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The Inn at Holiday Bay #27

Clue in the Cottage

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A heartwarming cozy mystery series about losing everything, taking a chance, and starting again.

After suffering a personal tragedy Abby Sullivan buys a huge old seaside mansion she has never even seen, packs up her life in San Francisco, and moves to Holiday Bay Maine, where she is adopted, quite against her will, by a huge Maine Coon Cat named Rufus, a drifter with her own tragic past named Georgia, and a giant dog with an inferiority complex named Ramos. What Abby thought she needed was alone time to heal. What she ended up with was, an inn she never knew she wanted, a cat she couldn't seem to convince to leave, and a new family she'd never be able to live without.

In book 27 in the series, it’s summer in Holiday Bay and the flowers are in bloom. Abby meets a mysterious stranger who is destined to bring changes to her life she could never see coming, Mylie is awaiting the birth of baby Danny, Jeremy and Haven are determined to stay on top of things in the garden, and Georgia merges toward a part time commitment at the inn as her show, Cooking with Georgia, begins to expand and grow.  

With so much going on, Annabelle decides to attend day camp with Colt's niece and nephew as they adjust to life in Holiday Bay on a full-time basis. 

Meanwhile, the cottages have been opened for the season and the inn is full to capacity when first-time guests Rowen and Linda reserve the entire property to celebrate their 35th anniversary. When the couple's friend and financial advisor turns up dead, everyone begins to wonder if perhaps the announcement of an amendment to Rowen and Linda's will might be behind the unexpected turn of events.

167 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2024

594 people are currently reading
128 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

357 books1,787 followers
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).



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5 stars
831 (70%)
4 stars
257 (21%)
3 stars
81 (6%)
2 stars
9 (<1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
172 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2024
Too many characters right off the bat for me. An ok mystery but so many other issues going on that the murder was a backstory. The addition of a pregnant, very likely minor, shoplifter was one of the many stories. Lovely idea for Abby to take her in, but legally possibly a bad idea. And she may want Abby to adopt the baby. In the meantime, an inn built with a good reputation by Georgia’s food seems to be missing Georgia quite a bit. Jeremy stepped in off and on and now it’s 18 year old Harper. Georgia has several irons in the fire and FINALLY makes up her mind to face her fear of commitment and marry Tanner. Mylie and Jeremy become parents. Abby needs to very seriously figure out how the inn will run with so many lives changing. I’m also tired of her relationship with the sheriff. Either step up or step out
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,417 reviews12 followers
May 26, 2024
Back in Holiday Bay at Abby's Inn. I really enjoy reading this series, and I hope it will continue for a time to come. It's about family and friends who become family.

In this book, Abby and Georgia (Abby's main assistant) have let the Inn and cottages to a family celebrating a wedding anniversary. Of course, nothing goes to plan, and when a man is killed, Abby helps find his killer.

I read a lot of cosy mystery, and the books written by Kathi Daley are some of my favourites. If you like this series, try some of her other series, some of which stem from this series. I can highly recommend Zoe Donovan; Cottage on Gooseberry Bay; Tess and Tilly; Resort at Castaway Bay; Rescue Alaska, and Cat in the Attic. There are other series set in Holiday Bay, The Bistro at Holiday Bay, and The Bookstore at Holiday Bay.

The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I can't wait until the next book is released in this series.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
May 14, 2024
Clue in the Cottage is the twenty-seventh book in Kathi Daley’s heartwarming Inn at Holiday Bay series. The setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are three-dimensional, compassionate, and caring. The well-plotted storyline flows smoothly, and multiple twists and red herrings in the complex mystery keep the reader engaged. Whenever I pick up one of Ms. Daley’s books, I know I’m in for a treat, and I’ve never been disappointed. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.

After losing her husband and their infant son in a tragic accident, Abby Sullivan bought a huge old house in the charming town of Holiday Bay, Maine, without even seeing it. Once the house was renovated, she opened the Inn at Holiday Bay and found a home and a family. Georgia Carter, who has also overcome obstacles in her life, is the inn’s talented cook/baker and manager and stars in a cable cooking show once a month. Georgia and her Newfoundland dog, Ramos, recently moved back into the cottage with Abby, her Maine Coon, Rufus, and her terrier mix, Molly, while she and Tanner Peyton are working to resolve their issues. Jeremy and Mylie Slater and Jeremy’s young niece, Annabelle, welcome Jeremy and Mylie’s first child, Danny, into their home. Colt’s niece and nephew are spending the summer with him as they transition to living with him on a full-time basis.

Linda and Rowen Rosenthall booked all the inn’s suites and cottages for their thirty-fifth-anniversary celebration. Unfortunately, one of their guests, Rowen’s friend and financial advisor, William Viceroy, turns up dead. Meanwhile, a mysterious young woman brings unexpected changes to Abby’s life.
Profile Image for Lynn Hayward-Bisbee.
197 reviews2 followers
June 9, 2024
I've read every single book in this series, but I only gave this two stars as I'm beginning to wonder if the series has begun to lose its appeal for me.

The long list of characters in the people who are visiting the inn is quite tedious and trying to remember everyone, even with a "cheat sheet" at the beginning of the book, is becoming difficult. I also don't like the long discussions about who is where and when they're coming back and what they're eating, etc. Then, those discussions get repeated as one character tells another character about what the last two have been talking about.

Then, it does seem like after 27 books in the series, Abby and Colt's relationship could move along a little more quickly. There are times in this particular book where the author seems to be laying the foundation for the two of them breaking up altogether. At least some resolution was made in Georgia and Tanner's relationship in this "episode." Really, Colt, make a decision already.

I quit reading the series about the bistro and the bookstore since they both follow the patterns of this one about the inn. I had thought I'd read the series until it's finish, but I think it's losing its appeal for me a bit too much. Every new addition seems to add another character to the series without resolving issues in others' lives.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,850 reviews
July 1, 2024
Abby Sullivan started over in Holiday Bay after a personal tragedy struck her life bringing changes she never expected. She now has a thriving inn and a new family ~ canine, feline, and human. In this book, Abby meets mysterious person who seems destined to once more bring some changes to her life. In addition, Mylie is due to have baby Danny soon, and Georgia is moving to part time at the inn as her TV show picks up. A family has booked the entire inn for a celebration and one member of the group meets his death, and not by natural means. Abby helps Colt with his investigation which is multi-faceted.

Kathi Daley is an excellent cozy mystery author. She's long been one of my favorites and a can't-miss when it comes to her books. Inn at Holiday Bay is one of Kathi's longer series and one I've enjoyed from the beginning. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. The book was well-written and the characters were well-developed with deep friendships and connections. The mystery was intriguing and fun to solve with its twists and turns and the surprises along the way. I absolutely loved this book and am really looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order although each book does have its own self-contained mystery.
1,995 reviews
May 18, 2024
I have enjoyed this series. As I read each new one in the series, I feel like I've come back to a small town where I know many of the people.

Amazon synopsis:
In book 27 in the series, it’s summer in Holiday Bay and the flowers are in bloom. Abby meets a mysterious stranger who is destined to bring changes to her life she could never see coming, Mylie is awaiting the birth of baby Danny, Jeremy and Haven are determined to stay on top of things in the garden, and Georgia merges toward a part time commitment at the inn as her show, Cooking with Georgia, begins to expand and grow.

With so much going on, Annabelle decides to attend day camp with Colt's niece and nephew as they adjust to life in Holiday Bay on a full-time basis.

Meanwhile, the cottages have been opened for the season and the inn is full to capacity when first-time guests Rowen and Linda reserve the entire property to celebrate their 35th anniversary. When the couple's friend and financial advisor turns up dead, everyone begins to wonder if perhaps the announcement of an amendment to Rowen and Linda's will might be behind the unexpected turn of events.
538 reviews1 follower
June 8, 2024
Not my favorite

Let me preface that I have read every book in this series, and have enjoyed all, but this one was my least favorite. Maybe part of it was the underlying changes that came off the pages of this book, but I found that it took me days to plow through this one, while most of the others, it was only a day or two. It was OK, but it did not really capture my interest. I had a hard time keeping up with all the characters. Just too many involved. While there was the usual couple of mysteries being felt with at the same time, it seemed a bit disconnected, at least to me. So, that is why I gave only 3 stars this time. Hoping the next installment is a better match to my interests.
1,012 reviews8 followers
July 15, 2024
Abby and Georgia booked the entire Inn at Holiday Bay to a family group even though they had vowed never to do that again after a previous bad experience with a similar reservation. As soon as guests begin to arrive undercurrents of animosity are being picked up on by the staff. This is a large extended family who don't all get along. One of them will not leave the inn alive by the end of their stay.
Also, in this installment of the series, Mylie and Jeremy's baby is due at any time. A mysterious teenager shows up in Holiday Bay and Abby feels an immediate connection to her. Colt gets full custody of his niece and nephew when his parents go on a cruise. Georgia makes a life changing decision. These are just some of the events taking place in this interesting book.
640 reviews11 followers
June 25, 2025
The inn is fully booked since first-time guests Rowen and Linda have reserved the entire property to celebrate their 35th anniversary. Unfortunately, a friend and advisor of theirs turns up dead during their stay. It is up to Cole, Abby and their friends to figure out who did it.

I enjoyed the spent in Holiday Bay with Abby and the gang. The mystery was not easy to figure out right away. There was also a bit of suspense, which made me want to find out what happened next. It was a fun read.
363 reviews7 followers
May 17, 2024
Great book

Another great book in this series. While there is always a mystery and frequently a murder, there are always interesting things going on at the inn. I like the fact that the women from the Bistro are brought into the story. There also seems to be another character brought into the group at the inn. I hope Bailey's story continues over the next book. I want to know about Georgia's cooking show and her relationship with Tanner. So many things to look forward to.
Profile Image for Cindy.
779 reviews1 follower
June 12, 2024
Enjoyable series

Abby's inn family continues to grow when she takes in a young pregnant girl. The girl's background isn't known, but she fits in well with the other inn employees and works hard. A couple celebrating their 35th anniversary rents the entire inn for a week for their extended family and a friend. The friend ends up dead, and Colt, Alex, and Brax work to find the killer. Changes are coming for Abby and Georgia, too, in their relationships with Colt and Tanner.
123 reviews1 follower
November 11, 2024
I had unintentionallt skipped this book.

It was nice to get the background on Baily along with Mylie having Danny and Georgia finally feeling emotionally strong enough to jump to the next step with Tanner. Mixed in between all the above was a family anniversary celebration which included a murder at the Inn and the process to solve it. Love the Family feel to all Ms. Daleys books.
Profile Image for Joanie Hinton.
729 reviews27 followers
May 15, 2024
Another large group books all the cottages and rooms at the inn for a week. So of course there is issues among them. Abby takes in a young pregnant girl, Bailey, who is homeless and vows to help her as would be expected of Abby. Next one of the guests is found dead in his room, but was he murdered? And what is Bailey's true story?
Profile Image for Lisa Millett.
298 reviews10 followers
July 10, 2024
Exceptional read

I love all of Kathi Daley's books. They are like coming home to family as her characters are likeable and blend so well together. The mysteries are light but do challenge your detective work to the end. I highly recommend this book and all of her books in this series and all of her delightful series.
475 reviews1 follower
April 27, 2025
Large family groups never seem to work out at the Inn.

Ok this just seems like no large group can stay at the Inn without someone getting murdered! Even if this time its a family group? Ok that's not all we get another stray to add to the family. Oh how about the baby, he was due....
164 reviews1 follower
May 17, 2024
Another Winner

I have enjoyed all the books in this series, and this one was no different. I’m looking forward to finding out what will happen in the future to characters I have come to consider my friends.
10 reviews
May 18, 2024
this read touched me emotionally in the best of ways

I love Abby’s family, friends, new friends that become part of her growing family.
This book had everything, the best of the best! Keep them coming, Kathi.
And thank you, again.
398 reviews3 followers
May 20, 2024
Lovely and unsuspected as always.

I love this series. It’s my go to books when I need a pick me up. I enjoyed Baiiley’s storyline but of course I want to know more about her. And I want Colt and Abby to be together, she would make a great Mom to them. What can’t Colt see that?
14 reviews2 followers
July 20, 2024
All your favorite characters are back for this book. It’s another whodunnit at the inn. Love how you get invested in knowing more about each character and the relationships between them. Lots of twists and turns and it keeps you guessing till the end.
5 reviews2 followers
September 1, 2024
very involved story

The story had lots of characters and several different stories going on. This created the need to be able to follow which characters went with each storyline. Kept me very interested. Well done
185 reviews
January 11, 2025
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Clue in the Cottage

This book was about great with the family showing up and Bailey becoming part of the help and Mylie having her baby. Silver who murdered William. I am looking forward to the next book.
172 reviews1 follower
June 28, 2025
Murder Among guests at the Inn

A whole family of guests brings tensions and a murder at the inn. And a new two new additions create a larger family for the folks at the inn. Lovely story even with a murder to solve.
890 reviews6 followers
May 16, 2024
A family comes to celebrate a special anniversary and the family dynamics were volital, a new person joins the crew at the inn. Lots of twists and turns and a mystery too Lots going on, great read
Profile Image for JANE VAN HORN.
2,084 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2024
Great book

This is another great book in the Inn at Holiday Bay series by Kathi Daley. I love all of the characters and the small town setting.
491 reviews
May 19, 2024
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Clue in the Cottage

Sweet cozy with of course a murder to solve. This adds to the Inn family and lots of changes on hand for several of the main characters.
1,415 reviews9 followers
May 19, 2024
Who killed Willliam and why??? Trust funds??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
1,166 reviews
May 23, 2024
My review for Clue in the Cottage

I absolutely loved it! Another excellent book! I love all the characters! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
11 reviews6 followers
Read
May 27, 2024
Great

I really enjoy this series and the Interconnected ones. It has Great character growth . ongoing storyline without annoying cliffhangers
298 reviews2 followers
June 1, 2024
Still Good

As always...a quick clean mystery and I enjoy following the lives of all the characters and the pets are cute. II highly recommend this series to all.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews

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