Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers by Heather Weidner is the first book in her new Jules Keene Glamping Mystery. Jules runs a glamping resort with beautiful vintage trailers that she rents out to small families and individuals who want to get away from the city without going too wild with their “camping experience.” Business is going great, and everyone is happy until trouble shows it’s face in the form of one of her “long-stay” customers turning up dead. What exactly happened to curmudgeon Ira Perkins and why was he found in nothing but a red satin thong?? The trailer he was staying in was also ransacked, so one would think it’s over. Right? Well, the trouble doesn’t stop there as more seems to follow. Ira claimed to be a writer, but what was he really and why do his actions continue to haunt them?
Vintage Trailers and Blackmailers is the first book that I have read by Heather Weidner, and the storyline really captured my attention. While this story is the first in the series, the author has already established Jules’s business and hints at previous attractions at one time between some of the characters. I love that Jules learned quite a few things from her dad as she was growing up and that they also worked together to create many of the vintage trailers she uses at her resort. I appreciate that she also has such a good relationship with her Aunt Roxanne to work together at the resort as well. I love the family ties that surround Jules.
As I was reading this story, I began to wonder when exactly the murder was going to happen, but don’t worry it’s not too deep into the storyline. I have to say that Ira really is not a pleasant person. I thought that since Aunt Roxanne goes and spends a bit of time with him that maybe he’s not that bad. Nope! Wait until the next morning. That man blows his top like nobody’s business! So, of course, when he winds up dead, I’m like...well bless his heart, how tragic. LOL! Though the trouble with him in life may be done and over with, Jules’s troubles with him after-death are just beginning. It’s not long before Jules has the police on speed dial and more visitors who aren’t looking to check in to one of her vintage trailers. Rip them apart and the ground they stand on? Yes. Absolutely.
I have to admit that there are several times during this book that I completely forgot that this was a first in a series. LOL! I don’t know if that’s a good thing or a bad thing really. Probably a bit of both since I’m an avid reader of cozy mystery novels. Jules really has some truly amateurish moments in her sleuthing that I think create big risks for those around her. Granted, that is the nature of the beast when it comes to mysteries and deaths. I just felt that in some cases she takes some risks that could have had collateral damage for those around her. A prime example would be when she’s chasing after unknown individuals speeding through town. It’s bad enough that these reckless people were blazing through Fern Valley like it was a speedway. Things for me get compounded when Jules decides to essentially join in the speeding through town to either: 1) figure out who they are or 2) find out where they’re going. Jules honestly has no qualms pulling out in front of people for the sake of satisfying her curiosity. Her actions could have really come back to bite her if the Sheriff had gotten any complaints concerning her during those chases.
This book is like a really big puzzle, but some of the pieces are hidden and the only way to piece it all together is to find those stray pieces. Jules digs deep to figure out what was really going on with Ira Perkins. For someone who should have been in hiding, he really didn’t want to be too hidden away. In death he brings a lot of chaos and trouble into Jules’s life, but the trouble isn’t just with him as some locals get into some mischief after things don’t go their way. It makes it look like Jules is a magnet for trouble, but that’s just necessarily the case.
Jules, in my opinion, is an interesting character. I love how she runs the resort especially. While these people may not be “long-stay” customers, I appreciate how she takes the time to know their names and be more than just “customer-service” friendly to them. She works to create a sense of community for these people and help make them feel welcome and at home. The author gives readers a nice sense of community and connection whenever Jules goes into town as well. So many in Fern Valley appreciate Jules for what she’s doing, because she’s not just helping herself, but everyone in the Valley as well. I love it. The author does an excellent job showcasing Jules as a truly exceptional individual who wants to help all those around her.
This book is a truly enjoyable story from beginning to end. The author masks dangerous characters by having them use fake names, but their behavior is rarely above board. Of course, there were times when I was a bit suspicious of Agent Stafford. I mean...how is it that he’s always popping up somewhere that Jules is when she’s in town? That’s weird, right? LOL! Not going to lie I did slide a bit into Aunt Roxanne’s lane and think...well...maybe he’s interested in her a bit beyond the case. Maybe? LOL! It’s always fun to imagine.
While this story may not be a fast-paced thriller, it definitely keeps you on your toes wondering...what’s going to happen next? There are some budding romances fluttering around the pages, but nothing concrete just yet. I’m sure that there will be more to come as the series progresses. I enjoyed reading this book and the thrills and chills that Jules and those around her experience while piecing together Ira Perkins’s twisted story. If you enjoy cozy mystery novels or are just looking for a brand new series to dive into, then I encourage you to pick up this book. There is so much to enjoy with this book, and I don’t think you’re going to want to miss out.
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