PHOTO: Tonya Kappes, bestselling cozy mystery author, laughing warmly while crafting her signature southern tales filled with charm, humor, and unforgettable characters.
From Reluctant Reader To Beloved Author Of Southern Cozy Mysteries
Tonya Kappes shares her journey from non-reader to bestselling author, revealing how personal struggles, southern roots, and a love for storytelling shaped her prolific career in cozy mystery fiction.
Tonya Kappes brings a generous dose of southern charm, wit, and heartfelt humor to the world of cozy mysteries. With more than 180 titles to her name, she has become a literary force whose stories offer more than just a good whodunit—they’re invitations to escape into whimsical small towns filled with eccentric characters and heartfelt moments. Her work has landed on bestseller lists including USA Today and earned her recognition as a two-time Woman’s World Book Club pick and an Amazon All Star Author.
Born and raised in rural Kentucky, Tonya’s deep connection to her southern roots is the heartbeat of her stories. Her most iconic settings, like the quirky town of Normal, Kentucky in the Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series, come alive with southern dialect, rich traditions, home-cooked foods, and a cast of unforgettable personalities. Her books aren’t just stories—they’re entire worlds that readers delight in visiting again and again.
Tonya Kappes captivates with heartfelt humor, unforgettable characters, and authentic southern storytelling that turns every book into a delightful escape.
But Tonya’s path to literary stardom is anything but conventional. “I’m the most unlikely person to ever become a writer,” she says candidly. Growing up, she admits she had little interest in reading or writing. “If it wasn’t a party invitation, I wasn’t reading it. If it wasn’t from me, I wasn’t writing it.” Yet life took an unexpected turn after a difficult divorce, and with encouragement from friends, family, and a well-timed wine-and-chocolate book club invitation, she discovered the transformative power of stories.
It all started with a romantic comedy that captivated her for seven hours straight. That single reading experience sparked a realization: stories could provide the same kind of escape and comfort she so desperately needed. That same spark would become the foundation for her mission as a writer—helping readers find joy, laughter, and lightness in an often heavy world.
Her characters, like Mae West in the Camper & Criminals series, reflect this spirit of resilience and reinvention. Inspired partly by the Bernie Madoff scandal and Tonya’s own childhood camping adventures in a Winnebago, Mae’s story is one of unexpected twists, humor, and heart. Tonya’s stories are packed with southern phrases—often written exactly how they’re spoken in Kentucky—giving her books a distinct voice that readers find authentic and endearing.
Writing has become not only her profession but also her passion. Whether she’s tucked into her writing cabin in the Kentucky woods or traveling in her camper to national parks, Tonya finds inspiration in nature, solitude, and the everyday charm of rural life. “I love the small campground where I’m surrounded by nature. This really inspires me and makes my soul happy,” she shares.
Despite hitting bestseller lists, Tonya remains grounded. “None of the bigger titles like USA Today has really impacted the career at all or even made any sort of difference,” she says. Her true reward is in knowing she helps readers laugh and escape. Her books consistently rank in Amazon’s top 100, a testament to her loyal and ever-growing fan base.
Looking ahead, Tonya has no plans to slow down. She’s actively writing in five different series, planning more audiobooks, and continuing to host fan-favorite events like her annual Two Dames on a Mystery Train reader weekend. Each year, she rents a real train, stages a themed mystery, and invites fans along for an immersive literary adventure.
Her journey—from a reluctant reader to one of the most prolific cozy mystery authors in the genre—is a story in itself. With warmth, humor, and a genuine love for storytelling, Tonya Kappes continues to brighten lives one page at a time.
Source: Reader’s House Interview with Tonya Kappes
