by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
Holidays & Homicides 24/7 Violet Rhinehammer left Normal, Kentucky, hoping the possible investigative reporter gig would lead to nationwide fame. But, karma, in all its wisdom, threw her a curve: a murder, rerouted plane, and stranded in Holiday Junction. The big city job fell through, but another with the Junction Journal was offered and accepted. Violet has done well with the small newspaper as its editor, reporter, and photographer all rolled into one detailing all the holiday events, but despite not being thrilled with the every holiday, all the time business, Violet found herself being wrangled as the town’s Merry Maker, a centuries-old, very secret key role in the community’s celebrations. Circumstances had her then wrangling as co-Merry Maker her, now, boyfriend Darren Strickland as payback for spilling the beans to her mother, Millie Kay. Although it wasn’t what she wanted starting out, Holiday Junction has become home, unfortunately, a few dead bodies have made the holiday headlines.
Fourth of July Forgery Earns 5/5 Brushstrokes … Entertaining Cozy Gem!
Ooh! Aah! Argh! The scream was an unfortunate climax to the evening’s brilliant firework display alerting Violet, her boyfriend Darren, and other townspeople to the body that washed up onto the beach. Violet’s reporter instincts, her experience with more than her fair share of murders, and the marks on the victim’s neck make it obvious this is murder. It took the officials awhile to confirm the victim’s identity, but Mama was quick to discover it is Graham Winston, owner of Winston’s Art Emporium, and a past article mentioned the victim had a wide range of interest, traveled extensively, and dealt with budding artists and collectors. So, why is he dead?
Whiz Bang! Tonya Kappes has created a delightful town in her Holiday Cozy Mystery series, but with all the celebratory festivities, entertaining events, and town-wide participation, there’s a part of Holiday Junction’s reputation they’d like to change … the murders! No matter whether it’s long time in the works or a moment’s opportunity, someone is disgruntled, jealous, or vengeful and their only choice to rid them of their antagonist, nemesis, or competition is to commit murder and, secondarily, to try to get away with it without much collateral damage. Always a great mystery on which to test my own amateur skill.
In this sixth cozy mystery, the fireworks become the perfect background for the crime with a whiz, a bang, and a scream! Under the guise of reporting the news, Violet’s investigation reveals a dark side of the art world which is engaging, filled with interesting characters, a few twists, a plot to deceive, another to make amends, another felony, and Mama doing her very best to insert herself into every situation. Secrets of all varieties from big ones to little ones are exposed with varying consequence, a new journalist arrives at the Journal, Violet has more time to be an investigative reporter, and the additional murder ups the danger leading to a surprise confrontation. Tonya Kappes adds her own southern flair with this well-written narrative. I enjoyed it all, y’all!
Holiday Cozy Mystery
Four Leaf Felony (2022) Reviewed HERE
Mother’s Day Murder (2022) Reviewed HERE
Halloween Homicide (2022) Reviewed HERE
New Year’s Nuisance (2023)
Chocolate Bunny Betrayal (March, 2023) Amazon Preorder HERE
Fourth of July Forgery (2023)
Be a Big Fan of Tonya Kappes!“Southern Hospitality with a Smidgen of Homicide!” USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes pens a variety of series. With this Holiday Cozy Mystery series, she also has A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery and Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery along with exciting ghostly-, magical-, and caffeinated-themed series. For ghosts, she has Ghostly Southern Mystery and Kenni Lowry series. Add some magic with a Magical Cures Mystery and Spies and Spells series. And finally, get a little caffeinated with her Killer Coffee Mystery. She also has an enjoyable online presence and various events enticing fans to gather to talk, share, and partake in the fun!
Facebook – Author Tonya Kappes
Join the “Cozy Krew”
Become a Member at the Website – Tonya Kappes
YouTube — Tonya Kappes
Enter to win a copy of Fourth of July Forgery by Tonya Kappes by making a comment below about: (1) an Independence Day memory, (2) a favorite picnic venue or must have treat, or (3) would you like to live in a town that all year long celebrates one or all holidays?, or simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “fourth,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen July 8, 2023. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like. BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK.
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The town before mine actually does have festivals for most holidays or occasions. One of the only things I miss about living in south Florida was that where I lived I could actually see two and sometimes three cities fireworks on the 4th of July.
Not too many mysteries set at the Fourth of July, it sounds fun. I would love to live somewhere that celebrated lots of holidays. I live in such a small, rural town that we really don’t have anything going on. Would like a print copy.
I don’t think I’d want to celebrate one holiday all year long. that said, there are so many Independence Day celebrations around here, I still haven’t been to them all.
I think it would get old – celebrating a
holiday all year long. Looking forward
to a holiday is part of the enjoyment.
Sounds like a good read. thanks
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
I know I couldn’t handle celebrating the same holiday all year long. I also enjoy the drone show at a nearby baseball field to celebrate the 4th. Drones are a great choice, as we are in a drought here in Wisconsin
Hi! I’ve taught for about 25 years now…mostly in first through 3rd grades and I love it! So interesting to see that you were a teacher as well and that you’re from the Northwest! I live near Lake Chelan in Washington State. My favorite memory about the 4th is when my 3 kids were small, we spent the day playing in my parents pool after being in the town’s parade and eating yummy food all day long. Then once it was dark we’d get wrapped up in fluffy blankets on the front yard to watch the town’s huge fireworks display over the Columbia River. It’s quite the show and draws visitors to our little town like crazy!!
My Fourth memories are crowded with parades and competions. I was in drum and bugle corps from the age of 9 until I aged out at 21. I have walked for many miles on this day and competed all over the East Coast. Since I aged out, my holiday has become much less active. I now enjoy BBQs and swimming pools, I have even attended some fireworks displays!
I forgot to mention that I would enjoy reading your story in print. Thank you!
Forgot to say I would love a print copy if I am lucky enough to win! Happy Fourth of July!
I’d like to live in a town that celebrates ALL the holidays!
Lots of neighborhood parties and fireworks at night is my favorite memory. I like the anticipation of holidays. Not sure if I would like to live in a holiday town. Print book if I have the opportunity to win. Bettygracie53(at)gmail(dot)com.
I would love to get a print copy, I enjoy mysteries! tWarner419@aol.com
We celebrate holidays on holidays. The Fourth of July is a big celebration here. Tonya’s books are always fun reads. Love her books. I prefer a print copy.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
We use to have a big party every 4th, but it seems like covid changed plans for a few years and then you just get away from it. Some of the best times with family and friends. print please. thank you for the chance. Happy 4th!
When I was growing up my parents would take us and we would meet up with our aunts, uncles and cousins and grill out and than when it got dark we would go to a park where they had a big display of fireworks. Fun times with family. Happy 4th of July to all. I would love to win a print copy of this amazing book. Thanks for your great generosity.
I would love to live in a town where every holiday is celebrated.
The more celebrations the better! I recently moved to a town that has lots more activities than the previous one, and I am thrilled!
I love watching the fireworks at night unfortunately neither of my boys enjoyed them. Now that they are grown I get to see fireworks every year.
A 4th of July memory for me was sitting on the hill in one of our fields and watching the fireworks in the town that was 15 miles or so away growing up!
I would love to live in a town that celebrates all of the holidays. We don’t celebrate them as much as we use to.
When I was young, I lived in a small town in New Jersey that had a parade then a day of fun at the park grounds around the local swimming pool. At night, there were fireworks over the giant pool area. There were cement bleachers to sit on on 2 sides or you could sit under the trees on the park side. It was such a fun place to grow up. I doubt it still happens. That was back in the late 50’s and early 60’s.
A favorite picnic spot is anywhere that I can see and hear water: the beach, a stream, a pond, a river, etc. I prefer a print copy if it is signed by Tonya and Rowena, otherwise an ebook in Kindle format.
Summer momories of eating watermelon with my grandpa!
My favorite 4th of July memories are family bbq’s and watching the fireworks display at our local drive in theater. I would like a print copy if I am lucky enough to win
Thanks for the chance to win Tonya’s book! Print copy would be great….signed even better! But I am willing to get a Kindle ebook if that is better for you….
Growing up we would always visit family in Alderson WV to watch their 4th of July parade, then walk back to their house for food & fellowship. Wonderful memories. If I win, I prefer a print copy – thank you!
My grandfather was born on the 4th of July in 1883, so the 4th was always extra special. We’d celebrate with our family and my aunt’s family getting together for a picnic and fireworks. When my grandfather turned 69, my mother baked a sheet cake with 69 candles lining the four edges. By the time my Mom and I lit them all, the first ones were almost totally burned down, but my grandfather managed to blow them all out.
Growing up we used to go watch the fireworks on the 4th of July!
oh but this book sounds wonderful. I have not read a 4th of July mystery yet. woohoo. growing up on the farm, we would all gather at a certain home and watch the fire works on blankets with food and drink mom packed. when we moved to IL mom found a few places close by that we could still bring our blankets and food and drink and watch for hours. quilting dash lady at comcast dot net
We have a winner!