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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review against another edition
3.0
Fixin’ to Die by Tonya Kappes is the first book in A Kenni Lowry Mystery series. I thought Fixin’ to Die was easy to read with a good flow. Kenni Lowry is an acquired taste. Her behavior is a wee bit over-the-top (especially in the first half of the story). Kenni goes around town doing her investigation and accusing the wrong people (angering the citizens and losing their cooperation). Kenni does not read the reports provided to her, question witnesses, or follow-up on forensic evidence (to make sure it arrived and was processed). Kenni is not used to crime, and this is an adjustment period for her (and the town’s citizens). I love Poppa, Kenni’s grandfather. I found him to be funny and entertaining. I hope the author will enhance his role in future novels in the series. There is a romantic element in the story. There is an attraction between Kenni and Finn (she certainly likes to ogle his physique). It will be interesting to see how it progresses. The author did include some outlandish characters like the philandering town mayor and the spoiled, pampered daughter of well-to-do parents. The cozy element is very prevalent in Fixin’ to Die. Kenni has a busy social life, likes to jog, has a dog, and enjoys a good card game. The mystery was good, but I thought it was a cinch to solve. I appreciated the paranormal element in the form of Poppa’s ghost. It greatly enhanced Fixin’ to Die. Overall, Fixin’ to Die is a good first start to the series. Fixin’ to Die is an entertaining Southern tale.
mbbb72's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
katreader's review against another edition
4.0
FIXIN' TO DIE by Tonya Kappes
The First Kenni Lowry Mystery
A female sheriff, especially in a small town in the South, has lots of challenges, but Sheriff Kenni Lowry hasn't had too many challenges until the morning Old Doc Walton is found murdered. With her deputy out of town, and the fact that she isn't fully equipped to deal with a murder investigation, she calls on the state reserves for assistance as well as her good ole boy jailer. She may also be getting help from someone else...is that voice she's hearing just her own subconscious, or could it actually be someone else?
Between small town Southern gossip, an annoying attraction, and the appearance of her grandfather's ghost, Kenni must solve her first murder as sheriff of Cottonwood, Kentucky. Kenni Lowry is a likable protagonist. She's smart and tough, with feminine charm and a lovable dog named Duke. I love he addition of Poppa, or Poppa's ghost to be more accurate. Who better to support Kenni than her beloved grandfather who was also the previous Sheriff? He's the perfect partner to help solve crimes; he knows the job, can investigate unseen, and is just a fun person with a good sense of humor. I also appreciate the way Kappes introduced the ghost to Kenni, but I'll let you read about that.
FIXIN' TO DIE is a rock solid start to a new series. Fresh characters, small town secrets, and an engaging mystery combine to create a satisfying read. Plus there's a ghost!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC in the hopes I would review it.
The First Kenni Lowry Mystery
A female sheriff, especially in a small town in the South, has lots of challenges, but Sheriff Kenni Lowry hasn't had too many challenges until the morning Old Doc Walton is found murdered. With her deputy out of town, and the fact that she isn't fully equipped to deal with a murder investigation, she calls on the state reserves for assistance as well as her good ole boy jailer. She may also be getting help from someone else...is that voice she's hearing just her own subconscious, or could it actually be someone else?
Between small town Southern gossip, an annoying attraction, and the appearance of her grandfather's ghost, Kenni must solve her first murder as sheriff of Cottonwood, Kentucky. Kenni Lowry is a likable protagonist. She's smart and tough, with feminine charm and a lovable dog named Duke. I love he addition of Poppa, or Poppa's ghost to be more accurate. Who better to support Kenni than her beloved grandfather who was also the previous Sheriff? He's the perfect partner to help solve crimes; he knows the job, can investigate unseen, and is just a fun person with a good sense of humor. I also appreciate the way Kappes introduced the ghost to Kenni, but I'll let you read about that.
FIXIN' TO DIE is a rock solid start to a new series. Fresh characters, small town secrets, and an engaging mystery combine to create a satisfying read. Plus there's a ghost!
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a digital ARC in the hopes I would review it.
hugbandit7's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first book I have read by this author (but have her other books on my kindle) and I enjoyed this book. But then I always do love a good cozy.
I can safely say I did not see that ending coming! (well the killer reveal portion) but it seems like each time I read a mystery and think I have the killer figured out, there is some sort of twist that surprises me.
There is a paranormal aspect that actually made the story somewhat light (at least to me). I don't want to spoil anything so hard to say too much, but it explains why there was no crime for her first 2 years as sheriff.
This is a series that I will be following.
I can safely say I did not see that ending coming! (well the killer reveal portion) but it seems like each time I read a mystery and think I have the killer figured out, there is some sort of twist that surprises me.
There is a paranormal aspect that actually made the story somewhat light (at least to me). I don't want to spoil anything so hard to say too much, but it explains why there was no crime for her first 2 years as sheriff.
This is a series that I will be following.
kiala's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
meezcarrie's review against another edition
4.0
Besides delighting me with her depiction of this small Kentucky town, Tonya Kappes kept me fully entertained with the mystery and the humor and the characters. And, of course, the hint of romance.
Sheriff Kenni Lowry is very dimensional – stronger than she feels she is, a little bit awkward, completely engaging and relatable. Finn is her hunky sidekick and I had a "big ole" grin on my face during one of the last scenes of the book. I am looking forward to seeing how the chemistry between them plays out in future books. The secondary characters are fun, too. Full of sass and small-town charm, they leap off the page and into your heart. Some of them you want to jerk a knot into; others you just want to hug. But they’re all entertaining and well-defined. I loved Poppa’s character, the ghost of Kenni’s grandfather (the former sheriff) who has been keeping the town free of crime since Kenni was elected sheriff. Except, you know, for the recent murder and jewelry store robbery. But other than that – zero crime rate, thanks to Poppa. He added a lot of heartwarming moments as well as humor to the story and to Kenni’s character.
Fixin to Die is a fantastic start to a new series! It’s cute and endearing, funny and sweet, and the mystery will keep you intrigued from start to finish. Quirky characters with lots of layers give the story a lot of its charm, and Tonya Kappes’ engaging writing style fills in the rest. If you love cozy mysteries and you love small southern towns, then Fixin to Die is fixin’ to be your next fave read.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my entire review at Reading Is My SuperPower
Sheriff Kenni Lowry is very dimensional – stronger than she feels she is, a little bit awkward, completely engaging and relatable. Finn is her hunky sidekick and I had a "big ole" grin on my face during one of the last scenes of the book. I am looking forward to seeing how the chemistry between them plays out in future books. The secondary characters are fun, too. Full of sass and small-town charm, they leap off the page and into your heart. Some of them you want to jerk a knot into; others you just want to hug. But they’re all entertaining and well-defined. I loved Poppa’s character, the ghost of Kenni’s grandfather (the former sheriff) who has been keeping the town free of crime since Kenni was elected sheriff. Except, you know, for the recent murder and jewelry store robbery. But other than that – zero crime rate, thanks to Poppa. He added a lot of heartwarming moments as well as humor to the story and to Kenni’s character.
Fixin to Die is a fantastic start to a new series! It’s cute and endearing, funny and sweet, and the mystery will keep you intrigued from start to finish. Quirky characters with lots of layers give the story a lot of its charm, and Tonya Kappes’ engaging writing style fills in the rest. If you love cozy mysteries and you love small southern towns, then Fixin to Die is fixin’ to be your next fave read.
(I received a copy of this book in exchange for only my honest review.)
See my entire review at Reading Is My SuperPower
lilyelement's review against another edition
4.0
Fixin' To Die is book one in the Kenni Lowry series. It's been forever since I've read a mystery and when I saw this one had a ghost in it I knew I had to try it out. I wound up loving this book and cannot wait to read the next installment.
Kenni Lowry is the sheriff of Cottonwood, KY, a small town that has had zero crime since she's been appointed sheriff. That all changes when the town's doctor is murdered and the local jewelry shop is robbed on the same day. Kenni is determined to prove herself by solving both cases and though she thinks she's going a bit nuts, she has her Poppa's (grandfather) ghost there to help along her investigations. Since he passed, her Poppa, the former sheriff has been the reason for the zero crime rate in Cottonwood. He's been scaring off the criminals or righting their crimes before anything could happen. I was happy to see Kenni trying to solve the cases, though she did come to a few quick conclusions that didn't necessarily pan out.
Fixin' To Die was such a fun mystery! I loved that there was a ghost in the mix, and that he didn't make everything easy for Kenni. There was a dash of possible romance mixed in which has me wanting the next book to see if it grows. The mystery bits were well done, I wasn't able to figure out who the killer was but it made sense once everything was revealed. All in all, this was an excellent start to a mystery series and I'll be grabbing book two quickly. If you're a fan of mystery books and haven't tried this series you should grab this one!
The Narrator:
This is my first audiobook narrated by Hillary Huber and I found it quite enjoyable! She brought a lot of personality to each character and I thought it suited them well. I'm hoping she narrates the second book in this series since I enjoyed this one so much.
Kenni Lowry is the sheriff of Cottonwood, KY, a small town that has had zero crime since she's been appointed sheriff. That all changes when the town's doctor is murdered and the local jewelry shop is robbed on the same day. Kenni is determined to prove herself by solving both cases and though she thinks she's going a bit nuts, she has her Poppa's (grandfather) ghost there to help along her investigations. Since he passed, her Poppa, the former sheriff has been the reason for the zero crime rate in Cottonwood. He's been scaring off the criminals or righting their crimes before anything could happen. I was happy to see Kenni trying to solve the cases, though she did come to a few quick conclusions that didn't necessarily pan out.
Fixin' To Die was such a fun mystery! I loved that there was a ghost in the mix, and that he didn't make everything easy for Kenni. There was a dash of possible romance mixed in which has me wanting the next book to see if it grows. The mystery bits were well done, I wasn't able to figure out who the killer was but it made sense once everything was revealed. All in all, this was an excellent start to a mystery series and I'll be grabbing book two quickly. If you're a fan of mystery books and haven't tried this series you should grab this one!
The Narrator:
This is my first audiobook narrated by Hillary Huber and I found it quite enjoyable! She brought a lot of personality to each character and I thought it suited them well. I'm hoping she narrates the second book in this series since I enjoyed this one so much.
morticia32's review against another edition
3.0
After two years of little to no crime, Sheriff Kenni has to solve two serious crimes and prove that she has what it takes to be sheriff.
This book was a good first in a series. I enjoyed the touch of paranormal, with Kenni's ghostly gramps, the previous town sheriff, helping her out The sexy State Reserve officer on loan since Kenni's deputy just retired, was a nice addition as well. The small town feel is realistic and fun, full of the quirky (and annoying) characters found in so many small towns.
It was a fun cozy mystery, and I am looking forward to book 2.
*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
This book was a good first in a series. I enjoyed the touch of paranormal, with Kenni's ghostly gramps, the previous town sheriff, helping her out The sexy State Reserve officer on loan since Kenni's deputy just retired, was a nice addition as well. The small town feel is realistic and fun, full of the quirky (and annoying) characters found in so many small towns.
It was a fun cozy mystery, and I am looking forward to book 2.
*I was provided with an ARC of this book by the publisher, via Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.
lunifur's review against another edition
4.0
**I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review**
This is a great start to a new series. I've read different series involving paranormal help in investigating, but this still managed to keep a uniqueness to it. Yes, Kenni did have help from her grandpa's ghost, but this case could've been solved without him. The characters were well written, and that twist ending – wow! Definitely worth reading, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This is a great start to a new series. I've read different series involving paranormal help in investigating, but this still managed to keep a uniqueness to it. Yes, Kenni did have help from her grandpa's ghost, but this case could've been solved without him. The characters were well written, and that twist ending – wow! Definitely worth reading, and I can't wait to see what happens next.
verityw's review against another edition
2.0
*****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review*****
I was a little confused by this at times. I think there is a bit too much going on at the start and it leaves you with your head spinning and not enough information to get your head around what's going on. Also there's the fact that I'm a Brit, so the idea of elected sheriff and tiny police departments is a different one for me.
For a trained police officer, Kenni seems a little spacey and hazy on procedure, even before you get to the fact she's visited by a ghost. The town seems to populated by a lot of quirky characters who are quick to rush to strange judgements and the solution feels a bit melodramatic and out of character with what we'd been told.
Probably not a series I'll go back to until it's had a couple more books to bed in and then we'll see how it's developed.
I was a little confused by this at times. I think there is a bit too much going on at the start and it leaves you with your head spinning and not enough information to get your head around what's going on. Also there's the fact that I'm a Brit, so the idea of elected sheriff and tiny police departments is a different one for me.
For a trained police officer, Kenni seems a little spacey and hazy on procedure, even before you get to the fact she's visited by a ghost. The town seems to populated by a lot of quirky characters who are quick to rush to strange judgements and the solution feels a bit melodramatic and out of character with what we'd been told.
Probably not a series I'll go back to until it's had a couple more books to bed in and then we'll see how it's developed.