This is the eighth book in the series. I have not read any of the others in the series. It is my first time reading this author. I first heard of this book at a Facebook party. I was excited about it because I love camping. I also found it intriguing that the mysteries will most likely move around. I found this to be interesting as locations, victims, suspects and witnesses will be different. I was wondering how that might affect the series and if I should start with the first book. Then I was notified I won a copy of this book.

I was able to enjoy the mystery with no problem at all. Yes there were hints of prior mysteries but nothing that made me feel as if I was left out of the loop. I loved the idea of family and friends going on camping adventures together. I felt right at home with Frannie and the gang. There was no awkwardness of being the outsider wondering about all I missed. It was the welcoming, friendly feeling you really do get from most campers. The reality show aspect was fun. Just imagining some actors out in the “wilds” building fires and living without luxuries was hilarious. I think the author did well with blending what we imagine they are like with what may be realistically more accurate. I don’t want to go into the mystery. I am always afraid of ruining the story. I enjoyed it. I thought it was fairly easy to solve but a fun book to read. I do want to go back and read prior books though it isn’t necessary. I just think the people were fun and the author did a wonderful job bringing the camping experience to me. I found the book to be appropriate for those who enjoy “clean” books. ( )

A Novel, not a Murder Mystery.

It's a decent little novel, like a cozy mystery. There's even a murder. But not enough clues to work it out for oneself. ( )

UP-Michigan, cozy-mystery, television, camping, murder

Even if you've never read any of these Campground Mysteries, you won't feel out of the loop. This time the group of friends are vacationing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan when they encounter cold wet weather, an invasive television crew, and murder, followed by even worse weather and. .. almost did a spoiler! Anyway, it is a good read made even better by having Michelle Babb to bring the characters to life with her narration. ( )

Frannie and Larry Shoemaker are out RVing with their friends again, this time in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. They settle in to their campground, the day before a parade of RVs show up, soon to be followed by a tour bus full of has-been celebrities. A reality tv show is going to film there for the next four days.

The actors, of course, had no idea what they were getting themselves into. The assistant producer thought that she was going to be able to ban the other guests from leaving their campers for the entire four days of the filming. There are a variety of conflicts among the former stars--and they are not at all happy when they discover that they'll be required to actually camp, in tents, that they have set up themselves. When Frannie takes a tour in the glass-bottom boat to see the wrecks in Lake Superior, and sees the face of the head producer looking up at her from the water, clearly deceased, well, at least this time she didn't find the body while alone or with only her friends.

The actors, the production crew, and the campground hosts range from cantankerous to friendly, and Frannie and her friends have learned to not do anything obviously dangerous.

Not obviously dangerous.

When the police have arrested a suspect, even if Frannie thinks it's the wrong one, and she and her friends are ready to move on to their next destination, going outside early on the morning of their departure day to get everything picked up and stowed, doesn't seem dangerous. It's not Frannie's fault that the real killer decides to hijack her and her truck and camper in order to get away.

This is another light, fun, enjoyable visit with the Shoemakers and their friends. We continue to learn more about them, as they learn more about themselves and each other. The bonds of family and yeas of friendship are warm and satisfying, and add to the enjoyment of the story.

Michelle Babb is, as always, an excellent narrator.

I received a free copy of this audiobook from the narrator, and am reviewing it voluntarily. ( )