Insects, Ivy, & Investigations

Camper & Criminals #17

by Tonya Kappes

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky where NOTHING is normal. Alicia Becker shows up at the screen door of The Milkery beaten, bruised, and claims to be one of Mary Elizabeth Moberly's foster children. Mae West's suspicion of why Alicia is there turns to an investigation after Alicia is found on a nearby hiking trail standing over the lifeless body of Craig Sutton. Who is Craig Sutton? Craig Sutton is Alicia Becker's con-ex-boyfriend. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies can't help but wonder if Craig's death was self-defense, though Alicia swears she didn't kill him. Or was Alicia set up? Grab your bug spray and camping equipment. Mae West and Laundry Club Ladies are 'bout to put their sleuthing skills back to the test.

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

182 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 3, 2021

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

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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

[Leane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a solid 3 stars until the last chapter. There were two twists there I did not see coming! 4 stars for me.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow what can I say but wow Tonya really knows how to tell a story. I escaped to Normal yesterday as I wanted to find out about this Alicia and how the Laundry Club ladies were doing.

I found myself engrossed in the mystery and worrying about people’s relationships as if they were my flesh and blood friends. This is a sign of a great story teller who takes us on a journey but leaves us wanting more.


I had no idea who the bad guy was until May did, totally surprised me this time. But that ending I was like WHAT not again... I’m on the edge of my seat here and now Book 18 can’t come out fast enough for my liking lol!

If your looking for a fun, southern mystery then this is your book!

I highly recommend you read this series from the beginning and enjoy the escapism as much as I do.

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Insects, Ivy, and Investigations by Tonya Kappes is the 17th A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Mae West is shocked when she finds out that Mary Elizabeth Moberly had another foster daughter. Mae did not know that Mary Elizabeth took in other foster children after she left town. Mae is in for some revelations in this fast-paced tale. It is always entertaining to visit Normal, Kentucky where Mae owns The Happy Trails Campground. She has really turned her life around since she arrived to find the rundown campground and her louse of an ex-husband dead. There is a great cast of characters from Dottie down to Fifi. I love the picturesque descriptions of Normal, Happy Trails, and the Daniel Boone National Park. It enjoyed following Mae as she searched for clues to help solve the murder of Craig Sutton. The lack of suspects made it easy to zero in on the guilty party. However, it was interesting the way it plotted out. When Mae is not working on the case, she is busy planning an engagement party at the campground for Abby and her foster brother, Bobby Ray. There is also tension between Hank and Mae. Mae is still dealing with the fact that Hank does not want children. Hank gets a promotion and Mae is proud of him. It may solve a problem for the sheriff’s department, but it does not help the couples’ relationship. The ending will shock fans of the series and have you muttering “Oh, no”. We must wait for Outdoors, Oars, and Oaths to find out what happens next. Insects, Ivy, and Investigations is a delightful cozy with itchy ivy, partner problems, shocking surprises, party planning, and fun with friends.

[Jeanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

“That woman’s butter has slid off her biscuit.”

How I enjoy Dottie-isms, some of the Southern sayings she can’t resist as well as her own wit!

Insects, Ivy, and Investigations is a fresh, new Campers and Criminals mystery that is a must read! If one hasn’t read some of the earlier books yet, one will still feel right at home as the author beautifully includes relevant backstory of the characters. I particularly enjoy this mystery and watching Mae, the intrepid owner of Happy Trails Campground, her boyfriend Hank, sheriff’s detective, and Mae’s closest friends in the Laundry Club put the pieces together to find whodunit. The author’s prose sings of springtime in the Daniel Boone National Forest. I almost felt I was there!

Normal, Kentucky, in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is home to Happy Trails. The campground is full, and life is good. Well, except for a couple little things. First, the good news: Mae accidentally walked in on her foster brother, Bobby Ray, on bended knee, proposing to one of her best friends, Abby. She is genuinely thrilled for them. If Abby says yes, she’ll be ready to plan a party.

One of the “little things” is Alicia, a teen Mary Elizabeth fostered when it was clear Mae wasn’t coming back after her 18th birthday. According to Bobby Ray, Alicia was unstable and didn’t care about anybody else. She got pregnant, was on drugs, and had an abusive boyfriend, Craig, who once threatened Mary Elizabeth. Like Mae, she left in the dead of night and never returned.

Until Mae is visiting Mary Elizabeth. They are having a good time baking together when Alicia, bruised and dirty, shows up. It isn’t that Mae’s jealous because she did leave. There’s something about this gal that rubs her the wrong way. Alicia is still dating Craig, who has the potential to hurt Mary Elizabeth. What she learns the next day from Mary Elizabeth’s business partner, Dawn, shows part of Alicia’s game. One thing Alicia has been up-front about is that if her now ex-boyfriend were to find her, he’d kill her, if she didn’t kill him first. The next day, Alicia is found standing over Craig’s dead body, holding the bloody rock, claiming she just found him there.

Mae was going to leave this investigation up to the sheriff’s office, especially since it seemed cut and dried. Mary Elizabeth pleaded with Mae to help, positive Alicia couldn’t kill anyone. Mae finally did some research around the crime scene that showed her foster mother is right. It’s time for the Laundry Club Ladies to get Alicia off the hook.

I had a lot of empathy for Mae this time. Her life has been full of personal challenges in recent months, and while a huge one was recently resolved, there are a couple biggies stomping on her heart. She is in her happy place at the campground, and the underlying joy she has since being here helps her put those biggies aside long enough to do what she loves best.

There were good surprises and new bonding between friends this time. I was surprised at the real whodunit!! Even though a couple things didn’t seem quite right, I didn’t see this whodunit coming. I didn’t expect the conclusion, either, but I think the end results will be worth it. I highly recommend this to fans of the author and series, real or armchair camping, and a cast of vivacious, delightful characters.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the author, and this is my honest review.

[Kandice · Rating 3 out of 5]

I listen to these, and stumbled upon them only because they are narrated by Johanna Parker. I absolutely love her voice when she is telling a story set in the south, or somewhere with a twang. She is absolutely perfect for May West's story.

These are just frivolous fun, but I enjoy them.

[☆☆Hannah☆☆ · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall I liked this book. Mae's foster sister shows up. She is leaving her abusive partner. However, he ends up dead. Now Mae tries to figure out who did it. Of course she solves it but now her personal life is a mess.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mae West and the Laundry Club don’t disappoint in this cozy mystery. Mae finds out her adopted mother fostered another girl when she shows up in Normal with black eyes. Fun reading!

[Mary Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Insects, Ivy And Investigations
Campers And Criminal, Book #17
Tonya Kappes
5 Stars

Synopsis:

Alicia Becker shows up at the screen door of The Milkery beaten, bruised, and claims to be one of Mary Elizabeth Moberly's foster children.
Mae West's suspicion of why Alicia is there turns to an investigation after Alicia is found on a nearby hiking trail standing over the lifeless body of Craig Sutton. Who is Craig Sutton?
Craig Sutton is Alicia Becker's con-ex-boyfriend.
Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies can't help but wonder if Craig's death was self-defense, though Alicia swears she didn't kill him. Or was Alicia set up?
Grab your bug spray and camping equipment. Mae West and Laundry Club Ladies are 'bout to put their sleuthing skills back to the test. (Goodreads)

Review:

The characters are well rounded and well developed. Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies have another mystery to solve, and this one hits closer to home. Alicia, one of Mary Elizabeth’s foster children, is found standing over the lifeless body of her ex-boyfriend. She says that she did not kill him and Mary Elizabeth believes her. It is up to Mae and her friends to prove that Alicia is innocent by finding the real culprit.

The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the book from the very beginning and took me on an intriguing ride. The mystery was well plotted and with the red herrings thrown in, it was not easily solved.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next book and finding out what adventure awaits the Laundry Club Ladies.

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

[ThundaBunz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wowza! This Campers and Criminals adventure was a doozy. This was such a crazy story this time around. We find out that Mae has a foster sister she didn't know about. Not to mention is has gone through some craziness throughout the story. We pick up with Mae as she learns about her foster sister and about her crazy past. Now the mystery comes in when Mae and the gang have to solve the murder of her foster sisters ex boyfriend. It turns into a lot of twists and turns which causes Mae to question some of her relationships. It's quite the tale.

Mystery Wise: the mystery was really good. I thought about who the who did it but when it was revealed I was shocked. Who knew?! But the clues weren't as out there, so now that I finished the story I felt there were some hints here and there but nothing too concrete.

Relationship wise: Hank and Mae are in a rocky part of their relationship. Mae wants kids but she doesn't think Hank wants them. Not to mention, Hank seems very preoccupied with his job as it could be on the line. Bobby Ray and Abby are engaged! It's quite the joyous occasion.

The book is really good and the cliff hanger from the other book was a perfect transition. The ending is potentially up in the open but I am hoping for a resolution in the next book.

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alicia Becker, one of Mary Elizabeth's other foster children after Mae ran off on her 18th birthday shows up with obvious symptoms of having been freshly beaten.

Mae, being surprised to find out about her foster sister. Decides to look into her background to see if the story she's been told is true.

When Alicia is found standing over a body with the murder weapon in her hand. The body of the very person she had said she would kill herself before she let him touch her again.

Mary Elizabeth persuades Mae and the laundry club to investigate to try and find the real killer.

Clues lead Mae to the prison to talk to one of Craig's former inmates.

This action puts even more strain on an already stressful relationship with the newly appointed sheriff. Her long term boyfriend.

Now May is questioning everything she has believed she had in her relationship with Hank.
and this just might be the final straw for Hank, with Mae having already been involved in all of the past murder investigations.

A very good story with lost of surprises and twists.

[luckykarmatx · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was another fun installment in the Camper & Criminals series. This time around, we meet our MCs foster sister, who is knee deep in controversy the moment she arrives. We learn a bit more about what happened to Mae's foster family once she left for the big city, and are soon thrown in the middle of another murder mystery in Normal, KY. This was an enjoyable audiobook, but it also available on KU as of this writing.

[ReviewWithPhil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m so happy for Abby but if something happens to Mae and her man I’m going to be very upset!

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

As always, I enjoyed my visit to Normal with Mae and her friends. There’s a lot more introspection in this one as Mae contemplates her new foster sister and her relationship with Hank. The mystery was paced well and kept me guessing; the ending had a few twists that I definitely wasn’t expecting.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh. my. gosh. If you're a fan of the series, you need to read this one. Wow what a punch! Not only was I worried about Hank and Mae's relationship, but a couple of other things happened that were just...well, wow! I don't want to spoil anything, but I'm just going to say I trust this author to get everything straightened out for our favorite couple just as she has in her other series.

I'm still on the fence with Alicia's character as to whether she might be a good fit for the town or not. Let's just say she's going to have to do something pretty spectacular to make me like her lol. All in all, this book isn't to be missed, and Tonya, if you're reading this, please please get Rowena to release the next book sooner too!

[Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! I was grabbed from page one and I couldn't put the book down. I read the book in one sitting. This mystery of whodunit kept me guessing the whole time. And the secondary story about Alicia was just a much of a thrill as the mystery. I can't wait til the next one.

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

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Insect, Ivy, & Investigations” Earns 5/5 Laundry Club Gossips...Engaging Fun!

A Camper and Criminals Mystery is one of my favorite series from Tonya Kappes: campgrounds, conundrums, and criminal activity...COZY! In this seventeenth book, Mae West is surprised by the arrival of Alicia Becker, a young woman claiming she is one of her adopted mom’s foster children, with her bruised and battered appearance, stories of abuse, and when her ex-con, ex-boyfriend is seen in town, threatening comments she’d “kill him.” Then later, he is found bludgeoned and everyone is taking sides when she’s deemed the number one suspect...innocent, framed, self-defense, or murder. The mystery is quite engaging with my favorite “karma” comeuppances along with a compelling backstory of Alicia Becker’s life, insights in Mae’s past, discussions about the future among various characters, and a few surprising incidents. Tonya’s signature writing style is descriptive bringing to life the environment and character personalities which includes informative dialogue, clever banter, and southern manners to complete this page-turner cozy. Beyond the murder mystery and the efforts by Mae and the Laundry Club to investigate, this book has additional insights into Mae’s past, Hank’s personal debate about a new career opportunity, and more information about the lives and businesses of peripheral characters. The final wrap up was one of karma’s best! I know each time I review a book in this series I mention Dottie and her smoking. The depiction of Dottie’s manner and addiction is realistic, cringe-worthy at times, and plain disappointing, and although I enjoy realistic manners and reactions, I really wish Dottie would quit. That said...I do love this series that highlights well notions of family, karma, and redemption.

P.S. The recipe and two RV Hacks are always welcomed! And...along with phrases like ‘hunky-dory” or “big ole duck fit,” there was one line I had not heard before that struck me as brilliant. When Buck is asked how’s he doing, he grinned and responded, “We’re above ground.” It took just seconds to get it, but I loved it!

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]

Mae West is not thrilled to learn that Alicia Becker is Mary Elizabeth's foster daughter! First, Mae knows nothing about Alicia and second, Mae heads to Bobby Ray's bungalow to question him, and ruins the moment.

What's worse is Bobby Ray not only knows about Alicia, but proclaims Alicia was "bad news." Bobby Ray rattled off quite a few facts, and questions pertaining to why Alicia showed up in Normal, unless it was to get away from her boyfriend, Craig, who at one point threatened Mary Elizabeth. Dotty is not very accepting of Alicia either. Mae has decided that she and The Laundry Club gals are going to do some sleuthing and find out just who Alicia Becker is and what does she want!

Mae is having quite the time of trying to appease Mary Elizabeth, and keeping an eye on Alicia. When a body is discovered underbrush and Tex is a witness to Alicia holding the weapon in her hand, it is Mary Elizabeth, who begs Mae to look into things. Some choice words spoken, a weapon in hand, and a witness all pointing to Alicia, Mae and The Laundry Club gals have their work cut out for them. Then there is the engagement party, which may need to take a back seat!

Oh my goodness, there were so many surprises dumped on Mae where Alicia was concerned, and Alicia's sudden appearance at the Milkery was questionable leaving me wondering after Dawn Gentry's reveal. Not just Mae being surprised, but Hank Sharp, is blindsided too. The ending, left me uttering--Oh no!! I can't wait for the next book with that ending, did not expect that!!

I received a complimentary copy and I have voluntarily reviewed this book.

[Virginia Winfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always this series just keeps on getting better and better. I always love the main characters that are in every book of the series. We have gotten to know each one better with every story. In this story Mae and Henry are needing to make some serious decisions and it will be fun to see what they decide in the next book of the series. This story showed how Mae can get a bit jealous of others in her foster moms life. As always the descriptions of the park are wonderful. I recommend this series to any one who loves a great cozy mystery. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[Mona J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5⭐️ Well, it happened. The first character that I love to hate in this series. LOL Alicia Becker. I knew a girl like that back in the day. Always spitting out backhanded compliments, sarcastic comments. I could have throttled her. Mae has the patience of a saint. This was also a first for me asking myself, 'Mae, what is in your head, girl?!' When it came to her and Hank, she was all up in her own head causing problems that weren't there. I love her character but I hope she learns a lesson this time around. I'll just leave it at that! Onto the next! :0)

[Courtney Lane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Welcome back to Normal (me)

I really enjoy this series and often dive in to the world of Normal Kentucky when I am in need of a cozy mystery break between reading slumps, heavy thrillers, and world-building fantasies.

I did catch the who-dun-it pretty early on, but still a nice relaxation read for me

[Meryl Markowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a story that really threw me through a loop!
So many lose ends left hanging! So many surprises I didn't expect!

As Mae said so when they came upon yet another murder: " We couldn't help it. It was like the Laundry Club Ladies and I were a magnet for these types of crimes. And was it wrong that we loved trying to figure them out like a puzzle?"

One of my favorite dialogues was when Dottie told Mae " We will catch up with in the morning for coffee at the Laundry Club " and Hank replied" Is that code for all y'all are going to be sticking your nose into this?" That just cracked me up!

However besides being shocked with who did the crime, I was very upset at the ending and hope that I will feel better by the next book!

Thank you to Tonya Kappas for the advanced copy

[Angela Griffin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!

Just...wow! This investigation (which starts as a background check but turns into murder) turns up as many relationship fault lines as suspects! The relationships are as engrossing as the sleuthing, and someone's choice at the end is childishly disappointing...and I can't WAIT to find out what's next!

[Courtney Cortez · Rating 3 out of 5]

Why am I so invested in this series!? It reminds me of the books you would find at your grandparents place over a long summer that you start reading out of boredom but end up loving for no reason (just me?)

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mae was surprised to hear about a foster sister she never knew about. Bobby Joe never said a word about her, neither did her foster/adopted mother until she shows up in Normal. Mae thinks she is there to get more money out of her mother. But when Alicia's abusive husband is found dead in the woods and Alicia is standing over his body with the murder weapon, Mary Elizabeth wants Mae and the Laundry Ladies to prove her innocent. This could be a problem with Mae since Hank, her boyfriend is now the Sheriff and there is some tension between them. I will say this for Tonya Kappes, I NEVER saw the story ending like this! Bring on the next installment! I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Angie Knapp · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not my favorite from the series. Still a quick, easy read but that ending

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of twists and turns and then that ending left me gasping!! That was a great hook because as soon as I finished, I immediately grabbed the next book to read!!

[shannon✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story itself was fine, but the ending was kind of predictable and a bit mediocre. I do like how those little cliffhangers at the end seem to be a constant.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow that ending! I did not see that perp coming at all. I also am not a fan of where Mae’s personal life may be going. I was not a fan of Alicia’s and am hoping she won’t become a recurring character. She was slightly better by the end.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

It only took ~17 books, but it finally leaves you on a bit of a cliffhanger to pick up the next book, and I'm here for it.

[Ellie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oop not the relationship dramas