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Camper & Criminals #4
Christmas, Criminals, and Campers
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal.
Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months.
Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp's number one suspect.
It's time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White's final chapter.
Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months.
Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp's number one suspect.
It's time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White's final chapter.
186 pages, Hardcover
First published October 26, 2018
About the author
Tonya Kappes
517 books3,903 followersA celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.
Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.
Visit Tonya:
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 750 reviews
December 19, 2023
The Laundry Club in Normal, KY is at center stage. A full-service with a library and cafe, this laundromat provides service to hikers and campers who visit Daniel Boone National Park. It's also where the gals in this book hang out and have their monthly book club meetings.
Nadine White, a famous author is visiting the book club and spending a few months over Christmas in Normal. Her biggest fan, Abby, a local librarian couldn't be more excited. When the author is murdered and Abby is found by the body with a murder weapon, Mae West must help to clear her friend as a suspect.
Book #4, is another fun and quick read. Mae has grown to be part of the community and making real friends. Enjoyable but could've been a bit more festive, IMO. 3.5⭐
Nadine White, a famous author is visiting the book club and spending a few months over Christmas in Normal. Her biggest fan, Abby, a local librarian couldn't be more excited. When the author is murdered and Abby is found by the body with a murder weapon, Mae West must help to clear her friend as a suspect.
Book #4, is another fun and quick read. Mae has grown to be part of the community and making real friends. Enjoyable but could've been a bit more festive, IMO. 3.5⭐
September 1, 2021
Christmas, Criminals, & Campers by Tonya Kappes
Book 4 of the Campers and Criminals cozy mystery series.
A famous author visits the Laundry Club bookclub and ends up dead in the library. Mae West doesn’t believe the murderer is the town librarian so she investigates to help the police track down the clues.
An amusing and lucky amateur sleuth gets helped by various town people to figure out how to stop Normal, KY from becoming infamous.
The very slow burn romance for Mae West takes a couple of steps forward.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker. I bumped my speed to 1.4, slightly faster than my norm since the southern slowness and accent is not a preference. That helped to get to normal talking speed for me. This method of reading is also preferred to avoid the text or editing error that drags me out of the written version by this author. The performance is well done without and tonal problems.
Campy. Cute. Charming.
Book 4 of the Campers and Criminals cozy mystery series.
A famous author visits the Laundry Club bookclub and ends up dead in the library. Mae West doesn’t believe the murderer is the town librarian so she investigates to help the police track down the clues.
An amusing and lucky amateur sleuth gets helped by various town people to figure out how to stop Normal, KY from becoming infamous.
The very slow burn romance for Mae West takes a couple of steps forward.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker. I bumped my speed to 1.4, slightly faster than my norm since the southern slowness and accent is not a preference. That helped to get to normal talking speed for me. This method of reading is also preferred to avoid the text or editing error that drags me out of the written version by this author. The performance is well done without and tonal problems.
Campy. Cute. Charming.
October 23, 2021
Clearly, I’m in the minority here . . . Only, I found this book just barely readable. In the audio version the narrator was truly assaulting to my senses. Not sure if that is “her take” on how Kentucky people sound, or what. I’m truly shocked by all the positive ratings. My first, and most likely last, foray into this series. The characters are too cloying and oversimplified for my taste. Sad, because I love Christmas + mysteries. This one, is an exception. Hard pass.
December 18, 2021
I love listening to this series on audio. It just keeps getting better and better. This one did not disappoint.
December 6, 2024
I think cozies and I aren't really made for one another. They are kind of cringy, and I can't quite accept the fiction part of things and that I am meant to suspend reality.
A celebrity writer has come to town to stay in a wintery Kentucky town called Normal, ad the Happy Trails Campground. I needed to stop there. It becomes common knowledge at book club this woman does not write her own material and all hell breaks loose.
Mae West is our sleuth slash manager and it's her job to work out the herrings between all these woman who are quite upset about this woman being a fraud and one of their own being accused of the murder. Throw in a tiny bit of romance and you have a kitsch Christmas cozie. I just didn't find much of the Christmas. I'm sure cozie fans will like it more than me.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
A celebrity writer has come to town to stay in a wintery Kentucky town called Normal, ad the Happy Trails Campground. I needed to stop there. It becomes common knowledge at book club this woman does not write her own material and all hell breaks loose.
Mae West is our sleuth slash manager and it's her job to work out the herrings between all these woman who are quite upset about this woman being a fraud and one of their own being accused of the murder. Throw in a tiny bit of romance and you have a kitsch Christmas cozie. I just didn't find much of the Christmas. I'm sure cozie fans will like it more than me.
I listened to this via the Libby app and my public library.
September 14, 2022
Seriously? How the heck did this story ever get published?
“She let out a spurt of evil laughs.”
She karate chopped my neck.
“You’re finer than a frog hair split 6 ways.”
“She let out a spurt of evil laughs.”
She karate chopped my neck.
“You’re finer than a frog hair split 6 ways.”
October 20, 2018
Mae and her friends at the Laundry Club are meeting for their book club discussion on a book by Nadine White. Nadine is Abby's (club member and local librarian), favorite author. Abby is over the moon about Nadine coming to Normal until she meets Nadine. Nadine is rude and definitely not the person Abby believed her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library Abby is suspect number one. Mae has to clear her friend despite how this may affect her budding relationship with Detective Hank.
I was so excited to have my favorite characters back to be able to celebrate Christmas with them. I really love Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club. They are a group of fun quirky women with that small town southern charm that is near and dear to me. The setting of Normal, Ky is unique and inviting, I would love to visit Normal and the Happy Trails Campground. Author Tonya Kappes is a wonderful story-teller. She writes in a way that just draws you in and keeps you entertained and wanting more, it’s almost like she is having a conversation with you through her characters. The mystery has great pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Along with the mystery, there is a touch of romance, family reunions, and of course humor. For the camping enthusiast, they are recipes and camping tips included in the book.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and camping fans. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I was so excited to have my favorite characters back to be able to celebrate Christmas with them. I really love Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club. They are a group of fun quirky women with that small town southern charm that is near and dear to me. The setting of Normal, Ky is unique and inviting, I would love to visit Normal and the Happy Trails Campground. Author Tonya Kappes is a wonderful story-teller. She writes in a way that just draws you in and keeps you entertained and wanting more, it’s almost like she is having a conversation with you through her characters. The mystery has great pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Along with the mystery, there is a touch of romance, family reunions, and of course humor. For the camping enthusiast, they are recipes and camping tips included in the book.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and camping fans. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
October 18, 2018
Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is the fourth tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book club meeting where they are discussing the latest Nadine White book chosen by Abby Fawn, librarian and the author’s biggest fan. When Betts Hager tells the group that Nadine is coming to town to stay for a few months and will speak with their group, Abby is extremely excited. Abby is surprised by the author’s rudeness and dismayed when she learns the author utilizes a ghost writer. Abby becomes angry and makes some remarks that she soon regrets. Hank and Mae are enjoying their first real date. On the way home, they notice the library lights still on and stop to investigate. They find Abby standing over Nadine with a bloody knife in her hand. Mae knows that Abby did not kill Nadine, but she must prove it to Detective Hank Sharp. As if Mae does not have enough on her plate, her foster brother, Bobby Rae has invited their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth Moberly to visit for Christmas. Mae left the Moberly home when she was eighteen and has never looked back. Mae has bitter feelings toward Mary Elizabeth about the way she was raised. Is Mae going to get the festive holiday she planned? Mae is going to need a Christmas miracle to solve the murder before Santa comes riding into town. Join Mae and her friends in Normal, Kentucky for a merry adventure in Christmas, Criminals and Campers.
The books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are best read in order. It will allow readers to understand Mae West and her history. I found Christmas, Criminals and Campers to be nicely written with Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader into a story and making them feel welcome. There is plenty of Christmas spirit as Mae prepares for her first Christmas at the Happy Trails Campground and is hosting a Christmas dinner at the campground for anyone who wishes to attend. The mystery is traditional with a close friend of Mae’s accused of the crime, and Mae needs to prove her innocence. I thought the solution was apparent, but I liked following Mae as she questioned suspects and sifted through the clues. I would have preferred a solid resolution to the crime. I found the reveal to be incomplete (missing details). I like the cozy feel of the town and campground. Normal is a unique small Southern town that I would love to visit. There are quirky characters that enhance the story and all our favorites are back in Christmas, Criminals and Campers. I am glad that we get to learn more about Mae and her growing up years. Mary Elizabeth Mobley is visiting for Christmas which allows Mae to deal with unresolved feelings. There is romance with Mae and Hank finally going on their first date. There are recipes and helpful RV tips at the end of the book.
The books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are best read in order. It will allow readers to understand Mae West and her history. I found Christmas, Criminals and Campers to be nicely written with Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader into a story and making them feel welcome. There is plenty of Christmas spirit as Mae prepares for her first Christmas at the Happy Trails Campground and is hosting a Christmas dinner at the campground for anyone who wishes to attend. The mystery is traditional with a close friend of Mae’s accused of the crime, and Mae needs to prove her innocence. I thought the solution was apparent, but I liked following Mae as she questioned suspects and sifted through the clues. I would have preferred a solid resolution to the crime. I found the reveal to be incomplete (missing details). I like the cozy feel of the town and campground. Normal is a unique small Southern town that I would love to visit. There are quirky characters that enhance the story and all our favorites are back in Christmas, Criminals and Campers. I am glad that we get to learn more about Mae and her growing up years. Mary Elizabeth Mobley is visiting for Christmas which allows Mae to deal with unresolved feelings. There is romance with Mae and Hank finally going on their first date. There are recipes and helpful RV tips at the end of the book.
November 26, 2018
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
This is one of my top favorite cozy mystery series! I do hope that Tonya Kappes continues to write more in it because Normal Kentucky and its residents are so much fun! These characters are authentic and written with true Southern flair. The mysteries are somewhat predictable but there is always some sort of twist that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. And the little added romance that is sprinkled through the story is beautiful! I hope everyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will read this series because it truly is some of the best around.
In this one, Mae West is setting up for Christmas! One would think that people wouldn't chose to spend time at an RV park/campground in the cold winter months especially during the holidays, but there is something about Happy Trails that brings people in. Perhaps its the southern hospitality? Or just the warm encounters with the locals. Either way, Happy Trails is booming this time of year and among the regular campers is a well known and famous author. Unfortunately, the author has some skeletons in her closet and ends up dead as a door-nail.
One of the main suspects of this murder is one of Normal Kentucky's own, Abby (who is also the towns librarian and social media queen). What happens when one of their own is suspected in a murder that everyone knows could not have been done by Abby? Why, they stick together and piece all the clues into the puzzle until they find out what really happened!
Readers don't want to miss out on the fourth installment in this cozy mystery series! In fact, you won't want to miss out on any of them! This series is a true hidden gem and I believe that everyone who enjoys the genre will love this one (and the series as a whole). I highly recommend it!
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
This is one of my top favorite cozy mystery series! I do hope that Tonya Kappes continues to write more in it because Normal Kentucky and its residents are so much fun! These characters are authentic and written with true Southern flair. The mysteries are somewhat predictable but there is always some sort of twist that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. And the little added romance that is sprinkled through the story is beautiful! I hope everyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will read this series because it truly is some of the best around.
In this one, Mae West is setting up for Christmas! One would think that people wouldn't chose to spend time at an RV park/campground in the cold winter months especially during the holidays, but there is something about Happy Trails that brings people in. Perhaps its the southern hospitality? Or just the warm encounters with the locals. Either way, Happy Trails is booming this time of year and among the regular campers is a well known and famous author. Unfortunately, the author has some skeletons in her closet and ends up dead as a door-nail.
One of the main suspects of this murder is one of Normal Kentucky's own, Abby (who is also the towns librarian and social media queen). What happens when one of their own is suspected in a murder that everyone knows could not have been done by Abby? Why, they stick together and piece all the clues into the puzzle until they find out what really happened!
Readers don't want to miss out on the fourth installment in this cozy mystery series! In fact, you won't want to miss out on any of them! This series is a true hidden gem and I believe that everyone who enjoys the genre will love this one (and the series as a whole). I highly recommend it!
April 5, 2023
#4 in a light and fun cozy mystery.
July 11, 2019
What an awesome Christmas read for Christmas in July! This is one of my favorite series to begin with, and I'd been wanting to read it since I finished the last one. Mae was going to be celebrating her first Christmas at the campground in Normal, KY. She and her sweetie had their first date and things were going great for them. A famous romance author came to town for a library appearance for their book club and ended up dead with sweet librarian Abby standing over the body with a knife. Abby of course was Hank's main suspect.
In the meantime, Mae's foster mom was visiting for Christmas and hoping to make amends with Mae. (There was a very sweet scene, happy tissue alert here!) She wanted to be involved in the investigation, and she did come in handy to watch the office for Mae. I didn't want to like Mary Elizabeth at first. You'll see why when you read it!
There was a great twist at the end, and the final showdown was pretty exciting. Christmas Day was a perfect mixture of friends and family for Mae as they all got ready for the campground's Christmas Dinner. The Laundry Club got a new member, who at first didn't do much for me, but she grew on me as Mary Elizabeth took her under her wing. I'm anxious to see how this new girl fits into the group in the next book!
In the meantime, Mae's foster mom was visiting for Christmas and hoping to make amends with Mae. (There was a very sweet scene, happy tissue alert here!) She wanted to be involved in the investigation, and she did come in handy to watch the office for Mae. I didn't want to like Mary Elizabeth at first. You'll see why when you read it!
There was a great twist at the end, and the final showdown was pretty exciting. Christmas Day was a perfect mixture of friends and family for Mae as they all got ready for the campground's Christmas Dinner. The Laundry Club got a new member, who at first didn't do much for me, but she grew on me as Mary Elizabeth took her under her wing. I'm anxious to see how this new girl fits into the group in the next book!
October 26, 2018
It is winter with snow falling and close to Christmas. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book club meeting and discussing the book that Abby chose by author Nadine White. When Betts announces that the author is coming to Normal, Kentucky and staying at Happy Trails Campground.
Nadine is definitely not what Abby expected her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library with Abby standing over her with a knife in her hand she is obviously the prime suspect. Would she have killed her?
A wonderful small town cozy mystery that will not leave you disappointed. I love this series and strongly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries that take place in small towns.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
Nadine is definitely not what Abby expected her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library with Abby standing over her with a knife in her hand she is obviously the prime suspect. Would she have killed her?
A wonderful small town cozy mystery that will not leave you disappointed. I love this series and strongly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries that take place in small towns.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
April 21, 2023
I’m enjoying this series and I like Mae and all the other characters. I do like how we keep getting new series regulars too. The mystery was good and I totally got taken in with the resolution. I just wish there was some better editing, while it doesn’t affect the story I don’t like making corrections in my head.
July 14, 2021
I love reading Christmas in July. I didn't want to put this one down, it might be my favorite so far in the series.
December 13, 2021
Every installment in this series gets better and better. I enjoy the characters, the setting, and To y Kappes plots. I’m already looking forward to the next.
May 7, 2023
Always bad. But always a nice brain break
October 18, 2018
Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is book four in her Camper & Criminals series. This is the best one yet in the series IMHO.
I loved being back in Normal, KY with Mae, Abby, Betts, Queenie and Dottie as they are preparing for Christmas. Abby has a huge author crush on a cozy romance author and is surprised to find that the author is coming to talk to their Laundry Club bookclub. Abby is heartbroken when she finds her favorite author is not who she appears to be and isn't shy about saying so. Too soon the author is dead and Abby is Hank's #1 suspect. Mae is on the case to protect her friend. Two new characters were also introduced in this one and I'm anxious to see how they will contribute in this series. A quickly paced plot with several suspects and plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the reveal. There were a couple of times that I was truly worried about Mae's safety as she had run headlong into trouble. I can't wait to get back to Normal again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
I loved being back in Normal, KY with Mae, Abby, Betts, Queenie and Dottie as they are preparing for Christmas. Abby has a huge author crush on a cozy romance author and is surprised to find that the author is coming to talk to their Laundry Club bookclub. Abby is heartbroken when she finds her favorite author is not who she appears to be and isn't shy about saying so. Too soon the author is dead and Abby is Hank's #1 suspect. Mae is on the case to protect her friend. Two new characters were also introduced in this one and I'm anxious to see how they will contribute in this series. A quickly paced plot with several suspects and plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the reveal. There were a couple of times that I was truly worried about Mae's safety as she had run headlong into trouble. I can't wait to get back to Normal again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
October 8, 2024
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of 39
May is getting the campgrounds ready for Christmas holiday. Then there is a murder. May gets in the middle of the investigation which leads to her all most getting murdered. It all ends happily 😀 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
This kindle novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book four of 39
May is getting the campgrounds ready for Christmas holiday. Then there is a murder. May gets in the middle of the investigation which leads to her all most getting murdered. It all ends happily 😀 😀.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. 2024 👒😤
October 26, 2020
So much eye rolling and so many questions! For instance, i understand supporting friends and wanting to prove their innocence, especially in a cozy. I do not, however, understand how a reportedly intelligent character doesn’t understand that the police can’t forego an arrest based entirely on your declaration of innocence. Likewise, what police detective would immediately declare a person guilty before doing one ounce of...detecting? It only gets worse though. HOW does a person hold you captive, in a crowded airport no less, with no more force than pinching your arm and stepping on your toe? This was worse than the first book, when ONE person with with ONE KNIFE managed to hold TWO people captive from across a room. Also, if you’re hell bent on confronting a suspected MURDERER and you can’t even fight well enough to defend against a pinch and a shoe, why do you not ever remember to bring along something as vital as a weapon, or maybe even your cell phone? Lastly, if you are such a person who is so easily overtaken, who has no survival skills and who also is unbelievably naive, why would the police, who always arrive at the same conclusion as you and have to save your life in addition to arresting the murderer, treat you as an expert? I love a good cozy and don’t mind suspending reality a bit, but whew. May’s name should’ve been Karen.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 1, 2018
There really is nothing more cozy than a truly delightful Christmas mystery.
Mae and everyone from Normal Kentucky are back for another amusing mystery. I really love how Tonya Kappes describes the town of Normal it feels very picturesque especially at Christmas.
This series had the most wonderful characters they all make you want to visit often and I really love how Mae and Hanks relationship is building.
I can’t wait for more.
Mae and everyone from Normal Kentucky are back for another amusing mystery. I really love how Tonya Kappes describes the town of Normal it feels very picturesque especially at Christmas.
This series had the most wonderful characters they all make you want to visit often and I really love how Mae and Hanks relationship is building.
I can’t wait for more.
December 1, 2018
I want a camper and live in Happy Trails Campground with Mae and Dottie and the others... Tonya's portrayal of a community of characters set in a campground near a small town is not only unique, but fun. I loved each book in this series. It is written in such a way that you feel you are not only a part of the town, but a part of the inner circle of friends. I won't rehash what the plot is, but I will say you won't believe where the twists and turns take you.
January 13, 2023
3.5 stars
April 19, 2019
It’s Christmastime and Normal librarian (and book club organizer) Abby is overly excited that her favorite author is coming to town for the holidays. Meanwhile, Mae’s foster brother Bobby Ray invites their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth for Christmas. But when Mae and Hank discover the murdered body of author Nadine White, and Abby is the prime suspect, Mae goes back into her detective mode to prove her friend’s innocence.
I really enjoyed this fourth entry in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Overall, the mystery is interesting, well-written, and includes a big twist. I felt like Mae went through some serious growth, both in her relationships and her detective skills. Mae made smarter choices, and she didn’t fly off the handle quite as much. She is productive and works with Hank to solve the crime.
Additionally, with her foster mom in town, we find out much about her past, which is so different than I imagined. Listening to her connect with her foster mom was special, and I am so glad Mary Elizabeth is staying around. Thankful that the love triangle was resolved in the previous book, I love Mae’s budding romance with Hank. It didn’t overtake the mystery, nor did it falter under the weight of Abby’s arrest.
Narration: I’ve come to love Ms. Parker’s southern drawl and how it adds ambiance to these stories. The series is shared from Mae’s first person narrative, and Ms. Parker’s voice fits Mae’s personality: friendly, courageous, and determined. Overall, Ms. Parker fits the southern, small-town feel and pacing of the narrative. Each character has a slightly different voice fitting his/her age and gender, with her male and older women characters having deeper voices.
In the end, I really enjoyed listening to Christmas, Criminals, & Campers. It is my favorite thus far in the series, and I look forward to listening to more.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
I really enjoyed this fourth entry in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Overall, the mystery is interesting, well-written, and includes a big twist. I felt like Mae went through some serious growth, both in her relationships and her detective skills. Mae made smarter choices, and she didn’t fly off the handle quite as much. She is productive and works with Hank to solve the crime.
Additionally, with her foster mom in town, we find out much about her past, which is so different than I imagined. Listening to her connect with her foster mom was special, and I am so glad Mary Elizabeth is staying around. Thankful that the love triangle was resolved in the previous book, I love Mae’s budding romance with Hank. It didn’t overtake the mystery, nor did it falter under the weight of Abby’s arrest.
Narration: I’ve come to love Ms. Parker’s southern drawl and how it adds ambiance to these stories. The series is shared from Mae’s first person narrative, and Ms. Parker’s voice fits Mae’s personality: friendly, courageous, and determined. Overall, Ms. Parker fits the southern, small-town feel and pacing of the narrative. Each character has a slightly different voice fitting his/her age and gender, with her male and older women characters having deeper voices.
In the end, I really enjoyed listening to Christmas, Criminals, & Campers. It is my favorite thus far in the series, and I look forward to listening to more.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio.
December 14, 2022
This was cute. I just really enjoy the friendships and relationships and the small town vibes. I do have to say that I don’t love most of the romantic relationships which is a bummer but those are small parts so it’s not a big deal to me. As for the mystery it was obvious but that’s not why I read these. It’s just a funny,cozy and enjoyable time.
October 22, 2018
This is a wonderful book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I love how Mae and the detective are growing closer, and I especially enjoyed the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 14, 2020
Quick read, very entertaining. Perfect for a light Christmas read.
December 31, 2025
This was a very silly book, but it was short and fun, and exactly what I needed at the end of the year. This book knows exactly what it is and it doesn’t try to be anything it isn’t. It was pure mind candy. 2.5 stars, rounded up to 3.
December 10, 2023
Such a fun, cute Christmas mystery!!! ❤️❤️❤️
October 31, 2018
I love this author. Every book I have read from her has kept me entertained. Christmas, Criminals and Camping is no exception. I had a good time from my first peek until the end of the book. I say first peek because I had promised myself I was not reading this until after Halloween. Temptation was too much and I peeked and peeked until I discovered I had read the whole book, before Halloween!
We are back in Normal, Kentucky for Christmas with Mae and The Laundry Club. A romance author, a favorite of Abby’s, is coming to stay at the campground! Of course she does not come alone. They are not the only new faces in town either. When the author does a reading at the library, a shocking secret is told. One that devastates and angers Abby. Is she angry enough to kill? Sweet Abby? O. M. G. No! Don’t do this to me Tonya Kappes! Everything points to her. Mae is determined to get the real killer before Abby finds herself with lots of reading time behind bars! What Mae doesn’t count on is the surprise at the campground or how it will affect her. Will Mae and Hank be able to continue exploring their romance when he has Abby sitting in jail? Oh so much is not normal in Normal this Christmas!
I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book. Every time I thought I had it figured out..it would take a turn. The reveal was as shocking as the secret Nadine White had held during her writing career! The author gave us all a peek into an aspect of writing that we all know about but choose to ignore. After all no one wants to think a beloved writer keeps that secret.
I really adore the people of Normal. Don’t we all want friends like the ones in our favorite books? I long to find a laundromat like The Laundry Club. I don’t care that I have machines at home. I would gather some laundry just to hang out there. Though, I suppose, being the stranger in town could make me the next victim! Oh the chilling deliciousness of that! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
In case you are new to Tonya Kappes, her books are full of fun times and a bit of death. There is no over the top violence or gore, no “bad” language, no graphic sexual content. They are just good people, a few bad, enjoying each other and life, or death, in a small town. Some have a paranormal bent to them. I prefer to read her books in order but if you find yourself reading them out of order, I don’t think you will have a problem. She does a quick run down in the beginning of her books so you won’t be left behind.
We are back in Normal, Kentucky for Christmas with Mae and The Laundry Club. A romance author, a favorite of Abby’s, is coming to stay at the campground! Of course she does not come alone. They are not the only new faces in town either. When the author does a reading at the library, a shocking secret is told. One that devastates and angers Abby. Is she angry enough to kill? Sweet Abby? O. M. G. No! Don’t do this to me Tonya Kappes! Everything points to her. Mae is determined to get the real killer before Abby finds herself with lots of reading time behind bars! What Mae doesn’t count on is the surprise at the campground or how it will affect her. Will Mae and Hank be able to continue exploring their romance when he has Abby sitting in jail? Oh so much is not normal in Normal this Christmas!
I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book. Every time I thought I had it figured out..it would take a turn. The reveal was as shocking as the secret Nadine White had held during her writing career! The author gave us all a peek into an aspect of writing that we all know about but choose to ignore. After all no one wants to think a beloved writer keeps that secret.
I really adore the people of Normal. Don’t we all want friends like the ones in our favorite books? I long to find a laundromat like The Laundry Club. I don’t care that I have machines at home. I would gather some laundry just to hang out there. Though, I suppose, being the stranger in town could make me the next victim! Oh the chilling deliciousness of that! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
In case you are new to Tonya Kappes, her books are full of fun times and a bit of death. There is no over the top violence or gore, no “bad” language, no graphic sexual content. They are just good people, a few bad, enjoying each other and life, or death, in a small town. Some have a paranormal bent to them. I prefer to read her books in order but if you find yourself reading them out of order, I don’t think you will have a problem. She does a quick run down in the beginning of her books so you won’t be left behind.
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