Campgrounds, Cozy Crimes, and Cameos: A Conversation with Tonya Kappes

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In this can’t-miss episode, Eric Rutin sits down with the queen of quirky cozies herself—Tonya Kappes! Best known for her Camper & Criminals Cozy Mystery series (soon to hit the screen on Hallmark Mystery Channel), Tonya shares what it’s like writing over 40 books in a single series, how her RV lifestyle inspires her fictional campground capers, and why Dottie—with her sponge curlers and sass—may just deserve her own spin-off.

From bourbon martinis and body barrels to how laundry rooms became gossip hubs in her fictional world, this episode dives deep into Tonya’s creative process, writing rituals, and the real-life Kentucky charm that infuses her work. She also talks about the Hallmark TV adaptation, her dream casting for Mae West, and whether she’ll insist on a cameo (spoiler: yes, she will!).

Whether you’re a cozy mystery reader, Hallmark fan, or aspiring author, this episode is packed with inspiration, laughter, and plenty of “Dottie-isms.”

📚 Bonus: Hear about her brand-new Bluegrass Ridge Ranch series—described as Yellowstone meets Heart of Dixie… with murder.

🔍 Listen now and get the inside scoop from a USA Today bestselling author whose career is as colorful as her characters.

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This podcast was created by fans for fans and is NOT affiliated with or sponsored by Hallmark or the Hallmark Channel.