Jun 09, 2020 08:28 PM
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Passionate to make things right,
She sets out with courage and might,
Her home on wheels is now her only friend,
How many broken hearts will she be able to mend?
About the Author:
Tonya Kappes is the popular ‘cozy mystery’ author of the series- Campers and Criminals. 11 books have been published in this series. Her books are entertaining, descriptive of small-town life and decently suspenseful.
The Plot:
Mae West, a recently divorced 31-year old, is in deep waters because of her ex-husband Paul West. Paul seems to have been a huge real estate embezzler of funds over the last few years and has made many people bankrupt.
In addition to losing her house, car, and all property she ever owned, she has also lost the dignity she had in her circle of friends. Mae has now discovered from her lawyer that she is a ‘proud’ owner of a ‘Recreation vehicle’ and a piece of a campground in a God-forsaken town called ‘Normal’. She drives the huge vehicle to Normal with hopes to stay in it for a long time to come, when she further realizes that the small piece of land is in bad shape. The patch is covered with dried grass, the lake nearby is full of hyacinth and all the beautiful scenes she had imagined are nowhere to be found.
The little townspeople have different opinions about her – a few being sympathetic towards her sudden downfall, a few blaming her for her husband’s deeds. While Mae is sailing in choppy waters, planning to generate some tourist interest on the dilapidated campground, tragedy strikes when her ex-husband’s body is found in the lake nearby!
Naturally, she tops the list of suspects. This list is no short one. Everyone ranging from the neighboring diner owner who was tricked out of an investment to the maintenance lady of the campground who was tricked out of her wages since 8 months has an entry in the suspects’ list. Will detective Hank solve this mind-boggling case or will Mae roll her sleeves up and face the action?
My opinion:
I have always wanted to read a piece of fiction that involves camping or campers. The house on moving wheels has always appeared to be whimsical and interesting. This mystery, although revolving around the controversies faced by the protagonist, sheds decent light on the life of the ‘mobile’ kind. I enjoyed this mystery. The revelation was shocking, but some more explanation from the culprit could have added more shine to the story.
3.5 stars
