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). 

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 

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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 

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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.

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BOOK TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: A Ghostly Mortality (A Ghostly Southern Mystery #6) by Tonya Kappes

A Ghostly Mortality: A Ghostly Southern Mystery
Paranormal Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Witness (February 28, 2017)
Mass Market Paperback: 336 pages
ISBN-13: 978-0062466976
E-Book ASIN: B01GONIFFI

Synopsis: That ghost sure looks . . . familiar

Only a handful of people know that Emma Lee Raines, proprietor of a small-town Kentucky funeral home, is a “Betweener.” She helps ghosts stuck between here and the ever-after—murdered ghosts. Once Emma Lee gets them justice they can cross over to the great beyond.

But Emma Lee’s own sister refuses to believe in her special ability. In fact, the Raines sisters have barely gotten along since Charlotte Rae left the family business for the competition. After a doozy of an argument, Emma Lee is relieved to see Charlotte Rae back home to make nice. Until she realizes her usually snorting, sarcastic, family-ditching sister is a . . . ghost.

Charlotte Rae has no earthly idea who murdered her or why. With her heart in tatters, Emma Lee relies more than ever on her sexy beau, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross…because this time, catching a killer means the Raines sisters will have to make peace with each other first.
Review: I LOVE this series, and this book only serves to illustrate why. Emma Lee's work as a "Betweener" gets intensely personal this time around, as the ghost she needs to help cross over after a murder is her only sister, Charlotte Rae. 

It's sad that the sisterly relationship seems to improve after Charlotte Rae dies...they both seem to understand each other better as they work to solve the murder mystery. I feel sad for both of them that they won't be able to make use of what they learned and have a better sibling relationship.

Granny's emotional reactions to the loss of her granddaughter are heartbreaking. The whole book, honestly, is a very emotional story for me in so many ways.

The murder mystery is very well developed, and even though I wasn't entirely surprised by the identity of the murderer, I couldn't stop reading.

Rating: Four stars

GIVEAWAY:   A free Kappes audio book for one lucky commenter. It will be a book the author chooses from her previous released books.  Just include your email in your comment, and I'll choose a random winner at the end of the tour.  Good luck!!

About the author

For years, USA Today bestselling author Tonya Kappes has been self-publishing her numerous mystery and romance titles with unprecedented success. She is famous not only for her hilarious plotlines and quirky characters, but her tremendous marketing efforts that have earned her thousands of followers and a devoted street team of fans. Be sure to check out Tonya’s website for upcoming events and news and to sign up for her newsletter! Tonyakappes.com

Also by Tonya Kappes

Kenni Lowry Mystery Series

Fixin’ To Die

Olivia Davis Paranormal Mystery Series

SPLITSVILLE.COM

COLOR ME LOVE (novella)

COLOR ME A CRIME

Magical Cures Mystery Series

A CHARMING CRIME

A CHARMING CURE

A CHARMING POTION (novella)

A CHARMING WISH

A CHARMING SPELL

A CHARMING MAGIC

A CHARMING SECRET

A CHARMING CHRISTMAS (novella)

A CHARMING FATALITY

A CHARMING DEATH

A CHARMING GHOST

A CHARMING VOODOO

Grandberry Falls Series

THE LADYBUG JINX

HAPPY NEW LIFE

A SUPERSTITIOUS CHRISTMAS (novella)

NEVER TELL YOUR DREAMS

A Laurel London Mystery Series

CHECKERED CRIME

CHECKERED PAST

CHECKERED THIEF

A Divorced Diva Beading Mystery Series

A BREAD OF DOUBT SHORT STORY

STRUNG OUT TO DIE

CRIMPED TO DEATH

Bluegrass Romance Series

GROOMING MR. RIGHT

TAMING MR. RIGHT

Women’s Fiction

CARPE BREAD ’EM

Young Adult

TAG YOU’RE IT

A Ghostly Southern Mystery Series

A GHOSTLY UNDERTAKING

A GHOSTLY GRAVE

A GHOSTLY DEMISE

A GHOSTLY MURDER

A GHOSTLY REUNION

A GHOSTLY MORTALITY

Enjoy a free ebook from Tonya when you sign up for her newsletter by clicking here.

Visit Tonya:

Facebook at Author Tonya Kappes

Kappes Krew Street Team

Webpage

E-mail

Recipe Submission Email

Goodreads

Twitter

Pinterest

BLOG TOUR AND GIVEAWAY: A Ghostly Reunion by Tonya Kappes

A Ghostly Reunion

by Tonya Kappes

on Tour January 16 - February 17, 2017

Synopsis:

A Ghostly Reunion

Proprietor of the Eternal Slumber Funeral Home, Emma Lee can see, hear, and talk to ghosts of murdered folks. And when her high school nemesis is found dead, Jade Lee Peel is the same old mean girl—trying to come between Emma Lee and her hot boyfriend, Sheriff Jack Henry Ross, all over again.
There’s only one way for Emma Lee to be free of the trash-talking ghost—solve the murder so the former prom queen can cross over.
But the last thing Jade Lee wants is to leave the town where she had her glory days. And the more Emma Lee investigates on her own, the more complicated Miss Popularity turns out to be. Now Emma Lee will have to work extra closely with her hunky lawman to get to the twisty truth.

Review: 

I LOVE this series and this book only added to my enjoyment. Emma Lee is an amazing main character, who is extremely likable. She is intelligent and always loyal to her family. There is still potential there for a relationship with Jack Henry, but it seems to be developing s-l-o-w-l-y. :) It is always entertaining to read about Emma trying to hide her conversations with the dead from other people in her life so that they don't think she's gone completely round the bend. This time, with the deceased being someone who always harassed her in life--and continues to do so in death--it's even more entertaining. Once again, the reveal was a complete surprise, but one that was totally logical. I can't wait for the next adventure with Emma Lee. **I received an advanced reader copy of this book from the author, with no expectation of a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**

Rating: Four stars

Book Details:

Genre: Cozy Mystery, Paranormal
Published by: HarperCollins / Witness
Publication Date: December 27th 2016
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 006246695X (ISBN13: 9780062466952)
Series: Ghostly Southern Mysteries #5
Purchase Links: Amazon  | Barnes & Noble  | Goodreads 

Read an excerpt:

Sexy isn’t a firm fanny in a thong, ladies.”
Hettie Bell didn’t seem so sexy in her hot pink leggings and matching top as she gasped for breath in her downward dog position in the middle of Sleepy Hollow, Kentucky. Her butt stuck straight up in the air, right there on display for everyone to see. Her black, chin-length bob was falling out of the small ponytail on both sides and her bangs hung down in her eyes.
“Sexy is confidence and self-acceptance. It’s exactly what yoga provides.”
Hettie Bell curled up on her tiptoes with her palms planted on one of the mats she provided for us. The rickety old floor of the gazebo, in the middle of the town square, groaned as we all tried to mimic her pose. “Yes!” Beulah Paige Bellefry hollered out like we were in the first pew of the Sleepy Hollow Baptist Church getting a good Bible beating from Pastor Brown himself.
“Amen to a good pose!”
Beulah continued to adjust her feet and hands each time she started to slip. If she wasn’t a bit overweight, I’d say it was her eighties silk sweat suit that was slicker than cat’s guts giving her problems. Or it could’ve been those pearls around her wrist, neck and ears weighing her down. Beulah never took off those pearls. She said pearls were a staple for a Southern gal.
“You said it, sister,” Mary Anna Hardy gasped. She teetered side to side, nearly knocking into Granny. Her sweat left streaks down her makeup. Who on earth got up this early and put makeup on to do yoga? Mary Anna Hardy, that’s who.
“God help us!”
“That’s it.”
I pushed back off my heels and crossed my legs, staring at all the Auxiliary women’s derrieres at my eye level.
“I’m here to do some relaxing, not Sunday school.”
Sleepy Hollow was smack-dab in the middle of the Bible Belt and if God wasn’t thrown in our conversations, then we weren’t breathing. But the last thing I wanted to think about was my butt stuck up to the high heavens and everyone up in the Great Beyond looking down upon me.

Author Bio:

Tonya Kappes has written more than fifteen novels and four novellas, all of which have graced numerous bestseller lists including USA Today. Best known for stories charged with emotion and humor and filled with flawed characters, her novels have garnered reader praise and glowing critical reviews. She lives with her husband, two very spoiled schnauzers, and one ex-stray cat in northern Kentucky. Now that her boys are teenagers, Tonya writes full-time but can be found at all of her guys’ high school games with a pencil and paper in hand.

Catch Up with Tonya Kappes on her Website , Twitter , & Facebook 

Tour Participants:

 

Giveaway:

This is a rafflecopter giveaway hosted by Partners In Crime Virtual Book Tours for Tonya Kappes and Witness Impulse. There will be 1 US winner of one PRINTED set of The Ghostly Southern Mysteries #1-5 by Tonya Kappes. The giveaway begins on January 15th and runs through February 18th, 2017.

a Rafflecopter giveaway  

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