What do you think?
Rate this book
Tess and Tilly #16
The Sleuthing Game: A Cozy Mystery
If you love small towns, endearing relationships, food, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this mystery series set in the small town of White Eagle Montana.
Tess, Tony, and Tilly head to Lake Tahoe where they join Shaggy for a video game convention. The convention has been promoted as a place to get a first look at the video games that have recently been released or will be released on the near future. Of course, the hype created by this high-profile affair pretty much guarantees that all the big names in the industry will turn out, including Zak Zimmerman, who is scheduled to arrive via private jet with his wife Zoe, her dog Charlie, and Zak's honorary daughter Alex.
As can be expected, Tony and Shaggy, as well as Zak and Alex, are busy demonstrating their new offerings. Tess and Zoe find themselves at loose ends and decide to go snowboarding. It's the perfect day, with blue skies and an incredible view of the lake, until the amateur sleuths venture out of bounds only to find a rival in the video game industry, face down in the snow.
Tess, Tony, and Tilly head to Lake Tahoe where they join Shaggy for a video game convention. The convention has been promoted as a place to get a first look at the video games that have recently been released or will be released on the near future. Of course, the hype created by this high-profile affair pretty much guarantees that all the big names in the industry will turn out, including Zak Zimmerman, who is scheduled to arrive via private jet with his wife Zoe, her dog Charlie, and Zak's honorary daughter Alex.
As can be expected, Tony and Shaggy, as well as Zak and Alex, are busy demonstrating their new offerings. Tess and Zoe find themselves at loose ends and decide to go snowboarding. It's the perfect day, with blue skies and an incredible view of the lake, until the amateur sleuths venture out of bounds only to find a rival in the video game industry, face down in the snow.
179 pages, Paperback
First published February 6, 2024
315 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
349 books1,771 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).
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
November 6, 2025
I was a little disappointed with this book. it seems like with the major lead characters in these books once they get married and start popping out kids the sleuthing becomes a spectator sport. It's the 21st century. Not every woman wants to marry or have children.
September 26, 2024
Oh man that was a doozy. Tess’ mom had me nervous as all heck because she was so anxious about getting a 4th of July party scheduled which is 5 months away! Reminds me of my own mother’s anxiousness.
Then there’s Tess’ father who keeps popping up to simply check in and he says it’s not for any other reason like him being undercover. And there’s the fact that in the last book Tess’ mother saw Tess’ allegedly dead dad and Tess had to come up with a lie on the fly, so she said that the man is her late father’s long lost brother. Now Tess’ mother wants to have the “brother-in-law” at all future family events including the 4th of July celebration.
And there’s Tess’ brother Mike whose wife, Bree just found out she’s pregnant. Bree is not only Tess’ sister-in-law, but she’s also Tess’ best friend. And Bree is a mess with her hormones and slightly neurotic. It’s a lot!
And of course there was a death or two as in most of the series, so that was rough. And who found one of the bodies, but Tess?
However, I really enjoyed the setting of this read - Lake Tahoe in winter. The mountains are my favorite place in the world. Skiing, snowboarding, lounging by the fireplace. Lovely! I definitely needed the peace of the freshly fallen snow to cushion the blow of all the hysteria. Perfectly balanced! It was also nice to meet Zoe and Zack Zimmerman. Seems like if there isn’t already (I haven’t checked), there should be a series dedicated to the Zimmerman’s life in their own small town.
Oh ya, Tony and Tess talked about kids and it seems Tess is finally ready to try getting pregnant. Tony is the one out of the couple who has wanted children, but Tess has been the reluctant one wanting to travel and have a life first before kids are in the picture. After all, the couple already have many barking furbabies and that’s enough to fill the need for love in their hearts, for now.
I guess we’ll see the outcome in the next books as to whether Tess gets a positive on her pregnancy test! And we’ll see if her father is going to stick around. And hopefully we’ll see more of the Zimmerman’s!
Next is Book 17 - “The Firework Frenzy.” Based on the title, it appears I’ll be reading about the much anticipated 4th of July party that Tess’ mom was pushing her about holding.
ADD-ON: I just checked to see if Kathi wrote a series on Zoe Zimmerman and she did! Book 1 of 36 is “Halloween Hijinks (A Zoe Donovan Mystery)”. Guess I have a series to keep me busy after I’m done with this Tess and Tilly one. Busy for a month, that is!
Then there’s Tess’ father who keeps popping up to simply check in and he says it’s not for any other reason like him being undercover. And there’s the fact that in the last book Tess’ mother saw Tess’ allegedly dead dad and Tess had to come up with a lie on the fly, so she said that the man is her late father’s long lost brother. Now Tess’ mother wants to have the “brother-in-law” at all future family events including the 4th of July celebration.
And there’s Tess’ brother Mike whose wife, Bree just found out she’s pregnant. Bree is not only Tess’ sister-in-law, but she’s also Tess’ best friend. And Bree is a mess with her hormones and slightly neurotic. It’s a lot!
And of course there was a death or two as in most of the series, so that was rough. And who found one of the bodies, but Tess?
However, I really enjoyed the setting of this read - Lake Tahoe in winter. The mountains are my favorite place in the world. Skiing, snowboarding, lounging by the fireplace. Lovely! I definitely needed the peace of the freshly fallen snow to cushion the blow of all the hysteria. Perfectly balanced! It was also nice to meet Zoe and Zack Zimmerman. Seems like if there isn’t already (I haven’t checked), there should be a series dedicated to the Zimmerman’s life in their own small town.
Oh ya, Tony and Tess talked about kids and it seems Tess is finally ready to try getting pregnant. Tony is the one out of the couple who has wanted children, but Tess has been the reluctant one wanting to travel and have a life first before kids are in the picture. After all, the couple already have many barking furbabies and that’s enough to fill the need for love in their hearts, for now.
I guess we’ll see the outcome in the next books as to whether Tess gets a positive on her pregnancy test! And we’ll see if her father is going to stick around. And hopefully we’ll see more of the Zimmerman’s!
Next is Book 17 - “The Firework Frenzy.” Based on the title, it appears I’ll be reading about the much anticipated 4th of July party that Tess’ mom was pushing her about holding.
ADD-ON: I just checked to see if Kathi wrote a series on Zoe Zimmerman and she did! Book 1 of 36 is “Halloween Hijinks (A Zoe Donovan Mystery)”. Guess I have a series to keep me busy after I’m done with this Tess and Tilly one. Busy for a month, that is!
February 6, 2024
The Sleuthing Game is the sixteenth book in Kathi Daley’s Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. I love the wonderful characters as well as the charming setting. Once again, Ms. Daley has provided readers with a clean, fun read. The characters are three-dimensional and affable, and the storyline in this complex whodunit is well-plotted and intriguing. I highly recommend this series to those who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.
Even though Tess Marconi retired from her job delivering mail in the White Eagle, Montana community, she and her dog, Tilly, fill in whenever there’s a staffing issue. While Tess continues to work with Brady Baker, the local veterinarian and shelter owner, at the animal shelter and is still involved with training search and rescue dogs, she’s scaled back her involvement so she can travel with her husband and one of her best friends, Tony Marconi. Tony is a computer genius who has partnered with his friend, Shaggy, to develop video games. Her mother co-owns a café, Sisters’ Diner, with her aunt. Tess has one brother, Mike, who is a member of the White Eagle Police Department and married to her other best friend and bookstore owner, Bree. Mike and Bree are the proud parents of a young daughter, Ella, and hope to continue to grow their family.
In this installment, Tess and Tilly join Tony and Shaggy as they head to the Lake Tahoe area to attend a video game convention and promote their new video game. Before they leave White Eagle, Brady’s assistant, Aspen Wood, who previously worked at Zoe’s Zoo in Ashton Falls, tells Tess that Zoe Donovan-Zimmerman and her computer genius husband, Zak, will be attending the convention along with their honorary daughter, Alex, and Zoe’s dog, Charlie. Both Tess and Tony are looking forward to meeting the dynamic couple. Shaggy’s friend and fellow video game developer, Loki, developed a new game that he claims will redefine the gaming standard for years to come that he will be previewing during the convention. As it turns out, Tess and Zoe quickly become friends due to their love of animals, skiing skills, and their tendency to put their amateur sleuthing caps on whenever the opportunity arises. While skiing on a double black diamond run, Tess and Zoe discover Loki’s body face down in the snow. Since their husbands are focused on their respective video game previews, Tess and Zoe, who don’t believe Loki’s death was accidental, decide to join forces and investigate.
Even though Tess Marconi retired from her job delivering mail in the White Eagle, Montana community, she and her dog, Tilly, fill in whenever there’s a staffing issue. While Tess continues to work with Brady Baker, the local veterinarian and shelter owner, at the animal shelter and is still involved with training search and rescue dogs, she’s scaled back her involvement so she can travel with her husband and one of her best friends, Tony Marconi. Tony is a computer genius who has partnered with his friend, Shaggy, to develop video games. Her mother co-owns a café, Sisters’ Diner, with her aunt. Tess has one brother, Mike, who is a member of the White Eagle Police Department and married to her other best friend and bookstore owner, Bree. Mike and Bree are the proud parents of a young daughter, Ella, and hope to continue to grow their family.
In this installment, Tess and Tilly join Tony and Shaggy as they head to the Lake Tahoe area to attend a video game convention and promote their new video game. Before they leave White Eagle, Brady’s assistant, Aspen Wood, who previously worked at Zoe’s Zoo in Ashton Falls, tells Tess that Zoe Donovan-Zimmerman and her computer genius husband, Zak, will be attending the convention along with their honorary daughter, Alex, and Zoe’s dog, Charlie. Both Tess and Tony are looking forward to meeting the dynamic couple. Shaggy’s friend and fellow video game developer, Loki, developed a new game that he claims will redefine the gaming standard for years to come that he will be previewing during the convention. As it turns out, Tess and Zoe quickly become friends due to their love of animals, skiing skills, and their tendency to put their amateur sleuthing caps on whenever the opportunity arises. While skiing on a double black diamond run, Tess and Zoe discover Loki’s body face down in the snow. Since their husbands are focused on their respective video game previews, Tess and Zoe, who don’t believe Loki’s death was accidental, decide to join forces and investigate.
February 18, 2024
This is the sixteenth installment of The Tess & Tilly Cozy Mystery and it should be the last. Sometimes a seris goes on for too long and I think this is one of them. As much as I have enjoyed the escapes of Tess & Tilly this one just didn't measure up.
Tess and her husband Tony, her dog Tilly & Tony's friend Shaggy head to Lake Tahoo for a video game convention. They are promoting their newest game. There is a lot of talk at the conference about a new game created by Loki and Craven that is supposed to be the best of the best. But when it comes time to preview this game, Loki & Craven are nowhere to be found. The next day when Tess and just her new friend Zoe are snow skiing they encounter a dead body, who just to be Loki. It looks like he died from a fatal accident while skiing. But when his friend Craven was found in his room by an apparent suicide, they are begging to wonder if Loki's death was really an accident and did Craven really commit suicide. Tess & Loki, with the help from Tony are putting their sleuthing skills to work.
The plot twist I like in books wasn't present in this one. There were no surprises at the conclusion or unexpected turns. Any good mystery should have a surprise ending and a a lot of twists, and this one fell short of my expectations. And then there is Tess's father who keeps showing up, and it's absurd that they were able to pass him off to her mother as her dad's brother. There's just not the suspense I keep expecting to build with her dad. I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I had liked the other ones in the series.
Tess and her husband Tony, her dog Tilly & Tony's friend Shaggy head to Lake Tahoo for a video game convention. They are promoting their newest game. There is a lot of talk at the conference about a new game created by Loki and Craven that is supposed to be the best of the best. But when it comes time to preview this game, Loki & Craven are nowhere to be found. The next day when Tess and just her new friend Zoe are snow skiing they encounter a dead body, who just to be Loki. It looks like he died from a fatal accident while skiing. But when his friend Craven was found in his room by an apparent suicide, they are begging to wonder if Loki's death was really an accident and did Craven really commit suicide. Tess & Loki, with the help from Tony are putting their sleuthing skills to work.
The plot twist I like in books wasn't present in this one. There were no surprises at the conclusion or unexpected turns. Any good mystery should have a surprise ending and a a lot of twists, and this one fell short of my expectations. And then there is Tess's father who keeps showing up, and it's absurd that they were able to pass him off to her mother as her dad's brother. There's just not the suspense I keep expecting to build with her dad. I was somewhat disappointed in this book because I had liked the other ones in the series.
February 11, 2024
I really enjoy this author work and have read several of her series, some complete and some ongoing.
This book is part of the Tess and Tilly series, but some characters from a complete series are also in the book Zoe and Zak Zimmerman from the Zoe Donovan series.
Both Tess and Zoe have solved lots of mysteries in their respective home towns.
Tess and Tony, along with Tilly, her dog, travel to Lake Tahoe to attend a gaming conference. Zoe and Zak, along with Charlie, her dog, are also at the conference. There is a lot of talk about a game being released at the conference, which is far superior to any other.
While Tess and Zoe are off skiing, they come across a body in the snow; they can't help but ask questions, especially when another body is found in the hotel, and the police don't link them.
I loved this book, and it was nice to be reacquainted with adored characters from another series.
Each book is a standalone story, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
This book is part of the Tess and Tilly series, but some characters from a complete series are also in the book Zoe and Zak Zimmerman from the Zoe Donovan series.
Both Tess and Zoe have solved lots of mysteries in their respective home towns.
Tess and Tony, along with Tilly, her dog, travel to Lake Tahoe to attend a gaming conference. Zoe and Zak, along with Charlie, her dog, are also at the conference. There is a lot of talk about a game being released at the conference, which is far superior to any other.
While Tess and Zoe are off skiing, they come across a body in the snow; they can't help but ask questions, especially when another body is found in the hotel, and the police don't link them.
I loved this book, and it was nice to be reacquainted with adored characters from another series.
Each book is a standalone story, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
February 6, 2024
Tess, Tilly, Tony and Shaggy go to Lake Tahoe for a video game convention that Tony and Shaggy have a new game to promote. While there they meet Zoe, Zak and Alex who also are there for the convention. There is lots of excitement about the new games, especially what is said to be a revolutionary game created by Loki. Unfortunately Loki and his business partner disappear before launching the new game. While skiing, Tess and Zoe find Loki's body on an advanced ski slope in what appears to be an accident. It is later confirmed as an accident, but his cabin was trashed and his hard drive with his new game is missing and his business partner supposedly committed suicide. While investigating, it is also learned the hard drive, which Loki had in his backpack when he fled his cabin was stolen from his body before the body was discovered. It was nice to have a story away from White Eagle and to know that Zoe and Zak may also be in some future Tess and Tilly stories.
April 17, 2024
Tess, Tony, and Tilly are joining Shaggy in Lake Tahoe for a video game convention. There, they meet Zoe and Zak Zimmerman and their honorary daughter, Alex. While the others are busy, Tess and Zoe go skiing and come across the body of another gamer who seemingly died in an accident. When they hear some information that may change things, the group does some investigating and learn that it may not have been an accident after all.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It's a quick, fun read with wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery. I was hooked on this captivating story from beginning to end, finding it a difficult book to put down. This was an excellent book and I am looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend both book and series.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. It's a quick, fun read with wonderful characters and an intriguing mystery. I was hooked on this captivating story from beginning to end, finding it a difficult book to put down. This was an excellent book and I am looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend both book and series.
February 18, 2024
Love the crossover
Tess, Tony, Tilly and Shaggy head to Lake Tahoe for a gaming and tech convention. While there they meet Zac, Zoe and Alex and make friends quickly. The connection between the groups is because of Aspen who used to work with Zoe and now works with Tess. While enjoying the convention and the scenery in Tahoe of course a dead body or two surface and the entire group tries to solve them. Meanwhile back at home Tess' dad shows up again just to stop in and say hi, Bree gets some news and mom is driving everyone nuts about a 4th of July party that is months away. Typical time in Tess' world.
Tess, Tony, Tilly and Shaggy head to Lake Tahoe for a gaming and tech convention. While there they meet Zac, Zoe and Alex and make friends quickly. The connection between the groups is because of Aspen who used to work with Zoe and now works with Tess. While enjoying the convention and the scenery in Tahoe of course a dead body or two surface and the entire group tries to solve them. Meanwhile back at home Tess' dad shows up again just to stop in and say hi, Bree gets some news and mom is driving everyone nuts about a 4th of July party that is months away. Typical time in Tess' world.
February 24, 2024
A gaming convention turned out to be much more than anyone expected, with some new advanced technology being promised and not delivered and 2 deaths the convention turned out to be quite different from what was expected. Tess and Tony get to meet Zoe and Zack which was really nice, these couples are definitely people you'd want to have as friends. Love how they manage to enjoy everything and somehow investigate and find the killer. Really good story with lots of twists and turns and lots of surprises. Great read.
February 27, 2024
Another great story about Tess, Fully and Tony
Not even miles away from home can stop Tess from running into a mystery. As Tony work at a software Convention leaves Tess with spare time to ski and wander the resort, she makes friends with another wife and they ski into a bit of a surprise. By the end of the book, the pieces fall together and local police take over. A great read with crossover into the lives of the regular characters from the series, I would recommend reading it.
Not even miles away from home can stop Tess from running into a mystery. As Tony work at a software Convention leaves Tess with spare time to ski and wander the resort, she makes friends with another wife and they ski into a bit of a surprise. By the end of the book, the pieces fall together and local police take over. A great read with crossover into the lives of the regular characters from the series, I would recommend reading it.
February 10, 2024
Enjoy this series
Tess, Tony and Tilly head to a video gaming convention. Lots of competition for a new game, which results in a couple deaths. Tess and Tilly mKe some new friends. Tess's mom is obsessed with planning a party 5 months away and making sure Uncle Garrett, aka, Mike and Tess's father, can be there. Bree is pregnant again and Tony and Tess think about starting their own family.
Tess, Tony and Tilly head to a video gaming convention. Lots of competition for a new game, which results in a couple deaths. Tess and Tilly mKe some new friends. Tess's mom is obsessed with planning a party 5 months away and making sure Uncle Garrett, aka, Mike and Tess's father, can be there. Bree is pregnant again and Tony and Tess think about starting their own family.
March 23, 2024
I love this series and I am right up to date. This time Tess and Tony with Tilly are off to Lake Tahoe for a gaming convention where he and Shaggy are presenting a new game. There Tess and Tony met Zoe and Zak and Tilly meets Charlie. Tony and Zak are at the gaming convention and when Zoe and Tess are there they are sking. Loki and Craxton are missing from the convention and Tess and Zoe find Loki's body on the slopes. Thus the sleuthing begins.
February 8, 2024
The Sleuthing Game by Kathi Daley takes Tess and Tony to Lake Tahoe for a video games convention. While at the convention they meet Zak and Zoe Zimmerman. It was nice to see Zoe again after her cozy series ended. A swiftly paced story with a few twists and turns that kept me intrigued to find out what was actually going on within this video gaming world.
March 3, 2024
Cozy winter getaway
I'm a huge Machine Daley fan,and Tests and Tilly is one of my favorite series. Cozy up in a favorite chair with a cup of hot cocoa as you join some favorites on a working vacation with some mushrooms solve. I love the picture of the atmosphere Kathi paints, as well as the characters she brings together.
I'm a huge Machine Daley fan,and Tests and Tilly is one of my favorite series. Cozy up in a favorite chair with a cup of hot cocoa as you join some favorites on a working vacation with some mushrooms solve. I love the picture of the atmosphere Kathi paints, as well as the characters she brings together.
April 5, 2024
The Zimmerman's appeared in this story!
So glad to hear more on Zack and Zoe; they fit right in with the gaming convention and the mystery that cropped up. Also nice to hear about Shaggy. Great story line with wonderfully described snowy scenes plus action. Tony and Tess discuss children.
So glad to hear more on Zack and Zoe; they fit right in with the gaming convention and the mystery that cropped up. Also nice to hear about Shaggy. Great story line with wonderfully described snowy scenes plus action. Tony and Tess discuss children.
February 10, 2024
Tess and Tony meet Zak and Zoe
It's a pair of sleuths in Tahoe for a Gaming Convention. Great way to connect two long running series by Kathy Daley. I hope more crossovers are to come.
It's a pair of sleuths in Tahoe for a Gaming Convention. Great way to connect two long running series by Kathy Daley. I hope more crossovers are to come.
February 14, 2024
The Sleuthing Game: A Tess and Tilly cozy book 16
This is a mystery with guesses but short on evidence as they try to figure out how 2 people died. Also Tests makes a new friend and start s thinking about a family.
This is a mystery with guesses but short on evidence as they try to figure out how 2 people died. Also Tests makes a new friend and start s thinking about a family.
August 15, 2024
This is one of my favorites in the series (so far). I loved that Tess meets a character from another series. I enjoyed reading about skiing and the video game convention. I hope this series will continue for a long time.
February 10, 2024
really enjoyed catching up with Tess and Tilly...
February 11, 2024
I love a good crossover story!
Having Zac & Zoe work with Tony & Tess to solve the mystery was fun! The descriptions of the area made me want to take a trip to Lake Tahoe.
Having Zac & Zoe work with Tony & Tess to solve the mystery was fun! The descriptions of the area made me want to take a trip to Lake Tahoe.
February 11, 2024
Great book
This is another great book in the Tess and Tilly series by Kathi Daley. I can't wait for the next book.
This is another great book in the Tess and Tilly series by Kathi Daley. I can't wait for the next book.
February 13, 2024
Always enjoy These and Tilly and always enjoyed Zoe in the past. How cool having them together in one book! Terrific mystery for them to be in too. And love the hints of things to come.
February 13, 2024
A Tests and Fully mystery #16
A really awesome story in the series. I loved the storyline and the characters coming together in this mystery really added extra spice to it.
A really awesome story in the series. I loved the storyline and the characters coming together in this mystery really added extra spice to it.
February 19, 2024
I loved these books
They were see
Awesome. They were relaxing but exciting I like the fact that the books continue within each other.
They were see
Awesome. They were relaxing but exciting I like the fact that the books continue within each other.
March 18, 2024
I really enjoyed the combination of Ted's and Zoe Zimmerman. I hope to see more of this mix between book series.
March 19, 2024
I always love these characters, but the best part of this one was the crossover with Zoe and Zach. I loved it!
April 21, 2024
Having two favorite characters come together in one book was very fun. Good mystery and it kept me guessing until the end.
August 17, 2024
Boring
Usually like these, but got to a point where I didn’t care who killed these people that I didn’t care about.
Usually like these, but got to a point where I didn’t care who killed these people that I didn’t care about.
August 26, 2024
Love this series. Fantastic characters and dogs of course. Mystery to solve is always interesting.
August 28, 2024
Tony, Tess, and Tillie go to Lake Tahoe for a video game convention. Zoe and Zak Zimmerman are also at the convention. Tess and Zoe hit it off. On the ski slopes, they find a dead body.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews