by Kathleen Costa
& Tonya Kappes
This week we have a review of Tonya Kappes latest mystery Dead as a Doornail, and then a fun Soothing Oatmeal and Honey Smoothing Mask from Tonya, and some DIY from Kathleen. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of Dead as a Doornail, and a link to purchase it from Amazon, and an indie bookstore where a portion of the sale goes to help support KRL.
Dead as a Doornail: Kenni Lowry Mystery By Tonya Kappes
Review by Kathleen Costa
Welcome to Cottonwood, Kentucky!
“In the South, it’s better when the food is fried and the secrets kept buried!”
In June 2016 with Fixin’ to Die, Tonya Kappes brought us cozy fans a very entertaining series with a paranormal twist. Her five-book Kenni Lowry Mystery series follows Sheriff Kendrick “Kenni” Lowry as she investigates crimes and misdemeanors in Cottonwood, Kentucky, and along with some quirky residents, she works with hunk Deputy Finn Vincent, bloodhound Duke, and her grandfather and former sheriff. Calling her “Kenni-bug,” her Poppa has been an invaluable source in bringing to justice those who have committed murder, but she’s the only one who knows it. Poppa died of a massive heart attack a bit back, Kenni became sheriff, and whenever a murder has occurred…Poppa shows up. It is a delightful twist that just works well and has garnering an average of 4-1/2 stars from a huge fan following. And rightfully so…
Dead as a Doornail earns 5/5 ‘Perfectly Posh’ed Nails…Murderously Fun!
When you’re the only salon in town, you are everyone’s destination for all things mani/pedi and gossip. But, Lucy Ellen’s tantrum over not getting preferential treatment on a day when there are no available appointments can only lead to trouble…another negative review? bad mouthing around town? boycotting? Lucy Ellen has made trouble for everyone around Cottonwood lodging complaints with the police department, criticizing a shop for not carrying a specific high-end product, cancelling appointments without notice, demanding service without an appointment, and then the article in the newspaper revealing a ‘small-town fraud.’ There seems to be no easier solution. Lucy Ellen is found dead, and despite plenty with motives, her death appears to be from natural causes. However, Kenni knows when the ghost of her grandfather and former sheriff shows up, it’s a sign of murder. Forestalling a quickie funeral, Kenni, with Poppa in tow, needs to first find evidence of murder…then a killer!
Cool! I am an eager cozy mystery fan, and Tonya Kappes is one of my Top Ten favorite authors. Her signature steady pace and clever mystery is always entertaining, and the references to Southern culture, mores, and libation and culinary delights always make the work unique.) Check out the history and recipe from The Brown Hotel — Louisville’s Culinary Legend “The Hot Brown.” Can you claim Kentucky taste buds?)
She has created a plethora of well-developed characters with Kenni showing positive professional and personal growth, but with a quirky mother/daughter dynamic and continued “goo-goo” eyes for her subordinate, the side stories enhance the entertainment. And a ghost? Tonya does that really well by making it fit into reality. No hocus-pocus or juvenile Casper the Friendly Ghost here. She almost makes the “beyond the veil” character akin to that inner voice we all engage with when reviewing events or emotional dilemmas.
Be a Big Tanya Kappes Fan…Like, Visit, and Follow!
Facebook – Author Tonya Kappes
Join the “Cozy Krew”
Become a Member at the Website – Tonya Kappes
A Day at the Spa…Southern-style with Tonya Kappes
Dead as a Doornail opens with Kenni enjoying a relaxing pedicure at Tiny Tina’s salon and spa.
Tonya: I love OPI “You Don’t Know Jacque,” but I don’t go to the salon enough to have it as a gossip session…BUT. The opening scene is something that really did happen when my sister went to get a pedicure at one of those general Asian salons in the mall. This lady rushed in. It was just like the book. Only instead of it being Kenni, it was a mall cop woman. It was soooooo funny!
Tiny Tina’s Mask Soothing Oatmeal and Honey Smoothing Mask
Tonya: I’ve used this mask. It’s rough at first, but soft skin after. I like it because it’s all natural.
Relaxing at Home…DIY Delights
By Kathleen Costa
The opening scene is quite the “grab your attention” moment bringing to my mind the wonderful scents, relaxing massage, worry-releasing experience, and gossip sessions I’ve had at my favorite spa. But, if you’re not able to make it “out” to the spa, you can make it “in” with these marvelous easy DIY products. Head over to my favorite website evermineOccassions to check out several DIY ideas for health and wellness. Some of my favorite in-home spa ideas for you or as a gift just can’t be missed. Don’t forget to add one of Tonya Kappes delightfully entertaining cozies!
Stephanie Rose is a gardener who lives in Vancouver, BC, Canada, where she has grown over 100 edibles, 400 perennials, and countless other plants in her small urban yard; a hobby that continues to grow with each season. Stephanie writes DIY garden projects, yummy recipes, and crafty goodness at Garden Therapy where she hopes you will find something to inspire you to get outside for a little, well, garden therapy. Check out her “Eucalyptus Mint Spa In a Jar” and her “Himalayan Pink Salt Scrub.”
Stacy Dutton is the Art Director at Evermine. She is a new mother and lover of stationery, pie, and dark chocolate. Check out her homemade “Vanilla Coconut Sugar Body Scrub” and her “Lavender Bath Salts.”
Check out other Henery Press mysteries on their website.
To enter to win a copy of Dead as a Doornail, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “doornail,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen June 30, 2018. U.S. residents only. If entering via email please include your mailing address (so if you win we can get the book sent right out to you), and if via comment please include your email address. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.
Check out other mystery articles, reviews, book giveaways & mystery short stories in our mystery section. And join our mystery Facebook group to keep up with everything mystery we post, and have a chance at some extra giveaways. Check out our new mystery podcast that launched on June 5.
Use this link to purchase the book & a portion goes to help support KRL & indie bookstore Mysterious Galaxy:
You can also use this link to purchase the book on Amazon. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the link:
Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases using those links. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.
Thanks for the review. This book sounds good. Looking forward to reading it. Thanks for the chance to win.
faithdcreech at gmail dot com
I already sent an email, not entering again. I just want to say thank you for this awesome Magazine!
Love her books & this looks like another awesome book, Thanks for your generosity. lindamay4852@yahoo.com
Tonya books always entertain and keep you guessing!
I’m a Tonya Kappes fan but have not read any in this series. Thank you so much for this chance. pgenest57(at)aol(dot)com
Tonya’s books are always a fun read. I’d love to win a copy since the local county libraries I have access to do NOT carry her books.
I am going to the check out all of the scrub recipe and the garden therapy website. Thank you for these and for the book review.
debprice60@gmail.com
Thanks for chance to win!!! Montanasprout@icloud.com
I’d love to win and read this book.
would love to win this book by Tonya Kappes. sounds like a great soothing oatmeal mask.
email addy is sparkle40175AThotmailDOTcom
I love Tonya’s books! Each series is so different from the other and always with a cast of characters you fall in love with! Thanks for the chance!!
I love Tony’s books. I love reading the blog and all of the rips. I am going to try the oatmeal mask. Thanks for the chance
That is supposed to be “tips” not Rips. Sorry.
This sounds like something I must read
Sounds like a book that I want to read! Thanks.
kpbarnett1941[at]aol.com
Looking forward to reading another great book from Tonya! Thankyou for the opportunity. minishoes(at)msn(dot)com
Thank you!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks for the review and the chance to win the book. Tonya Kappes never fails to entertain.
ezellmarlene(at)gmail(dot)com
I love Tonya Kappes! Can’t wait to try her scrub recipe next week when my sisters, nieces & I get together. kcby1960@aol.com
I love all of Tonya’s series. This is such a good one too.
jsjacobson(at)prtel(dot)com
Great review! I’ve read the first two books!
Would love to win one of your books Tonya. They sound like so much fun and full of adventure.
I absolutely love her books. They have kept me hooked from the beginning. Great characters , storyline and most of all awesome Author.
I love Tonya’s books! Each series is different from the other and each have a cast of characters you end up loving. I would love the chance to win this book!!
Here’s hoping, and the face mask sounds great. Thanks for the chance. Donamaekutska7@gmail.com
Ahh, another of Tonya’s books that I need in my collection! Thanks for the chance! somesmartcookle @ aol dot com.
cookle has an L, not an i.
Thanks!
I know this will be a great read. Love Tonya’s books! jawdance@yahoo.com
I have never done a spa, but I just have to pop in to thank Kathleen for her adoption of California and her many years as a teacher.
Thanks for the chance to win a fun book to read this summer. I love mysteries and the cover is so bright and fun.
Love this series and Tonya!!! ?
I love Tonya’s books. they all have that Kentucky voice and attitude.
I have read all of Tonya’s books and always anticipate the next one.
I enjoy Tonya’s books so much. I come from a very Southern background, but was raised as a city girl in Chicago. Her books always make me feel like I’m surrounded by family!
I would love to win this book. It sounds so great. Thanks for the chance to win. Kay
“Dead as a Doornail” sounds like a fun book to read! I can’t wait to be able to read it!! Thanks for the opportunity to win it!!! My email address is sanfordo11@yahoo.com.
Love to win as I love her books once you start them you can’t put it down also love the covers. ptclayton2@aol.com
I love reading Tonya Kappes newsletters, Facebook pages, and every book I can get my library to carry! I appreciate the opportunity for a chance to win Dead as a Doornail. Thank you!
I’m a huge cozy fan, but I’m new to Tonya Kappes. Her books sound right up my alley, as I love the southern sleuths. Wasn’t sure about the ghost element, so your review was a big help in my deciding to give her a try.
Thanks. And thanks for the chance to win.
cameronbarbara@ymail.com
Sounds like a great book to read. Thanks for the review and for the chance to win a copy!
I love Tonya’s books! They are such fun reads. Would love to read “Dead as a Doornail”.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
I’m looking forward to this book. I find Tonya’s books to be great escapism. Entertaining, with quirky characters to take the reader on an adventure in “Who done it?”.Cozy fun!
I absolutely love this series. For me the character Poppa has special meaning. My children called my daddy Poppa. It always makes me smile hearing Kenni talk to her Poppa. My dad passed 10 years ago. Keep this series coming please.
Tonya’s Books are always entertaining! If I’ve accidentally entered twice, I apologise…and yes, I do live in States…just over in UK ?? right now!
Love your books
I would love to read this book as her books as just so good and then I will review on goodreads and amazon! ptclayton2@aol.com
Would love to win! Thank-you for the opportunity!
We have a winner!