Hippity Hoppity Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery #28) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery

• Paperback: 186 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (March 26, 2018)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1984950320
• ISBN-13: 978-1984950321

Synopsis: With Easter only a week away, Zoe is pulled into a dangerous game after Zak is kidnapped and the person who kidnapped him, a rival from the past, challenges Zoe to a game referred to as The Sleuthing Game. Zoe is told that the only way to gain Zak's freedom is to not only play the game but to complete all the challenges in the time allotted. If she fails, Zak will die. Zoe had promised herself that she would retire from sleuthing now that she had an infant to care for and protect, but the stakes are high, so she leaves the kids with Ellie while she and Levi set out to conquer the game. Along the way, they get help from old friends who want to ensure that Zak is returned home safely to his family.

Review: This series takes a slightly darker turn in this book, at least in the first half. The tension runs high as Zoe and company try to solve a variety of tasks in time to save Zak's life. I found myself holding my breath at times, wondering how the tasks would play out.

The second half of the story is more of a typical Zoe mystery as they try to determine who kidnapped Zak and why. Zoe is learning to spend more time on the sidelines of investigations, letting others take the lead, and we get to witness how she struggles with that new role. And even without trying to investigate, she still manages to get herself in trouble.

With Eli and Catherine as part of the mix these days (as well as Ellie's surprise announcement in this book), there is no doubt these families will continue to have amazing adventures together for a long time to come.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Reindeer Roundup (Zoe Donovan #27) by Kathi Daley

BOOK INFORMATION

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery

• Paperback: 166 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 15, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1977500765
• ISBN-13: 978-1977500762

Synopsis:  It's funny, it's family, it's a Zak and Zoe Christmas Mystery.

A reindeer invasion, baby on the way, small-town decked out for the holidays, and a killer on the loose, all come together in this fun and heartwarming Christmas Cozy Mystery.

Review:  Another great story in this series! As usual, Zac has gone all out with the Christmas decorations, including getting 8 reindeer for the celebration in town. Zoe is 9 months pregnant, and missing Zac, who has had to fly to Paris to care for his mother who was involved in a suspicious accident there.

Meanwhile, an old friend of Zoe's is found dead (a body she didn't stumble upon for once!) and while she wants to find the killer, she also wants to protect baby Catherine, so she takes a less active role in this case, generally taking someone else along when she is talking to possible suspects. 

Along with trying to solve the murder, she is worried about getting the 8 reindeer rounded up again before Zac gets home...and concerned that the baby will come before then as well.

I love this series, and I enjoy the changes which seem to be on the horizon for this family. I have a feeling Alex is going to start taking a more active role in solving cases, as she did a fabulous job in this one.

Can't wait to see what book #28 has to offer!!

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

The Christmas Letter (A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: A Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery

• Paperback: 184 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (December 1, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 197750079X
• ISBN-13: 978-1977500793

Synopsis: A cozy mystery series featuring family who are friends and friends who are family. Set in the small town of White Eagle Montana, the series features Tess and her dog Tilly, who spend their days delivering the latest gossip along with the daily mail. When a close friend is murdered they join forces with the new Veterinarian in town to sleuth out the truth behind the shocking murder that is rocking the community as it prepares for the annual Christmas Festival. 

If you love small towns, endearing relationships, food, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this new mystery series by Kathi Daley, author of the popular Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Series.

Review: Kathi Daley is a writing superstar. This is her EIGHTH series, and she continues to write each and every one without making them repetitive or predictable. Each one is written in a slightly different style or voice so that they are unique entities, even with the occasional crossover of characters.

This new series features Tess, a small town mail carrier, her dog Tilly and her new cat Tangle. Tess has a very friendly relationship with everyone on her mail route, so when one of the town's residents is murdered (and Tess finds the body) it's no surprise that she would want to find out who killed him and why. With the help of her computer expert friend, Tony, and her best friend, Bree, she works to uncover the secrets Pike was holding---and we learn Tess and Tony are working on a mystery in Tess's life as well.  Tess also has a budding romance with the new veterinarian in town, so there are going to be a lot of irons in the fire for her as this series continues.

All of the major characters are very well developed, with hints of things still to learn about them. The animals are an integral part of the story, which is true in many of Ms. Daley's series. The identity of the murderer and the motive are not readily discernible, but the clues are there if you pay close attention.

As always with Ms. Daley's books, I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys a good cozy
--and I look forward to the next installment.

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join her on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on her books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

The Cat Of Christmas Future (Whales And Tales #14) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy Mystery

Series: Whales and Tails Mystery

• Paperback: 210 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 21, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1976095042
• ISBN-13: 978-1976095047

Synopsis: As with The Cat of Christmas Past and The Cat of Christmas Present, while this holiday cozy features a mystery, it does not feature a murder. 

It is Christmas on Madrona Island and the spirit of Christmas is out in full force. A cat who looks a lot like a cat from Cait's past comes to visit just as Cait and Cody are getting ready for a full lineup of holiday events. When Cait learns of the cat's true purpose for coming into her life she realizes she will need to set some of her usual routines aside in order to prevent a tragedy from occurring in the future. 

Meanwhile the entire Hart Family is gathering at Maggie's as a series of personal events causes each of member of the family to seek temporary refuge in the large house.

Review: This is a great series, and I always look forward to reading the newest release. This is the fourteenth book in the series, and also the end of a trilogy of sorts: The Cat Of Christmas Past, The Cat of Christmas Present, and The Cat Of Christmas Future. In those three books, there is a holiday themed mystery, but no murder.

I think this is the first time I have read a mystery where a person's future is at stake, based on the decisions made by others in the present. The Hart family is very much present throughout the story, as are the usual supporting characters. I love the way relationships grow and change in this series...it makes them that much more realistic. And, as usual in this series, there is a cat that plays a major part in drawing the right people together and finding the clues to solve the mystery.


Rating: Five stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

Finding Justice (Rescue Alaska Mystery #1) by Kathi Daley

BOOK INFORMATION

Series: Rescue Alaska Mysteries

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (November 3, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1976094976
• ISBN-13: 978-1976094972

Synopsis: Rescue Alaska is the eighth series by USA Today Bestselling Author Kathi Daley. It is a warm yet fast-moving mystery series with a light paranormal twist. 

Rescue Alaska is a small town in northern Alaska where visitors come to hike and ski. Harmony Carson is a lifelong resident who volunteers as a member of the local search and rescue team. Harmony has a unique gift which she often considers a curse. She is able to 'see' the individuals she is meant to help rescue, and more often than not she can feel their fear and their pain. When she isn't aiding in a rescue, Harmony works at Neverland -- the bar owned by her brother in law Jake--and volunteers at the local animal shelter. Harmony lives in a rustic cabin with six dogs, four cats, six kittens, eight rabbits, and a blind mule named Homer.

In this first book in the series, a longtime local, Tim Maverick, sends his old friend, Harley Medford, a letter with a photo stating that if he should turn up dead at some point in the near future, the man in the photo is the one who killed him. When Tim is found dead only two weeks later, Harley, who also happens to be a world-famous star of action movies, comes to Rescue to find the man he is convinced killed Tim. He hears that Harmony has a reputation for finding people so he enlists her help. As they delve into the mystery they find a set of circumstances a lot more confusing and a lot more dangerous than they originally thought. The journey to find the truth behind Tim's untimely death will take Harmony on a journey of discovery she never saw coming. 

Review: Another new series from one of my favorite cozy authors. This one has a touch of the paranormal to it, as the main character, Harmony, tends to have a psychic connection to the people who need to be rescued. As far as I am aware, this is a unique character and plot idea. 

Harmony is also a huge animal lover and is working to set up a new facility in order to help shelter/adopt more animals. I love her passion for animals, as well as her compassion for people.

Along with helping animals and rescuing people, Harmony manages to find herself in the middle of a murder mystery. It was a bit of a surprise when Shredder and Riptide (from the author's Sand and Sea Hawaiian mystery series) dropped into town and interacted with Harmony, even helping her deliver a litter of puppies--and working with her regarding the mystery.

Considering what a small town Rescue is, and how secluded it appears to be, I'm sure we're going to see a lot of interaction between the major characters and get to see their personalities develop--and learn more of their backstories over time as well.

Rating: Five stars 

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

Fourth Victim (Writers Retreat Mystery #4) by Kathi Daley

BOOK INFORMATION

Series: Writers Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery

• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (October 23, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1973942259
• ISBN-13: 978-1973942252

Synopsis: During the course of the remodel on one of the cabins at the writers retreat, the contractor finds a box hidden in a wall. Jill opens the box to find love letters writing to a woman named Francine more than fifty years ago. Jill decides to track down the woman to return the letters only to find that she was the fourth victim of the Silk Stalking Stranger, a serial killer who killed thirteen women in the mid 1960's. The strangler was never caught so Jill and the gang decide to dig into the mystery only to find that the fourth victim of the Silk Stalking Strangler may not have been killed by the Strangler after all.

Review:  I love this series more with every book that I read! I would love to live somewhere like Gull Island, surrounded by other writers and using our various talents to solve mysteries in our "spare time."  The characters and their relationships are developing over time, and are very lifelike. And Blackbeard is one of the greatest animal characters in any cozy series. 

My only complaint/problem with this story is Jim.  I realize he's falling head over heels for Jillian, but somehow being willing to give up his big house and all that goes with it and move into one of the cabins at the resort just doesn't ring true for me. 

The murder mystery in this story was fascinating. I was fairly sure the Strangler wasn't the killer, but I had no clue who the actual killer was until the final reveal. 

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

Fireworks In Paradise (A TJ Jensen Mystery #8) by Kathi Daley

BOOK INFORMATION

Series: Tj Jensen Mystery (Book 8)

• Hardcover
• Publisher: Henery Press (October 10, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1635112583
• ISBN-13: 978-1635112580

Synopsis: While on vacation in South Carolina, TJ Jensen receives a call that her father has been left in a coma after a devastating car crash. Back home in Paradise Lake, TJ learns the accident that killed family friend Judge Harper and left her father clinging to life wasn’t an accident at all—someone cut their brake lines. To make matters worse, her friend and police contact, Deputy Roy Fisher, is working with a new partner who has no intention of letting TJ anywhere near the case. Facing an investigation more explosive than the annual fireworks show, TJ enlists the help of her best friends to unravel the mystery, all the while navigating a new romance and the thought her father may never wake up. 

Review: This is one of my favorite Kathi Daley series. This time around, TJ finally seems to be coming into her own. She has realized how she truly feels about Kyle, and they are slowly growing their relationship into more than friends. There is a great scene where her younger sisters sit her down to talk about that relationship, which is so realistic and believable. Family is of  major importance in this story, not just the murder mystery.

Speaking of the the mystery, it is once again very well written, with several suspects, and clues that may lead the reader in more than one direction before bringing you to the realization of the killer's identity.

My only real issue with the book was that this story takes place before the three books I've already read in the Writer's Retreat series, so some of the information in this one was old news. However, with as many series as the author writes, that's a small blip in the scheme of things.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

REVIEW: Trick or Treason (Zoe Donovan Mystery #26) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery

• Paperback: 258 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (September 26, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1548558214
• ISBN-13: 978-1548558215

Synopsis: As is his tradition, Zak has gone Halloween Crazy, while Zoe is trying to overcome the baby bump blues and harness some enthusiasm for the annual Haunted Hamlet. Things seem to be on track for a Spooktacular good time until Zoe stumbles onto a Halloween mystery even she didn't see coming.

Review: Another successful novel from Ms. Daley. This is one of my two favorite series from her (be watching next week for my review of the latest release in the other one!).

In the midst of preparing for Halloween, Zoe discovers another dead body and is determined to discover whodunnit before the holiday. Due to her pregnancy, she is a little more subdued in her sleuthing this time around, which I found to be realistic and a relief--I was concerned that she might continue to be reckless and I'd get frustrated with her!

This mystery is filled with twist after twist. Every time I thought I had it solved, there were clues to point me in a completely different direction. The reveal was a surprise but in the end, the motive made sense. 

I'm already looking forward to Zoe's Christmas adventure!!

Rating: Five stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join her on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Third Strike (Writer's Retreat Mystery #3) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Southern Cozy Mystery

Series: Writer's Retreat Southern Seashore Mystery

• Paperback: 196 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (August 4, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1548141860
• ISBN-13: 978-1548141868

Synopsis: In this third book in the Writer's Retreat Mystery Series set on fictional Gull Island, a sports related death is explored when Trey Alderman, Gull Island’s most important claim to sports fame, is murdered. Trey was the starting pitcher for the Gull Island Seagulls who went on to stand out nationally amongst college players while attending The University of South Carolina. It was assumed by most that he would be a top draft pick a year and a half ago and it seemed at the time that the sky was the limit in terms of his career. Trey came home for spring break during his senior year and while on the island he agreed to play in a charity event held in Charleston. The game, which featured other draft hopefuls, was a one run game. It was the bottom of the ninth, tying run on third, bases loaded, two outs, full count, and the tension was high. The pitch was thrown, everyone in the crowd held their breath. Trey lined up with the pitcher and swung the bat with all his might before falling to the ground. He was pronounced dead at the scene. It was later determined that he died of a heart attack. He was twenty-two, healthy, and, as far as anyone knew, he had no pre-existing heart condition. It was later determined that he had a drug mixture in his system that could lead to a heart attack when combined with extreme stress. The local investigator determined that he had most likely engaged in recreational drug use at the party he attended the previous evening. 

Alex Cole, a twenty-eight-year-old, fun and flirty millennial who made his first million writing science fiction when he was just twenty-two decided to write a book about Trey’s life and death so he brought the mystery of Trey’s death to the Mystery Mastermind group who live and work at the Gull Island Writers Retreat. The eight members of the colony have all agreed to dig into the facts surrounding the death and help Alex find the answers he seeks. 

Review:  In the third book of this series, the writers' group is investigating a sports-related death/murder (part of the investigation is figuring out which it was).  We get to know more about the characters, and we get an introduction to a new writer who is moving in and may or may not become part of the group. We also learn about some changes in Garrett's condition and life, which is exciting.

I am quickly becoming very invested in the main characters of this series, and the series is one of my three favorites by this author (the other two being Zoe Donovan and Whales and Tails). The friendships and romances are developing in a realistic manner, and everything is described in such a way as to make the reader feel right in the middle of the action. 

The mystery is extremely well written and keeps readers guessing until the very end. I also love the way that animals and a ghost help to solve the mysteries each time.  And we get a peek into the next mystery the group will be working to solve as well, when the next book, Fourth Victim, is released in October. I am already looking forward to that visit to Gull Island!

Rating: Five stars

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author of the Zoe Donovan cozy Mystery Series, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series, Whales and Tails Island Mysteries, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mysteries, Writers Retreat Southern Seashore Mysteries, Rescue Alaska Paranormal Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery Series. 

Come for the murder, stay for the romance.

Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken. When she's not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.

Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with. 

Visit Kathi Daley:

Blog - http://kathidaleyblog.com 

Facebook at Kathi Daley Books, www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks 

Kathi Daley Teen - www.facebook.com/kathidaleyteen 

Kathi Daley Books Group Page - https://www.facebook.com/groups/569578823146850/

Kathi Daley Books Birthday Club- get a book on your birthday - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1040638412628912/ 

Kathi Daley Recipe Exchange - https://www.facebook.com/groups/752806778126428/ 

Webpage - www.kathidaley.com 

E-mail - kathidaley@kathidaley.com 

Recipe Submission E-mail - kathidaleyrecipes@kathidaley.com 

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/7278377.Kathi_Daley

Twitter at Kathi Daley@kathidaley - https://twitter.com/kathidaley 

Tumblr - http://kathidaleybooks.tumblr.com/

Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/kathidaley/ 

For weekly updates and contests sign up for her newsletter The Daley Weekly at (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf)or by accessing the link on her Facebook page or website.

•  

Camp Carter (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery #25) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy mystery

Series: Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery, 25th book

• Paperback: 222 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (July 24, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1546577300
• ISBN-13: 978-1546577300

Synopsis:  Zoe struggles with a secret as the Zimmerman clan sets out for a week of fun in the sun at Camp Carter, where they find the cook dead in the pantry on the very first day of their family vacation.

Review: Once again, Kathi shows why this is my favorite of her many series. The main characters are lovable and realistic folks, and they are always in believable locations where they just "happen" to discover a murder mystery that needs solving, whether they are at home in Ashton Falls or somewhere else.

This time around, Zak and Zoe are chaperoning a camping session for about a hundred elementary school students, and Zoe is trying to keep a "secret" which it turns out nearly everyone she knows has figured out and is just waiting for her to share. Zoe discovers a dead body almost immediately, and as the investigation progresses, she and Zak discover an "accidental" death has happened at the camp every two years for the last six years. Were they all accidents, or are they all murders which are connected? 

Every time I thought I had the mystery solved, Kathi threw another twist into the story that had me scrambling yet again.  As usual, there is plenty of clean romance and enough humor to keep things from getting too deep. 

Be sure to check out the great recipes at the end of the book, as well as a full list of all Kathi's books.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home. 
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries. 

Join Kathi on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on her books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf). 

Taming of the Tabby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 12) by Kathi Daley

• Series: Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery
• Paperback: 220 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (June 20, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1545255962
• ISBN-13: 978-1545255964

Synopsis: A murder, a wedding, and a teenager in danger, all collide in this fast-paced mystery set on magical Madrona Island.

Review: 

Those of us who also read the Seacliff High Mystery series by Ms. Daley will know that Sarah and Alyson left town in a hurry at the end of their last story, in the company of their Witness Protection Program handler, Donovan. Turns out Donovan is an old SEAL friend of Cody's, and he brings his charges to Madrona Island to stay for a few weeks while he determines whether or not the threat to them is a credible one. Alyson is able to use her ability to communicate with ghosts and animals to help Cait and Cody solve their latest mystery. She also enlists the help of her best friend back in Oregon, Mac, when they need a computer whiz to solve an encryption. Of course, as in the other books in this series, a mysterious cat shows up to help solve the mystery. Shadow becomes very attached to Alyson, and will apparently be a part of her future adventures. This story is incredibly well written and kept me reading--I read it all in one morning sitting. I can hardly wait for the next one, Frankencat, which is due to be released in August.

Rating: Four stars

A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails #11) by Kathi Daley

Book Information

Genre: Cozy mystery

• Series: Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery
• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform (February 14, 2017)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1542563585
• ISBN-13: 978-1542563581

Synopsis: Three secrets, first revealed in Grimm's Furry Tail, A Tale of Two Tabbies, and The Cat of Christmas Present, collide in a single horrific moment that leaves one person dead and one fighting for their life. This fast paced cozy mystery will have you glued to the page as Cait and Cody join forces with a cat named Moirai in a race against time to track down a killer.

Review: As stated in the synopsis, this story involves secrets which were revealed in three prior stories, so I highly suggest you read those before jumping into this one. 

I love this series and seeing some of these secrets being revealed to the right people at the right time was a great payoff for the characters as well as the readers. At least one of the secrets doesn't involve a happy ending, however, so be prepared for that as well. 

The mystery in this story was a trickier one than usual, IMO. The things that seemed like clues turned out not to be, and the red herrings seemed to outweigh the real clues. I was totally surprised by the reveal of the killer, and saddened by the events which prompted that person's actions. 

The end of this story seems to point toward some new characters for future stories, so I can't wait to see how that all works out. I hope it will bring some happiness to one of members of the "Scooby Gang," who truly deserves it.

Rating: Four stars

About the author

Author of the Zoe Donovan cozy Mystery Series, Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series, Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Series, Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mysteries, and Seacliff High Teen Cozy Mystery Series. 

Come for the murder, stay for the romance.

Kathi lives in the beautiful alpine community of Lake Tahoe with her husband Ken and dog Echo. When she's not writing she enjoys hanging out on the beach with her children and grandchildren. During the summer she enjoys hiking, kayaking, mountain biking, wakeboarding, and sunset cruises on the lake. During the winter she enjoys cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and curling up by a fire with a good book.

Kathi uses her mountain home as inspiration for her books, all which include appearances by the wildlife she shares her life with. 

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