Review by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book and a link to purchase it.
Southern KarmaMaybelline Grant West has been married, lived in New York, and enjoyed a luxurious lifestyle for which many would give their eye teeth, but then it all plummeted midst newspaper headlines of “Fraud” and a divorce, and without her designer wardrobe, she headed off in a beat-up trailer to Normal, Kentucky—not far from where she grew up and swore she’d never return. The only thing left, not forfeited to the feds, was a “much need of repairs” campground in Normal, Kentucky. Fast forward a couple of years: Mae is the proud owner of Happy Trails Campground, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, surrounded by great, some quirky, friends, and enjoying a rekindled relationship with her adoptive mother and foster brother. Karma was spot on to provide the circumstances to put Mae where she was always meant to be…home. However, she’s been plagued with a few dead bodies entangling friends and family in sometimes perilous misfortune, but it’s nice to have the help, or hindrance, depending on your perspective, from the overanxious, overzealous, and original bunch, dubbed the Laundry Club ladies, “snooping” for clues and bringing about justice.
Hank Sharp was suppose to be the love of Mae’s life, but they had some opposing views about their future, so Hank thought it best to take a job ‘cross the state. This had everyone chiming in and taking sides; well, mostly Mae’s side. A couple of months later and proof “absence makes the heart grow fonder,” he’s back and vowing to court Mae properly. Out of character from his law enforcement days, he is also asking for Mae’s help not criticizing and complaining about her interference. Friend, former sheriff, and now local PI Jerry Truman runs a private investigation’s firm for which Hank is now a part. Hank’s ranger, deputy, and interim sheriff skillset is very valuable, and Mae? Her experience and coolness at gun point make her a perfect asset, too. Their current client has been receiving several death threats and worries something deadly might happen at the fundraising event she’s hosting for Hopes with Horses. However, things get complicated with disgruntled breeders and more threats than horses…but it’s the dead body, then another, then...it gets personal.
Hook ‘Em Up! Tonya Kappes has set this twenty-first book in her Camper & Criminals Cozy hours after the end of the previous book, Blossoms, Barbeques, & Blackmail. Fun continuity. The murder mystery has the same elements that has made Kappes’s work a favorite: rich, well-developed characters, multiple homicides, clever mystery with several theories to explore, surprises and shocks, love and romance, and lots of southern charm of which Tonya is very familiar. The relationship between Mae and Hank seems better suited as a partnership, then the previous adversarial dynamic of cop vs civilian, but someone is looking for Hank and the cliffhanger will roll right into the next book. Family and friends are always a key element with Mae’s foster brother dealing with his birth mother, her BFF/sister-in-law Abby dealing with her new married life, and Mae dealing with snoops, dogs, and campground headaches. Despite there being a plethora of books in the series, each book, including this one, maintains a fresh feeling showing realistic ups, downs, and growth of characters through the natural passing of time and a new mystery to enjoy. Always entertaining!
Bonus! Adding to the delightful experience with this series is the unique Recipes and Camping Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies. Whether camping in the woods or in your backyard start with easy-to-follow recipes: Southern Olive Nut Spread, Salsa and Corn Dumpling Soup, and Dutch Oven Stuffed Peppers. Included are Camping Hacks to make life less complicated: (1) homemade clothes washer, (2) minimize the bottles and bottles of bath products, and (3) cell phone water safety.
Be a Big Tonya Kappes Fan!
USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes pens a variety of series. along with this favorite Camper & Criminals Cozy Mysteries and the Mail Carrier Cozy Mysteries, she pens exciting ghostly-, magical-, and caffeinated-themed series. For ghosts, she has the Ghostly Southern Mystery and Kenni Lowry series. Add some magic with her Magical Cures Mystery and Spies and Spells series. And finally, get a little caffeinated with her Killer Coffee Mystery. She also has an enjoyable online presence and various events enticing fans to gather for a chat, some sharing, and partaking in the fun!
Facebook – Author Tonya Kappes
Become a Member at the Website – Tonya Kappes
To enter to win an ebook copy of Lanterns, Lakes, & Larceny, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line "lanterns,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 25, 2021. US residents only and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address so we can contact you. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section in Kings River Life and in our mystery category here on KRL News & Reviews. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. And check out our new mystery podcast which features mystery short stories and first chapters read by local actors! A new episode goes up next week.
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Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is a 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying her retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband.
Sounds interesting! Count me in!
ReplyDeleteGreat series! Love Tonya's books. Thanks for the chance.
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We have a winner!
ReplyDeleteWe have a winner!
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