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Travel Writer #1
Camp Pain
Patricia may be well-traveled - but this is a mystery with a dangerous destination. Patricia always viewed the world from the end of her pen. Her feet hop from place to place; her exotic experiences are filling the pages faster than stamps on her passport. Someday, she aspires to land a big-time publishing deal. At a stopover in Atlanta, she is shocked to discover the body of a local businessman, Peter, dumped in a camp in the outskirts of the city. For the first time, her wings are clipped as the lead detective; Brian Johnston launches an investigation into Peter's death - firmly suspecting that cause of death was murder. Patricia and Brian band together in his murder investigation, slowly uncovering leads to a shady underbelly behind Peter's flashy 'successful' exterior, and the illicit dealings he was determined to keep from prying eyes. As the details begin to piece together, someone intends to step in and silence them. By any means necessary.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
178 pages, Paperback
First published March 21, 2019
176 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Meadows
186 books436 followersWendy Meadows is a USA Today bestselling cozy mystery author who creates the perfect escape for readers who love amateur sleuths, small-town secrets, and mysteries you can solve with a cup of tea in hand.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
Her beloved series—including Sweetfern Harbor, Alaska Cozy Mysteries, and Travel Writer Mysteries—feature quirky characters, family bonds, and charming whodunits with no gore, just gentle intrigue that keeps you guessing.
When she's not plotting her next puzzle, she's spoiling her pets, enjoying time with her two adult children, and hunting for the perfect hybrid tea rose to inspire her peaceful settings.
Join her cozy community and get a free ebook plus behind-the-scenes peeks into her stories and characters.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
December 23, 2020
This would have been a 4.5 star reading if it wouldn't have been for the very unrealistic way the police officer Brian invited Patricia to investigate together with him. So l am giving it "only" 4 stars.
End of 2016 I read the first book in the Maple Hills series and wasn't very impressed and refrained from reading anything else from this author.
My favourite things include travelling and camping so I hesitantly decided to give it another try.....and boy, am I glad I did!!! I genuinely enjoyed this mystery. A travel writer as heroine offers so much potential in future installments and I had a great time exploring some of Atlanta's interesting places with Patricia. I have never been to Atlanta so I am not sure how realistic some of the venues are but it was a lot of fun nonetheless. The mystery was very interesting and I loved following the clues with Patricia and Brian.
I am hooked and will be back for the next book in this series....I may try some of the other ones as well....
End of 2016 I read the first book in the Maple Hills series and wasn't very impressed and refrained from reading anything else from this author.
My favourite things include travelling and camping so I hesitantly decided to give it another try.....and boy, am I glad I did!!! I genuinely enjoyed this mystery. A travel writer as heroine offers so much potential in future installments and I had a great time exploring some of Atlanta's interesting places with Patricia. I have never been to Atlanta so I am not sure how realistic some of the venues are but it was a lot of fun nonetheless. The mystery was very interesting and I loved following the clues with Patricia and Brian.
I am hooked and will be back for the next book in this series....I may try some of the other ones as well....
April 14, 2019
Bring on the next book
If you love a good light hearted mystery as I do, read this book. I began this series since I love this author and I love RV's. The characters are easy to love and the mystery kept me guessing. I can't wait for the next book...tomorrow would not be too soon.
If you love a good light hearted mystery as I do, read this book. I began this series since I love this author and I love RV's. The characters are easy to love and the mystery kept me guessing. I can't wait for the next book...tomorrow would not be too soon.
May 7, 2019
Quando ho visto una serie che ha per protagonista una scrittrice di viaggi non ho potuto resistere, tenuto soprattutto conto che si chiama come me! La storia è breve (l'ho letta in un pomeriggio), ma è ben disegnata: un po' irrealistico il fatto che il detective inviti quasi subito la protagonista ad affiancarlo nelle indagini, ma ho apprezzato come l'autrice ha sviluppato la forte attrazione fra i due e spero che in futuro rivedremo i due all'opera insieme.
Non sono mai stata ad Atlanta, ma mi pare che l'autrice sia riuscita a fornire tanti interessanti spunti di visita della città, tanto che mi è venuta quasi voglia di andarci. Penso che questi "lanci turistici" siano veramente appropriati visto il tema della serie. Ora non mi resta che aspettare il prossimo libro che, se il finale non mi ha ingannato, sarà ambientato a Parigi.
Non sono mai stata ad Atlanta, ma mi pare che l'autrice sia riuscita a fornire tanti interessanti spunti di visita della città, tanto che mi è venuta quasi voglia di andarci. Penso che questi "lanci turistici" siano veramente appropriati visto il tema della serie. Ora non mi resta che aspettare il prossimo libro che, se il finale non mi ha ingannato, sarà ambientato a Parigi.
May 27, 2023
This is the first in the series. The main character is Patricia. Patricia is a travel writer who lives in an RV and drives around the country telling everyone what places to look for and eat at in the town she is visiting. When she gets to Atlanta her neighbors in the next camp site are newlyweds and they become friends exploring the city together. But then Patricia finds a body outside her RV and the cops don't seem to be on the ball. They miss the drag marks. Suddenly she is helping the detective solve the murder. Can she get this figured out before it's too late for her?
April 18, 2022
Patricia is a travel writer, traveling in her RV to write about various locations for publication. The first few chapters of "Camp Pain" provide excruciating detail of various locations around Atlanta, Georgia, as Patricia shops, eats, and drinks her way through various locations. She also makes quick friends with her next-door neighbors who become fellow explorers as she ventures around town. The expected dead body doesn't show up until well into the third chapter, but that doesn't seem to pick the pace up much. If you prefer a fast-moving, action-packed murder mystery, this is not the book for you.
Sadly, the plot turns out to be fairly predictable and the writing is just plain bad. Long sections of stilted narrative and dialogue plague the book. I'd understand if one of the characters rarely used a contraction, but the avoidance of them throughout the book made much of the book painful to read. Continuity issues were another problem, and at one point I wondered if a highschooler was plotting the story.
The book, over all, requires a major suspension of disbelief. A detective brings Patricia into his investigation: he takes her on interviews, reveals evidence to her, and other generally behaves as if she's a bona fide partner and law enforcement officer. While it's common in cozy mysteries for amateur sleuths team up in some way with law enforcement, I couldn't buy Patricia's role in the investigation.
I bought the book because of the RV angle, but the RV wasn't much of an element in the book, and when it did come into play it became apparent the author knows little (if anything) about RVing. For example, RV doors open OUT, not in, which makes a particular scene in the rain hard to buy.
Though I'd like to make note of the book's positive elements, there's little -- if anything -- to recommend "Camp Pain." If the author's other books are this poorly executed, I can't help wondering how she made it into bestselling status.
Sadly, the plot turns out to be fairly predictable and the writing is just plain bad. Long sections of stilted narrative and dialogue plague the book. I'd understand if one of the characters rarely used a contraction, but the avoidance of them throughout the book made much of the book painful to read. Continuity issues were another problem, and at one point I wondered if a highschooler was plotting the story.
The book, over all, requires a major suspension of disbelief. A detective brings Patricia into his investigation: he takes her on interviews, reveals evidence to her, and other generally behaves as if she's a bona fide partner and law enforcement officer. While it's common in cozy mysteries for amateur sleuths team up in some way with law enforcement, I couldn't buy Patricia's role in the investigation.
I bought the book because of the RV angle, but the RV wasn't much of an element in the book, and when it did come into play it became apparent the author knows little (if anything) about RVing. For example, RV doors open OUT, not in, which makes a particular scene in the rain hard to buy.
Though I'd like to make note of the book's positive elements, there's little -- if anything -- to recommend "Camp Pain." If the author's other books are this poorly executed, I can't help wondering how she made it into bestselling status.
November 25, 2019
This is a cozy mystery with a romantic sub-theme. I've been trying to mix it up a bit and felt like reading something more laid back. Strangely, something about this book appealed to me. Living in Australia, I know nothing about Atlanta, but the author gave me a good feel for the place (if what I read is true, that is). The main character is a travel journalist, who travels around the US in her RV. Sounds like a great job. But then she literally trips over a body and, hence, the mystery begins.
Two things irritated me. The first is the fact that Patricia, the writer, was invited to help investigate the murder, and that seemed rather far-fetched to me. It happened too quickly, too easily. The second thing was the lack of use of abbreviations in speech (i.e. I'm or don't), which gave the characters a stilted, unnatural sound.
What I really liked was the romantic side of the story. In fact, I loved the attraction between Patricia and her love interest. I believe that was the storyline that kept me totally invested in this mystery book. I have my fingers crossed that the pair will find each other in future publications and find their happily ever after. I will be devastated if they don't, but I guess I'll have to keep reading the series to find out.
Two things irritated me. The first is the fact that Patricia, the writer, was invited to help investigate the murder, and that seemed rather far-fetched to me. It happened too quickly, too easily. The second thing was the lack of use of abbreviations in speech (i.e. I'm or don't), which gave the characters a stilted, unnatural sound.
What I really liked was the romantic side of the story. In fact, I loved the attraction between Patricia and her love interest. I believe that was the storyline that kept me totally invested in this mystery book. I have my fingers crossed that the pair will find each other in future publications and find their happily ever after. I will be devastated if they don't, but I guess I'll have to keep reading the series to find out.
February 4, 2024
Wendy Meadows' “Camp Pain” introduces readers to Patricia, a well-travelled writer whose adventures are as varied as the places she visits. With aspirations of securing a major publishing deal, Patricia's journey takes a perilous turn in Atlanta, where she stumbles upon the body of local businessman, Peter, in a camp on the city's outskirts. This discovery anchors Patricia to a mystery that threatens to clip her wings permanently.
The narrative thrives on the dynamic between Patricia and the lead detective, Brian Johnston, as they delve into the investigation of Peter's murder. Their partnership reveals a murky world lurking beneath Peter's ostensibly successful life, involving illicit dealings intended to remain hidden. Meadows does a commendable job of weaving suspense and danger through the protagonists' quest for truth, underscored by the looming threat of an antagonist determined to silence them.
“Camp Pain” is a solid entry into the cozy mystery genre, offering an intriguing blend of travel and suspense. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it provides an engaging read for those interested in mysteries with a dangerous destination.
The narrative thrives on the dynamic between Patricia and the lead detective, Brian Johnston, as they delve into the investigation of Peter's murder. Their partnership reveals a murky world lurking beneath Peter's ostensibly successful life, involving illicit dealings intended to remain hidden. Meadows does a commendable job of weaving suspense and danger through the protagonists' quest for truth, underscored by the looming threat of an antagonist determined to silence them.
“Camp Pain” is a solid entry into the cozy mystery genre, offering an intriguing blend of travel and suspense. While it may not reinvent the wheel, it provides an engaging read for those interested in mysteries with a dangerous destination.
May 25, 2023
A delightful beginning to the Travel Writer's mystery series. Set in Georgia the story highlighted the sites, events and restaurants of Atlanta and surroundings bringing the city to life. Although it didn't seem realistic that Patricia explored so many sites in one day traveling by bus, I suspended my critical belief and just enjoyed the story! That the detective allowed Patricia to play such an active part in the murder investigation was also beyond belief.
Patricia traveled to the site of her story in an RV parked in a campground near Stone Mountain. But her next travel writing assignment is in Paris. She had to leave her RV in Atlanta of course, so I assume she will return to Atlanta in a future episode. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Patricia traveled to the site of her story in an RV parked in a campground near Stone Mountain. But her next travel writing assignment is in Paris. She had to leave her RV in Atlanta of course, so I assume she will return to Atlanta in a future episode. I look forward to reading more in this series.
March 2, 2023
Nice quick read
Patricia is a journalist for a travel magazine who is sent on various locations to write about different unique things that would appeal to all ages. This would be my ideal job. She meets Valerie and Tom who are on their honeymoon and sharing the lot next door to her in the campground and become good friends. They discover a dead body. The police come but miss vital information which Patricia points out. She did use to work for the police dept. Her and Brian, the police detective, develop a relationship and do work together to solve the murder. Who was the mhrder, you ask. You'll just have to read and enjoy the book.
Patricia is a journalist for a travel magazine who is sent on various locations to write about different unique things that would appeal to all ages. This would be my ideal job. She meets Valerie and Tom who are on their honeymoon and sharing the lot next door to her in the campground and become good friends. They discover a dead body. The police come but miss vital information which Patricia points out. She did use to work for the police dept. Her and Brian, the police detective, develop a relationship and do work together to solve the murder. Who was the mhrder, you ask. You'll just have to read and enjoy the book.
Read
December 18, 2024Didn't finish reading, thus the "abandoned" shelf. I had to mark as read so that I could save it in my records. But I didn't give it a rating because that wouldn't be fair, to rate a book I didn't finish.
It was like reading a book for very young children. about the happy little camper with her happy little neighbors and a happy little murder....ugh.
And the writing style put me off--
"You will not solve this crime if you do not listen to me," Patricia said, banging her hand on his desk. Patricia was frustrated. She knew what she had seen. She just had to get Bryan to believe it. She was desperate. "I'll prove it."
Who talks like that?
It was like reading a book for very young children. about the happy little camper with her happy little neighbors and a happy little murder....ugh.
And the writing style put me off--
"You will not solve this crime if you do not listen to me," Patricia said, banging her hand on his desk. Patricia was frustrated. She knew what she had seen. She just had to get Bryan to believe it. She was desperate. "I'll prove it."
Who talks like that?
June 24, 2023
I downloaded this story from an offering of free cozies with the hope that a review would be left for future readers.
I enjoyed the story, it was light and easy to read. It was a bit far-fetched at times, but hey, it's a story not a biography. It added to the 'atmosphere'. I loved the main characters, and hope that they finally, really get together in future stories - it would be disappointing if they didn't lol. It would even be fun if the other couple introduced in the story could re-surface somewhere further down the line. Need to read future stories to see how the characters develop.
I enjoyed the story, it was light and easy to read. It was a bit far-fetched at times, but hey, it's a story not a biography. It added to the 'atmosphere'. I loved the main characters, and hope that they finally, really get together in future stories - it would be disappointing if they didn't lol. It would even be fun if the other couple introduced in the story could re-surface somewhere further down the line. Need to read future stories to see how the characters develop.
September 13, 2023
A well written witty and intriguing all in one. I read from start to finish without taking a break it is that captivating,the array of characters are all vibrant some colorful some very secretive and emotional but all are passionate drawing you in like a fish on a string .then there's the plot full of intrigue , danger ,lies and betrayal as well as a slow burn romance it has everything you want in a cozey murder mystery and more. Acquire " Camp Pain " today so you yourself can enjoy it as much as I have. Kat
January 28, 2023
I've never been to Atlanta and so enjoyed the description of all the places to see and things to do.
My problem with the book was that Patricia (the main character, participant of EVERY scene on EVERY page) doesn't have a surname. She even goes to the police station and says "Hello, my name is Patricia and I am looking for Detective Brian Johnson." That's probably when I first noticed her lack of surname and so it kept impinging on my enjoyment.
My problem with the book was that Patricia (the main character, participant of EVERY scene on EVERY page) doesn't have a surname. She even goes to the police station and says "Hello, my name is Patricia and I am looking for Detective Brian Johnson." That's probably when I first noticed her lack of surname and so it kept impinging on my enjoyment.
May 1, 2019
Not bad…
I like camping mysteries and thought this one was pretty decent, but needs just a bit of improvement in the writing and plot perhaps. Also, it was kind of annoying for the writer to use the main characters name over and over again! We know her name, you can just say she or her or whatever . Hopefully the second one will be a bit more improved
I like camping mysteries and thought this one was pretty decent, but needs just a bit of improvement in the writing and plot perhaps. Also, it was kind of annoying for the writer to use the main characters name over and over again! We know her name, you can just say she or her or whatever . Hopefully the second one will be a bit more improved
April 18, 2023
Being a travel writer may sound glamorous and exciting but when Patricia's first assignment by RV is to cover Atlanta, the most exciting part is a murdered man at her RV camp. Bringing back to her previous days in the police department even if it was at a desk, she teams up with local detective Brian to help him solve the case.
June 6, 2019
All in all, a good book.
A good, clean mystery. Somewhat wordy and repetitious story. The ending may leave you hanging, while still feeling that there will be a continuing story. TA TA
A good, clean mystery. Somewhat wordy and repetitious story. The ending may leave you hanging, while still feeling that there will be a continuing story. TA TA
June 24, 2019
All About Atlanta!
My hometown. Mentally saw events she went to. The fact that the detective wanted Patricia to assist him in solving the case was a welcome change from most of the cozies. I really liked the book!
My hometown. Mentally saw events she went to. The fact that the detective wanted Patricia to assist him in solving the case was a welcome change from most of the cozies. I really liked the book!
June 29, 2019
This Was A Nice Feel Good Mystery
This was a nice feel good mystery.
I loved the story ,the characters and the tour of Atlanta.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
This was a nice feel good mystery.
I loved the story ,the characters and the tour of Atlanta.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
September 21, 2019
Pain full
While I liked the storyline, the writing was painful to read. Was this written for an elementary school level? Just awful to suffer through, back to Dick and Jane. Not at all fluid, quite stilted.
While I liked the storyline, the writing was painful to read. Was this written for an elementary school level? Just awful to suffer through, back to Dick and Jane. Not at all fluid, quite stilted.
February 4, 2022
Great read!!!
Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!!
I love this series!!
Always wanted to travel in a RV.
I found it very interesting!
I'm excited I found a new series that pequed my interest!
Thank you!!
Cannot wait to see what happens in the next book!!
I love this series!!
Always wanted to travel in a RV.
I found it very interesting!
I'm excited I found a new series that pequed my interest!
Thank you!!
October 21, 2022
amateur writing style
Ok story, with a credible culprit. But the style is way too “Dick and Jane” for my taste. Particularly at the beginning, the character’s name was repeated way too often. Patricia did this, Patricia said that, Patricia went there. Not a fan.
Ok story, with a credible culprit. But the style is way too “Dick and Jane” for my taste. Particularly at the beginning, the character’s name was repeated way too often. Patricia did this, Patricia said that, Patricia went there. Not a fan.
June 7, 2019
Camp Pain
This is the kind of life I wouldn't mind having. What an exciting life that would be. I truly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next adventure.
This is the kind of life I wouldn't mind having. What an exciting life that would be. I truly enjoyed this book and I can't wait for the next adventure.
November 9, 2019
Loved it! Can't wait to read more.
February 1, 2020
Good book.
This is a good book. It has all sorts of situations including murder, romance, friendships, travels and investigations. I would love to read more of this series.
This is a good book. It has all sorts of situations including murder, romance, friendships, travels and investigations. I would love to read more of this series.
July 28, 2020
Cute fast read. I was kinda surprised how the author told us who the killer was. It was like here they are. Not much of a climax. But I’m willing to read more to this series. Happy Reading :)
December 24, 2020
Great read...enjoyed the story line and characters...I liked it a lot and had fun reading it.
Sue B
Sue B
February 1, 2023
Who killed Peter Sedgewick and why??? Revenge??? I enjoyed this story and recommend the book.
January 13, 2024
I was expecting someone with a cool vintage travel trailer but the RV fit. Wendy Meadows wrote a nice clean cozy mystery that had me guessing until the end of the book. Good Job!
May 5, 2019
Adventures & murder
A girl can't have two many friends when traveling the freeways. She blogs
about traveling destinations for vacations. She's hoping for a big writer's
break through story to make it big in the writing business. Then a dead body
turned up, rather she tripped over. Then the case is on to find the killer. She
teas up with a local cop to solve the case. Can they find the murderer or will
he get away with murder. A great read with lots of twists and turns, and greedy
people out for the money.
Debra H.
A girl can't have two many friends when traveling the freeways. She blogs
about traveling destinations for vacations. She's hoping for a big writer's
break through story to make it big in the writing business. Then a dead body
turned up, rather she tripped over. Then the case is on to find the killer. She
teas up with a local cop to solve the case. Can they find the murderer or will
he get away with murder. A great read with lots of twists and turns, and greedy
people out for the money.
Debra H.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews