The laundry club at Happy Trails, with their Jazzercise, pink curlers, meal train for friends in need, and homemade cinnamon rolls, is one of my favorite casts of supporting characters in a cozy mystery series. In this installment, spring has arrived, the Kentucky bluegrass is popping up, and Queenie has recruited the gang to join in a military reenactment. But there's an escaped convict named Greaser on the loose, a missing mobile home, and unusual activity with maps and church finances. This series is a winner, as each mystery is fun to solve on its own while giving us more insight into the community at Happy Trails, and the author sprinkles in new characters as the series unfolds. Recommend!

Motorhomes, Maps and Murder is the 5th book in the Tonya Kappes series, “A Camper and Criminals Cozy Mystery.” It is not necessary to read the books in order as each has its own completed mystery. It is my recommendation that you do. The world building is ongoing with characters changing slightly with the books, (mostly adding a character or two). You will understand the relationships easier when read in order. Ms. Kappes does include a quick update that is woven so well into the story those familiar with the series will enjoy it as much as newcomers.
This series is one of my favorites. Perhaps it is because I spent so much time as a child in Southeast Kentucky where the story is set. My family were big campers, too. I can vividly picture the fictional town and campground. Ms. Kappes does a wonderful job painting the town and campground within the very real and beautiful Daniel Boone National Park. The characters are well written, each with their own personality that are very relatable. You quickly become friends with owner and narrator, Mae West, the Laundry Club gals and others from the town. There is a romance blossoming as an ongoing secondary story. If you enjoy romance mixed in your cozy, you will definitely want to read the series in order. This book is set during the spring time when a Civil War re-enactment and an after party are set to go. The citizens of Normal are ready to participate and Happy Trails campground is filling up with spectators. The only thing not planned are a prison break, murder and a major theft that threatens not only the re-enactment and the good people of Normal but also Mae and Happy Trails! Hunky Detective Hank Sharp is on it and wants Mae to stay out of it but sometimes fate just decides differently.
At the end of the book there are some camping hacks and a couple of recipes. I’m planning on making those gooey cinnamon buns in the morning. I’m also thinking of trying, in home, the hack for the omelet recipe just because it sounds interesting.
I highly recommend this fun book and the series to cozy mystery lovers.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced, unpolished, electronic copy of this book. I am purchasing a finished copy because I enjoyed it so much, (and because I want a completed set of this series. It is one I know I will read again). ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )

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. ( )