Picture a Southern storyteller who whips up delectable mysteries as effortlessly as a perfect cake—meet Maymee Bell! Writing under this charming pseudonym, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has enchanted cozy mystery fans with her Southern Cake Baker Mystery series. With a knack for humor, quirky characters, and small-town charm, Bell’s stories are like a warm slice of pie on a lazy Kentucky afternoon.
Bell’s tales center on Sophia Cummings, a pastry chef turned amateur sleuth, whose adventures in Rumford, Kentucky, blend mouthwatering recipes with thrilling whodunits. Her books have won hearts and awards, earning praise for their Southern vibe and page-turning plots. Beyond writing, Bell inspires aspiring authors with her expertise in self-publishing and marketing, making her a beloved figure in the cozy mystery world.
The Making of Maymee Bell
Maymee Bell is the pen name of Tonya Kappes, a Kentucky native who grew up with a love for strong coffee, slow country days, and storytelling. Living just miles from the Daniel Boone National Forest, Kappes drew inspiration from her Southern roots and quirky community. She didn’t start as a reader or writer, but in her thirties, she found her calling, trading her job as a child therapist for a full-time writing career. Honoring her grandmother Mamie, she chose the pseudonym Maymee Bell for her Southern Cake Baker Mystery series, published by Crooked Lane Books.
Her journey wasn’t without hurdles. Kappes admits she had no idea what she was doing when she began, but writing conferences, author groups, and skilled editors honed her craft. Her persistence paid off, transforming her into a prolific author with over 80 cozy mysteries under her belt, many hitting bestseller lists like USA Today and Woman’s World Book Club.
Maymee Bell’s Unforgettable Stories
Maymee Bell’s Southern Cake Baker Mystery series is a delicious blend of culinary cozy and Southern charm. The series kicks off with Cake and Punishment (2018), where Sophia Cummings, a heartbroken pastry chef, returns to Rumford, Kentucky, after a romantic betrayal. Tasked with baking a wedding cake, she stumbles upon a murder at the Rumford Country Club, diving headfirst into sleuthing to solve the crime. The book’s vivid characters, snappy dialogue, and included recipes earned raves from readers and critics alike.
The follow-up, Batter Off Dead (2018), sees Sophia running her bakery, For Goodness Cakes, while investigating another murder to clear her friend’s name. The fast-paced plot, quirky cast, and surprising twists keep readers guessing. Bell’s writing shines with humor, Southern vernacular, and relatable characters, making Rumford feel like home. Beyond this series, Kappes writes other cozy mysteries under her real name, including the Camper & Criminals series, but the Southern Cake Baker books stand out for their culinary focus and small-town heart.
Her style is breezy and conversational, weaving mysteries with emotional depth and a touch of romance. Fans love the mouthwatering descriptions of baked goods, paired with recipes that tempt readers to hit the kitchen. Bell’s ability to capture Southern culture—gossipy neighbors, charming traditions, and tight-knit communities—sets her apart in the cozy genre.
Why Maymee Bell Matters
Maymee Bell’s impact lies in her ability to transport readers to a cozy, Southern world where mysteries unfold amid warm friendships and delectable treats. Her books offer an escape, as she intended, providing comfort and laughter for fans of culinary cozies. Critics, including Library Journal and Publishers Weekly, praise her humor and relatable characters, comparing her to genre giants like Joanne Fluke.
Bell’s influence extends beyond her stories. As a self-publishing and marketing guru, she shares her expertise through workshops, inspiring countless writers to navigate the publishing world. Her thousands of followers and devoted “Kappes Krew” street team reflect her knack for connecting with readers, cementing her legacy in the cozy mystery community.
About Maymee Bell
- Real Name: Tonya Kappes
- Key Works: Southern Cake Baker Mystery series (Cake and Punishment, Batter Off Dead)
- Awards: Next Generation Indie Book Awards (Mystery and Humor), Amazon’s eFestival of Words (Women’s Fiction)
- Home: Kentucky, with her family and two schnauzers
Snag Cake and Punishment and dive into Maymee Bell’s scrumptious world of Southern cozy mysteries—your sweet tooth and sleuthing spirit will thank you!