Return To Sender

Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery #4

by Tonya Kappes

Bernadette Butler has a penchant for solving murders while keeping her ear low to the ground listening to gossip while on her mail carrier route. Bernie tries to deliver a return to sender package and a certified letter to a local man and finds him dead. When the death turns up suspicious, Bernie uses her amateur sleuthing skills along with the gossipy help of the Front Porch Ladies to cross reference who exactly in their small southern town stamped out the victim.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Animals, Mystery Thriller

184 pages, Paperback

Published June 19, 2020

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...

Twitter
https://twitter.com/tonyakappes11

Pinterest
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

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰

Bernadette continues to deliver the mail in the small town in Tennessee. Mack and her are still not taking but one day it all comes back together for them. Bernadette finds another dead body and is asked by the sheriff to keep her advised. She is part of th yoga class. They are meeting at 10 o'clock and Bernadette falls asleep 😴 when she wakes she learns the truth about the murder. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of mystery novels 👍🔰 2023 👒😀💘🏡

[Mint · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'll be honest, I wasn't a huge fan of the protagonist Bernie. But, I still enjoyed reading this mystery, which is a testament to how strong the mystery itself actually is.

I liked how Kappes explored Bernie's menopause and how it was impacting her daily life. I think it's something many readers might be able to personally relate to, but even if you can't, it poses an extra challenge for Bernie in her daily life and snooping.

However, Bernie makes many comments about weight during the book; she is particularly concerned about her own weight. I think some of her comments could be seen as fatphobic. It's something to be aware of, in case you're not interested in reading a book with these themes.

She's also not the best at taking responsibility for the consequences of her own actions. For example, I didn't think the way she treated Mac, her love interest, was particularly fair.

My dislike of the protagonist aside, I liked reading the mystery and trying to solve it alongside Bernie. There are lots of suspects with great motives, and the way that Bernie tries to get information out of people can be quite sly at times.

Overall, it was an enjoyable read, but I probably would have enjoyed it more had I cared more for the protagonist. This book works as a standalone - you can read it without having to read previous installations in the series.

For more of my reviews, please visit:

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth book in the Mail Carrier Series. If you are new to this series, the best advice I can give you is to start at the beginning and read each book. Is it necessary? Well if you are just reading for the mystery, probably not. Ms. Kappes completes the mystery in each book. However she tends to write well rounded books. Her books aren’t just a mystery, they are life histories in a small town. This series centers around Bernie, a mail carrier, in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. It’s a small town that is slowly growing. Bernie has her route that covers the downtown area, an old folks home and a quiet street where she has a home along with the Porch Ladies and love interest Mac. As you read the series you come to know all these people and how their lives all intersect. This is what I mean when I say Ms Kappes writes well rounded stories. She has a real talent for taking you from your reading spot and transplanting you into the middle of town. You are invested because you belong.
In this book Bernie and Mac are finding their new reality. Bernie with her work, her pets and yoga with Iris. Mac with Lucy Drake who happens to be yoga fit and effortlessly taking the same class Bernie is taking. Bernie doesn’t seem to be the only one in town struggling with love. Yoga instructor Peaches has a package marked return to sender she gives to Bernie. Seems she can’t accept a package from Simon anymore than she can accept Sarah coming to the yoga class. Love might not be in bloom but the green eyed monster sure is. When Bernie stumbles upon a dead body she will need to find out if the green eyed monster was responsible or if it was suicide. Love hurts but does it hurt enough to die over?
I was caught up in this book. I love the relationships, (friends and lovers), and seeing how things play out. I can relate a lot to Bernie. I love seeing her in her new role as MawMaw. The mystery was well done. The only thing I missed was seeing Vince but his absence was explained. Hopefully we will see him in the next book.

*I received an uncorrected electronic copy of this book for review consideration. I voluntarily reviewed this book. My review is based on my thoughts and feelings while reading and afterwards.*

[Meg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette (Bernie) Butler is a much-loved mail carrier in the southern town of Sugar Creek Gap. As a mail carrier in a small town, she is privy to a great deal of information on her neighbors. When a certified letter is mistakenly placed into her carrier bag for a different route, she figured delivering it wouldn’t be a problem. The address was only one street off her route. What she didn’t figure on was finding the recipient dead! Most likely murdered! Bernie is no stranger to murder. She has found a few dead people along her route in the last few months. With the help of her “Front Porch Ladies,” Bernie is bound and determined to search out the clues that will reveal the killer.

I always enjoy going on Bernie’s route as she gets the inside scoop on all the residents. Tonya Kappes, skillfully weaves the story with an intriguing plot, a bit of Southern humor, and a smidgen of romance, which in my opinion, adds to the mystery of the story. This is a very entertaining cozy mystery, one that will have you laughing out loud at some of the antics of the “Front Porch Ladies!” Grab a copy and travel to the cozy town of Sugar Creek Gap. I’m sure the ladies will fix you a tall cold glass of sweet ice tea! I received an advanced reader copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sandy Bartles · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I have to say how much I love the cover of this book! Rowena in her box. So sweet! I enjoyed seeing Bernie getting to spend time with Clara. You can feel the love. The author has a way of getting her readers to see her characters in such a way and to care for them. Make us feel like we are right there with them. I could DEFINITELY feel those yoga pants!!! I enjoyed the interactions with Mac and Bernie. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series!

I voluntarily reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book. I enjoy the mysteries but I will admit that Bernie isn't the most likable character to me. I really hate how she acts towards Mac. Personally I think he can do better. Like I said before I enjoy the mystery part and this one was no different. I liked how it wasn't obvious and the author kept me stumped until the end.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Return to Sender by Tonya Kappes is the 4th A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery. Each book can be read on its own, but they are an entertaining collection. I laughed frequently while reading Return to Sender. I enjoy Tonya Kappes’ engaging writing style which draws the reader right in and holds them until the very end. Bernadette Butler is a fifty-year-old widow with a married grown son, a darling granddaughter, and two fur babies. She is enjoying her smaller house in town and Bernie loves her job as a walking mail carrier. Bernie is having relationship regrets especially when she sees Mac Tabor with morning talk show host, Lucy Drake. Currently Bernie’s biggest issue is menopause symptoms. The hot flashes are so intense Bernie expects fire to shoot out the top of her head. I could certainly relate to what Bernadette was experiencing and the scenes were amusing. The romance was a little more prevalent in this story that in the others in the series. We get to see Bernadette struggling with her feelings regarding Mac. She loves him, but, after her first marriage, Bernie feels the need to go slowly. The mystery had some interesting and clever components. I like how it all worked together. The Front Porch Ladies are helpful in gathering intel to help Bernie. While I was sure I knew the identity of the killer, I enjoyed following Bernie as she solved this whodunit. The descriptions of Bernie in the yoga class were hilarious. Her comments about yoga clothing were spot on (especially about the pants). Return to Sender contains good writing with realistic, developed characters set in a charming, small Southern town. There is friendship, community, and Southern charm. Return to Sender is a witty tale with a delightful duck, horrible hot flashes, a glaring green-eyed monster, boundless baked goods, and a messed-up murder.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Sender earns 5/5 Yoga Poses...Entertaining Fun!

Bernadette Butler has extra “me” time, since moving into town, allowing her to gossip with the Front Porch Ladies, spend time with her new granddaughter Clara, and attend a few of Peaches’s yoga classes with BFF Iris. But, the classes only cause some self-esteem issues when her now ex-boyfriend’s new girlfriend is also in attendance. Worse—the girlfriend seems to be ingratiating herself into Bernie’s granddaughter’s life. Hopefully, all the kerfuffle won’t include another dead body. But, Iris has one of her “I don’t have a good feeling” concerns. Unfortunately, she may be right. While delivering mail at the Tranquility Spa, Bernie witnesses more trouble than tranquility. Peaches, the former, is yelling at Sarah, the current girlfriend of Simon Little. But, Simon has issues other than personal with series health complications and business conflicts, so who will law enforcement look at when Simon ends up murdered?

Tonya Kappes has added another excellent adventure to her four-book Mail Carrier Mystery series with a clever mystery, excellent drama, charm and southern hospitality you’d expect, and all the Kentucky Hot Brown breakfast you can eat down at the Wallflower Diner. Bernadette is a middle-aged, newly christened grandmother who is dealing with some realistic emotional quandaries, but she has friends needing her support, and she gets theirs. Tonya’s writing style is always entertaining, descriptive, witty, and compelling. I’m used to the felony popping up later in the drama because, like many fans, we come and stay for the characters. The slow reveal of issues, conflicts, and questionable decisions related to Simon was compelling, and the ins and outs and a few twists challenged my inner Sherlock. This is one of my favorite series from the mind of Tonya Kappes...join in!

Disclosure: I received an ARC from the author. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.

[Allyson Abu-Hajar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette "Bernie" Bulter, along with her friend Iris Peabody have taken up yoga taught by Peaches Partin. While Bernie ticks off the reasons that she is giving yoga a try; Bernie is finding out she's been bitten by the green-eye monster! Bernie's old flame, Mac Tabor, is seeing Lucy Drake, who just happens to be taking yoga classes too. After deciding to buy yoga pants and trying them on, Bernie exclaims: "Two things that tell the truth, children and yoga pants."

The one, joy in Bernie's life is her granddaughter, Clara, while Bernie tries to adjust to her new normal, living in a new house, the change, and the break-up with Mac, whom she's been avoiding running into.

Bernie stopped at her parents' diner to deliver their mail, and her father discovered a certified letter requiring a signature not on her route. So, Bernie tried to deliver it, only to find the addressee, Simon Little, was not at the shop.

The following morning, Bernie heads to the post office only to learn that it was broken into, unable to get inside, Bernie decides to walk to the garage and deliver the certified letter again. When she arrives, she finds Simon Little dead from what appears to be a suicide.

When Sheriff Angela Hafley shares inside information to the 'Snoop Consultant', that signifies Simon didn't commit suicide, but Peaches is a suspect. Peaches asks for Bernie to help her. Bernie, Iris and the Front Porch Ladies start to gather facts to help come up with the real killer.

This series gets better and better! Lots of witty remarks -- when Bernie downloads some of what's bugging her to her friend, Iris: "Then I become a maw-maw when I didn't want be named Maw-maw...Then I go to yoga, where I can't do any of the moves, and I not only have to look at Lucy, but I fall asleep and snore."

I received an ARC and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book in this series I have read and I really enjoyed it! I found Bernie to be such a lovable character and so relatable! I could just picture myself acting pretty much how she does during the yoga sessions. I laughed out loud quite a few times when she would nod off and start snoring! The mystery was very well done, having me guess until almost the end as to who the real murderer was. Loved the "Front Porch Ladies" and could see myself joining them, with a refreshing glass of iced-tea and getting filled in on all the gossip in town. I also found the storyline of Mac and Bernie very interesting and I loved how they were open and honest with each other about their feelings and future. I am looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bernadette “Bernie” Butler has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations. A registered letter mistakenly gets put in Bernie’s mailbag instead of the correct mail carrier's. Bernie attempts to deliver the letter which seems to stir up something. A short time later the recipient ends up dead. Bernie feels she needs to help solve what happened to this person.

I enjoyed this book. This is a laugh-out-loud humorous mystery and the best in the series so far. I really love Bernie’s character. Bernie is in her 50’s and as I am fast approaching my 50’s I can relate to things she is going through. The book is full of southern charm and quirky secondary characters. As a southerner myself I feel as if I could be reading about my friends and neighbors. The mystery is well written with several twists and turns along the way. I was completely surprised by the killer is. The secondary story-line also grabs your attention, you just have to find out how things turn out for Bernie and Mac.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way, I have been influenced by anyone.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun, exciting read! Fourth in the Mail Carrier Mystery series, Tonya Kappes delights us with a young-at-heart, first time grandma (Maw Maw!) who is a mail carrier in Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky. Bernie is in early menopause and wonders if it is why whatever passes through her brain tends to fall out of her mouth, which isn’t always a good thing! The characters are defined very well; I enjoyed visiting with them, especially the Front Porch Ladies, again! The mystery was more challenging this time, so I was very surprised at the ending. As far a Bernie’s new “pastime” of yoga, I think my mind would be telling me the same things Bernie’s did!

Bernie adores her granddaughter, Clara, born a few weeks ago. Clara is thriving and Bernie, her son Grady, and daughter-in-law Julia couldn’t be happier – except Julia can’t wait to get back to work. Bernie and her boyfriend, Mac, broke up a couple months ago. I couldn’t believe it, much less that he has been seen around town with the bimbo radio news jockey, Lucy. When Bernie’s best friend Iris talks her into going to yoga classes to learn to relax, she has to see Lucy at every class, perfect hair, figure, and all.

Peaches is the owner and yoga instructor at Tranquility Spa. She has been stressed due to the recent breakup with her boyfriend, Simon. Simon’s new girlfriend began coming to yoga since dating Simon, causing Peaches even more heartache. Simon has his share of troubles, too. He’s a partner to Nick in their vehicle mechanic business and needs surgery to be able to turn a wrench again. Simon is waiting for patent documentation on a motorcycle part he designed, and Nick is building, so he could have the money for the surgery. When Bernie went to deliver the letter for his signature, however, it was too late. She found him dead in his office.
.
Simon had been murdered, and the evidence leads to ex-girlfriend Peaches. She begged Bernie for her help, so Bernie will see what she can learn. She puts her adorable Front Porch Ladies on a mission to see what they can find out, and the sheriff will listen to any tidbits of info she can learn while on her route. You see, Bernie is good at getting the latest gossi-um-news from people and is a huge help to the department, even if she does go a little above and beyond the call of tidbits.

I loved this mystery! We empathize with Bernie “going through the change”, which helps make this series get better and better! I enjoy how things seem to fall out of Bernie’s mouth without a filter…most of the time. It is fun at times to be of an age where we are eccentric rather than some of the alternatives. This mystery was a challenge for me; I did not see the real whodunit coming, the person was not even on my “guess” list. The end was surprising and satisfying, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this novel, and this series, to those who enjoy Southern cozy mysteries, middle-aged and mature characters where friends are like family, and laughter is guaranteed.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel, and this is my honest review.

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return To Sender
A Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery, Book #4
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

"Romance, a lovable bunch of eccentrics, and a collection of recipes with murder most foul."
--Kirkus

"Scrumptious... Fans of culinary cozies will have fun."
--Publishers Weekly

"A sweet Southern mystery with a delightful plot and quirky characters who quickly make you feel at home."
--San Francisco Book Review

Bernadette Butler has a penchant for solving murders while keeping her ear low to the ground listening to gossip while on her mail carrier route.

Bernie tries to deliver a return to sender package and a certified letter to a local man and finds him dead.

When the death turns up suspicious, Bernie uses her amateur sleuthing skills along with the gossipy help of the Front Porch Ladies to cross reference who exactly in their small southern town stamped out the victim. (Goodreads)

Review:

Whenever you pick up a book written by this author, you know you are in for a real treat. They have a warm southern setting, engaging characters, an intriguing mystery and plenty of humor.

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Bernie and her friend, Iris, go way back and there is nothing that they would not do for the other. It was really great to get to spend some time with Bernie’s new granddaughter, she is one happy Mawmaw. Her and Mac, her longtime friend, have some issues to work through but I think they are okay. When someone turns up dead, Bernie, with the help of Iris and the Front Porch Ladies, works at solving the mystery. And when they are on the case, you never know what will happen.

The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and through much of the story, I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place. The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The mystery was well plotted and although I was pretty sure who the killer was, it did not detract from my enjoyment.

I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. Grab a copy and enjoy.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book and provided my honest review.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bernadette Butler takes a letter that requires a signature to a business that wasn't on her route, but was put into her mail bundle anyway.
When she gets there, she discovers the recipient to be dead in what appears to be a suicide.
Although things don't add up, and the person accused of his murder as Bernadette to help her.

This was another enjoyable story in the series.
There are well developed characters, a few red herrings, and a little humor added in.

This story has more romance in it than in the other stories. A couple of times, especially in the early chapters, it feels as if the romance is more important than the mystery part of the story.
I honestly don't mind a little romance in the cozy mysteries. It does help move the stories along in many cases, and this author did do a good job of not letting the romance take completely over.
I did appreciate that as other authors have not made the mystery the emphasis on the mystery and instead of a good mystery as this one turned out to be. They have a Chicklet disguised as a mystery. Those books I do not enjoy at all.

[Debi Paglia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! I love the idea of a single, 50-something woman, who is strong and caring, taking her own life in her hands and making it what she wants it to be. I really enjoy seeing how Bernie’s mind works out the details of the mysteries. If you like stories about more mature protagonists, small towns, close-knit family and friends, a little romance and a surprise ending, then this book is for you!

[Alice Hazelbaker · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series, including this one which is #4! Bernie and Iris, along with the Front Porch Ladies are a hoot, and I love their southern ways and sayings (like “Turnip tops don’t tell you the size of the turnip!”). Bernie has given the family farm and farmhouse to her son Brady and his wife, as they are expecting their first child. She is now living in town, down from the ladies and Mac. When she finds a certified letter mistakenly put in her mailbag, she decides to go ahead and deliver it, not realizing what a Pandora’s box she is opening. Next thing you know, she’s trying to solve a murder again! A fun and often funny read, highly recommended!

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book four of this series. I am so glad I kept reading. This book calmed me down. What I didn't like before in book three was resolved in this one. The murder that occurred had me guessing. I didn't see it coming. The author definitely knows how to keep it fresh for me book after book. I am really enjoying this series.

[Federica De dominicis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the best..

The book is in need of a bit of proofreading and editing. The story is nice, but there are few events out of order and names inconsistencies.
The main storyline still makes this a lovely read.

[Heidi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really like this series

[Jackie Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story was fun and intriguing. I look forward to reading more in this series.

[Ariel Butters · Rating 4 out of 5]

this was a surprisingly compassionate/informed rep of alcoholism. also, the hero is a sexy overweight menopausal woman who is so enraged by having a hot flash in yoga pants that are too tight that she whacks the murderer with her grandma purse and I just fucking love that

[Helen Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I finished this book in one sitting! Once you start, you need to keep reading. Bernadette “Bernie” is going through changes in her life that make her a more complex character.

Most of the recurring characters feel like people you would love to have as your neighbors. They care about each other.

The murder mystery was complex with several main suspects. As usual in this series, there are plenty of red herrings and twists.

I was fortunate to receive an Advanced Copy. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series!

[Ross Ramey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unfortunately, this chapter of the mail carrier cozy mystery series didn't "Do it" for me. Certain elements of the story and characters resonated with me, such as struggling with exercise, weight, work, relationships, and family; but the basis for the story, a mail carrier with a knack for teasing out the threads of a mystery while remaining relatively invisible in this function, seems absent. Everyone knows her, that she pried into crimes previously and helped solve them. She tends to "shotgun" solutions to the crimes based on one or two clues. Then seemingly stumbles upon the solution, while her life is in danger.

I had hoped for a more plausible story, given the prior book in the series, and perhaps will be forthcoming in the next installment.
My review is based on an Advance Reader Copy of the novel,and I believe that except for a few minor typos, would be reflective of the final version published.

[Sapphyria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Sender is a wonderful fourth book in the Mail Carrier cozy mystery series. Bernie is still trying to get used to being single and watching the man of her dreams cozy up to someone else. She’s taken on yoga, and reading about Bernie in the yoga class made me laugh. When she resumes her mail carrier duties, she realizes she’s been given a certified letter for a different zone on accident. While trying to get the letter to the correct place, the events that unfold lead to the death of the recipient of the letter – before he has the opportunity to sign for it.

The death of a local spurs Bernie into investigative mode, especially when another local is high on the suspect list. Except, as Bernie does her undercover sleuthing, she finds several other potential suspects. The means, motives, and opportunities are all there for everyone on Bernie’s list. One of the constants in the series are the Front Porch Ladies. As Bernie continues to investigate, the Ladies put their gossip-listening ears on and assist her whenever possible.

The author did a fantastic job introducing multiple potential suspects in the murder of Simon Little. There was means, motive, and opportunity for everyone. I had a hard time trying to figure out who committed the crime. Even Bernie and her friends had a hard time. Every time a suspect was identified, something or someone was able to come up with an alibi for that person. I really did not suspect who killed Simon although, looking back, I can see how the trail led to that person.

The characters are likable, realistic, and I loved them – well, almost all of them. Bernie’s personal life is a focus of this book but it doesn’t overshadow the mystery. I enjoyed the story and how the author threw in red herrings to keep the reader guessing. I was also able to visualize the story as I read along. Although this is book 4 in the series, this is the second book I’ve had a chance to read. I will be going back to read books 1 and 2 as soon as I can.

I was provided a copy of this book to read.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Return to Sender is the fourth in Tonya Kappes' Mail Carrier mystery series. It's one of my favorites, because Bernadette Butler, our protagonist, is a middle-aged woman like me. It's always fun to read about characters I relate to!

This book finds Bernie trying to learn yoga. I laughed at the yoga scenes, because Bernie sounds like she handles it about as well as I would. She's also having to deal with some strong feelings toward Lucy Drake, host of a popular radio show, now that Lucy has taken up with Bernie's former sweetie, Mac Tabor. (Can I just say, I do not like Lucy and Mac together. Nope nope nope. That's just not right.) But even if she doesn't really care for the "maw-maw" label Lucy has branded her with, Bernie is just in love with her new granddaughter, Clara.

On her route one day, Bernie finds a certified letter addressed to Simon, down at the gas station. When she can't deliver it to him, she keeps it to give to him the next day. That night, the post office is broken into, and the next morning, Simon is found dead. Is the break-in connected to the letter? Did Simon kill himself, or was it murder?

As always, Bernie and the Front Porch ladies put their minds to the problem. I love that Bernie has a mature girl gang behind her, and I want to be a Front Porch lady when I'm older. In this case, the killer was someone I DID NOT see coming. I love it when a book manages to completely surprise me like that!

It helps to read the series in order, as there is backstory in each book that's helpful to know. But if you just want a fun mystery, Return to Sender can stand alone. I highly recommend it for anyone interested in a good mystery with a little romance, good friendships, and Southern charm.

Disclaimer: I received an advance reader copy of this book from the author. All opinions here are my own, and I don't say nice things about books I don't like.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love spending time in Bernie's world. She is middle aged and, at fifty, she is going though menopause with all of the craziness that it entails. To help with her stress level, she gets talked into taking yoga classes. Sounds reasonable but then there is the issue of yoga pants (I agree with Bernie on that chore) and the fact that, at the end of the class Bernie always falls asleep....and snores. I can feel her pain. Beyond The Change, there are lots of other changes in her life. She has moved out of her farm house after giving it to her son and daughter-in-law because of their new baby, Clara. Now Bernie is living in town, doing her three loop mail delivery routes and the in town living takes a bit of getting used to but the Front Porch Ladies are great neighbors and then there is Mac....just a holler away. Romance adds to the stress, too. What Bernie didn't expect? Murder. She has a certified letter from the U S Patent Office to deliver but the recipient is in no condition to sign for it.....he's very dead. What was in the letter that was so important that it was worth killing over? Was the killing due to a lovers quarrel? Leave it to Bernie and the Front Porch Ladies to uncover the answers.
This series has everything I enjoy in a cozy series. It's set in a small southern town full of colorful characters, lots of humor, a bit of romance, family ties, friendships and assorted pets. Oh, and mentions of food that make my mouth water. My diet wouldn't stand up to the food that would knock me off the wagon. I'm looking forward to the next in the series, First Class Killer, due out on October 27, 2020.
My thanks to the author for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tonya Kappes has done it again in the newest book in her Mail Carrier Cozy Mystery series. Each book in this series just gets better and better and this one is the best so far. I love how she brings you along and you can feel like you could walk right in to town, sit down and be friends with all of them. If you just want to escape and relax then jump right in and read this book you won't be disappointed.

Bernie once again gets caught up in a murder investigation. She is trying to deal with changes in her life and body. Some of the funniest parts of the book is when Bernie is talking about going through menopause and I just love how it is weaved into a part of the mystery solving. When Bernie finds Simon's body after the break in at the post office she immediately starts putting pieces together and snooping. Can she figure out who has done Simon in and help her friend and yoga teacher Peaches figure out if she was involved or not? Bernie sure is going to try to.

Bernie is an intelligent, quick thinking and caring person who just can't help but get involved in snooping, it's just who she is. Iris and the Front Porch Ladies are there to help too. I could just imagine sitting and having coffee with them all. The small town setting along with all the characters added to the mystery equals a fun, laugh out loud, page turning cozy mystery you just can't put down.

All the characters seem to be growing in each book. They are evolving and that makes each book unique. This book has all the right ingredients, a good puzzling mystery, great characters, a little bit of romance, several suspects and a surprise ending. I highly recommend this book and the series.

[C.A. Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again it's time to visit the small Kentucky town of Sugar Creek Gap to catch up with the Bernie, the local mail carrier. I love the multigenerational residents who populate this southern town. There's Bernie's son and daughter-in-law as well as several new business owners who are among the younger adult residents in Sugar Creek Gap.The senior "front porch ladies" and the retirement community residents keep the town gossip wheel spinning. Bernie and her best friend Iris are the middle-aged generation as her doctor keeps reminding her - along with suggestions for exercise and diet.

Since Bernie has moved into town and her son and daughter-in-law have moved to the family farm, there have been many changes in her life. Her first grandchild will be arriving soon. Bernie has ended her romantic relationship with Mac because she wasn't ready for a second marriage. Now she and her best friend Iris are taking a yoga class at the new fitness center after Bernie's doctor suggested exercise to help strengthen her bone density.

Then Bernie discovers a body as she is attempting to deliver a registered letter. Once again Bernie, with the help of Iris, collects clues to solve the crime. Tonya Kappes' latest engaging mystery in this series offers subtle clues and wonderful characters to keep you guessing until the very end! The delicious southern recipes are an added bonus. I recommend adding this mystery to the top of your reading list. I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy.

[Wordspinner · Rating 4 out of 5]

RETURN TO SENDER
Book Review By
Lisa Anne Taylor

Tonya Kappes gives us another look into the lives of the residents of Sugar Creek Gap, Kentucky with RETURN TO SENDER - her newest book in the mail carrier series.

Bernadette Butler turns in her knitting needles for yoga pants, as she takes up yoga in hopes of it helping her sleep. Maybe losing weight and getting into better shape will be a benefit of what she considers torture. All of this is put on the back burner when Bernadette delivers a certified letter to local garage owner Simon Little. Instead of getting his signature, Bernadette is calling 911 because he’s dead. Of course, it’s not a nice normal case of suicide, but murder.

Peaches Partin – the yoga teacher with a drinking problem – is the number one suspect in Simon’s murder. She is Simon’s ex-girlfriend and has a beef with him and his current girlfriend Sarah Hodge. When asked to help prove Peaches’ innocence, Bernadette is more than willing to find out what is going on and why. With Iris and the Front Porch Ladies helping others are soon discovered in Sugar Creek Gap with motive to set Peaches up for the murder.

RETURN TO SENDER has enough twists and turns and humor to keep you interested and intrigued to the end. A must read for cozy mystery fans.

I voluntarily read an advanced reading copy of RETURN TO SENDER, and have given a honest review of the book.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fifty-something Bernadette Butler is going through the change of life and has to deal with hot flashes and an expanding waistline while tracking down a killer in the latest mail carrier mystery. Yoga is the new craze in town and Peaches Partin, has recently opened the Tranquility Spa where Bernie takes a class to help her relax. Peaches exudes calm and coolness, but when Peaches’ ex-boyfriend and garage owner Simon Little is found dead by Bernie on her mail route, Peaches finds herself in the hot yoga seat. But Peaches is not the only suspect. Simon was on the verge of patenting a new motorcycle part which could make him and his partner a lot of money. Was someone else trying to take credit for the invention and cut Simon out of the deal? As Bernie delivers the mail, she uncovers some startling clues, and she realizes she must enlist the Front Porch Ladies to help her get to the bottom of this current caper.
It is always fun to return to Sugar Creek Gap where folks like to gossip and murder is close to home. Bernie is relatable and her current struggles with mid-life rings true. The mystery is nicely plotted and the suspects each have a strong motive, which ups the ante. Not only does the mystery satisfy readers, but catching up with Bernie and her life in Sugar Creek Gap is enjoyable as well.
I voluntarily read an advanced reading copy and have given an honest review.