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Resort at Castaway Bay #9
Fact or Fantasy
A forensic psychologist working for the FBI moves to Shipwreck Island and renews her relationship with her sisters, aunt, best friend, and old flame. While on the island she is introduced to Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who enjoys poking around in cold cases and has the means to hire the best people to find the answers no one else has been able to.
In book 9 in the series, Sydney goes with Emily to visit Beverly in the rehabilitation hospital she has been moved to. While they are there Syd meets a woman suffering from a brain disorder following an injury to the head. The woman is able to speak but what she says seems like nothing but gibberish. While her speech pattern is completely disporganized, she seems alert, so Syd sits with her in the garden while Emily is meeting with Beverly’s doctor and politely listens to what she says. The longer Syd sits there the more certain she is that there are patterns contained within the babbling. She begins to ask the woman questions and while the answers are as disorganized as anything the woman has said to that point, Syd begins to suspect that the woman may actually have been a witness to a murder her FBI team had investigated but had been unable to solve.
In book 9 in the series, Sydney goes with Emily to visit Beverly in the rehabilitation hospital she has been moved to. While they are there Syd meets a woman suffering from a brain disorder following an injury to the head. The woman is able to speak but what she says seems like nothing but gibberish. While her speech pattern is completely disporganized, she seems alert, so Syd sits with her in the garden while Emily is meeting with Beverly’s doctor and politely listens to what she says. The longer Syd sits there the more certain she is that there are patterns contained within the babbling. She begins to ask the woman questions and while the answers are as disorganized as anything the woman has said to that point, Syd begins to suspect that the woman may actually have been a witness to a murder her FBI team had investigated but had been unable to solve.
194 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 2, 2024
About the author
Kathi Daley
327 books1,800 followersKathi 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).
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).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 5, 2024
Fact so Fantasy
There are five missing boys under the age of 13. There is a woman who believes that she was kidnapped when she was little. Another woman saw two of the boys who were kidnapped, but she can't talk because at that moment in time she was hit by a car and now she can't talk. And one more thing, A dog was hit by a car driven by teenagers. Now if that isn't enough to hold your interest, I don't know what to tell you. This book was fast passed and hard to put down. I read it in one day. I just had to see what happened next. You will too.
There are five missing boys under the age of 13. There is a woman who believes that she was kidnapped when she was little. Another woman saw two of the boys who were kidnapped, but she can't talk because at that moment in time she was hit by a car and now she can't talk. And one more thing, A dog was hit by a car driven by teenagers. Now if that isn't enough to hold your interest, I don't know what to tell you. This book was fast passed and hard to put down. I read it in one day. I just had to see what happened next. You will too.
January 2, 2024
Fact or Fantasy is the ninth book in Kathi Daley’s Resort at Castaway Bay series. The intriguing mystery is well-plotted and complex, with plenty of twists and red herrings to keep readers engaged and guessing. The West Coast setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are three-dimensional, compassionate, and caring. Ms. Daley’s descriptive writing transports me into the story, allowing me to feel the characters’ joys and sorrows. Christy Turner’s lifestyle blog entry is an inexpensive and fun crafting project, and she’s included a Summer Chicken Salad recipe. I highly recommend this series to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted cozy mysteries.
After suffering the consequences of an error in judgment in her job as an FBI forensic psychologist, Sydney Whitmore permanently returned to her family home on Shipwreck. Sydney works part-time for Colin Black of the FBI and Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who has assembled an elite team of experts who enjoy solving cold cases. Sydney and her friend, Kelly Green, often help Sheriff Sam Stone with his investigations. Aunt Charlie raised Sydney and her sisters, Emily and Rory, after their parents were killed in an automobile accident. Emily, her two young daughters, and Rory live at Jack’s Hideaway with Aunt Charley and Charley’s father-in-law, Hank Hamilton. Besides helping at the resort, Emily writes a lifestyle blog and volunteers for community events. Emily’s mother-in-law, Beverly Rose, who recently suffered a stroke, has moved to an assisted living community in San Francisco to be closer to her granddaughters. Rory’s a veterinary technician who frequently brings animals in need of extra attention home with her. Logan Alexander, who also grew up at the resort, returned to the island to care for his father, Liam, and has taken over Henry Collins’ medical practice. Sydney and Logan have recently taken their long-standing friendship to the next level.
In this installment, Kelly tells Sydney about a woman who walked into the Sheriff’s office and told Sam that she thought she was kidnapped as a young child. When Sydney expressed interest in the case, Kelly asked her to help the woman access the forgotten memories of her childhood. On another front, Sydney had previously met Shirley Cobalter at the assisted living community in San Francisco, where Emily’s mother-in-law resided. The woman suffered a head injury that left her wheelchair-bound and unable to converse in anything other than gibberish. Sydney felt that Shirley’s thoughts were intact and that the translation into understandable words was being blocked, so she decided to see if she could decipher the gibberish. During the deciphering process, Sydney began to believe that Shirley might have witnessed the abduction of Pete King, one of five boys who went missing from an Oakland neighborhood over eight months. Meanwhile, Ezra Reinhold approaches Sydney with an intriguing proposal.
After suffering the consequences of an error in judgment in her job as an FBI forensic psychologist, Sydney Whitmore permanently returned to her family home on Shipwreck. Sydney works part-time for Colin Black of the FBI and Ezra Reinhold, a reclusive billionaire who has assembled an elite team of experts who enjoy solving cold cases. Sydney and her friend, Kelly Green, often help Sheriff Sam Stone with his investigations. Aunt Charlie raised Sydney and her sisters, Emily and Rory, after their parents were killed in an automobile accident. Emily, her two young daughters, and Rory live at Jack’s Hideaway with Aunt Charley and Charley’s father-in-law, Hank Hamilton. Besides helping at the resort, Emily writes a lifestyle blog and volunteers for community events. Emily’s mother-in-law, Beverly Rose, who recently suffered a stroke, has moved to an assisted living community in San Francisco to be closer to her granddaughters. Rory’s a veterinary technician who frequently brings animals in need of extra attention home with her. Logan Alexander, who also grew up at the resort, returned to the island to care for his father, Liam, and has taken over Henry Collins’ medical practice. Sydney and Logan have recently taken their long-standing friendship to the next level.
In this installment, Kelly tells Sydney about a woman who walked into the Sheriff’s office and told Sam that she thought she was kidnapped as a young child. When Sydney expressed interest in the case, Kelly asked her to help the woman access the forgotten memories of her childhood. On another front, Sydney had previously met Shirley Cobalter at the assisted living community in San Francisco, where Emily’s mother-in-law resided. The woman suffered a head injury that left her wheelchair-bound and unable to converse in anything other than gibberish. Sydney felt that Shirley’s thoughts were intact and that the translation into understandable words was being blocked, so she decided to see if she could decipher the gibberish. During the deciphering process, Sydney began to believe that Shirley might have witnessed the abduction of Pete King, one of five boys who went missing from an Oakland neighborhood over eight months. Meanwhile, Ezra Reinhold approaches Sydney with an intriguing proposal.
April 16, 2024
Sydney (Syd) Whitmore is a forensic psychologist who lives on Shipwreck Island with her family. She works part-time for the FBI and part-time for Ezra Reinhold. Ezra is a recluse and billionaire who has a team of investigators who solve cold cases. Sud also occasionally helps out the local sheriff. On this book, Sydney meets Shirley, a woman who is in a rehabilitation center, who seems to be speaking nonsense after suffering a head injury. But Syd picks up on something and soon learns that Shirley was a witness to a kidnapping. Still, getting the information will be difficult. Syd's also working with a woman who is trying to recover some memories of her childhood.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this series, one of her newer ones, is excellent. This was a well-written book with well-developed characters featuring family, friendships, and light romance. The story was engaging, keeping me hooked from start to finish, while the mysteries were intriguing and fun to try and solve. I truly enjoyed this book and am eager for the next one. I'm especially looking forward to getting to know Sawyer better. He was introduced in this book, and I already love him! I highly recommend both book and series. The books could be read on their own, but I think the series is best read in order.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this series, one of her newer ones, is excellent. This was a well-written book with well-developed characters featuring family, friendships, and light romance. The story was engaging, keeping me hooked from start to finish, while the mysteries were intriguing and fun to try and solve. I truly enjoyed this book and am eager for the next one. I'm especially looking forward to getting to know Sawyer better. He was introduced in this book, and I already love him! I highly recommend both book and series. The books could be read on their own, but I think the series is best read in order.
January 4, 2024
The 9th book in the Resort at Castaway Bay cosy mystery series. We first met Syd Whitmore in The Inn at Holiday Bay, and she's had her own series ever since. A part-time psychologist and profiler for FBI, Syd lives at the Resort her family owns on Shipwreck Island, along with her 2 sisters, Aunt, and other family members. Syd also works on an ad-hoc basis for Ezra, a wealthy recluse who lives on The Island. He takes on work, which law enforcement has not been able to solve, especially kidnapping cases.
This book sees Syd being asked to help a lady who thinks she was kidnapped as a child; she also gets involved with finding 5 boys believed to have been kidnapped, after a chance meeting at a care facility; she becomes a Foster Mum to a four legged canine and she's offered a job, but does she want things to change. All this, and trying to maintain a relationship with a doctor on the Island who she grew up with.
I really enjoy all of Kathi Daley's books and could read them time after time. Each book is a standalone cosy mystery, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
This book sees Syd being asked to help a lady who thinks she was kidnapped as a child; she also gets involved with finding 5 boys believed to have been kidnapped, after a chance meeting at a care facility; she becomes a Foster Mum to a four legged canine and she's offered a job, but does she want things to change. All this, and trying to maintain a relationship with a doctor on the Island who she grew up with.
I really enjoy all of Kathi Daley's books and could read them time after time. Each book is a standalone cosy mystery, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
February 5, 2024
Awesome
Again not dealing with a current death or anything which is sometimes good. This time it's a case of memory loss, missing boys and the help Sydney could be for all involved. When Sydney takes interest in a lady at the rehabilitation center where Emily's mother in law is living she discovered the information about 2 of the missing boys and with some help discovered the whereabouts of the others. The memory case is a woman who doesn't remember much about her childhood but Sydney used her skills to help her figure out what happened. At first I thought the woman was Ezra's missing daughter. Ezra is starting a new group which should be interesting.
Again not dealing with a current death or anything which is sometimes good. This time it's a case of memory loss, missing boys and the help Sydney could be for all involved. When Sydney takes interest in a lady at the rehabilitation center where Emily's mother in law is living she discovered the information about 2 of the missing boys and with some help discovered the whereabouts of the others. The memory case is a woman who doesn't remember much about her childhood but Sydney used her skills to help her figure out what happened. At first I thought the woman was Ezra's missing daughter. Ezra is starting a new group which should be interesting.
January 3, 2024
Sydney meets a woman at a rehab center who can't talk but appears to have witnessed a kidnapping before being hit by a car. This kidnapping may be related to several more so Sydney is determined to find a way to find a way to find out what the woman knows. Sydney is also helping the sheriff with the case of a woman who came to him for help when she started having memories that may mean she was kidnapped as a young girl and raised by a woman who was not her real mother. And Sydney also has to decide whether to take a generous offer to work full time for Ezra and his group.
January 4, 2024
So much is going on, Ezra offers Sidney a job, while helping Logan at a crash site she ends up rescuing a dog and she's working with Kelly's client Gia who fears she was kidnapped as a child. Following Sidney while all this is going on and then she finds a woman in the same nursing home as her sister's mother-in-law who can't speak as a result of injuries she sustained in a car accident who may hold the clue to the disappearance of some boys from a local playground. Lots going on, lots of twists and turns and a whole lot of surprises before things settle down. Great read.
January 4, 2024
Always interesting
I really enjoy these books. I like learning new things about the characters and the area they live in. My only problem with the books is that the answers to the mysteries seem to be an afterthought. We learn the answers as they are told to others, we aren't in on the reveal. I want to know as it is happening not a few days later when someone else asks for updates.
I really enjoy these books. I like learning new things about the characters and the area they live in. My only problem with the books is that the answers to the mysteries seem to be an afterthought. We learn the answers as they are told to others, we aren't in on the reveal. I want to know as it is happening not a few days later when someone else asks for updates.
January 4, 2024
2 mysteries in 1
Sydney works part-time for the FBI and is also part of Ezra's group. She is a forensic psychologist. At the scene of a wreck, she finds an injured dog that she bonds with while he heals. Gia's mother died, and she has some memories that make her think she was kidnapped. 5 boys disappeared from the same area, and the only witness to 2 of them is a lady who was hit by a car and has trouble communicating. Lots going on!
Sydney works part-time for the FBI and is also part of Ezra's group. She is a forensic psychologist. At the scene of a wreck, she finds an injured dog that she bonds with while he heals. Gia's mother died, and she has some memories that make her think she was kidnapped. 5 boys disappeared from the same area, and the only witness to 2 of them is a lady who was hit by a car and has trouble communicating. Lots going on!
February 26, 2024
Kidnapped or run away?
While with Emily at her mother-in-law's assisted living facility, Sydney meets Shirley who has had a head injury that affected her speech; Sydney is intrigued by something Shirley blurts out. The resulting investigation leads to finding 2 boys who were thought kidnapped. Very interesting how clues were unearthed. Sawyer is introduced as a new character. Nicely written.
While with Emily at her mother-in-law's assisted living facility, Sydney meets Shirley who has had a head injury that affected her speech; Sydney is intrigued by something Shirley blurts out. The resulting investigation leads to finding 2 boys who were thought kidnapped. Very interesting how clues were unearthed. Sawyer is introduced as a new character. Nicely written.
August 16, 2025
it is better to know. ore,
No matter how unpleasant. Two “cases” here. A young woman with suppressed memories. An older woman who knows something - vital information about two missing boys - but has processing issue due to a TBI. Through careful questioning and observation Syd reaches resolution with both women.
On the home front, it’s time for Syd to become a pet mom, relationship with Logan progressing nicely and a slight job change?
No matter how unpleasant. Two “cases” here. A young woman with suppressed memories. An older woman who knows something - vital information about two missing boys - but has processing issue due to a TBI. Through careful questioning and observation Syd reaches resolution with both women.
On the home front, it’s time for Syd to become a pet mom, relationship with Logan progressing nicely and a slight job change?
January 18, 2024
Ms. Daley has penned another intriguing story set on Shipwreck Island. This book actually has two mysteries that Sydney is involved with throughout the book that will use her psychological expertise to help resolve. The island and Syd's family and friends are now well developed and reading each book is an easy and comfortable experience. I would love to visit the resort and meet the characters.
January 3, 2024
Interesting and exciting
I enjoyed this latest adventure of Sydney's which involved a couple of complex cases and the adaptive thinking and techniques needed to solve them. In addition there is the delightful dog who I think will prove adorable.
I enjoyed this latest adventure of Sydney's which involved a couple of complex cases and the adaptive thinking and techniques needed to solve them. In addition there is the delightful dog who I think will prove adorable.
January 11, 2024
Relaxing cozy mystery!
Liked the book and series. Look forward to visiting again when next book in series comes available.
Love the characters and glad new dog is added to plot and family.
Liked the book and series. Look forward to visiting again when next book in series comes available.
Love the characters and glad new dog is added to plot and family.
January 19, 2024
Facts
This was an interesting story. There was much going on with two mysteries to solve. Had the tendency to be a bit wordy; however, the basic concept and my desire to find conclusion kept me going.
This was an interesting story. There was much going on with two mysteries to solve. Had the tendency to be a bit wordy; however, the basic concept and my desire to find conclusion kept me going.
February 5, 2024
3.5 Nice story
As usual, KD has two mysteries running at one time. Sawyer is introduced. My only disappointment is that the romance with Logan isn't moving along very fast. KD seems to do this in all her books. But, I'll probably read others of her series.
As usual, KD has two mysteries running at one time. Sawyer is introduced. My only disappointment is that the romance with Logan isn't moving along very fast. KD seems to do this in all her books. But, I'll probably read others of her series.
February 14, 2024
complex
I’ve read every one in this series. I liked the complexity of the missing boys.
The rest I don’t want to give away. I’m a bit disappointed that the author isn’t doing more either Syd relationship with Logan. Hopefully she will in the future.
I’ve read every one in this series. I liked the complexity of the missing boys.
The rest I don’t want to give away. I’m a bit disappointed that the author isn’t doing more either Syd relationship with Logan. Hopefully she will in the future.
February 27, 2024
Great series
Always enjoy this series. You can read on its own but I think better if you start at beginning so you can really connect more with characters. Look forward to the next book. Relaxing reading with interesting storylines.
Always enjoy this series. You can read on its own but I think better if you start at beginning so you can really connect more with characters. Look forward to the next book. Relaxing reading with interesting storylines.
March 4, 2024
Very good cozy mystery
I have really enjoyed this series, it’s a very good cozy mystery , from the very first page to the last it just keeps you interested and keeps you wanted to know what is going to happen next.
I have really enjoyed this series, it’s a very good cozy mystery , from the very first page to the last it just keeps you interested and keeps you wanted to know what is going to happen next.
April 3, 2026
What really happened to the boys
What you think happened isn't always what you saw. So watching something and then trying to figure it out was interesting. Next was getting a new roommate. And then the most important thing was the change to Ezras group.
What you think happened isn't always what you saw. So watching something and then trying to figure it out was interesting. Next was getting a new roommate. And then the most important thing was the change to Ezras group.
January 4, 2024
Where are Bobby and Pete and why??? They knew each other??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
January 5, 2024
Great book
This is another great book in the Resort at Castaway Bay series by Kathi Daley. I can't wait for the next book.
This is another great book in the Resort at Castaway Bay series by Kathi Daley. I can't wait for the next book.
January 7, 2024
loved the plot
I loved the two mystery plots in this book. Both kept you waiting to find the answer. Very good and a perfect relaxing mystery.
I loved the two mystery plots in this book. Both kept you waiting to find the answer. Very good and a perfect relaxing mystery.
January 17, 2024
The Resort at Cast way Bay: Fact or Fantasy
This is a wonderful mystery with FBI, private investigaters, and more than one mystery. Love the caring nature of the great characters.
This is a wonderful mystery with FBI, private investigaters, and more than one mystery. Love the caring nature of the great characters.
January 20, 2024
Easy read
Delightful mystery without guts or gore. Real life situations that are realistic and enjoyable.
Recommend to anyone for good quick read.
Delightful mystery without guts or gore. Real life situations that are realistic and enjoyable.
Recommend to anyone for good quick read.
January 30, 2024
Another great mystery, no, great mysteries!
Read
February 5, 2024Really liked this book
I have read the whole series . Kathy Daley is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I am waiting for the next Tess and Tilly book which is due out soon.
I have read the whole series . Kathy Daley is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors. I am waiting for the next Tess and Tilly book which is due out soon.
February 27, 2024
great book, interesting cases solved...
March 19, 2024
I love these characters, but this one was a little slow.
Read
April 5, 2024It was a very good book. I enjoyed it very much.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews