I love visiting Happy Trails campground and Normal, Kentucky. I wish it were a real place because I would be on my way there. Of course I would be wearing a bullet proof vest. No sense in taking crazy chances. Dead bodies just seem to be attracted to Mae West, owner of Happy Trails. Some folks might believe that is a bad thing. I guess, though, if I was a murdered body, I would want her to find me. See, she is the nosy type. She doesn’t let anything get in the way of finding out who did it and why...not even a handsome law enforcement guy who enjoys her company. He really shouldn’t worry too much. The Laundry Club Ladies would never dream of letting her get into trouble by herself. Um, sorry. I mean they wouldn’t dream of letting her solve the crime by herself. I can’t tell you just what happened but rest assured a body is involved. So are a bit of romantic issues. Just what is going on?

If you are looking for some camping excitement pick up a copy of Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide. If you need to be convinced a RV might have your name on it, pick up the entire A Camper & Criminals Series. You will find find yourself looking forward to some small town camping for sure.

The book has some recipes and hints at the end of it. There is no sex or adult language and violence is kept to a minimum. I was provided with an uncorrected, electronic copy of the book for reviewing. It is possible that the corrected version of the book is slightly different. I am definitely planning to buy my own copy. ( )

An old bank robbery ties into present day murders in the seventh installment of this camper series. A power outage at a hoedown leads to the discovery of a dead body. First thought to be a suicide, it soon becomes apparent that there is more to this death than first meets the eye, and Mae again is in the thick of things. Though much of the enjoyment of these stories comes from the southern flavor of the characters, this mystery has more than enough twists to keep readers interested in its solution. ( )

This is one of my favorite cozy mysteries. I love the characters. I am not a person that likes rv’s and campers but I love reading about Kentucky and how this area was improved and then Mae becomes good friends with most everyone in the town.. I also love how she is a bit of a busybody and has to help solve mysteries. I always look forward to this series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )

I’m so glad to be back in Normal, Kentucky. I love this series and Mae is my favorite character. Her charisma is contagious and I would be the first in line to check into her place. Surrounded by nature and quirky characters, I would be content to stay forever.

This adventure is filled with hitchhikers, buried secrets and a murder that rocks the community. How does Mae find herself in this mess? Perhaps it has to do with her hunky boyfriend Hank. His job as a detective just breeds danger and mystery. This latest murder is sad to me. I hated to read about the man who had been a fixture in the community for years. Did greed get him killed? Some say he had a dark secret that could cause him harm. There are others that suspected his secret and with the gossip around the campground you never know what will be said.

The gang is back in this murder mystery with all the slapstick comedy and a trail that leads to danger. I really wish someone would get smart and turn this into a show. I just imagine how funny it would be to watch Mae and the Laundry Club as they gather to talk about the latest mishaps in the town. It is a tight group that has each other’s backs. I love how easily it is to get wrapped up in the story and forget everything around you. As always there is a squabble between Mae and Hank. Could he please make up his mind; either he wants Mae to help him in investigations or he doesn't. Gee talk about can't commit. I loved the ending and was a bit surprised at who the killer was. Well gang until next time, Happy Trails to you.

I received an arc copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide is the seventh tale in A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series. I suggest reading the series in order as they build upon one another, but the book can be read alone. Mae West is a strong woman who has taken her last asset and turned it around. She continues to plow the profits back into the camp to attract tourists. Mae is fortunate to have Dottie Swaggert as her friend and manager of Happy Trails Campground. Mae also has her friends known as the Laundry Club. They love helping Mae solve crimes (aka get into trouble), and they are there for each other in times of need. Normal, Kentucky is a small Southern tourist town that sits alongside the Daniel Boone National Forest (it is a charming town). They get hikers and campers visiting to take part in town events like the upcoming hoedown at the Old Train Station Motel for Coke Ogden’s grand opening. Tonya Kappes has an engaging writing style. It is down-to-earth which draws the reader right into the story. The story proceeded at a snappy pace as Mae talks to various suspects and follows up on leads. I liked the variety of fun loving characters from Dottie Swaggert to Abby Fawn. Abby is having some self-assurance issues after a talk with Ty. It leads to some zany behavior on her part, and, of course, she manages to drag Mae into it. The mystery was intriguing with the multiple suspects and red herrings. There is a twist or two to surprise readers. I like the way the author tied a past event to the current murder (who doesn’t love a treasure hunt). There are good clues to help readers solve the crime. Hank, though, got on my nerves in this installment. I did not like the way he talked to Mae and the way he handled information Mae gave him while visiting his parent’s (ungentlemanly). Mae needs to think long and hard if Hank is the right man for her. If you are looking for a fun loving Southern cozy mystery, then look no further than Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide. Hitches, Hideouts and Homicide has two cute dogs, an unusual murder scene, missing money, a cranky detective, good friends, a hoedown, three robberies and one nosy campground owner. ( )