Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal.Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months. Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings … Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp’s number one suspect.
It’s time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White’s final chapter.
From USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes, this bestselling and hilarious mystery series is all the rage! You don’t want to miss out!
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I wasn’t quite a fan of this book as I found Abbey Fawn annoying even though she was a suspect. I did like seeing the progression of Mae and Hank ‘s relationship even though Hank doesn’t want her help. The killer did surprise me.
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
This story was full of red herrings!
One of the things I’ve been enjoying about listening to this series in audio format is that I don’t have to pay attention to every little detail while I’m listening. I can just enjoy the voice of Johanna Parker acting out the words written by Tonya Kappes. Well, this book kind of changed all of that – in a good way.
There were so many red herrings in this story that I found myself rewinding portions to make sure I was hearing things correctly. I think this is the best book in the series so far. Just when I thought I had things figured out, Tonya dangled something else and had my mind going in a different direction. I was totally at a loss as to who the real culprit was until the very end.
I loved this book. It is a fun cozy mystery! I really like the characters and the setting. The mystery was interesting and we were kept guessing until the end. I really enjoy this series!
Fun read in the next of the Campers & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West is at it again trying to prove who the real murderer is. This is while her love life with Hank
Is heating up. Great cozy mystery located
In Normal, Kentucky with hilarious happenings and wonderful characters.
Abby Fawn is Nadine White’s biggest fan. The Laundry Club is discussing the book Cozy Romance in Christmas. Much to everyone’s surprise, Nadine is coming to Normal for a few months to write her next novel and asks that no one knows about this except her agent. This is a getaway for her. Abby puts her arrival on social media and can’t get it off due to a snowstorm. Things doesn’t go as planned for anyone after her arrival! As Hank and Mae are going home after their first date, they notice the lights still on in the library. When they go inside they find Abby with a knife in her hands and Nadine lying on the floor dead! Can Mae prove that Abby didn’t kill Nadine even after she found out how fake she was from the books she writes? You will need to read the book to find out.
Christmas, Criminals and Campers
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #4
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal.
Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months.
Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp’s number one suspect.
It’s time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White’s final chapter.
From USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes, this bestselling and hilarious mystery series is all the rage! You don’t want to miss out! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mae and the Laundry Club girls are quirky, funny and caring and I really enjoy getting to spend time with them. When one of their own is accused of murder, they are right there, protecting her and helping her in any way they can. And Mae has more on her plate when her foster mom comes to visit. Will she be able to handle it all?
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in creating authentic Southern settings and creates communities that I would love to visit.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the book. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. Or was I?
I would recommend this fun cozy mystery to and one who enjoys a well crafted cozy. I am already looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is the fourth tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book club meeting where they are discussing the latest Nadine White book chosen by Abby Fawn, librarian and the author’s biggest fan. When Betts Hager tells the group that Nadine is coming to town to stay for a few months and will speak with their group, Abby is extremely excited. Abby is surprised by the author’s rudeness and dismayed when she learns the author utilizes a ghost writer. Abby becomes angry and makes some remarks that she soon regrets. Hank and Mae are enjoying their first real date. On the way home, they notice the library lights still on and stop to investigate. They find Abby standing over Nadine with a bloody knife in her hand. Mae knows that Abby did not kill Nadine, but she must prove it to Detective Hank Sharp. As if Mae does not have enough on her plate, her foster brother, Bobby Rae has invited their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth Moberly to visit for Christmas. Mae left the Moberly home when she was eighteen and has never looked back. Mae has bitter feelings toward Mary Elizabeth about the way she was raised. Is Mae going to get the festive holiday she planned? Mae is going to need a Christmas miracle to solve the murder before Santa comes riding into town. Join Mae and her friends in Normal, Kentucky for a merry adventure in Christmas, Criminals and Campers.
The books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are best read in order. It will allow readers to understand Mae West and her history. I found Christmas, Criminals and Campers to be nicely written with Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader into a story and making them feel welcome. There is plenty of Christmas spirit as Mae prepares for her first Christmas at the Happy Trails Campground and is hosting a Christmas dinner at the campground for anyone who wishes to attend. The mystery is traditional with a close friend of Mae’s accused of the crime, and Mae needs to prove her innocence. I thought the solution was apparent, but I liked following Mae as she questioned suspects and sifted through the clues. I would have preferred a solid resolution to the crime. I found the reveal to be incomplete (missing details). I like the cozy feel of the town and campground. Normal is a unique small Southern town that I would love to visit. There are quirky characters that enhance the story and all our favorites are back in Christmas, Criminals and Campers. I am glad that we get to learn more about Mae and her growing up years. Mary Elizabeth Mobley is visiting for Christmas which allows Mae to deal with unresolved feelings. There is romance with Mae and Hank finally going on their first date. There are recipes and helpful RV tips at the end of the book. Christmas, Criminals and Campers combines a charming small Southern town, friendly characters, a mystery, romance and humor into one winsome cozy mystery.
Mae and her friends at the Laundry Club are meeting for their book club discussion on a book by Nadine White. Nadine is Abby’s (club member and local librarian), favorite author. Abby is over the moon about Nadine coming to Normal until she meets Nadine. Nadine is rude and definitely not the person Abby believed her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library Abby is suspect number one. Mae has to clear her friend despite how this may affect her budding relationship with Detective Hank.
I was so excited to have my favorite characters back to be able to celebrate Christmas with them. I really love Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club. They are a group of fun quirky women with that small town southern charm that is near and dear to me. The setting of Normal, Ky is unique and inviting, I would love to visit Normal and the Happy Trails Campground. Author Tonya Kappes is a wonderful story-teller. She writes in a way that just draws you in and keeps you entertained and wanting more, it’s almost like she is having a conversation with you through her characters. The mystery has great pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Along with the mystery, there is a touch of romance, family reunions, and of course humor. For the camping enthusiast, they are recipes and camping tips included in the book.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and camping fans. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
I think this one is my favorite one yet! I liked that there was finally a resolution to the love triangle. The ending took me completely by surprise. I’m seriously loving this series!
The youngest member of the Laundry Club gets a harsh dose of reality this Christmas season. Abby Fawn finds herself a murder suspect when her favorite author comes to town and is then murdered. The author isn’t what she seems and the suspects come out of the woodwork. Mae knows Abby didn’t do it and in a very round about way finds the real killer. (I guessed who as soon as they were introduced in the book. Yay me!) More of Mae’s relatives move to town and romance issues hit one Normal couple. Guess we will have to see if they make it work.
This fun series always makes me laugh out loud. It is Christmas time in Normal, Kentucky and a snowstorm is on its way. Also a famous author is coming to town and planning to write her next book while she is there for the winter. She will be staying at Happy Trails Campground. There are several surprises in store for Mae too. This is another great book from Tonya Kappes.
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky! Rent a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground and enjoy a hot meal at the Normal Diner. We have a reading scheduled tomorrow afternoon at the library. Keep it on the down low, but she’s an important author! Don’t forget our upcoming Christmas dinner at the campground. A lot of the people from the town show up. Oh and in case you haven’t heard, we’ve had some murders lately, don’t worry though, you’re safe here in Normal.
Tonya has a way with words! I can be crying over a sweet moment on one page and the next laughing so hard I cry. Another one of my favorite series!
I want to move to this town!! And to incorporate one of my favorite holidays is great!!! Great series!!
I enjoyed this fourth in the series. Abby’s favorite author is coming to town and she is thrilled only to find that she becomes the main suspect in the murder.
I love these characters, the mystery was good and I liked seeing a little more of Mae’s background. A fun read with fun characters. I will continue on with this series.
Abby killed Nadine White? I don’t believe it.
Christmas Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is a great cozy mystery set during Christmas time. Mae is friends with Abby Fawn and doesn’t think that Abby should go to jail for this crime that she didn’t commit. She has to convince Hank Sharp of that.
Mae West, our sleuth
Mae West is our sleuth and main character throughout the book as she is telling the story. Getting into Mae’s head is excellent; I love the way that she solves the crimes. Mae got the campground, Happy Trails, from her deceased ex-husband and has been living there since the end of spring and start of summer. She has gone through a lot since that ordeal and for the better. Mae likes living in Normal, Kentucky, and is enjoying the friends she has made in the small town. It doesn’t help that she has solved three crimes before figuring this one out as well.
Likes
• She believes in her friendships, and that makes her want to solve crimes where they are involved.
• Mae can get people to open up to her and give her clues that they wouldn’t necessarily give to the police.
• Putting the past behind her when it comes to Mary Elizabeth and Bobby Ray.
• She can solve crimes faster than Hank or just as Hank is coming to get her.
Hank Sharp, love interest and detective
Hank Sharp is our love interest and the cop insight that helps the sleuth. Well, more like, he allows her to help him solve a crime if he thinks it will help. Hank should know by now that as long as the suspect is someone that Mae holds dearly to her that she will try to solve the mystery with or without his help. He is a sweet guy who is protective and romantic. They finally had their first date, and it was delightful and cute even if it ended badly.
Likes
• He is protective of Mae and doesn’t want anything to happen to her.
• Hank lets her participate in solving the mysteries even if it won’t be good for her if she gets caught.
• He is a great detective.
• They are comfortable around each other. Especially when they can eat take out so as not to get in each other’s way in the small kitchen.
Dislikes
• Tries to keep Mae from meddling before enlisting her help
Mystery
The mystery is of a famous author getting killed at the library and who do Mae and Hank find with the murder weapon in her hand, Abby Fawn, and now Mae has to figure out who did it. The thing is that there were two crimes, and I figured out one part of it but not the second part. The murder weapon was a knife that was in the neck of Nadine White, a romance writer, that Abby was a fan of.
Ms. Kappes did an excellent way of keeping the real killer hidden until Mae figures it out. I am still amazed about it but at least Abby Fawn, the librarian, didn’t do it. The real killer was pretty smart, but if only she didn’t leave something out in the open for Mae to find she might have gotten away with it.
Five Star
Christmas Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is the fourth book of this series which I can’t get enough of reading. It’s such a cute southern cozy mystery read and made me feel like I was in Normal, Kentucky, during winter instead of in Montana during spring. I might reconsider being friends with Mae because of all the dead bodies dropping around her. There are some great recipes in the back of the book as well.
I am giving it a five-star rating and recommending it to anyone that likes cozy mysteries.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Christmas Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading!
If you would like to read more reviews like this one, please go to baronessbooktrove.com
I love this series of cozy mysteries. This one is so much fun. The characters are all such fun. I loved the twist and turns that happen in this series. I look forward to reading many more of this authors books.
The Laundry Ladies Club find out that the author of one of their book club books is coming to Normal. Librarian Abby Fawn is excited to find out her favorite romance author will be staying at Mae’s campgrounds for the winter and schedules a meet and greet at the library. Abby soon finds out that the author (Nadine White) is not what she expected and that the author uses a ghostwriter to help with her books. The woman is not only a fake, but she is also a pretentious snob and very rude to poor Abby.
When Nadine’s body is found after hours at the library, Abby becomes prime suspect number one. Mae West is not going to let her pal be charged with murder and puts on her sleuthing cap and is ready to investigate the crime.
With her usual flair and style, the author creates another great cozy mystery in this series. The cast of characters are delightful, Mae West is a heroine and force to be reckoned with, and the storyline has the right amount of mystery, intrigue, and surprise moments.
A great Christmas read! You can’t go wrong with a Tonya Kappes Southern cozy mystery. The characters feel like friends and the towns are so charming. In this latest book, Mae’s friend, Abby, is ecstatic when her favorite author comes to town. Unfortunately, things don’t go well, and the woman is found murdered with Abby as the prime suspect. Now it’s up to Mae to clear her name with the rest of her friends and her visiting foster mother. Loved seeing the relationship with Mae and her foster mother change and evolve as well as her relationship with Hank. I can’t wait to see what’s next for the residents of Normal, Kentucky and see Mae and Hank’s relationship grow!
Betts Hager, the owner of the Laundry Club, which hosts the book club, announces that the author, Nadine White, of Cozy Romance in Christmas is coming to Normal, Kentucky. Abby Fawn is Nadine White’s biggest fan. Mae West learns that Nadine will be staying at the Happy Trails Campground. When Nadine arrives, she lets it be known that all the effort Mae has gone to welcome her by putting up Christmas decorations was unwelcome. Abby is crushed that Nadine isn’t what she expected.
Hank Sharp asks Mae out for a date. As they return from dinner, they noticed that the library where Abby worked had lights on, way past closing time. Hank decided to go investigate only for him and Mae to hear a scream and find Abby standing over Nadine. Abby becomes Hank’s prime suspect.
Mae doesn’t believe Abby is the killer, and out comes her notebook for sleuthing. To make matters worse, Bobby Ray, Mae’s foster brother has invited their adoptive mother to stay for the holidays. Mae has a lot of unresolved feelings towards her.
I love this series! The small town atmosphere where everyone looks after everyone. Mae West is settling in quite well in Normal. I recommend this book and the entire series to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries in small towns.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
A really cute Christmas at the campground story. Things are looking good for Mae. Her campground is doing well and she has her first real date with hunky detective Hank. Unfortunately, the date ends with them stumbling on the murder of a visiting author and one of Mae’s friends are the main suspect. Hopefully Hank won’t mind Mae butting in to help and Mae’s adoptive mother shows up and inserts herself into the investigation. New characters and some Christmas miracles round up the story. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.