by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win an ebook copy of the book, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Violet Rhinehammer’s bubble burst with a “Bang!” when her trip to California had a murderous detour. She’d left Normal, Kentucky, for greener “national” pastures confident the job interview was only a formality. Unfortunately, a dead body in the airplane bathroom caused an emergency landing in Holiday Junction. Quick thinking exposed a silver lining giving Violet a real life opportunity to showcase her talents for her prospective employer to consider. Although the scoop was opportune, her make-up malfunction and social media memes led to a disappointing “no thanks.” But, all was not lost. Her success finding a killer and ingratiating herself with several residents, a job offer was made to join the Junction Journal as a lead, if not only, reporter. It isn’t her dream job, but when a gift horse gallops up, you just climb on!

Mother’s Day Murder Earns 5/5 Raspberry Bundts…Engaging, Fun Gem!
The Journal has been struggling and owners Marge and Louise are contemplating a sale, but Violet believes she can turn the business around with hard work and pushing the limits of her journalistic talents. However, her mother, Millie Kay Rhinehammer, is furious that her daughter’s dream has taken her miles away, and the work will keep her from coming home to celebrate Mother’s Day. So…if the mountain won’t come to Mohammed, Mohammed will go to he mountain, or should we say Mama. Oh, what else could go caddywompus? Well, she announced she’s getting a d-i-v-o-r-c-e and with an assault at the cake walk, a threat, and another hair-pulling interaction, it makes her departure a necessity, but with airport business limited, she’s here for a whole week…maybe!

Violet’s journalistic interest is piqued when she hears about the Lustig Spring. It is rumored the spring water has healing properties, and the Lustig family’s longevity, refusal to allow people access to the water, and only serving and cooking with the spring water at their Freedom Diner does nothing to ward off the curious. But, one resident and fired diner employee is found murdered. Did “curiosity” kill the cat? There are several suspects Violet plans to examine…including her Mama!

Holiday Gem for Anytime of the Year! Tonya Kappes has given a fresh, renewed look to a character whose pushy manner in the series A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery was one readers, like myself, worried wouldn’t work. BUT, as the lead in this new Holiday Cozy Mystery series, Violet is more than a determined professional, she’s clever, witty, and although not entirely experienced in romance, there is hope…it’s just which Strickland. This second book has Violet becoming more involved in this unique community with her efforts to keep afloat the Journal and accepting an important role, two centuries in the making, in the town’s festivities from the local “Merry Maker.” Her focus on getting the story often outweighs personal privacy putting her again in an adversarial role testing loyalties, but some issues are too important to ignore. Family dynamics and issues always thread through the drama, and readers get valuable insights into Violet’s characteristics, especially her drive and competitiveness, and despite being close to Mama, acquiescing to her demands and antics was, for me, a frustration. Inner Sherlock’s will be thrilled gathering the evidence, but challenged all the way to end when the surprise killer is revealed. I am a big fan!

Holiday Mystery series
Four-Leaf Felony (2022) Reviewed HERE
Mother’s Day Murder (2022)
A Halloween Homicide (10/6/22) Amazon Preorder HERE “Violet Rhinehammer is busy trying to keep the Junctional Journal afloat and that includes participating in all the Halloween activities planned. One problem, Violet is not a fan of Halloween or anything that comes with it…including a haunted ghost walk.”

Be a Big Fan of Tonya Kappes!
USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes pens a variety of series. along with the Camper & Criminals Cozy series, she also has a Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, but you can also get exciting ghostly-, magical-, and caffeinated-themed series. For ghosts, she has Ghostly Southern Mystery and Kenni Lowry series. Add some magic with her Southern Magical Mystery, Magical Cures Mystery, and Spies and Spells series. And finally, get a little caffeinated with this marvelous 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

To enter to win an ebook copy of Mother’s Day Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “mothers,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen August 13, 2022. US only, and must be 18 or older to enter. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Kathleen Costa is a long-time resident of the Central Valley, and although born in Idaho, she considers herself a “California Girl.” Graduating from CSU-Sacramento, she is 35+ year veteran teacher having taught in grades 1-8 in schools from Sacramento to Los Angeles to Stockton to Lodi. Currently Kathleen is enjoying year 2 of retirement revitalizing hobbies along with exploring writing, reading for pleasure, and spending 24/7 with her husband of 26+ years.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. 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.