I am officially hooked on the Kenni Lowry Mystery series, in which this is the fifth intriguing offering. Escaping to Cottonwood, Kentucky is now officially one of life’s not-so-secret pleasures. If anything occurs in this little town, Sheriff Kenni Lowry hears it through the grapevine. The author brings unique characters, witty dialog, action, and surprising plot twists that keep a gal up late trying to solve the mystery before Kenni does.
Kenni is in Tiny Tina’s Salon and Spa for a very rare mani-pedi when Lucy Ellen barges in, begging Tina to squeeze her in, or at least sell her one of Tina’s specially-mixed nail polishes. Because of a bridal party, she can’t be seen today, and threatens to put a bad review in the local paper. Very early the next morning, Lucy Ellen’s husband, Darnell, returns early from preparing their hunting cabin to find his bride of 45 years, dead. Kenni arrives to find her Poppa’s ghost, who only comes back when Kenni needs a sounding board to help solve a murder.
Poppa had been sheriff when he was alive, and got his granddaughter interested in helping him solve crimes by playing “what-if”. When he “visits” now, only Kenni and her deputy hound, Duke, can see or hear him. He doesn’t want her to tell anyone, including her boyfriend, Deputy Finn Vincent – even though this could cause trouble for the couple in the future.
Lucy Ellen was definitely murdered, the coroner learns when he finds her wish to be an organ donor. Her organs have all been compromised; the lady was poisoned. With no smoking gun or evidence, Kenni has a challenging case, as the person who looks most guilty finally gives an alibi that checks out. There may be many other suspects, maybe even those who Lucy Ellen gave bad reviews about in the Chronicle.
Kenni is also challenged by a very trying bride-to-be, Polly Parker, whose wedding to Mayor Chance Ryland will make her “first lady” of Cottonwood. Her maid of honor, a new mother, is unable to attend, and someone suggests Kenni for maid of honor even though they are not friends. Kenni’s loving mother paid for the less-than-flattering Civil War era gown that is a couple sizes too small. The bride doesn’t want to ask her life-long best friend because…well, because.
This is a fast-paced mystery with lots of suspense, wit, and humor. In her spare moments, there’s sweet romance, too. Kenni’s interactions with Poppa, the bride-to-be, and her mother Viv, are some of the finer moments. Southern gals have to listen to their mommas, but there are times Viv is over the top. Just ask Kenni about “happy fat”. The characters are unique and some might be called eccentric; most could easily step off the page and into any neighborhood that can treasure a true Southerner.
The mystery is intensified by plot twists such as secret affairs and how the killer plotted against Lucy Ellen. I couldn’t figure out who the bad guy/ gal was! The killer was a complete surprise to me as it was someone not high on the list of suspects. It took a stroke of luck and good observation for the real culprit to get tossed in the slammer. And the old Southern maid of honor gown? I’m not telling! All I’m saying is that I highly recommend Dead as a Doornail to Kenni Lowry fans and fans of well-written Southern cozy mysteries with good friends, intriguing investigations, and romance. Bet you can’t read just one!
From a grateful heart: I received an e-ARC from the author and NetGalley, and was not required to post a review.

This is the 5th in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series by author Tonya Kappes. I have read the entire series and do highly recommend the series. Reading the series will give the reader the background on Kenni, her family history, her romance with Finn and the background story of the murders she has solved.
I received a ARC for review and review . My opinions are my personal opinion.
In this next in series our protagonist Kenni Lowry is enjoying a spa day at the salon courtesy of her boyfriend Finn who gave her a gift certificate. She is preparing to be maid of honor at a wedding of a friend. While she is at the spa a local writer barges in and demands to be seen without an appointment. She is turned away and leaves with threats. She is known for writing disparaging articles about businesses in town and the owner of the salon is concerned.
That night she is murdered. Finn is asked to not pursue the investigation by the bride until after the wedding but she knows it must go forward right away. After all she is the sheriff! She begins her investigation.
The sleuth takes many twists and turns along the way and I was very surprised at the suspects and outcome.
This series is a delightful read with great characters, fun Southern cultural humor and even a little bit of the paranormal. The bridzilla in this book is fun and the southern wedding quite a production. The dresses will make you laugh out loud. Each supporting character adds to the story and the sleuth. The romance of the protagonist is sweet and not overdone. The author has created a fun humorous series with a great sleuth.
I loved this next in series and look forward to the next book.

So Lucy Ellen isn’t the nicest person in town but being nasty doesn’t mean you should die.
Many people had a beef with Lucy Ellen but my pick for next to knock off would have been Polly. She can drive you bonkers in a heartbeat. She certainly had a way of getting under people’s nerves. Lucy Ellen just didn’t write bad reviews of places she frequented, she also picked on individuals in her reviews.
So join, Kenni, Finn and Poppa as they try to solve the murder and get Polly Parker married off to the mayor.
I liked that there were a few suspects to sort through, humor and of course the sugar sweetness of the south in all the scenes. MS Kappes never disappoints. I was engaged the entire time and liked the interaction between Kenni and Poppa and Kenni and Finn. It was interesting to get to know a little more about Betty. I thought the Tina in jail scenes were adorable.

Kenny Lowry is one of the best southern sleuths in cozier today. She has mother problems and crazy towns people problems and she handles it in a hiarious way. This book has a lot more romance between bake in and Finn, plus visits from her deceased grandfather. I highly recommend this book and series. You can read this book without getting to lost but I suggest reading from the beginning

I requested this before I'd read the previous book in the series - which I had significant problems with and I was going to not read this because I was so annoyed at the last one, but I had it, so I thought I would in case it was an improvement. And it was a bit, but not enough for me to want to read any more of the series. For me these have gone the wrong way - Kenni is getting more and more unprofessional and the people around her are getting more and more annoying. This time even the mystery annoyed me. Not for me - but I can see that other people are much happier with them than I am.

DEAD AS A DOORNAIL by Tonya Kappes
The Fifth Kenni Lowry Mystery

Lucy Ellen Lowell may have been an adult, but her behavior was more that of a spoiled brat. If she didn't get what she wanted when she wanted it, she was apt to not only cause a scene, but write a negative, mean spirited review in the newspaper. When Kenni gets a call from Lucy Ellen's husband saying his wife is dead Kenni rushes to the scene to find Lucy Ellen not only dead, but murdered. It may look like a heart attack, but Poppa's presence indicates murder. Who Killed Lucy Ellen? Could it be Tina? Possibly Jolee? Or some other recipient of Lucy Ellen's hate filled rants? Kenni must solve the murder with help of her Poppa's ghost while enjoying her developing romantic relationship with her deputy. However, the Sheriff's biggest problem is filling in as maid of honor for Cottonwood's preeminent wedding in a dress right out of Gone With the Wind...the Carol Burnett Edition!

It's great being back in Cottonwood, engaging with these wonderful characters. I want to play euchre and eat those delicious goodies the ladies bring. I also want give Duke a big hug and a treat! I love seeing Kenni's relationship with Finn blossom. Finn is a perfect partner in more ways than one! Not only is he the perfect law enforcement backup, he's a fantastic boyfriend as well. I like that Kenni is now using the techniques she uses with her Poppa with Finn as they solve the case together. But she's keeping one major secret from him...will telling him destroy what they're building together?

There are always lots of laughs in a Kenni Lowry mystery and DEAD AS A DOORNAIL is chock full. Between "happy fat", bridesmaid duties, and quirky southern characters, readers will be giggling as Kenni solves her latest murder.

DEAD AS A DOORNAIL will put a smile on your face with its finely tuned mystery infused with Southern charm.

Sherift Kenni Lowry and her dearly departed Poppa are on the case again!
Not that she isn't thrilled each time her grandfather's ghost returns to help her solve a case, he only appears when a murder needs solving. Who has time for a murder investigation when Kenni's close friend has teamed up with her Mama and volunteered Kenni to be the best maid in a major town wedding? With a bridezilla throwing around Tara-sized expectations and a major gun show on the side. There is so much going on, yet author Tonya Kappes creates the strangest murder weapon imaginable and makes it a multiple homicide. Kenni would much rather be relaxing with recently proclaimed boyfriend, and deputy, Finn, and best dog, Duke. I do love Duke.

The dialogue is clever as well as colorful. The characters as quirky as can be. The plotline strong and twisty and unusual. Who dunnit and why are not simple to solve. This is a series to enjoy from the beginning, even tho each book stands well enough as an individual read.

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra

Dead as a Doornail is the fifth book in the Kenni Lowry Mystery Series. I am beginning the series at this juncture and I must say, I had no problems following the characters. While I may be missing some back story, it did not detract from my enjoyment of the book in the slightest.

Kenni Lowry is Cottonwood’s sheriff who gets assistance from her Poppa (her grandfather). What is unusual is that Poppa is a ghost that only she and Duke (Kenni’s hound dog) can see whenever a murder has occurred.

“It wasn’t until there was yet another murder in Cottonwood and then another that Poppa showed up again. Then I realized that Poppa’s ghost only showed up when there’d been a murder in Cottonwood and he was there as my deputy ghost.”

The tale begins with Kenni partaking in a “spa day” (a gift from her new beau – Deputy Finn Vincent) where she has a front and centre view of Lucy Lowell demanding an immediate appointment for a manicure and then adding in a pedicure and hair wash & dry. All of the salon staff made it perfectly clear to Lucy that they were fully booked and just couldn’t fit her in. As she departs the salon, Lucy threatens Tina (the salon owner):

“Well, I never. You’ll regret this, Tina Bowers.” Lucy Ellen twirled her finger around the shop. “Tiny Tina’s will no longer be in business once it gets out in all the gossip circles how you treated me here today.” Lucy Ellen brought her hands up to her chest. “I’m sending in a bad review to the Chronicle as soon as I get home.”

As a result of Lucy’s articles dissing local establishments, she is not the most favorite person in town. Not too long after the Kenni witnesses the unpleasantness between Lucy and shop owner Tina, she is called in to work over the discovery of a dead body. With the arrival of Poppa, Kenni can only surmise that this is a murder and not an apparent heart attack. As one can predict, the murder victim is none other than the unpleasant Lucy! With so many disliking her…who is likely to be the killer?

With Kenni getting essentially front row seats to Lucy’s little display at the salon, it is not any wonder that the first and foremost suspect is none other than Tina. Now for Kenni to find the real killer (for she just cannot believe her friend would kill anyone).

As with any “good” cozy mystery, at least my definition of good, I am unable to solve the ‘whodunit’ until the very end. I am happy to report that this was indeed the case. With the myriad of side stories and many extra characters within the story, it led to a “cornucopia” of storytelling, with entertaining tangents.

I found the sprinkling of help from Poppa poignant. Kenni must have really loved her Poppa and vice a versa. He just cannot stop helping his granddaughter while she follows in his footsteps.Gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling, even if it is over a murder.

The development of the many characters within the story: Tina, Polly (bride to be) and Finn, just to name a few, added to my enjoyment. I suspect these are regulars and I will get a better sense of them once I backtrack in the series and start from scratch. I enjoyed my first foray into the many characters of Cottonwood.

I am thoroughly enjoying my exploration into the writings of Tonya Kappes with this “new to me” series. While I am totally enamored with her ‘A Killer Coffee Mystery’ series, I have a strong suspicion that this series will also become a new favorite of mine. Well – I am off to obtain the first four books in this series!

*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*

Dead As A Doornail is the 5th book in the Kenni Lowry series.

Kenni might not be your typical southern belle, but she does make an excellent sheriff.
When Kenni is asked to play maid of honor, a deed that her mother volunteered her for, she thinks nothing worse could possibly happen.

We dedicated mystery lovers know it is never that simple, so of course when a dead body turns up, wedding plans may soon start to unravel.
Of course, we cannot forget Kenni's papa, who happens to be a ghost, and seems to appear whenever a mysterious death happens. Be sure to grab your copy and join Kenni and the gang in this exciting addition to the series.

I volunteered to read and review a copy of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Another fun visit to Cottonwood, Kentucky. It can be read as a standalone, but if you start with this one you will want to go back to read the previous four. Fun southern customs and sayings. Bridezilla and even Kenni's own mother give her problems. Of course there is a murder to solve, so dead Poppa returns to help. Kept me guessing! I look forward to reading the next one.

Dead as a Doornail is the fifth book in Tonya Kappes’ Kenni Lowry Mystery series. Sheriff Kenni Lowry has taken a rare day off to enjoy the spa gift certificate given her by boyfriend and police partner Finn Vincent. A day at Tiny Tina’s beauty salon and spa is a foreign experience for Kenni. What she finds even more strange is the behavior of Lucy Ellen Lowell and the subsequent gossip after she leaves the shop. To say Lucy Ellen is not well liked is putting it lightly. It would seem that Lucy Ellen is very vocal when things don’t go her way and she writes reviews and comments for the local paper with the power to make or destroy a business or a reputation.

Later that evening Kenni receives a phone call directly from Darnell Lowell stating that he came home from the hunting camp that the members of the Hunt Club are readying for the hunting season to find Lucy Ellen on the floor and unresponsive. In fact, she is dead, murdered by a poisoned nail polish, the type she had raised such a stink about in her tirade at Tiny Tina’s.

With a multifaceted plot placing and replacing likely culprits on the investigation list at each turn, the story winds in unexpected ways to find an unthought of villain. In standard Kenni fashion, with her momma dogging her every move and pushing her to be things she never would, this story does not disappoint. I enjoyed the mystery and the humanity of the story and do recommend it.

Small town antics, a wedding nightmare, and an inexplicable murder are Kenni’s challenge in this latest series installment.

Dead As A Doornail is book five in the quirky and light Kenni Lowry paranormal cozy mystery series. The series does flow in a chain when it comes to Kenni getting used to her deceased grandpa’s ghost helping her solve murders along with her growing love interest with Finn. However, the mysteries are all standalone and I had no trouble jumping in at book three and continuing on. Need to go back for the first two at some point.

So, the latest…

Kenni gets set up by, who else, her mother to be a maid of honor in the Mayor’s wedding when she doesn’t really like the mayor or his bride. She also finds herself investigating a death that, at first, only she knows is murder b/c her poppa’s ghost tells her. With each book, she draws closer to Finn and also the growing dilemma of knowing she needs to tell him about Poppa’s ghost. I have no idea how that will go over and it’s an added layer of tension in an otherwise mystery comedy.

These books are over the top and unapologetic about that. Fun and fast reads, but still offer a twisting mystery through all the other small town antics usually led by Kenni’s mother. Oddly, I find this kind of story relaxing and I look forward to each new installment in the series.

If you’re looking for sheer light entertainment in a fast-read mystery then look no further.

Sheriff Kenni Lowry may not be a girly girl much to her mamas’ chagrin but she discovers that the local hair/nail salon is a hotbed of gossip. And you thought politics is dirty - taint nothing next to small town clicks and one upsmanship. Lucy Lowell is a shit stirrer. If she doesn’t get her way she writes a scathing review in the local paper. Could one of those nasty reviews be the reason she was found dead? Or was she having an affair? It’s up to Kenni, her dog Duke, her dead grandfather and her hunky boyfriend/deputy Finn to find out.
I love visiting Cottonwood with all its quirky characters that we can all relate to. I enjoy watching Kenni struggle with her mamas’ expectations and discovering that yes she is falling for Finn. I’ll admit I didn’t figure this one out until Kenni showed me the killer. I anxiously await each installment and devour it as soon as it arrives.

*I received a copy from #HeneryPress #NetGalley I want to thank you so much!*

Tonya outdone herself with this one. It is my favorite in this series so far. There were parts I couldn’t stop laughing at. I just love Finn. The mystery really kept me guessing until the end. I took off one star because I felt like the fact that the coroner had to point out Lucy painted her own nails wasn’t believable. Any cop would’ve realized that. Since she was right handed, the nails on the right hand were sloppy. There was also something else that seemed wrong but I don’t want to spoil it. And the fact that they were considering her organs for donation was unbelievable because in order to use anything but eyes and possibly tissue, the body has to be on the life support type machines to keep the blood flowing and heart pumping. I hate to sound morbid but it was something that stuck out to me. However, this didn’t take away from the mystery. I loved it.

Dead As A Doornail by Tonya Kappes is the 5th book in the Kenni Lowry mystery series, and another fun book. Sheriff Kendrick (Kenni) Lowry is the granddaughter of the late Sheriff Elmer Sims. Lucy Lowell is found dead, and it looks like natural causes, but Kenni knows it's murder because her grandfather's ghost is with the body. Lucy was not well liked in town, so Kenni has her work cut out for her, especially since her boyfriend/deputy Finn Vincent, believes the victim died a natural death. Not only is this book really funny, it has a great mystery, with 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 this book/series, with it's southern charm.

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

I had never read anything by Ms. Kappes but now I know why so many people love her mysteries. Sheriff Kenni Lowry of Cottownwood, Kentucky has enough trouble being roped into Polly Parker's maid of honor in her "Gone with the Wind" theme played to extreme excess, but now she has to solve the murder of town trouble-maker Lucy Ellen Lowell. She and her partner Finn, with whom she is also romantically involved, at first suspect Tina Bowes. Tina owns a hair and nail salon and Sheriff Lowry believes the murder weapon may be a tainted nail polish, which is specially mixed by Tina. But Lucy has angered many people in this small town and there are no shortage of suspects. Lucy's husband Darnell appears to play the part of the grieving widower, but the Sheriff suspects that he may have a motive to want his wife dead. The mayor and Sheriff Lowry don't get along very well and he wants her to put the investigation on the back burner until after he marries Polly, which puts Kenni in a difficult position. But the Sheriff won't let anyone or anything, including her mother or the wedding, deter her in finding the killer. She also has some guidance from a relative appearing as a ghost.

I absolutely loved this book. It was well-plotted and just when I thought I had figured out who killed Lucy, the author added another layer of mystery. While there were multiple suspects, I didn't feel overwhelmed and the pace was just right. The dialogue captured the essence of rural Kentucky and added to the authenticity of the narrative. The ghost portion was light-hearted and didn't take the book to the genre of a paranormal cozy. The romance between Kenni and Finn blended well with the plot but didn't overwhelm the mystery. The ending was a complete surprise. My only regret was not starting this series sooner!

**** Thanks to NetGalley and Henery Press for a complimentary copy of this book. My review is voluntary.

This was a very unique book, including the form of murder. There were a couple of nitpicky research errors, but I only noticed because I know way too much about the subject. I had a lot of fun with the descriptions of how huge Duke is. The ending was definitely surprising.

The fifth installment of the Kenni Lowry series just keeps on getting better. This is the best one yet. Kenni is the sheriff of a small town, Cottonwood, Kentucky. Whenever there is a murder the ghost of the previous sheriff and Kenni's grandfather becomes visible to her. The town is thrilled as the Mayor is getting married and his bride has the town in an uproar. Kenni is tricked into being the Maid of Honor. Penny Lowell, a woman who has many enemies and writes negative reviews that are printed in the daily paper is found dead of an apparent heart attack. Poppy ghost shows up and Kenni knows it is murder. The twists and turns begin and it will surprise you. There a copy of side themes to add spiced to the tale. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.

Disclosure: Many thanks to Henery Press for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.

If I could give an award for the coolest Murder Weapon ever used in a cozy it would be to Tonya Kappes. I loved Dead as a Doornail. This May release doesn't disappoint and with Sheriff Kenni her Deputy Ghost, trusty dog and small town already and usually in Chaos, somehow sheriff has her hands full with not just a murder investigation but a wedding of the year, brazilia and duties that fall far outside her job description. This was a great read and it is a fun series. Tonya Kappes is a wonderful author. Perfect touch of southern charm, the perfect paranormal character and the right amount of romance. A must read!

*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.


Book five in the Kenni Lowry series. Lucy Lowell is running around town terrorizing folks and Sheriff Kenni has to calm people down until she runs across Lucy dead that is. To make it even worse some particular nail polish seems to be involved which Kenni does not need as she is roped into being in the mayor's upcoming wedding. Solving this one gets tough even with Poppa's help as everyone seems to be standing in her way. I gotta give her mad props for her determination and I was loving the developments in her personal life as well. If you enjoy enjoy well written Southern cozies that feature a strong female lead that has the law backing her then you really have to try this book/series. I really enjoyed it so I give it 4/5 stars.