Welcome to the southern small town with endearing citizens, adorable animals, a smidgen of gossip with a touch of humor where there are twists and turns around every corner as they solve a local murder.Mail carrier, Bernadette (Bernie) Butler, along with the Front Porch Ladies, are curious of their new neighbor, Courtney Gaines, who is the niece of Florence Gaines, the wealthiest widow in Sugar … in Sugar Creek Gap. Florence lets it be known that she is seeing Zeke Grey, which doesn’t set well with the Front Porch Ladies. They were all in competition for Zeke’s attention.
Shortly after learning that Florence, who announced it rather loudly, that she and Zeke got married, while delivering the mail, Bernie overhears what could be the first marital spat.
As Bernie is happily awaiting the birth of her first grandchild, her best friend shares a feeling that something isn’t right between Bernie’s son, Grady, and her daughter-in-law, Julia. Grady seems to be very chummy with Courtney, which has Bernie singing high praise of Julia and how there is a new baby on the way.
When Florence turns up dead in mulch, coupled with what Sheriff Angela Hafley mentioned, Bernie can’t help but want to get involved and when Sheriff Angela requests Bernie to be a ‘snoop consultant’, she readily agrees. Bernie’s snooping leads her to information that hits a little too close to home and Bernie enlists her best friend, Iris for help.
more
Bernadette (Bernie)Buttler, along with the Front Porch Ladies, are curious about their new neighbor, Courtney Gaines. Courtney is the niece of Florence Gaines, the wealthiest widow in Sugar Creek Gap. Florence let everyone know she is seeing Zeke Gray. The Front Porch Ladies have all been competing to get Zeke’s attention. A few days later Florence makes another shocking announcement that she and Zeke are now married. Later that same day while delivering the mail Bernie overhears what could be Florence and Zeke’s first marital spat. Courtney also let it be known that she is upset with some of her aunt’s decisions. Just a short time later Florence is found murdered. Bernie gets involved in the investigation after some people near and dear to her are suspects.
This series gets better with every book! Bernie is a very relatable and realistic character. She is a well-developed character, as are the secondary characters. Grady (Bernie’s Son) and his wife Julia are expecting a baby in this book. Between the baby pending arrival and the murder investigation, Bernie’s emotions are all over the place. The Front Porch Ladies are always fun and provide some comic relief. The mystery is well written. There are several suspects, each one has a good reason to kill the victim. In addition to several suspects the mystery is full of twists and turns to keep you guessing whodunit. I look forward to the next book in the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.
All She Wrote is another exciting installment in Kappes’ Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series, and I enjoyed this one just as much as I have the previous books in the series. Bernie is enjoying her new home, anticipating the birth of her first grandchild, and enjoying her relationship with Mac. When Bernie’s new neighbor, Courtney, finds her aunt Florence dead on her property, Bernie finds herself invested in the case. Later when one of Bernie’s loved ones becomes a prime suspect in the murder, Bernie finds herself determined to protect her family.
Kappes sets up a great story that really tests Bernie as she tries to protect her family. This murder mystery really hits close to home when someone she cares about becomes a prime suspect. Adding to this challenge, Bernie’s relationship with Mac hits a roadblock when he wants to take things further than she is ready for. Bernie is really conflicted over her family and her relationship, and I enjoyed seeing Bernie deal with these challenges and become stronger because of them. The book’s mystery is well done full of many twists and turns. Overall All She Wrote proved to be an entertaining reading that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Bernie’s next adventure.
Received a copy of All She Wrote from the author in exchange for my honest review.
Poor Bernie, she didn’t set out to get involved with another murder but this one was delivered to the house next door and the police add her family to the list of suspects. It should be a very happy time for Bernie – she has a great boyfriend, Mac, she has turned over her farm to her son, Grady and his wife, Julia and has moved into town to a house on the same street as the Front Porch Ladies. Best of all, she is soon to be a grandmother. Life is looking good but, well, that delivery next door, that really throws a monkey wrench into things. Courtney is the niece of the wealthiest woman in the town of Sugar Creek Gap, KY and boy, can she throw her weight around. That makes for a whole lot of people who really dislike her. But which town resident disliked her enough to plant her in Courtney’s newly tilled yard?
Bernie, as a letter carrier, hears lots of town gossip and witnesses somethings that others would rather be kept from prying eyes. When her nearest and dearest come under scrutiny of the police, she is ready to open her own investigation. Lucky for Bernie, Sherif Healy asks her to snoop and Bernie is on the case. At the same time she has to deal with trouble at home when she becomes aware of a rift between her son and daughter-in-law and Courtney is at the center of it. It’s a lot to juggle along with the three mail delivery routes she covers. Bernie has spunk and I’m always routing for her. The Front Porch Ladies are a hoot and her friend, Iris is great. I’d like to add Sugar Creek Gap to my literary itinerary. Until then I’m eager waiting for the next book in this delightful series. I know I will get a great puzzle to try to solve and characters that I enjoy spending my reading time with.
My thanks to the author for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This series gets better with every book! On a stormy night, a body is found at the house next door to Bernie’s home. Many had reason to want to see the victim dead, and Bernie is on the case. This book has everything we expect from this author: a nice twisty plot, complex relationships between engaging characters and plenty of southern humor. I’m looking forward to the next book. I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
Bernadette had no idea how life would be once moving into town. Her new address makes it easier for her to head home after work, she has more time to spend with the “Front Porch Ladies,” as well as living closer to Mac. When Courtney Gaines, niece to the infamous Florence Gaines, the wealthiest woman in Sugar Creek Gap, moves in next door to Bernie the gossip starts flying. When Florence marries heartthrob Zeke Grey, tongues really start wagging! Zeke was on all the older women’s radar as husband material. Not only are the Front Porch ladies upset, Courtney gets into a heated argument with her aunt about the wedding. Later Florence ends up dead in Courtney’s newly tilled backyard, Bernie find herself thrown into the mix. Will she be able to unearth the dirt on the killer or will she be buried with the truth?
I enjoyed this book even more than the previous two. I love how Bernie relates to the Front Porch ladies. Harriette is a favorite character of mine, she is spunky, fierce and loyal. I’m not sure what’s going on between Bernie and Mac, I hope they figure things out! With loveable characters and a plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, this entertaining cozy will keep you turning the pages. The laugh-out-loud moments and Southern sayings will put a smile on your face. Tonya Kappes certainly knows how to craft a cozy series that will keep you coming back for more. I received and advance copy of this book, all opinions expressed are my own.
All She Wrote is the third in the A Mail Carrier Coxy Mystery and can be a stand-alone. As always Tonya Kappes reintegrates the storyline o so you can read the books in any order in this or any of her series.
Bernadette (Bernie) Butler, the local mail carrier is always hearing the latest gossip while doing her route and this is very helpful to the local Sheriff, Angela Hafley when solving murder mysteries. The latest mystery in this southern small town is that Zebe Grey and Florance Gaines get married and then Florance ends un in the mulch dead at Courtney Gaines’ house dead. This puts such a damper on the upcoming birth of Bernie’s first grandchild. So, Bernie wants to solve it quickly so she can enjoy every minute with her new grandchild. In the midst of everything, Mac wants Bernie to marry him and this scares Bernie.
Who killed Florance? Is Grady and Julia child a boy or girl? Will Bernie marry Mac? So many questions and you will have read the story to find out!
Bernadette “Bernie” Butler is back! I adore the Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series. Bernie is a well-rounded, fun-to-read main character. In All She Wrote, Bernie is settling into her new house, enjoying time with the Front Porch Ladies, and tentatively getting to know her new neighbor.
As happens to Bernie, she is adjacent to a murder. When suspicion is cast on her friends and family, Bernie goes into full investigative mode.
The charming characters are absolutely wonderful and the bad guy is a deceitful surprise.
Tonya Kappes has knocked the ball out of the park again with All She Wrote!
Well this one had a lot of suspects. Bernie also goes through some personal stuff that I hope turns out for the best in the end. Mama Bear in all her force in this book also. It’s always fun to go around with Bernie and her sidekick, Iris and try and figure out the murder. If you love a fun cozy mystery with a great small town then pick this book up.
*I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
When I open a book written by Tonya Kappes I know I am going to be pulled in to a captivating mystery. And along the way there will be laughs and interesting characters.
Bernadette is settling into her new home and new life closer to town. A grandbaby on the way , and a new dog.
The Front Porch Ladies are her new neighbors.
Once again Bernie gets herself involved in a murder investigation, especially when it occurs next door.
A fun fast paced Southern Cozy Mystery.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
Bernie, our favorite mail carrier, is back in a fabulous, fast-paced new Southern cozy mystery! I love Bernie and the folks in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, where everybody knows everybody’s business. The characters are sassy and surprising, kind-hearted, and willing to share their favorite tasty morsels of gossip as Bernie delivers mail and cheer on her daily route. The mystery is well-plotted and executed, a real stumper to solve.
Bernie, her rescue cat Rowena, and inherited pooch Buster have moved into the house she inherited in town. Her son Grady and his wife Julia, expecting their first baby, moved to the family farm. Bernie now lives on the street where the Front Porch Ladies and Mac live. The Front Porch Ladies are four delightful seniors who wait Bernie’s mail delivery each day. They share the latest news, sweet tea or coffee, and whatever delights Bernie’s mom sends from the diner. Mac and Bernie have been dating for months, and he wants to plan a future with her.
Courtney is Bernie’s new neighbor and a newly hired teacher at the high school. She relies on Grady to help her with the new school and town. She moved here at her father’s request due to his concern about her aunt, Florence Gaines, a wealthy older lady in town. Florence has become forgetful about many things, including money, and Courtney will keep an eye on her. Florence doesn’t have many of friends in town, nor is she very friendly, so everyone is stunned to hear she is dating one of the town’s most eligible older guys, Zeke.
Florence is at the church on Saturday to announce the winner of this year’s college scholarship for a high school student. Aaron’s win is a huge surprise, as his parents are well-off. They wonder why Wes, one of the top students, or Tiffany, both desperately needing a way to fund college, didn’t win. Shortly after, Bernie and the Front Porch Ladies see Florence and Zeke go to Courtney’s to announce their wedded bliss. Later that day, Courtney finds her aunt, dead, partially buried under the mulch Grady had helped her spread earlier in the day. Murdered.
Angela, the sheriff, asks Bernie to be an unofficial snoop… um…consultant. Bernie has delivered mail for so many years that people automatically talk with her as if she’s one of their family and she has provided information that helped solve the last couple murders. Bernie doesn’t want to get involved in another investigation, but even though Florence was nobody’s favorite person, she still didn’t deserve the death she suffered.
I loved this early summer saga! Florence has collected more than a few enemies, but who would actually kill her is hard to imagine. I do love this series, and this is the best so far! Bernie is a great age, and fiercely loyal to her family and friends. The Southern charm and sayings are delightful, and the mystery a challenge. I never did figure out whodunit and was quite surprised that the real bad guy is one I had discarded. Oopsie. I was satisfied with the solution, but sad about one situation that didn’t go as I hoped. I highly recommend this and other books in the series, to those who love well-written Southern cozy mysteries with family, friends, lovable pets, and lots of laughs.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
This is my first time reading the Mail Carrier series and I am hooked. It is filled with all the trademark qualities that make a Tonya Kappes cozy so entertaining: a great relatable protagonist, a quirky and endearing supporting cast, a charming town that is a character itself, and a well-plotted logical mystery that unravels at a good pace.
Kappes has a knack for making her characters so darn likable. Bernie Butler is a 50-year old woman who is redefining the second half of her life. She has a new grand baby on the way, she loves her fur babies, she shares in the local gossip with the Front Porch ladies, and she loves her hometown of Sugar Creek Gap. So when a murder occurs and the victim is one of Sugar Creek Gap’s own citizens, all bets are off. Bernie plunges right into solving the mystery with a little help from the locals. She may take a few wrong turns, accuse the wrong people, miss a mail route, and wind up in a sticky situation, but through it all, Bernie keeps us highly entertained while she tracks down a cunning killer.
You can’t go wrong with a Tanya Kappes cozy!
Welcome back to the the cozy southern town of Sugar Creek Gap. Mail Carrier Bernie Butler has finally settled in the small house in town that she recently inherited. Her son Grady and daughter-in-law Julia now live on the family farm. Bernie will soon welcome her first grandchild .
Everything is going as planned until Bernie’s best friend Iris has a “feeling”. When Iris has a “feeling”, usually something unexpected happens ! This time it’s a dead body that’s found at the rental house next door to Bernie.
Join Bernie, Iris, and the Front Porch Ladies as they try to uncover clues to help Sheriff Angela . The residents of Sugar Creek Gap are a delightful mix of generations that will appeal to all readers. As clues are discovered, readers can use them to attempt to solve the murder. The delicious southern style recipes at the end of the book are an added bonus . All She Wrote has my highest recommendations!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Readers Copy of this book.
This is the third installment of A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series. When we return to Sugar Creek Gap, Bernie is awaiting the birth of her first grandbaby, a new neighbor moves in across the street, and Florence xxx is about to announce the winner of the scholarship.
Tiffany Franklin, Wes Rogers, and Julia Butler are among the suspects. Did any of them do it, and if so, why? I liked the pace, the humor, and how almost anyone could have done the deed.
Thank-you Ms Kappes for taking me away from COVID-19 for a few hours. It is always a delight to visit with Bernie, Iris, and the rest of the Sugar Creek Gap inhabitants.
I was given an advanced copy of the story and am Not required to leave a positive review.
Wow! This one is a “page turner”! A lot going on in this 3rd book of the series! Lots of twists and turns! I thought I had figured out the ending and boy was I wrong. If you like a good mystery and some good Southern love and humor, then you need to read this one!
All She Wrote by Tonya Kappes is a fabulous, fun can’t put it down, great read. I just love how Tonya Kappes pulls you in with her alluring characters, fascinating small town, and captivating mystery.
Bernie Butler is the Mail Carrier in the small town of Sugar Creek Gap. This is a plus when she wants to hear all the gossip. When the uppity Francine Gaines is found dead in her niece Courtney’s yard, which just happens to be next door to Bernie, the snooping begins especially since her son Grady and his wife Julia could be suspects. Bernie keeps her ear to the ground as she makes her rounds delivering mail to report back to the sheriff but not everyone likes her snooping. Can she help find who really killed Florence and why?
Bernie is levelheaded and fits right in with the town’s people. I had a good laugh when she was trying to knit. The victim Francine Gaines flaunts her money and wants all the attention but that doesn’t always work in her favor in fact it doesn’t make her too popular with everyone. Her niece comes to town to keep an eye on Francine for the family because they think Francine is losing it but is she really and what really is Courtney up to. From the start I didn’t like Courtney there was just something about her that rubbed me the wrong way and made me not trust her. I love Bernie’s best friend Iris and her feelings she gets. The Front Porch Ladies are always ready to help and gossip. They remind me of some of the women I know. I would love to sit down and have a cup of coffee or iced tea with them all. The book just has a comfortable feeling even when there’s a murder to solve.
I think that one of my favorite lines is at the end of the book when Iris says to Bernie ” We can just be two old biddies together” true friendship.
This book is so good and full of friendship, some romance, small town gossip and a good mystery to solve. I highly recommend this book and series
I received an ARC of this book for my honest opinion and review
ALL SHE WROTE
Review By
Lisa Anne Taylor
It’s not the best of times for mail carrier Bernadette Butler and the town of Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. Bernadette is having trouble in her knitting class, she’s no longer dating Mac Tabor, the local scholarship didn’t go to someone deserving, and Bernadette’s neighbor has a dead body in a mulch pile.
ALL SHE WROTE is the third installment of the mail carrier series by Tonya Kappes. It has everything you’ve come to expect in one of her books – humor, wonderful off beat characters, an intriguing murder.
Flat broke Zeke Grey marries disliked town philanthropist Florence Gaines. In less than twenty-four hours of their marriage the bride is found dead in a pile of mulch. Zeke is immediately a suspect because he will gain financially from his wife’s death. But Zeke isn’t the only one that had a grudge against Florence or would gain from her death. Florence’s niece Courtney Gaines and the Gaines family could gain money for the family charity. High School seniors Wes Rogers and Tiffany Franklin could have killed her out of hate when they don’t get awarded a local scholarship that Florence was involved with. Bernadette gets involved and wants to solve the crime quickly, because her daughter-in-law Julia is also a candidate for Florence’s murder.
Pickup ALL SHE WROTE and enter the town of Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, meet her residents and see if you can discover the murderer before Bernadette does.
I voluntarily read an advanced reading copy of All She Wrote, and have given a honest review of the book.
Welcome to a return trip to Sugar Creek Gap home of resident mail carrier, Bernadette Butler, her friends, family, and pets. Rumor has it that wealthy Florence Gaines is sweet on handsome Zeke Grey. The elderly ladies of the town are in a tizzy. They were all vying for Zeke’s attention.
While delivering mail, Bernie and the Front Porch Ladies hear Florence proudly announce her very recent marriage to Zeke. This news doesn’t set well with a lot of people.
That evening Bernie hears a scream coming from next door neighbor ,Courtney’s home. Rushing outside Bernie sees Florence’s dead body in the mulch.
There are many twists and turns in this mystery. With Bernie behind the scene amateur detective work the murderer is sure to be apprehended. Who is the culprit and why was the crime committed?
Another wonderful cozy mystery by the marvelous Tonya Kappes. Can’t wait for the next book in the series. I received an ARC for my honest review.
Tonya Kappes never lets you down with her books. Great story and character is different from others out now.
Bernie is a mail carrier and a waiting grandma when things start to go crazy in her town. She is determined to make things right and enjoy her new grandbaby.
I really enjoyed All She Wrote. This is a fun and interesting book. The characters are great. I liked followed Bernie as she solved the crime. The mystery has many twists and turns. This was a great read. I look forward to the next book in the series.
A visit to Little Creek Road can be deadly and Bernie has a knack of being where the bodies are. The Front Porch Ladies are more than willing, and actually anxious, to help Bernie with her snooping, I mean helping the police out. And Iris’ “feelings” sure do need to be taken seriously. When the wealthiest, and not so nice, Florence is found murdered, the list of suspects adds up, even including Bernie’s very pregnant daughter-in-law. So many people had reason to see Florence dead. And all the while, Bernie is trying to learn to knit to make a gift for her soon-coming grandbaby. Fun adventures in the knitting class lead to an unexpected shock when confronted by the killer. It was hard to put this down and I wish I had the next one in my hands already.