“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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Each mystery in the Camper and Criminals series is better than the one prior, and this one is no exception. Tonya Kappes delivers a challenging mystery in this latest cozy; I was stumped! I like the well-rounded characters, including Dottie, and I enjoy their southern sayings. The scenery, from sunrises to the Daniel Boone National Forest, are shown in beautiful word pictures.
It is spring, and the tourists will be rolling in to Mae’s campground this weekend, including a honeymooning couple and families for the bungalows popular at Happy Trails Campground. This is the season that earns most of the income for the year, so Mae and Dottie are working hard to get everything sparkling clean. When Mae was in town to pick up necessities for campsites and bungalows, she learned that Yaley, a young local woman, had been snatched off the street just 3 days ago. She took a copy of the flier, even though she doesn’t know Yaley, and hopes that what Violet, the reporter, said about Yaley being “snatched” off the street is not true. Everybody wants the delightful town of Normal to be safe for their loved ones and tourists.
That is all about to change when Laney’s body is found by Mae and Dottie. Unfortunately, she was in the dumpster at Happy Trails, where Dottie had heard Yaley’s boyfriend Joel’s old pickup truck and saw somebody throw something wrapped in a tarp in the dumpster … three days ago. Joel owns Grassle’s Garage and has been a good friend to Mae since she moved to town, and she refuses to think Joel could hurt anyone. Rumor has it that they broke up Sunday night. It’s time for the ladies of the Laundry Club, who have helped Mae solve several crimes in the past, to get on the case, despite the feelings of Mae’s boyfriend Hank, detective at the sheriff department. Mae doesn’t want Joel to be railroaded, and since the campground is shut down for the investigation, she needs to get Happy Trails open before the loss of the weekend business. She loves Hank, yet wants the real bad guy held accountable.
This fast-paced Southern cozy mystery is so exciting; I think it is my favorite so far! I could not figure out whodunit, and the various possible suspects just didn’t feel right. We learned about Laney and the people who might have been angry enough with her to get revenge, but certainly not kill her. I was stunned to find out who really “dunit” and why! There are also very unexpected heroes! I highly recommend this latest offering of the lovable Mae West and friends to anyone who enjoys well-written Southern cozy mysteries, camping, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.
When Yaley, a local tour guide, is found dead in the Happy Trails Campground dumpster, Mae West is fit to be tied. Camping season is ready to start and will be off to a late start if she doesn’t find the murderer. Join Mae and her usual crew of friends as they try to solve this mystery before the town fall into trouble.
I really enjoyed this book. All the campers books are fun are full of familiar characters. Great ending
I enjoyed it.
When the body of a local woman is found in Happy Trail’s dumpster, Mae knows the killer must be found quickly or the campground’s season could be ruined. This is a fun cozy mystery with a solid plot, amusing characters and red herrings galore. I’m looking forward to the next book! I received this book free and chose to make a voluntary, unbiased review.
Another fun mystery to solve with Mae. Hank is still trying to get over his protective side to let Mae help. I knew who the killer was as soon as we meet the person but like all the books in this series it’s still fun to watch Mae figure it out. All the suspects are good for it and had motive. The why is sometimes what has me stumped as was in this case. I am glad that Hank is finally coming around to letting Mae do her snooping, gossip listening. I feel like they should be planning a wedding now because are on book 11 but I have to remember that really they haven’t been dating for all that long. Most of the cases seem to happen not long after the previous one. As with all these books they are fun, funny and a great mystery.
*I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily giving my honest opinion*
Another winner. Well written and packed full of suspense and a little fun. Characters always great and get better the more you get to know them. Can’t wait for more.
Normal, Kentucky is a town full of interesting characters and life is never dull. A woman who is missing later turns up dead at Mae’s Happy Trail Campground just before the new season opens. With guests canceling their reservations, Mae needs this crime solved quickly so she doesn’t lose her business.
Tents, Trials & Turmoil has so many twists and turns, it will leave you guessing until the end. A great addition to A Camper and Criminals Cozy series.
Another fun trip to Normal, KY. Mae has to solve another murder in order to save the campground and there are plenty of suspects. Mae is sleuthing mostly without the other Laundry Club ladies this round. She is mostly going around listening to gossip and asking questions and surprisingly comes up with lots of relevant information. I like that Mae and Hank’s relationship is evolving and he does respect her help while still worrying about her safety. Lots of humor. Lots of warm relationships. And a surprise hero at the end. While I figured out who the killer was, I never saw the hero coming. Great twist. Looking forward to my next visit back.
I read an advanced copy for an honest review.
Mae has just returned from a holiday with her boyfriend Hank when she is bombarded with the news of a missing person.
When she returns to her campground, there is a funky smell in the air. She goes for a hike with her dog, and discovers the smell is coming from the campground dumpster. Upon opening it, she finds a body, which she suspects is the missing person.
This is going to put a major crimp in her season with Tourists!
Of course Hank wants her to stay out of it, and the laundry ladies want to help.
It seems that Yadley ( the victem), had a beef with quite a few people and was not as sweet as she originally seemed.
With a host of suspects, that makes you sure you know who the killer is, when you find out who it REALLY IS, it will knock your socks off.
Another great read by Tonya Kappas.
Tents, Trails and Turmoil is a wonderful book! I really enjoyed it. I love Mae and the Laundry Club ladies. This book is interesting and fun. The mystery has many twists and turns that will keep you guessing until the end. Such a great read!
Mae, just came out of the Trails Coffee Shop, when she was put on the spot by Violet Rhinehammer, announcing someone was snatched, and three, two, one…live! An abduction was news to Mae and stammers through the impromptu interview.
When a body turns up in the Happy Trails Campground, and Dottie Swaggert, the property manager, is an eye witness that places one of their own townspeople in the camp at the site.
Of course, the Laundry Club gals heard the news on the scanner and hightailed it over to Happy Trails. They start discussing the possibilities and Mae questions that her friend is always kind and helpful, so can’t picture them hurting a flea. Mae knows the person didn’t kill anyone. The gals are on the case! Will they be able to solve it before the tourists go elsewhere, leaving Mae broke?
There’s quite a bit of humor, along with a good mystery. It’s fun to see how Mae and the gals try to work around Hank, who doesn’t want them butting into his case. Yet, Hank knows it’s a losing battle. I love the surprise hero in the story!
I received an ARC copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Mad find ‘re a body in the dumpster cat Happy Trails Campground. The laundry club ladies are ready to help solve the case before tourists start canceling their reservations.
Clues that will keep you guessing with an unexpected twist.
A visit to Normal, Kentucky is always an adventure.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
I am really enjoying getting to know the characters is Normal, Kentucky. This was n enjoyable and quick read.