been dead for a few hours.
T. Elliott then wanted Hank to find who killed his beloved wife, and Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are ready to help. Mae’s life is busier than usual, but she will make time for this. While Hank prefers, for her safety, that she stick to the business of the campground and the national park committee, he can’t dispute that the ladies get excellent results.
Along with the challenge of discovering whodunit, there were several things I enjoyed. One is the camaraderie that flourishes between the Laundry Club ladies. It’s funny and sad how Mary Elizabeth is in touch with Mae several times a day to ask questions about the wedding that doesn’t have a date yet. Everyone asks Hank why, and he wonders the same thing. The history of the distillery and Kentucky bourbon was interesting, as I enjoy learning about the history of different settings. Betts and Hank have great solutions to help Mae with a challenge, while Dottie gives some surrogate mother’s love.
My “pet” suspects were eliminated, so I was stumped. I am almost always amazed when I see how the author resolves a murder. Rarely do I figure it out, as Ms. Kappes is so creative! This time I was stunned to see whodunit, someone I hadn’t considered! I highly recommend this latest Campers & Criminals cozy mystery for those who enjoy camping, close friends, a Southern setting, and real-life type challenges.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
The Bourbon Fall Festival has brought many tourists to Normal. The local T. Elliott Bourbon Distillery was giving out samples of various types of their bourbon. Family members had a tense conversation with Jay Cobb, who claims to be an investor.
The next morning, Mae, a member of the National Park Committee, was contacted to check out a possible new trail as soon as possible. It doesn’t seem to be going through the usual channels, as a request often sits for months before it is acted on. On her way to look at the trail, she stopped to see her fiancé, Hank, at the office of the PI firm he and his friend Jerry run. T. Elliott, owner of the distillery, was brought in by his son, Alex. T’s much younger wife, Anna, is missing, and he was afraid she had been kidnapped.
Mae’s priority is looking at the trail, and she was very impressed with it. Everyone else’s priority for Mae is that her and Hank set their wedding date. Dottie, Mae’s close friend and manager at Happy Trails Campground and Mary Elizabeth, her adoptive mother, met her on the trail. Mary Elizabeth had an app to locate Mae’s phone and had a Very Important Question to ask about the wedding, so she and Dottie found her at the trail’s stream. Dottie fell and saw Anna Elliott’s credit card on the ground. Mary Elizabeth found Anna’s body nearby; she had been dead for a few hours.
T. Elliott then wanted Hank to find who killed his beloved wife, and Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are ready to help. Mae’s life is busier than usual, but she will make time for this. While Hank prefers, for her safety, that she stick to the business of the campground and the national park committee, he can’t dispute that the ladies get excellent results.
Along with the challenge of discovering whodunit, there were several things I enjoyed. One is the camaraderie that flourishes between the Laundry Club ladies. It’s funny and sad how Mary Elizabeth is in touch with Mae several times a day to ask questions about the wedding that doesn’t have a date yet. Everyone asks Hank why, and he wonders the same thing. The history of the distillery and Kentucky bourbon was interesting, as I enjoy learning about the history of different settings. Betts and Hank have great solutions to help Mae with a challenge, while Dottie gives some surrogate mother’s love.
My “pet” suspects were eliminated, so I was stumped. I am almost always amazed when I see how the author resolves a murder. Rarely do I figure it out, as Ms. Kappes is so creative! This time I was stunned to see whodunit, someone I hadn’t considered! I highly recommend this latest Campers & Criminals cozy mystery for those who enjoy camping, close friends, a Southern setting, and real-life type challenges.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
August 25, 2022
Hank and Mae are at the Bourbon Festival in Normal, KY when she overhears an argument between the Bourbon King’s son and another man and woman. The next day she is sent to review a possible trail that eventually goes by the distillery. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised. It is also a great way to avoid the “when is the wedding date?” question.
Mae has a two fold objective in this book: find out who killed Anna and any other deaths in the book and discover why she can’t set a date for her wedding.
I enjoyed this humorous cozy. Tonya Kappes has a way with quaint southern phrases and unique characters. All of this combined with different methods of murder enhance all her stories. This is a standalone story but I would read them in order to gain the flavor of the town and to get to know the wonderful characters.
I was given an advanced copy of the story and am not required to leave a positive review. I just couldn’t help myself.
Mae has a two fold objective in this book: find out who killed Anna and any other deaths in the book and discover why she can’t set a date for her wedding.
I enjoyed this humorous cozy. Tonya Kappes has a way with quaint southern phrases and unique characters. All of this combined with different methods of murder enhance all her stories. This is a standalone story but I would read them in order to gain the flavor of the town and to get to know the wonderful characters.
I was given an advanced copy of the story and am not required to leave a positive review. I just couldn’t help myself.
September 16, 2022
“Campfires, Courage, & Convicts” the 27th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals “ Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series, and can’t get enough of the Laundry Club Ladies and Mae West.
In this instalment we have the ladies and Hank trying to solve who murdered the Queen of Bourbon! Also will Mae ever set a wedding date that is the question on everyone’s mind, so Mae is glad for a distraction from keeping Lester’s secret and figuring out what’s stopping her setting the date.
The mystery was good, with several suspects and a few red herrings thrown in.
I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 29 as I want to know more about what’s in store for Mae, after that surprise ending!
I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
In this instalment we have the ladies and Hank trying to solve who murdered the Queen of Bourbon! Also will Mae ever set a wedding date that is the question on everyone’s mind, so Mae is glad for a distraction from keeping Lester’s secret and figuring out what’s stopping her setting the date.
The mystery was good, with several suspects and a few red herrings thrown in.
I’m full of anticipation/excitement for Book 29 as I want to know more about what’s in store for Mae, after that surprise ending!
I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
August 22, 2022
How happy I was to curl up again with Mae West, Hank, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club ladies at the Happy Trails Campground! This year the town of Normal Kentucky is celebrating with The Bourbon Fall Festival. As it always seems to happen, the festive spirit is marred by the discovery of the body of the wife of the local bourbon distillery. Hank is hired to find the killer, and Mae, since she is present when the body is discovered, jumps in there too. Tonya Kappes has created yet another “you can’t put it down” story with plenty of twists and turns and a healthy dose of Southern! I was also delighted that the new reporter, Waldo Willy, has been brought into the spotlight. Don’t miss this one!
January 27, 2023
Another fun visit to Normal and the campground. I enjoyed learning more about the bourbon making practice and its roots in Kentucky. The mystery kept my interest but I was more invested in the wedding talk and Mae's feelings about her impending nuptials. This one was left with a little bit of a cliffhanger so I'm looking forward to getting my hands on the next one soon.
August 25, 2022
The Bourbon Fall Festival is underway in Normal, Kentucky. There were lots of vendor tents with something for everyone.
The next day at the Cute-icles gossip was wagging about Waldo Willy and what made the paper and what didn't belong when Mae got a text from Judge Gab Hemmer to scope out a possible new trail. Mae has been dodging questions about a wedding date everywhere she goes. While walking a possible new trail, Mae feels she can breathe a sigh of relief and get a short reprieve, but it doesn't last long before she is face to face with Dottie and Mary Elizabeth. Worse yet is the unexpected find!
When Hank and Jerry are hired to look into a case, Mae can't help but do a little snooping especially since she feels she has a prime suspect at the top of the list. Meanwhile, with a case to solve, maybe people will forget about pestering Mae about picking a wedding date and Mae can figure out if she should spill the beans on a secret that is putting her in a difficult position.
This story kept me guessing and stumped me after my choice didn't pan out. It was a surprise to see who came to Mae's aid, and I loved Hank's sweet surprise while shocked at the ending. I'll be interested to see what happens from there.
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
The next day at the Cute-icles gossip was wagging about Waldo Willy and what made the paper and what didn't belong when Mae got a text from Judge Gab Hemmer to scope out a possible new trail. Mae has been dodging questions about a wedding date everywhere she goes. While walking a possible new trail, Mae feels she can breathe a sigh of relief and get a short reprieve, but it doesn't last long before she is face to face with Dottie and Mary Elizabeth. Worse yet is the unexpected find!
When Hank and Jerry are hired to look into a case, Mae can't help but do a little snooping especially since she feels she has a prime suspect at the top of the list. Meanwhile, with a case to solve, maybe people will forget about pestering Mae about picking a wedding date and Mae can figure out if she should spill the beans on a secret that is putting her in a difficult position.
This story kept me guessing and stumped me after my choice didn't pan out. It was a surprise to see who came to Mae's aid, and I loved Hank's sweet surprise while shocked at the ending. I'll be interested to see what happens from there.
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
August 21, 2022
Welcome back to Normal, where there is another festival going on. Thankfully, these festivals are the bread and butter to the community to help them get through the lean months of the winter, when tourism is down.
Mae, Hank and all of their friends are enjoying the festival (bourbon in Kentucky, of course), when a very loud and ugly argument takes place in on of the vendor's booths. Threats are made and the rangers have to step in to calm things down.
While Mae is in a bit of a tizzy, about the argument, her mother is hassling her to pick a wedding date with Hank. It's not that she doesn't want to marry him, it's just that something crucial is missing and she just can't put her finger on it. She doesn't feel comfortable committing, until she settles things in her heart.
While Mae is doing her duties for the forest committee, her "slaydar" causes her to discover yet another body. It's the wife of the local bourbon king. It appears this was no accident.
When Wally, the new news reporter gets in Mae's face, she finally tells him off and lets him know what the entire town thinks of him. That he would catch more flies with honey, not vinegar. He's creating a situation where no one in town will trust him enough to talk to him!
Though it was a fun mystery, I felt that this book was short on the mystery, but more deeply involved with the citizens of Normal. How everyone interreacts with each other, are secrets helpful or hurtful to friends.
It also gives us wonderful, swoony moments between Hank and Mae that had me sighing and even tearing up a little.
A fantastic cliffhanger to segway into the next book.
Thank you to Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy.
Mae, Hank and all of their friends are enjoying the festival (bourbon in Kentucky, of course), when a very loud and ugly argument takes place in on of the vendor's booths. Threats are made and the rangers have to step in to calm things down.
While Mae is in a bit of a tizzy, about the argument, her mother is hassling her to pick a wedding date with Hank. It's not that she doesn't want to marry him, it's just that something crucial is missing and she just can't put her finger on it. She doesn't feel comfortable committing, until she settles things in her heart.
While Mae is doing her duties for the forest committee, her "slaydar" causes her to discover yet another body. It's the wife of the local bourbon king. It appears this was no accident.
When Wally, the new news reporter gets in Mae's face, she finally tells him off and lets him know what the entire town thinks of him. That he would catch more flies with honey, not vinegar. He's creating a situation where no one in town will trust him enough to talk to him!
Though it was a fun mystery, I felt that this book was short on the mystery, but more deeply involved with the citizens of Normal. How everyone interreacts with each other, are secrets helpful or hurtful to friends.
It also gives us wonderful, swoony moments between Hank and Mae that had me sighing and even tearing up a little.
A fantastic cliffhanger to segway into the next book.
Thank you to Tonya Kappes for the advanced copy.
August 20, 2022
What a fantastic addition to the must-read Camper and Criminals Cozy Mysteries with a great cast of quirky characters, lots of southern hospitality, charming small town vibe, a fast-paced twisty mystery, interesting information about distilling bourbon, some surprises and touching moments that pulled at my heart. I laughed, I cried, I sighed and loved every minute. I feel like I know Mae West, the Laundry Club Ladies, and Hank Sharp, always looking forward to escaping the everyday with a visit to Normal, Kentucky, that is anything but normal. During the Bourbon Fall Festival sponsored by the Historical Society, Anna Elliot, wife of the Kentucky bourbon king, is found murdered when Mae goes to check out a potential trail at Bear Creek Crossing in the Daniel Boone National Forest. You'll have to read the book to find out what happens. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, don't miss Campfires, Courage & Convicts with the added bonus of recipes and camping hacks. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
August 24, 2022
I'm as confused as a cow in a parking lot!!!!!! I just love Dottie! Her sayings are just the extra touch that make these books so great. Tonya has a way of just making you feel like you are with your kin folks when you read the books. The town and it's people are described so perfectly you really feel like you are in the laundromat with the ladies. This book did not disappoint!! It was a great mystery and a wonderful understanding between Hank and Mae that made me so happy. I love that Waldo is finally coming to understand the town and you see a better side of him in this book. I love the bourbon distillery and the shocking twists and turns that come up in the box. As usual Tonya you do not disappoint!!!!!!
August 22, 2022
While inspecting a new trail, Mae is soon joined by Dottie and her foster mother Elizabeth only to discover the body of a woman who was presumed kidnapped. Instead of a fun date night with fiancé Hank, they will now be investigating the murder. Being engaged and in love with Hank, Mae hesitates to set a wedding date and people are wondering why she is hesitant. Mae herself is not even sure why she won’t set a date to marry the man she loves. Instead of thinking about that, Mae begins to investigate the death instead. If this series ever ends, my heart will break. I love the stories and enjoy the quirky residents of Normal, KY. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 24, 2022
Fall in Normal, Kentucky and the Bourbon Festival is in full swing. Mae is asked to check out a possible new trail, Dottie and Mary Elizabeth join her. What they didn’t expect was to find a body! Well there goes Mae and Hanks date night. Time for Mae to sleuth with the help of The Laundry Club Ladies.
“He needs to know you can’t go around hanging laundry out for everyone to see your unders.”
“I’m as confused as a cow on a parking lot.” These could only come from Dotties mouth.
A mystery with surprises, humor and quirky friends. I love this series!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
“He needs to know you can’t go around hanging laundry out for everyone to see your unders.”
“I’m as confused as a cow on a parking lot.” These could only come from Dotties mouth.
A mystery with surprises, humor and quirky friends. I love this series!
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
September 21, 2022
Overall I liked this book. Mae and her friends overhear an argument. Then there is a murder. Of course they try and solve it and do eventually solve it. My only complaint was all the drama with Mae and Hank's relationship.
August 24, 2024
TONYA KAPPES PLEASE STOP REPEATING INFORMATION WE ARE WELL AWARE OF IN EVERY-SINGLE-BOOK.
PREMISE: It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival.
Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking, Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised.
THOUGHTS: Don't get me wrong I mostly enjoyed everything outside of the mystery. But the mystery as well as it's reveal was a real let down. Something else I've discovered as a con, is that Tonya Kappes keeps mentioning things we have known since book 1 in every single subsequent book. Given that this is a series, it doesn't make sense! Unless Kappes is happy for her readers to pick up any book in the series and begin where they want. But that makes no sense as there are spoilers for other books in the subsequent ones. I'm surprised it took me this long to notice, but now that I have it annoys me. An example of this is that Maybellene was adopted after her brith parents died. This is not a spoiler we know this in book 1. But we are told it again in books 2-27!
The situation with Hank and May makes me very happy and I'm looking forward to seeing how it continues. I WAS ALL SET TO GIVE THIS BOOK 3 STARS...BUT THAT ENDING!!!!! I NEED BOOK 28 NOW!! (1 star added for the amazing ending!!)
4 Stars!
xoxo.
PREMISE: It is fall in Normal, KY, and the town is celebrating the season with a Bourbon Festival.
Mae West is trying to enjoy the festival and a night out with Hank. While trying to dodge the one question every keep asking, Mae overhears an argument between the bourbon king’s son and another man and woman. So, when she stumbles over a body with ties to the Bourbon King, her hackles are raised.
THOUGHTS: Don't get me wrong I mostly enjoyed everything outside of the mystery. But the mystery as well as it's reveal was a real let down. Something else I've discovered as a con, is that Tonya Kappes keeps mentioning things we have known since book 1 in every single subsequent book. Given that this is a series, it doesn't make sense! Unless Kappes is happy for her readers to pick up any book in the series and begin where they want. But that makes no sense as there are spoilers for other books in the subsequent ones. I'm surprised it took me this long to notice, but now that I have it annoys me. An example of this is that Maybellene was adopted after her brith parents died. This is not a spoiler we know this in book 1. But we are told it again in books 2-27!
The situation with Hank and May makes me very happy and I'm looking forward to seeing how it continues. I WAS ALL SET TO GIVE THIS BOOK 3 STARS...BUT THAT ENDING!!!!! I NEED BOOK 28 NOW!! (1 star added for the amazing ending!!)
4 Stars!
xoxo.
November 2, 2024
"Campfires, Courage, & Convicts (Camper & Criminals #27)" by Tonya Kappes is set at the beginning of fall while the town is celebrating a bourbon festival and nagging Mae to set a wedding date. Mae hasn't been able to set a date because she's a bit worked up that things can't be totally done the traditional way since her birth family isn't able to do all the things a family does for a wedding. In the end they find a way to make at least a connection to her family that passed away.
The mystery part has Mae looking into the passing of the president of the bourbon company. There are a few possible suspects. Since the wife of the victim was much younger and her step-kids aren't much younger than her, there's that angle. Plus, she had some changes she wanted to do to the company that would put some longtime employees out of work.
The mystery part has Mae looking into the passing of the president of the bourbon company. There are a few possible suspects. Since the wife of the victim was much younger and her step-kids aren't much younger than her, there's that angle. Plus, she had some changes she wanted to do to the company that would put some longtime employees out of work.
October 2, 2022
Campfire, Courage, & Convicts Earns 5/5 Shots of Whiskey…Cozy Gem!
Bourbon and family! Gossip and murder! A public confrontation and threat has Alex Elliott suspect number one when his step-mother, and the woman he threaten, is found murdered. The rumors that his family’s distillery has financial problems pales to the fact the victim had received controlling interest in the business when the ten-year prenup expired. She had some “cutting corners” ideas for the business, and now that she is dead, her shares go to a man who championed her short cuts to making bourbon.
Tonya Kappes has kept the series fresh and hard to put down, even with this twenty-seventh book, and despite character growth and so much having happened, anyone can start here and been entertained, but the trials and triumphants of Mae and her gang in the series as a whole can’t be missed. Being a Kentuckian, and having her own camper (RV), Tonya has the personal experience to bring the outdoors IN to her books with descriptive language of the flora and fauna in the national forest along with camper lifestyle, small town connections, and pure southern culture.
The lead in to the actual crime, which occurs later in the book, is a nice catch up to characters. Then surprising clues, various theories, dysfunctional family dynamic, missing suspects, another body, and perilous arrest will have you savoring every page. Greed, jealousy, retribution, and a power struggle are reasonable motives, but the book is more than that. It’s the debate about the “no date yet” wedding, issues with the former, now convicted, preacher and his shocking replacement, another convict vying for an early “good behavior” release, visiting close friends, and exploring new trails, coffee, food, and best yet…quips and snarks from the beloved Dotty Swaggert. Top favorite! Must read! Recipes and camping tips, too! Enjoy Gert Hobson’s Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Coffee Can Bread, Campfire Cast Iron Sausage Dip, and whether you’re an full timer or a weekender, these camping hacks for space saving ideas, single serving campfire coffee trick, and all hail to the “duck tape” May meet your needs.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Bourbon and family! Gossip and murder! A public confrontation and threat has Alex Elliott suspect number one when his step-mother, and the woman he threaten, is found murdered. The rumors that his family’s distillery has financial problems pales to the fact the victim had received controlling interest in the business when the ten-year prenup expired. She had some “cutting corners” ideas for the business, and now that she is dead, her shares go to a man who championed her short cuts to making bourbon.
Tonya Kappes has kept the series fresh and hard to put down, even with this twenty-seventh book, and despite character growth and so much having happened, anyone can start here and been entertained, but the trials and triumphants of Mae and her gang in the series as a whole can’t be missed. Being a Kentuckian, and having her own camper (RV), Tonya has the personal experience to bring the outdoors IN to her books with descriptive language of the flora and fauna in the national forest along with camper lifestyle, small town connections, and pure southern culture.
The lead in to the actual crime, which occurs later in the book, is a nice catch up to characters. Then surprising clues, various theories, dysfunctional family dynamic, missing suspects, another body, and perilous arrest will have you savoring every page. Greed, jealousy, retribution, and a power struggle are reasonable motives, but the book is more than that. It’s the debate about the “no date yet” wedding, issues with the former, now convicted, preacher and his shocking replacement, another convict vying for an early “good behavior” release, visiting close friends, and exploring new trails, coffee, food, and best yet…quips and snarks from the beloved Dotty Swaggert. Top favorite! Must read! Recipes and camping tips, too! Enjoy Gert Hobson’s Pumpkin Cream Cold Brew, Coffee Can Bread, Campfire Cast Iron Sausage Dip, and whether you’re an full timer or a weekender, these camping hacks for space saving ideas, single serving campfire coffee trick, and all hail to the “duck tape” May meet your needs.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
September 13, 2022
Mae is back with the Laundry Ladies and another murder to solve. But more importantly, when will Mae and Hank get married? Or will they? Well, back to the murder. The heir to the local bourbon distillery is found dead and the gang is off to find the murderer. Another great mystery. Love the Normal residents.
September 16, 2022
I love this series. I can just imagine camping in the crisp fall air at Mae's campground. The laundry club girls are fun to read about as each personality is unique. This mystery keeps you guessing and we learn a little bit more about Mae and her delaying wedding plans. A tender moment from Hank towards the end is heartwarming. A big surprise at the end.
October 23, 2022
Normal, KY is celebrating one of Kentucky’s pastimes, Bourbon. They are going all out with a festival and Mae and Hank are making a night out of it. They are trying to enjoy themselves, but of course murder has to get in the way. It is up to Mae and the rest of the Laundry Ladies to make sure that justice is served and to learn a little more about the ins and outs of bourbon.
August 20, 2022
The Bourbon Fall Festival was going great until a loud argument arises over by T. Elliott Distillery tent. Alex Elliott was speaking to some man that had been serving shots to people earlier, an investor and Alex's stepmother, Anna Elliott. The next day Anna is found dead on a not-yet mapped trail by Mae, Dottie, and Mary Elizabeth. Now who killed Anna? Why was Mae sent to check this trail out ASAP? Plus, everyone is hounding Hank and Mae about a wedding date. Waldo Willy isn't helping anyone by writing only the bad side of Normal, can Mae and The Laundry Ladies straighten him out? I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
January 13, 2025
The ending is great!!!
September 20, 2022
Who killed Anna Elliott and why??? I didn’t know that a prenup could end like that!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
January 29, 2025
That ending…I can only imagine the trouble Mae is about to be in
September 15, 2022
This book kept me engaged to the point that I stayed up reading until the end! Besides the mystery of the murder, the other mystery is why Mae won’t set a wedding date.
There were a number of suspects but I did figure out the killer about 2/3 of the way through. That’s unusual for me.
The Laundry Club Ladies, especially Dottie are in rare form. I loved all the Dottie-isms!
The final ending blew me away! I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this engaging read.
There were a number of suspects but I did figure out the killer about 2/3 of the way through. That’s unusual for me.
The Laundry Club Ladies, especially Dottie are in rare form. I loved all the Dottie-isms!
The final ending blew me away! I can’t wait to read the next book to see what happens.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of this engaging read.
July 13, 2024
THAT was a good cliff hanger! Did not see that coming.
September 15, 2022
Campfires, Courage, & Convicts is the 27th book in the Camper & Criminals series by Tonya Kappes in which Mae and Hank are enjoying the Bourbon Fall Festival in Normal, Ketucky where nothing is normal. Mae was hiking a new trail at the Bear Creek Crossing when she finds the dead body of Anna Elliott! Just this morning Hank was hired by T. Elliott wife, Anna. Mae is happy to have another murder to solve instead of thinking about her upcoming wedding plans with Hank! The ending of this book was a wonderful surpise for Mae! I really enjoyed this book and each one can be read alone but it's bette to start from the beginning to enjoy getting to know each of the wonderful characters in Tonya Kappes books. I was given a ARC copy of this book for my honest opinion!
April 3, 2023
listening to the audiobook was a mistake. with some of the accents used, i’m pretty sure the narrator has never met a southern person. really ruined the vibe.
i accidentally picked up book 27 first because i was just looking for a short book to listen to after i had just finished a pretty heavy one. luckily it wasn’t confusing to start in the middle of the series.
Mae is so toxic. Hank deserves better. The way she would just freak out when Hank would ask about the wedding or share his concerns. Super manipulative. Like girl he has every right to think you don’t want to marry him when you are actively avoiding talking about the wedding 😭
It gets two stars just because i’m southern and i love reading books set in the south. The southern references made up for some things.
honestly might read the next book just because it ended in a cliffhanger lol
i accidentally picked up book 27 first because i was just looking for a short book to listen to after i had just finished a pretty heavy one. luckily it wasn’t confusing to start in the middle of the series.
Mae is so toxic. Hank deserves better. The way she would just freak out when Hank would ask about the wedding or share his concerns. Super manipulative. Like girl he has every right to think you don’t want to marry him when you are actively avoiding talking about the wedding 😭
It gets two stars just because i’m southern and i love reading books set in the south. The southern references made up for some things.
honestly might read the next book just because it ended in a cliffhanger lol
September 3, 2022
Another fabulous addition to this series! The 27th one! Each one is fresh and fun. The Bourbon Festival is in full swing in Normal, Kentucky. Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies are back to sleuthing after Mae finds a body while checking out a possible new trail at Daniel Boone National Forest. I love reading about the trails, hiking and scenery. Tonya Kappes writes vivid imagery that brings the story to life. Mae is very relatable and I keep thinking to myself,"That's what I would have thought too!". Definitely treat yourself to this one!
September 11, 2022
Campfires, Courage, and Convicts by Tonya Kappes has Mae West being hounded by family and friends. They all want to know if Mae and Hank have set a wedding date. Mae’s adopted mother has plans for the lavish event. Mae does not know how to explain her reluctance to set a date. The Bourbon Festival is happening in Normal, Kentucky. While enjoying the festival, Mae notices an argument between three people. Mae knows two of the people involved, but she does not know the identity of the third. She gets a text from Judge Gab Hemmer, president of the National Park Committee, asking her to investigate a not yet mapped trail in the Daniel Boone National Forest. He wants her to check out the trail right away. Mae is enjoying the quiet of the forest. Her peace is soon disturbed when Mary Elizabeth, her adopted mother, and Dottie arrive (she really should have turned off her phone). When Mary Elizabeth and then Dottie scream, Mae rushes over to see a dead Anna Elliott. Anna was involved in the argument Mae witnessed at the Bourbon Festival. Hank is asked by Anna’s husband, T. Elliott to find the killer. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies help him with the investigation. Mae teams up with an unexpected individual on this case. Campfires, Courage, and Convicts is the twenty-seventh A Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. This is an easy-to-read story. I like Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style. It is like visiting old friends. Normal, Kentucky is a southern tourist town that attracts nature lovers. There are fun, quirky characters in this series (like Dottie). The mystery is straightforward. There is a handful of suspects. There are clues that will help readers solve the crime. I like that Hank has accepted that Mae is going to sleuth, and he actually works with her (instead of telling her to keep out of the investigation). There is a touching scene with Mae and Hank that fans of the series will love. It was interesting learning how bourbon is made. The ending will surprise readers and have you eager to read Trapping, Turkeys, and Thanksgiving. Campfires, Courage, and Convicts is an amusing southern cozy mystery with bourbon barrels, a missing stepmom, wedding woes, a reporter predicament, a pictorial trail, and a distressing surprise.
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