Showing posts with label Tonya Kappes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tonya Kappes. Show all posts

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

Book Review: NEW YEAR NUISANCE (Holiday Cozy Mystery Book 4) by Tonya Kappes

About the Book

A sparkling New Year’s Eve cozy mystery brimming with festive charm, delightful twists, and a killer secret! 

New Year’s Eve in Holiday Junction is always magical, with its annual Sparkle Ball lighting up the night and the Merry Maker spreading joy to residents and visitors alike. But this year’s celebration turns dark when notorious troublemaker Hillary Stevens is discovered murdered in the holiday town’s enchanting mini-village.

For Violet Rhinehammer, local journalist and secret Merry Maker, solving the mystery is more than a story—it’s a mission. But as Violet digs into the secrets surrounding Hillary’s untimely death, she must also juggle the arrival of her best friend, Mae West, who can never learn Violet’s hidden identity. 

With a town full of suspects, buried secrets, and mounting tension, Violet races to uncover the truth before the killer strikes again. Can she protect her Merry Maker identity while unraveling the mystery, or will this New Year’s Eve end in disaster? 

Review 

It’s that week between Christmas and New Year’s and the Merry Maker needs to shift gears from Christmas to the Sparkle Ball to ring in the new year in Holiday Junction. Part of the celebration is the town’s mini-village with different townsfolk adding to the village – though some think it should be the same every year. Violet Rhinehammer is somewhat new to Holiday Junction and somehow was chosen to be the Merry Marker, but no one can know. 

As Violet sneaks out to set up everything, a woman is killed and left in the mini-village. Along with her friend, Mae West, who has come to visit, she sets out to solve the murder. This was a fun read – even out-of-season. The story is well-written and well paced, with humor (mostly at Violet’s expense). The characters are well developed and Kappes kept me guessing until the end. 

I’m looking forward to seeing more of Holiday Junction. This is a cross-over with Mae West a main character in Kappes' Campers and Criminals series, but you don't need to have read that series to enjoy this one.

About the Author 

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times. 

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.


Saturday, August 26, 2023

THE AUGUST TWISTY TALES AND COZY CRIMES GROUP


For the month of August, five of us have been taking over the Twisty Tales and Cozy Crimes Facebook group. I wanted to share these great authors and the books that are still available through Prolific Works through September 30th, along with 55 other cozy mysteries. We'll still be hosting with games and giveaways this last week of August.

BRIDES, BRIBES & BINOCULARS (A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery)
by Tonya Kappes

Mae West has been kidnapped...BY THE LAUNDRY CLUB LADIES for a spa retreat bachelorette party like no other. Dottie's screaming at the stripper to put it back on instead of keep taking off, fun bride games, and spa activities don't keep these sleuthing friends off the tracks of a killer when one of the other brides ends up dead! 

Put a group of nervous brides and slew of prissy brides maids together, meddling along with jealousy brings out a bridezilla who will do anything to make her day more special than anyone, even Mae!


MATCH BOX MURDER (A Merry Wrath Story)
by Leslie Langtry

It’s just another weekend camping trip for ex-CIA agent Merry Wrath and her precocious Girl Scout troop. This time the girls are learning riflery, taught by Merry’s assassin friend, Hilly (who isn’t an assassin because the CIA doesn’t have assassins because that would be illegal…but she totally is). What could go wrong? 

Plenty, because the creepy camp caretaker is soon found inconveniently dead behind the rifle range. Naturally, a violent storm comes out of nowhere and strands the troop with four suspect camp staffers. The scout manual explains how to keep kids safe during storms, hiking trips and the overly-enthusiastic application of matches to start a campfire, but there’s nothing on what to do when trapped in a lodge with a murderer. Can Merry unmask the killer before she and the girls get burned?

TERMINATED: HE WON'T BE BACK
by Gayle Leeson

Dina Merrill wants a fresh start, but a killer has other ideas. 

After a stint in set design in New York City, Dina returns to her hometown of Skillet Ridge, Virginia, to open a movie memorabilia museum and shop. Being there working on a movie set made her realize just how much she missed the town and her family. Dina’s sister, Patty, is going through a nasty divorce while healing from injuries she suffered in a car accident. Despite Patty’s estranged husband, Gregory, causing as much trouble as he can, the sisters are determined to put him in their rearview mirror and start enjoying life again. 

But then Dina discovers Gregory’s murdered body in her shop. Who killed Gregory? Did his murderer set out to frame Dina and Patty? Or was the placement body a warning of an even more sinister intention? Suddenly, Dina's life is too much like the movies for her liking--and if she doesn't figure out who murdered Gregory and why, she could be the next victim ...


MURDER AT HIGH SEA (A Musical Cruise Mystery)
by Karen McSpade

Four legendary female rock stars. One killer cruise performance. When their tour manager lands the Delta Queens the headlining show aboard the Ovation, the ladies seize the opportunity to revive their musical career and grab one last shot at fame and fortune. But there’s one thing standing in the way of their success… murder at high sea. 

After a rehearsal session goes awry and a member of the crew is murdered, Doris, Rosemary, Margie, and Patty Sue are caught in the spotlight of possible suspects without an alibi. To make matters worse, the ship’s captain has an unconventional idea about how to best deal with the situation. The ladies don’t want to follow her heartless plan, but if they cross hairs with the captain one more time, it could cost them their career… or get them thrown overboard.

SECRETS AND STORMS, ANOTHER MURDER
by Christa Nardi


Sheridan Hendley, an amateur sleuth, never imagined a tranquil morning following a stormy night would turn into a crime scene at the local high school soccer field. As news of the murder spreads, the community is gripped with a sense of unease. The victim's son shows up at Sheridan’s door confused and seeking answers. 

Delving into the victim’s recent activities and background leads to a disgruntled customer and family secrets. As Sheridan digs deeper, she finds herself gradually connecting the dots. Only the killer watches on as Sheridan becomes more determined to help the son and find the killer, before she becomes the next victim.

Don't miss out on these free cozy mysteries! These 5 plus 55 more before September 30, 2023!





Friday, December 24, 2021

Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa 2021

From my home to yours, may your holiday season be healthy and happy, regardless of what you celebrate or observe. As a reader, I continue to "escape" the pandemic and the confines through books. What about you? Here are some of the newest Christmas cozy mysteries I found this year - several are on my TBR list. Definitely not all that are out there. Feel free to leave your favorites in the comments! (I'll add them to my list for next year!) Note: Descriptions are shortened versions from Amazon.


Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Santa Who? (A Gooseberry Bay Mystery) by Kathi Daley. Ainsley Holloway had come to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She'd come to find an explanation for the dreams that haunted her after the death of the cop who'd both rescued and raised her. 
And she’d come to identify the family she couldn’t remember but knew in her heart she’d once belonged to.


Christmas Dessert Murder (A Hannah Swenson Mystery) by Joanne Fluke. It's Christmas in Lake Eden, Minnesota, and there's no better way to enjoy the holidays than by cozying up to two Hannah Swenson yuletide mysteries with a plateful of goodies from the Cookie Jar Bakery. Yes, two Christmas stories. Features Over a Dozen Cookie and Dessert Recipes from The Cookie Jar!

Tangled Up in Tinsel (A Kenni Lowry Mystery) by Tonya Kappes. Don't get your tinsel in a tangle... It's Christmastime in Cottonwood, Kentucky, and Sheriff Kenni Lowry is determined to keep the peace. Plus, the snowstorm of the century is headed right toward Cottonwood, leaving the residents in a frantic frenzy and potentially derailing Kenni’s Christmas plans with Finn. There's been a murder and there's a tinsel wrapped victim at the center of it. 


Slashing Through the Snow (A Christmas Tree Farm Mystery) by Jacqueline Frost. Reindeer Games Christmas Tree Farm is going into the B&B business and Holly White is looking forward to her new role as innkeeper. But a cold wind ruffles the cheery holiday decorations when a new guest checks in - Karen.The short December days turn even darker when Evan and Libby find Karen's dead body in the gift-wrapped toy donation box.


Mistletoe Cake Murder (All Day Breakfast Cafe Mystery Book 6) by Lena Gregory. 'Tis the season for celebrating when Gia Morelli's holidays include both a wedding and yuletide festivities. Until someone naughty delivers a most unwanted Christmas gift - murder. Gia’s caterer friends are the prime suspects in what appears to be murder by poisoning. Includes recipes from the All-Day Breakfast Café!


The Twelve Jays of Christmas (A Meg Langslow Mystery) by Donna Andrews. Meg and Michael's annual holiday celebration is well underway, with a throng of out-of-town relatives staying at their house. Hosting these festivities is a little harder than usual - they have to relocate all the events normally held in their library, currently occupied by Roderick Castlemayne, the irascible wildlife artist...


Murder at the Christmas Cookie Bake-Off (A Beacon Bakeshop Mystery) by Darci Hannah. Tucked away inside an old lighthouse in Beacon Harbor, Michigan, bakeshop cafe owner Lindsey Bakewell is ready to make her first Christmas in town shine bright. But her merry plans crumble fast when murder appears under the mistletoe...


Twisted Tea Christmas (A Tea Shop Mystery) by Laura Childs. Tea maven Theodosia Browning and her tea sommelier, Drayton Conneley, are catering a Victorian Christmas party at a swanky mansion in downtown Charleston. Drucilla Heyward, the hostess is one of the wealthiest women in town. Theodosia finds her crumpled unconscious in the hallway... a syringe sticking out of her neck.


It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like Murder (A Catering Hall Mystery) by Maria DiRico. Astoria, Queens, is decorated within an inch of its life for the Christmas season, and Mia Carina is juggling her job at the Belle View with a case of murder. Amid the holiday celebrations, she intends to find out who's the guilty party... Italian recipes included.

Fleece Navi Dead (A Kiki Lowenstein Mystery) by Joanna Campbell Slan. Every holiday season, Kiki Lowenstein plans 12 days of classes, her Holiday Craft Extravaganza. And every year, it nearly kills her. As the holiday season approaches, Kiki over-schedules herself and winds up running herself ragged. To make life more stressful, she must fend off a stalker.


A Lost Claus (A Christmas Cozy Mystery) by Mona Maple. As Christmas approaches in Candy Cane Hollow, it's time for the annual Claus family ice fishing trip. Holly Wood (yes, that's her real name) is a ball of nerves about meeting all of Nick Claus' relatives, until the trip ends in disaster. This is the third book in the series.

Nothing strike your fancy? Here's another selection of Cozy Christmas cozies (old and new) to consider.







Monday, March 16, 2020

Book Review: MOTORHOMES, MAPS & MURDER A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery #5 by Tonya Kappes

Synopsis

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is . . . NORMAL!

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, never thought she would become an actress like her namesake. Calling herself an actress might be far stretch as she plays a minor role in the local Civil War reenactment BATTLE AT CAMP WILDCAT.

When the reenactment doesn't go as planned, not one but two of the town's folks aren't playing dead. . .they were MURDERED!
Come to find out there was a prison break and the serial killer is believed to be in Normal and someone has stolen a motorhome from Happy Trails Campground.

Are these connected?

Mae lets boyfriend and hunky detective, Hank Sharp, follow all the leads about the murders and on the trail of the serial killer because she's got bigger s'mores in the fire.

The motorhome owners have filed a lawsuit and suing her for the deed to Happy Trails Campground. Mae has embraced Normal and there's nothing or no one going to take her campground. She's determined to find the motorhome and return it to the owners before she hands over any deed to anyone.

Mae just might find out that tapping into her namesake just might come in handy when coming face to face with a serial killer.


Review

Mae West is doing her best to keep the campground in Normal thriving. Only the escape of a serial killer amidst a civil war reenactment and residents not too thrilled with Greaser having stayed there...  Then a motorhome is stolen - a first to be sure. The map and wig add to the story.

The characters are what make this series and this story come alive. Mae is not always the most logical and there are some comic moments as well as good vibes with Hank. Mae does what she has to do and has to think quickly as only Mae West might. The story moves along at a steady pace with enough twists and turns to keep it interesting. This can be read as a stand alone mystery. If you like cozy mysteries or others in this series, you won't be disappointed.

Added bonus: Motorhomes, Maps & Murder is available in audio!


Saturday, March 10, 2018

Blog Tour and Character Guest Post: SIX FEET UNDER by Tonya Kappes

Today it is my pleasure to have Poppa or Sheriff Sims (from SIX FEET UNDER by Tonya Kappes) as my guest:

Character Interview
Character’s full name: Poppa or Sheriff Sims

A short bio on this character: I’m not your typical character. I was the sheriff of my small town of Cottonwood, Kentucky for longer than I count. But that don’t matter now. What matters is that my granddaughter, Kendrick Lowry- Kenni Bug for short, was elected to sheriff in Cottonwood. You see, I’m dead. I died of a massive heart attack before she was elected, so I made it my ever-after mission to keep her safe. I’ve been busy! I’ve been scaring off any would be criminals for the past two years. It wasn’t until recently that I realized I couldn’t be in two places at once when someone killed Doc Walton and broke into White’s Jewelry. So when I showed up at Kenni Bug’s house in my ghost form, she didn’t take it so well. Needless to say, I ain’t leaving and since Deputy Lonnie Lemer retired, Kenni Bug needs a new deputy. Might as well be me.

1. How did you first meet your writer? Tonya was watching Longmire and she thought it would be cool to have a girl sheriff. Of course I knew it would be a lot more fun if she included me, so I tiptoed into Tonya’s head and the rest is history.

2. Want to dish about him/her? Awe, I like Tonya well enough. She’s got a lot going on in that head of hers so I have to push people out of the way to get my story told.

3. Did you ever think that your life would end up being in a book? No! I am a simple man from a small town. I like to stop and talk to everyone at the Cowboy’s Catfish diner, play a little craps down on the river and maybe sip a beer or two. Simple man.

4. Tell us about your favorite scene in the book. I love when Kenni Bug first realizes that I’m there and ready to help her. You know I can just ghost right on through a wall and see things people on the outside can’t.

5. Did you have a hard time convincing your author to write any particular scenes for you? Nah. Tonya listens and if she doesn’t listen to me, then I can make sure she writes herself into a corner so it forces her to go back and fix it.

6. What do you like to do when you are not being actively read somewhere? I like to sit in Kenni Bug’s back yard with Duke, her dog that I bought her and play fetch with him.

7. What are you most afraid of? I’m afraid my Kenni Bug is going to get into a situation I can’t help her with. Her heart! There’s this young man, Finn Vincent, from the Kentucky State Reserve that has been sent in to help Kenni Bug and he is a big talker. I can see it in her eyes just like I saw it in her mama’s eyes before she married Kenni’s daddy.

8. Describe the town where you live. Cottonwood is a place you can walk down the street and wave to anyone coming by. We like to stop and ask about family. We look out for each other. We might have some difference, but in hard times we come together. We don’t have any of those fancy stores. Just some, home-grown shops along with some really good diners. Now don’t mind the Auxiliary women. They are a bit nosy so they will question you without a care in the world.

9. Will you encourage your author to write a sequel? Will I? She is! She’s got a ten book contract and it’s only getting better from here!

Now to talk about SIX FEET UNDER...


SIX FEET UNDER
A paranormal cozy mystery
Kenni Lowry Mystery Series 
Book 4

Synopsis



Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. And let me tell you, this broth is in trouble. Get ready for a Southern showdown.

The residents of Cottonwood, Kentucky are sent into a tizzy when the Culinary Channel comes to town to film an episode of Southern Home Cookin’ with celebrity chef Frank Von Lee.

Especially Sheriff Kenni Lowry.

Her mama’s award-winning chicken pot pie is what brought Frank to town, and they don’t make hair in the South bigger than her mama’s ego after the news.

When Frank Von Lee is found dead from food poisoning and the most likely culprit is Mama’s chicken pot pie, Kenni’s poppa, the former sheriff, comes back from the Great Beyond to assist in the investigation.

But nothing’s prepared Kenni for such a personal tie to a case, and she finds herself pushing the limits of the laws she’s sworn to protect.

This book’s so delicious it’ll make your mouth water and leave you hankerin’ for more.

About the Author

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com

Visit Tonya


Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/208579765929709/

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4423580.Tonya_Kappes

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, February 19, 2018

Cover Reveal: DEAD AS A DOORNAIL : A Kenni Lowry Mystery by Tonya Kappes

Beauty is skin deep, but ugly goes clear to the bone. And doesn’t our Sheriff Kenni Lowry know that? Well, she knows a lot of things. 
Lucy Lowell takes great pride in writing negative reviews in the local newspaper for anything that does not go her way. When Lucy is found dead, it appears to be from natural causes. 
But Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows there is more to it because the ghost of her grandfather, the ex-sheriff, is standing over the body.
His presence can only mean one thing: Murder! 
Since Kenni’s relationship with Deputy Finn Vincent has heated up, Kenni is having trouble conducting the investigation without Finn questioning her every move. 
Can Kenni unravel the mystery on her own or will she have to tell Finn the real reason she knows it was murder—the ghost of her poppa?
It’s blowin’ up a storm and only Kenni knows how it’ll end.

Ready…..








Set…..










Reveal!!










Dead as a Doornail by Tonya Kappes
will be available May 15 from Henery Press!

It is Available for Pre-Order :
Barnes and Noble

Amazon

Goodreads

Monday, October 2, 2017

Blog Tour and Interview with TONYA KAPPES author of an AX TO GRIND: A Kenni Lowry Mystery

It's my pleasure to host and interview Tonya Kappes, author of AX TO GRIND today. Can you tell us a little about yourself? 

Hey girl! Well…..I’m five foot four inches, brown hair, brown eyes, and…Oh…you mean my writer self? Ha! 

I’ve got over 45 published novels. I write for three different traditional publishers as well as self publishing. This year marks my SEVEN year anniversary with a traditional publisher and ten years self publishing! WOW!!

My novels are all southern and set in Kentucky with some humor and quit a few murders. 

That is definitely a WOW! What sparked the idea to write this novel?
Ax To Grind is the third book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series. It’s about an author who died and left a manuscript that’s rumored to be a tell-all about all the people in the community. Of course her assistant is the only person who knows where the manuscript is and of course she’s murdered!

BUT the idea came to me after I’d done a mystery radio theater where there was a tell all book and people were getting murdered left and right over it. 

Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp? 
No! I want them to sit back, put their feet up and enjoy some good old fashion murder solving while they laugh at these crazy characters.

What are your favorite things to do besides writing?
I have four sons in college. My husband and I love to visit with them. Since we are empty nesters now, we like to ride bikes and spend time cooking together.

How long have you been writing? 
Over twelve years. 

What inspires you to write? 
My readers are my inspiration. I was a child therapist before the book gig and I loved that job. In some ways it was a lot easier than writing! My main why is for ONE reader to escape from their daily grind into one of my books just long enough to forget what’s been going on in their life.

Who designed the book cover? 
The publisher, but they do let me have input.

Can you give us a sneak peek on what you are working on now? 
Though this is the third novel in the series, it’s a ten book deal with the publisher and I’m currently working on the sixth book. 

So, I guess that means we can look forward to the fourth in the near future...  

What is the most fascinating/ craziest thing you have done in the name of research?

Nothing so crazy, but I did take a citizens arrest and citizens police academy class. I also took some baking lessons and cake decorating classes for a new Southern Bakers Mystery Series coming out in 2018.

Thank you Tonya, now let's share the information on AX TO GRIND:


Synopsis

Southerners keep their secrets swept under the rug, but what happens when that rug goes up for sale?

Bestselling author Berlye Stone, the most famous citizen to ever come out of Cottonwood, Kentucky, has died and put all her worldly possessions up for auction, but not without leaving one more manuscript behind. A hidden tell-all about Cottonwood that’s got more gossip than a ladies’ luncheon.

When Beryle’s assistant turns up with an ax in her back and the only witness is in a coma, Sheriff Kenni Lowry reckons someone in town will do anything to keep the manuscript from seeing the light of day. Her poppa’s ghost returns to help piece together the life of the Beryle he once knew, but his memory’s a little foggy, and any misstep could cause them a world of trouble. With the help of Deputy Finn Vincent, can Kenni sort through the secrets buried in Beryle’s books, or will this be her final chapter?


Purchase Links:


About the Author
For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.

Sign up for her newsletter on her website at Tonyakappes.com.



Visit Tonya:

Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyakappes

Kappes Krew Street Team
https://www.facebook.com/groups/208579765929709/

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4423580.Tonya_Kappes

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/


Thursday, October 17, 2013

Divorced Divas and Dusty Deals

In between writing this week, I managed to get a few books read...

Cozy Mystery Review: Tonya Kappes' Strung Out to Die

Tonya Kappes’ Strung Out to Die (A Divorced Diva Mystery) is centered around Holly Harper (and her pet pig Willow).  Holly owns the Beaded Dragonfly, a bead shop in a small town.  Unfortunately, her cheating ex-husband Sean also lives in Shawnee and is just waiting for the business to fail.  When Doug Sloan is found murdered in the back room of the shop, it isn’t looking too good for Holly.  But not only is Holly a suspect, but so is Sean.  Holly decides it isn’t in her best interest to just hope that the police figure out who the murderer is, and, along with the other divorced divas, she plays detective.  It is well-written and there are several twists to the story line.  I didn’t read the Prequel, “Bead of Doubt”, but may pick it up to get a better feel for Holly. This is only one of the series written by Tonya Kappes, so be sure to check them all out! 

Cozy Mystery Review: Rae Davies' Cut Loose (Dusty Deals #2)

Cut Loose (Dusty Deals#2) is about ‘antique’ store owner Lucy Matthews trying to make a go of it in Helena.  Things should be looking up – she’s dating a detective (Peter) and it’s rodeo time.  She even has a booth at the rodeo and great hopes that this will ensure that she can pay the bills.  The problem is that the Detective’s trophy ex-wife and her Australian shepherd are also getting ready for the rodeo and seem to be spending a lot of time with Peter.  In an effort to avoid running into the two of them, Lucy ducks into the nearest trailer and stumbles on the body of the dead rodeo queen.  Add to that some other evidence, and Lucy is first in the line of suspects, especially since she is too embarrassed to explain why she was in the trailer. She clearly needs an attorney but doesn’t have the money to handle that and other expenses.  In the meantime, she agrees to let her untrained dog Kishka be entered into the contest to please Peter’s son.  Davies and Devoti have multiple conflicts and complexities and spin the story to a somewhat unexpected ending.

Coming up: November 7th: Blog Book Tour Stop for Rachelle Ayella's Knowing Vera (Chance for Love #3) - a touch of romance between the mysteries...