Kristin's Bookshelf

Campers & Criminals (Books 13–15)
By Tonya Kappes

This collection has been my favorite stretch of the series so far. The emotional stakes felt higher, the mysteries were stronger, and I’m getting way too attached to these characters and Normal, Kentucky.

Gear, Grills, & Guns
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I loved the introduction of Tex and, honestly, I’m already campaigning for a future romance between him and Mary Elizabeth. Is that asking too much? Opposites attract, and I feel like their personalities could make for such a fun dynamic.

Eggnog, Extortion, & Evergreen
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This one had such a great concept. I loved that Mae overheard something she wasn’t supposed to while unconscious and was able to use that information not only to help solve the murder, but also to uncover more about her own past through Tex’s reiki session. It added an emotional layer to the mystery that really worked for me.

Ropes, Riddles, & Robberies
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I’m so happy Mae finally got answers about what really happened the night her family died in the fire. That storyline has been building for so long that finally getting the truth felt incredibly satisfying. This book balanced the mystery and emotional payoff perfectly, and it easily became one of my favorites in the series so far.