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Calamity Jayne #2
Calamity Jayne Rides Again
Two months ago, 23-year-old Tressa Jayne Turner knew just where she stood with "Ranger Rick" Townsend. Sure, he's what you'd call hott with two t's, but he's also responsible for her nickname "Calamity." And ever since they solved that murder last summer-ever since Rick saved her cookies-he's acted as if he has a god-given right to sample them.
Of course, Tressa has bigger frenches to fry. The Iowa state fair is about to start, and her uncle Frank's ice cream stand is poised to scoop the competition. So when a soft-serve saboteur appears at the same time her cousin goes missing, it's another fine sticky mess. It's time for Tressa to don her hot pink cowboy boots and solve the mystery.
Of course, Tressa has bigger frenches to fry. The Iowa state fair is about to start, and her uncle Frank's ice cream stand is poised to scoop the competition. So when a soft-serve saboteur appears at the same time her cousin goes missing, it's another fine sticky mess. It's time for Tressa to don her hot pink cowboy boots and solve the mystery.
340 pages, Paperback
First published July 4, 2006
130 people are currently reading
433 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
November 1, 2023
After I had so much fun with the first book in this series, simply titled Calamity Jayne, I was really looking forward to the sequel and another helping of self-aware humor from the first-person narrative of Tressa Jayne Turner, age twenty-three and still unable to shake that nickname. That narrative style, full of banter and quick digressions, is there on nearly every page, but when it comes to a story this time, well, nothing much happens, even though it takes place at the Iowa State Fair.
The first book was all about disappearing corpses and multiple murders and real threats to Tressa's life, but this one is all about her uncle Frank's two concession stands at the fair and malicious pranks that threaten his business, probably so that one of his competitors can take over. Tressa and her relatives are there at the fair, staying in the neighboring campground for the two weeks and helping Uncle Frank dish out ice cream. So Tressa jumps in again to try to find out who's unplugging Uncle Frank's freezer and dumping cockroaches all over his stand.
Yes, after many false starts, the mystery will be solved, and an interesting romantic alternative to Ranger Rick comes on scene as Iowa State Trooper Dawkins. Once again, though, don't expect much more than a long kiss. And without higher stakes, the sprightly tone of the narrative gets a bit tedious around page 200. Color me disappointed.
If you're interested, here's my review of the first book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
The first book was all about disappearing corpses and multiple murders and real threats to Tressa's life, but this one is all about her uncle Frank's two concession stands at the fair and malicious pranks that threaten his business, probably so that one of his competitors can take over. Tressa and her relatives are there at the fair, staying in the neighboring campground for the two weeks and helping Uncle Frank dish out ice cream. So Tressa jumps in again to try to find out who's unplugging Uncle Frank's freezer and dumping cockroaches all over his stand.
Yes, after many false starts, the mystery will be solved, and an interesting romantic alternative to Ranger Rick comes on scene as Iowa State Trooper Dawkins. Once again, though, don't expect much more than a long kiss. And without higher stakes, the sprightly tone of the narrative gets a bit tedious around page 200. Color me disappointed.
If you're interested, here's my review of the first book: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show....
October 19, 2024
I have read Calamity Jayne (Calamity Jayne, #1), Calamity Jayne and the Fowl Play at the Fair (Calamity Jayne, #2), Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun (Calamity Jayne, #3) and am currently reading Calamity Jayne Goes to College (Calamity Jayne, #4). These books are very entertaining, laugh out loud funny, contain mysteries, a Grandmother named Hellion Hannah (enough said), hot men in pursuit, lots of eating and are just plain fun to read.
Calamity Jayne and the Fowl Play at the Fair takes place at the Iowa state fair where her uncle Frank's ice cream stand is poised to scoop the competition. So when a soft-serve saboteur appears at the same time her cousin goes missing, it's another fine sticky mess. It's time for Tressa to don her hot pink cowboy boots and solve the mystery which she does in her Calamity Jayne style with heart and determination and of course lots of fair food.
Calamity Jayne and the Fowl Play at the Fair takes place at the Iowa state fair where her uncle Frank's ice cream stand is poised to scoop the competition. So when a soft-serve saboteur appears at the same time her cousin goes missing, it's another fine sticky mess. It's time for Tressa to don her hot pink cowboy boots and solve the mystery which she does in her Calamity Jayne style with heart and determination and of course lots of fair food.
August 2, 2017
I enjoyed this book a bit more than the first in the series. Couldn't necessarily explain why, but there you have it. I will keep reading the series to see where it goes.
July 28, 2021
Even better than the first one. This story built upon the groundwork laid in the previous story and the same quirky fun characters are fleshed out even more making for a very enjoyable story.
It's nice when a cozy mystery does not revolve around a murder, too many small town "safe" places seem to have a murder rate to rival Chicago in some of these series, so the nature of this mystery was appreciated.
Pretty early on in the book, I was sure I knew who dun it, but there were enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep me off balance and interested.
It's nice when a cozy mystery does not revolve around a murder, too many small town "safe" places seem to have a murder rate to rival Chicago in some of these series, so the nature of this mystery was appreciated.
Pretty early on in the book, I was sure I knew who dun it, but there were enough twists and turns and red herrings to keep me off balance and interested.
September 30, 2021
Better than the first book. 😊 The flat out making fun of Jayne was toned down a bit and I was more comfortable reading it. Rick might have some competition for Jayne's attention and I can't be happier 😁. He says things that makes my heart melt then turns around and says something about a calamity that happened and ruins it. 😠 Funny and extremely entertaining but with a bit of heartache attached gives this series something that makes me want to come back and read again.
August 26, 2024
Greatly Enjoyable
Tressa Turner is quite a relatable character. She's still struggling to find herself inspire of the box the town put her in. Readers familiar with Val Credentials will enjoy this mystery.
Tressa Turner is quite a relatable character. She's still struggling to find herself inspire of the box the town put her in. Readers familiar with Val Credentials will enjoy this mystery.
March 23, 2020
Another fun ride with Calamity Jayne and her nutty friends and family.
August 5, 2021
Fairground Fun
It was a fun adventure with the heroine Tressa aka Calamity and her family try to figure out who's trying to make Uncle Frank's business fell .great characters!
It was a fun adventure with the heroine Tressa aka Calamity and her family try to figure out who's trying to make Uncle Frank's business fell .great characters!
August 15, 2021
Oh, my gosh. This is my family and I am Gammy. What a hoot. This is fun!
August 11, 2022
I enjoyed it
Then books isn't tears on my face laughing funny. I think funny female detectives are becoming cliché. I smiled though and finished it so it was not bad.
Then books isn't tears on my face laughing funny. I think funny female detectives are becoming cliché. I smiled though and finished it so it was not bad.
September 14, 2022
I read the whole story although I don't plan to read more in the series. Too much crude language and actions for me.
March 26, 2023
Calamity Jayne is always a good time!
Calamity Jayne is always a good time! Fun, lighthearted beach or vacation read, this one takes place at a Midwestern state fair.
Calamity Jayne is always a good time! Fun, lighthearted beach or vacation read, this one takes place at a Midwestern state fair.
November 25, 2025
excellent read
This is a funny well written story. I loved it and can’t wait to start the next
Book in this series!
This is a funny well written story. I loved it and can’t wait to start the next
Book in this series!
February 11, 2009
The second in the Calamity Jayne series...another funny one. This time Calamity Jayne runs into trouble at the State Fair. Someone is sabotaging her Uncle Frank's ice cream business and she intends to find out who it is.
Tressa is growing up. In the last book, she really did play the dumb blonde part. This time, people are starting to notice that maybe she isn't as dumb as they think. She isn't sure who she wants to be and hides behind the dumb blonde persona. It is good character development.
Her relationship with Ranger Rick is progressing, but she isn't sure she wants it. She's tempted, but worried that he is just playing her and once he "gets around the bases" he won't be interested in baseball anymore. The sexual tension in the one is good...push and pull. Lots of questioning.
This was a fun read. The family is involved more in this one and we get to know Tressa's Aunt Reggie, Uncle Frank, and her cousin, Frankie. Gramma Hannah is back and hanging out more with Joe Townsend for plenty of laughs...
Tressa is growing up. In the last book, she really did play the dumb blonde part. This time, people are starting to notice that maybe she isn't as dumb as they think. She isn't sure who she wants to be and hides behind the dumb blonde persona. It is good character development.
Her relationship with Ranger Rick is progressing, but she isn't sure she wants it. She's tempted, but worried that he is just playing her and once he "gets around the bases" he won't be interested in baseball anymore. The sexual tension in the one is good...push and pull. Lots of questioning.
This was a fun read. The family is involved more in this one and we get to know Tressa's Aunt Reggie, Uncle Frank, and her cousin, Frankie. Gramma Hannah is back and hanging out more with Joe Townsend for plenty of laughs...
February 21, 2013
More like 3.5* I enjoyed this book more than the original; it was fun, fast paced, and funny. I was surprised by Lucy being behind the destruction; I thought for sure she was trying to start an affair with Uncle Frank. I absolutely HATED Taylor in this book. And I was pissed at Rick for being so dumb. I was really starting to believe the chemistry between Rick and Tressa and he had to go and spend all of that time with Taylor. And I realize that he was just being nice, but he has to know how insecure Taylor makes Tressa but that didn't matter. I really liked Patrick and I hope he shows back up; I would prefer him being the long term love interest over Rick, but I don't see that happening. I am glad that Manny was back, and looking hot. And hurray for Joe! Love what is happening with him and Gran. I will definitely be reading the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 4, 2013
I actually did not finish this book. I stopped reading it because it got boring.
*****
And then I picked it up again because I hate not finishing something. It has actually gotten better and now I am most of the way through it and I want to find out who has been sabotaging Uncle Frank's ice cream stands at the fair.
*****
I am going to have to add this series to my guilty pleasure list. Fine literature they are not, but the author creates good characters and keeps me guessing as to who is doing what to whom and who is guilty so much that I just keep turning pages. I am hooked on Tressa and Rick and the whole wacky gang.
Kathleen Bacus, I officially apologize for saying this book was boring. You got me good. I just bought the next one and it is high on my TBR (to be read) list. :)
*****
And then I picked it up again because I hate not finishing something. It has actually gotten better and now I am most of the way through it and I want to find out who has been sabotaging Uncle Frank's ice cream stands at the fair.
*****
I am going to have to add this series to my guilty pleasure list. Fine literature they are not, but the author creates good characters and keeps me guessing as to who is doing what to whom and who is guilty so much that I just keep turning pages. I am hooked on Tressa and Rick and the whole wacky gang.
Kathleen Bacus, I officially apologize for saying this book was boring. You got me good. I just bought the next one and it is high on my TBR (to be read) list. :)
August 23, 2020
I reread this book every year I can’t attend the State Fair. It is as fun and silly as the real thing. Although I’ve enjoyed the entire Calamity Jayne series, this is the favorite - a perfect beach, deck, or backyard read during fair season. An easy way to escape 2020. Ms. Bacus writes with humor but never makes fun of Iowa as too many others do. I grew up not far from the fictional places of Granville, New Holland, and Silver Stone Lake, so it is especially fun to figure out the real places that inspired the fiction. Sometimesmain character Tressa‘s narration may be a little too “jokey” but she does learn and grow through the series - the best books are those that keep they story in her hometown. Hope there may be more Calamity Jayne books or short stories in the future.
January 1, 2017
While working Uncle Frank's ice cream emporiums at the Iowa State Fair, along with her family, Tressa has her hands full trying to discover who is sabotaging her uncle's business and proving that his son, Frank Jr., who disappeared on day one, is not responsible for the unfortunate events. Complicating her investigation is her attempt to not be jealous of what she sees as a possible relationship between her perfect sister, home for the summer and her nemesis/love interest, Ranger Rick. While she wants to be sure Ranger Rick won't break her heart, she develops a friendship with Trooper P.D. Dawkins, who seems to understand who she is and doesn't try to hold her back from her risky habits. Another fun mystery.
Again, better proofreading would probably get these stories 5 stars from me.
Again, better proofreading would probably get these stories 5 stars from me.
August 1, 2009
Tressa is working at uncle frank's ice cream emporium at the state fair. things start to happen and calam decides to find out who is terrorizing her uncle's shop. she wants to prove it isn't her cousin frankie. turns out it is lucy- the fair neighbor and she wants uncle frank to retire so she can have his location. tressa competes in a demolition derby. she and ranger rick kiss and try to go further but keep getting interrupted. not quite together but getting closer.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 3, 2010
This is the first book I've read in this series. I found it very funny and a quick read. The characters are real. I especially like the grandma and her friend Joe. I recommend this book. It is similar to Stephanie Plum in the hilarity of the characters and the writing style. I laughed out loud more than once while reading this one. I ordered the 3rd one. Unfortunately only a couple of these are available for Kindle.
August 7, 2011
The first book was okay but this is like a rehash of it. Pages and pages of how unhappy Tressa is with herself. Enough, I get it, stop whining and do something about it. And how hard is it to filter what you say so you aren't always sticking your foot in your mouth. A character that blabs stupid things all the time gets tedious really quickly. Not to mention Tressa has turned into a pig in this book. It did pick up at the end but I'm not sure I want to read any more in this series.
August 7, 2012
This is such a cute, funny series. I love the storylines with the humorous situations and Tressa. Her heat with Rick is slowly simmering. (This is how it should be! Didn't people stop watching shows like Moonlighting and Who's the Boss when the characters got together? You gotta time it right.) The secondary characters are a hoot. There's no other way to put it. Definitely a series to continue!
January 28, 2013
Calamity Jayne, aka Tressa Jayne, is back, in another hilarious episode of her life while she works for her uncle in his ice cream concession at the Iowa State Fair. When troublemakers try to sabotage his business and nearby concessionaires issue threats, she attempts to help by unmasking the perpetrators, but instead causes more problems when her crazy grandma and the grandma's 'friend', who also happens to be the grandfather of Tressa's love interest, get involved. A fast, funny read.
December 29, 2007
Calamity Jayne continues in the vein of Stephanie Plum. This one was more of a stretch than the first book, but still a fun read. The ending was forced, but this is a nice follow-up to Calamity Jayne.
I'm looking forward to Calamity's next installment, Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4...
I'm looking forward to Calamity's next installment, Ghouls Just Want to Have Fun.
http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/4...
December 12, 2021
Not as exciting as the 1st in the series. Shaping up to be another Stephanie Plum. Even one of the guys is nicknamed Ranger, although most of the time he is referred to as Ranger Rick or his last name. Cute story over all. I just expected more after reading the 1st, not a parallel of Stephanie Plum.
March 19, 2016
4.5 stars. I gave the last book 5 stars because for a first in a series, it was quite addicting, and this book is no exception. All the things I like in the last book are still here, but certain "plot" line is not something I am a fan of at all, which is the only reason I ranked 0.5 stars less then the last book.
May 7, 2018
I didn't care for the fact that the main character's issues and escapades are always a result of her being an idiot-or a dumb blonde. She was also wishy-washy about the guys she came into contact with.
July 28, 2012
A very light and funny read. The tension is there even more between Calamity Jayne and Rick and now trooper P. D. is in the mix. The messes that Calamity gets into as she tries to find out who is sabotaging her uncle's ice cream shop at the county fair are hilarious.
August 14, 2012
I just love this series!Its fun and funny.A very quick and simple, feel good read.The mystery in this one was rally good with lots of action and "who-could-it be" intrigue.The secondary characters are a hoot and very well written.Cant wait for more of Tressa and company.
September 21, 2014
I did like it. Had its moments but something was missing for me. I can't figure out what it is but I felt like I missed something that would make it a super great book.
don't get me wrong it is a good read and fun quick read.
don't get me wrong it is a good read and fun quick read.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews