Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

Written by Tonya Kappes

Narrated by Johanna Parker

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky, where nothing is normal!

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground, never thought she would become an actress like her namesake. Calling herself an actress might be a far stretch as she plays a minor role in the local Civil War reenactment Battle at Camp Wildcat.

When the reenactment doesn't go as planned, not one but two of the town's folks aren't playing dead . . . they were murdered!

Come to find out there was a prison break and the serial killer is believed to be in Normal and someone has stolen a motorhome from Happy Trails Campground. Are these connected?

Mae lets boyfriend and hunky detective, Hank Sharp, follow all the leads about the murders and on the trail of the serial killer because she's got bigger s'mores in the fire.

The motorhome owners have filed a lawsuit and suing her for the deed to Happy Trails Campground. Mae has embraced Normal and there's nothing or no one going to take her campground. She's determined to find the motorhome and return it to the owners before she hands over any deed to anyone.

Mae just might find out that tapping into her namesake just might come in handy when coming face to face with a serial killer.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tantor Media, Inc
• Release date: Jul 30, 2019
• ISBN: 9781515941125

Tonya Kappes

Tonya Kappes has written more than fifteen novels and four novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists, including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers, and one ex-stray cat in northern Kentucky. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full-time but can be found at all of her guys' high-school games with a pencil and paper in hand. Come on over and FAN Tonya on Goodreads.

Reviews for Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder

[Karen Chandler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Great but on audible there were sections repeated. Utherwise it would be a 5

[Jennifer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I think this one is my favorite one yet! I liked that there was finally a resolution to the love triangle. The ending took me completely by surprise. I’m seriously loving this series!

[maydacat_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This installment surprised me - who could have imagined the murderous mayhem that enveloped this happy little town. Clearly, author Tonya Kappes could! If you are a regular reader of this series, then you know what fun these entertaining tales with their quirky characters can be. This one is no exception, but be prepared to be surprised with an unsettling end. It’s not all rainbows and unicorns for the inhabitants of this RV park or for the Laundry Ladies and their families.

[virginia51-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I love this cozy mystery series. I love the character of Mae West and her crazy friends in the RV Park and throughout the town. This mystery has a few twists and turns. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I love the intrigue and the laughs. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

[kris_anderson-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder can be read as a standalone if you have not had time to indulge in the other novels in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. Mae West has settled into her new home in Normal, Kentucky where she is making a success of Happy Trails Campground. She has good friends, a loyal dog, and a loving boyfriend. When someone steals a camper’s motorhome, Mae is determined to recover it. Otherwise, Mae could lose her beloved Happy Trails. The town is gearing up for tourists to descend on the town for the reenactment of the Battle of Camp Wildcat and Mae is hosting a party afterward at Happy Trails. It is a bad time for a killer to escape custody after harming the guard and knocking over Preacher Hager. Hank must hunt for Greaser Gadie while protecting the jurors he threatened and keep watch over a town filled with vacationers. All our favorite characters are back in Motorhomes, Maps and Murder. The quirky residents of Normal will have you laughing frequently as you read this Southern cozy mystery. Mary Elizabeth, Mae’s adopted mother, means well, but her talkative nature can be a curse. As you can see, there is plenty of action in Motorhomes, Maps and Murder. I enjoy Tonya Kappes conversational writing style. Readers are easily drawn into the book and the attention held until the end. I like the steady pacing, the setting and the off-beat characters. I enjoyed the addition of Chester, the dog with the good sniffer. I am happy to see Mae’s character mature and her relationship with Hank is progressing nicely. I believe readers will be surprised at how this mystery turns out. There are recipes and cleaning hacks at the end of the book (clever ideas). I look forward to returning to Normal in Canyons, Caravans and Cadavers.

[debf56 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder doesn't disappoint. Once again I find myself wanting to have a cup of coffee with and join the Laundry Club ladies in solving the problems of Normal KY. That is one of things I like about this book and series is you feel like you could just step right in and be apart of this small town and people. If you add to that the mystery, southern charm, friendship, great characters and the setting you have a page turning winner.Mae once again finds herself right in the middle of a murder and all the mishaps going on. She just has a knack for getting into trouble without even trying. Hank her police boyfriend has his hands full with keeping her out of trouble and danger while trying to investigate and solve the murders but that isn't easy. Can they figure it all out before Mae gets in over her head or worse yet loses her campground or life?This book had all the things I love a good mystery with side puzzles too, several suspects, strong characters, a perfect setting and a surprise ending. I couldn't put it down and can not wait for the next book.One of my favorite parts is when Mae gets arrested and when taken to the police station Hank's grandmother Agnes starts arguing and trying to get the handcuffs off Mae. I laughed because I could just picture the younger policeman trying to endure her wrath. I so enjoy these character and can relate many of them to people I know like Queenie who with her my way or no way attitude reminds me of an Aunt of mine. This made the book so much more fun to read.I love camping, history and small town living and this book includes all that and more. What a fun book and series you won't want to miss.

[sable677 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is another exciting installment in Kappes' Campers & Criminals cozy mystery series. Mae finds herself in the middle of yet another murder investigation when she agrees to participate in a battle reenactment. Then things go from bad to worse when Mae's beloved campground is put in peril when she finds herself in the middle of a lawsuit that puts her ownership of her beloved campground at risk. Thankfully Mae has her boyfriend, Hank, and her group of loyal friends by her side as she tackles this latest murder mystery and does whatever it takes to save her campground.This book is the second book that I have read in the series although it is actually book five in the series. I found that I was able to jump right in and get swept up into the story and in these characters' lives. I had read the previous book so I was thrilled with the new dynamic between Mae and Mary Elizabeth. I am really liking seeing these two women form a family relationship now that they have dealt with their past. Kappes has done a great job at showing the growth and development of these two characters. I also loved seeing my favorite secondary characters back because they really add to the story and bring out the different sides of Mae. The book's mystery is well done full of many twists and turns. The book also has some humor and fun mixed in which is what I have always enjoyed about Kappes' different series. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think that reading previous books would only add to the enjoyment of the book. Overall Motorhomes, Maps, & Murder is a great cozy read that I would most definitely recommend. I look forward to reading Mae's next adventure.Received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for my honest review.

[harley0326 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I am so in love with this series. My husband and I own a RV and love to travel to different places. We have found some wonderful campgrounds with friendly people and return to them when we can. I would love to visit Normal, Kentucky and visit the quaint little town that is featured in the story. Mae is a hoot and I loved everything about her. Her southern charm is endearing and the sayings she blurts out at times made me roll on the floor laughing. . The author has a great knack for giving readers characters that are funny, quirky and just plain friendly. Well I better say not everyone in this story is so charming.Happy Trails Campground is the blood, sweat and tears of hard work for Mae. She has made it a place where people feel welcome and comfortable. I would park my RV there if I could. There is a big celebration coming up in town that has everyone scrambling to make the event perfect. When an escaped serial killer is spotted the town and campground are on edge. Should they go ahead with the festivities planned? The rumors start that the serial killer could be close and chaos ensues in the campground. Is it a coincidence that a motor home was stolen just as the escaped killer is perhaps nearby?Mae turns to her handsome boyfriend for answers since he is a detective and on the case. It's funny how Mae can get answers from Hank about the investigation. He knows he shouldn't tell her, but he can't stop himself. There is a big mystery of where the serial killer is hiding and who stole the motor home. Are the campers safe at Happy Trails Campground?The story is well written and will keep readers guessing as a mysterious map and wig are discovered. Was someone else involved in what happened to several members of the town? I wonder if revenge played a part in the aftermath of a serial killer on the loose ? I love how the author keeps readers guessing until the very end. I thought for sure I knew what would happen; but the author with her technique of putting twists in the story fooled me completely. I eagerly await the next book in this funny and thrilling series.I received an Advanced Reader Copy. The review is my own opinion.