Don't Forget Me: a mystery suspense

Don’t Forget Me by Rea Frey is a mystery suspense of murder and suspicion. All Ruby Knight wanted was a fresh start. Taking an early retirement, she moves to a tight knot community with her husband, Tom, and her daughter, Lily. However, their fresh start doesn’t last long. First, Lily goes missing and then her husband. In order to cope with her grief, Ruby turns to her neighborhood friends and new hobbies including a murder club where they try to solve cold cases. While on a run, Ruby Knight discovers a body in the lake. When the body is identified as Tom, every one is sure it is him except Ruby. As she digs into her own past and the lives of her neighbors, she realizes that there are secrets that raise more questions than answers. She must now find a way to clear her name and find the truth. 

I haven’t read anything by Rea Frey before but I was intrigued by the description that I wanted to give it a chance. The story started off well as a body is discovered that everyone says is her husband but she doesn’t recognize him. With great suspense and twists and turns, it would have made for a great mystery. However, I didn’t like the characters, the story and the twists were not truly shocking. There were jumps in time without any indication of where and when the characters were. A lot of the conservations that happen between neighbors in text form which would be a great device but it happened way too often. By the end, I didn’t care for the characters or what happened and the ending seemed sloppy. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend Don’t Forget Me. 

Don’t Forget Me is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Hired Man: the Dust Bowl, a mysterious drifter and a murder

The Hired Man by Sandra Dallas is a story of a stranger who walks into a small town in Colorado and leaves a mystery in his wake. In 1937, the Dust Bowl ravaged the country and rain clouds were a distant memory. Martha Helen Kessler and her family have been luckier than most people in their small town, just barely. When a handsome drifter, Otis Hobbs, helps rescue a local boy who got lost in a dust storm, Martha Helen’s mother extends kindness and offers the man lodging and work for as long as he wants to stay. However, suspicion, jealousy and prejudice floods the town as people look down on Otis. These feelings intensify as Martha Helen’s best friend, Frankie, is found murdered. She is now faced with conflicting feelings as she struggles with questions. Was Otis responsible? Was he simply the scapegoat? What truly happened to her friend? 

The Hired Man is a dark and gritty story of one young woman’s journey from childlike innocence to experiencing the darker side of people and the dangers that could be lurking around her. Ms Dallas’s description of the dust bowl, the scenery and the devastating effects was very detailed and vivid. It was heartbreaking to know the horrors people experienced during this uncertain time of environmental and economic uncertainties. Martha Helen was a strong character and I enjoyed her growth throughout the story. I also enjoyed Martha Helen’s parents as they extended help to those who needed it. The mystery of who murdered Frankie was left ambiguous and the resolution was disappointing. There were more questions than answers. Overall, I enjoyed this story of the life struggles and dangers during the Dust Bowl; however, the mystery was lackluster. If you enjoy historical drama with a bit of mystery, I recommend The Hired Man. 

The Hired Man will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on March 31, 2026. 

The Bookbinder's Secret: one book's secret and one woman's journey to discover it

The Bookbinder’s Secret by A.D. Bell is a story of how one book tells a secret and one woman’s journey to discover it. Lillian “Lily” Delaney is an apprentice to a master bookbinder in Oxford in 1901 and feels trapped. Trapped by her father’s failing bookshop. Trapped by still being an apprentice. When she is given a burned book by a book collector, where she finds something hidden binding, a letter speaking of love, fortune, and murder. Lilly is pulled into a mystery of young lovers, forbidden love, and discovers there are more books with more hidden secrets. She quickly becomes obsessed with the story and that obsession becomes dangerous. She discovers someone is looking for the same books and is ready to kill for them. As she searches, sinister forces are closing in and her life begins to fall apart, she must decide if the truth is worth her life. 

The Bookbinder’s Secret is a slow moving train at first as Lilly discovers the hidden letter. As she innocently searches for the truth, she doesn’t realize she is being watched until it is too late. The train speeds up and I was hooked as Lilly is determined to find the truth, find the individuals in the letter, solve the mystery and restore her life as best she can. I loved the look into bookbinding and the cutthroat business of book collecting. The pieces to the mystery were intriguing as well. There is a cast of unsavory characters whom Lilly must trust despite the danger she is in and the reveal of who is behind it all was a shocker! Overall, I enjoyed this story and when I closed the book I sat in awe at the twists and turns. If you enjoy historical fiction with a mystery, I highly recommend The Bookbinder’s Secret. 

The Bookbinder’s Secret is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

Every Reasonable Doubt: a legal suspense thriller

Every Reasonable Doubt is the first book in the Vernetta Henderson series by Pamela Samuels Young. Vernetta Henderson comes off a victory in a case which yielded the biggest verdicts of her career. While looking forward to some downtime, Vernetta is quickly partnered with Neddy McClain to take on the defense for the biggest murder case of their careers. The two women aren’t thrilled to be working together; however, they must put aside their strained relationship for the case. Their client, socialite Tina Montgomery, is charged with the brutal murder of her husband, Max Montgomery, a high profile businessman. As Vernetta prepares for trial, she feels the pressures from all areas of her life: home, career, and public opinion. What she doesn’t count on is the new bond formed with Neddy. Can they prove Tina’s innocence beyond every reasonable doubt? 

Every Reasonable Doubt is my first book by Pamela Samuels Young and it starts off running. The opening prologue readers witness the brutal murder and it leads into a fast paced whodunnit. I liked Vernetta from the start and the initial conflict with Neddy was tense. I liked Neddy as well. Her no nonsense attitude makes her a great character. The suspense was good. I was constantly questioning if Tina really did kill her husband or not. There were plenty of suspects to cast doubt on the case. I liked that there was enough legalese to inform readers about the process without bogging down the story. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to more cases with Vernetta Henderson. If you enjoy legal suspenseful thrillers, I highly recommend Every Reasonable Doubt. 

Every Reasonable Doubt is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

So This is Christmas: the magic of Christmas is shattered by a horrifying crime

So This is Christmas is the eleventh book in the best selling Hart’s Ridge series by Kay Bratt. The small town of Hart’s Ridge is glowing with holiday magic as the quaint town is decked with festive lights and holiday cheer that draws visitors from all around. However, this year, Deputy Taylor Gray hopes for a quiet holiday as she recovers and learns how to enjoy her new role as the family celebrates. However, in another part of town, the peace and quiet of the Christmas spirit is shattered when four bodies are discovered. Detective Shane Weaver must solve this crime without Taylor as she becomes torn between her promise to Sam to stay out of the investigation and focus on her recovery and her sworn duty to keep the town safe. Who would do such a horrendous act at Christmas? And can Taylor keep her promise? Will Shane leave her out of it? 

The Hart’s Ridge series just keeps getting better and better! To say that I enjoyed this story would be an understatement. Inspired by real life crime stories, So This is Christmas takes readers on a journey into the unthinkable and asks the question what would drive someone to commit such a crime. So This is Christmas opens with the shocking crime as a family is gunned down and keeps readers on the edge of their seats as the twists and turns come at a fast pace. Intertwined with the case, Taylor is faced with a decision: when will she realize that taking time for yourself and your health isn’t selfish but necessary? It is a question that many caregivers must face. What will be Taylor’s breaking point? If you are a fan of the Hart’s Ridge series, I highly, highly recommend So This is Christmas! If you have not yet started the series, I highly, highly recommend it. 

So This is Christmas is currently available in eBook

A Familiar Stranger: a mystery, psychological thriller with many twists and turns

A Familiar Stranger by AR Torre is a mystery, psychological thriller. Lillian Smith leads an ordinary life. She writes obituaries, posts tweets about mysterious deaths and deals with her inattentive husband and a disconnected son. When she meets David, a handsome stranger, in a coffee shop, she can’t help but invent a new persona and lures herself into an affair. With no strings and with the excitement she is missing and craves. She has never felt so reckless and wanted but as her affair intensifies, she begins to ignore everything else in her life. When her affair finds its way to her son’s social media, everything she has worked for is at risk. With lie after lie, her world spins out of control. What she doesn’t realize is she isn’t the only one leading a double life. 

A Familiar Stranger is an interesting mystery with a few twists and turns that lead to an unexpected culprit. Every character is hiding behind walls of lies and deceit. And no character being worthy of redemption with their comeuppance waiting in the wings, there were many moving parts and secrets at play. The timeline follows before, during and after a death, it is a slow burn at first until the victim and the suspects spin at high speed to cover their tracks. Who is the victim? Why were they killed?  Who is the killer? Will they be discovered or will they get away with the murder? The ending was surprising. Overall, I enjoyed this story and look forward to other works by Ms. Torre. If you enjoy mystery, psychological thrillers, I recommend A Familiar Stranger. 

A Familiar Stranger is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook. 

Looking for Smoke: a story of murder, mystery and a stark reality for Native women

Looking for Smoke by KA Cobell is a young adult fiction of murder, mystery and a very real situation plaguing young Native women. Mara Racette recently moved to the Blackfeet Reservation with her parents and is on the outside looking in. When Loren Arnoux includes her in a traditional Blackfeet giveaway to honor her missing sister, Rayanne, Mara thinks she is finally making friends. However, when Samantha White Tail, another girl from the giveaway, is found murdered, everyone who was a part of the giveaway becomes a person of interest. Each one may have had a motive. From Mara and Loren to Brody Clark, the class clown, and tough guy Eli First Kill, each with a deep mistrust of each, take the matter into their own hands to clear their names. Can they discover the truth? Is one of them a murderer?

I love stories about Native Indigenous people and their culture and struggles. So when the opportunity to read Looking for Smoke came up, I jumped at it. In a powerful debut novel, Ms. Cobell weaved a story of loss, betrayal and mystery that was engaging with a shocking twist and surprise that had my jaw on the floor! Weaved through the story is the very real nightmare of missing and murdered native women. The statistics the author discussed at the end of the book were heartbreaking and horrifying! The characters were complex and the growth throughout the story was great. The imagery and the descriptions of the festivals and rituals were breathtaking. I could not put this story down and read well into the night. I am looking forward to reading more stories by KA Cobell. I highly, highly recommend Looking for Smoke. 

Looking for Smoke will be available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook on June 4, 2024

The Perfect Marriage: a disappointing psychological thriller

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose is a domestic psychological thriller of whodunit? Sarah Morgan is a successful and powerful defense attorney in Washington DC. She has been named a partner at her firm at 33 years old and life is going exactly as she planned. However, her husband, Adam, has been a struggling writer with only one successful book to his name. Tired of being second to Sarah’s career, out in the secluded woods of their second home, Adam has a passionate affair with Kelly Summers. But when Kelly is found murdered in the cabin, Adam is arrested for her murder, the image of Sarah’s perfect life comes crumbling down. She finds herself defending Adam against murder charges. She asks herself is he guilty or innocent? Should she even be defending him in the first place? Who killed Kelly Summers? 

I was excited to read this book as I repeatedly saw it on social media. So when the chance came up to read it, I grabbed it. Sadly, it did not live up to the hype. From the opening chapters to the very unsatisfying ending, I could not believe what I just read. There were no likable or relatable characters. I felt insulted and demeaned at every turn by Sarah and her friends. There were so many holes in the entire case that any lawyer worth his or her salt would see. Throughout the story, I had a nagging feeling that the story felt familiar. When I got to the end, I realized why, (I won’t reveal it as it is a spoiler). It was disappointing, especially as the book is advertised as a “completely gripping psychological suspense.” I do not recommend The Perfect Marriage. 

The Perfect Marriage is available in paperback and eBook

Insects, Ivy and Investigations: personal turmoil and murder

Insects, Ivy and Investigations by Tonya Kappes is the seventeenth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. More turmoil for Mae as Alicia Becker shows up at The Milkery door. Beaten, bruised and openly hostile toward Mae, Alicia was one of Mary Elizabeth’s foster children after Mae left town. Mae is immediately suspicious of Alicia and when she is found over the dead body of Craig Sutton, her suspicions rise even more. Craig Sutton is the ex-boyfriend of Alicia. Why was he in Normal? Did Alicia kill him or is Alicia being set up? Despite her misgivings, Mae and the Laundry Ladies set out to solve this case. 

Wow! Mae is dealing with a lot in this story. First, the open hostility from Alicia and her questionable motives for being in Normal. And second, her relationship with Hank is at a crossroads. She is unsure where they’ll end up. Then add a murder investigations which will affect them all. At the beginning, I was irritated with Mae’s attitude but by the end of the book, my heart was breaking for her. I’m looking forward to seeing how her relationship with Hank plays out and their future in Normal. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I recommend Insects, Ivy and Investigations and the rest of the Camper and Criminals series. 

Insects, Ivy and Investigations is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hello Goodbye: a shocking murder and closure to a deeply personal case

Hello Goodbye by Kay Bratt is the seventh book of the Hart’s Ridge series. The once tranquil small town of Hart’s Ridge is once again rocked to the core with a shocking crime which leaves two parents brutally murdered and three adopted children orphaned. With twists and turns, the couple’s seemingly perfect image is opened to secrets and possible motives. Deputy Taylor Gray throws herself into solving the case while dealing with turmoil in her personal life. First, Sam, her fiancé, is blindsided by the sudden appearance of a 12 year old girl, Alice, claiming to be his daughter. Second, there is a sudden development from a case from her personal past that could threaten her entire family. Even in a small town, there are secrets hidden in every nook and cranny, is the killer hiding among them? 

From the opening chapter, Hello Goodbye hits readers with a brutal crime and the mystery swirls to secrets, lies and the usual suspects. The case itself was intriguing and engaging. Will the killer be a surprise? Unfortunately, I found Taylor hard to like in this story. While she usually has a hardened exterior, with hidden emotions, I found her a little too harsh and a few times, I even commented out loud with “Yikes, Taylor.” I like Sam more and more with each book and I loved how he opened himself to the possibility of being Alice’s father and engaged in a relationship with her. Overall, Hello Goodbye was an engaging, roller coaster of a story which kept me guessing until the end. I highly recommend Hello Goodbye as well as the rest of the Hart’s Ridge series. 

Hello Goodbye is available in paperback and eBook

Eggnog, Extortion and Evergreens: when a man dies in a the ER, is it a natural death or murder?

Eggnog, Extortion and Evergreens by Tonya Kappes is the fourteenth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. The Christmas season is a busy time for Mae as she fills her time with the first annual Winter Festival and the slow season at the campground. However, curvy roads and freshly fallen snow hides hidden dangers as Mae gets into a car accident and falls into a coma. Mae is lucky as she wakes up with a few bruises and a concussion but the patient next to her wasn’t so lucky. Randy Lenz, a local businessman, dies from what seems to be natural causes. As Mae recovers and struggles with swirling memories of her past, present and a nagging feeling that Mr Lenz was murdered. Can she fully remember what she heard that night? Can she convince anyone else that there’s a crime to be solved? 

This story opens with a scary scene as Mae is rushed from the accident site to the ER and she drifts into and out of consciousness. Of course, overhearing a suspicious conversation about the patient next to her brings her from her coma. This story definitely had a different feel as Mae’s friends and loved ones are seemingly keeping her in the dark. Why? Mae soon finds out and she springs into action as only Mae can. I thoroughly enjoyed Mae and her determination as she heals and shows how strong she truly is. I also enjoyed the more loving way Hank is treating Mae. I smiled as he seemed to reveal a more tender side. I look forward to reading more of the fun adventures in Normal. I highly recommend Eggnog, Extortion and Evergreens as well as the previous books in this series. 

Eggnog, Extortion and Evergreens is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Gear, Grills and Guns: another normal adventure in Normal, Kentucky

Gear, Grills and Guns is the thirteen book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. Mae West is the newest appointed member on the National Park Committee and she is taking the job seriously. She feels the need to prove she deserves to be there. She walks the new trails and she brings a big car show to Normal to fill in the slower fall month. But when Wendell Holliday, a car show participant, is found dead and a fire at a campground has Mae and the ladies of the Laundry Club back at work. The suspect list seems to be short. Is someone trying to cover up one crime with another? 

Gear, Grills and Guns was a fast read. While the suspect list was short and there was an obvious suspect number 1. However, after having read many mysteries before, I had a nagging feeling there was something more and, of course, there was! While I have been enjoying this series, this book seemed to be out of character for the series. The car show, the murder and the fire seemed to be more of a background story as Mae is dealing more with her past trauma. But I loved how tender Hank was with Mae as she dealt with the overwhelming emotions. Overall, I enjoyed Gear, Grills and Guns and I look forward to the rest of this series. 

Gear, Grills and Guns is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Kickbacks, Kayaks and Kidnapping: competition and jealousy ends in murder and kidnapping

 Kickbacks, Kayaks and Kidnapping is the twelfth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series by Tonya Kappes. Mae West has found a home in the small southern town of Normal, Kentucky. Despite her rocky start, she has become a beloved member of the town and her efforts to help the rundown Happy Trails Campground thrive have paid off. And her efforts are being noticed. The campground is in the running for the Campground Hospitality Award of the Daniel Boone National Park, but she has been offered a vacant seat on the park’s committee. To add to her efforts, she has organized Paddle Fests and a kayak competition which brings champion and Olympian kayaker Bryce Anderson to Normal. Everything comes crashing down when Bryce is discovered dead. When his death is ruled a homicide, Mae and the Laundry Club ladies once again put their sleuthing skills to use to find a killer. 

How many times can the reputation of the Happy Trails Campground and Normal be in jeopardy? A few times in fact. Once again, a murder linked to the campground throws a monkey wrench into the thriving plans. Mae immediately jumps into action and discovers a twisted trail of clues and a long list of suspects. This mystery kept me on my toes and I wasn’t sure who the killer was until the reveal. I enjoyed how Mae, despite her sleuthing reputation, stays humble and her motivation is simply to help Normal to continue to thrive. It’s not her fault that murders seem to happen in and around her campground. Overall, I enjoyed Kickbacks, Kayaks and Kidnapping. It was a nice addition to the series and I look forward to next adventure in Normal. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I recommend Kickbacks, Kayaks and Kidnapping as well as the rest of the Campers and Criminals series. 

Kickbacks, Kayaks, and Kidnapping is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Sunsets, Sabbatical, and Scandal: a dating app, a hacker stealing money and murder

Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal by Tonya Kappes is the tenth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Some of the local single gals are on a dating app and someone has hacked into several bank accounts and drained the funds. But the smalltown of Normal, Kentucky is shocked and shaken when one of their own is found dead on the floor of the diner. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies aren’t about to sit idly by as a murderer is on the loose. When a connection to Mae’s hometown pops up in the investigation, she must face a past she has tried to keep away. Who has murdered their beloved friend and citizen? And who is their hacker? Are they one and the same? 

Tonya Kappes has really found a rhythm with this cozy mystery series. When I first started the series, I wasn’t sure if I would enjoy continuing. But I kept going and now I’m hooked. Learning more about Mae’s past was heartbreaking. The discovery of the victim was shocking; however the capture of the killer was oh so satisfying. I enjoyed seeing more of Hank and Mae’s relationship become closer and closer. I am thoroughly enjoying this series and I look forward to the many books in the future. These books are a great way to spend a lazy afternoon reading and so engaging that you will have a hard time putting them down. I recommend Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal.  

Sunsets, Sabbatical and Scandal is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Valleys, Vehicles, and Victims: wedding drama and old feuds

 Valleys, Vehicles and Victims is the ninth book in the Camper and Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. The gorgeous colors of fall have painted the Daniel Boone National Forest. The picturesque beauty is a popular choice for weddings. When a wedding party shows up at the Happy Trails Campground, Mae is thrilled. However, that feeling doesn’t last long as she recognizes the bride’s parents. They are her past. A past she has desperately tried to escape. But this family isn’t any old high society people. They are Tom and Misty Moon, the owners of the famous Moonbucks Coffee Company! Pushing aside their past association, Mae is determined to provide the couple with an amazing wedding of their dreams. There is someone else in town that has bad blood with the Moons, specifically Tom. Gert Hobson, the owner of Trails Coffee Shop, swears that Tom stole her recipe that became the special Moonbucks blend. A public fight and a very public threat makes Gert a prime suspect when one of the members of the wedding party is found murdered. It’s up to Mae  and the Laundry Club ladies to clear their friend’s name. 

This series has been so much fun and each book gets better and better. I loved the opening pages as Ms. Kappes paints the beautiful fall colors of Kentucky and I desperately wish I could be there to see it. Right off the bat, as the drama stirs around the wedding party, there isn’t a shortage of suspects when the victim is discovered. I love how Mae rallies behind Gert and is determined to prove her innocence even if it puts her in danger. I also love that it’s never the first suspect or even the one the characters suspect. The twist comes in complete surprise! I even had to turn back and find the subtle clue that I had read over. I also enjoyed reading the camping tips Ms Kappes included at the end. They will be handy if and when I’m ever camping. Also the recipes at the end sound so yummy! Overall, Valleys, Vehicles and Victims was so much fun to read that I could not put it down. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will enjoy the Campers and Criminals series. I highly recommend Valleys, Vehicles and Victims! 

Valleys, Vehicles and Victims is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Assailants, Asphalt, and Alibis: a tall tale, a treasure hunt and murder

Assailants, Asphalt, and Alibis is the eighth book in the Campers and Criminals series by Tonya Kappes. During a night of telling stories around the campfire, one storyteller tells the tall tales of John Swift and his hidden treasure. Every year groups of people follow maps in the hopes of finding the long lost treasures. Mae and some of the ladies from the Laundry Club join the annual John Swift Excursion. Hank thinks the legend is gibberish and mentions the treasure hunts are cursed. Not deterred, the ladies set out and are enjoying themselves until not one but two bodies are discovered! Is there a murderer among them or has the curse struck again? 

I love tall tales, local legends and the people who get behind them whether they believe it or just like the fun of it. That’s the two groups in this story. One group wholeheartedly believes in the legend and search every year and others enjoy the hoopla around it. This year, one who wholeheartedly believes in the legend is found dead and there is no shortage of suspects. When another body is found, fear follows as Mae wonders is it a murderer or the curse? The twist revealed at the end was a complete surprise, one I thoroughly enjoyed! This series is a fun read, easy for an afternoon or two of reading. I highly recommend Assailants, Asphalts and Alibis. 

Assailants, Asphalt and Alibis is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide: what does an old bank robbery and a new murder have in common?

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide by Tonya Kappes is the seventh book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. To celebrate the opening of the new Old Train Station motel’s grand opening, everyone is excited for the Hoe Down. The fun evening comes to an abrupt end when a sudden storm brings lightning and knocks out the power. And it always seems that Mae West finds herself in familiar territory as she discovers the body of Jay Russel, a local trainer. As she follows the clues and rumors of an old bank robbery and shady business deals, she discovers the motive for motive is much, much more dangerous. Can she discover the link between the murder and the rumors before it’s too late? 

How can one small town have so much crime? It seems to be normal for Normal, Kentucky. Luckily, Mae West and her Laundry Club friends are on the case. Despite the disapproval of her boyfriend, Sheriff Hank Sharp, Mae can’t help herself as her curiosity pulls her in. Even after one of her dearest friends is implicated in the murder, Mae knows she cannot stop until she finds the truth. This series is filled with fun, exciting suspense as Mae follows the trail with twists and turns as she, and readers, are on the hunt for the killer. If you enjoy a fun small town setting with a bit of mystery, I highly recommend Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide as well as the rest of the series. 

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers: murder, rumors and conspiracy

Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers by Tonya Kappes is the sixth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West is asked to teach a semester on small town economics as she helped the economy in Normal thrive as she revamped the Happy Trails Campground. She is thrilled as it is a far cry from her image when she first arrived in town. But when a teacher and archery coach is found dead at the campground, it puts a damper on the campground and her excitement to teach. Of course, Mae begins to investigate and more bodies are piling up. She learns they are all tied to the school. Can she discover the killer’s identity and uncover a conspiracy? 

Tonya Kappes’ Campers and Criminals Cozy Mysteries are so fun to read. I thoroughly enjoy Mae as she gains more and more confidence, leaving her past behind her and finally finding a true home. Her eclectic group of friends, known as the Laundry Club, joins her in her sleuthing activities. The identity of the killer was a shocker as well as the motive. This book also introduces Hank’s sister, Ellis, and it will be interesting the role or drama she plays in future books. I highly recommend Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers as well as the rest of the series. If you enjoy cozy mysteries, you will enjoy the Campers and Criminals series and Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers. 

Canyons, Caravans, and Cadavers is available in paperback, eBook, and audiobook

Christmas, Criminals and Campers: Mae West is at it again!

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is the fourth book in the Campers and Criminals Cozy Mystery by Tonya Kappes. Librarian Abby Fawn is fangirling when her favorite romance author, Nadine White, is coming to Normal! Nadine is renting a cozy camper at the Happy Trails Campgrounds for the winter months in order to write her next novel. Unfortunately, Abby is heartbroken to learn that Nadine is nothing like her public persona and even uses a ghostwriter. Nadine is a fraud in her eyes. When Nadine is found dead in the local library, Abby Fawn is now suspect number one! Of course, Mae West steps up and uses her sleuthing skills to clear Abby and find the real killer. 

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is a very fun and engaging addition to the series. It is my favorite story so far in the series. It has a great mystery with a nice twist and a fast paced story. I am enjoying Mae’s further development. More and more of her history is being revealed and readers are beginning to understand why she behaves the way she does. She is a fighter. A fighter for herself and those she cares for. I enjoyed the addition of new characters to the Normal community. I enjoyed the further development of Mae and Hank’s relationship. I recommend Christmas, Criminals and Campers as well as the first three books in the series. 

Christmas, Criminals and Campers is available in paperback, eBook, audiobook. 

Storming Meg: a disappointing second chance romance suspense mystery

Storming Meg by Pamela Burford is the first book in the Wild Ones series. Meg Wolf was planning on spending Thanksgiving with her quirky relatives on her uncle’s private island with her three daughters and her fiancé, Winston. The person she didn’t expect to be there was her ex-husband, Jack. When a violent nor’easter storm leaves them stranded, their only option is to wait it out. When the storm takes out the electricity, she finds herself fighting to resist her sexy ex. The situation gets more complicated when her uncle is found dead at the bottom of the stairs and one of them is a murderer. Everyone has a motive and fingers start pointing as accusations fly. Will they find the murderer? Can they survive the weekend? 

With a book blurb like this, you would expect a steamy suspense story, right? Maybe for some readers; but for me, it fell horribly flat. Right from the opening chapter, I did not care for Meg. Her relatives weren’t quirky, they were downright cruel and vindictive. The only person I liked and cheered for was Jack and even that was difficult at times. Advertised as “a witty romantic suspense novel about second chances,” I didn’t find any humor in the story at all. Many cringey moments and eye rolling dialogue, though. The sex scenes were quite explicit. I don’t mind steamy but geez louise! I did not like Storming Meg. It was essentially a game of Clue with a romance thrown in. I do not recommend Storming Meg. 

Storming Meg is available in eBook.