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.

I just love the small-town feel of Cottonwood, Kentucky, it reminds me of the small town that I grew up in where everyone knew everyone and gossip was rampant. If you haven't read a Tonya Kappes book then this book or the Kenni Lowry Mysteries is a perfect way to start

This is quite good fun - although some of the issues that I had with Kenni not being competent enough at her job have reoccurred. As I've said before, making Kenni the sheriff gives her a good solid reason to be investigating murders, but I like my heroes/heroines to act professionally - and using her deputy as her potential love interest doesn't reflect well on Kenni. I also found the ongoing reelection story line a little grating. But aside from that, the mystery is good, and I can forgive a lot for a good mystery.

I keep reading these hoping that the issues I have with them will be ironed out because I really like the premise, but then they frustrate me because they're not as good as they could be, so maybe I'll check in in a few books time to see whether anything has changed.

This is book three of the Kenni Lowery Mystery Series by Tonni Kappes and its another winner. What is not to love when you have a strong female lead, Kenni who just happens to be the sheriff of Cottonwood, Kentucky where her office with its single cell is located in the back room of a diner on Main Street right in the middle of downtown? Her new sexy deputy is driving her crazy in a good way, plus she has her faithful companion, Duke who loves nothing more than belly rubs and dog treats. She can also communicate with her Poppa who was sheriff of Cottonwood while she growing up and even though hes been dead for several years he’s still pretty much in the know about the fine citizens of Cottonwood. He has helped her solve a few crimes in the past, the hard part is remembering while they are chatting away that no one can see him and it makes her look rather odd talking to herself in public. Her mother is the typical southern belle, which has no boundaries at all when it comes to Kenni and her job as sheriff. I love the way the characters interact with each other, it is so funny between the “Henny-Hens” rumor mill and the weekly girl’s night card game.
The one thing that did take Kenni by surprise was when the town’s famous resident, Beryl who happened to be a writer of the bodice ripping romance genre passes away and she finds out there will be a rather large estate sale. Not only that but, Beryl’s Assistant, Cecily is convinced that there is a tale all manuscript that is hidden among Beryl’s items and it needs to be returned to her publisher and fast before someone else gets their hands on it. Before things can get out of hand between her new deputy and herself, they find themselves interrupting a burglary and then stumble over a body behind one of Kenni’s good friend Ruby’s, Antique shop who is going also the executor of Beryl’s estate.
I really had a good time reading the latest book in this series and I am looking forward to the next one. This series is laugh out loud funny and we all need a good laugh! I would like to think the publisher and NetGalley for the providing me with an e-galley of this book for my honest review.

This is the first book I've read by Tonya Kappes, though it is the third in the Kenni Lowry mystery series. Kenni and her partner Finn Vincent are tasked with finding a missing tell-all novel that a local writer wrote before her untimely demise. No one seems to know for sure whether said book really exists or not, though, because no one can find it, even though the writer's belongings have been searched many times. Complicating things are Kenni's bid to remain sheriff, running against erstwhile deputy Lonnie Lemar. Coupled with a determined mother who is championing Kenni's campaign and who is running a campaign of her own to get Kenni and Finn together, Kenni is already stretched to the breaking point when a friend is injured during the course of the case. Take a trip down to Cottonwood to see how everything unfolds.

This was an extremely enjoyable read for me, a good mystery with much humor injected. I look forward to checking out the other books in this series, as well as Ms. Kappes' other works. I'm sure I will find them equally as enjoyable.

I received an ARC of this title from the publishers via NetGalley and am voluntarily providing a review.

This fun small town mystery immediately hooked me and kept me glued to the book from the first word to the last. I enjoyed the quirky residents of Cottonwood, Kentucky complete with Southern charm and colloquialisms, family drama, touch of paranormal, action, suspense, laugh-out-loud humor, twists, turns and surprises.

I loved the dynamic and interactions between Sheriff Kenni Lowry and the other characters, especially Deputy Finn Vincent and the ghost of Poppa. Fans of well-crafted mysteries will love Ax to Grind. Ms. Kappes has given us another winner and I can't wait to see what happens next with Kenni and the other residents of this charming town.

I received a free advance copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my unbiased review. I liked the book so much, I purchased a copy for my keeper library so I can read it again later.

This series keeps getting better and better. It is still election season and Kenni must keep up appearances as well as keep down crime. Her ghost partner/grandfather Poppa is still trying to figure out how things work and how he is able to assist Kenni in her town duties.
Deputy Finn is feeling more in his comfort zone, both as a law officer in a small southern town, and as a man with interest in Kenni beyond being his boss.
If you have not read the previous books in this series I strongly suggest you grab them as well but you can read this as a stand alone. There is so much going on that you won't have time to miss what came before. Did I mention Kenni's meddling mama?
A local town celebrity has passed away. Rumor is she has written a tell-all novel that identifies people and secrets. Could they be secrets worth killing to keep quiet? Murder is never welcome but so not needed during an election period!
Figuring out who has the motive takes teamwork -- even the local inn's parrot helps out.
A surprising hero pops up at the end. You'll be glued to the pages waiting to learn who dunit and why.

Oh my gosh, this book is definitely my favorite in the series! So many twists and turns, red herrings everywhere! I love Kenni and her fellow townsfolk. And I definitely love Finn ❤ Poppa and Kenni's relationship/partnership is a joy to read and I definitely love the sparks of romances that are starting to fan up.

I couldn't put it down and am so ready for Tonya to write the next in the series!!!

*Thank you to Tonya Kappes/her publisher/Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a fair and honest review*

Tonya Kappes is a phenomenal author. Sheriff Kenni and the crew are great characters and I love how Kenni's father visits her at the right times to help her out. I also love Duke the dog, and Cozmo the cat. I highly recommend this book and this series.

Ax to Grind by Tonya Kappes is the third book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series, and another really fun book. Sheriff Kendrick (Kenni) Lowry is the granddaughter of the late Sheriff Elmer Sims. A local best selling author dies, and her estate needs to be settled. With rumors about the authors last manuscript and one murder, Kenni, Deputy Finn Vincent, and the ghost of poppa keep busy.

Not only is this book really funny, it has a great mystery, and an element of the after life. There are twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. Kenni is strong and independent women. I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series. If you love humorous cozy mysteries, you will enjoy Ax to Grind, with it's southern charm.

I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest 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.

This is the third book in the Kenni Lowry series. It still has plenty of quirky characters, including the ghost of the sheriff's father who helps her solve the crime.

In Cottonwood Kentucky, everyone knows everyone. There are no secrets....or are there? Sheriff Kenni Lowry has become the town sheriff, something her grandfather was. She also has strong feelings for her deputy Finn who is new to town. Soon both Kenni and Finn are looking into the murder of Cecily Hoover and the attempted murder of Paige lemar. Both were around Ruby Smith's antique store were some of the town's famous writer, Beryle Stone's furniture was moved to. There is suppose to be a "tell all" manuscript that Beryle wrote before she died. But that isn't the only thing Beryle left behind. What you may ask? You will have to read the book to find out all the secrets that someone is willing to kill to keep them secrets. I received a copy of this book from Net Galley. The review is my own opinions and done voluntarily

If you haven't visited Cottonwood Kentucky, then you are missing out. The Kenni Lowry series is one of the best series today. This is the third book in the series and just as good as the first two. I liked that the romance between Kenni and Flynn is heating up and every woman can relate to the mother daughter relationship between Kenni and her momma. In Ax to Grind Kenni is trying to solve murder and find a book that may or may not exsist. With help from her grandpa and Duke, and a crazy town full of characters, this is a must read.

A very good mystery with lots of surprises and a little romance too. the characters are very well developed and people you can relate too

Ax To Grind is the 3rd book of Tonya Kappes' Kenni Lowry Mystery Series. The book takes place in the small town of Cottonwood, Kentucky. (Cottonwood is fashioned after Mrs. Kappes' own home town.) Kenni Lowry is the Sheriff of Cottonwood. She is following in her grandfather's footsteps. This is my favorite series by Tonya Kappes (although I do dearly love everything this woman writes!). Kenni is funny, entertaining and yet strong. She does a great job of walking that fine line between being a law enforcement professional and a Southern lady who still cares what her Momma thinks. I enjoy the paranormal aspects of her grandfather showing up to help her solve cases, and also enjoy the romantic situations she finds herself in with her deputy. I would recommend this book (& this series) to anyone who enjoys clean, funny cozy mysteries with lots of Southern charm.

This is a great book; this book is the third book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series written by Tonya Kappes. 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. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and you will not want to put this book down until you finish. This was such a great read and full of surprises. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author. I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader’s copy of this book. The free book held no determination on my personal review.

Tonya Kappas is one of my favorite authors and I really like this series. Ax to Grind is book 3 in her Kenni Lowry Mystery series.

Kenni is the sheriff in the small town of Cottonwood where not everyone was so keen on having a female sheriff. Everyone has pretty much warmed up to the idea, even her mother. And even though it's not an election year her momma has been campaigning, especially since Lonnie announced he was going to run against her.

Berlye was Cottonwoods most famous celebrity but she has died and there is going to be an estate sale. Rumors are flying around about a tell-all manuscript that could say something about a prominent citizen.

There seems to be a lot of people who want to get their hands on it and that only leads to murder as Cecily, Berlye's assistant is found dead. She was suppose to know where this tell-all is but now she has taken the info to her grave. It's up to Kenni and her Deputy Finn along with her grandfather's ghost to find the killer.

I really like Kenni and Finn but I tell you it's really her ghostly grandfather and her momma that steals the show. They crack me up sometimes. I don't know how Kenni can ignore her grandfather when he is talking so she doesn't look like a crazy person. Or laugh out loud at some of the things he says. :) The part where her mother has a megaphone campaigning for Kenni, so funny.

Tonya's books always have that great southern charm that makes me smile and humor that just makes me chuckle. I can't wait to get the next one!

Ax to Grind is the third offering in Tonya Kappes' Kenni Lowry Mystery series. These stories are set in the fictional small town of Cottonwood, Kentucy where Kenni is sheriff, having succeeded her grandfather in the office after he succumbed to a heart attack.

However, in the next election, Kenni is being opposed by her former deputy, Lonnie Lemar, who had retired after she took office. With her campaign being run by her mother, her friends and new deputy Finn Vincent, carrying her banner, and the big civic award being given to her dog Duke for having saved Kenni by taking a bullet himself, most consider Kenni a shoo-in.

When local celebrity and famous author Beryle Stone passes away and her estate is to be auctioned, her assistant Cecily Hoover comes to the sheriff's department asking for protection fearing that Ms. Stone's unpublished tell-all is at risk, that she believes it will be stolen. But since Cecily doesn't know where it's hidden, could it already have been nabbed? A risk assessment is done, but protection comes a bit too late as Cecily is found dead with a blow from an ax and Paige Lemar, Lonnie's wife, is found comatose suffering from similar wounds. Who would commit such crimes to keep the tell-all from being found and published?

The search for answers leads Kenni and Finn from interviews with Darby at the in where Paige worked, to Ruby of Ruby's Antiques, to Preacher Bing and the church secretary, carefully unwinding a whole lot of secrets. With Poppa's ghost guiding Kenni while he reminisces about his childhood friend, Beryle.

With lots of clues and nothing matching up, Kenni and Finn crisscross the jurisdiction until the murderer restrains Finn and catches Kenni in the line of fire. A fine third installment to Kenni's saga, I do recommend this book!

Ax To Grind continues the story of Kenni Lowry, Sheriff of Cottonwood, Kentucky. Just as things are heating up between Kenni and her deputy Finn, Kenni's grandfather's ghost appears to her. Poppa's ghost has only appeared one other time and it was to help solve a murder. There is only one problem. There haven't been any murders. Gossip and secrets start making the rounds as the "henny-hens" (town gossips) learn that the local celebrity has recently died and her assistant is getting her estate ready for a sale. However, the author has written one last manuscript which is a tell-all. Everyone is wondering who the author might be talking about in her soon to be published book. Strange things start happening when the assistant is found dead and an ax is the murder weapon. People are searching for the lost manuscript and turning up secrets about the locals. But who has the most to lose and would kill for the manuscript? (ARC)

The Kenni Lowry Mystery series by Tonya Kappe is one of my favorites. In her latest book, “Ax to Grind”, all of my favorite characters are back and are back up to their usual tricks. Kenni Lowry, the sheriff, is back and is once again battling her feelings for her current deputy, Finn, and battling for her job with her former deputy, Lonnie.

Between her Southern Mama (who is trying to get her to settle down and be a proper Southern gal – including getting married) to her grandfather, Poppa, (previous sheriff who also happens to be a ghost) the story takes off and stays at a high note throughout.

As usual, there is a murder and mayhem and Kenni is trying to figure out the whodunnit. While I was surprised by some of the ending, there were, in hindsight, clues which could lead you to the solution. I always enjoy books in this series and am looking forward to reading the next. While I have read all of the books in this series, I think this book could be read stand-alone. However, for continuity of story and simply great enjoyment, I high recommend reading all three of the books in order.

I was provided a digital advance reader copy of this book by the publisher via Netgalley.