A cozy mystery isn’t just a story — it’s an experience. It’s the chance to step into a small town where the gossip travels faster than the mail, the coffee is always hot, and even the darkest secrets are wrapped in a blanket of charm and humor.
That’s exactly what you’ll find inside Haunts, Hikes, & Havoc, the newest book in my Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series.
Because here’s the truth: we don’t just read cozies for the murder (though that’s always a fun puzzle). We read them because they feel like home. The quirky characters, the small-town traditions, the way community rises up even when things get spooky, those are the ingredients that keep us turning the page.
So if you’re wondering whether Mae West’s latest adventure is the right cozy mystery for you, here are five reasons readers are already falling in love with Haunts, Hikes, & Havoc.
1. A Small-Town Setting With Big Secrets
Normal, Kentucky, might look charming on the surface, but behind every lace curtain there’s a story waiting to be uncovered. In this book, Mae West finds herself caught between fall festival fun and haunted folklore that refuses to stay in the past. It’s the perfect reminder that even the coziest towns can hold the darkest secrets.
2. Quirky Characters You’ll Swear You’ve Met Before
From Dottie Swaggert and her sass, to the ever-watchful Laundry Club Ladies, the characters in this series have hearts as big as their opinions. They’re inspired by real women I grew up around — strong, nosy, and always two steps ahead of the rumor mill. Add in a paranormal TV host who thinks he knows more than Mae, and you’ve got a cast that keeps every page lively.
3. A Fall Festival Dripping With Atmosphere
Crisp leaves, the scent of kettle corn, hayrides, and campfires — Haunts, Hikes, & Havoc takes place during the Daniel Boone Festival, a small-town celebration brimming with charm. Cozy readers who love seasonal mysteries will find plenty of autumn vibes to curl up with.
4. A Pet Who Steals the Show
No cozy mystery is complete without a lovable pet — and Fifi makes sure of that. With her silly quirks sneaking into the plot, she’s just as much a part of solving the mystery as Mae herself. (And yes, some of her antics were inspired by real-life pets.)
5. A Paranormal Twist That Keeps You Guessing
While Mae isn’t sure she believes in ghosts, Normal, Kentucky, has enough haunted legends to keep anyone looking over their shoulder. Between the Green Lady of the Nada Tunnel and a paranormal crew eager to stir up trouble, readers will get a mystery that’s spooky enough to thrill but cozy enough to comfort.
Why Readers Love Mae West’s Adventures
At the heart of every Camper & Criminals book is a blend of laughter, friendship, and community — even when murder is on the table. Readers love Mae because she’s relatable: flawed, funny, and always trying her best (with a little help from her friends).
✨ Haunts, Hikes, & Havoc is now available for preorder! ✨
If you love small-town charm, quirky characters, fall festival fun, and a mystery that keeps you guessing until the final page, this is the cozy you’ll want to curl up with.
Preorder your copy now and join Mae on her spookiest adventure yet!
Your next favorite cozy mystery isn’t built by chance — it’s built by community, charm, and just a dash of havoc.
xoxo,
Tonya
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Haunts, Hikes, & Havoc
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Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series