by Kathleen Costa

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Valleys, Vehicles & Victims, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

You’ve Got Mail…and Murder!
Bernadette knew Iris Peabody’s special “feelings” were suspect. There was the cute boy who would kiss her on the old rubber tire…he pushed her off instead. There was the cute boy who would ask her to prom…he asked Iris instead. But, all worked out, for Bernadette at least, who met and married Richard Butler and had her son Grady; Iris married the cute boy, sadly later to divorce. However, sometimes her “feelings” leave lasting chills. Years later, Iris had a “feeling” about Bernadette’s Richard, a feeling that would be punctuated by the arrival of the sheriff and notice of a fatal car accident. Now, Bernadette Butler, widowed ten years, enjoys her job as a U.S. postal worker, greeting friends with their mail, proud of her son, now a teacher and head football coach, waiting for him and her daughter-in-law to give her a grandbaby, and still best friends with Iris although they’ve agreed Iris will keep her “feelings” to herself…until now. Have you “…been by Mac Tabor’s house yet?”

Stamped Out earns 5/5 Ssssecrets…Engaging and Entertaining!
Gossip, of course, is a perk of the job delivering mail to the residents of Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky, so when Vince Caldwell, resident of the local nursing home, speaks of a heated commissioners’ meeting and an emergency city council meeting, Bernadette takes a little extra time to listen. Chuck Shilling, majority owner of the property on which the struggling country club sits, is selling to Mac Tabor, architect and property developer, and as it happens, best friend of Bernadette’s late husband, and in some ways, a surrogate father for Grady’s milestone celebrations His development plan to build condos is causing serious conflicts and active protests that seem to be pitting resident vs resident, but…murder! Unfortunately, Bernadette discovers Chuck’s body, and an argument turned physical is reported between the victim and Mac by a neighbor. Then the weapon in question is found near Mac’s house, so of course, law enforcement focuses on him as the prime suspect. Bernadette has been struggling with her feelings about the family friend, and although she discovers some secrets in Mac’s life, making her question how much she really knows about him, they don’t seem to rise to the level of a motive for murder. Vince and the Front Porch Ladies, who both seem to have the perfect view on all of the commotions happening in Sugar Creek Gap, add to Bernadette’s amateur detecting. But secrets? Everyone seems to have one.

What an entertaining starter to a new series! Tonya Kappes once again sets her engaging mystery and wonderful characters in her own backyard of Kentucky with all the southern charm she can muster. She has penned a first-person narrative from Bernadette’s delightful perspective sharing her feelings, insights into other residents, love for family and friends, memories of her husband, budding feelings for a family friend, and her developing critical attention to investigating murder. I loved it! There’s a lot going on forcing me to pay close attention to the clever murder, twisty with more suspects to consider beyond the obvious close friend and several secrets revealed. I enjoyed the curious “feelings” from Iris and the satisfying ending I almost guessed. It’s Tonya’s signature southernisms, descriptive language, and dialogue illustrating well the various personalities that made the entire read very entertaining. I really like having so many characters of a mature age, some quirky, endearing friendship with BFF Iris and sleuthing sidekick Vince, and everyone’s efforts to hook Bernadette up. The Front Porch Ladies are marvelous! I also enjoy many of the little creative touches to Tonya’s work like the names given to the various shops in Sugar Creek Gap…Social Knitwork yarn shop, Wallflower Diner, Pie in the Face bakery. Sure, there little touches, but it always makes me smile. Cozy fans should not miss this one!

Bonus! The four easy-to-follow sweet treats included in the book are also incorporated into the story. Bernadette and Iris will be making these Pumpkin Sugar Cookies for the high-school booster club. The Lemon Philly Pie is ready for customers of Iris’s Pie in the Face bakery. Head over to Bernadette’s parents’ Wallflower Diner for a slice of Mama’s Southern Pecan Bread. And try Bernadette’s Cheesecake-Stuffed Pumpkin Bread, Mac’s favorite, as a nice celebratory treat when you’re not a murder suspect anymore. I smell a cookbook in the future….just saying.

Alert! Book two Addressed for Murder is set to release on December 31, so put it on your calendar. This time, reeling from her success finding justice for the last suspicious death, Bernadette discovers the dead body of an elderly postal customer. She’s embolden to check out the details, and the Front Porch ladies are willing to be backup.

Be a Big Fan!
USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes is also one of my Top Ten favorite authors. With this soon-to-be two-book Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, she has a nine-book Camper & Criminals Cozy series along with exciting ghostly-, magical-, and caffeinated-themed series. For ghosts, she has the popular eight-book Ghostly Southern Mystery and seven-book Kenni Lowry series. Add some magic with the twelve-book Magical Cures Mystery and three-book Spies and Spells series. And finally, get a little caffeinated with her six-book 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

To enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Stamped Out, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “stamped,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen December 7, 2019. US only, and must be 13 or older to enter. If entering via comment please include your email address–we will only use your email address to notify you if you win. AND BE SURE TO STATE IF YOU WANT PRINT OR EBOOK. 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.