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Camper & Criminals #30
Zoning, Zealots, & Ziplines
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE
When the owner of the local zipline is found dead on the ride, the small town of Normal, Kentucky is in a state of shock. With the local ranger and sheriff at a loss for leads, it falls to the Laundry Club Ladies - a group of nosey sleuths led by Mae West - to crack the case.
Mae is more than happy to put her nose to the grindstone and get to work, especially since it gives her a chance to escape her pesky new sister-in-law, Ellis.
As Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a slew of suspects in the cozy town. But with the killer still on the loose, the investigation takes a dangerous turn. Can Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies catch the killer before it's too late?
Join Mae and her team as they navigate the twists and turns of this intriguing murder case in this page-turning cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
When the owner of the local zipline is found dead on the ride, the small town of Normal, Kentucky is in a state of shock. With the local ranger and sheriff at a loss for leads, it falls to the Laundry Club Ladies - a group of nosey sleuths led by Mae West - to crack the case.
Mae is more than happy to put her nose to the grindstone and get to work, especially since it gives her a chance to escape her pesky new sister-in-law, Ellis.
As Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies dig deeper into the mystery, they uncover a slew of suspects in the cozy town. But with the killer still on the loose, the investigation takes a dangerous turn. Can Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies catch the killer before it's too late?
Join Mae and her team as they navigate the twists and turns of this intriguing murder case in this page-turning cozy mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end.
290 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2023
311 people are currently reading
821 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
435 books3,669 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 165 reviews
March 13, 2023
Another pleasant romp with a campground owner and small town sleuth, one of a series of sweet mysteries. Tonya Kappes always makes these readable with likeable, country characters. Always worth a read.
June 6, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ - Audiobook 🎧
Book #30 in the Camper and Criminals Series
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies have a little competition when the Smelly Dog Groomers decide they want in on the sleuthing and latest murder in Normal, Kentucky. They enlist the help of Mae’s soon to be sister-in-law to help them spy on and stay one step ahead of the Laundry Club Ladies. This book ends in a cliffhanger, so I’m glad I was planning to read book #31 next.
Book #30 in the Camper and Criminals Series
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies have a little competition when the Smelly Dog Groomers decide they want in on the sleuthing and latest murder in Normal, Kentucky. They enlist the help of Mae’s soon to be sister-in-law to help them spy on and stay one step ahead of the Laundry Club Ladies. This book ends in a cliffhanger, so I’m glad I was planning to read book #31 next.
February 8, 2023
Mae's daydreaming during the National Park Meeting catapults her into an assignment, she didn't intend on attending, the Star Gazer's activity which is not the adventure she was hoping for. Mae also needs to finish preparing for the S'mores and Snores Happy Trails Campground party. The party will also aid in Betts crossing off another item from her ex-husband's list.
Ellis Randall isn't having an easy time adjusting to living in a camper and is causing havoc. Dottie is raising eyebrows at the campground when she arrives at the office all gussied up. Little did anyone know that Dottie had been chatting online with a reality television star, who showed up at the campground.
The night Mae attended the Star Gazer's event, everyone got to view the stars through telescopes. When Mae's turn came up, it was more than the stars she saw, there was a body dangling from the zip line. The situation is much worse than someone being stuck, they'd been murdered. It has everyone stumped, so when Tucker Pile requests Mae's help, she organizes a meeting with the Laundry Club Ladies. When Mae finds herself in a predicament, it's the last person I expected who will save the day!
A lot is happening in the story, with Ellis' shenanigans, UFO claims, the murder, and the bridesmaid's dresses set on fire! A laughable moment where Dottie gets a little revenge with the hose to put out the fire. There is an unexpected, shocking ending that entices you for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Ellis Randall isn't having an easy time adjusting to living in a camper and is causing havoc. Dottie is raising eyebrows at the campground when she arrives at the office all gussied up. Little did anyone know that Dottie had been chatting online with a reality television star, who showed up at the campground.
The night Mae attended the Star Gazer's event, everyone got to view the stars through telescopes. When Mae's turn came up, it was more than the stars she saw, there was a body dangling from the zip line. The situation is much worse than someone being stuck, they'd been murdered. It has everyone stumped, so when Tucker Pile requests Mae's help, she organizes a meeting with the Laundry Club Ladies. When Mae finds herself in a predicament, it's the last person I expected who will save the day!
A lot is happening in the story, with Ellis' shenanigans, UFO claims, the murder, and the bridesmaid's dresses set on fire! A laughable moment where Dottie gets a little revenge with the hose to put out the fire. There is an unexpected, shocking ending that entices you for the next book!
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
September 14, 2023
This series has the best characters! I love the Laundry Club Ladies and they have some competition in this one from the Smelly Dog Sleuthers. Getting to know Ellis better was an added bonus. The mystery was fascinating, with plenty of clues to follow as well as an array of suspects. This one ends on a cliffhanger and I can’t wait to dive into the next one to see what happens next.
dnf_sorry-but-no
November 18, 2025because the 2026 Popsugar reading challenge prompt is "A book that starts with the letter "Z" .... DNF after restarting 5+ times. Maybe jumping into book #30 wasn't the best decision. Will try again after books 1-29
May 28, 2023
This series gets better and better! I didn't think it could get better! I love returning to Happy Trails Campground to see Mae and the Laundry Club ladies. All of the main characters seem like friends now. If you like adventure, mystery, the great outdoors and some laughs along the way then this one is for you!
March 9, 2023
Zoning, Zealots, & Ziplines Earns 5/5 Orion’s Stars … Clever & Engaging Gem!
Mae’s Happy Trails Campground is quite a success and she’s helped to bring in several popular outdoor activities to boost the local economy which earned her a place on the National Park Committee, but at today’s meeting she should have been paying attention. Her on-site inspection assignment from Gab Hemmer, the committee chair, is for the Star Gazer experience instead of the more adventurous Zip Line Adventure. So, being the team player she is, it’s stargazing tonight.
Neil Lipman, who runs the zip line company, and Claire Patton, who runs Star Gazer, have a serious disagreement. Despite plenty of room in the Park for both activities, the ridge they share offers the best views for exploring the night sky and also the best place for night flying through the trees on a zip line. Unfortunately, the lights attached to the zip lines interfere with Claire’s optimal viewing needs. When Mae arrived for the night’s event, she is impressed by Claire’s presentation, but Claire’s sudden burst of anger and a strange sight through the telescope has Mae dialing 9-1-1. Neil’s body is hanging from the zip line … dead!
Whew! Tonya Kappes continues to keep it fresh and entertaining with the thirtieth book in her popular series with Mae in the middle of another murder which is becoming normal for Normal. The business conflict between Neil and Claire starts at the center of the investigation, but Mae and her crack team of busy bodies and gossips, the Laundry Ladies, this time sanctioned by the park ranger, have several intriguing options to explore from zoning rules and business conflicts to marriage issues and even possible corruption. All these and more lead to an engaging puzzle that arm-chair detectives, like me, love to decipher. Despite a surprise ending, there’s also a cliffhanger! Running the campground, navigating wedding plans, dealing with Betts’ good deeds list, handling a sleuthing rival, and trying to avoid the antics of her future in-laws only added a fascinating realism making a true fan of this reader!
Camping Treats & Ideas! This series always has some tasty treats and helpful ideas for any level of camper whether you’re in a national park or the backyard: Recipes and Camping Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies at Happy Trails Campground. Enjoy (1) Campfire Beer Cheese, (2) Camping Mac-N-Cheese, and (3) Camping Gnocchi Kababs. Use these Camping Hacks for ideas on (1) hand washing stations and (2) oranges as candles.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Tonya Kappes. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Mae’s Happy Trails Campground is quite a success and she’s helped to bring in several popular outdoor activities to boost the local economy which earned her a place on the National Park Committee, but at today’s meeting she should have been paying attention. Her on-site inspection assignment from Gab Hemmer, the committee chair, is for the Star Gazer experience instead of the more adventurous Zip Line Adventure. So, being the team player she is, it’s stargazing tonight.
Neil Lipman, who runs the zip line company, and Claire Patton, who runs Star Gazer, have a serious disagreement. Despite plenty of room in the Park for both activities, the ridge they share offers the best views for exploring the night sky and also the best place for night flying through the trees on a zip line. Unfortunately, the lights attached to the zip lines interfere with Claire’s optimal viewing needs. When Mae arrived for the night’s event, she is impressed by Claire’s presentation, but Claire’s sudden burst of anger and a strange sight through the telescope has Mae dialing 9-1-1. Neil’s body is hanging from the zip line … dead!
Whew! Tonya Kappes continues to keep it fresh and entertaining with the thirtieth book in her popular series with Mae in the middle of another murder which is becoming normal for Normal. The business conflict between Neil and Claire starts at the center of the investigation, but Mae and her crack team of busy bodies and gossips, the Laundry Ladies, this time sanctioned by the park ranger, have several intriguing options to explore from zoning rules and business conflicts to marriage issues and even possible corruption. All these and more lead to an engaging puzzle that arm-chair detectives, like me, love to decipher. Despite a surprise ending, there’s also a cliffhanger! Running the campground, navigating wedding plans, dealing with Betts’ good deeds list, handling a sleuthing rival, and trying to avoid the antics of her future in-laws only added a fascinating realism making a true fan of this reader!
Camping Treats & Ideas! This series always has some tasty treats and helpful ideas for any level of camper whether you’re in a national park or the backyard: Recipes and Camping Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies at Happy Trails Campground. Enjoy (1) Campfire Beer Cheese, (2) Camping Mac-N-Cheese, and (3) Camping Gnocchi Kababs. Use these Camping Hacks for ideas on (1) hand washing stations and (2) oranges as candles.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author, Tonya Kappes. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
February 9, 2023
Mae isn’t paying attention when assignments are being passed out in the committee meeting. She gets to checkout the stargazing venue instead of the zipline venue.
There is a death and we delve into private businesses purchasing National Park land and changing the landscape of the parks.
I agree with those that want to keep the parks for all and not a few privilege individuals.
I have little tolerance for Ellis. She wants everyone to bail her out and she won’t help herself. I’m surprised that Mae & Hank help her so much when she doesn’t listen to the preventive advice she’s been given on RV maintenance and the rules that go with it.
I just skip over Ellis’s issues. It’s not worth the effort to read her stubbornness.
The mystery was a good one and the book ends with a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next one.
I was given an advanced readers’ copy and these are my own opinions.
There is a death and we delve into private businesses purchasing National Park land and changing the landscape of the parks.
I agree with those that want to keep the parks for all and not a few privilege individuals.
I have little tolerance for Ellis. She wants everyone to bail her out and she won’t help herself. I’m surprised that Mae & Hank help her so much when she doesn’t listen to the preventive advice she’s been given on RV maintenance and the rules that go with it.
I just skip over Ellis’s issues. It’s not worth the effort to read her stubbornness.
The mystery was a good one and the book ends with a cliff hanger. Looking forward to the next one.
I was given an advanced readers’ copy and these are my own opinions.
February 9, 2023
Another fun whodunit in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series! Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are out to catch a killer. Who wanted the owner of the new zipline venue dead, and why? There are a lot of suspects, plenty of motives, but not so many clues. Mae’s sister-in-law, Ellis, is being annoying, as usual, and gets herself in trouble with the Laundry Club Ladies. Is there any way she can redeem herself?
Twists and turns, danger, and more! The current issue gets resolved, but you’re given a hint of what’s to come next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Twists and turns, danger, and more! The current issue gets resolved, but you’re given a hint of what’s to come next.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 11, 2023
Great addition to the Camper & Criminals series. There is a lot going on in this story. Mae has business commitments, wedding planning, dealing with her future sister in law, Dottie and her heartbreak, not to mention a murder. Filled with many possible suspects and twists I was drawn right into the story. Honestly, I was much more interested in everything else happening in this book over the murder. But then the ending happened…wow! I cannot wait to see what is coming next!
February 6, 2023
It was so interesting to read about some of the things that go on and into creating an entertainment venue at a very controlled national/State park. None of us want the state or the US government selling National and state park land to private individuals or corporations for them to destroy the environment and build houses for sale, condominiums, golf courses, rich hotels, etc. this author has a great love for the Daniel Boone National Forrest. Her love of camping, of watching and sharing wildlife and the beautiful scenery of nature is written in every single Book of the Camper and Criminal Cozy Mysteries series. She shares all this daily from her beautiful property that she loves dearly!! She loves to write a good book using twisted individuals and twisted storylines. This is another really good book in this series!!
February 27, 2023
This was another good mystery in the series. In this one Mae is doing stargazing. She wasn't paying attention and lost out on the zipline. A body is found on the zipline. Now Mae and her friends are trying to figure out who did it. Of course they solve it and unfortunately another body is found. This now sets up the next book.
February 8, 2023
What do ziplines and stargazing have in common? Not much except that they are neighboring activities being inspected by the National Park Committee. Much to her dismay, Mae gets the stargazing one when she wanted to zipline. Of course, she discovers a body and the Laundry Ladies are determined to solve this murder. Ellis is annoying and Dottie is Dottie. There's a hilarious scene involving the bridesmaid dresses but I won't spoil it for you. Great characters and a good mystery that will keep you guessing.
February 23, 2023
The action is non stop in the latest installment in the Campers and Criminals Series. Who knew that setting up new enterprises in the Daniel Boone National Forest could lead to a murder that seems impossible to solve. Mae and Dottie seem to be doing most of the sleuthing in this one with some input from Ellis, Mae’s soon to be sister-in-law who wants to join the Laundry Club Ladies. But does she have the right stuff for this group.? A rival sleuthing team is also trying to solve the mystery.
Mae does figure out the murder weapon once she hears a story from Ellis about one of her suspects. I had figured out the weapon but not the who or the why. Mae inadvertently stumbles across the murderer.
Besides the murder mystery, Mae and Hank’s wedding preparations and Ellis’ relationship with Mae are featured. The scene where Mae’s bridesmaids are having their dress fittings had me laughing.
The characters in this series are why I keep reading it. They are richly developed and in each installment we learn something more about various members.
Based on the ending, the next book in this series is going to be an eventful one for Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy.
Mae does figure out the murder weapon once she hears a story from Ellis about one of her suspects. I had figured out the weapon but not the who or the why. Mae inadvertently stumbles across the murderer.
Besides the murder mystery, Mae and Hank’s wedding preparations and Ellis’ relationship with Mae are featured. The scene where Mae’s bridesmaids are having their dress fittings had me laughing.
The characters in this series are why I keep reading it. They are richly developed and in each installment we learn something more about various members.
Based on the ending, the next book in this series is going to be an eventful one for Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies.
I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy.
September 12, 2023
Tonya Kappes writes a huge amount of very enjoyable cozy mysteries, and this book is no exception. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. This book was better than most of the ones in this series. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Worth the time to read.
August 28, 2024
One of the best of the series.
October 16, 2024
Ok cliffhanger!
December 27, 2024
I love these cosy little mysteries!
They are perfect pallet cleansers.
They are perfect pallet cleansers.
August 3, 2025
Another fantastic read from Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies. I absolutely love reading these cozy mysteries, and the ladies in these books are so awesome. I highly recommend this book.
February 10, 2023
Another exciting adventure with the Laundry Club ladies. I always feel like I just spent time with old friends when I read a book from this series. I love these quirky characters.
February 3, 2024
I'll never get tired of these characters or the camp ground. Cheers to #30, y'all!
February 23, 2023
What happens when you don't pay attention, during a meeting? you get stuck with an assignment you really don't want to do. Mae gets stuck checking out a stargazing activity as opposed to the zipline, that she really wanted.
While looking through the telescope, she discovers a body on the zipline (slaydar activated).
It seems the two activities and owners were rivals, could someone in the stargazer group have done the dirty deed?
Meanwhile, back at the campgrounds, Ellie is being a real annoyance and it appears that Dottie has swiped right and her paramour has arrived to court her.
It seems like everyone had a reason to be the killer. When you find out who done it,it is quite the surprise. Add to that an ending that is a real cliffhanger, and it's a usual couple of days in Normal Kentucky.
Thank you to Tonya Kaappes for the advanced copy.
While looking through the telescope, she discovers a body on the zipline (slaydar activated).
It seems the two activities and owners were rivals, could someone in the stargazer group have done the dirty deed?
Meanwhile, back at the campgrounds, Ellie is being a real annoyance and it appears that Dottie has swiped right and her paramour has arrived to court her.
It seems like everyone had a reason to be the killer. When you find out who done it,it is quite the surprise. Add to that an ending that is a real cliffhanger, and it's a usual couple of days in Normal Kentucky.
Thank you to Tonya Kaappes for the advanced copy.
December 2, 2023
I cannot get enough of this series. It's so fun.
February 23, 2023
Another can't-put-down Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery with a great cast of characters you feel like you know and a story so well-written I felt like I was in not-so Normal, Kentucky, Happy Trails Campground and Daniel Boone National Park with Mae, Hank and the Laundry Club Ladies. When the owner of the local zipline is found dead Mae and her ladies are on the case with lots of twists and turns, interesting suspects with Hank's sister Ellis and the smelly dog sleuths getting in the way. The surprise ending blew my socks off. If you enjoy cozies with lots of laughs, southern charm at its best and an interesting homicide that will keep you guessing, don't miss Zoning, Zealots, & Ziplines, book 30 in the Camper & Criminals series. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
February 26, 2023
Mae is attending the trial opening of a new star gazing business. However, she would much rather be at the trial opening of the ziplining business. Her disappointment is forgotten when she sees a body dangling from the zipline. Mae and the Laundry club lady start their investigation while the ladies are trying to navigate new relationships in their lives.
This is a great read. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists. The well placed red herrings allow me to lose myself in the story and decipher the clues to solve the murder alongside Mae. The characters and their relationships just keep getting more developed and complex. This evolution in the characters just makes me as the reader be able to relate more to the issues they may be facing and celebrate their achievements. I feel like I am reading about beloved friends and what is happening in their lives.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
This is a great read. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of twists. The well placed red herrings allow me to lose myself in the story and decipher the clues to solve the murder alongside Mae. The characters and their relationships just keep getting more developed and complex. This evolution in the characters just makes me as the reader be able to relate more to the issues they may be facing and celebrate their achievements. I feel like I am reading about beloved friends and what is happening in their lives.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been by anyone.
February 23, 2023
This is a fantastic book. I could not put it down. It is engaging and fun. I love setting of the campground and the Daniel Boone National Park. The characters are wonderful and I really enjoy how their relationships grow through the series. This book is full of adventure, mystery, humor and strong quirky characters. The mystery has so many twists and surprises to keep you guessing until the very end. I loved this book and highly recommend it!
October 14, 2023
Zipline, stargazing, ufos and murder - just another week in Normal.
November 28, 2023
More of the same which is a good thing!
This one ended on a cliffhanger. Oh Dottie!
This one ended on a cliffhanger. Oh Dottie!
February 20, 2023
Review to followWhat do zoning and UFO zealots have to do with zip lines? Come see in this fabulous new adventure of Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies in Normal, Kentucky!
It is early spring, one of the most beautiful seasons in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Camping season is about to begin, and Mae, Dottie, and Henry have Happy Trails ready for a fully booked campground. The author paints the grandeur of the mountains and forest with word pictures, capturing the essence of its beauty. They are also preparing for the next monthly party at Happy Trails, the S’mores and Snore.
It is also time for the grand opening of two new activities in the forest. Mae is on the National Park Committee, and a committee member will attend the inspection of each one. The group at Star Gazers will see the gorgeous night sky with no lights to hamper the view, a sight that draws people from all over the country. The other group will have the thrill of seeing the first zip line in use, including Hank, Mae’s fiancé, who has a ticket for it.
Mae, always up for adventure, signed up for the zip line inspection and is extremely disappointed to be assigned to Star Gazers. Lloyd, an older man, is eager to watch the zip line inspection. Unfortunately, inspections are scheduled at the same time, on the same evening. Neither committee member can attend both.
Things don’t go as planned when unanticipated lights from the zip line interfere dramatically with the night sky. Furious, Claire, the owner of Star Gazers, stormed off. Claire and Neil, one of Zip Line’s owners, have had arguments since construction began at both sites, but the lights were a complete shock. Her assistant gave the demonstration in her absence. When Mae looked through the telescope, she was horrified to see a body slumped over the nearby zip line. She called Tucker, the park ranger, who called Al, Normal’s sheriff, for backup. Neil, co-owner of the zip line ncompany, was dead with a knife in his neck.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are all over this one! The ladies from the Smelly Dog Groomer, calling themselves the Smelly Dog Sleuthers, want to upstage them and are somehow finding out their plans and beating them on every stop! They don’t know what to do with the clues, though. Then Dottie suddenly begins to wear matching clothes and makeup? Reality TV bounty hunter Colt Lincoln came to see Dottie! They only think things are getting strange until the UFO zealots show up!
The ladies are in for many surprises as they brainstorm, study zoning maps, learn of arguments between Kimberly, Neil’s widow, Ace, his best friend, and Jay, his business partner, and track down Wayne Newton, one of the UFO zealots.
This is an adventure you won’t want to miss, especially if you always wanted to ride a zip line! There are suspects, distractions, and as always, laugh out loud Southern humor, love, and very risky investigations. Whodunit kept me guessing, and there are many surprises at the end! I was very impressed with the author’s creativity and extensive knowledge when designing the businesses. I highly recommend this latest in the Campers & Criminals series!
From a thankful heart: I requested and received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
It is early spring, one of the most beautiful seasons in the Daniel Boone National Forest. Camping season is about to begin, and Mae, Dottie, and Henry have Happy Trails ready for a fully booked campground. The author paints the grandeur of the mountains and forest with word pictures, capturing the essence of its beauty. They are also preparing for the next monthly party at Happy Trails, the S’mores and Snore.
It is also time for the grand opening of two new activities in the forest. Mae is on the National Park Committee, and a committee member will attend the inspection of each one. The group at Star Gazers will see the gorgeous night sky with no lights to hamper the view, a sight that draws people from all over the country. The other group will have the thrill of seeing the first zip line in use, including Hank, Mae’s fiancé, who has a ticket for it.
Mae, always up for adventure, signed up for the zip line inspection and is extremely disappointed to be assigned to Star Gazers. Lloyd, an older man, is eager to watch the zip line inspection. Unfortunately, inspections are scheduled at the same time, on the same evening. Neither committee member can attend both.
Things don’t go as planned when unanticipated lights from the zip line interfere dramatically with the night sky. Furious, Claire, the owner of Star Gazers, stormed off. Claire and Neil, one of Zip Line’s owners, have had arguments since construction began at both sites, but the lights were a complete shock. Her assistant gave the demonstration in her absence. When Mae looked through the telescope, she was horrified to see a body slumped over the nearby zip line. She called Tucker, the park ranger, who called Al, Normal’s sheriff, for backup. Neil, co-owner of the zip line ncompany, was dead with a knife in his neck.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are all over this one! The ladies from the Smelly Dog Groomer, calling themselves the Smelly Dog Sleuthers, want to upstage them and are somehow finding out their plans and beating them on every stop! They don’t know what to do with the clues, though. Then Dottie suddenly begins to wear matching clothes and makeup? Reality TV bounty hunter Colt Lincoln came to see Dottie! They only think things are getting strange until the UFO zealots show up!
The ladies are in for many surprises as they brainstorm, study zoning maps, learn of arguments between Kimberly, Neil’s widow, Ace, his best friend, and Jay, his business partner, and track down Wayne Newton, one of the UFO zealots.
This is an adventure you won’t want to miss, especially if you always wanted to ride a zip line! There are suspects, distractions, and as always, laugh out loud Southern humor, love, and very risky investigations. Whodunit kept me guessing, and there are many surprises at the end! I was very impressed with the author’s creativity and extensive knowledge when designing the businesses. I highly recommend this latest in the Campers & Criminals series!
From a thankful heart: I requested and received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
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