by Kathleen Costa
Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win either an ebook or print copy of Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis, and a link to purchase it from Amazon.
A Campground Lifestyle to Die For…
Maybelline “Mae” Grant West, (yes, Mae West…deal with it!) no longer lives a luxurious life with a gold card and New York condo since her husband of two-years went to jail leaving her with nothing except for embarrassment in the tabloids, shunned by so-called friends, and a flamingo keychain to a small bright-yellow camper and title to a campground in her hometown of Normal, Kentucky. Embracing her Kentucky roots, she took ownership of Happy Trails Campground, and over the past year, she renovated, upgraded, and after some “mea culpa” with the residents and victims of her husband’s Ponzi scheme, she earned their respect and friendship, a dog and a detective beau, and a place to call home. She just worries the pesky murders that keep popping up challenge her idea of living a “normal” life.
Assailant, Asphalt & Alibis earns 5/5 Heirloom Pearl Necklaces…Fascinating Fun!
Happy Trails Campground is at full capacity with full-timers and tourists enjoying a campfire, s’mores, and stories of hidden treasure. The annual John Swift excursion entices everyone with treasure maps and a trove of silver yet undiscovered. One of the treasure hunters provided a dramatic tale about Swift and his counterfeiting efforts back in the late 1700s. All this excitement is hard to pass up, so Mae and the ladies of the Laundry Club along with Detective Hank’s grandmother decide to join the expedition in search of riches or at least a bit of weekend fun. So, with no cell reception or electricity, rumors of a curse, competitive exes, a bit of mutiny among the ranks, a theft, and a whole lot of greed, who would guess murder would join in? Well, everyone!
This eighth book in Tonya Kappes’s A Camper and Criminals Mystery series definitely is one of her best! Tonya’s writing style is always engaging with descriptive language to tempt the senses and dialogue that illustrates well the emotions, dialects, and personalities. Although her murder mystery follows the traditional cozy formula, she goes well beyond with well-developed characters (some quirky for humor’s sake), close relationships, interesting themes, an investigation with several suspects to consider, and lots of southernisms. The murder itself occurs further into the story than I like, but I enjoyed the journey with introductions to the new characters and their connections, banter between all the ladies, conflicts and threats, and the lead up that had me questioning who ultimately would be the victim…Karma had a few choices. The first-person narrative from Mae’s perspective is a main draw for me. She is intelligent, clever, and realistic in her approach, and whether through blood or not, family is very important, and her connection with the ladies, labeled the Laundry Club, makes it fun. However, she missed an obvious clue to a family connection. Too much going on, I guess. But, this book is delightful, and with references to background, it can be easily read by newbies. And look out for the shout out to cozy author Sue Ann Jaffarian!
BONUS! This series always includes a unique bonus: “Recipes and Cleaning Hacks From Mae West and the Women of Normal, Kentucky, and Happy Trails Campground.” For your next backyard camp out, Sunday picnic in the park, or RV vacation serve up Iron Skillet French Toast for breakfast, then lunch with Iron Skillet Hamburger Casserole, and end with dinner of Skillet Chicken Enchiladas. Although these are great for your next vacation, they’re also fun craft ideas: RV Hack #1 Acorn Whistle and RV Hack #2 Zipline for a “Fur” Friend. All fun!
Important! Many books include lists, prologues, introductions, and author notes that are often ignored by readers, but don’t skip the Author’s Notes provided at the beginning of this book. These notes offer some insights into one of Kentucky’s oldest legends about the John Swift Silver Mine and the ins and outs of the ginseng trade. Tonya remembers the tale being told to her as a child, and continuing the tradition, she told it to her own children. The ginseng trade is also quite fascinating with all its rules and regulations making it a ripe theme for…criminal activity. Both topics add an engaging “based on” storyline.
Audio, too! Several books in the series are in audiobook format narrated by Johanna Parker who “enriches the experience by going beyond a traditional reading out loud with a pleasant tone, engaging emotion, enjoyable and varied southern drawls, and fine male voices which often is hard to do for female narrators.” Audible – A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery series.
Be a Big Fan!
USA Today Bestselling Author Tonya Kappes is one of my Top Ten favorite authors with some exciting ghostly, magical, and caffeinated themed series to go along with her now eight-book A Camper & Criminals Cozy series…Alert! book nine Valleys, Vehicles & Victims is set to release on 9/27/19. For ghosts she has the popular eight-book Ghostly Southern Mystery and seven-book Kenni Lowry series…”I see dead people!” Add some magic with the twelve-book Magical Cures Mystery and three-book Spies and Spells series. Get a little caffeinated with her six-book Killer Coffee Mystery. There are five other series to check out along with the delightful two-book Southern Cake Baker Mystery she pens under the name Maymee Bell. Some series have easy-to-follow recipes, some not, and some with fun tips, but I guarantee always filled with southern charm!
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 Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “alibis,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen September 21, 2019. US only. If entering via comment please include your email address, if entering via email please include your mailing address in case 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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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.
I’d love a print copy. Thanks for the chance! JL_Minter(at)hotmail(dot)com
I can’t wait to read this series – thanks for the chance to win a print copy of the book
Sounds interesting. Count me in!
Thank you soooo much!!!
Love this series!! jawdance@yahoo.com
I love Tonya’s writing I haven’t read one book I didn’t like. I admit this series is my favorite though Mae and the Laundry Club crack me up with the Shanagins they get up to. I love learning history through fiction so this one was very enjoyable. I would love a print copy of this one thanks for the chance.
Tighefan42atgmaildotcom
Can’t wait to have one of these baby’s in print!
I was left smiling after reading your review! And, I’m partial to bonus recipes. Tonya Kappes is one of my top 2 favorite Southern Mystery authors! If I’m fortunate enough to win I’d prefer a pint copy.
Please enter me for a print copy of Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis (print copy).
My mailing address should I win is:
Jane Beeman
16708 Frontenac Terrace
Rockville, MD 20855
I would love a print copy if I’m lucky enough to win! Thanks for the chance. Woodstock216@gmail.com
The cover looks great and I would love a chance to win it. Thanks for this amazing chance.
Enter to win an ebook copy of alibis thank you
Love this series
Tonya Kappes is a true Southern lady and her books reflect her personality. The characters invite you in from page one to the end. Thank you for the insight into Ms. Kappes latest book.
We are having trouble with our comments-I can post one but can’t approve anyone else’s. But rest assured I can still see them so you will still be entered. You can also enter via email-info above.
My husband and I love Tonya Kappes books and we would love to win an e-book copy of Assailants, Asphalt & Alibis by Tonya Kappes. Thank you for your review and giveaway for a chance to win.
Would like to read more about the John Swift legend. Sounds intriguing.
kozo8989@hotmail.com
I would love to win an ebook of this book! But never fear, if I don’t win I will positively be buying a copy!???
I am excited for this one and put in a purchase request with my local library. Would love to win my own paperback copy!
Thanks for the chance.!
I love Tonya’s books (have 4 out of the library right now) and I’d kill to own them for my ownself.
Just finished this book. Loved it
I’d absolutely love to read this book. Thank you for the chance.
Print copy please
Great feature and giveaway. Talented author and delightful series. Thanks.
I am a big fan of this Southern Lady, Tonya Kappes. Her various series can fulfill readers from cover to cover.
Tonya is a great author. She has several series that she writes, you will love them all.
Sounds like a fun read – and a
bonus of tips. thanks for the
chance to get this book.
txmlhl(at)yahoo(dot)com
Print copy, please.
Tonya is just wonderful. Thanks for the contest. I would prefer a print book if I am the lucky one. ckmbeg (at) gmail (dot) com
I agree! I am loving Mae West and her camper adventures!
Tonya Kappes is wonderful, I am also a big fan of her Charming Cures series!
Love this series.
Thank you for the giveaway. I would love a print please. daw655(at)hotmail(dot)com
Wish my mom, a big mystery lover, were alive to read this series. She’d get a kick out of it since she and my dad RV’d full time for almost 10 years.
acm05atjuno.com
Love her books….would love to win…..
Love Tonya’s books! Would really love to win a print book.
diannekc8(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the chance to win this awesome book. I would love a print book if possible.
I would love to win an e copy of this book. Love her books.
I’d live to win this book…I love any Tonya Kappes book that I’ve read…she’s fun to read.
Sounds like an awesome book and would love to read it.
I love the cover of this book, your mysteries are always a fun read. Thanks for this amazingly generous giveaway.
would love to win a copy, thanks
Thank you for the chance to win. An ebook would be fine.
I love your novels and only get the printed kind. Know about mama cats. It took several days with a live trap to catch one. Caught several others before I got the right one. Kept turning the others loose. I have three of her babies as house cats and they are now 10 years old.
I just love your reviews! Thanks for the chance to win and I would be happy with either print or ebook. cgstratman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Mae West is my type of woman. She has gone through heartbreak and loss and still keeps on keeping on. I love this series since I have been a camper and loved to visit various campgrounds. Thanks so much for the giveaway.
Would love to win.
I would love an ebook copy of Tonya’s new camper series title…kindle for me! Thanks!!
Would love a print copy! sheliarha64(at)yahoo(dot)com
I would be grateful for a print copy of Assailants, Asphalt and Alibis. Thank you for the chance
I would love to have a copy of Alibis!
I’d love a print copy. Thanks for the chance! somesmartcookle at aol dot com. cookle has an L, not an i.
Yes please, I’d love to add a print copy of Miss. Tonya’s book to my home library.
I would prefer a print copy of your book should I be so lucky. Her camper series is such fun to read because I have never used one and the characters are wonderful. Thank you for the chance. Nancy ringo_94@hotmail.com
Thanks for the info on this author! Would love to win! lindaherold999(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you for the chance I’d love to read it. It sounds really interesting and fun to read..
We have a winner!