Reluctant Retiree

Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies

Posted on May 19, 2026May 12, 2026 by Reluctant Retiree

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 37)

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.

Mae West, owner of Happy Trails Campground located in the Daniel Boone National Forest, is no stranger to the twists and turns of life in Normal, but she never expected her community’s knitting circle to unravel into chaos. When local knitting enthusiast is found murdered with her own knitting needles during the town’s lively Fourth of July celebration, the community is spun into a whirlwind of suspicion and secrets.

Amidst the burst of Fourth of July festivities and the echoes of fireworks long past, Mae and the Laundry Club Ladies unravels a tangled web of secrets. With tales of a cursed heirloom and hidden treasures rumored to be concealed within the walls of the Stitchin’ Post, they find themselves piecing together clues from both past and present.

As tensions mount against the backdrop of booming Fourth of July fireworks, Mae learns that in Normal, Kentucky, some secrets are explosive enough to kill for. Can she unravel the killer’s identity before the fabric of her community is torn apart forever? Join Mae as she chases down clues and crooks amidst the sparks and echoes of Independence Day celebrations!

#BookReview, #BookBloggers, #MysteryBooks, #CurrentlyReading, #Fediblog,

#History

Alaska Natives

Posted on May 18, 2026May 12, 2026 by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to the History of the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska

Did you know that Alaska is home to the oldest archaeological site in the US?

If you’re ready to take a journey that will explore the history of Alaska’s Native heritage, then Alaska Natives: A Captivating Guide to the History of Indigenous Peoples of Alaska is the trail for you to follow the cultures that have thrived for generations against the breathtaking backdrop of the Alaskan wilderness.

Alaska Natives is not merely a collection of facts and dates—it’s a captivating narrative that explores the Alaska Native cultures and their journey into the modern era. Discover the pathways on the Bering Land Bridge, share in the contemporary celebrations that honor their heritage, and witness the continuity of traditions that are intertwined with tales of resilience, artistry, and their incredible connection with the land.

In the pages of this book, you’ll find a world where the past and present coexist. Explore the Aleutian Islands, where strong communities thrive against rugged landscapes, revealing how the land shapes tradition. The journey through the heritage of the Alaska Natives is a story where cultures have thrived against all odds.

Are you ready to dive in? Here’s some of what you’ll discover in the pages of this guide:

Learn where the early Alaskans came from and how they connected with Europe
Uncover how they survived in such harsh conditions
Learn how the land shaped traditions and lifestyles
Discover how the native tribes survived the Russian invasion
Explore where the Alaska Natives stood when the US gained control
And so much more!

#History, #BookReview, #WorldHistory, #NativeAmericanHistory, #USHistory,

Cozy Mysteries

Bonfires, Backpacks, & Brawls

Posted on May 17, 2026May 12, 2026 by Reluctant Retiree

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 36)

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY WITH A SMIDGEN OF HOMICIDE

USA Today Bestselling author Tonya Kappes brings you southern and quirky characters in her mystery series. Her stories are charged with humor, friendship, family and life in small southern towns.

Get ready to pitch your tents and light the campfire for a wildly entertaining mystery with “Bonfires, Backpacks, & Brawls,” the latest page-turner in the A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series. When the peaceful plunk of fishing lures at Happy Trails Campground is replaced by the startling bang of gunshots, Mae West and the Laundry Club ladies gear up for their most adventurous case yet in the heart of Daniel Boone National Forest.
Imagine stumbling upon a body in the woods—only it’s not hunting season, and this isn’t a deer we’re talking about. This twist sends Mae and her gang on a trek through a forest thick with secrets, where every turn in the trail could be the clue they need or a dead end. The victim, a real outdoorsman with a complex web of connections to the wilderness, has left behind a trail as puzzling as a switchback path.

“Bonfires, Backpacks, & Brawls” isn’t just any cozy caper; it’s a romp through the great outdoors, complete with twists, turns, and Tonya Kappes’ signature dose of humor. Prepare to be hooked from the first gunshot to the last guffaw as Mae digs into a case that proves even the most scenic spots can hide dark secrets and dastardly deeds.

This book is the perfect campsite companion for mystery lovers looking for fun, frights, and friendship. With a backdrop as enchanting as Kentucky’s own wilderness and a story brimming with intrigue, betrayal, and, of course, a hefty helping of laughter, you won’t want to put it down. So, pack your sense of adventure (and maybe a flashlight) and join Mae and the gang as they navigate the wilds of human nature. “Bonfires, Backpacks, & Brawls” is more than a mystery; it’s an expedition into excitement, proving once and for all that where there’s smoke… there’s laughter, lies, and a darn good read. Catch your copy today and become a happy camper in the world of cozy mysteries!

#BookReview, #BookBloggers, #MysteryBooks, #CurrentlyReading, #Fediblog,

#History

The Pequot War

Posted on May 16, 2026May 12, 2026 by Reluctant Retiree

A Captivating Guide to the Armed Conflict in New England between the Pequot People and English Settlers and Its Role in the History of the United States of America (Indigenous People)

If you want to discover the captivating history of the Pequot War, then keep reading…

Free History BONUS Inside!

The Pequot War (1636–1638) was a short-lived but extremely violent and bloody episode in United States history. This event represents one of the turning points in the entire history of North America, as the war changed the balance of power. The Dutch colonial authorities lost their status of being the dominant economic and political force, while the English took over this epithet. The end of the war also represented the first stage in England’s intensive expansion in that part of the world.

This historical event demonstrates the insurmountable antagonisms between two opposing cultures and perceptions. It was just the beginning of the conflicts between the European settlers and the Native Americans, as the Pequot War allowed the Puritans to have a testing ground so they could examine their military capabilities in the New World and observe the capabilities of the Native American tribes.

In The Pequot War: A Captivating Guide to the Armed Conflict in New England between the Pequot People and English Settlers and Its Role in the History of the United States of America, you will discover topics such as

The European Conception of the Native Americans
Who Were the Pequots?
The Massachusetts Bay Colony of New England
The Events That Triggered the Pequot War
Military Capacities, Organization, and Tactics of the Warring Parties
Conflict Escalation
Mystic River Campaign
The Mother of All Crimes
Analysis and Comparison of King Philip’s War and the Historiography of the Pequot War
Where Are They Today? A Look at the Pequots
And much, much more!

#History, #BookReview, #WorldHistory, #NativeAmericanHistory,

Cozy Mysteries

Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter

Posted on May 15, 2026May 15, 2026 by Reluctant Retiree

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 35)

Small-town cozy mystery set during a festival

Normal, Kentucky is celebrating National Wildflower Week, drawing botanists, hikers, and nature lovers to the trails of Daniel Boone National Forest. But when a renowned botanist known for controversial research is found dead beneath the moonlit sky, the peaceful festival turns deadly.

Mae West and the Laundry Club Ladies are pulled into another small-town investigation when whispers of environmental disputes, land development schemes, and professional rivalries begin to surface. With suspects ranging from a developer with questionable conservation plans to an assistant whose admiration borders on obsession, it’s clear the victim’s work stirred more than scientific debate.

As Mae follows a trail of hidden motives and long-buried grudges, she discovers that danger in Normal grows quietly—and strikes without warning. With the town on edge and another festival event approaching, Mae and her friends must uncover the truth before the killer has a chance to strike again.

Moonlight Marshmallows & Manslaughter is a Southern cozy mystery filled with small-town charm, festival intrigue, and community sleuthing—perfect for readers who love amateur detectives, quirky side characters, and mysteries rooted in place.

Author: Reluctant Retiree

Fireworks, Freedom, & Felonies

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 37)

#BookReview, #BookBloggers, #MysteryBooks, #CurrentlyReading, #Fediblog,

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Alaska Natives

A Captivating Guide to the History of the Indigenous Peoples of Alaska

#History, #BookReview, #WorldHistory, #NativeAmericanHistory, #USHistory,

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Bonfires, Backpacks, & Brawls

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 36)

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The Pequot War

A Captivating Guide to the Armed Conflict in New England between the Pequot People and English Settlers and Its Role in the History of the United States of America (Indigenous People)

#History, #BookReview, #WorldHistory, #NativeAmericanHistory,

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Moonlight, Marshmallows, & Manslaughter

(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 35)

#BookReview, #BookBloggers, #MysteryBooks, #CurrentlyReading, #Fediblog,

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(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 36)

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A Captivating Guide to the Armed Conflict in New England between the Pequot People and English Settlers and Its Role in the History of the United States of America (Indigenous People)

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(A Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery Series Book 35)

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