When I picked up “Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries,” I was in desperate need of a literary vacation. Life had been hectic, and I craved a story that would transport me to a world of quirky characters, small-town charm, and intriguing mysteries. Tonya Kappes delivered just that with the first installment of her Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.
Mae West, a former Manhattan socialite, finds her life turned upside down when her husband is arrested for running a Ponzi scheme. Left with nothing but a dilapidated campground in Normal, Kentucky, Mae must start anew. But when her ex-husband’s body is found in the campground’s lake, Mae becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear her name and breathe life back into Happy Trails Campground, Mae embarks on a journey of self-discovery and amateur sleuthing.
Kappes has a gift for crafting memorable characters that leap off the page. From the eccentric laundry club ladies to the handsome and enigmatic detective, each character adds depth and humor to the story. Mae’s transformation from a pampered city girl to a resourceful campground owner is both believable and endearing. I found myself rooting for her as she navigated the challenges of her new life and the murder investigation.
The setting of Normal, Kentucky, is a character in itself. Kappes paints a vivid picture of a town where, ironically, nothing is quite normal. The descriptions of the campground and its quirky residents made me feel as if I were right there, sharing in Mae’s adventures. The small-town dynamics and the sense of community that develops over the course of the novel are heartwarming and authentic.
While the mystery kept me engaged, I did find certain aspects of the plot to be somewhat predictable. However, Kappes makes up for this with her witty dialogue, clever plot twists, and the sheer likeability of her characters. The pacing, although uneven at times, keeps the reader turning pages, eager to unravel the truth behind the murder.
What I appreciated most about “Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries” was its underlying themes of resilience, friendship, and the power of second chances. Mae’s journey is not just about solving a murder; it’s about rediscovering herself and finding a place to call home. The relationships she forms with the other characters, particularly the laundry club ladies, highlight the importance of female solidarity and the strength found in shared experiences.
Kappes’ writing style is engaging and accessible, making this novel a breeze to read. Her ability to infuse humor into even the most challenging situations is a testament to her skill as a storyteller. I found myself laughing out loud at Mae’s internal monologue and the witty banter between characters.
In conclusion, “Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries” is a delightful escape into a world of mystery, humor, and heart. While it may not be a groundbreaking literary masterpiece, it succeeds in its mission to entertain and uplift. If you’re in search of a cozy read that will leave you feeling refreshed and eager for more, look no further than this charming novel. I, for one, cannot wait to see what adventures Mae West and the colorful cast of Normal, Kentucky, embark upon next.