Vanessa Follow

I really enjoy this time of year, and I have found my favorite summer reading book! The visit to Normal, KY feels like a homecoming with its fantastic characters. The Happy Trails Campground is managed by Mae West, who is very involved in the community, including the national forest where her husband Hank works as a Ranger. Mae often lends a hand with the celebrations, and the 4th of July event is no exception. She is currently helping out with BINGO, and if you have ever played, you know how competitive it can get.

During the game, two community members, Marla and Nancy, are fiercely competing for the final prize, a homemade knitted blanket. Nancy emerges as the winner and makes sure Marla knows it. Unfortunately, Marla is later found dead with knitting needles in her neck. Cheryl, the owner of the Stitchin’ Post, becomes the prime suspect, and Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies are compelled to assist in solving the mystery.

As Mae and the Ladies work to identify and eliminate suspects, you will be captivated by the story, keeping you guessing until the very end! This series is one of my favorites, and I eagerly await each new release. While this book can be enjoyed on its own, starting from the beginning will provide the background of the incredible characters and setting.

I was fortunate to receive an ARC, but this review reflects solely my own opinion.

I have been eagerly looking forward to Maisie Doss' return since she was introduced in the first book of this series. In this latest installment, Maisie and her best friend, Dixie, find themselves receiving concerning, threatening letters that have put them on edge. Luckily, Maisie is presented with the opportunity to go undercover as a confidential informant to help take down an art theft ring.

She sees this as a chance to not only assist in apprehending the criminals but also to investigate the source of the threatening letters. With the support of her cousin Boone, as well as some old and new acquaintances, Maisie successfully dismantles the art ring and uncovers the truth behind the letters.

"Tangled Lies" is a book filled with unexpected twists and turns that will keep readers hooked. The characters are intricately developed, allowing for a deeper exploration of their relationships. Although the vivid imagery in the book may be overwhelming at times, it only enhances the overall reading experience. Once readers start this book, they will find it hard to put down.

I am an avid reader, and I love mysteries and cozy stories. This was the absolute perfect mix! I enjoy Tonya Kappes’ Southern cozy mysteries, but I immediately knew this book was different. And this is a GOOD difference!

This is the first book of the Maisie Doss Mysteries, and I cannot wait to read the rest. The book jumps right in as Maise, known as Bobbie Jo, is hiding out in a small town, avoiding some previous brushes with the law when she uncovers a puppy ring. You know she has a good heart if she worries about saving puppies! Her cover is blown when, while investigating the puppy ring, a US Marshall tracks her down, and she is pulled back into her previous life as a Confidential Informant. She now must face her family, the attraction between her and the US Marshall, her best friend, and even reconcile her life as Maisie with that of Bobbie Jo.

This book had me guessing from start to finish. I usually figure out the culprit, but I was shocked at this reveal. Maisie is confident, tough, competent, and intelligent and uses all those skills to save the puppies, find a murderer, and integrate her past and present lives. I will be counting down the days for the book in the series.

I received an ARC of this book and provided my honest, voluntary review.

How much fun it must be to live in a town that makes the most of every holiday! They even have a secret position called the “Merry Maker(s)” who decide where the final celebration will be held for each celebration. While it sounds like the town would be nothing but fun and good times, every now and then, there is a murder, and Violet Rhinehammer, the editor of the local newspaper, is right there to help solve the mystery.

When Violet landed (literally) in Holiday Junction, she thought it would just be for a few hours or maybe a few days. Little did she know that she would find a job, start a romantic relationship, and have her parents also move to town!

As the Merry Makers, Violet and Darren were out late one night getting ready to place the sign to identify the final location to wrap up the Christmas Jingle Junction Jamboree when they found a body. Since the actual Merry Maker is unknown to the town, they must figure out how to notify the Chief of Police without revealing their secret or being accused of murder! This time, Violet also includes Radley, the Junction Journal’s other employee, in her sleuthing, so hopefully, he will be included in other future adventures.

The descriptions of the scenery in these books are incredible and submerge readers in the town of Holiday Junction. I could vividly picture the Mistletoe Masquerade Ball setting with the frozen waterfall ice sculpture, twinkling lights, and Darren, Violet, and the other guests dressed in their finest holiday attire.

The plot will keep you guessing, and another twist will be presented just when you think you have it figured out,

I received an ARC of this book; all opinions are my own.

Holidays are the best times of the year, and spending them in Holiday Junction just takes it up a notch. Violet is planning her coverage of the Thanksgiving activities, while her mama Millie Kay is gearing up for the Friendsgiving celebration at the Leisure Center. Then Violet hears her mama scream, and she finds Albert, the milk delivery man, dead at the bottom of the steps. Violet begins her investigation and, at her first stop, finds Albert’s wife, Tara, dead in their home. Not one, but two murders to solve.

Violet is on the case, but there is a twist since her boyfriend, Darren, has started law school and is interning at the local law office, so he is limited when it comes to sharing information. Of course, Violet’s tenacity pushes her forward, and she will continue at all costs until she finds the killer.

The plot will keep you glued to the book and guessing who was responsible for the murders. I had several suspects in mind, but as new information was revealed, I kept changing my mind. The descriptions of the scenery have me wanting to move to Holiday Junction and help Violet and Darren as the Merrymakers!

I am thankful to have received an ARC and have provided my honest review.

…and here comes a tornado!

Mae West is finally marrying the man of her dreams, Hank Sharp, and she has planned the perfect wedding. But nothing is normal in Normal, KY! She sensed the shift in the air and knew a storm was coming, but she never thought it would be a tornado. Mae is trying to keep up with all the plans that go haywire while helping Hank continue his search for Keisha, a missing teenager.

No matter what happens, Mae has the support of her “family,” which includes her adoptive mother and brother, Hank’s granny and sister, residents of Normal, and the closest, most supportive friends in the Laundry Club Ladies. Keisha’s body washes up near the campground, so the Laundry Club Ladies are on the case…along with a possible new friend!

As with other installments of the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, the reader is kept guessing while following along with Mae and her friends. The mystery is skillfully written, the scenery comes to life with vivid detail, and the plot is entertaining, especially with Dottie’s wit and wisdom.

I received an ARC of this book, but all opinions are mine. I cannot wait for the next book in the series.

Time to return to Honey Springs, Kentucky, for the Halloween season and of course…murder in the 13th installment of the Killer Coffee Series. The haunted Hallow Manor is being reopened as a Haunted House just in time for the Neewollah festival. As teens, Roxy and Patrick snuck into the manor and high-tailed it out of there after being frightened by a haunting.

Patrick’s construction company worked on fixing up the manor and on the opening night of the festival, Roxy’s Bean Hive had a tent for coffee, hot chocolate, and treats for the guests visiting the manor. After a hayride, Roxy goes exploring in the manor to see the renovations, hears a loud bang, and finds the body of the magician hired as entertainment. Eleanor, the owner of Hallow Manor, is the number one suspect, as she was heard arguing with the magician right before he was killed. Since Roxy maintains her law license, Eleanor enlists her help to prove she is being set up. Roxy dons her sleuthing hat and sets out to clear Eleanor, find the person responsible, and maybe discover the mystery behind the haunting of Hallow Manor.

I enjoy every trip to Honey Springs and would love to live there, visit the boardwalk, stop in for a treat at the Bean Hive, adopt a pet from the Pet Palace, and buy cute items from the Walk in the Bark Animal Boutique. The detail of the scenery in this series is so incredible you could close your eyes and join the lively characters in solving each mystery.

This is one of the best books in the series and will keep you guessing until the end! I received an ARC of this book, and the review and opinions are all my own.

I remember dreaming of my wedding and the proposal from my future husband as a little girl. I would have never imagined, however, the proposal being interrupted by a murder! But that is precisely what happened to Kenni Lowry. Finn proposes, and while everyone is gathered waiting for Kenni's response, a scream rips through the air. As the sheriff, she needs to respond, not to Finn, but to the scream, and she heads into another adventure.

It is not enough that Kenni has a proposal and a dead body, but it is an election year, so she is also keeping her opponent Taven at bay, as well as dealing with the possibility of losing Poppa (her grandfather’s ghost) forever.

This book is a rollercoaster ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat while Kenni works her magic to solve the crime and bring the murderer to justice. The story is filled with wonderful characters and scenic descriptions that will have you immersed in the town while becoming friends with the characters. Now, to wait for the next installment.

I received an ARC and the opinions of the book are my own.

Join Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies as they solve another mystery in Normal, KY. The Cowgirl Camping Group comes to the Happy Trails Campground, and they bring trouble with them…or do they? Mae is hosting this vintage camper group at the campground, and soon, one of the residents of Normal is found murdered. It just so happens that Mae and Dottie were in the area! There are so many suspects this time, but with the Laundry Club Ladies on the case, Normal can be confident that the mystery will be solved.

This one has to be one of my favorites from the Camping and Criminals series! Picturing the decorated vintage campers of the Cowgirls, understanding the victim’s hoarding issues, and seeing Mae and Hank get closer to the wedding had me unable to put down this book. The mystery was creative, the murderer difficult to identify, and the descriptions of the scenery were enough to have me close my eyes and picture being in Normal, KY.

Mae's relationships with her mother, fiancé, friends, and townspeople are realistic and fun. I enjoy every trip back to Normal and highly anticipate the next book in the series.
I am grateful for the ARC and am reviewing this book voluntarily.

Violet Rhinehammer is celebrating another holiday in Holiday Junction and really starting to think of the town as home. Violet and her boyfriend Darren are all set to enjoy the town’s celebrations and help Violet’s momma, Millie Kay, spread the word about her new Leisure Center. Like Violet, Millie Kay has embraced the town and considers it home, so she decided to open her own version of a senior center.

Violet and Darren were just starting to enjoy the Independence Day celebration when people on the beach started screaming. A body washed up on the beach, immediately setting Violet into action. On top of everything, Violet has a new co-worker at the Junction Journal.

This installment of the Holiday Cozy Mystery Book introduces us to another section of Holiday Junction that Violet has yet to visit. We are taken along for the ride as she acquaints herself with the Art District up the mountain from the central part of the town.

Murder (more than one), mayhem, and mystery take the reader on a journey through the pages filled with vivid imagery and fantastic new characters. I enjoyed meeting the new people in Violet’s life and exploring the Arts District with her. This one will keep you guessing!

I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily submitting my honest review.

This is a fun new installment in the Killer Coffee Mystery series. Roxy Bloom was a divorced lawyer who needed a change of scenery and returned to the small lakeside town of Honey Springs. She spent some summers there with her Aunt Maxi and Patrick, a local who was her first crush. Aunt Maxi helped Roxy open a coffee shop that is thriving, she loves living in the town, and married Patrick. Life is perfect. Except she keeps stumbling into mysteries.

A land developer is submitting plans to establish a country club in Honey Springs and has hired Danielle, an environmentalist, to report on the impact of building in the area. During an emergency town meeting, Danielle reports that a spring has been found on the land, which could affect the club's location. Realtors, investors, and the developer are not happy with this news, and tempers begin to flare.

Early the next morning as Roxy is riding her bike to the coffee shop, she sees the red and blue flashing lights of the sheriff and knows something happened. This time the sheriff asks her to keep her ears open and listen as her customers exchange gossip over cups of coffee. The list of suspects changes often and includes her ex-husband, his new wife, town residents, and visitors. How will she untangle this web?

The author does a fantastic job of keeping things fresh. This time, Roxy did not find the body, the sheriff asked for her to provide information, and the perpetrator and reason for the crime were a complete surprise. It looks like Honey Spring is expanding and bringing some new characters to town! I received an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.

This one will Curl(er) Your Toes!

Mae stumbles over another dead body in Normal KY, but something is different. Colt Lincoln, bounty hunter, media star, and heart-breaker, is dead on the floor of the Smelly Dog Groomers. This time something is different…he appears to be clutching one of Dottie Swaggert’s pink curlers. One of the Laundry Club Ladies is a suspect in his murder. The hunt is on to find Dottie and the murderer, all while planning Mae and Hank’s wedding.

Along with Hammocks, Handguns, and Hearsay, this book is filled with motorcycles, murder, and (soon-to-be) marriage. As usual, this 31st book in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series kept me guessing until the end, when the criminal is finally revealed. With each new installment in the series, we learn more about the Normal community, and it feels more like visiting family. I highly recommend this book (and the previous 30 ones too). Get a blanket and spend the afternoon with the Laundry Club Ladies in Normal, Kentucky.