Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries – Murder, RVs, and Southern Charm from Tonya Kappes

Last Updated on August 6, 2026

Let me take you on a little trip – not to a five-star resort, but to the quirky, mud-splattered, and unexpectedly charming Happy Trails Campground in Normal, Kentucky.

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery that feels like a chat with your funniest friend over sweet tea, Tonya Kappes’ Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries is the perfect getaway.

This is the first book in her Camper & Criminals series, and let me warn you: once you park your reading chair here, you might not want to leave. (I certainly didn’t – I devoured books two, three, and four right after this one!).

I was so invested in the first book that I read it in a few hours before moving straight on to the next one. There are actually 42 in the series!

But, forewarned – this is COZY in the extreme. Like, there is no way it could ever be described as anything other than a fun mystery.

So if you’re hoping for something with real depth, it isn’t in this book, which is why I loved it.

I just wanted an easy breezy story, and I got it with Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries!

Mae West: Not the Hollywood Star, But a Star All the Same

Our heroine, Mae West, is not the silver screen legend, but she’s every bit as memorable.

When we first meet her, Mae is living the high life in New York, blissfully unaware that her husband, Paul, is running a Ponzi scheme that would make even the slipperiest Wall Street crook blush.

The FBI’s arrival is as subtle as a tornado, and suddenly, Mae’s world is flipped upside down.

Her mansion? Gone. Her friends? Vanished. Her bank account? Emptier than a campground in a rainstorm.

What does she have left? An RV and a run-down campground in Kentucky, that she didn’t even know about.

The brochure promised bluegrass and a sparkling lake. Reality delivers dirt patches and a pond with more green slime than water.

If you’ve ever booked a vacation based on the photos and arrived to find “rustic charm” meant “bring your own bug spray,” you’ll feel Mae’s pain.

Welcome to Normal, Kentucky

Mae’s arrival in Normal is anything but. She’s greeted not with open arms but with side-eyes and suspicion.

Turns out, the folks of Normal were among her husband’s many victims. If there was a popularity contest, Mae would be running dead last-right behind the lake scum.

But here’s where Tonya Kappes’ gift for character shines. Mae, despite her fish-out-of-water status, is determined not to let her ex’s crimes define her.

She rolls up her sleeves (well, after she buys some practical clothes) and sets out to fix up Happy Trails, win over the locals, and maybe, just maybe, find a little peace.

A Murder and a Mystery

Just as Mae starts to settle in, her ex-husband escapes from prison and is found floating in that not-so-crystal-clear lake.

Guess who’s suspect number one? Mae, of course. After all, she has motive, opportunity, and a whole town full of people ready to believe the worst.

Enter Detective Hank Sharp, and quickly Mae’s only hope is to prove her innocence before she finds herself behind bars – or worse, run out of Normal for good.

The mystery unfolds with just the right blend of suspense and humor. Kappes doesn’t rush the reveal; instead, she lets us settle into the world, meet the townsfolk (each quirkier than the last), and watch Mae bumble her way through campground management and amateur sleuthing.

The murder doesn’t happen on page one, but trust me, the build-up is worth it. By the time the body surfaces, you’re invested in Mae’s journey, and in the fate of Happy Trails.

Characters That Feel Like Friends

One of the biggest joys of this book is the cast of characters. From Dottie, the kind of friend you want in your corner (and maybe running your bake sale), to the gossiping locals who know everyone’s business before they do, the people of Normal are as much a draw as the mystery itself.

Kappes has a knack for making even the smallest side character feel real, and by the end, you’ll wish you could pull up a lawn chair and join the next potluck.

Mae herself is a delight. She’s flawed, funny, and fiercely determined, not to mention a little bit lost.

Watching her grow from a pampered city girl to a resourceful campground owner is both heartwarming and hilarious.

She’s the kind of protagonist you root for, even when she’s making a mess of things (which, let’s be honest, is often).

Southern Charm

If you love your mysteries with a side of southern charm, you’re in for a treat.

Kappes paints Normal, Kentucky, with a loving brush-highlighting its quirks, its warmth, and its tight-knit community.

The dialogue sparkles with wit, and there’s a sense of place that makes you want to pack up and head south.

The humor is gentle but ever-present. Whether it’s Mae’s disastrous attempts at campground maintenance or her awkward run-ins with the locals, there are plenty of funny moments.

Plus, the book never takes itself too seriously, which is exactly what you want in a cozy mystery.

A Cozy Mystery That’s Actually Cozy

Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries hits all the right notes for the genre.

There’s a murder, sure, but there’s also friendship, community, and a heroine you can’t help but cheer for.

The stakes feel real, but the tone remains light, perfect for a lazy afternoon or a weekend escape.

And if you’re the kind of reader who likes a little something extra, keep an eye out for the recipes and household tips tucked in at the end.

It’s a charming touch that makes the book feel even more like a visit with friends.

Not Without Its Bumps

No book is perfect, and I’ve read some other reviews that have highlighted a few potholes. But honestly? For me, these quirks just add to the charm.

This isn’t a high-octane thriller; it’s a warm, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery.

The characters grow on you, the setting feels alive, and the story moves at just the right pace for a relaxing read.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, keep you guessing, and leave you eager for the next adventure, Beaches, Bungalows & Burglaries is a must-read.

Mae West is a heroine you’ll want to follow through mud, mystery, and mayhem, and Normal, Kentucky, is a place you’ll want to return to again and again.

I absolutely loved this book. It’s the kind of story that feels like a warm hug (with a side of murder, naturally).

I tore through the next books in the series without missing a beat, and I suspect you’ll do the same. So grab your favorite drink, find a comfy chair, and get ready for a cozy, quirky, and utterly delightful escape.

And even better – the books are being turned into a weekly Hallmark series!!!! The TV gods have made the right decision!