Tonya Kappes’ SLEIGHT OF HAND featuring a vigorous Maisie Doss who is always being haunted by the burden of her unpleasant past!
Maisie hovers between the gray area of right and wrong, and at some point, she decides to flee from her beloved family and hometown, and to lie low. However, the ghost of her past is catching up with her, and exposing her to some great endangerment!

I truly enjoyed Tonya Kappes’ Book 1 of her new series Maisie Doss Mysteries, Sleight of Hand. I loved the strong and determined personality of Maisie Doss who always looks out for her family and friends. I am looking forward to reading the coming books in this series! ( )

I love this new series and am excited to follow Maisie on her adventures. Fans of the author know her for her wonderful cozy mysteries, but this series is much different. It has a little more suspense and danger that for me was intriguing. I love how the author moved a bit away from the usual fun and quirky characters. This series dives deep into crimes that find Maisie in over her heads,

At first I didn’t know why she had been hiding out but slowly her past is revealed. Can you imagine being a confidential informant? There is no sense of security as Maisie is always having to keep her identity a secret. It sends shivers down my spine as I think about the things she has witnessed. I’m not sure that I could do what she does.

A puppy ring is at the core of this story where Maisie is placed to help nap the people behind it. There are more twists than expected and I cheered for the writing that has made me love this author even more. The author still has a quaint little town in this story, but there is a more serious undertone that highlights the dynamics of a talented author. I am a huge fan of the new series and am excited to read the next book n this very promising series.

I received a copy of this book from the author. The review is my own opinion. ( )

Sleight of Hand is the first in a new series by Tonya Kappes. Long time fans of her books will find that this one is a little different – it is not quite so cozy. Readers are introduced to Maisie Doss, who has become a confidential police informant.

Maisie, who is hiding out in rural Kentucky and is known to her friends there as Bobbie Jo, is asked to join the investigation of a puppy smuggling ring. She gets herself into some scary situations but is successful in helping solve the case.

We meet an eclectic group of characters ranging from Maisie’s co-workers at the local diner, an abused friend, villains, contacts in law enforcement, to her family. Unexpected clues are unearthed, friendships are formed, and there are thrilling moments that will make you gasp for breath. Ms. Kappes is no stranger to writing stories set in small towns, so the relationships between her characters are well defined. She has a talent for leading her readers down paths that they do not see coming but making those roads believable.

I really like the direction this series is going and encourage others to give it a try. ( )

I loved this wonderful, slightly edgy southern cozy mystery. I loved getting to know Maisie Doss and her unique family. I loved the southern charm that shows up in this series. I liked Wes too. I loved the twist at the end. I received a copy of this book from the publisher for a fair and honest opinion that I gave of my own free will. ( )