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Camper & Criminals #15
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies
Solving murders come easy for Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies. Trying to solve a cold case is proving a bit challenging.
Mae has been having memories about the house fire that killed her family, leaving her orphaned.
As a child she couldn't do much to prove the fire wasn't an accident, but as an adult and with a group of friends to help, Mae is on the case to put the clues of the past together to bring out the truth.
Their investigation heats up making this cold case come to a rolling boil!
Mae has been having memories about the house fire that killed her family, leaving her orphaned.
As a child she couldn't do much to prove the fire wasn't an accident, but as an adult and with a group of friends to help, Mae is on the case to put the clues of the past together to bring out the truth.
Their investigation heats up making this cold case come to a rolling boil!
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 30, 2020
539 people are currently reading
982 people want to read
About the author
Tonya Kappes
284books3,474followersA Camper and Criminals Mystery is in development for a Hallmark Channel televsion show.
Tonya Kappes has written more than 180 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!
You can find her all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com .
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
ŷ
/author/show...
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Pinterest
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
Tonya Kappes has written more than 180 southern cozy mysteries, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today . Best known for stories charged with southern charm, emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband in northern Kentucky. Now that her four boys have flown out of the nest, Tonya writes full-time in her camper!
You can find her all over social media and at Tonyakappes.com .
Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
Webpage
tonyakappes.com
ŷ
/author/show...
For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 252 reviews
July 25, 2022
Sweetly intriguing
This is the 15th in this series of books by Tonya Kappes. This one involves the main character, Mae, returning to her hometown with her friends to reexamine the deaths of her family twenty years earlier. The characters are fun and deep enough and the stories are interesting with a bit of lightness. Enjoyable.
This is the 15th in this series of books by Tonya Kappes. This one involves the main character, Mae, returning to her hometown with her friends to reexamine the deaths of her family twenty years earlier. The characters are fun and deep enough and the stories are interesting with a bit of lightness. Enjoyable.
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December 31, 2020╔═�.�.═══════╗
� NEW RELEASE! �
══════.�.══�
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE!
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies
Book 15 in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery
AMAZON:
� NEW RELEASE! �
══════.�.══�
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE!
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies
Book 15 in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery
AMAZON:
November 17, 2021
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies by Tonya Kappes
Campers & Criminals book 15. Cozy mystery. Best read as part of the series in order.
Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies track down clues, gossip and old rumors from the fire of Mae’s childhood home and the death of her family when she was a small child.
Mae depends on old friends and friendships and memories from so long ago. It’s unlikely that she and her friends would be successful where the police and fire department were unable to solve the mystery but they do. I’m not sure anyone’s memories would be clear after twenty some years and at the young age that the fire occurred but maybe because it was such a traumatic event?
This story really stretched the believable boundaries but then that’s what the entire series does.
Light hearted, unlikely mystery solving using gossip and a neighborhood watch type setup.
This book does finally wrap up her childhood trauma that was increasingly part of the last 8 or so books.
🎧 I listened to this in audiobook format narrated by Johanna Parker. She does a great job with voice variations but because of the southern drawl, I listened at a faster than usual speed of 1.6. I also prefer this format to avoid the editing issues that are intrinsic to this authors text documents.
Campers & Criminals book 15. Cozy mystery. Best read as part of the series in order.
Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies track down clues, gossip and old rumors from the fire of Mae’s childhood home and the death of her family when she was a small child.
Mae depends on old friends and friendships and memories from so long ago. It’s unlikely that she and her friends would be successful where the police and fire department were unable to solve the mystery but they do. I’m not sure anyone’s memories would be clear after twenty some years and at the young age that the fire occurred but maybe because it was such a traumatic event?
This story really stretched the believable boundaries but then that’s what the entire series does.
Light hearted, unlikely mystery solving using gossip and a neighborhood watch type setup.
This book does finally wrap up her childhood trauma that was increasingly part of the last 8 or so books.
🎧 I listened to this in audiobook format narrated by Johanna Parker. She does a great job with voice variations but because of the southern drawl, I listened at a faster than usual speed of 1.6. I also prefer this format to avoid the editing issues that are intrinsic to this authors text documents.
August 17, 2021
This my favorite in the series so far.
And honestly, I was bored with the "theory" for the plot of this book, which was coming up in the last book or two. I'm glad I continued because I really enjoyed how the story unfolded.
And honestly, I was bored with the "theory" for the plot of this book, which was coming up in the last book or two. I'm glad I continued because I really enjoyed how the story unfolded.
April 23, 2024
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies by Tonya Kappes is the 15th book in the Camper and Criminals Mystery series. Mae West and the laundry club ladies travel back to her hometown of Perrysburg to investigate the fire that killed her family. This finally gives us answers to Mae's past and it is nice to see how everyone pitches in to help. An entertaining, quick and intriguing conclusion to the mystery that we have been building up to in the last books.
December 26, 2020
Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies by Tonya Kappes has Mae West heading to her hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers regarding the fire that killed her family. The fire was ruled an accident, but Mae’s recently regained memories suggest foul play may have been at work. The Laundry Club ladies are going with Mae to provide support and help with the investigation. Mae works to piece together the snippets of recovered memories along with information the ladies gather to arrive at the truth. Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies can be read as a standalone for those new to A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Everything a new reader needs to know is included. We are finally finding out what happened the night a fire destroyed Mae’s life. She lost her mother, father, and two younger sisters. This Southern cozy mystery contains Tonya Kappes� trademark writing. Her stories have great characters along with a good flow and humor. We depart from Normal, Kentucky for this tale and head to Mae’s hometown where she is determined to get answers. Mae and the Laundry Club ladies head out in a blue camper (road trip). It is wonderful how these ladies have become Mae’s family along with Hank Sharp, Dawn, and Mary Elizabeth. We get to see a different side of Mary Elizabeth in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies. The “mama bear� in her comes out (she is still about Southern manners, but we get to see her protective side). Mae reconnects with an old beau which brings out Hank’s jealousy (just a bit). We get to learn more about Mae and her childhood. I did feel the humor was missing in this story. There is some, but it is not on par with the other stories. Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a heavier story that the previous installments. I was curious about this whodunit. I wanted to know what happened the night of the fire, and I was eager to meet the suspects. I liked the added suspense. I could have done, though, without the repetition of information (I got it the first time). The ending left me smiling. Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies is a character driven cozy mystery with a cold case, tricky riddles, a fierce fire, missing memories plus faithful family and friends.
January 2, 2021
Ropes, Riddles & Robberies
A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #15
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Solving murders come easy for Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies. Trying to solve a cold case is proving a bit challenging.
Mae has been having memories about the house fire that killed her family, leaving her orphaned.
As a child she couldn't do much to prove the fire wasn't an accident, but as an adult and with a group of friends to help, Mae is on the case to put the clues of the past together to bring out the truth.
Their investigation heats up making this cold case come to a rolling boil! (ŷ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. The gang is all together again and everyone is in for a good time. Even though they have taken a road trip, they are still ready to solve a mystery. This time it is very personal because Mae is trying to solve the mystery of the house fire that took her family away from her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning. The mystery was well plotted and it was great the way that Mae was able to follow the clues from a mystery that happened a long time ago.
I would recommend this cozy mystery to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. In this series, the books just keep getting better.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery, Book #15
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Solving murders come easy for Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies. Trying to solve a cold case is proving a bit challenging.
Mae has been having memories about the house fire that killed her family, leaving her orphaned.
As a child she couldn't do much to prove the fire wasn't an accident, but as an adult and with a group of friends to help, Mae is on the case to put the clues of the past together to bring out the truth.
Their investigation heats up making this cold case come to a rolling boil! (ŷ)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. The gang is all together again and everyone is in for a good time. Even though they have taken a road trip, they are still ready to solve a mystery. This time it is very personal because Mae is trying to solve the mystery of the house fire that took her family away from her.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the beginning. The mystery was well plotted and it was great the way that Mae was able to follow the clues from a mystery that happened a long time ago.
I would recommend this cozy mystery to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. In this series, the books just keep getting better.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.
December 29, 2020
We have waited a long time for this book and it was certainly worth waiting for. Mae and her friends head back to her childhood home to investigate the death of Mae’s family. When I began reading this book I had to step away for a couple of days before going back to it as I was crying too much to go on. I was so sad. When I went back to the book, I was able to finish it in one sitting. This book is that good. I highly recommend this book!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.
December 20, 2020
"Ropes, Riddles & Robberies" the 15th instalment in the "Camper & Criminals � Mystery series by Tonya Kappes.
I really enjoyed this instalment in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I love Mae and the small town of Normal Kentucky but this time we are in Perrysburg, Kentucky. I am battling a sinus cold and needed an escape for few hours, so picked up Tonya’s book lol I ended up reading almost the whole night as I wanted to know what happened to Mae’s parents.
This mystery had a few suspects to choose from the Burkfields, robbers, other miners and I didn’t figure it out till just before Mae! I did suspect who but once again there were enough red herrings to change my mind. Now I am hoping we hear more about a few of the characters in Perrysburg, like Jami, and Kenny Jolly...
Also I wondering if Bobby Ray has a daughter he doesn’t know about ...
If your looking for a fun, southern mystery then this is your book!
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I really enjoyed this instalment in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I love Mae and the small town of Normal Kentucky but this time we are in Perrysburg, Kentucky. I am battling a sinus cold and needed an escape for few hours, so picked up Tonya’s book lol I ended up reading almost the whole night as I wanted to know what happened to Mae’s parents.
This mystery had a few suspects to choose from the Burkfields, robbers, other miners and I didn’t figure it out till just before Mae! I did suspect who but once again there were enough red herrings to change my mind. Now I am hoping we hear more about a few of the characters in Perrysburg, like Jami, and Kenny Jolly...
Also I wondering if Bobby Ray has a daughter he doesn’t know about ...
If your looking for a fun, southern mystery then this is your book!
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
December 28, 2020
Ropes, Riddles & Robberies earns 5/5 Reunions...Wow Page Turner!
�...the past will always come back to haunt you.� —Maybelline West. The memories of the fire that killed Mae’s family fifteen years ago has been resurface more vividly since she had Reiki treatments from a compassionate “hippie, shirtless chiropractor.� She’s convinced the official determination of accident was, in fact, not an accident, but murder. Despite worries, fears, and concerns the amount of time that has passed may make finding evidence and witnesses very problematic, Mae is determined to uncover the truth...no...matter...what. The Laundry Club Ladies will not be left behind and devise a plan of action to help Mae in finally on her a mission. The fire report, talking to old friends of hers and her dad’s, and perusing old news articles provided some information, but they also showed serious suspicions about the mining company for which Mae’s father worked as a foreman. Further snooping and a bit of breaking and entering leads to surprising details, a few odd riddles, near misses with an oncoming car, and revelations that become surprisingly murderous!
Tonya Kappes has penned the best yet in her A Camper and Criminals Mystery series. Mae’s past was mostly brief references and topics of discussion, but this fifteenth book has brought it to the forefront in an exciting, and deadly, drama. Readers get further insights into Mae’s relationship with her foster/adoptive mother, high-school boyfriend, and “mean girl� nemesis, better explaining her decision to leave home the first chance she could. The drama and details lead to a conclusion, including a bit of nail-biting peril, and reveal shocking answers, but satisfying justice. Mae also finds herself evaluating her life path, including some left turns. The Laundry Club Ladies are a favorite character element made up of women different in style and personality, but fascinating examples of southern flair, mores, and manners. Using a first-person narrative from Mae’s perspective, Kappes� writing style is easy to read, filled with descriptive language, and entertaining dialogue; she has most of the drama taking place on the page as opposed to characters just relating what they found...this keeps readers engaged as a member of the team. Karmic. Fascinating. Compelling. This just might be my favorite Tonya Kappes series!
Adding to the delightful experience with this series is the unique “Recipes and Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies� bonus: Campfire Cobbler and Cozy Cream Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipes, and hacks offering ideas on making hand soap conveniently available and square vs round storage containers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
�...the past will always come back to haunt you.� —Maybelline West. The memories of the fire that killed Mae’s family fifteen years ago has been resurface more vividly since she had Reiki treatments from a compassionate “hippie, shirtless chiropractor.� She’s convinced the official determination of accident was, in fact, not an accident, but murder. Despite worries, fears, and concerns the amount of time that has passed may make finding evidence and witnesses very problematic, Mae is determined to uncover the truth...no...matter...what. The Laundry Club Ladies will not be left behind and devise a plan of action to help Mae in finally on her a mission. The fire report, talking to old friends of hers and her dad’s, and perusing old news articles provided some information, but they also showed serious suspicions about the mining company for which Mae’s father worked as a foreman. Further snooping and a bit of breaking and entering leads to surprising details, a few odd riddles, near misses with an oncoming car, and revelations that become surprisingly murderous!
Tonya Kappes has penned the best yet in her A Camper and Criminals Mystery series. Mae’s past was mostly brief references and topics of discussion, but this fifteenth book has brought it to the forefront in an exciting, and deadly, drama. Readers get further insights into Mae’s relationship with her foster/adoptive mother, high-school boyfriend, and “mean girl� nemesis, better explaining her decision to leave home the first chance she could. The drama and details lead to a conclusion, including a bit of nail-biting peril, and reveal shocking answers, but satisfying justice. Mae also finds herself evaluating her life path, including some left turns. The Laundry Club Ladies are a favorite character element made up of women different in style and personality, but fascinating examples of southern flair, mores, and manners. Using a first-person narrative from Mae’s perspective, Kappes� writing style is easy to read, filled with descriptive language, and entertaining dialogue; she has most of the drama taking place on the page as opposed to characters just relating what they found...this keeps readers engaged as a member of the team. Karmic. Fascinating. Compelling. This just might be my favorite Tonya Kappes series!
Adding to the delightful experience with this series is the unique “Recipes and Hacks from Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies� bonus: Campfire Cobbler and Cozy Cream Chicken and Wild Rice Soup recipes, and hacks offering ideas on making hand soap conveniently available and square vs round storage containers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
January 1, 2021
If you like Southern Cozy Mysteries, you will love this one. I loved reading this installment of A Camper and Criminals Mystery Series. This has now become my favorite in the series. Finding out more about where Mae came from and the people she grew up with; helps me appreciate Mae's character even more. I am so happy she has the Laundry Club Ladies and Hank in her life now. I am looking forward to the next installment to see where her life takes her next.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
October 5, 2021
This was different from the others in the series which does not mean it's bad, just different. While the same core characters are available for a laugh and good time, this time they take the show on the road to find out what really happened during the fire that killed Mae's family. I am so glad the truth is out and she can come to terms with what happened in her past. There's a particularly sweet moment at the end that made me tear up. I loved visiting Mae's home town and getting to know her before the campground. Her friends are so wonderful and such a great support for her that they make the books that much more fun. Looking forward to the next!
June 10, 2024
Now that I have answers to the subplot, I do wonder what else this series will bring me. Seeing as there are still a lot of books to go.
January 19, 2024
We finally find out what happened to Mae West's family. 💔💔
December 29, 2020
Wow! This is the BEST of the Campers & Criminals series! I’ve been eagerly waiting to see how Mae and the Laundry Club ladies would handle this long-cold case and find the truth about the fire that killed Mae’s family when she was young. It is the new year, and Mae is looking forward to renewal and fresh hope. This mystery combines health concerns, a long-unsolved mystery, and our favorite eccentric Southern ladies as they comb through Mae’s hometown to uncover secrets of the past. And the laughs, interspersed with the intensely personal mission, make this a perfect New Year escape.
Winter is the slow season for Happy Trails Campgrounds, so Mae, Dottie and her pink rollers, and friends can head to Perrysburg. As they prepare to go to Mae’s hometown, she notices something troubling about Mary Elizabeth, her foster mother. The two women have grown very close, and it is of grave concern when she notices that Mary Elizabeth seems to have a very foggy memory. Her business partner, Dawn, has noticed changes for several months, and she is getting worse. She has a doctor’s appointment while Mae is out of town, so Dawn will make sure Mary Elizabeth gets there.
Hank, Mae’s boyfriend and a detective for Normal’s sheriff’s department, is concerned about the ladies going off on their own but is confident that Betts will keep Mae and Dottie from getting in too much trouble. Since he and Mae were in Perrysburg a few months ago, Mae has had several memories return about the night of the fire, such as someone carrying her out of the house and telling her to wait outside for her parents, and her dad having to go back in to work at the mine that night for a while. All these years, Mae has been afraid the fire was her fault, as she was the last one to load the wood stove where it is thought the fire started.
Mae obtained a copy of the fire investigation, and her friends did research at the library while she visited Jami, the daughter of the head of the mine where her father had worked. Jami was once Mae’s best friend. Jami is pregnant with twins, her mother has Alzheimer’s, and her father passed away some time ago. Her husband, the mayor of Perrysburg, has eyes on the governor’s mansion. Mae also speaks with one of the two older men still alive with a good memory of when the mine was open and her dad was a foreman. He told her some remarkable things that she didn’t know, things that convince her that the fire may have been set. Someone doesn’t want her to find out more, however, someone in an old car that tried to hit her.
This is exquisitely plotted and executed, and we continue to spend time with our favorite people. Mae, of course, is one of my favorites, with Dottie and Mary Elizabeth as a close second. The age range of the Laundry Club ladies varies, so the series appeals to both the young and the young at heart. The mystery sure had me stumped until almost the end, when I had a slight idea who might have been involved but didn’t know why. Even when facing being murdered herself, Mae could make me laugh at her actions! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries, camping (or armchair camping), close friendships of women, and good ol� Southern charm and wit.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this mystery, and this is my honest review.
Winter is the slow season for Happy Trails Campgrounds, so Mae, Dottie and her pink rollers, and friends can head to Perrysburg. As they prepare to go to Mae’s hometown, she notices something troubling about Mary Elizabeth, her foster mother. The two women have grown very close, and it is of grave concern when she notices that Mary Elizabeth seems to have a very foggy memory. Her business partner, Dawn, has noticed changes for several months, and she is getting worse. She has a doctor’s appointment while Mae is out of town, so Dawn will make sure Mary Elizabeth gets there.
Hank, Mae’s boyfriend and a detective for Normal’s sheriff’s department, is concerned about the ladies going off on their own but is confident that Betts will keep Mae and Dottie from getting in too much trouble. Since he and Mae were in Perrysburg a few months ago, Mae has had several memories return about the night of the fire, such as someone carrying her out of the house and telling her to wait outside for her parents, and her dad having to go back in to work at the mine that night for a while. All these years, Mae has been afraid the fire was her fault, as she was the last one to load the wood stove where it is thought the fire started.
Mae obtained a copy of the fire investigation, and her friends did research at the library while she visited Jami, the daughter of the head of the mine where her father had worked. Jami was once Mae’s best friend. Jami is pregnant with twins, her mother has Alzheimer’s, and her father passed away some time ago. Her husband, the mayor of Perrysburg, has eyes on the governor’s mansion. Mae also speaks with one of the two older men still alive with a good memory of when the mine was open and her dad was a foreman. He told her some remarkable things that she didn’t know, things that convince her that the fire may have been set. Someone doesn’t want her to find out more, however, someone in an old car that tried to hit her.
This is exquisitely plotted and executed, and we continue to spend time with our favorite people. Mae, of course, is one of my favorites, with Dottie and Mary Elizabeth as a close second. The age range of the Laundry Club ladies varies, so the series appeals to both the young and the young at heart. The mystery sure had me stumped until almost the end, when I had a slight idea who might have been involved but didn’t know why. Even when facing being murdered herself, Mae could make me laugh at her actions! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries, camping (or armchair camping), close friendships of women, and good ol� Southern charm and wit.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this mystery, and this is my honest review.
December 26, 2020
Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is book #15 in Tonya Kappes' Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series. While the series is set in Normal, Kentucky, this installment takes place mostly outside of Normal. Mae and her Laundry Club Ladies pile into an RV and make their way to Mae's hometown, Perrysburg, KY. Since a reiki-practicing chiropractor came into Mae's life, he's been slowly unlocking memories she boxed up tight. She's now sure the family that killed her entire family was set intentionally and she's fixing to figure out who and why. With the help of the Laundry Club, Mae just might be able to figure this case out so she can let her suspicions rest.
Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is another great book in the Campers & Criminals series. The mystery is exciting, intriguing, and kept me guessing. The author did a wonderful job introducing characters from Mae's past that may or may not have information pertaining to the events of the night that her family died. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until revealing whether or not the fire was an accident or intentional. As Mae and the Laundry Club unravel the circumstances surrounding the fire, shocking events are revealed, suspects are added, as well as removed, from the list, and danger abounds.
The Camper and Criminal series is so much fun, despite the mysteries involved in each book. The mysteries are exciting, intriguing, and keep me guessing. The author does a wonderful job in each book introducing several potential suspects and providing the reader with means, motive, and opportunities for each. There are always twists and turns that have me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author does a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive.
Fortunately, Mae has a wonderful network of caring people around her and they are especially needed in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies. Her network includes her mom Mary Elizabeth, every single woman in the Laundry Club, and Hank her boyfriend. Hank is such a keeper he's always been right where Mae needs him to be and it's especially important and noticed in this book. I love how the author developed the characters and created such a fun and entertaining world. I felt like I was in Perrysburg, Kentucky with the characters, helping Mae and the Laundry Club figure out the mystery behind that fire that killed everyone in her family but Mae, herself.
Ropes, Riddles and Robberies is another great book in the Campers & Criminals series. The mystery is exciting, intriguing, and kept me guessing. The author did a wonderful job introducing characters from Mae's past that may or may not have information pertaining to the events of the night that her family died. There were twists and turns that had me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author did a great job building up the suspense until revealing whether or not the fire was an accident or intentional. As Mae and the Laundry Club unravel the circumstances surrounding the fire, shocking events are revealed, suspects are added, as well as removed, from the list, and danger abounds.
The Camper and Criminal series is so much fun, despite the mysteries involved in each book. The mysteries are exciting, intriguing, and keep me guessing. The author does a wonderful job in each book introducing several potential suspects and providing the reader with means, motive, and opportunities for each. There are always twists and turns that have me going in one direction only to have the mystery shift. The author does a great job building up the suspense until the reveal of the murderer and motive.
Fortunately, Mae has a wonderful network of caring people around her and they are especially needed in Ropes, Riddles, and Robberies. Her network includes her mom Mary Elizabeth, every single woman in the Laundry Club, and Hank her boyfriend. Hank is such a keeper he's always been right where Mae needs him to be and it's especially important and noticed in this book. I love how the author developed the characters and created such a fun and entertaining world. I felt like I was in Perrysburg, Kentucky with the characters, helping Mae and the Laundry Club figure out the mystery behind that fire that killed everyone in her family but Mae, herself.
January 3, 2021
Sometimes the juice ain’t worth the squeeze �. You know a quote like that from Dottie means it’s going to be a great book. The Laundry Club ladies decide they are going to help Mae investigate the fire that took her entire family away from her as a child. After a health issue with Maes step mom, the Laundry Club ladies get their gear and pile into an RV from the Happy Trails campground and head off to Mars hometown to try and get answers. With a solid plan in place they reach their destination and set out to investigate. With Mae having to face her past and the “Wall of Fame at Three Sons Bistro along with her former “boyfriend� turned pharmacist Kenny. While trying to collect evidence in her investigation, she meets up with her “forced friend� Jami, daughter of the owner of the mine where her father worked. Unfortunately Jami’s mom whom she hoped could supply key information since Jami’s father was dead has unfortunately developed Alzheimer’s and only has brief periods of lucidity. Not being deterred the ladies press on and find themselves in another murder investigation as people who seemingly have answers to her questions are found dead. As the story comes to a shocking conclusion and answers are finally found Mae may never recover from the answers she has sought so long. By far the best one yet and if you haven’t read this series then you definitely need to hurry up and catch up. I received this ARC copy of this book for an honest review from Tonya Kappes
December 20, 2020
After Mae has had some memories resurface, thanks to Tex and reiki sessions, one particular memory had Mae determined to go back to her hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky. She clearly remembers someone carrying her outside, but not who.
Hank & Mae had already spoken to Judd Tripoly, the fire marshal, who made a remark about Mae's parents' house fire, which made Mae all the more determined to take a look at the records. Before the Laundry Club gals and Mae venture off, Mae stops to visit Mary Elizabeth, her adoptive mom, when Dawn shares some news about Mary Elizabeth, that gives Mae pause about canceling her trip to Perrysburg, until Dawn offers to take Mary Elizabeth to her appointment.
Mae and the gals run into all sorts of dead ends, and when an old acquaintance with a promising lead turns up murdered, the townsfolk start gossiping about Mae and the town's pharmacist, and riddles that aren't adding up; it's looking like the gals may have to return to Normal.
I loved seeing a different side o Mary Elizabeth, when she is always so proper, but let her mama bear come out where Mae was concerned. Although, Hank wasn't worried about letting Mae do some sleuthing, because it was considered a cold case, he sure had a case of the green-eyed monster to contend with, that had me laughing. The best part was getting to go back into Mae's past! Great read!
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
Hank & Mae had already spoken to Judd Tripoly, the fire marshal, who made a remark about Mae's parents' house fire, which made Mae all the more determined to take a look at the records. Before the Laundry Club gals and Mae venture off, Mae stops to visit Mary Elizabeth, her adoptive mom, when Dawn shares some news about Mary Elizabeth, that gives Mae pause about canceling her trip to Perrysburg, until Dawn offers to take Mary Elizabeth to her appointment.
Mae and the gals run into all sorts of dead ends, and when an old acquaintance with a promising lead turns up murdered, the townsfolk start gossiping about Mae and the town's pharmacist, and riddles that aren't adding up; it's looking like the gals may have to return to Normal.
I loved seeing a different side o Mary Elizabeth, when she is always so proper, but let her mama bear come out where Mae was concerned. Although, Hank wasn't worried about letting Mae do some sleuthing, because it was considered a cold case, he sure had a case of the green-eyed monster to contend with, that had me laughing. The best part was getting to go back into Mae's past! Great read!
I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.
December 27, 2020
This is the fifteenth in the series. The action of this book takes place mostly in Perrysville where Mae grew up. She is trying to find out what really happened the night of the fire. She has thought the fire her family died in was probably her fault. Over several previous books, Mae has had some visions that lead her back to her hometown to find out what really happened that fateful night. I like that Mae is willing to look into the causes of the fire which had been left as undetermined by the authorities over 20 years ago. This is a cold case with few remaining individuals that can tell anyone what happened.
I like how Mae and the ladies work together to get the information they need to resolve this for Mae.
I didn’t like the characters of Jami, her husband or Mrs. Burkefiled.
There is plenty going on in this book to keep it interesting. Can’t wait for the next installment.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and am not required to leave a positive review.
I like how Mae and the ladies work together to get the information they need to resolve this for Mae.
I didn’t like the characters of Jami, her husband or Mrs. Burkefiled.
There is plenty going on in this book to keep it interesting. Can’t wait for the next installment.
I received an Advanced Reader’s Copy of this book and am not required to leave a positive review.
December 31, 2020
This is the 15th book in this wonderful camping series of cozy mysteries. I just love these characters—Mae and her friends are great, and characters are continuing to grow. Each book stands alone well, but this one finishes up a series-long arc of Mae’s background as she was orphaned as a teen in a fire that killed her parents and 2 sisters. Mae feels called to investigate the fire, since she’s been having some memories that make her wonder if the fire was arson. Her friends and her former foster mother all go with her to help, which adds depth to the story. I would recommend reading the series in order if possible—I just inhale each book, no matter how much I try to slow down and savor it. I especially enjoy all of the cozy “southernisms� and colloquialisms. Tonya writes the expressions so genuinely, you can tell that the writing is authentic. I highly recommend this book and series. I was provided an arc of this book, but these opinions are my own.
December 15, 2020
There's not much Normal, Kentucky. And there's even less normal in Perrysburg, Kentucky where Mae was spared from the fire that consumed her home and family putting her in the foster care system and into the home of a wealthy woman that saw past her anger and hurt, and still wanted to be part of her life.
Mae west has been having some memories from when she was a little girl when her family was killed in a fire.
Her memories led her to need answers as whether the fire was set intentionally.
She knows she's on the right track when word gets out as the reason she's in town, and two of the people she needs to talk to are also murdered.
Well developed characters, a bit of humor, and some good misdirection.
Mae west has been having some memories from when she was a little girl when her family was killed in a fire.
Her memories led her to need answers as whether the fire was set intentionally.
She knows she's on the right track when word gets out as the reason she's in town, and two of the people she needs to talk to are also murdered.
Well developed characters, a bit of humor, and some good misdirection.
December 28, 2020
Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies is the 15th book in Tonya Kappes� Camper & Criminals Series. Ms. Kappes has written a wonderful cozy mystery which drew me right in, making me forget everything else and did not let me go until I turned the last page. I did not want to put this book down. This book has plenty of twists and turns, excitement and will keep you guessing until the end. The book is very well written and the characters are well developed and likeable. If you haven’t read any of this series what are you waiting for you are missing out on a really good series. I can’t wait to see what is in store for the ladies of the Laundry Club.
December 31, 2020
Mae West is still haunted by the death of her parents and siblings in a fire when she was a child. She started getting pieces of memories which of course she felt the need to go back to her hometown of Perrysburg and enlisted the help of the Laundry Club. But when she started asking questions people ended up dead. She's racing against time to find the truth before someone else dies!
Tonya Kappes weaves a web of deceit and betrayal in every story with characters that feel like friends and twists and turns that make your head spin! If you miss this series you are definitely missing out!
Tonya Kappes weaves a web of deceit and betrayal in every story with characters that feel like friends and twists and turns that make your head spin! If you miss this series you are definitely missing out!
January 5, 2021
Wow!
I have been a huge fan of this series from the beginning but this book was fantastic. Maybe it's the feeling of closure and a big sense of relief, but I sure hope there is a lot more of Mae and the rest of Normal to come. Even though this is one book in the series, some of it carries on from book to book. I couldn't put it down. You can't help but ache for Mae and all she lost but you feel hopeful in the end. She may have lost everything very young but her new family, the laundry club as well as Hank and Mary Elizabeth, and she really has a wonderful life.
I have been a huge fan of this series from the beginning but this book was fantastic. Maybe it's the feeling of closure and a big sense of relief, but I sure hope there is a lot more of Mae and the rest of Normal to come. Even though this is one book in the series, some of it carries on from book to book. I couldn't put it down. You can't help but ache for Mae and all she lost but you feel hopeful in the end. She may have lost everything very young but her new family, the laundry club as well as Hank and Mary Elizabeth, and she really has a wonderful life.
January 18, 2021
Loving this next adventure of Mae and her Ladies. Mae is thinking back to the fire that killed her family and wondering what more she can do to make prove it was not an accident. As a child she had to go with what the adults said, but as an adult now her self and several solves behind her she decides to tackle it. As she stirs memories and stories, the true killer does not want her digging into the past and she and her Laundry Club Ladies find themselves having to be careful.
I received a copy to read, and the review is mine.
I received a copy to read, and the review is mine.
February 13, 2021
Oh my goodness, leave it to Tonya Kappes to give us probably the most compelling of all these camper mysteries and not mainly because of the murder. It was an awesome story of Mae finally getting to the bottom of what went on prior to her family's fire and if it was or wasn't deliberately set. Lots of great emotional moments, but no worries, the same snarky Dottie was along on the trip which always makes for good comic relief. Bring some tissues, 'cause I'm pretty sure mine weren't the only leaky eyeballs when they read this!
December 20, 2020
As Mae is remembering more of her childhood memories, she now needs answers.
Road trip with the Laundry Club Ladies! Back to Mae’s hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers. Never dull with Mae and her friends.
“Sometimes the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.� You never know what Dottie will say.
Humor and laughs as well as some tears as I went along with Mae on her journey of truth.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
Road trip with the Laundry Club Ladies! Back to Mae’s hometown of Perrysburg, Kentucky to get answers. Never dull with Mae and her friends.
“Sometimes the juice ain’t worth the squeeze.� You never know what Dottie will say.
Humor and laughs as well as some tears as I went along with Mae on her journey of truth.
I received an ARC prior to publication and decided to voluntarily review it.
December 31, 2020
I am enjoying reading this delightful series. This was a special one in the series in that Mae, her adoptive mother, and the ladies from the Laundry Club returned to Mae’s hometown to try to find out what happened to her home when it burned down. It was interesting meeting more people from Mae’s and her father’s past and learning more about her father’s role with the coal mine.
I really enjoyed the plot and the surprising ending. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book.
I really enjoyed the plot and the surprising ending. I was fortunate to receive an advanced copy of the book.
December 31, 2020
what a good way to finish the year! an excellent book! I loved getting long awaited answers and if i guessed the culprit, the motive elluded me so it was a really good investigatyion, a bit bittersweet as we learn the reason for 4then 2more deaths but wonderfully written!
the way the girls group stand together to help Mae is simply wonderful and warm our souls.
to be read in order but so, so good to be recommended
the way the girls group stand together to help Mae is simply wonderful and warm our souls.
to be read in order but so, so good to be recommended
December 18, 2020
Tonya Kappes' Ropes, Riddles, &Robberies finally addresses the fire that killed Mae West's parents and sisters. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are off to Perrysburg, Kentucky to investigate. This is an action packed story and it is hard to tell the foes from the friends. Good read and would definitely recommend.
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