Betting Off Dead

Spies and Spells #2

by Tonya Kappes

And their off!
Gambling on horse racing is Kentucky's number one sport but when Kentucky Derby Thoroughbred picked to win the Derby, Rails and Nails, ends up poisoned, SKUL special agent Mick Jasper and rookie witch Maggie Park, who keeps her witch powers a secret, are called in to investigate a world of illegal gambling where a run for the roses can prove to be deadly.

Genres: Mystery, Paranormal, Cozy Mystery, Romance, Paranormal Mystery

183 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 29, 2016

About the author

Beloved cozy mystery author Tonya Kappes is bringing her charming world to the screen!

The Hallmark Channel is thrilled to announce a television series in development based on Tonya’s wildly popular 40-book series, A Camper & Criminals Mystery.

A celebrated Amazon All-Star and USA Today bestselling author, Tonya has written over 180 southern cozy mysteries filled with heart, humor, and unforgettable small-town characters. Her novels, known for their southern charm and rich emotional storytelling, have been praised by readers and critics alike, earning her a coveted spot as a Woman's World Book Club Pick six times.

Writing full-time from her camper, Tonya crafts worlds where mystery, friendship, and a little mischief collide — and now, her stories will come to life for cozy mystery lovers everywhere.

Visit Tonya:
Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes,
https://www.facebook.com/authortonyak...

Webpage
tonyakappes.com

Goodreads
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

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https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

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https://www.pinterest.com/tonyakappes/

For weekly updates and contests, sign up for Tonya's newsletter Kappes Krew Weekly via her website or Facebook.For years,

Reviews

[JoAn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The second book in the series has Maggie still trying to reconcile her magic with her "witchy calling". This time she teams up with Mick to investigate the possibility of doping horses. A cute cozy mystery with humor and magic.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn't put it down! Betting Off Dead is the 2nd book in the Spies and Spells Series. I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review. Maggie Park's life is, at times, boring, stressful, comical and a little dangerous! You see, Maggie is a witch. She lives in Old Louisville, Kentucky, in a beautiful Victorian home with her mom, sister and grandmother, all witches. While keeping the fact that they are witches a secret and trying to discover what she wants to do the rest of her life, Maggie waits tables at her grandmother's diner. Several months ago SKUL, a government spy agency, called her to help them. That's when she met hunky special agent Mick Jasper. Together they solved the case. Now, once again, SKUL has contacted Maggie to work with Mick to investigate illegal horse race gambling. So, between being a spy, trying to figure out her feelings for Mick, trying to keep her witchy family out of trouble and dealing with her quirky talking car (a 1965 red AC Cobra), Maggie's world is turning upside down. I highly recommend this book and anything that is written by talented Tonya Kappes.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betting off Dead by Tonya Kappes is the second Spies &Spells novel. Maggie is a witch raised in the mortal world. She is unique, in that instead of an animal familiar, she has Vinnie, a sports car. Turns out this plays directly into her witchy hour and her destiny to help SKUL, a special crimes agency.

This book was wonderful; absolute 5-star read. I couldn't put it down!

[Lisa Ks Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Author Tonya Kappes has another wonderfully written hit on her hands!

BETTING OFF DEAD, book 2 in the Spies and Spells Mysteries is an absolutely enchanting installment to this fun series. Author Kappes certainly knows how to draw a reader in and entertain them from the first page until the last!

The characters in this series are fantastic! I really clicked with lead character Maggie Parks. Not because I am a witch who was raised by mortals, but because I tended to always see things differently than the rest of my family. Oh, and because I talked to my old car all the time, but mine never answered back like Maggie’s does (it’s her familiar!). Maggie’s Auntie Meme, and their neighbor, Mrs. Hubbard had me laughing out loud with their feuding! And, I have a little bit of a crush on Maggie’s spy partner Mick. ;-)

Clever, funny, exciting…BETTING OFF DEAD has it all. Ms. Kappes is a brilliant writer. She knows how to build a story at the perfect pace. I became more and more engrossed with every chapter. I didn’t come up for air until after the exciting reveal.

Fasten the seatbelts on your reading chair and get prepare for a thrilling ride!

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betting Off Dead is the 2nd book in the Spies and Spells Series by the prolific Tonya Kappes. This addition to the series is captivating and charming. Maggie has experienced her “Witchy Hour” revealing what her life journey is destined to be. By all indications, including verification by her coven, Maggie Park will be a spy for SKUL, a government spy agency, – partnered with the handsome Mick Jasper. Set in Old Louisville, Kentucky, Maggie and Mick are assigned to investigate an illegal horse doping and gambling ring that could affect the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown. Ms. Kappes takes us on a journey with Maggie, but Aunt Mimi, Ms. Parks, Lilith and Abram (and, of course, Maggie’s familiar, Vinnie, a 1965 red AC Cobra. Will Maggie’s family accept her calling? Will they accept Mick? Can she and Mick unravel the issues at the horse stables before it's too late? Will Maggie accept her calling? What a glimpses of Southern life and phrases?

Jump in the saddle, hold onto the bridle and enjoy the fast paced ride. The action and adventure in the book are unending. Filled with Southern charm and humor, this is an excellent cozy mystery. If you need a fun evening read, settle down with Betting off Dead. Read it and enjoy!!

[Skye Noir · Rating 5 out of 5]

And their off! Gambling on horse racing is Kentucky’s number one sport but when Kentucky Derby Thoroughbred picked to win the Derby, Rails and Nails, ends up poisoned, SKUL special agent Mick Jasper and rookie witch Maggie Park, who keeps her witch powers a secret, are called in to investigate a world of illegal gambling where a run for the roses can prove to be deadly.

Betting Off Dead was a witchy delight! Maggie was determined Maggie Park was still reeling from her Witchy Hour. Mick Jasper had come and gone from her life and she was still not sure where she stood with him. Her family didn’t like it when he was around and then wouldn’t you know it? He showed back up with a secret mission for SKUL. Now Maggie had to juggle secrets, her family, and her growing attraction to Mick while hoping she didn’t get herself in too deep in her latest assignment. That couldn’t be too hard, right?

.... read the rest @ BOOKS BY THE TON

* I received a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Witch and her Car?

Welcome to book two of the Spies and Spells series by Tonya Kappes. A wizard with stories, she has woven another exciting tale.
This is the story of Maggie Park, spy with a very particular skill set. Maggie is moving along with her career choice of being a super spy along with her car (familiar) Vinnie and her very interesting family.
This story moved very quickly and kept me on the edge of my seat a good bit. I truly believe you will enjoy the ride.

[Sheryl Hagan-The Book Conservatory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t imagine that keeping one’s identity, as a witch in a southern town in Kentucky can be very easy. Southern ladies love to gossip you know. I know. I have lived in Kentucky most all of my life. That’s why I am pretty impressed with how clever Maggie Parks and her family have been, hiding out in Belgravia Court in Louisville all these years. Perfect setting to become a spy, right? Let’s just pile more secrets on. Anyway, if it weren’t for that flying owl, Miss Kitty, and a few other things, maybe Mrs. Hubbard would lay off them. Okay, may not.

Betting off Dead is the second in the Spies and Spells series from the Kentucky native, Tonya Kappes. She captures southern culture to a tee. Between the close knit family to the nosy neighbor, she has this witch family sitting pretty in one of the pretties cities in the state.

In this second installment, we join Maggie after she has found out what her life calling is suppose to be and just like all southern moms, mama isn’t having it. Mom Parks is going to do everything she can to protect her daughter from danger and that handsome, shall I say smoking hot guy, that keeps popping up that everyone in the family says is going to cause her nothing but trouble. What’s a daughter to do? After all, Mick Jasper is her co-worker and partner. Well, get dressed and go get into danger with the guy of course! It’s horse city and there is something fishing going on down at the Derby. With her familiar, a 1965 AC Cobra named Vinnie, and some witchy know-how, Maggie tries to help the horses of the Blue Grass state.

Not all goes smoothly of course. In the process, she loses a dear friend, faces a death she doesn’t realize would hit her so hard and starts to own who she really is. Maggie comes into herself in this second book. Tonya helps us journey with not only Maggie, but Aunt Mimi, Ms. Parks, Lilith and Abram. It’s a tough transition to watch, but well worth it once everything is revealed in the end.

Betting off Dead was an amazing book, so I can’t imagine how book three will be. Maggie is now aware of who she is and I am hoping fully accepted by her family. This is for a sure a coming of age story that so many people can relate to. Maggie is the one who is different from the rest of her family and they have to learn to accept her differences and I think they do. I hope they do. Beautiful book Tonya. The action and adventure in the book are fantastic, but the take away for me was the acceptance Maggie finds.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED Betting Off Dead book two of the Spies and Spells Cozy Mystery Series by Tonya Kappes. It has mystery,witches, ornery neighbors and family, as well as southern charm and pizzazz. I love the small town setting and the way Tonya Kappes describes it you could picture walking in the streets of Belgravia Court.

This book grabs you right from the start and keeps your interest as well as keeping you guessing till the very end. It is a fun, fast, at times laugh out loud book that you won't want to miss.

Maggie is once again called upon to help hunky Mick Jasper and SKUL to solve a crime against the very fabric of Kentucky history when they have to investigate and find out who is trying to sway the results of the Kentucky Derby by doping the horses. Things become dangerous and Maggie and Mick must find who is behind the scandal and murder before anyone else is hurt. Can they do it and can Maggie keep Mick from finding out that she has magical powers while working along side him in their pursuit for SKUL?

I love the dynamic between Mick and Maggie and throw in this time the jealousy of Abram which causes a whole other problem for Maggie and the family and it makes for interesting reading. I also got a kick out of Mrs Hubbard the nosey cantankerous neighbor who reminds me so much of a neighbor we had when I was young and the way her and Aunt Meme are always arguing is so entertaining. I can just picture it all, I just love the quirky characters. They add a special element to the story.

This is a wonderfully quirky, fast moving, exciting cozy mystery with a good plot and interesting puzzle to be solved. I can not wait for the next adventure for Maggie and Mick.

If you like a good mystery with a little bit of mischief and magic thrown in add in a touch of romance and extraordinary characters then be sure to read this book and series.

[Vivian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Now that Maggie has experienced her "Life Journey" revelation, it appears that she will be a spy for SKUL - with the luscious Mick Jasper as her partner in this story set against the backdrop of the horse racing world in Kentucky. I like that the author writes about the state she lives in - I have never visited this area and appreciate the glimpses we see into life there. I love the author's witticisms - they are the key to why I enjoy her books so much. My new favorite from this book is "melt or fly" - cracks me up every time (now you have to read the book to find out what I'm talking about!). I also like the author's imagination - making Maggie's familiar a car is very clever and sets it apart from other paranormal books. The author's books also have a strong sense of family which I enjoy. One funny from this book was Aunt Meme having to apologize to a neighbor - to eat crow as they say. So she actually makes brownies made of crow to take with her - hilarious! And I can maybe see a little romance coming in the future for Maggie?? I do have a suggestion - I would recommend that you read the first book in the series before this one. I could follow along OK, but felt I was missing things such as character development and events from the first book that were referred to in this second one. Overall, an excellent cozy mystery read!

I did receive an ARC from the author but that did not influence my review!

[John Presler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Maggie's life is not running exactly smoothly.Lillith no longer works at The Brew, so Maggie is working double shifts. Now SKUL needs her help with a case, so she will have to find a replacement to work at the diner.

The feud between Auntie Meme and Mrs. Hubbard starts escalating when a vase that Auntie Meme ordered online disappears from her front porch. Auntie Meme is cretain that Mrs. Hubbard is responsible, but Maggie is busy with her SKUL assignment to run interference.

SKUL received a tip about a plan to dope some race horses to ensure who will win. Maggie's job is to help Mick get closer to the people believed to be responsible.

Following the auction where a couple of favorites were sold, Mick and Maggie get invited to a party. During the party, Mick and Maggie start walking toward the barn, when there is an explosion. Strange, but Vinnie did not warn her of any danger!

Why did Vinnie fail to warn Maggie she was in danger? Will Maggie and Mick be able to break the gambling ring and save the horses?

[Barbara Flowers · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Spies and Spells series is a witch cozy with a twist and another really fun series from Tonya Kappes. Complete with a cast of slightly off-beat, but very likeable characters, this series is set in Louisville, Kentucky and centers on Maggie Parks and her family - all of whom just happen to be witches.

As Maggie stays busy trying to hide the family secret from an extremely nosey neighbor and helping out at the family owned diner, she is again recruited to work with the super secret agency SKUL. Maggie and her partner, super hot agent Mick Jasper, soon find themselves immersed in the world of horse racing, doping and illegal gambling. With some twists and turns, a lot of humor and help from Maggie's familiar (that would be her snappy sports car Vinnie), Maggie and Mick break the case and hopefully will return soon in a third book.

Once again, Tonya Kappes has created an enjoyable story line and likeable characters which combine for a light hearted, good read. I received an ARC in return for an honest review. The opinions are my own.

[Kerri Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Park has been asked to help SKUL once again. This time she's recruited to investigate illegal gambling on horse races.
Hilarity ensues as she tried to keep her witch powers (as well as her family's) a secret all while figuring out her feelings for agent Mick Jasper and who's poisoning horses.

This is the second book in the Spies and Spells series. It isn't terribly necessary to read Spies and Spells first. Kappes does a good job covering and explaining to those readers that pick up this book first. In my opinion, I would read Spies and Spells before this book. Not only do you get a good history of Maggie and her family, but you laugh your way through solving a mystery. I couldn't put down either book.

[Rima Aiello · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest review.
Betting Off Dead is the second installment in this series. We find ourselves again immersed in the life of the lovable Maggie as she tries to navigate through her life, work, and family. She is pulling double shifts at the family business, trying to find her her way, plus being tapped again by Skul to assist with a case.
The twists and turns throughout the story definitely keep you on your toes with just enough laugh out loud chuckles. Tonya Kappes has a true gift weaving words together to make for a truly enchanting read. This latest installment, just like every Tonya Kappes novel, finds me waiting impatiently for the next.

[Donna Harms · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes knows how to captivate you and make you laugh and feel apart of the characters she creates. Maggie Parks was called in to do another case for SKUL. This is her life journey and although her family isn't to keen on this and try to interfere in humorous ways, she doesn't let them stop her. The case involves going undercover on a doping case for race horses. Maggie also gets put into danger by a surprising turn of events? Will Mick and Maggie solve the crime? Will Aunt Meme and Mrs. Hubbard survive another round of a neighbor dispute? You will have to ready this fun and witty book for yourself!

[Yaritza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great continuation to the series. I loved that the story evolved around Kentucky Derby. I love horses. I loved the continuation of the bickering between Maggies aunt and her neighbor. They just can't get along. I enjoyed reading again about the smoking hot Mick Jasper. I see a relationship building up between Maggie and Mick. I was expecting a little more action throughout the book. The first book in this series had many scenes that got intense but didn't feel it on this one. Hoping the third book has more action. Love the book cover. You nailed it Tonya!!

[Kelli Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fun to be in Louisville again with Maggie and Mick! This time, Maggie knows that her life's calling is to work with SKUL and Mick, but she hasn't heard from them in months. Then out of the blue, Mick appears, and summons her to speak with their boss at SKUL - they want her to work on an illegal horse doping ring that could affect the Kentucky Derby and the Triple Crown. Can she and Mick figure it out before it's too late? Read and see!!

[Sally Hannoush · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm happy to revisit some of these cooky characters from the first book. One character in particular shocked me! You'll have to read this book to see who did a 180! I love Vinnie- the car- He is a perfect familiar for Maggie. Her aunt is just as much as a hoot in this book as the last one- and her circle. Book club- right! Horse racing is something I don't know anything about so it was fun sneaking a peak in that kind of life- sport. This was a fun story- and that's what I'm going with!

[Misty vassar stockton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Parks has a 1956 AC Cobra as her familiar Mick Jasper is an sexy sulk agent together they partner up for a new case as husband and wife at Churchill down to find out who is doping up the horses and Whodunnit Maggie also came out to her family as her life journey and what it was they weren't happy but in the end they all came along and helped her in the fun and adventure of this book this is Book 2 and spies and spells I love this book

[Shanon Millman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Betting Off Dead was a fun read. It was formulaic and there were no real surprises, but I found myself anxiously awaiting my before bed reading. Maggie has found her life's path and is off to another adventure with SKUL and Mick Jasper. It will be fun to see where the next book takes them. If you need a fun afternoon weekend read, settle down with Betting off Dead.

[Allie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love reading anything by Ms. Kappes, and this one definitely did not disappoint. Betting off Dead is the second book in the series, but can easily be read stand alone. I love the rich characters, especially Auntie Meme. Set in Kentucky and chock full of Southern charm, this was a book I couldn't put down. A loveable witch with a talking car, can't wait for more!

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes successfully mixes interesting characters, a spy organization, humor, witches and a talking car into a story you won't want to put down. It was the perfect read for a lazy summer day.

I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Parks’s journey as a young witch in a family of witch is difficult.
When she realizes her life path is leading her to the magical agency SKUL as she assists SKUL agent Mick, sparks fly. Some of them in wrong directions since Maggie angers her familiar Vinnie the classic car, who is quite jealous of the new connection, and upsets her witchy family, who disapprove of the career path.

But with all changes and in all Kappes novels, there is a great deal of hilarity, chaos and action. There is a suspicion of dangerous doping among thoroughbred horses that potentially end up racing for the Derby, the pinnacle of Churchill Downs stardom and Maggie is called in to assist.

More of the high jinks of Maggie’s family take place and they are quite the eclectic, eccentric and charming characters - which is what makes all the Kappes novels truly captivating for me as a reader. Richly detailed, and just plain fun and so funny! as well as entertaining, they are intriguing and unique.

When the book comes to its end, the murdered revealed, and the finale complete, it is indeed satisfying an absolutely worthwhile read.

[Diana Blick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could be it's not my thing

I want to like these books, I really do. Tanya Kappes is from my home state and Louisville is featured in these books. But unfortunately, the story line is just a shade sillier than I like and the characters are cartoonish. And surely to heaven a girl from Kentucky should know that horses neigh, not bray. At least twice in the story, a thoroughbred makes a noise normally attributed to donkeys and mules. That's right. Horses neigh; donkeys bray. I also don't see a lot of knowledge otherwise about Kentucky's famous horses either, though the story is ostensibly about doping. Still, perhaps the style is just not my cup of tea and someone else may get the humor better than I do, and I try not to mark things down too much just because it's not my thing, so I'm giving a three star rating.

[Oleg]

"Betting Off Dead" by Tonya Kappes is a delightful cozy mystery that's sure to engage any fan of the genre. Kappes' writing style is light and refreshing, weaving an intriguing tale that keeps you guessing until the end. The book's Southern charm and interesting cast of characters, especially our protagonist Kenni Lowry, make it a truly enjoyable read. Kenni's role as a small-town sheriff with a ghostly sidekick brings a unique twist to the typical mystery narrative. I like the fact that the book reveals the theme of gambling. Nowadays the topic of betting on sports and gambling is very relevant. Many people bet on sports, especially at the bookmaker 1xbet. By the way, the smartest ones manage to get promo codes from 1xbet https://online-bookmakers.com/promoco... and increase their chances of winning.

[Sue Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where's Freeway?

It's like Bewitched and Hart to Hart (I'm dating myself here) met. You have the witch family trying g to blend in. Not an easy thing to do with a nosey neighbor. Then you have the spy part. A witch who can't let people know what she is and a handsome detective who knows something is amiss with his partner but not sure just what. Together these to must break a gambling ring set to mess up the Kentucky Derby. You will laugh out loud as you read the antics that go on. This is a really cute series. I hope more than three books will be available.

[Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is called back to work undercover for SKUL with Mick as his wife, when his normal partner, Sherry is already known by some of the people they are investigating in a possible horse doping ring in Kentucky. And Maggie looses a lifelong friend.

Another fun and fast paced tail from Tonya Kappes with the expected many twist and surprise finale.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie and Mick need to play a married couple to help break up an illegal gambling ring before the Kentucky Derby. Maggie’s family is not very happy with her participation with SKUL and are worried that their secrets may be exposed. I think my favorite character is Vinnie! Love how protective he is and the southern sayings he pops out with! Another interesting mystery!

[Brandy Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I like where we are going with this book. I was disappointed in abrem. I thought he was a better friend. Lots of fun laughs. Can't wait to see if things steam up with Mick.

[Tami Schafer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun

It's always enjoyable to read more of this fun quirky family ! There was a couple sad spots but lots of quirk lol . Here's hoping Maggie and Mick get some alone time if Vinnie will allow 😁