“Romance, a lovable bunch of eccentrics, and a collection of recipes with murder most foul.”
–Kirkus
“Scrumptious… Fans of culinary cozies will have fun.”
–Publishers Weekly
“A sweet Southern mystery with a delightful plot and quirky characters who quickly make you feel at home.”
–San Francisco Book Review
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal.
Mae West knows tourism and … where nothing is normal.
Mae West knows tourism and nothing stops tourists like a dead body found in the Daniel Boone National Park.
Unfortunately, Yaley Woodard, a local tour guide, is found dead at Happy Trails Campground. Mae is determined to put her amateur sleuth skills to investigate along with the help of the Laundry Club gals.
But when Yaley’s past ends up being tied to forest trails and local Joel Grassel, Mae realizes Yaley’s death has caused much more turmoil than she’d originally thought – and the killer might want to close the tourism in the Daniel Boone National Park for good.
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Come spend some time in the small southern town setting with quirky lovable characters to help solve an intriguing mystery with twists and surprises around every corner.
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WOW! This was the best one yet! I did not figure out what really happened until the author was ready to reveal it. All the books in this series are well written with awesome characters. They will make you laugh, scratch your head & not want to stop reading until the end. I look forward to the next one!
Tents, Trails and Turmoil by Tonya Kappes has Mae West, the owner of Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky, working to get the bungalows ready for incoming guests. Mae and Dottie notice a terrible smell lurking around the campground and begin searching for it. They soon regret their decision when they find the missing Sierra Club tour guide, Yaley Woodard dead in their dumpster. Joel Grassel was dating Yaley and Dottie says she saw him dump a large tarp along with other items in the dumpster two days prior. Detective Hank Sharp, Mae’s boyfriend, closes the campground while they search for evidence. Mae has guests arriving in a couple of days. The only way to ensure the campground is opened in time and clear Joel is for the Laundry Club ladies to find Yaley’s killer. Tents, Trails and Turmoil is the 11th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read on its own for those new to this amusing series. I thought Tents, Trails and Turmoil was a fun and entertaining story. Mae West is not about to let a murder stand in the way of her busy season at the campground. Hank Sharp would prefer that Mae and her friends keep their noses out of his case. He is afraid that the case could come between him and Mae. Mae does not want that to happen either, but she has a business to consider and people who depend upon her. I like Tonya Kappes conversational writing style which draws the reader into the story and keeps them engaged until the end. I can always count on some good laughs while reading this authors’ books. You know that Mae will get herself into a sticky wicket or two. I liked that the mystery was complex with multiple suspects. It seems that a new suspect kept popping up everywhere Mae went. Red herrings abound as well. There was something mentioned early on that gave me a clue to the killer, and I could not wait to see if I was right. I especially enjoyed how the Laundry Club ladies arrived at the scene and quickly dived into the case. I hope Hank will continue with his updated attitude in future books (I do not want to say too much and spoil it for you). Tents, Trails and Turmoil is a witty cozy mystery with timberland teeming with trails, a surplus of suspects, countless clues, a keen killer, a bothered beau, and sassy Southern ladies.
Tents, Trails and Turmoil
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book # 11
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky~ where nothing is normal.
Mae West knows tourism and nothing stops tourists like a dead body found in the Daniel Boone National Park.
Unfortunately, Yaley Woodard, a local tour guide, is found dead at Happy Trails Campground. Mae is determined to put her amateur sleuth skills to investigate along with the help of the Laundry Club gals.
But when Yaley’s past ends up being tied to forest trails and local Joel Grassel, Mae realizes Yaley’s death has caused much more turmoil than she’d originally thought – and the killer might want to close the tourism in the Daniel Boone National Park for good. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the book I felt like I was right there at the campground, watching all of the action taking place.
The characters are well developed, well rounded and three dimensional. You have to love the Laundry Club girls, they are feisty, funny and they have each other’s back at all times. We will have to see if Dottie makes a full recovery and goes back to being her lovable self.
The mystery was well plotted and was not easily solved. There were enough suspects to consider and clues to sift through. I had a few people in mind that could be the culprit but I was not completely convinced until it was revealed at the end.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. With great characters, lots of humor and an intriguing mystery, what’s not to like?
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
I highly recommend these books in audible if possible as the narrator is awesome! Love the who done it, southern charm and the loveable cast of characters. I actually figured out who did it so yay me! Everyone time Dotty is in a scene I find myself smiling.
This is a fun series that is always a good escape. I love Mae and the laundry club ladies! In this book a body is found at Happy Trails Campground, just as the season is about to start and Mae is worried that it will effect her business. Hank asks her to stay out of the investigation, but of course she doesn’t. Also one of the main characters is having problems and Mae is worried about that. She cares so deeply for her friends. I love the mysteries in this series, but also the small town and the friendships are what make it a great series.
Another great Mae West book! Happy Trails Campground has once again become the center of a murder investigation when a body is found in a dumpster. Hank, Mae’s boyfriend, is attempting to solve the murder and bring the killer to justice, but he can’t seem to keep Mae out of the investigation. And, as usual, Mae ends up stumbling across the murderer! Mae, Dottie, and the rest of the Laundry Club are absolutely so much fun to follow! Can’t wait for the next book!
Another great story by Tonya. The series just continues to get better and better. Love Mae West, the Laundry Ladies, Hank and the dogs! Highly recommend the series!
Another great addition to the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series. What I love about this series is that with every new book, you learn a little bit more about the cast of characters and the lovely little town they live in. Who killed Yaley and why? This murder hits really close to home for Mae and Dottie and they’ve got to solve it before the Happy Trails Campground suffers! Poor Hank, he is still trying to figure out how to keep Mae from sticking her nose into things. Will this be the case to come between them? I love the Hank and Mae dynamic. I can’t wait to see where their relationship goes from here. The side story is also intriguing, and I just need to know what is going on with Dottie and a new waitress at the diner, Shannon. I also can’t wait to see if we are going to revisit Mae’s hometown again. If you are new to this series, you will fall in love with Normal, Kentucky and definitely want to read the previous books to learn as much as you can about this zany group of women who are always there for each other! There are tons of twists and turns to keep you guessing from start to finish!
*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book. I am not required to leave a review. The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.*
instalment in the ” Camper and Criminals Mystery” series. I really enjoy this series and look forward to visiting Normal and the Laundry Club ladies.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it in two sittings . It was entertaining, full of humour, lots of twists. There were plenty of suspects, the killer did cross my mind once but then I said nah so the ending was a surprise and I love the hero of the story!
As always if I need an escape for a few hours, I know if I pick up one of Tonyas books I will find myself immersed in friendship, humour and a whole lot of mystery. I always have that feel good feeling after reading the books and who wouldn’t want that.
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Tents, Trails, and Turmoil by Tonya Kappes
Campers and Criminals book 11. Cozy mystery. Best read as part of the series in order but can be read as a stand-alone.
Murder is close to home in this cozy mystery when Mae finds a body in the dumpster in Happy Trails Campground. Mae puts her sleuthing skills, aka talking to all her friends, to work in creating a timeline of the deceased last day.
In her own words, Mae uses common sense snooping instead of procedural that boyfriend detective Hank uses. Mae helps out though and passes all details to Hank even as he despairs for her safety.
Poor Dottie takes a tumble during the investigation and seems to like the friendships she’s made in recovery. We will have to see what this means for the future.
Entertaining and fun but the body count in Normal, KY is getting crazy.
I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker who has done the full series to-date. She does a fantastic job with the southern drawl and different character voices. I listened to this at 1.5 which is faster than my preferred because it upped the drawl to a more reasonable talking speed.
I enjoyed this eleventh in the series.
A tourism guide disappears and when she is found dead on Mae’s campground, Mae and the gang investigate. When a local is suspected everyone is in shock and can’t believe it.
I love these characters and the mystery was good and kept me guessing. I will continue on with this series, I love revisiting Normal and it’s characters.
There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes and some camping tips in the back.
I love this series! Tonya Kappes has a knack for the cozy mystery genre and always manages to capture my attention and hold it until I’ve finished the book. I think one of the things I love most about this series is the location/setting. I grew up going camping and being able to essentially relive those memories through these books (without the murders of course) is so much fun! So, if you enjoy camping, Kentucky, amazing secondary characters, and who-dun-its then this is a series you need to read! Even better, you can read them through kindle unlimited!
It is never a dull moment in Normal, Kentucky and Mae West’s life. With a missing person investigation, Mae West and her friends set on a mission to help the police department. I enjoyed in this book we got to see more of Mae’s relationships with Bobby, Dottie and Hank. This book kept me guessing and laughing.
Book 54 towards my goal of 270! 5/5 stars for this camping cozy mystery! Such a fun series! Love this cover. Narration was great. The pets play a big role in this book, which was so fun! Highly recommend this series!
If Normal ever went normal it would be the end of the series. This one was a sad one. Two people who were in love never got a chance because of a killer who I NEVER saw coming. Hank and Mae are still hanging on (though I don’t know how) and Dottie… Not sure what to say about her. But she is my favorite
Mae is using her sleuthing skills to try and solve another murder. Her and the Laundry Club ladies are on the trail. Will Mae be the next victim? Lots of twists and turns trying to solve this case.
Another terrific book in this series!! I love Mae and the laundry club girls. They are so fun and I think it would be great to visit Happy Trails and camp out. Mae gets involved investigating after the body of a missing woman is found in her dumpster and the woman’s boyfriend is the prime suspect. Several good suspects arise, though I was very surprised in the true identity of the killer. Great storyline with some tension between Mae and Hank, who ultimately come to a truce, and some health issues with Dottie. I look forward to the next adventure and more of Mae and Hank!!
This is the 11th book in a cozy mystery series that always gives you a few chuckles along with a great mystery. The characters and the setting of Normal, Kentucky are anything but normal. This time a tour guide is missing and ends up dead in Mae’s Happy Trails campground garbage container. So Mae and the Laundry Club ladies spring into action doing what they do best, building a list of suspects and listening to town gossip. And Dottie has a few medical issues while this is all all going on. I really enjoy immersing myself in this crazy world for a short time. Now back to reality until I open up the next one. You try them too!
Tents, Trails & Turmoil earns 5/5 Trails of Mystery…Engaging Entertainment!
Tonya Kappes has added another entertaining journey to her A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series with this eleventh book partnering Mae and the Laundry Club (a dynamic I thoroughly enjoy) as they seek answers to the disappearance of Yaley Woodard, a local tour guide for the Sierra Club. Mae hadn’t even heard that anyone had been “snatched,” but she personally identified with one who might just up and leave without notice. Mae had been disillusioned by her own small town life and childhood tragedies, so the second she turned “adult,” she left Perrysburg, Kentucky, intending to never return. But, friends and family report Yaley isn’t like that and fear the worse. Unfortunately, it’s worse. Yaley is found at the campground, making the campground a crime scene and circumstantial evidence, an eye witness statement, and a reported argument implicates Yaley’s boyfriend. But…Is the boyfriend just too obvious a suspect? Is there more to him than realized? or Is there something needing to be uncovered? Mae is not going to let him get railroaded, so what would it hurt to ask a few questions? Hank, Mae’s boyfriend, is the local detective, and keeping a close eye on her and her “little gang of sleuths” seems to exacerbate personal conflicts. It isn’t easy to have a detective as a boyfriend.
Is it a…disgruntled boyfriend? Business conflicts? Sibling squabbles? Beyond the clever misdirection, dead ends, and variety of additional felonies exposed, Tonya’s signature southernisms are sprinkled throughout. For me, it’s the characters I find most entertaining, just the right amount of quirky, and many are realistic depictions of friends, family, and acquaintances I recognize in my own world. Cozy fans often suspend belief when the police and civilians interact, but the fact that her boyfriend is the investigating officer keeps an air of realism intake…I like that! Mae’s strength and ability to informally gather evidence, offer theories, and get into trouble are recognized but resigned to by Detective Hank. If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em!
Bonus! This series always includes delightful “Recipes and Cleaning Hack from Mae West and Women in Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails Campground.” Enjoy Campfire Breakfast Hamburgers, Skillet Bacon Cinnamon Rolls, and Campfire Meatballs along with Camping Hack: Know Your Wood ideas, RV Trash Hacks and Black Out RV Curtains.
Tents, Trails & Turmoil, A Camper & Criminal Cozy (#11) by Tonya Kappes. Another incredible mystery from the Cozy Mystery Queen!
Mae West has been through ups and downs since her husband’s arrest for defrauding people of their hard earned cash. But in spite of what her husband did to the people of Normal, Kentucky, a few people have helped her from the very beginning. When she finds out one of those dear friends is suspected of the very murder that’s closed down Happy Trails Campground, Mae has double the reason to get the crime solved so she can reopen in time for her busiest season.
Regardless of which one of Tonya Kappes books you pick up, you are never disappointed, and this latest entry in the Campers and Criminals Mysteries is no exception. Never hesitate to 1-click, and she absolutely must be on your watch list! You are guaranteed fun, mystery, suspense, and usually just a little love! 4.5 stars rounded to 5.