This is a funny mystery series with a paranormal twist. Kenni Lowry is the Sheriff in a small town. Her grandfather, her Poppa, was Sheriff for years before her. Once he passed and she took over, his ghost came back to help her solve crimes which involve murder.

She is also assisted by Finn, the deputy who has also become her boyfriend. Finn is a by-the-book kind of guy but has come to love the Southern hospitality that the town is known for.

In this case, when the murder of a well-known chef happens, Kenni’s Mama comes under suspicion. Because of her close relationship, Kenni is taken off the case. But that doesn’t mean she won’t still be investigating on the side.


The book is funny and the whodunnit is solvable with some clues left by the author. That is the type of cozy mystery I like – one where I can both laugh and play along with the main sleuth.

The series is great with no cursing, sex, etc. to object to. While I generally don’t read paranormal, the ghost of Poppa is a fun one who pops in from time to time to give Kenni a much needed assist.

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

Fun cozy southern mystery. Great characters. Enjoyable read

4.5 stars

Tonya Kappes is a master at small-town Kentucky mystery, and her heroine Kenni Lowry is a delightful mix of strength and hot mess. While Six Feet Under can be read as a standalone, I’ve so enjoyed watching Kenni from the beginning until now. Especially her relationship with swoony deputy Finn, which has some particularly swoonilicious developments in this installment of the series.

I love the interplay between Kenni and her ghost sidekick, her beloved grandfather. As Poppa pops in and out, Kenni is getting caught more often talking to ‘herself’, and I think in book #5, Dead as a Doornail, some of her secrets are going to be forced out in the open. She’s at least going to have to let Finn in on the whole thing, since he’s the closest to her these days. And I don’t have a good enough read on Finn yet to know how that’s going to play out. She may have to spill the beans to her mama too, and that – i predict – will not go well.

Speaking of her mama, she is a bundle of ‘hot mess’. Viv is going all out for the Culinary Channel’s visit, and bless her heart she ends up on the wrong side of the law more than once. From the questionable Botox source to the pink handicap tag (that she doesn’t need anyway) to the dead chef who gave her a bad review, Viv keeps Kenni more than busy in this book. And her melodramatics make for hilarious reading.

Bottom Line: Six Feet Under is another excellent cozy mystery from Tonya Kappes. She’s nailed the cadence and quirkiness of a small Kentucky town, and both her main and recurring characters are a hoot. I love the character growth we’ve seen so far in Kenni, and I’m waiting eagerly for the next book to see how some of these thing will continue to play out. While I had pretty well figured out whodunit from the beginning, it’s so delightfully plotted (including the subthreads) that this didn’t bother me at all. I just enjoyed the journey as Kenni (and her Poppa) figured it out too. A sweet dose of romance and plenty of chuckles await you as well!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

I really like this series. Clean fun murder mysteries! The main character is Kenni the sheriff who has to get along with her momma, her ghost poppa and a town full of colourful characters! Charming southern humour. I received a free advance reader copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review

A famous chef who comes to Cottonwood, KY to test Viv Lowry's locally famous chicken pot pie ends up dead. Sheriff Kenni Lowry is called to investigate. Unfortunately all the clues point to one suspect-her mama Viv. Assisted by her deputy/boyfriend Finn and the ghost of her Poppa Kenni sets out to find another suspect Soon mama is cleared and Kenni is knee deep in suspects. Will she figure it out before she joins Chef Von Allen six feet under?
I do love a good southern novel and this one has it all-southern cookin', sweet tea, a little lovin', a little humor, a great Southern mama, a ghost and a murder. Driving down the street in little Cottonwood you can feel the southern hospitality and sense the locals gossiping behind your back. The accents are so thick you can literally hear them on the pages. I loved the relationship between Kenni and Viv. A southern girl is never too old to listen to her mama. The writing style is as relaxed as the Southern lifestyle, easy to read and very conversational. The characters are stereotypical southerners and I don't mean that in a bad way. The book would not have the southern flair without them. As a cozy mystery this book is not deep and thought provoking but it is a fun read. I look forward to reading more of Tonya Kappes' work. I would like to thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book in exchange for my review.

Tonya Kappes writes the best cozy mysteries on the market. Her characters are fun, flawed, full of life and her settings and story lines are just as richly drawn. Readers will be chomping at the bit for the next installment!

I love this cozy mystery with the ghost in it. I love that the sheriff can see and talk to her grandfather. This has everything that a cozy should have. Bossy mothers, food and coffee places, boyfriend and small town gossip. I did not want to put this down. I look forward to the next in the series. I received a copy of this book from the author for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will.

“Six Feet Under” earns 5/5 Country Diner Treats…Murderously Fun!

Poppa just showed up…it must mean murder! Mrs. Vivian “Viv” Lowry, Kenni’s mom, is all excited. She is in contention for a spot on Culinary Channel’s Southern Home Cookin’ show hosted by Frank Von Lee, southern culinary chef and food critic. Although her spying on the competition touting mouth-watering barbecue was a disaster, Viv is very confident her award-winning chicken pot pie recipe will win the day. However, when ‘Frank’ ends up dead, the crime scene and initial interviews may substantiate Viv’s motive, opportunity, and means. Kenni may have a crises of professionalism now that her mama is a “person of interest.”

Wow! This fourth book is definitely engaging and the paranormal aspect is a delightful twist that works, not juvenile hocus-pocus. Poppa doesn't have ghostly clairvoyance; he knows when it's not an accident and often sends Kenni in the right direction, but he doesn't have an inside track to point out the guilty one. That produces a realistic relationship between granddaughter and ghost. And like many of Kappes’s work, even though it seems the immediate “person of interest” is clear, she weaves various scenarios to challenge one’s own inner “Sherlock.” However, it is the southern flair of Kappes’s characters that have make this a favorite. I love “Kenni-bug,” and the crises of “professionalism” she suffered when her mom looked to be a center figure. A great topic for a book club discussion on law enforcement and their family (Would you actively investigate or turn in a member of your family?). The mother/daughter dynamic is fascinating, but Mama Viv can be frustrating…infuriating! However, Kenni loves her mama and seems to have a understanding of her personality knowing that no matter how overbearing she may seem, she's not a killer. But, this book is rich with engaging topics or further discussions including the relationship between Kenni and her Deputy Finn Vincent (Is it good to have a personal relationship with a subordinate?), the mysterious handicap parking placards (Would you use one knowing it might not be official?), and all the quirky things that pop up in a small community (What is best big city neighborhood or small town?). This series offers more than the casual read…it is fun, entertaining, and maybe even makes a comment on Southern life. I highly recommend this book!

SIX FEET UNDER by Tonya Kappes
The Fourth Kenni Lowry Mystery

Kenni Lowry's mama done lost her mind! Sure Viv's head got a little swelled up when she won the cooking contest with her chicken pot pie, but now her face is swollen too! The big news is that a famous food critic is bringing his TV show to town and is debating featuring Ben's Diner and Viv's pot pie or a barbeque joint up in Clay's Ferry. Meanwhile Viv is acting odder and odder. A face that looks somewhat different, checking out the competition and causing a ruckus, and mighty shifty behavior make mama suspect number one when the critic is found dead...with a pot pie on his nightstand! Sheriff Kenni Lowry may be forced to take a backseat in the investigation, but with the help of her deputy and the ghost of her Poppa, she'll prove her mama innocent.

Poppa is back and that means murder! The murder hits much closer to home in the fourth Kenni Lowry Mystery, not with the victim, but with the prime suspect! The evidence points directly to Kenni's mama and Kenni finds herself with a bit of a moral dilemma. Love and the desire to protect your loved ones whatever the cost compete with honor, duty, and responsibility.

We see a more human Kenni in SIX FEET UNDER. One with more foibles, but one also finding enjoyment outside of her job as Sheriff. I am delighted to see the relationship between Kenni and Finn grow, even as more conflicts erupt. Of course, I always enjoy reading about Duke and Poppa and love their interactions as well.

SIX FEET UNDER is a wonderful mystery that explores the themes of love and duty with a humorous Southern flair.

What do you get when you combine Southern charm, chicken pot pie, phony pink handicap permits, cake decorating, stir, and then add in a little Botox? You get Six Feet Under- the terrific new addition to the Kenni Lowry mysteries by Tonya Kappes.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry knows that foul play is on the way when the ghost of her Poppa (the former sheriff of Cottonwood) starts popping back up, since he only ever makes an appearance to her when there is a murder to solve. When Poppa makes an appearance one morning as she is visiting her friend Ben's diner, she knows that trouble won't be far behind.
Ben's diner is buzzing with the news that famous chef Frank Von Lee will soon be arriving to film an episode of his television show Southern Home Cookin'. He will be featuring either the barbecue from a neighboring town, or the famous chicken pot pie recipe belonging to Kenni's Momma. When Von Lee is found dead in his hotel room next to a half-eaten pot pie and an unfavorable review, things don't look very good for Momma. Kenni's partner (and new love interest) Finn overhears a recording where Kenni considers out loud hiding the evidence (because she's really dicussing things with an invisible Poppa), and he decides that Kenni won't be impartial in the investigation. This causes the Mayor to remove Kenni as the official investigating officer on the case. Kenni sees this as an advantage, because now she and Poppa can investigate the case the way she wants to, without the usual restrictions created by her position.
I enjoyed this clever little mystery. There were plenty of funny moments, but there were also quite a few suspects and the story kept me guessing right up until the very end, with a few added surprises I wasn't expecting at all. I liked that the author gave Kenni added depth with the cake decorating classes. Poppa also adds an interesting element to the story without being completely unbelievable. One thing I would like to see is more from Finn. I felt like Kenni handed him the case, and then took it right back. I'd also like to see a bit more development between Kenni and Finn personally, as Finn's character could use a boost.
Overall, this was a quirky, fun read with a good mystery.
I received and ARC of this book and I voluntarily chose to write an honest review.

I'm not sure how Kenni's mother is generally, but she was really over the top here. She seems pretty self-centered and manipulative and I found myself mostly impressed at her daughter's forbearance. The mother had some good points, but, wow, she's really a character. Seemed like she could have made her own life, and her daughter's job, a lot easier if only she had wanted to.

The mystery was fine. There were enough clues to make a pretty good guess at what was going on. I think the person who turned out to be the killer was actually my second choice, so it's nice to be a little surprised.

The world-building was excellent. It was very easy to picture all the locations, people, and the food.

Not having gotten to know Kenni's love interest over any previous books, I didn't really have any warm feelings towards him built up. That being the case, his behavior here didn't appeal to me. [He gets very upset over something his girlfriend thought of doing but didn't do, leaves with evidence of that thought, then does his best to get her thrown off a case. And somehow she later feels the need to apologize to him...twice. I didn't really understand that. It's nice that she feels all melty and trembly around him, but since my own feelings were quite a bit harsher towards him than Kenni's were, I didn't relate much to those parts of the story.

I may not have been on board with every single thing, but that's ok, I didn't have to be. I still enjoyed it.

I  recieved a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

Tho was the first book in the Kenni Lowry series that I have read, and I honestly loved it!

Mama drove me nuts, which made it more realistic. 😂 I can't wait to see if Kenni tells Finn about Papa. I really enjoyed her ghostly deputy and his humor!

This was a fun, cozy mystery and I can't wait to get my hands on the sequel.

Poppa’s ghost is back and that means someone’s gonna die! But, this time, the suspect is none other than Sheriff Kenni Lowry’s mama with the motive, means, and opportunity.

Six Feet Under is the fourth book in this engaging cozy mystery series with paranormal elements set in small town Kentucky. It’s fun and quirky and delivers an engaging mystery while it’s at it. I find each book works alright standalone, but there are ongoing series elements like Kenni’s romance with Finn and a few other mild relationship and character mentions.

The story focuses on a cooking celebrity coming to town to critique mama’s chicken pot pie only to die of food poisoning when he samples some of the said pie and prepared to deliver a less than flattering review. Others might have a horse in the race, but it’s Kenni’s mother who seems to be suspect number one. Kenni is reeling from the implications and from being too connected to the case to be allowed to work it. Will the fledgling romance with Finn survive him seeing her wrestle with temptation about the evidence and him being placed in the lead investigative role.

There’s not as much angst as one might suspect with such a situation and there is plenty of Mama Lowry’s over the top antics. And, the murder isn’t the only crime going on in town- illegal botox parties, fake handicap hangers, and citizens ready to disturb each other’s peace.

And through it all, Kenni wonders if now is a good time to tell Finn that she is aided in her law work by her deceased poppa’s ghost.

I enjoy these for the sheer entertainment value and I like these quirky, at times crazy people who are also salt of the earth as it comes. The mysteries aren’t terribly complex, but there is a little challenge. So, altogether, I anticipate each new installment in the series and heartily recommend them to those looking for a new small town, slightly paranormal cozy mystery series to try.

I rec’d this book from Net Galley to read in exchange for an honest review.

Six Feet Under is another great installment of the Kenni Lowry mystery series!

Kenni’s mother is so excited because a famous food critic is coming to Ben’s Diner to try Viv’s famous pot pie. She is in competition with another restaurant but she is sure that her food will win.

It wouldn’t be a Kenni Lowry book without some wild antics from Kenni’s mother but this time it only gets her into a lot of trouble. The critic is found dead and all the evidence points to Vivian Lowry. It doesn’t help that she was seen at the inn where the critic was staying. It’s hard for Kenni but she knows she has to do her job and with the help of her ghostly grandfather (who use to be the sheriff and is now her ghost deputy), and her boyfriend Finn, who is her deputy, they do their best to prove Viv didn’t do it. The mayor thinks that Kenni can’t do her job right because it’s her mother so ask her to step down which she does as she feels it will give her a way to look into things without prying eyes. So Finn takes the lead and Kenni tries to prove that it could have been Mundy a chef who has had some trouble with the critic.

I love this southern mystery and all the quirky characters that go with it! Kenni and Finn are great but her ghostly poppa and her mother Viv are my favorite characters. The author has done such a great job giving all her characters life that you can really get into them all and just love them and the town.

It has a really good mystery though I had it figured out but I didn’t know why, It seems I am always good at figuring out the killer but not the motive…lol.

If you love a good southern cozy with a little paranormal element to it then you need to pick up this series, you won’t be disappointed!! I can’t wait to get into Dead as a Doornail that comes out later this year!

Another great book about the sheriff of a samll town in Kentucky, who sloves her murderer cases with the help of a ghost. I love it

In this fourth book in the “Kenni Lowry” mysteries, Sheriff Kenni Lowry is on the trail of a murderer. Celebrity Chef Frank von Lee has been poisoned and Kenni must prove that her mama’s chicken pot pie was not the culprit – nor was her mama! The celebrity chef was coming to Cottonwood to film an episode of his show, “Southern Home Cookin’”, and showcase mama’s award-winning chicken pot pie – mama was beyond thrilled! Kenni knew something bad was going to happen as Kenni’s dead father, the former sheriff, has shown up once again to assist with an investigation. A good mystery with witty dialog, beloved characters and down-home humor make this another “hit” for Ms. Kappes. I always recommend that you read the beginning books of a series, but if you have not read the first three books, you can feel comfortable reading this as a standalone and you will not feel lost. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to give an honest review. (by paytonpuppy)

I received this ARC for a honest review. I Love a Kenni Story. She once again has a few mysteries on her hands. For a small town they sure keep her on her toes. Why after all this time does people doubt she can and will get the job done? LOL I can't believe her mamma. She has really took getting into things to the next level. Dead body, Handicap parking, and Botox???? Come on if I didn't know better she seemed to be testing Kenni. I am glad to see them getting a little closer and mamma is getting over the whole sheriff thing....maybe. Finn, good ol' Finn. He has come a long way from the first book although I think he still has some of his guard up. That is fine because he hasn't been there long enough to know the ways of small town Cottonwood. I am glad to see him and Kenni working on a relationship. I am also glad to see them not just jumping in together. I like they are taking things slow and finding their way. I can't wait till he finds out about Poppa. I am happy it hasn't got reveled yet as I don't think he is ready for that shocker. I like that Kenni has her Poppa to herself right now. Even if he is a ghost. I think it adds a bit to Kenni. So if she doesn't share him for a while I understand that. I am glad everything turned out the way it did. Toward the end I was thinking who they had as a suspect wasn't the right one. Things just didn't add up. I am glad everything did work out for the best. I had a few laughs in her and Kenni with her new hobby sounds fun. I would recommend this book to anyone. I always look forward to this story and wasn't disappointed at all.

This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery series and is written by Tonya Kappes. Too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. And let me tell you, this broth is in trouble. Get ready for a Southern showdown. The residents of Cottonwood, Kentucky are sent into a tizzy when the Culinary Channel comes to town to film an episode of Southern Home Cookin’ with celebrity chef Frank Von Lee. Especially Sheriff Kenni Lowry. Her mama’s award-winning chicken pot pie is what brought Frank to town, and they don’t make hair in the South bigger than her mama’s ego after the news. When Frank Von Lee is found dead from food poisoning and the most likely culprit is Mama’s chicken pot pie, Kenni’s poppa, the former sheriff, comes back from the Great Beyond to assist in the investigation. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. 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.

Six Feet Under is a set in the southern town of Cottonwood, Kentucky and peppered with what we expect in a southern based tale.....except for the unofficial deputy...he is ...different.
Sheriff Keni Lowry does her job well despite political and family challenges and rises to the occasion in the investigation of the food critic's death.
Laced with humor and romance and more than a few suspects, the book is a very enjoyable read.

What a great book!?! Such a hoot, I was giggling out loud almost every time I was reading it. These characters are so perfect together. It really feels like you're visiting the South when Tonya writes. She does an amazing job helping you get to know these people like they're real and I really can't wait to visit Cottonwood. And the twists and turns she takes you on while trying to find the killer are perfect! I really look forward to the next Kenni Lowry adventure!