Step into the quirky, crime-solving world of A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, where campfires and capers create the perfect Southern escape! Penned by USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Mae West, a former NYC socialite turned campground owner in Normal, Kentucky. With Southern charm, eccentric characters, and a knack for stumbling upon dead bodies, Mae’s adventures blend humor and heart in a setting that’s anything but normal.
From the lush Daniel Boone National Forest to the cozy Happy Trails Campground, this series invites readers to pitch a tent and unravel mysteries alongside Mae and her quirky crew. Whether you’re a cozy mystery fan or just craving a lighthearted whodunit, A Camper & Criminals Cozy promises a rollicking ride filled with laughter and intrigue.
How A Camper & Criminals Cozy Began
Tonya Kappes, a Kentucky native with a knack for Southern storytelling, launched the A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series in 2018 with *Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries*. Inspired by her childhood memories of carefree camping adventures, Kappes envisioned a series set in a vibrant campground brimming with oddball characters. Her goal? To craft a cozy mystery that paired the warmth of small-town life with the thrill of amateur sleuthing. Mae West, the series’ spirited protagonist, was born from Kappes’ love for resilient, flawed heroines who rise above life’s curveballs.
Kappes’ knack for humor and heart quickly caught readers’ attention, and the series’ unique campground setting set it apart in the cozy mystery genre. With over 40 books and counting, plus a Hallmark Media TV adaptation in development, A Camper & Criminals Cozy has become a beloved staple for fans craving Southern hospitality with a side of homicide.
The Heart of A Camper & Criminals Cozy
The series kicks off with *Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries*, where Mae West, freshly broke after her husband’s Ponzi scheme, inherits the rundown Happy Trails Campground. When her ex’s body floats up in the lake, Mae dons her sleuthing cap to clear her name. In *Deserts, Driving, & Derelicts*, Mae tackles a murder at a mansion while babysitting a pampered poodle, proving her knack for juggling chaos and clues. *Christmas, Criminals, & Campers* brings holiday cheer and a literary murder, with Mae defending a friend accused of killing a romance author. *Autumns, Awnings, & Arson*, the 26th book, serves up fall-themed fun as Mae unravels a fiery whodunit.
At its core, the series weaves themes of resilience, community, and second chances. Normal, Kentucky, with its lush forest backdrop and quirky locals like the Laundry Club Ladies, feels like a character itself. Kappes’ breezy, humorous style keeps the mysteries light yet engaging, with recipes and camping hacks sprinkled in for extra flavor. Whether it’s a kayak competition gone deadly or a festival hiding dark secrets, each book delivers a self-contained puzzle wrapped in Southern warmth.
Why A Camper & Criminals Cozy Resonates
A Camper & Criminals Cozy has carved a niche in the cozy mystery world by blending the allure of outdoor adventure with small-town charm. Fans rave about Mae’s pluck and the series’ ability to feel like “coming home to a cozy town,” as one Goodreads reviewer put it. With over 3,000 four- and five-star reviews on Amazon and Goodreads, the series has built a loyal following, earning spots on USA Today bestseller lists and Woman’s World Book Club picks. Its upcoming TV adaptation promises to bring Mae’s world to a wider audience, cementing its cultural footprint.
The series’ appeal lies in its relatability—Mae’s journey from rock bottom to redemption resonates with readers seeking hope and humor. By celebrating the quirks of Southern life and the bonds of found family, Kappes has crafted a world that feels both escapist and heartfelt, making every book a cozy campfire tale.
- Publication Start: 2018
- Number of Books: Over 40
- Setting: Normal, Kentucky, in Daniel Boone National Forest
- Notable Recognition: USA Today bestseller, Woman’s World Book Club pick
Grab *Beaches, Bungalows, & Burglaries* and dive into A Camper & Criminals Cozy’s world of Southern charm and suspense. Whether you’re solving murders with Mae or chuckling at Dottie’s sass, this series is your ticket to a mystery-filled camping adventure!