Red Letter Slay

Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery #8

by Tonya Kappes

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes.

Wedding bells are ringing all over Sugar Creek Gap for Bernadette Butler and Mac Tabor.
Folks in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky are so excited for Bernadette Butler! She's getting married to Mac Tabor, the man of her dreams!

Wedding week is nerve-wracking enough but add to that a murder of a local radio DJ with a nasty reputation was found stabbed to death with a letter opener days before Bernadette's wedding and the DJ who Bernadette hired for the wedding is the number one suspect. Now Bernadette has not only possibly lost a big part of her dream wedding, she’ll have to solve a mystery with more layers than the five-tiered wedding cake!

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Cozy, Audiobook, Fiction, Mystery Thriller, Contemporary

180 pages, Paperback

Published July 27, 2022

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

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,

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Bernadette Butler is getting married in three days with a murder too solve and rain ☔ in the forecast. They have a birthday 🎂 party for the granddaughter. Then the Friday football 🏈 game is cancelled. Bernie finds a letter she didn't deliver while delivering it she discovers the killer. The wedding comes off with all kinds of good family news. I would highly recommend this family and friends relationships murder mystery series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰. 2023 👒😀😡🏡

On too the next series. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like Bernadette Butler, mail carrier in in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky and enjoy her dynamic with the other characters especially the Front Porch Ladies, her best friend Iris, her son Grady and his wife and baby Clara, her sweet fur babies and last but not least Mac Tabor who she will be marrying in a week! Before the wedding bells ring, a local radio DJ is found stabbed to death, so Bernie has to solve the mystery of whodunit before she and Mac can enjoy their nuptials. Tonya Kappes has given us another winner in her delightfully charming Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series where you will enjoy lots of Southern charm, a great small town vibe and just a bit of homicide to keep things interesting. Red Letter Slay is book eight and can be read as a standalone with the bonus of delicious recipes. Don't miss this fun read. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Letter Slay is the 8th instalment in the Mail Carrier Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I absolutely love this series!

Wedding week is nerve-wracking enough but add to that a murder of a local radio DJ with a nasty reputation! He was found stabbed to death with a letter opener days before Bernadette’s wedding and the DJ who Bernadette hired for the wedding is the number one suspect. Now Bernadette has not only possibly lost a big part of her dream wedding, she’ll have to solve a mystery with more layers than the five-tiered wedding cake!

First off I am so happy that Vince is okay and ready to help Bernadette. The mystery was great and the story was still filled with the humor we have come to expect in Tonya’s books. I really hope we will have some more visits to Sugar Creek Gap to see what is happening with Bernie, Brady, Vince, Iris and of course the front porch ladies.

Highly recommend this series to all my cozy friends.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernie and Mac’s wedding is coming, friends and family in Sugar Creek Gap are getting excited. They also have Clara, Bernie’s granddaughters first birthday to celebrate.
Vince is released from rehab and insists his stabbing was no accident.
When the radio station meteorologist is found dead, Bernie starts asking questions. Is there any connection to Vince being stabbed?
A mystery that will keep you guessing trying to put the puzzle clues together.
I love the small town, humor, great friendships and the characters.

I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a good read. Bernie is preparing for her upcoming wedding. However, someone is attacked and this has her trying to figure out what is going on. Luckily in the end she solves it and all is well for now.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable mystery. A quick and easy read/listen.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy all my visits to Sugar Creek Gap and this time, there's a wedding! This was another wonderful story about a small town that makes you feel so welcome. Looking forward to the next.

[Mona J. (MyameeGirl) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 - I was really looking forward to this book, but it left me a little disappointed. The mystery around who attacked Vince was good, although the wrap-up of it seemed rushed compared to the other prior books, but what I was disappointed in was the wedding. We wait seven books to get to this long anticipated wedding and it was barely mentioned, aside from a few "the big day is coming up". I don't know any soon-to-be bride that doesn't do anything or even want to think about their wedding two days before it's about to happen. She came across more excited about a birthday party for her grandbaby. Then when the big day does arrive it gets about 2 paragraphs mainly talking about the guests.... and that's the end of it. I was really hoping for a bigger chunk of the book dedicated to the wedding. Overall, this series has been a lot of fun and I absolutely loved all the characters we got to know along the way. Fingers are crossed for future books in this series.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first one of this series that I've read, and it can be read as a stand alone. Bernadette Butler is a mail carrier in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. She's about to marry Mac Tabor when a local DJ is murdered. He was stabbed with a letter opener! I loved the interaction with the Front Porch Ladies. I got a few chuckles from these older ladies ready to investigate. If you like Southern cozy mysteries with some good laughs along the way, then this is for you! I'll definitely be reading the others in the series!

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite novel in this series! I was excited to be back in Sugar Creek Gap with Bernadette, her family and friends as they prepared for her and Mac’s wedding! The small-town Kentucky setting, the close-knit community, and the mystery come together into a perfect storm, and Bernie is determined to solve the murder before their big day.

Bernie has been a mail carrier for many years. Most of the time she walks her route, sometimes taking either her dog, Buster, or Rowena, her cat. One of her dear friends recently went home after being at the rehab center he where he recovered from what was thought to be a freak accident that almost killed him. They are like family to each other, especially since they have done some sleuthing together. He has been hesitant to return home, as he believes someone had tried to kill him. Bernie is slow to buy into that, as he had a serious head injury, until another man is found murdered in a very similar fashion.

Horace is the recently hired meteorologist at the local radio station. His mother-in-law lives in one of the assisted living apartments at the senior living facility. Bernie saw Horace when she was helping her best friend Iris set up for the weekly bingo. His wife was visiting her mother and he had been trying to find the director to pay her mother’s bill. Unable to locate the director, he and his wife Melissa had angry words before he returned to work. Later that night, Horace was found dead at the radio station, and the police are certain it is a homicide. Due to the nature of how it was done, the sheriff went back to talk with Bernie’s friend again.

Mac isn’t happy that Bernie seems to be getting involved with another murder this close to the wedding, even if it is the same person who almost killed her friend. Her granddaughter’s first birthday party is in a couple days. The following day is the big opening high school football game. Bernie’s son, Grady, is the head football coach at the high school and Mac volunteers as his assistant. Their wedding is the following day, and he doesn’t want his bride to miss the wedding while digging up clues. Bernie and Iris are anxious to find whodunit immediately.

The author brings together the elements of family, community, setting, humor, and suspense – among others – to bring the characters and town to life. Bernie is a little older than the author’s usual protagonists, which might be one of the reasons I enjoy this series so much. Remember, “Friends don’t let friends menopause alone”! The descriptions of autumn make me miss being where there are four seasons! The mystery kept me guessing throughout. The characters are the best! Each one has their own quirks – some more than others! Rowena and Buster have been very welcome additions to the series. I’ve always been interested in how the post office works, so that is another plus.

Whodunit was a total surprise to me. Even though Bernie and the sheriff had combed through everyone that seemed logical, it seemed the bad guy was going to get away. Bernie and Iris are determined to give it one last try. . . For those who enjoy small Southern, tight-knit towns, well-written cozy mysteries, pets, and mature characters, I highly recommend this novel and the series!

From a thankful heart: I requested and received an E-Arc of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Letter Slay Earns 5/5 Letter Openers…Clever Cozy Gem!

Bernadette Butler has a full plate this week with her grandbaby’s first birthday celebration, the opening football game, and finally her wedding to Mac Tabor. She’s also helping Vince Campbell, retired FBI agent and close friends and occasional back-up in her covert investigations, with his recuperation. He’s lucky to be alive after a terrible fall oddly impaling his skull with a letter opener. It’s seems an unfortunate accident, but Vince isn’t convinced since he doesn’t own a letter opener. He’s sure someone intended to kill him and asks Bernie to help figure out who. A good place to start is Bingo Night at the senior living residence where the incident occurred. Instead of getting some insights into the accident, they witness an uncomfortable squabble between WSCG’s newest radio personality Horace LeLand and his wife. Money can be a contentious topic, and as with many contentious topics, it could be a motive for murder. Horace is later found dead, and oddly in the same manner as the attack on Vince…a letter opener!

Bernie’s “nosy” nature, like in the past, has a way of ensnare her complete focus when her friends and family are targeted, but can she wrap this all up in time to sing Happy Birthday, root for her Grady’s and Mac’s football team, and finally say “I do!”?

Tonya Kappes delivered an exciting eighth mystery in her Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series with milestone celebrations, an intriguing mystery, and suspicious deaths. The crime occurred early, my favorite scheme, and the investigation took center stage giving amateur sleuths like me plenty of time to stew over a suspect/motive list. Tonya took everyone on a engaging journey ending up a perilous surprise! The theories are diverse with a possible unintended victim, family dysfunction, secret connections, a DJ diva, and disgruntled employees and business owners making for a complex, yet fun, read.

Tonya’s work is much more than a clever crime with misdirection, multiple suspects, small town involvement, and a satisfying arrest. She also creates a multi-generational cast of characters with which readers, like myself, can identify along with enjoying some strong females with or without a badge. Bernie is in her fifties offering insights into her grown family, granny persona, a mature second-chance love life, and a wide range of friendships, but it’s the flaws that do well to make the story realistic. The Front Porch quartet and the residents at the Senior Living place are a hoot, the “gluten-free” debate has viewpoints at odds, including mine, fur-friend antics are often helpful, and post-wedding decisions needing to be made remind me of conversations I had thirty-two years ago. My favorite words…Recipes Included! Enjoy Tonya’s cozy mystery with some of Iris’s Coffee Cake or a dozen or so Pumpkin Sugar Cookies.

Disclosure: I received an ARC from Tonya Kappes, the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Red Letter Slay by Tonya Kappes has Bernie Butler preparing for her upcoming nuptials to Mac Tabor. In addition, Bernie is looking forward to her granddaughter’s first birthday party plus the upcoming high school football game. She goes to pick up Vince to take him home after a letter opener incident. Vince is resistant to leaving because he believes someone tried to kill him. Bernie decides to humor Vince and agrees to look into the incident. But then the new local radio DJ is murdered with a letter opener. Bernie is now wondering if the two incidents are connected. Unfortunately, Bernie’s wedding DJ is at the top of the sheriff’s suspect list. If Bernie is going to have a DJ at her wedding, she needs to do a little sleuthing. Can Bernie solve the crime before her wedding day? Red Letter Slay by Tonya Kappes is the 8th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. I like the author’s engaging writing style. It is reminiscent of old friends gathering together for a gab fest. I like that Bernie is an older protagonist. She is in her early fifties and ready for the next chapter of her life. Bernie is getting married to Mac Tabor whom she has known for over twenty-five years (at least). With Bernie being a mail carrier, it gives her ample opportunity to gather information. This is helpful when she is trying to solve a murder. There is a great cast of secondary characters that includes Monica, the Front Porch ladies, Mac, Grady, Julia, and Iris. Little Clara is a delightful addition along with Bernie’s furbabies. The mystery involved the death of the newest addition to the radio station. There are several good suspects along with a red herring. There are clues to help readers solve the crime (if you are paying attention). Bernie gathered information while delivering the mail. She gets assistance from the Front Porch ladies who collect gossip like Yogi Bear gathers picnic baskets. I love that Mac does not tell Bernie to stay out of the investigation. He does express his concern for her safety which is natural. I like the Southern atmosphere in the story. The author perfectly captured how small Southern towns feel about the high school football games. I thought the gluten free storyline was amusing. Everyone in town had something to say about Grady and Julia opting for a gluten free diet. The ending was delightful. Fans of the series will love it. Red Letter Slay is a lively Southern cozy mystery with a curious crime, a dead DJ, wedding worries, a flour fuss, a birthday bash, football fans, and a special surprise.

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

Sugar Creek Gap citizens are all excited for Bernie and Mac's upcoming nuptials. Along with the wedding, is Bernie's granddaughter, Clara, first birthday!

Bernie is doing the honors of picking up Vince Caldwell from the rehab center and happily doing so because it wasn't long ago that she got a call that he was dead. Vince isn't having any of --it was an accident-- and he's not all that gung-ho to leave because he believes someone tried to kill him! When the doctor threatens to send him home with wheelchair orders, Vince suddenly got some pick-up and go!

The radio station hired a new meteorologist, but it was Iris with her funny feelings that informed Bernie there was going to be a storm--a storm as in a murder.

When Iris's prediction comes true, Bernie can't help herself but to get involved in doing some sleuthing because she now believes someone did try to kill Vince! Bernie is aided in fact-finding with a little help from Iris's baked goods.

The mystery will keep you guessing, as I was completely surprised who the culprit was and I loved how an unusual item in Iris's vehicle turned into an I-told-you-so to Bernie! I look forward to more in the series with all the new events going on in Bernie's life!

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book!

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sugar Creek Gap is a fun fictional town, even if they do tend to have a few murders! In this book, Bernadette Butler, known as Bernie to her friends, is right in the middle of planning her wedding to Mac Taber. All the details are coming into place, cake, flowers, decorations and Mac is in charge of the DJ. Bernie’s granddaughter is having her first birthday party, as well as the opening football game of the season. Both Mac and Bernie’s son Grady, are coaches for the team. When Bernie hears the news that one of the main anchors is dead, murdered as her friend Iris predicted, Bernie with the help of the front porch ladies, begin to look for clues. This may not have been the first attempt at murder.

Another winning installment in Tonya’s A Mail Carrier Series. This installment was one of the best so far in the series! I laughed, I cried, and was totally thrown off by the killer and the ending! I love Bernie because she is so relatable. She is a believable character, that shows her strengths as well as her flaws. I was so excited for Bernie and Mac’s wedding! Tonya has designed a character I would love to have as friends, in a small town I would love to visit. If you haven't been to Sugar Creek Gap, you need to visit, hang out with the Front Porch Ladies, and meet all the wonderful characters. I requested and received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own.

[Debbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the 8th book in the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. Each book is a fun cozy mystery about the people and town of Sugar Creek Gap. In this one Bernadette and Mac’s wedding is set for the weekend and there’s so much going on. But right in the middle of everything a radio DJ is stabbed to death. And that is after Bernie’s friend Vince was stabbed and almost died. Was it the same person? So Bernie and her friends have got to put their sleuthing caps on to help figure this out before her big day. But regardless of what’s going on, you’ll find there is never a dull moment in Sugar Creek Gap. The story keeps you guessing right up to the end. I know I didn’t have the killer figured out. If you haven’t tried the series yet, you should. I think you’ll enjoy it. You’ll definitely find yourself chuckling at times at this crazy town.

[Karina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Letter Slay by Tonya Kappes is the eighth book in her A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery Series. Even though this is the eighth book in the series it can be read as a standalone, but believe me once you read this book you will want to read the other books in this series. This book just like every other book by Kappes is very well written, drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I did not want to put it down. The characters are very well developed and likable. I love the small town charm. I liked that fact that the protagonist is older than the usual cozy mystery protagonists. There were red herrings and twists and turns and plenty of suspects to keep you guessing. The ending took me by surprise; I can’t wait for the next book in this series to come out. Of course you can’t forget the wonderful recipes included in the back of the book. I received an ARC and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Carol Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's wedding time and Bernadette and Mac are ready to tie the knot. Unfortunately in addition to getting ready to marry the man of her dreams, she also has to find out who married the local DJ. She has to do this ASAP as the main suspect is the DJ for her own wedding and she doesn't have time to find a new one. Will she be able to handle everything and get it solved for the big day? Read to find out.

I received a copy to read, the review is mine,

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who stabbed Vince Caldwell and why??? I have been on other mail deliveries with Bernie but never one like this one!!! I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.

[Liza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my favorite book in the series so far. I love this series and the growth of all the characters in each book. One of my top cozy mystery series out right now.

[Stephanie Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely love this series. Great book.

[Sarah Woodhouse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely charming and I love a happy ending!!!!

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of my favorite cozy series. This was the first one I listended to on audiobook and I thought the narrator did a good job with the characters and nnaration. Another good installment.

[Helen Drake · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and this latest installment in Tonya Kappes Mail Carrier Cozy Mysteries was a great read overall. The plot involves Bernie and Iris trying to figure out who injured Vince and who killed the radio weatherman, before Bernie’s wedding to Mac which is fast approaching. Bernie’s granddaughter’s first birthday party and the first football game of the season are coming right before the wedding. There are plenty of suspects and the plot develops well until the reveal of the killer which seems to be rather abrupt. The Epilogue includes the wedding and a brief description of the motive for the killer. There is also a surprise at the very end of the book.

The characters are wonderful and there are several scenes which made me laugh.

I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy and look forward to reading the next book in this series.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Red Letter Slay
A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, Book #8
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Discover the southern life of Bernadette Butler, along with the eccentric and lovable citizens, along with all the fur babies, who live in Sugar Creek Gap in this southern cozy mystery series by USA TODAY Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes.

Wedding bells are ringing all over Sugar Creek Gap for Bernadette Butler and Mac Tabor.
Folks in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky are so excited for Bernadette Butler! She's getting married to Mac Tabor, the man of her dreams!

Wedding week is nerve-wracking enough but add to that a murder of a local radio DJ with a nasty reputation was found stabbed to death with a letter opener days before Bernadette's wedding and the DJ who Bernadette hired for the wedding is the number one suspect. Now Bernadette has not only possibly lost a big part of her dream wedding, she’ll have to solve a mystery with more layers than the five-tiered wedding cake!
'Red Letter Slay’ is a full-length cozy mystery and can be read as a standalone. Book #8 in the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery Series. (Amazon)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Bernadette has a very busy week ahead of her. She has to keep working, her granddaughter is turning one, her son has a big football game to coach and she is getting married. But now she has to also figure out who tried to kill her good friend, Vince. When someone is actually killed Bernadette has one more thing to add to her to-do list: solve the murder. She will have help from The Front Porch Ladies and her best friend, Iris. They will have to put their heads together to solve this one.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. I love reading all the Southern charm that the author portrays in the book. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and had plenty of clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was surprised at the culprit, which is how I like my mysteries.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab a copy of this book, and series, and read all about Bernadette and her friends.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest
review.

[Deana Dick · Rating 5 out of 5]

Welcome back to Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky where we are reunited with Bernie and her adorable pets. There is always something going on in this little town that is filled with drama, gossip and mystery. I adore Bernie and how much she is loved in the town. Excitement is in the air as Bernie’s wedding day draws near. The last thing she needs on her mind is a murder but it looks like something is about to happen that will have her focus on everything but a wedding.

I loved the laughter the author brings to the story with little quips like,”Friends don’t let friends menopause alone,” That is what you call real friendship folks. Stress eating is causing Bernie to gain a few pounds but I think she has other things to worry about besides her weight. Her friend Vince is a hoot and tries to convince everyone that someone tried to kill him with a letter opener. After all how do you explain a letter opener in your head when you don’t even own one?

The adventure heats up when you guessed it, a murder happens just days before Bernie’s wedding. Along with the Front Porch Ladies, Bernie is determined to find out what happened. I would love to be part of this group of ladies that know everything that is going on in the town. Can you imagine the gossip they share? I bet no one is safe from their eagle eyes. What a mess Bernie has gotten herself into once again. I loved the different theories and suspects that came up. It was fun to read how Bernie methodically went through each idea and never gave up.

The story is full of surprises and takes readers on a thrill ride as we get closer to finding out who the killer is. I loved how the author delivers a fun story with twists that kept me on the edge of my seat. It is funny what people will do for fame, revenge or money. Get ready for another exciting story from an author who spreads her southern charm throughout the book and gets a stamp of approval from this reader.

[Tammy Lunsford - Escape to Books By Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily. Tonya Kappes has a special talent for writing fun southern cozy mysteries. Her characters are so realistic and often times very funny. I love her pets in this series - Buster the chocolate Lab and Rowena the cat. The main character, Bernadette Butler (fondly known as Bernie) is the local mail carrier in the quaint Kentucky town of Sugar Creek Gap. I found myself laughing out loud when she put her cat on a leash to go with her on her mail route. Bernie stated that she could not take both Rowena and Buster together because they would fight. I could not help but get this mental picture of a cat on a leash and dog on a leash battling as they walk down the road!

Bernie has a full week ahead of her with her upcoming nuptials to Mac, her granddaughter's first birthday and the big football game. She really has time for nothing else, but when her friend and cohort, Vince (former FBI agent) tells her that his accident was no accident and then the local radio DJ ends up dead, she and the Front Porch Ladies report for duty to investigate! This is especially important when the DJ for her wedding is the prime suspect. Tonya Kappes does a masterful job of providing red herrings and plenty of suspects in her cozy mysteries. You will think you have everything all figured out only to go down another path to another suspect. This mystery was well written and the characters are fun to read about and get to know. I get this visual of a bunch of elderly ladies literally sitting on the front porch ready to investigate, and I cannot help but chuckle. This was a enjoyable book that I read in just a couple of hours. I like the style of writing for this author because her books are easy to read and fun. This is #8 in this series, but you can definitely read it as a standalone.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is book 8 in the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. I am behind in this series, currently being on number 3. On the whole, I like reading books in order, but this book seemed to do well on its own.

Bernadette Butler is a mail carrier in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky and mostly does her route on foot, which gives her the opportunity to snoop whenever there is a murder in her little town. This time it happens to be the death of the new DJ, with the DJ for her upcoming wedding being the prime suspect.

The elderly Front Porch Ladies are a hoot and I love how Bernie brainstorms with them and Vince from the retirement village on the murders. The last book I read in this series had her rejecting Mac’s proposal, so I am happy to see that they are getting married. It is a busy time for Bernie with her granddaughter Clara’s first birthday party, the upcoming football game, and her wedding all on the same weekend. I really suspected someone else and the murderer was a complete surprise! The whole gluten free storyline in the book was kind of funny because everyone has an opinion on this topic. I thought Bernie’s mother being outraged by her granddaughter missing out on flour particularly funny.

It is interesting in this seems to be one of the rare series where the man isn’t constantly saying “don’t investigate because I worry about you,” and he just expresses his concern for her safety. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Merry Chapman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a big week for Bernie. It is her granddaughter, Clara's first birthday and a big party is being planned, opening season for the school football team, where Bernie's son, Grady is a coach and then at the end of the week Bernie and Mac are finally getting married. What a week ahead. We open up with Bernie picking up her friend, Vince from the therapy hospital recovering from being stabbed in the head with a letter opener while he was sitting in a high back chair in a room in the assisted living wing. Vince being former CIA wanted Bernie to investigate since he couldn't understand why someone would want to hurt him. So she only has a few days before all the activities start and besides with her friend Iris what could she lose by looking into it. Well, when the famous radio personality, Horace, is found dead, stabbed in the head with a letter opener, we know we have a murderer about. But what is the connection between the two besides a letter opener? Vince heard an argument between Horace and his wife Melissa over Melissa's mother, Sarah, over money for the assisted living facility. And the DJ for Bernie's wedding is a number one suspect. With so may obstacles and suspects will Bernie be able to solve the attack on Vince and the murder of Horace before the festivities at the end of the week? This is a very fast paced, action packed book that was so much fun to try and figure things out with Bernie. A must read series with some humor, pets and great characters! I received and ARC of this book but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Colorful and Entertaining

As always, Bernadette Butler’s life as a mail carrier is colorful and entertaining. While that is not typically descriptive of a normal mail carrier’s life in Kentucky (my brother in law was one in western Kentucky for almost 30 years and his was quite uninteresting - or I clearly asked all the wrong questions when I saw the family periodically during holiday visits!)

The last book in the mail carrier series and the most exciting, Bernie and Mac are marrying at last. Even romance can find couples late in life and they are in their 50’s. It’s a tv movie channel specially come to life, sighhhhh. So happy for their HEA.

All their friends in their small Kentucky community are thrilled for them, but in true Bernie style, nothing goes smoothly. There is a murder and as the town amateur sleuth, Bernie cannot rest until she and her pals assist Angela the sheriff, in solving the crime.

Bernie shines as a warm, loyal and loving personality, yet glows with her kind and generous heart. Mac, her architect fiancé, and his movie star good looks and faithful heart, has loved her devotedly for years and can’t wait to marry her at last - he is a brilliant steadfast anchor for her and the rest of the charmingly eccentric family and friends balance her beautifully.

Sad to see the end of the series, but the end reveal of the villain is masterfully done and SUCH a stunner.

Tonya Kappes is the high priestess of the cozy mystery genre and an absolutely worthwhile read

[Cinda Inman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have thoroughly enjoyed the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery Series set in Sugar Creek Gap, KY. This is #8 in the series.
Bernadette "Bernie" Butler, is one of the local mail carriers. Her first stop is always the Sugar Creek Gap Rehab Center. She enjoys visiting with Vince Caldwell, a retired FBI man, who often helps her with the murder mysteries. This time it is Vince who has been stabbed in the head with a letter opener. He feels someone was trying to kill him. Bernie is not so sure until Horace LeLand, the new weatherman at WSCG, is killed (also with a letter opener). Bernie feels she must find the killer, however, she has her granddaughter, Clara's, first birthday party at the farm, the first high school football game of the season and her wedding to Mac Tabor.
She has Iris Peabody, her best friend, who owns Pie in the Face Bakery, assist her. Bernie tries to pick up clues as she delivers the mail. The Front Porch Ladies live for the town gossip and are always willing to share with Bernie.
There is so much going on in this story. Just when you feel you have it figured out, Tonya Kappes, throws in a red herring.
Will Bernie be able to solve the murder before the party, the game and the wedding?
I always feel like I am in Sugar Creek Gap when I read this series. The characters seem so real. I cannot wait for #9.
I received an advance copy of this book. This is my honest opinion.