Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal. A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series is another brainchild of USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. If you love her quirky southern characters and small town charm with a mystery to solve, you’re going to love her new cozy mystery series!Everyone in Normal is excited for the Hoe Down to celebrate the opening of the new Old Train Station … Old Train Station motel grand opening.
The evening comes to an abrupt end when a lightning storm knocks out all the power. At least, that’s what appears to have knocked out the electricity. But things aren’t always as they appear.
Mae West has a way of sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong and finds herself in a dangerous situation when she finds a treasure map that leads to more than just treasure. . . a dead body!
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I was honored to be able to read this book before it came out. In this scintillating mystery the power goes off during a local hoedown. Glenda, the owner of the property, asks Mae to go with her to the breaker box to see if it’s just a breaker. While walking to the building where the electrical box is Mae trips over the dead body of Jay Russel-one of the two local competitive riding instructors. With a growing list of suspects Mae narrows it down to the real murderer-but, will she survive to tell the authorities?
I love the recipes in all of Tonya Kappes books. This is the 7th installment the series “A Camper and CozyMystery Series.”
Love this series, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars! The characters, the setting and the story are awesome.
This fun and spirited series is heartwarming and reminds us that everyone deserves a second chance at happiness. Mae West is living hers out in Normal, Kentucky, which is never short on adventure (or dead bodies). Mae’s world is always entertaining and I enjoy each time I have the opportunity to visit. It was a great book!
Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is the seventh tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I suggest reading the series in order as they build upon one another, but the book can be read alone. Mae West is a strong woman who has taken her last asset and turned it around. She continues to plow the profits back into the camp to attract tourists. Mae is fortunate to have Dottie Swaggert as her friend and manager of Happy Trails Campground. Mae also has her friends known as the Laundry Club. They love helping Mae solve crimes (aka get into trouble), and they are there for each other in times of need. Normal, Kentucky is a small Southern tourist town that sits alongside the Daniel Boone National Forest (it is a charming town). They get hikers and campers visiting to take part in town events like the upcoming hoedown at the Old Train Station Motel for Coke Ogden’s grand opening. Tonya Kappes has an engaging writing style. It is down-to-earth which draws the reader right into the story. The story proceeded at a snappy pace as Mae talks to various suspects and follows up on leads. I liked the variety of fun loving characters from Dottie Swaggert to Abby Fawn. Abby is having some self-assurance issues after a talk with Ty. It leads to some zany behavior on her part, and, of course, she manages to drag Mae into it. The mystery was intriguing with the multiple suspects and red herrings. There is a twist or two to surprise readers. I like the way the author tied a past event to the current murder (who doesn’t love a treasure hunt). There are good clues to help readers solve the crime. Hank, though, got on my nerves in this installment. I did not like the way he talked to Mae and the way he handled information Mae gave him while visiting his parent’s (ungentlemanly). Mae needs to think long and hard if Hank is the right man for her. If you are looking for a fun loving Southern cozy mystery, then look no further than Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide. Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide has two cute dogs, an unusual murder scene, missing money, a cranky detective, good friends, a hoedown, three robberies and one nosy campground owner.
Hitches, Hideouts & Homicides
A Camper & Criminals cozy, Book #7
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal.
A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series is another brainchild of USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes. If you love her quirky southern characters and small town charm with a mystery to solve, you’re going to love her new cozy mystery series!
Everyone in Normal is excited for the Hoe Down to celebrate the opening of the new Old Train Station motel grand opening.
The evening comes to an abrupt end when a lightning storm knocks out all the power. At least, that’s what appears to have knocked out the electricity. But things aren’t always as they appear.
Mae West has a way of sticking her nose where it doesn’t belong and finds herself in a dangerous situation when she finds a treasure map that leads to more than just treasure. . . a dead body! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Anytime I get to spend time with Mae and her friends is time well spent. Mae does not back down from anything and her friends always have her back. Hank, her boyfriend and detective of Normal, Kentucky, does not know what to do with her. He is afraid for her safety and he really cares about her a lot. Some days he is ready to pull his hair out.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and creating Southern towns that seem authentic. These descriptions pulled me into the story right from the beginning and pulled me along for a great read. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was suspenseful and had enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. It was not easily solved, which is how I like my mysteries.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am already looking forward to reading the next one.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
I love visiting Happy Trails campground and Normal, Kentucky. I wish it were a real place because I would be on my way there. Of course I would be wearing a bullet proof vest. No sense in taking crazy chances. Dead bodies just seem to be attracted to Mae West, owner of Happy Trails. Some folks might believe that is a bad thing. I guess, though, if I was a murdered body, I would want her to find me. See, she is the nosy type. She doesn’t let anything get in the way of finding out who did it and why…not even a handsome law enforcement guy who enjoys her company. He really shouldn’t worry too much. The Laundry Club Ladies would never dream of letting her get into trouble by herself. Um, sorry. I mean they wouldn’t dream of letting her solve the crime by herself. I can’t tell you just what happened but rest assured a body is involved. So are a bit of romantic issues. Just what is going on?
If you are looking for some camping excitement pick up a copy of Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide. If you need to be convinced a RV might have your name on it, pick up the entire A Camper & Criminals Series. You will find find yourself looking forward to some small town camping for sure.
The book has some recipes and hints at the end of it. There is no sex or adult language and violence is kept to a minimum. I was provided with an uncorrected, electronic copy of the book for reviewing. It is possible that the corrected version of the book is slightly different. I am definitely planning to buy my own copy.
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another fantastic addition to this adorable Southern cozy mystery series! Mae West always seems to get herself involved in mysteries whether she means to or not with this one not being an exception. Even if this means it might ruin her relationship. The laundry club girls all step though and man are they a hoot as they go about finding clues or asking questions. A perfect read for fans of cozy mysteries that are just full of Southern character. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
It is good to be back with Mae and her friends. This mystery involves horses, murder and stolen money. When a trainer ends up dead, Mae can’t help but investigate his death. There are rumors that he was also a bank robber. As usual, Hank is trying to get Mae to stay out of it, but she is having none of that. She is sure that she can find the killer. Will she stay safe?
I always enjoy my time with Mae West in Normal, Kentucky. The Camper and Criminals Mystery Series is great for readers looking for a light, often funny, quick read, and the seventh installment, HITCHES, HIDEOUTS, AND HOMICIDE is no exception.
Mae finds herself involved in yet another murder mystery when she stumbles over the body of horse trainer Jay Russell during the Train Station Motel’s grand opening hoedown. Of course, her sleuthing does not sit well with her boyfriend detective Hank, but she just can’t help herself. There are plenty of suspects and rumors that Jay committed a crime many years ago. I did peg the killer’s identity fairly early on, but there is a final twist that makes the book satisfying. As always with this series, I wish the stories were flushed out more. The brevity of the tales often makes the endings feel somewhat abrupt.
The quirky characters, Southern setting, and humor are what keep me reading the Camper and Criminals series. Author Kappes excels here.
I received an ARC of this title from the author and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
We are back in Normal, KY were things are never normal. I am from Kentucky so I love reading about this fictional town that has some colorful characters. Mae just can’t not find dead bodies. This one had me stumped for awhile and kept me guessing. Love Hank and Mae together and there is one scene that was so sweet between them. Can Mae solve this one without getting into trouble? funny I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.
This series is such a wonderful find! The star of the show is Mae West, owner of the Happy Trails Campground, in Normal, Kentucky, which in each and every book is anything but Normal. Mae always seems to find a dead body and just can’t seem to help herself, this time the body is found just outside the horse stable while the town is attending a hoe down at the newest hotel/resort in town. Plenty of twists and turns as a list of suspects as long as your arm keep popping up! Step in Hunky Hank, the local detective (and her boyfriend) and trouble finds everyone and every relationship in town! Tempers flare, accusations run rampant and the murderer is a complete surprise. One more thing, although it’s helpful because most of the characters are recurring, you don’t have to read this series in order. I received an ARC of this book and this is my unsolicited, honest opinion.
Normal is sure a place with a lot of murders and mystery and those attract Mae like nothing else….even when she wants nothing to do with it- for our pleasure-.
When Mae finds a new corpse during the grand opening of the new motel she can’t stay away especially when friends ask her help…even if it makes her boyfriend edgy. She is loyal and determined as well as clumsy …so between murder, possible stolen, hidden money and her job at the camping she is very busy and need her gang from the laudromat to help her clear her mind.
There are a lot of humour with all the girls ( without forgetting the dogs always too cute and funny) and the space of the investigation is just great with several twists . We follow her with a lot of pleasure and we do get our answers as well .
A great cozy mystery for an excellent reading time. even better read in order but perfect as stand alone.
This is the seventh installment of A Campers and Criminal Mystery Series. I haven’t read all of them but the ones I have are terrific! I love the humor, the light romance and the characters. Ms. Kappes has a way of making them unique.
At the hoedown, Mae stumbles over body. The race is on, will she, Hank and the Laundry Club ladies find the killer before other bodies show up? Will Mae put herself in danger whether it’s intentional or not? Will Mae and Hank’s relationship survive? If these questions are churning your curiosity, give this book a try. You’ll enjoy the standalone story.
I received an e-copy ARC of the book from the author and am Not required to leave a positive review.
I would definitely gift this book.
One of the locals has turned the train station into a motel and everyone is looking forward to the Hoe Down being thrown right before its opening. When the Hoe Down finally arrives fun is being had by all until an unexpected lightning storm knocks out all the power leaving everyone in the dark. Mae hopes that she can be of service and volunteers to see if she can fix the problem. When Mae finds another body and realizes that the storm may not have been the cause of the blackout her mind starts to turn. She finds something near the body and thinks it might be a clue to what could have happened but the police are looking at it like a suicide. Mae thinks there was more to the mans death and that suicide had nothing to do with it so she takes her thoughts to her group of friends. They’ve solved mysteries before why not this time too. Meanwhile several businesses have been broken into and even one of Mae’s campers. With two mysteries to solve Mae jumps right into the deep end the only problem, this time she may not be able to get herself out. This is such fun down home series that truly gives you a taste of the south. The Southernisms bring the story to life as well as the characters and pulls you into a lifestyle all its own. I love how well the author brings the south to life, its a character all on its own. I look forward to seeing what Mae and her gang get involved in next!
Hitches, Hideouts & Homicide is another fun adventure with Mae and the Laundry Club gals as they try to solve a murder. The long list of suspects kept me guessing until the end, especially since they all had a motive to kill the victim.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary Advance Reader Copy.
It was a delightful cozy mystery filled with southern charm, romance and murder!
“Hitches, Hideouts & Homicides” earns 5/5 Hoedowns…Clever & Engaging!
We’re back to normal! Well, not so quick…Normal, Kentucky, may be a delightful small town in Kentucky, but murders are always popping up. Ok, I love it! Mae West, owner of the Happy Trails Campground, has atoned for her husband’s crimes, made several friends, and become an important member of the community. But, she also seems to stumble upon one too many dead bodies, and with assistance from good friends and the ladies of the Laundry Club, the mystery is solved and justice served. Along with the amateur investigation punctuated by giggles and a bit of trouble, Mae is navigating a romantic entanglement with Sheriff Hank Sharp, who loves her, cares for her, and is often exasperated by her amateur detecting. In “Hitches, Hideouts & Homicide” Mae is compelled to investigate the murder of Jay Russel uncovering links to a decades old cold case. Kappes unfolds a clever complex mystery using a delightful first-person narrative sharing Mae’s inner thoughts and ideas along with vivid descriptions and dialogue that portrays well personality and tone. I love the southernisms on display and bonus…Recipes and Cleaning Hacks from Mae West and the Women of Normal, Kentucky and Happy Trails Campground. Enjoy Campfire Baked Apple Dessert, Campfire Cinnamon Rolls, and Coconut Curry Soup, and make sure to use the RV Essential Checklist.
I love the southern charm of Normal, Kentucky and its residents, especially Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies. In this latest installment we learn about the Old Train Depot that has been converted into a motel and meet some new characters. I love how Mae always gets involved with trying to solve the latest mystery and how Hank tries to keep her out of it to protect her. I enjoy each of my visits to Normal and can’t wait to see how the mystery turns out, but then am sad to have to wait for the next book because I love the characters so much. This is another great book from Tonya Kappes.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Kappes Review Krew. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is book 7 in the A Camper and Criminals Cozy series. This is one of my favorite series. This is a clean, easy to read mystery.
Mae is thrown into investigating another murder when she literally stumbles onto a dead body. Of course, her boyfriend, Detective Hank Sharp, is not thrilled with her. But what is she to do, a Laundry Club member/employee is involved.
The story is full of twists that have you guessing until the end, loveable, quirky characters, romance, and humor. There are even recipes prefect for camping.
I am so ready to get a camper just to go to Happy Trails Campground and Normal, Kentucky.
I voluntarily received an ARC to review.
This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I love the characters. I am not a person that likes rv’s and campers but I love reading about Kentucky and how this area was improved and then Mae becomes good friends with most everyone in the town.. I also love how she is a bit of a busybody and has to help solve mysteries. I always look forward to this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.