Fixin’ to Die by Tonya Kappes
Kenni Lowry series #1. Paranormal cozy mystery.
There’s been a murder and a robbery in Cottonwood, KY and the sheriff, Kenni Lowry, wants to prove to the town her competence. Since her department is small, she gets a loaner officer from the State Reserve to help investigate. The best clues and background actually comes from the ghost of her grandfather, who had the position of sheriff before her. Between the towns people, the handsome helper and her grandfather, Kenni is sure to catch the culprits.

A cute mystery with quirky townies and a ghost with lots of helpful knowledge. Plenty of twists and a cute dog.
I’m looking forward to reading more of this series.

🎧 I listened to an audiobook version narrated by Hillary Huber who did a fantastic performance with voices, emotions and just a hint of southern charm. ( )

Kenni has been sheriff for awhile now. She enjoys her job, and crime has been kept to a minimum. She is unaware that this is because her ghostly grandfather has been watching out for her. Now, though, a murder has been committed. But Poppa is still around to help, and a hunky real life deputy is also onboard. It’s a small town and operates as such, where everyone knows each other’s business. Except no one knows who murdered the town’s beloved doctor. But Kenni is sure to find out, with Poppa’s help. It’s a quick and entertaining read. The characters are delightful, if sometimes a bit quirky, and the town is full of southern charm. ( )

Sheriff Kendrick (Kenni) Lowry, grandaughter of the late sheriff Elmer Sims, was elected sherriff two years earlier. Now that her deputy has retired she works alone. This is not usually a problem as there has been almost no crime in her two years in office until now. There is a murder and a break-in in just one day. The town must call in someone to help. Finn Vincent arrives from the Kentucky State Reserve. Kenni also asks Wyatt, the jailer, to also be part of the investigation. The stress seems to have gotten to Kenni as she begins hearing things.

I enjoyed this book a lot. I laughed out loud at the colloquial sayings used in the story as well as the down home southern expectations, especially Kenni's mother who wants her to get married and settle down with a good man and have children. The way the other characters in the story was well done. There were many townsfolk but they were introduced relatively gradually with enough information to get to know them. Kenni and Finn work perfectly together. I loved their chemistry and could not help but laugh when he schmoozed all the other ladies in the book. young and old. I had no idea who the murderer was which always makes for a good mystery in my mind. Usually in a cozy mystery, the protagonist is an amateur sleuth and this one is actually the sheriff, but as she is relatively new to the role and all the other aspects of a cozy mystery are there, it definitely fits the genre. I am already reading the second one in the series. ( )

Cottonwood, Kentucky population small and quiet with little to no crime, what more could you ask for??? Now Sheriff Kenni Lowry thought the same thing until the town Dr is murdered! The town is in an uproar and wants this murder solved yesterday. They decide to bring in a very handsome Reserve Officer named Finn who quite frankly is annoying Kenni. She doesn't want anyone to know that she is feeling overwhelmed. Then the jewelry store in town is robbed and Kenni is convinced they are connected especially thanks to her grandfathers ghost whispering in her ear. Poppa was the Sheriff for years before he pasted.
Kenni wants to prove not only to herself but the town that she is able to bring a killer to justice.
This is the first book in a new series by Tonya Kappes. I am a good ole southern gal myself and love the town and characters of Cottonwood, Kentucky. Looking forward to more in this new series.
I recieved an ARC of this book and the review is my opinion only. ( )

Fixin’ to Die by Tonya Kappes is the first book in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Kendrick “Kenni” Lowry is the sheriff in Cottonwood, Kentucky. Kenni was elected two years ago, after the passing of her Poppa, Elmer Sims, who was the previous sheriff. Kenni has been lucky that there has been no crime in Cottonwood since she took office (which is extremely odd even for a small town). But Kenni’s luck has run out. She is called out early to Dr. Ronald Walton’s house (where he also had his office). Dr. Walton was found dead in his home by his receptionist, Toots Buford (only in the South would you find someone with the name of Toots). There is a strange symbol on the doctor’s wrist. Later that day White’s Jewelry store is robbed and the same symbol is on the wall. The two crimes seem to be connected. Kenni goes the grave of her Poppa (her grandfather) and asks for his help since the townspeople are in an uproar. After that, Kenni starts hearing her Poppa’s voice (she thinks it is in her head). Then she actually sees him. At first Kenni believes she is losing her mind, but Poppa soon convinces her that he is real. Poppa is there to help her. Kenni also gets help from the Kentucky State Reserve in the form of Finn Vincent. He is originally from Chicago (so he does not understand the ways of the South-yet). Finn is assigned to help her solve the two crimes. This is especially helpful since Kenni’s deputy just retired, and her only other help is the county jailer, Wyatt Granger. Kenni, Finn, and Poppa set out to find the culprit behind the robbery and murder. Will they be able to find the culprit before he commits another crime?

Fixin’ to Die is easy to read, has a good flow, and I like the paranormal element. Kenni Lowry is an acquired taste. Her behavior is a wee bit over-the-top (especially in the first half of the story). Kenni goes around town doing her investigation and accusing the wrong people (angering the citizens and losing their cooperation). Kenni does not read the reports provided to her, question witnesses, or follow-up on forensic evidence (to make sure it arrived and was processed). Kenni does not actually solve the crime as stumble upon the killer accidentally (technically, it is a win). Kenni is not used to crime, and this is an adjustment period for her (and the town’s citizens). I enjoyed Poppa. I found him to be funny and entertaining. I hope the author will enhance his role in future novels in the series. I give Fixin’ to Die 3.5 out of 5 stars. Ms. Kappes did include a romantic element in the story. There is an attraction between Kenni and Finn (she certainly likes to ogle his physique). It will be interesting to see how it progresses. The author did include some outlandish characters like the philandering town mayor and the spoiled, pampered daughter of well-to-do parents. The cozy element is very prevalent in Fixin’ to Die. Kenni has a busy social life, likes to jog, has a dog, and enjoys a good card game. The mystery was good, but I found it easy to solve (I wish the crime had been more complicated). I could identify the killer before I reached a hundred pages. I appreciated the paranormal element in the form of Poppa’s ghost. It greatly enhanced Fixin’ to Die. Overall, Fixin’ to Die is a good first start to a series. With a little tweaking this could be an entertaining paranormal mystery series. I will be reading Southern Fried the next book in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. ( )