| Title | : | Christmas, Criminals, and Campers (Camper Criminals, #4) |
| Author | : | |
| Rating | : | |
| ISBN | : | - |
| Language | : | English |
| Format Type | : | Kindle Edition |
| Number of Pages | : | 264 |
| Publication | : | First published October 26, 2018 |
Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months.
Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp's number one suspect.
It's time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White's final chapter.
Christmas, Criminals, and Campers (Camper Criminals, #4) Reviews
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Christmas, Criminals, & Campers by Tonya Kappes
Book 4 of the Campers and Criminals cozy mystery series.
A famous author visits the Laundry Club bookclub and ends up dead in the library. Mae West doesn’t believe the murderer is the town librarian so she investigates to help the police track down the clues.
An amusing and lucky amateur sleuth gets helped by various town people to figure out how to stop Normal, KY from becoming infamous.
The very slow burn romance for Mae West takes a couple of steps forward.
🎧 I listened to the audio version narrated by Johanna Parker. I bumped my speed to 1.4, slightly faster than my norm since the southern slowness and accent is not a preference. That helped to get to normal talking speed for me. This method of reading is also preferred to avoid the text or editing error that drags me out of the written version by this author. The performance is well done without and tonal problems.
Campy. Cute. Charming. -
Mel 🖤🐶🐺🐾 -
I love listening to this series on audio. It just keeps getting better and better. This one did not disappoint.
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Clearly, I’m in the minority here . . . Only, I found this book just barely readable. In the audio version the narrator was truly assaulting to my senses. Not sure if that is “her take” on how Kentucky people sound, or what. I’m truly shocked by all the positive ratings. My first, and most likely last, foray into this series. The characters are too cloying and oversimplified for my taste. Sad, because I love Christmas + mysteries. This one, is an exception. Hard pass.
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Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is the fourth tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book club meeting where they are discussing the latest Nadine White book chosen by Abby Fawn, librarian and the author’s biggest fan. When Betts Hager tells the group that Nadine is coming to town to stay for a few months and will speak with their group, Abby is extremely excited. Abby is surprised by the author’s rudeness and dismayed when she learns the author utilizes a ghost writer. Abby becomes angry and makes some remarks that she soon regrets. Hank and Mae are enjoying their first real date. On the way home, they notice the library lights still on and stop to investigate. They find Abby standing over Nadine with a bloody knife in her hand. Mae knows that Abby did not kill Nadine, but she must prove it to Detective Hank Sharp. As if Mae does not have enough on her plate, her foster brother, Bobby Rae has invited their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth Moberly to visit for Christmas. Mae left the Moberly home when she was eighteen and has never looked back. Mae has bitter feelings toward Mary Elizabeth about the way she was raised. Is Mae going to get the festive holiday she planned? Mae is going to need a Christmas miracle to solve the murder before Santa comes riding into town. Join Mae and her friends in Normal, Kentucky for a merry adventure in Christmas, Criminals and Campers.
The books in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series are best read in order. It will allow readers to understand Mae West and her history. I found Christmas, Criminals and Campers to be nicely written with Tonya Kappes’ conversational writing style. She has a way of drawing the reader into a story and making them feel welcome. There is plenty of Christmas spirit as Mae prepares for her first Christmas at the Happy Trails Campground and is hosting a Christmas dinner at the campground for anyone who wishes to attend. The mystery is traditional with a close friend of Mae’s accused of the crime, and Mae needs to prove her innocence. I thought the solution was apparent, but I liked following Mae as she questioned suspects and sifted through the clues. I would have preferred a solid resolution to the crime. I found the reveal to be incomplete (missing details). I like the cozy feel of the town and campground. Normal is a unique small Southern town that I would love to visit. There are quirky characters that enhance the story and all our favorites are back in Christmas, Criminals and Campers. I am glad that we get to learn more about Mae and her growing up years. Mary Elizabeth Mobley is visiting for Christmas which allows Mae to deal with unresolved feelings. There is romance with Mae and Hank finally going on their first date. There are recipes and helpful RV tips at the end of the book. -
Release Date: October 26, 2018
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Actual Rating: 5 stars
This is one of my top favorite cozy mystery series! I do hope that Tonya Kappes continues to write more in it because Normal Kentucky and its residents are so much fun! These characters are authentic and written with true Southern flair. The mysteries are somewhat predictable but there is always some sort of twist that makes you rethink everything you thought you knew. And the little added romance that is sprinkled through the story is beautiful! I hope everyone who enjoys a cozy mystery will read this series because it truly is some of the best around.
In this one, Mae West is setting up for Christmas! One would think that people wouldn't chose to spend time at an RV park/campground in the cold winter months especially during the holidays, but there is something about Happy Trails that brings people in. Perhaps its the southern hospitality? Or just the warm encounters with the locals. Either way, Happy Trails is booming this time of year and among the regular campers is a well known and famous author. Unfortunately, the author has some skeletons in her closet and ends up dead as a door-nail.
One of the main suspects of this murder is one of Normal Kentucky's own, Abby (who is also the towns librarian and social media queen). What happens when one of their own is suspected in a murder that everyone knows could not have been done by Abby? Why, they stick together and piece all the clues into the puzzle until they find out what really happened!
Readers don't want to miss out on the fourth installment in this cozy mystery series! In fact, you won't want to miss out on any of them! This series is a true hidden gem and I believe that everyone who enjoys the genre will love this one (and the series as a whole). I highly recommend it! -
What an awesome Christmas read for Christmas in July! This is one of my favorite series to begin with, and I'd been wanting to read it since I finished the last one. Mae was going to be celebrating her first Christmas at the campground in Normal, KY. She and her sweetie had their first date and things were going great for them. A famous romance author came to town for a library appearance for their book club and ended up dead with sweet librarian Abby standing over the body with a knife. Abby of course was Hank's main suspect.
In the meantime, Mae's foster mom was visiting for Christmas and hoping to make amends with Mae. (There was a very sweet scene, happy tissue alert here!) She wanted to be involved in the investigation, and she did come in handy to watch the office for Mae. I didn't want to like Mary Elizabeth at first. You'll see why when you read it!
There was a great twist at the end, and the final showdown was pretty exciting. Christmas Day was a perfect mixture of friends and family for Mae as they all got ready for the campground's Christmas Dinner. The Laundry Club got a new member, who at first didn't do much for me, but she grew on me as Mary Elizabeth took her under her wing. I'm anxious to see how this new girl fits into the group in the next book! -
I love reading Christmas in July. I didn't want to put this one down, it might be my favorite so far in the series.
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Every installment in this series gets better and better. I enjoy the characters, the setting, and To y Kappes plots. I’m already looking forward to the next.
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Christmas, Criminals and Campers by Tonya Kappes is book four in her Camper & Criminals series. This is the best one yet in the series IMHO.
I loved being back in Normal, KY with Mae, Abby, Betts, Queenie and Dottie as they are preparing for Christmas. Abby has a huge author crush on a cozy romance author and is surprised to find that the author is coming to talk to their Laundry Club bookclub. Abby is heartbroken when she finds her favorite author is not who she appears to be and isn't shy about saying so. Too soon the author is dead and Abby is Hank's #1 suspect. Mae is on the case to protect her friend. Two new characters were also introduced in this one and I'm anxious to see how they will contribute in this series. A quickly paced plot with several suspects and plenty of twists to keep me guessing until the reveal. There were a couple of times that I was truly worried about Mae's safety as she had run headlong into trouble. I can't wait to get back to Normal again.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own. -
It is winter with snow falling and close to Christmas. The Laundry Club is having their monthly book club meeting and discussing the book that Abby chose by author Nadine White. When Betts announces that the author is coming to Normal, Kentucky and staying at Happy Trails Campground.
Nadine is definitely not what Abby expected her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library with Abby standing over her with a knife in her hand she is obviously the prime suspect. Would she have killed her?
A wonderful small town cozy mystery that will not leave you disappointed. I love this series and strongly recommend it to anyone who loves mysteries that take place in small towns.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own. -
Seriously? How the heck did this story ever get published?
“She let out a spurt of evil laughs.”
She karate chopped my neck.
“You’re finer than a frog hair split 6 ways.” -
It’s Christmastime and Normal librarian (and book club organizer) Abby is overly excited that her favorite author is coming to town for the holidays. Meanwhile, Mae’s foster brother Bobby Ray invites their foster mother, Mary Elizabeth for Christmas. But when Mae and Hank discover the murdered body of author Nadine White, and Abby is the prime suspect, Mae goes back into her detective mode to prove her friend’s innocence.
I really enjoyed this fourth entry in the Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Overall, the mystery is interesting, well-written, and includes a big twist. I felt like Mae went through some serious growth, both in her relationships and her detective skills. Mae made smarter choices, and she didn’t fly off the handle quite as much. She is productive and works with Hank to solve the crime.
Additionally, with her foster mom in town, we find out much about her past, which is so different than I imagined. Listening to her connect with her foster mom was special, and I am so glad Mary Elizabeth is staying around. Thankful that the love triangle was resolved in the previous book, I love Mae’s budding romance with Hank. It didn’t overtake the mystery, nor did it falter under the weight of Abby’s arrest.
Narration: I’ve come to love Ms. Parker’s southern drawl and how it adds ambiance to these stories. The series is shared from Mae’s first person narrative, and Ms. Parker’s voice fits Mae’s personality: friendly, courageous, and determined. Overall, Ms. Parker fits the southern, small-town feel and pacing of the narrative. Each character has a slightly different voice fitting his/her age and gender, with her male and older women characters having deeper voices.
In the end, I really enjoyed listening to Christmas, Criminals, & Campers. It is my favorite thus far in the series, and I look forward to listening to more.
My Ratings:
Story: B+
Narration: A
Review copy provided by Tantor Audio. -
This was cute. I just really enjoy the friendships and relationships and the small town vibes. I do have to say that I don’t love most of the romantic relationships which is a bummer but those are small parts so it’s not a big deal to me. As for the mystery it was obvious but that’s not why I read these. It’s just a funny,cozy and enjoyable time.
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3.5 stars
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This is a wonderful book and I couldn’t put it down until I finished it. I love how Mae and the detective are growing closer, and I especially enjoyed the ending.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. -
Quick read, very entertaining. Perfect for a light Christmas read.
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Mae and her friends at the Laundry Club are meeting for their book club discussion on a book by Nadine White. Nadine is Abby's (club member and local librarian), favorite author. Abby is over the moon about Nadine coming to Normal until she meets Nadine. Nadine is rude and definitely not the person Abby believed her to be. When Nadine is found dead in the library Abby is suspect number one. Mae has to clear her friend despite how this may affect her budding relationship with Detective Hank.
I was so excited to have my favorite characters back to be able to celebrate Christmas with them. I really love Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club. They are a group of fun quirky women with that small town southern charm that is near and dear to me. The setting of Normal, Ky is unique and inviting, I would love to visit Normal and the Happy Trails Campground. Author Tonya Kappes is a wonderful story-teller. She writes in a way that just draws you in and keeps you entertained and wanting more, it’s almost like she is having a conversation with you through her characters. The mystery has great pace with just enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. Along with the mystery, there is a touch of romance, family reunions, and of course humor. For the camping enthusiast, they are recipes and camping tips included in the book.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers and camping fans. I am looking forward to the next in the series. I was given an ARC of this book in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced. -
3.5 stars, 1.5 heat
Oh I am a sucker for Christmas. And RV parks, apparently.
The Gist: Christmas is right around the corner and it seems everyone is headed towards Normal, Kentucky. Foster moms, famous writers in hiding, murderers. It's a lively holiday season to say the least and Mae's going to have to work double time to clear her friend's name.
I continue to like Mae. She's a fighter and always makes the best out of situations. She's a good friend and a hard worker. Every now and again she has a too stupid to live moment but overall she's good people and easy to like.
And so is the town. It's a spot quirky but I love the little town and how much everyone does to make it a fun and successful place now that they're turning it all around. They'd make your eye twitch but you'd love them anyway.
The mystery was well done. It kept me wondering for a while who'd killed the famous yet horrid writer who'd come to town. I did figure it out but it took me a decent amount of time to piece it together.
Overall, Christmas, Criminals and Campers was an entertaining holiday jaunt. Good people, good mystery, Christmas. The only issue is the continued terrible editing. Kappes really needs to find someone better to edit these books. -
I love this author. Every book I have read from her has kept me entertained. Christmas, Criminals and Camping is no exception. I had a good time from my first peek until the end of the book. I say first peek because I had promised myself I was not reading this until after Halloween. Temptation was too much and I peeked and peeked until I discovered I had read the whole book, before Halloween!
We are back in Normal, Kentucky for Christmas with Mae and The Laundry Club. A romance author, a favorite of Abby’s, is coming to stay at the campground! Of course she does not come alone. They are not the only new faces in town either. When the author does a reading at the library, a shocking secret is told. One that devastates and angers Abby. Is she angry enough to kill? Sweet Abby? O. M. G. No! Don’t do this to me Tonya Kappes! Everything points to her. Mae is determined to get the real killer before Abby finds herself with lots of reading time behind bars! What Mae doesn’t count on is the surprise at the campground or how it will affect her. Will Mae and Hank be able to continue exploring their romance when he has Abby sitting in jail? Oh so much is not normal in Normal this Christmas!
I enjoyed all the twists and turns of this book. Every time I thought I had it figured out..it would take a turn. The reveal was as shocking as the secret Nadine White had held during her writing career! The author gave us all a peek into an aspect of writing that we all know about but choose to ignore. After all no one wants to think a beloved writer keeps that secret.
I really adore the people of Normal. Don’t we all want friends like the ones in our favorite books? I long to find a laundromat like The Laundry Club. I don’t care that I have machines at home. I would gather some laundry just to hang out there. Though, I suppose, being the stranger in town could make me the next victim! Oh the chilling deliciousness of that! I can’t wait for the next book in the series.
In case you are new to Tonya Kappes, her books are full of fun times and a bit of death. There is no over the top violence or gore, no “bad” language, no graphic sexual content. They are just good people, a few bad, enjoying each other and life, or death, in a small town. Some have a paranormal bent to them. I prefer to read her books in order but if you find yourself reading them out of order, I don’t think you will have a problem. She does a quick run down in the beginning of her books so you won’t be left behind. -
Christmas, Criminals and Campers
A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #4
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal.
Librarian Abby Fawn is star struck when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, has rented a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campground for the winter months.
Abby is devastated to find out Nadine White is nothing like the person she portrays in interviews or on social media. In fact, Nadine White is not nice at all and Abby lets her feelings known that she thinks Nadine is a fraud. . .after she finds out Nadine has a ghost writer.
When Nadine White is found dead in the Normal Library, Abby Fawn is Detective Hank Sharp's number one suspect.
It's time for Mae West to put up her camping gear for the winter months and put on her sleuthing gear to figure out who is framing Abby Fawn before Abby is the ending in Nadine White's final chapter.
From USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes, this bestselling and hilarious mystery series is all the rage! You don't want to miss out! (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mae and the Laundry Club girls are quirky, funny and caring and I really enjoy getting to spend time with them. When one of their own is accused of murder, they are right there, protecting her and helping her in any way they can. And Mae has more on her plate when her foster mom comes to visit. Will she be able to handle it all?
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in creating authentic Southern settings and creates communities that I would love to visit.
The mystery is carried on well throughout the book. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I thought I knew who the killer was, but I was wrong. Or was I?
I would recommend this fun cozy mystery to and one who enjoys a well crafted cozy. I am already looking forward to the next book.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review. -
In this next book of the series Mae is preparing for the upcoming holiday season, she is excited about her first Christmas in Normal, Kentucky and is going all out with the decorations. While attending her book club she learns that the author whose book they just read will be visiting Normal and staying at Happy Trails her RV Park. The visit doesn't start out to well when the author, Nadine White, hates all the decorations. Things get even worse when local Librarian Abby, who is Nadine's biggest fan, finds out she uses a ghost writer. Mae hopes all will get better but while out on her first date with Detective Sharp they notice that the library's lights are still on, even though it should be closed. They go to investigate and find Abby holding a knife and standing over the body of a dead Nadine. Mae knows her friend isn't a murderer but the same can't be said for Detective Sharp. Follow along as Mae digs in deep to find the answers she needs to show that Abby is innocent. With Abby being innocent that leaves the field open on who the killer could be. Is it her agent, a long time friend, or someone mad about her using a ghost writer? Jump in and pursue the clues throughout this fun read. The characters are great, the setting is beautiful, and the mysteries are a fantastic way to work your brain. I can't wait to see what Mae gets into next.
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Well goodness me - said like the main character! This was a cute, quick read for the holidays set in a quaint location and filled with interesting characters.
I jumped into this series on this (book 4) and was easily caught up with the world. The Christmas aspect was nice for this time of year and I was expecting the new, troublesome character to die at any moment - as you do in any good cozy mystery.
I found these characters to be very quirky and the change in relationship between the main character and her mother to be endearing and perfect for the holidays. The hunky detective didn't hurt either.
I think this series seemed like a lot of fun from this, my preview, to the rest of it. I have it on good authority (thanks mom) that the rest of the books a great too!
My rating: 3.7*
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This was an audiobook read for me. -
The narrator was just perfect for this book. Tonya Kappes and her clever cozies have become favorites!
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Another cute mystery of Mae West 👍🏻🙌🏻
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3.5 rounded up
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My favorite from this series so far! It's only a few days until Christmas and the campground got a surprise celebrity visitor. A well known author who Abby, the local librarian, is enamored with. Abby has big plans for the author while she's in Normal, Kentucky. But you know what they say about meeting your hero. She is nothing in person as she is portrayed in the media, which causes Abby to be outraged. Unfortunately for Abby, she didn't hide her hatred and when the author winds up dead, Abby is the number one suspect. Mae and the rest of the Laundry Club ladies set out to prove her innocence. There is a little bit of the romance in addition to the mystery. No sexual content. The characters are what you might expect from a small southern town. There is the reasonable, level headed one, the crazy wacky one, the young more innocent one, the old batty one, the resident hottie that all the ladies like looking at, and then there is Mae, the Protagonist who is a little of them all. ;) Not so much of the crazy though... but some of her actions might make her seem that way. :D There are a few new faces introduced, in addition to those of the victim/criminal. This is only the smallest amount of violence, and that is at the end when the killer is revealed. It's a quick and easy book to read. It's written strictly from the Protagonist's POV. It is clean and safe for teens and up.
*I volunteered to review an ARC of this book.
