Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won’t see anywhere else. That’s why it’s such a popular destination for weddings!When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She’s all things girly and excited … girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for.
Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she’s been desperately trying to escape…especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn’t any couple, it’s the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company.
Determined to get the happy couple married off and on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators.
The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there’s no way she’s going to help out with Tom Moon’s daughter’s wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend.
A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. There might not be a happily ever after for the bride to be or Gert Hobson if Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies don’t solve the murder before the wedding party’s RV rolls out of town.
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*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
Another fantastic adventure with Mae West!! This time Mae is getting ready to host an entire wedding party at her campground which makes for a change of pace. Once they arrive she realizes she knows them from her previous life which is not always a good thing. Tensions get high quickly at the bride expects to be catered to with her rich daddy making it all better. This makes things real interesting when he turns up dead later. The culprit is one you may never guess as Kappes takes you on an investigation full of Southern charm and half truths. Makes for fantastically fun read with a Southern flare. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
Valleys, Vehicles and Victims
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #9
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where nothing is normal!
The Daniel Boone National Forest is gorgeous in the fall. The leaves have painted the sides of the mountains with yellow, oranges, reds and browns you won’t see anywhere else. That’s why it’s such a popular destination for weddings!
When a wedding party show up at Happy Trails Campground, Mae West is thrilled. She’s all things girly and excited to assist the bride in all things southern, which is what the bride is hankering for.
Mae recognizes the parents of the bride when they arrive. They are from her past. The past she’s been desperately trying to escape…especially since it was the time she was married to Paul West. This just isn’t any couple, it’s the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company.
Determined to get the happy couple married off and on their way, hoping to see some of her past drive off forever, Mae volunteers herself and the Laundry Club ladies to become the wedding coordinators.
The wedding is set to take place in the beautiful wedding barn at the Old Train Station Motel, only Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop and providing the coffee for the happy couple, has decided there’s no way she’s going to help out with Tom Moon’s daughter’s wedding since she claims how years ago Tom Moon STOLE her coffee blend recipe known today as the special Moonbucks blend.
A public fight between Gert and Tom leaves Gert a prime suspect after a member of the wedding party is found dead at the wedding venue. There might not be a happily ever after for the bride to be or Gert Hobson if Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies don’t solve the murder before the wedding party’s RV rolls out of town. (Goodreads)
Review:
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions drew me into the story right from the very beginning.
The author is also very talented in developing her characters. The Laundry Club ladies are a force to be reckoned with. They are strong southern women who know how to handle themselves in any situation. You really do not want to get on their bad side because they will cut you down to size really quick.
The mystery was well plotted and carried on well throughout the book. I was not sure who the culprit was until the reveal, which is fine with me. I had a few people in mind as the culprit but I was wrong (and that is okay).
I would recommend this book and series to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery, especially if you like Southern charm in your cozy.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
Valleys, Vehicles and Victims by Tonya Kappes is the ninth A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. For those new to the series, the book can be read alone by why would you want to do that. I always enjoy visiting Normal, Kentucky to catch up with Mae, Dottie, Hank, and the rest of the gang. Tonya Kappes has created a delightful cast of quirky characters. Mae is a spunky woman who has found her place in life which is in Normal. Mae is happy with the campground, her camper, friends, boyfriend, and her little dog, Fifi. Normal, Kentucky is a charming town with quaint shops and friendly residents. It is situated next to the Daniel Boone National Park which is currently showcasing reds, oranges, and yellows for fall and the area is enjoying cooler temperatures. Tonya’s conversational writing style draws a reader right into the story (it is like talking to an old friend). The story moves along at a peppy pace. I liked that we get to learn more about Mae’s childhood and her parents. The murder does not occur until after the halfway point. By the time Tom is axed, there is a slew of suspects (he was not a pleasant man). There is misdirection along with a twist or two. I enjoyed how it all came together at the end. Hank’s attitude, though, needs an adjustment. He needs to accept the fact that Mae is going to meddle and there is no stopping her. In the future, though, May might be forced to make a choice. I loved the drama and humor in this engaging tale. A story that can make me laugh is special indeed. Valleys, Vehicles and Victims is an appealing cozy mystery with a ritzy RV, a robbed recipe, a bratty bride, a relentless reporter, and greedy graspers.
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims is the 9th instalment in the Camper & Criminals mystery series . I am always anxiously awaiting the next book to come out as I Just LOVE this series! Once again we were transported to “Normal, Kentucky” and Happy Trails campground. I must say this might be the best instalment yet!
What a fantastic read, kept me guessing till the very end. Its full of personality, humour, non-stop action, and plot twists which keeps you interested till the very end. The quirky characters are as fabulous as usual, rallying to help each other. I liked how we had a glimpse into Mae’s childhood and hope we find out more in upcoming instalments. These characters have become like family and i just wish I could actually visit Normal Kentucky and hang out with them for a day.
I cant wait for the 10th installment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Valley, Vehicles, & Victims by Tonya Kappes
Campers & Criminals book 9. Cozy mystery. Best read in order but can be read as a stand-alone.
Happy Trails Campgrounds is attracting bridal parties for extended events. After a reveal of a stolen coffee recipe and a dead body is discovered with a connection to Mae West’s hometown, she makes the drive home. Mae and detective boyfriend talk with suspects and old friends to discover clues.
This story finally gives us more background on Mae’s hometown with a surprising twist near the end. Definitely fodder for future stories.
Entertaining.
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 ninth in the series as I have the whole series so far. A wedding has come to town with a lot of tension between families plus a heated argument between Mae’s friend and the father of the bride.
Things keep moving in this story, you don’t know who to believe but it all ties up nicely. I enjoyed revisiting Mae and her friends, I love these characters and the setting of Normal itself, I place that I would love to visit.
I will continue on with this series. There is the added bonus of some yummy sounding recipes in the back and also some helpful camping tips.
Reading about Normal, Kentucky, and the Happy Trails Campground always make me want to go camping. Tonya Kappes makes everything sound so inviting and the characters are like friends now that I have read 9 books in the series. I love Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies and how they support each other. In this installment, a wedding party is coming to stay at the campground and get married in town. It turns out that Mae knows the family from when she was married to Paul West. The father owns a famous coffee company and they are very wealthy. When someone from the wedding party ends up dead, Mae gets involved to clear one of her friends who is accused of the crime. She and the Laundry Club ladies start investigating and Hank is not happy about it. Another great addition to the Camper & Criminals Cozy series. I just hope that Mae’s sleuthing will not ruin her relationship with Hank in future books.
Nothing is normal in Normal but when the rich people show up it’s every man, woman, child and Mae for themselves! Mae’s richie rich friends from her former life show up and of course one of them is murdered. Yeah we are kind of use to this by now. But Mae has to help when a friend is accused. She puts not only her romance with Hank on the line but her life too. It’s just another day in Normal.
Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes is another fun adventure with Mae West and the Laundry Club gals.
Did Gert kill Tom Moon out of revenge?
Mae West and the Laundry Club gals are on the case again when a friend of theirs is the police’s main suspect in the killing of a wealthy businessman. The girls didn’t think Gert did it since they know that their friend would never commit a crime like that. The evidence that the police were finding was hurting the chances of Gert being found innocent. Mae, though, is undeterred and wants to figure it out. She is still our main character, and this one is as good as the others.
The Mystery
The mystery is about Tom Moon being found with a knife in his back in his soon-to-be son-in-law’s motel room. Everyone knows that Gert didn’t like Tom, especially since she publicly confronted Tom about stealing her recipe. That doesn’t help Gert at all. There is also the whole thing of Tom being found in her daughter’s fiancee’s room when anyone could see that Lewis, the soon-to-be son-in-law, and his dad were coming up with an idea to steal Tom’s company. Then, Amy, the woman that kept Tom organized, had motive as well if she was fired. But would she do that?
A lot of motives are popping up. There was not enough time to figure it out as everyone there for the wedding was going back to New York soon to take care of business.
Four Stars
Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes is an exciting tale that started when Gert was in college, working at a coffee shop. Now, will she get what she is rightfully owed, or will it still be kept from her? Guess it will all depend on if the Laundry Club gals can figure it out.
I am giving Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes four stars and recommending it to anyone that loves a good cozy mystery.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims by Tonya Kappes.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
This is the 9th book in a cozy mystery series that will also give you a few chuckles. The characters and the setting of Normal, Kentucky are anything but normal. As usual, Mae happens across another dead body while helping plan a wedding for the daughter of a coffee mogul. And by trying to figure out who the murderer is, she’s messing with her love life with her boyfriend, Hank, a detective on the Normal Sheriff’s Department. I 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!
Mae and the Laundry Club gals are once again investigating a murder in Normal, Kentucky. The daughter of coffee empire Moonbucks Coffee is getting married in Normal and the bridal party is staying at Mae’s campground. The owner of the local coffee shop, Trails Coffee, claims that Tom Moon, owner of Moonbucks, stole her coffee recipe years ago to begin his coffee empire. When Tom is found dead, Gert is the prime suspect. Mae and the gals are on the hunt for the real killer. I love these fun characters and the identity of the killer definitely surprised me. I look forward to Mae’s next adventure and seeing what’s next for her and Hank!
Awesome loved this book!!!
As usual the girls of the Laundry club are getting involved with a murder investigation. This time one of their own is a suspect. Couldn’t put it down. Can hardly wait for the next one in the series.
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims earns 5/5 Bachelorettes…Super Engaging Fun!
Tonya Kappes has penned another marvelous adventure for fans to eagerly devour, and this time she adds some woodsy chic nuptials that turn, of course, murderous! Mae West, owner of the Happy Trails Campground, hopes the arriving bridal party leads to future such gatherings to boast public relations as a premier destination and improve the bottom line. The bride is excited about the quaint flair of the area, but Mae is surprised to learn her father is the owner of Moonbucks Coffee and an acquaintance from her NewYork/Hamptons life unfortunately reviving her past and her ex-now-dead husband’s crimes. It becomes more problematic with feuding families, an entitled bridezilla, shocking groom’s gift, overheard conversations, the public angst between owner of the local coffee shop and the bride’s father, and a “quid pro quo” agreement that could cancel everything. Then…murder!
Tonya’s writing style, of course, is the star using a first-person narrative along with vivid descriptive language, but her work isn’t all description. She illustrates a plethora of marvelous local and visiting characters and their personalities with delightful dialogue. Add a clever mystery with several conflicts that translate well to murder, ups and downs, friends and foes, a Chicken Fest, wedding prep, bribes, a church bus, and coffee (of course), and you have marvelous entertainment! The actual murder mystery is delayed longer than I like, but Mae and her past is explored, her friends and the community are highlighted, and all the arguments, conflicts, and problems kept me totally engaged! Loved it!
Bonus! With “Recipes and Cleaning Hack from Mae West and the Women in Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails Campground” enjoy Beer Braised Short Ribs, Big Oreo Skillet Cookie, and Sweet Potato Hash along with RV Hacks on matches and storage and Camping Hack to keep cookware rust-free. Ingenious!
This is a great series!
I just love this series and the way Tonya makes the reader feel as if you are a resident of Happy Trails Campground. This book I felt started off a little slow and I started to wonder when Is the murder going to take place?!? I also was a little saddened that there wasn’t any tips or recipes in the back of the book. There wasn’t much time for cooking though with a murderer running around hopped up on coffee. LOL. Great series and can’t wait to see how Hank and Mae’s relationship evolves in the next book.
I volunteered to write an honest and unbiased review of this ARC.
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims is book nine in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. It’s always nice to learn more about a character, and learning about Mae’s past, even as it comes to the forefront, was interesting. This series always captivates me, and this one did too. I definitely recommend it.
One of my favorite little vices is the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series, the most recent being Valleys, Vehicles & Victims. This is Book 5 in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery Series. This is the cutest little series, with southern traditions and fun facts about the Kentucky folk woven throughout. You can practically hear the drawl as the characters chat with one another. And you can read this book even if you haven’t read the other 4 books, but bless your heart, why would you want to?
This series is set in a little town in Kentucky named Normal, where things are little bit everything but normal. It’s based around Maybelline West, Mae for short, who came to Normal when her husband Paul concocted a Ponzi- like scheme and was arrested for scamming hundreds of people, many of them friends and family. After he was murdered, Mae was left behind with her bruised pride and a beat up camper, plus a rundown campground in Normal. Vowing to do everything she could to make things right with the town that had been devastated, Mae set about to turn the campground into a place visitors would want to come to, thus bringing income to the town. She fell in love with Normal and its inhabitants, including Hank, a certain handsome local deputy; but, as luck would have it, she became a magnet for dead bodies. This time it was one of the main members of a bridal party that she had booked at her campground. And because she had been connected from afar with the deceased, she was already under the magnifying glass. Now this could undo all of the good she had done to heal the community. What should she do now?
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims is the ninth book in the Camper & Criminals Series. We return to Normal Kentucky and Mae West. This time there is going to be a wedding but as usual Mae finds a dead body.Mae and the Laundry Club assemble again to solve this case. This series get better and better. Tonya is one of my favorite authors I love her cozy mysteries.
I received an ARC for a honest review.
Valleys, Vehicles & Victims (Campers & Criminals Cozy Mystery) is Tonya Kappes’ month book in this series. As always with Miss Kappes work, every book in a series is better than the last, because alongside the mystery we get to experience the characters as they grow, and their relationships grow, as they all learn more about everyone else, just like us.
These books ARE NOT simply rehashes of the previous. You absolutely FEEL the surroundings, the emotions, and you are able to fall in love with these characters because quite simply, Ms. Kappes loves them, and it comes through with each word.
Valleys’ brings Mae’s past back, front and center to her life, her campground, and her beloved new home in Normal, Kentucky. Mae knows the father of the bride from her time as socialite and wife to wealthy Paul West. And more than one person is unhappy to see him, or in Mae’s case, to be reminded of a time in her life she was happy, if oblivious to her husbands mishandling of many peoples money. Mae is happy in her life once again, and with the help of her wonderful friends, The Laundry Club Girls, she follows the clues in yet another murder.
An absolute delightful read, and worthy of each of the five stars I rate it.