Camped Criminality
(2026)(Book 14 in the Nightsmith Novelties Cozy Mystery series)
A novel by Patti Benning
Legends are sometimes scary…
And sometimes, they’re murder.
Bridget Rowan is looking forward to one thing, a quiet long weekend helping supervise a youth camp at Old Mill Lumber. Between campfires, hiking trails, and keeping a lively group of kids entertained, it's exactly the change of pace she needs. Until an eerie campfire tale about Michigan's legendary Dogman appears to come to life in the darkness, sending everyone scrambling and turning an ordinary camping trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Thankfully, everyone makes it home safely.
Or so Bridget thinks.
Just days later, the body of a man dressed as the infamous cryptid is discovered in the woods bordering Lachlan's property. Was the victim part of an elaborate prank that went horribly wrong, or did someone use the local legend to disguise a cold-blooded murder?
With rumors spreading through Mill Creek faster than wildfire, Bridget follows a twisting trail of clues through old grudges, hidden motives, and small-town secrets. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the killer is counting on everyone believing the monster is only a myth.
Can Bridget uncover the truth before the legend claims another victim?
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, quirky small towns, clean suspense, charming characters, and clever whodunits, this page-turning mystery will keep you guessing until the very last chapter.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
And sometimes, they’re murder.
Bridget Rowan is looking forward to one thing, a quiet long weekend helping supervise a youth camp at Old Mill Lumber. Between campfires, hiking trails, and keeping a lively group of kids entertained, it's exactly the change of pace she needs. Until an eerie campfire tale about Michigan's legendary Dogman appears to come to life in the darkness, sending everyone scrambling and turning an ordinary camping trip into an unforgettable adventure.
Thankfully, everyone makes it home safely.
Or so Bridget thinks.
Just days later, the body of a man dressed as the infamous cryptid is discovered in the woods bordering Lachlan's property. Was the victim part of an elaborate prank that went horribly wrong, or did someone use the local legend to disguise a cold-blooded murder?
With rumors spreading through Mill Creek faster than wildfire, Bridget follows a twisting trail of clues through old grudges, hidden motives, and small-town secrets. The deeper she digs, the more she realizes the killer is counting on everyone believing the monster is only a myth.
Can Bridget uncover the truth before the legend claims another victim?
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths, quirky small towns, clean suspense, charming characters, and clever whodunits, this page-turning mystery will keep you guessing until the very last chapter.
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Used availability for Patti Benning's Camped Criminality