Author: Tonya Kappes
Published: December 1, 2023 by Tonya Kappes Books
Format: Audio, Paperback 170 Pages
Genre: Amateur Sleuth
Series: Camper & Criminals #7
Blurb: Everyone in Normal is excited for the Hoe Down to celebrate the opening of the new Old Train Station motel grand opening.
The evening comes to an abrupt end when a lightning storm knocks out all the power. At least, that's what appears to have knocked out the electricity. But things aren't always as they appear.
Mae West has a way of sticking her nose where it doesn't belong and finds herself in a dangerous situation when she finds a treasure map that leads to more than just treasure... a dead body!
My Opinion: Seven books deep into the Camper & Criminals series and it seems we’ve officially reached the land of rinse and repeat. I’ve enjoyed these cozy mysteries as breezy palate cleansers between other reads and think of them as light and fun popcorn. But this latest installment feels more like stale leftovers.
Kappas leans on her signature formula of quirky small-town, unexpected crimes, and Mae West running circles around local law enforcement, and boyfriend, Hank. This time, we get a Hoe Down, a motel grand opening, a suspicious bank robbery, a conveniently timed power outage, and, naturally, a murder. Sprinkle in some cute pups and the ever-gabby Laundry Club ladies, and voilà! Another installment wrapped up with a bow.
To be fair, the series does a solid job of random onboarding with quick introductions to key characters and town dynamics, so you won't feel lost even if you’re landing in mid-series. But for longtime fans, the narrative pattern is starting to show its wear. It’s like déjà vu with a southern twang.
Rumor has it Hallmark may be eyeing this for adaptation. That tidbit’s been floating around for a while, though, so it’s hard to tell if it's a real possibility or just wishful thinking.
The evening comes to an abrupt end when a lightning storm knocks out all the power. At least, that's what appears to have knocked out the electricity. But things aren't always as they appear.
Mae West has a way of sticking her nose where it doesn't belong and finds herself in a dangerous situation when she finds a treasure map that leads to more than just treasure... a dead body!
My Opinion: Seven books deep into the Camper & Criminals series and it seems we’ve officially reached the land of rinse and repeat. I’ve enjoyed these cozy mysteries as breezy palate cleansers between other reads and think of them as light and fun popcorn. But this latest installment feels more like stale leftovers.
Kappas leans on her signature formula of quirky small-town, unexpected crimes, and Mae West running circles around local law enforcement, and boyfriend, Hank. This time, we get a Hoe Down, a motel grand opening, a suspicious bank robbery, a conveniently timed power outage, and, naturally, a murder. Sprinkle in some cute pups and the ever-gabby Laundry Club ladies, and voilà! Another installment wrapped up with a bow.
To be fair, the series does a solid job of random onboarding with quick introductions to key characters and town dynamics, so you won't feel lost even if you’re landing in mid-series. But for longtime fans, the narrative pattern is starting to show its wear. It’s like déjà vu with a southern twang.
Rumor has it Hallmark may be eyeing this for adaptation. That tidbit’s been floating around for a while, though, so it’s hard to tell if it's a real possibility or just wishful thinking.
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