Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (Camper & Criminals, #5) by Tonya Kappes

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder (Camper & Criminals, #5) Reviews

• 
  Kay

  A prison escape, a stolen camper, and a Civil War reenactment of "Battle at Camp Wildcat" (Laurel County, KY ~ Oct 21, 1861) turn deadly. It's a nice escape to visit a quick and light cozy with amusing characters. 🚙🏕️
• 
  Madison Warner Fairbanks

  Motorhomes, Maps & Murder by Tonya Kappes
  Campers & Criminals book 5. Cozy mystery. Can be read as a stand-alone but better as part of the series.
  A prisoner has escaped and ends up in Normal, KY and Happy Trails Campground. Mix in a historical battle reenactment and it’s a murder mystery that Mae West cannot resist investigating.
  
  Campy and amusing. Get to know more of the town residents while Mae and Hank get a bit closer.
  🎧 I listened to an Audiobook copy narrated by Johanna Parker. The narrator does voices very well and different characters are easy to follow. It is done USA southern accent so my usual speed of 1.2 was too slow so I mostly listened at 1.4. I also prefer this author in audio to avoid the text and proofing errors that are prevalent in the ebook version.
• 
  beachbum bookworm

  Soo Good as usual!! For more of my thoughts on this book and other cozy mysteries subscribe to my new YouTube channel!
  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDn4...
• 
  Elle G. Reads

  Release Date: February 11, 2019
  Genre: Cozy Mystery
  Actual Rating: 5 stars
  
  Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is the 5th addition to the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series. I recommend reading all these books in order. If you are a kindle unlimited subscriber you can read this series for FREE (and I highly recommend it). That being said, this is another fantastic novel in the series. I read it in one sitting as it isn't a long novel but it sure packs a punch. In this installment, Mae and her team of friends are laying low because a serial killer is on the loose! Hopefully because she is dating the sheriff she won't get tossed in the cross hairs of the killer...
  
  Friends, this is one of my top 3 favorite cozy mystery series and every time a new book gets announced I get super excited. Tonya Kappes writes the best cozies and brings her characters to life. I love the feel of friendship that the characters exude and I love feeling like I am living within the setting because Tonya makes it feel so real. I can almost smell the flowers! If you love cozy mysteries, this is one of those series you don't wan to miss. I can't wait for the next installment.
  
  I was generously provided a copy of this novel with the author. This does not affect my views or rating of the novel.
• 
  JoAn

  Motorhomes, Maps & Murder by Tonya Kappes was another fun filled visit to Normal, KY with Mae West.
  
  It's springtime in Kentucky and there is a Civil War reenactment nearby that has the whole town involved. Unfortunately, there is also a serial killer that just escaped from prison, a stolen motorhome from Happy Trails Campground and two murders that will keep Mae busy. Ms. Kappes' writes great quirky characters that you want to get to know while delivering a fast paced plot with twists and turns that always keep me guessing. This was a great way to spend an afternoon and I'm already looking forward to Mae's next adventure.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
• 
  Peter Monn

  I just love this series sooooo much! xo
• 
  Amy the book-bat

  The basic stories aren't bad, but the culprit(s) are generally pretty obvious. The title was a perfect fit this time around.
• 
  Amy

  Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is the 5th book in the Camper and Criminals Cozy series set in Normal, Kentucky.
  Springtime in Normal means the town is getting ready for the Civil War reenactment. A serial killer has escaped from prison, two murders have occurred and an RV is stolen from the grounds of Happy Trails Campground. What else can go wrong??
  Mae is certainly being kept busy.
  Intriguing story, twists and turns with characters I have come to care about.
  
  I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it. Opinions are my own.
• 
  LORI CASWELL

  Dollycas's Thoughts
  
  Mae West has settled nicely into her new life in Normal Kentucky and the Happy Trails Campground. So much so she has been talked into playing a minor role in the town's Civil War reenactment of the Battle at Camp Wildcat. It is a huge event for the community.
  
  What the community was not planning on was a prison break. The man who escaped has vowed to kill the members of the jury that sent him to prison. People who call Normal home. Detective Hank Sharp has made a vow of his own to keep everyone safe. Still, after the enactment, two people are found dead. And if Mae doesn't have enough on her plate, a motorhome has been stolen from her campground and its owners have filed a lawsuit and they want her deed to Happy Trails.
  
  Could the convict have stolen the RV? Is he still nearby? or has he gotten away with the murders and driven off into the sunset? Mae desperately needs to find that motorhome, will she find a killer too?
  
  ____
  
  I am slowly working my way through this series, I can't believe how fast Tonya Kappes writes and her imagination to come up with now 37 books in the series along with all the other series she has going.
  
  Mae West is a unique individual as are all the characters the author has created. Mae has come to enjoy campground life with her French poodle Fifi. She has made some improvements to her camper and several in the campground. Her relationship with Detective Hank Sharp is loving and comfortable. The Laundry Club, a group of Mae's friends is always busy doing something. Queenie is in charge of the reenactment and Betts Hagar has her hands full with her preacher husband Lester. Librarian Abby Fawn is a pro at posting on social media and posts about everything happening in Normal and Happy Trails. Dottie stays busy working with Mae at the campground. Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adopted mother, has also moved to Normal. She has a huge heart but is best in small doses.
  
  A Civil War reenactment, a prisoner on the loose, and a missing motorhome fill the pages of this 5th Camper and Criminal Cozy Mystery and the author sets a brisk pace as Mae, Hank, and their friends try to untwist it all.  The search for the convict was Hank's priority and there was a lot of wooded area to cover. A hunting dog, Chester was even brought in but he lost the scent. Mae's priority was finding the RV and saving the campground. They still found time to get together to compare notes. It was very easy to escape into the action and fun to sort through the clues. There were some great twists to keep the characters and readers on their toes.
  
  There appears to never be a dull moment at the Happy Trails Campground or the town of Normal. Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is an entertaining addition to this series and I know I have just scratched the surface. I hope to return soon for another visit.
• 
  Mystereity Reviews

  This was a cute and enjoyable book, the first one I’ve read in this series. I picked this one for the Transportation in the Title book bingo square, and it was a nice, easy read, just the right length to keep the pace moving.
  
  Mae West runs an RV campground in Normal, Kentucky. When a dangerous killer breaks out of prison, a killer who vowed revenge on the jurors and everyone is on edge. After a Civil War reenactment, several of the towns people are found dead and despite being warned by her sheriff boyfriend to stay out of it, Mae is determined to find the escaped killer and protect her friends.
  
  As I said, I haven’t read the others in the series so I can safely say that all references to past books were explained well enough that I didn’t feel lost. I also liked that the characters are so well drawn that I pretty quickly “learned their voices” and was able to remember who everyone was and their place in the series. As for the plot, I have to say that it’s not one that I’ve ever seen before, a lot of it was more like a game of cat and mouse and I really enjoyed it. The preparation for the reenactment (and the chaos that goes with it) seemed to take up a bit of time at the beginning, but made for a good introduction to the town and it’s people. But once the book got going, I was along for the ride and couldn’t put it down.
  
  Overall, this was an enjoyable read with a great plot and I liked it so much, I plan on catching up with the other books in the series.
  
• 
  Kristina Anderson

  Motorhomes, Maps & Murder by Tonya Kappes is the fifth A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. Mae West owns Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky. The town is preparing for the reenactment of the Battle of Camp Wildcat from the Civil War and Mae will have a minor role thanks to organizer, Queenie French. Detective Hank Sharp is picking up his uniform and bayonet when he is called away. Convicted murderer, Greaser Gadie has escaped from the local jail while visiting with Preacher Lester Hager. He has threatened to seek revenge on the jurors from his trial which has Darnell Grassel and Alvin Deets nervous. Hank is hot on Greaser’s trail with help of a hound with a keen sense of smell. After the reenactment, Dottie runs up to Mae to notify her that one of their guest’s RV has been stolen. If Mae does not recover the motorhome, she could lose her beloved campground. Hank would love to help but he has bigger fish to fry. Four people fail to get up after the battle and it turns out that it is not fake blood on their clothing. Did Greaser make good on his threat? Mae leaves the hunt for Greaser to Hank while she sets out to recover the missing motorhome. What happens, though, when Mae stumbles into the killer’s path?
  
  Motorhomes, Maps and Murder can be read as a standalone if you have not had time to indulge in the other novels in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West has settled into her new home in Normal, Kentucky where she is making a success of Happy Trails Campground. She has good friends, a loyal dog, and a loving boyfriend. When someone steals a camper’s motorhome, Mae is determined to recover it. Otherwise, Mae could lose her beloved Happy Trails. The town is gearing up for tourists to descend on the town for the reenactment of the Battle of Camp Wildcat and Mae is hosting a party afterward at Happy Trails. It is a bad time for a killer to escape custody after harming the guard and knocking over Preacher Hager. Hank must hunt for Greaser Gadie while protecting the jurors he threatened and keep watch over a town filled with vacationers. All our favorite characters are back in Motorhomes, Maps and Murder. The quirky residents of Normal will have you laughing frequently as you read this Southern cozy mystery. Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adopted mother, means well, but her talkative nature can be a curse. As you can see, there is plenty of action in Motorhomes, Maps and Murder. I enjoy Tonya Kappes conversational writing style. Readers are easily drawn into the book and the attention held until the end. I like the steady pacing, the setting and the off-beat characters. I enjoyed the addition of Chester, the dog with the good sniffer. I am happy to see Mae’s character mature and her relationship with Hank is progressing nicely. I believe readers will be surprised at how this mystery turns out. There are recipes and cleaning hacks at the end of the book (clever ideas). I look forward to returning to Normal in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.
  
• 
  Wulfwyn

  Motorhomes, Maps and Murder is the 5th book in the Tonya Kappes series, “A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery.” It is not necessary to read the books in order as each has its own completed mystery. It is my recommendation that you do. The world building is ongoing with characters changing slightly with the books, (mostly adding a character or two). You will understand the relationships easier when read in order. Ms. Kappes does include a quick update that is woven so well into the story those familiar with the series will enjoy it as much as newcomers.
  This series is one of my favorites. Perhaps it is because I spent so much time as a child in Southeast Kentucky where the story is set. My family were big campers, too. I can vividly picture the fictional town and campground. Ms. Kappes does a wonderful job painting the town and campground within the very real and beautiful Daniel Boone National Park. The characters are well written, each with their own personality that are very relatable. You quickly become friends with owner and narrator, Mae West, the Laundry Club gals and others from the town. There is a romance blossoming as an ongoing secondary story. If you enjoy romance mixed in your cozy, you will definitely want to read the series in order. This book is set during the spring time when a Civil War re-enactment and an after party are set to go. The citizens of Normal are ready to participate and Happy Trails campground is filling up with spectators. The only thing not planned are a prison break, murder and a major theft that threatens not only the re-enactment and the good people of Normal but also Mae and Happy Trails! Hunky Detective Hank Sharp is on it and wants Mae to stay out of it but sometimes fate just decides differently.
  At the end of the book there are some camping hacks and a couple of recipes. I’m planning on making those gooey cinnamon buns in the morning. I’m also thinking of trying, in home, the hack for the omelet recipe just because it sounds interesting.
  I highly recommend this fun book and the series to cozy mystery lovers.
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced, unpolished, electronic copy of this book. I am purchasing a finished copy because I enjoyed it so much, (and because I want a completed set of this series. It is one I know I will read again).
• 
  Babs

  Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is the 5th book Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series. I have not read the others in the series but I didn’t feel as lost as I thought I might be.
  
  Mae West lives in KY and was left a campground, Happy Trails by her ex thieving husband. The whole town is preparing for the Camp Wildcat Civil War reenactment. When her boyfriend and detective Hank Sharp is called away. They learn Greaser, a convicted murder has escaped jail.
  
  Greaser used preacher Lester and his wife to escape. He is seeking revenge on the jurors that put him behind bars.
  
  One of Mae’s guest has their RV stolen. If Mae does not recover the motorhome, she could lose her campground. To top it off 4 people in the reenactment do not get up off the battle field the it is over.
  
  Will Hank get everything taken care of? Or will Mae and her friends step in as always?
  
  A fun read that has a lot of twists that will keep the reader glued to the pages. The characters and setting were remarkable and you will fill like you are inside the book with the characters.
  
  I would recommend reading the series in order.
• 
  Heidi Prockish

  This series is so much fun. While you can read out of order, I would recommend reading in order to get some of the back story for the characters.
  
  Light and funny, but it still kept me interested. Tonya Kappes is a great author and this one did not disappoint. I love to camp so I was drawn into the series right away. I love how much Mae has fixed up the campground and how she has become part of the community. I have never spent time at a laundry mat, but I think it is so fun how those friends have become the Laundry Club. Those women have each others backs.
  
  I totally had no idea what was really happening with the escaped prisoner and the stolen church money. My guesses were all wrong and I couldn't put the book down until I found out. I cannot wait to see what happens next! I am so glad I have so many books to look forward too.
• 
  Jessica Robbins

  *I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
  
  Just when I think this series cannot get any better Kappes writes another one just to prove me wrong. Mae has become quite comfortable at the campground by this point and is even dating Hank for a short time. The town is getting ready for a big battle reenactment that they do every year when they get the news of an escaped convict from the local prison that puts them all on edge. Events end up snow-balling from there with one thing after another until we hit the surprising ending. Wonderfully written full of Southern charm, humor, and enough mystery to keep you hooked. A must read for cozy mystery fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
• 
  Sandy Bartles

  This book is so exciting! I have never been to a war re-enactment before and this story shows us some of the highlights of one. I felt so sorry for Mae, what with all the things that kept going wrong for her. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book, but I have also pre-ordered the book.
• 
  Jennifer

  3.5 stars
• 
  Tammy Hudson

  Another hit by Tonya Kappes. Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder. This is a great mystery story it has a lot of twists and turns. I love the laundry club these ladies are amazing. It has a civil war reanactmet, murder and mayhem. I loved the line about the mini Gatlinburg. I enjoyed the RV hacks and receipes I would highly recommend.
  
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
• 
  Shawn

  I love the friendships, the craziness of the characters and the narrator is perfect!
• 
  A.M. Heath

  I love the stories but can't continue reading them
  
  I was loving this series so much. You can ask any of my reading friends. It was all I talked about. But as entertaining as these books are, as cozy as the setting (and it is cozy!), and despite how intriguing and well planned the mysteries are, the writing is just too sloppy to truly enjoy. I can look past grammar errors because my books are not flawless. I can over look a mistake or two in the details. But the further I read in the series, the more inconsistent they became. For example: Within 2 books, one character's backstory claimed she was a bartender, then a chef, then she was being taught to cook. (Most of this is narration, so it's not a lying character.) In this particular mystery, Mae learns from the librarian that they don't track who borrows the maps but she intends to create a system. A few chapters later, she finds out from someone else some of the same information but it's as if she had never heard it before. And this time, she is told that they do track who borrows the maps. She even confronts the librarian with this info, so it wasn't a matter of someone lying. And then she decides she can't visit someone because they left town the night before. Within two chapters, she's driving to her house with the intent to see her.
  The story, its characters, and setting are truly addicting, but I may not be continuing.
• 
  Yvonne

  Another fun book in this series. With each book you get to know the characters more and more. The main character, Mae West, has had so much character growth since the first book. She's really come a long way and I look forward to seeing what's next in store for her.
  
  I listened to it on audio and I really enjoy the narration. The narrator does a great job and always makes me feel like I'm right there in the middle of the story.
  
  
• 
  ✴ Cindy ✴

  Hank put an arm around me and kissed me on the temple. “It’s cute how your adorable brain works. You playing detective and all when Colonel has already declared a self-inflicted wound.”
  
  This is an actual line from the book. Misogynist jerk hero that is made to be a good guy. Nope, not buying it.
• 
  Kim

  Mae West and her friends from the Laundry Club are taking part in a Civil War Reenactment and the after party celebration. However, nothing seems to go as planned, just before the reenactment a serial killer escapes from prison. He has promised the jurors who found him guilty, he would have his revenge. When a few of the dead bodies on the battlefield are found to be real dead bodies Mae can’t help but get pulled into the investigation. While roadblocks are set up and everyone is looking for the serial killer, one of the Happy Trails guests has their RV stolen. This is only one more crime that Mae feels she has to solve and fast.
  
  This is definitely one of my favorite cozy series. As soon as I know another book is about to be released I can’t help but get excited. Tonya Kappes is a gifted storyteller. Her books are full of humor, southern charm, and suspense. I love almost all the characters in this book. When there is a character I don’t like, it seems they always to get what is coming to them in the end or they surprise you by doing the right thing. Either way, you enjoy the book even more for their part in the storyline. I love how this group of friends will do almost anything for one another and when something goes wrong they are there for one another. The imagery Tonya uses paints a wonderful picture of each scene, I almost feel like I am there with Mae at Happy Trails or in the town of Normal. The book was a quick read for me as I was drawn if from the first page. The plot is fast paced but this does not take away from the suspense or mystery of whodunit. There are always several well placed red herrings to keep the reader engaged and guessing until the big reveal. I am looking forward to the next book!
  
  A bonus for the camping fans: the book includes recipes and camping hacks. I recommend this books to fans of the series, fans of Tonya Kappes, and mystery lovers. It can be enjoyed as a stand-alone mystery but the whole series is worth READING.
  
  I received an ARC of this book in hopes I would give a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own and in no way have been influenced.
• 
  Vivian

  I love this quirky series! Lots going on in this latest release - just as the town is gearing up for its annual battle reenactment, a serial killer escapes from prison and is on the loose in Normal set on revenge. Mae has her own problems - an expensive motorhome is stolen from her campground which, if not recovered, could force her into bankruptcy. A wonderful cast of characters make this series come alive - and I always have an urge to go camping when I finish a book in this series! I highly recommend this book as well as the others in the series.
  
  Note: I did receive an ARC of this book, but I am leaving a review voluntarily.
• 
  Micky Cox

  Things have gone haywire at the campground when a serial killer escapes, an RV is stolen, money is missing from the church and more! The laundry club gals need to figure it all out before Mae loses everything dear to her including her life! An intriguing mix of personalities that make up a group of friends mixed with southern charm and humor to entertain you for hours!
• 
  Kathleen

  “Motorhomes, Maps & Murder” earns 5/5 Southern Sleuths…Clever and Engaging!!
  
  I have been a fan of Tonya Kappes’s Cozy work through her “ghostly,” “magical,” “caffeinated,” and “ghost whispering” so I knew to expect her clever plot lines, engaging narrative, wonderful characters, and an entertaining southern twist. I was not disappointed. I am a bit late to the party with her newest series, but grandma always said, “better late, than later.”
  
  Wow! Tonya has me hooked…again! I started with the fifth book, and for this newbie, there were plenty of references to keep me engaged: Mae’s past, husband’s crimes, her atonement. After ten months, Mae West has been accepted into the community, continued renovations of her campground, and made friends. She learns Civil War reenactments are very serious business, especially in the South, but as a first-time participant, she didn't realize how serious. Maps? Check! Scripts? Check! Costumes? Check! Well, almost everyone has picked up their “real, true to life uniforms.” Preacher Hager is a no-show and Mae’s boyfriend Sheriff Hank Sharp rushed off leaving his behind. Their absence becomes clear when Mae learns convicted killer Greaser Gadie has escaped from prison greatly worrying several residents since he had threatened the jury that he’d “come back…and kill [them]...” So, it's no surprise when two reenactment actors end up murdered, a fugitive hunt goes active, and Normal, Kentucky, is less than normal. The murder mystery is well-developed including more victims, suspects, intriguing motives, and an “I didn't see that coming” ending. She penned an engaging first-person narrative with Mae’s “I” perspective sharing her inner thoughts, vivid descriptions, and engaging banter. I really enjoy how Tonya always sprinkles her “southerness” into her work with tone, ideas, and manners. Then the extras Tonya does well to include. “Recipes and Cleaning Hacks From Mae West and Other Women From Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails. Campground.” I enjoyed the three clever RV Hacks and especially easy-to-follow recipes for No-Mess Campfire Omelets, Mary Elizabeth Doyle’s Easy Cinnamon Rolls (Milkery B&B), and Campfire Banana Boats.
  
  "Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest comments and insights."
• 
  Karen Stallman

  Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is the 5th addition to the Camper & Criminals cozy mystery series. You can read as a stand alone mystery but I recommend reading all these books in order as you get to know all the characters and have a better feel of the town etc. If you are a kindle unlimited subscriber you can read this series for FREE.
  
  Springtime in Normal means the town is getting ready for the Civil War reenactment. A serial killer has escaped from prison, two murders have occurred and an RV is stolen from the grounds of Happy Trails Campground. What else can go wrong??
  
  The Laundry club ladies as well as the other quirky residents of Normal will have you smiling or laughing frequently throughout this Southern cozy mystery. I like the addition of Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adopted mother, who means well, but her talkative nature can spill the beans. There is plenty of action and suspense throughout this series and I'm never disappointed.
  
  I enjoy Tonya's writing style as it seems to always draw me into the story and hold my attention until the end. I like the setting of the campground and the quaint southern town of normal with its off-beat characters. Growing up we did lots of hiking and camping in the Canadian national parks so I can picture the scene in my mind especially the way it's described in the book. As a dog lover I enjoyed the addition of "Chester" a hunting dog to the story.
  
  There are recipes and cleaning hacks at the end of the book. I look forward to returning to Normal in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced, unpolished, electronic copy of this book. I pre-ordered a paperback version to add to my collection because I enjoying the series so much.
• 
  Miss W Book Reviews

  Motorhomes, Maps & Murder is Book 5 in the super fun Camper and Criminal Cozy Mystery Series.
  
  This book and series is set in Normal , Kentucky and you guessed it, nothing is normal here!
  
  Mae West, yes that is her real name, is the owner of Happy Trails Campground, has a part in the local Civil War reenactment , Battle at Camp Wildcat. I just absolutely love Civil War Reenactments, they are so fun. Well, usually they are, this one does not go quite as planned and two of the people in the reenactment are actually really dead, murdered. There is a serial killer on the loose in Normal!
  
  Not only that but a camper was stolen from Happy Trails and the owners are suing her to try and take over Happy Trails.
  
  I think this is my favorite book in the series so far, okay I always say that, but this book is SO good! The characters are so complex and keep evolving from book to book. I really enjoyed the Civil War Reenactment story line and also the serial killer on the loose . The plot is so well woven , and the ending was quite shocking.
  
  This author is so good and creating scenes and characters that bring you right into the book from Page 1. I cannot wait for the next book in this Series to see what Mae and her tribe are up to next!
  
  I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.