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Tess and Tilly #17
The Firework Frenzy
If you love small towns, endearing relationships, animals, and a touch of murder, you will love this mystery series set in the small town of White Eagle Montana.
In book 17 of the series, Tess and the entire gang who work and volunteer at the local wild and domestic animal rescue and rehabilitation facility, are up in arms when they find out that the annual fireworks show has been moved to a small lake nestled in the center of a large meadow not all that far from the shelter. Tess tries to explain how setting off explosives of any sort near the shelter will stress out all the animals in their care. She argues that the firework display should be moved back to the larger lake south of town where it has always been held. It seems however that the new president of the local chamber of commerce has his own reasons for moving the show and refuses to cooperate. When the unpleasant man shows up dead hours after Tess publicly threatens him, Tess finds herself in the hot seat. As crazy as it is that anyone would believe she would actually carry through with her threats, it seems the only way to really clear her name is to find the real killer. Meanwhile, Tess's mom is planning a huge Fourth of July party to be held at Tess and Tony's house on the lake. Tess's sister-in-law Bree is pregnant so unable to help with the planning of the event as she normally would, which means that Tess will need to shoulder double the workload. And if being accused of murder and having a party to plan isn't enough, mom is insisting that Tess invite Uncle Garret, who as far as Tess is concerned, is the very last man on earth who should be included.
In book 17 of the series, Tess and the entire gang who work and volunteer at the local wild and domestic animal rescue and rehabilitation facility, are up in arms when they find out that the annual fireworks show has been moved to a small lake nestled in the center of a large meadow not all that far from the shelter. Tess tries to explain how setting off explosives of any sort near the shelter will stress out all the animals in their care. She argues that the firework display should be moved back to the larger lake south of town where it has always been held. It seems however that the new president of the local chamber of commerce has his own reasons for moving the show and refuses to cooperate. When the unpleasant man shows up dead hours after Tess publicly threatens him, Tess finds herself in the hot seat. As crazy as it is that anyone would believe she would actually carry through with her threats, it seems the only way to really clear her name is to find the real killer. Meanwhile, Tess's mom is planning a huge Fourth of July party to be held at Tess and Tony's house on the lake. Tess's sister-in-law Bree is pregnant so unable to help with the planning of the event as she normally would, which means that Tess will need to shoulder double the workload. And if being accused of murder and having a party to plan isn't enough, mom is insisting that Tess invite Uncle Garret, who as far as Tess is concerned, is the very last man on earth who should be included.
171 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 2, 2024
185 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
321 books1,791 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 - 27 of 27 reviews
July 4, 2024
Too much baby stuff
Tess is initially a suspect in a guy whose house blows up. Mike and Tess's dad is planning to retire from his secret job, and their mother has some things settled in her life. Tess and Tony are expecting, and for me, there was too much baby stuff. I liked it better when they were childless and enjoying their life and their dogs.
I know this may not be a popular idea, but Tony and Tess would be so much better off if they didn’t have a kid. They could continue to live where they love, continue working with the rescue, be free to go anytime Tony’s job takes him somewhere, and just be an aunt and uncle to Mike’s kids. Believe it or not, some people do make a conscientious decision to not have kids, and they never regret it.
Tess is initially a suspect in a guy whose house blows up. Mike and Tess's dad is planning to retire from his secret job, and their mother has some things settled in her life. Tess and Tony are expecting, and for me, there was too much baby stuff. I liked it better when they were childless and enjoying their life and their dogs.
I know this may not be a popular idea, but Tony and Tess would be so much better off if they didn’t have a kid. They could continue to live where they love, continue working with the rescue, be free to go anytime Tony’s job takes him somewhere, and just be an aunt and uncle to Mike’s kids. Believe it or not, some people do make a conscientious decision to not have kids, and they never regret it.
June 25, 2024
The Firework Frenzy is the seventeenth book in Kathi Daley’s Tess and Tilly Cozy Mystery series. I love the delightful characters and 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 is well-plotted and intriguing. There is no shortage of twists, turns, and red herrings in this complex murder mystery. 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. Even though 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 to facilitate traveling 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 and has recently worked on a unique project with Zak Zimmerman. Her mother co-owns 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 are expecting their second child, a son.
In this installment, Tess becomes a person of interest in the death of Wilton Arlington, a successful real estate office owner and the president of the Chamber of Commerce. When Tess learned that Mr. Arlington planned to move the town’s annual fireworks show to the small lake near the local wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility/domestic animal shelter, she tried to reason with the man by explaining the adverse effects the fireworks would cause the animals in their care, but Mr. Arlington refused to cooperate. Unfortunately, Tess publicly threatened the man, so when fireworks were set off at his home, causing a fire and his death, Tess enlisted Tony’s help to clear her name and find the actual killer. Meanwhile, Tess and Tony have agreed to host her mom’s huge Fourth of July party, and as much as Tess hoped she wouldn’t, her mom insists that Uncle Garret be invited.
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. Even though 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 to facilitate traveling 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 and has recently worked on a unique project with Zak Zimmerman. Her mother co-owns 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 are expecting their second child, a son.
In this installment, Tess becomes a person of interest in the death of Wilton Arlington, a successful real estate office owner and the president of the Chamber of Commerce. When Tess learned that Mr. Arlington planned to move the town’s annual fireworks show to the small lake near the local wild animal rescue and rehabilitation facility/domestic animal shelter, she tried to reason with the man by explaining the adverse effects the fireworks would cause the animals in their care, but Mr. Arlington refused to cooperate. Unfortunately, Tess publicly threatened the man, so when fireworks were set off at his home, causing a fire and his death, Tess enlisted Tony’s help to clear her name and find the actual killer. Meanwhile, Tess and Tony have agreed to host her mom’s huge Fourth of July party, and as much as Tess hoped she wouldn’t, her mom insists that Uncle Garret be invited.
July 1, 2024
The Firework Frenzy is the seventeenth book in the Tess & Tilly series. I have loved Tess and Tilly since the very first book. It is hard to not get invested in their characters and see where their life may lead them
The yearly fireworks in White Eagle are almost ready to begin as the Fourth of July draws near. When Tess finds out that the fireworks show will now take place at the little lake close to the wildlife rescue, she becomes upset. She worries about what might happen to the local wildlife as a result. Wilton Arlington, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, is unyielding in her attempts to reason with him. Unfortunately, she was witnessed threatening Mr. Arlington if he didn't move the fireworks back where they have always been. When Mr. Arlington is killed by a fire at his home caused by fireworks being detonated, Tess becomes the prime suspect. Tess is attempting to establish she is innocent of this crime, assisted by her brother Mike and husband Tony.
Even though they are working on clearing Tess's name and proving she couldn't have committed this crime, most of the book is them talking about the 4th of July cookout they are going to have at Tess & Tony's home on the lake. Tess tries to convince her mother out of inviting Uncle Garrett because, as readers of the rest of the story will know, Uncle Garrett is actually Tess and Mike's father who is presumed dead.
I love Tess & Tilly and all the characters I have come to know in this series. I enjoy the mystery surrounding Tess & Mike's dad and we find out more about that in this book. The characters are well thought out and 3 dimensional. The mystery wasn't hard to figure out, but I still enjoyed the book. You can read the books out of order but I highly recommend reading them in order so you can get to know these characters and fall in love with them as I have.
The yearly fireworks in White Eagle are almost ready to begin as the Fourth of July draws near. When Tess finds out that the fireworks show will now take place at the little lake close to the wildlife rescue, she becomes upset. She worries about what might happen to the local wildlife as a result. Wilton Arlington, the president of the Chamber of Commerce, is unyielding in her attempts to reason with him. Unfortunately, she was witnessed threatening Mr. Arlington if he didn't move the fireworks back where they have always been. When Mr. Arlington is killed by a fire at his home caused by fireworks being detonated, Tess becomes the prime suspect. Tess is attempting to establish she is innocent of this crime, assisted by her brother Mike and husband Tony.
Even though they are working on clearing Tess's name and proving she couldn't have committed this crime, most of the book is them talking about the 4th of July cookout they are going to have at Tess & Tony's home on the lake. Tess tries to convince her mother out of inviting Uncle Garrett because, as readers of the rest of the story will know, Uncle Garrett is actually Tess and Mike's father who is presumed dead.
I love Tess & Tilly and all the characters I have come to know in this series. I enjoy the mystery surrounding Tess & Mike's dad and we find out more about that in this book. The characters are well thought out and 3 dimensional. The mystery wasn't hard to figure out, but I still enjoyed the book. You can read the books out of order but I highly recommend reading them in order so you can get to know these characters and fall in love with them as I have.
July 3, 2024
I love the cosy mystery books written by this author, and I find it hard to put the books down once I've started them. This book was no exception!
Tess and Tilly (her dog), used to deliver the mail in White Eagle; now they spend their time helping community efforts in the area, as well as supporting Tony, Tess's husband who is a successful businessman.
Tess is still involved in the local animal sanctuary, so when the annual firework display is moved nearer to it, Tilly organises several protests to try to get the Council to reverse the decision. Unfortunately, when the person responsible for getting the display moved in the first place is found dead, Tilly becomes the main suspect!
As well as trying to clear her name, Tess and Tony also have the ongoing problem of her father and how to keep his identity a secret. This is an ongoing storyline throughout the series. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Tess and Tony have some news, which, when announced, they're not sure how it will be received.
There are lots of twists and turns in the book that kept me reading. The characters develop throughout each book, which keeps me wanting more. All in all, it's a really good cosy mystery book with no cliff hangers!
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you haven't read any other books by Kathi Daley, I highly recommend them. These are series I've read and loved! The Inn at Holiday Bay; The Bookshop at Holiday Bay; The Resort at Castaway Bay; The Cottage On Goosberry Bay; The Zoe Donovan cosy mystery and Rescue Alaska series.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series to be released. Until then, I think I will start The Bistro at Holiday Bay series.
Tess and Tilly (her dog), used to deliver the mail in White Eagle; now they spend their time helping community efforts in the area, as well as supporting Tony, Tess's husband who is a successful businessman.
Tess is still involved in the local animal sanctuary, so when the annual firework display is moved nearer to it, Tilly organises several protests to try to get the Council to reverse the decision. Unfortunately, when the person responsible for getting the display moved in the first place is found dead, Tilly becomes the main suspect!
As well as trying to clear her name, Tess and Tony also have the ongoing problem of her father and how to keep his identity a secret. This is an ongoing storyline throughout the series. Then, as if that wasn't enough, Tess and Tony have some news, which, when announced, they're not sure how it will be received.
There are lots of twists and turns in the book that kept me reading. The characters develop throughout each book, which keeps me wanting more. All in all, it's a really good cosy mystery book with no cliff hangers!
Whilst each book is a standalone story, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you haven't read any other books by Kathi Daley, I highly recommend them. These are series I've read and loved! The Inn at Holiday Bay; The Bookshop at Holiday Bay; The Resort at Castaway Bay; The Cottage On Goosberry Bay; The Zoe Donovan cosy mystery and Rescue Alaska series.
I cannot wait for the next book in this series to be released. Until then, I think I will start The Bistro at Holiday Bay series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2024
It's summer in the small town of White Eagle, Montana and Independence Day is approaching. Tess and the others at the local animal rescue and rehabilitation center are upset over a decision to move the annual fireworks show to a location close to the center. Tess does all she can do to get the show moved back to its original location but the president of the chamber of commerce refuses. When the man is killed after Tess threatens him, she becomes a person of interest. So she and Tony help Mike investigate to find the real killer. In addition, Tess' mom is planning a large Fourth of July party to be held at Tess and Tony's house and she's insisting that Uncle Garret be invited which Tess thinks is a bad idea.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. Kathi Daley's an excellent author and storyteller who captures the essence of family and friendship making her books a can't-miss. This book was well-written and the familiar characters are wonderful. The story was entertaining and it drew me in, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns as well as red herrings. I loved this book and am eager for the next one. I highly recommend both book and series.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book is no exception. Kathi Daley's an excellent author and storyteller who captures the essence of family and friendship making her books a can't-miss. This book was well-written and the familiar characters are wonderful. The story was entertaining and it drew me in, keeping me hooked from beginning to end. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns as well as red herrings. I loved this book and am eager for the next one. I highly recommend both book and series.
July 11, 2024
Fireworks and animals don't mix
Tess initiates a protest when a council person moves the fireworks display closer to the animal shelter. The person ends up being killed when the place he was storing the fireworks goes up in flames. Tess becomes a suspect and wotksvat solving the murder. Her mom appears to have changed overnight into a relaxed mom. The reason is revealed and the family us thrilled. A fantastic book made more so with Zack and Zoe being mentioned.
Tess initiates a protest when a council person moves the fireworks display closer to the animal shelter. The person ends up being killed when the place he was storing the fireworks goes up in flames. Tess becomes a suspect and wotksvat solving the murder. Her mom appears to have changed overnight into a relaxed mom. The reason is revealed and the family us thrilled. A fantastic book made more so with Zack and Zoe being mentioned.
July 19, 2024
Great
Yet another great Tess and Tilly story. Fireworks can be deadly and for one local that's exactly what happens. While Tess is pregnant and worried about telling her family and friends Mike has to deal with the fact that she is technically a suspect in the murder. Great news comes from her dad and her mom is very calm after finding out that her "dead" husband is actually alive. Kathi has a great way of telling the stories and she is great at crossovers with other series.
Yet another great Tess and Tilly story. Fireworks can be deadly and for one local that's exactly what happens. While Tess is pregnant and worried about telling her family and friends Mike has to deal with the fact that she is technically a suspect in the murder. Great news comes from her dad and her mom is very calm after finding out that her "dead" husband is actually alive. Kathi has a great way of telling the stories and she is great at crossovers with other series.
June 25, 2024
The firework frenzy
As usual, the book kept my attention. I read it in one day. I love all the characters there’s always a mystery with a murder, but the best part of the book is the family relationships, and friends relationships, and makes you want to live in that small town I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
As usual, the book kept my attention. I read it in one day. I love all the characters there’s always a mystery with a murder, but the best part of the book is the family relationships, and friends relationships, and makes you want to live in that small town I’m looking forward to the next book in this series.
July 9, 2024
An absolutely great book
This Tess and Tilly book was one of the best that I’ve read! Between the repeated characters personal lives, and the involvement of a main character as a “person of interest” in a murder investigation this was an “I can’t put it down” story! High recommend!
This Tess and Tilly book was one of the best that I’ve read! Between the repeated characters personal lives, and the involvement of a main character as a “person of interest” in a murder investigation this was an “I can’t put it down” story! High recommend!
September 3, 2024
I think this series was much better when Tess and Tilly delivered the mail. Now we hardly see the animals involved, too much Dad involvement, Mom who calmly accepts the dead husband’s return, and Tess who has become a busybody and jumps in to danger no matter what she promised or that she should know better. Perhaps I am too old for this series, but I am retiring from its readership
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 18, 2024
I love this series. I love it. Well-written. Easy to read. The kind of books that you could not put them down. All of the mysteries mixed with family drama, cozy town, friends, and animals are amazing. I can say that I am so sad that I have finished the last book. I can wait for the next one
June 25, 2024
Another cute story in this entertaining series. Looking forward to the next one as it appears to be Halloween related from the title. Always enjoy the easy to read stories. And trying to figure out who dun it!
July 18, 2024
The series is getting sloppy
While never pitched as complex literature, the plots are getting paper thin, the characters aren’t growing and the grammar and spelling errors are frequent and distracting. Perhaps a good editor could help.
While never pitched as complex literature, the plots are getting paper thin, the characters aren’t growing and the grammar and spelling errors are frequent and distracting. Perhaps a good editor could help.
August 25, 2024
Cozy winner
Another cozy winner from Kathi Daley. The Tests and Tilly series continues to entertain and intrigue. I love the further development of the characters and the fact that Tests and Mike's Dad is playing a bigger role now. Great series.
Another cozy winner from Kathi Daley. The Tests and Tilly series continues to entertain and intrigue. I love the further development of the characters and the fact that Tests and Mike's Dad is playing a bigger role now. Great series.
June 26, 2024
Who killed Wilton Arlington and why??? He thought no one was there and he could just destroy the fireworks??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
June 28, 2024
It's all about moving fireworks back to the original location so that the animals in the shelter are safe
June 29, 2024
The mystery took a backseat to naps and eating and nonalcoholic drinks but I did love the surprise reveals.
July 1, 2024
really enjoyed the book...
July 4, 2024
This is such a great series. The characters are great and the books really hold your interest. Looking forward to the next one.
July 5, 2024
Another great book in this series. It kept me guessing until the end. Looking forward to the new book this fall.
July 5, 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.
August 28, 2024
Tess and Tony help to track down the murderer.
September 25, 2024
This has always been such a great series. Always a good mystery to solve and the cast of characters great.
October 1, 2024
Tess threatens a man who winds up dead
Tess is person of interest in a murder, after she threatens a man. Will Tess end up paying for someone else's crime.
Tess is person of interest in a murder, after she threatens a man. Will Tess end up paying for someone else's crime.
February 1, 2025
Ugh. Worst one of this series. The mystery is an afterthought book-ending the bulk of the book. And the character development of the parents is weak and unbelievable.
March 22, 2025
How exciting, Tess and Tony are going to have a baby. Tess is a suspect in the death of local president of chamber of commerce, because of his fireworks penchant.
July 11, 2024
Perfect character growth
I do love to jump into this series! The Firework Frenzy, book 17, in this cozy series, has a surprise or two. The characters have real-life difficulties and solutions. The pace is easy but steady, and the mystery is great, too.
I do love to jump into this series! The Firework Frenzy, book 17, in this cozy series, has a surprise or two. The characters have real-life difficulties and solutions. The pace is easy but steady, and the mystery is great, too.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews