Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Sophia Rose Reviews Ax To Grind by Tonya Kappes

Once again I step aside and let Sophia Rose take over the blog for the day. Today she's reviewing Ax To Grind by Tonya Kappes.
Enjoy!

Ax to Grind by Tonya Kappes
#3 Kenni Lowry Mystery
Publisher:  Henery Press
ISBN:  1635112478
Published: 9.19.19
Pages:  226
Rating: 4
Format: eARC

Source:  Net Galley
Sellers:  Amazon- Barnes& Noble -Kobo
ADD TO: GOODREADS
GoodReads Blurb:
Southerners keep their secrets swept under the rug, but what happens when that rug goes up for sale?

Bestselling author Berlye Stone, the most famous citizen to ever come out of Cottonwood, Kentucky, has died and put all her worldly possessions up for auction, but not without leaving one more manuscript behind. A hidden tell-all about Cottonwood that’s got more gossip than a ladies’ luncheon.

When Beryle’s assistant turns up with an ax in her back and the only witness is in a coma, Sheriff Kenni Lowry reckons someone in town will do anything to keep the manuscript from seeing the light of day. Her poppa’s ghost returns to help piece together the life of the Beryle he once knew, but his memory’s a little foggy, and any misstep could cause them a world of trouble. With the help of Deputy Finn Vincent, can Kenni sort through the secrets buried in Beryle’s books, or will this be her final chapter?

SOPHIA ROSE'S REVIEW:



Review:
I've seen a few glowing reviews for the author's Ghostly Southern series and this has been my year to explore the cozy mysteries so when I spotted this one with its fall-flavored small town setting and mild paranormal elements, I leaped at the opportunity.

Ax to Grind is the third book in the Kenni Lowry series, but it worked just fine getting it out of order.  I was able to see how characters and certain plot threads had carried through the series, but it was easy to pick this one up and read.

I'm a sucker for small town settings and humorous tones to the writing so right away I was prepared to settle in and enjoy.  Which I did.  The main character, Kenni, is the town sheriff.  She's got a bossy, nosey mother, an election campaign, busy body town people, and a growing attraction for her new deputy, and then her granddad's ghost appears as the harbinger to a murder.

The mystery in this one was a nice little challenge, but it’s definitely light and cozy in feel to the story that is equally occupied with other plot threads.  I enjoyed following Kenni around town as she worked to put out personal and political fires right along with working on the case with Finn, her deputy. 
The attraction to Finn is distracting to her, but not unwelcome.  It seems like it will be a slow-build ongoing thread through the series. 
The scenes with her mother just cracked me up- that woman, much of the town residents, and poppa's ghost were over the top in a fun way.
I didn't actually solve the mystery before the reveal.  I had suspicions of the who and how, but had no clue about the why. 

My first outing with the author and this series has increased my desire to get my hands on more of her books.  I definitely want to go back and get the two earlier ones in this series and then progress to the other series.  I think this would be a hit with cozy mystery fans who don't mind a pinch of paranormal and a quirky small town setting.

I rec'd this book from Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.

Author bio:
For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been publishing numerous mystery with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plot lines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans.



Sophia’s Bio:
Sophia is a quiet though curious gal who dabbles in cooking, book reviewing, and gardening. Encouraged and supported by an incredible man and loving family. A Northern Californian transplant to the Great Lakes Region of the US. Lover of Jane Austen, Baseball, Cats, Scooby Doo, and Chocolate.
Sophia’s Social Media Links:




10 comments:

  1. I just grabbed book two (it's on sale) can't wait to read it!

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    1. Haha! I saw it in one of the ebook sale newsletters and I snagged it, too. Now I just need book one. ;)

      Hope you enjoy it, Lily!

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  2. I hadn't heard about this book but it does sound like it would be a good one.

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    1. I was trying to think where I first heard of her books, Mary. I think it was Braine over at Talk Supe who reviewed and loved her Southern Ghost Mysteries and I got intrigued.

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  3. Hey There Sophia and Debbie! Something about solving a mystery with quirky and fun characters just sounds so neat. I don't read much of them lately(I should), but I do check them out fairly regularly on the Hallmark Movie Channel or Hallmark Channel. Great review!

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    1. Ah yes, I do love those Hallmark Channel Mystery series. :) This would fit right in there.

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  4. I've gotten where I am really enjoying the small town stories and this one does sound like it would be a really good one.

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    1. Me, too, Jenea! I noticed that book two was $.99 yesterday if you wanted to give it a try and see how you like these. :)

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  5. I love her mom and this thing going with Finn is so delicious! lol I need to binge read 2 & 3 and feel good. Kappes has that effect on me.

    P.S. You may want to check the release date, it says 2019 for the release year? And Shareaholic needs personalization for Twitter, it still says @Shareaholic.

    I'm done meddling :D

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    1. And I need to binge on 1 & 2. :)

      Thanks for letting us know.

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