Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
USA Today Bestselling author Kathi Daley brings you a heartwarming mystery series about finding answers and fostering hope while building friendships and embracing the magic of life by the sea and small town holidays.

Ainsley Holloway had come to Gooseberry Bay to find answers about her past. She’d come to find an explanation for the dreams that haunted her after the death of the cop who’d both rescued and raised her. And she’d come to identify the family she couldn’t remember but knew in her heart she’d once belonged to. Ainsley hoped that by finding these answers, she’d also find healing. She hoped that once she’d resurrected the memories buried deep in her mind, she’d find peace.

The Cottage at Gooseberry Bay is a series about, not only finding answers, but finding hope. It’s a series about family and friendship. It’s a series about shared holidays, festivals, and celebrations. It’s a series about shared heartbreak and hardship. And it’s a series about the bond that can be forged amongst strangers when tragedy binds two or more individuals with a common goal.

In book 16 in the series, Ainsley goes on a stakeout with Parker only to have their effort take an interesting turn when they uncover something totally different than what they were after. Meanwhile, Ainsley is excited for her sister Avery's upcoming visit, Josie is getting her catering business off the ground, and Winchester Academy is closed for the summer giving Ainsely and Adam some much needed time together.

138 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2024

437 people are currently reading
108 people want to read

About the author

Kathi Daley

357 books1,788 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).



Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
612 (70%)
4 stars
173 (20%)
3 stars
67 (7%)
2 stars
6 (<1%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
363 reviews7 followers
August 27, 2024
Good book

I have liked this series from the beginning. There are a large number of returning characters in these books. I am always surprised when regular characters are killed off. Not really a fan of drug lords and drug deals and dirty cops. This story didn't dwell on the drug scene and had other things that kept my attention. All in all a good book.
205 reviews8 followers
September 23, 2024
Awesome series

This series just keeps getting better with each book
This one was both enjoyable yet sad. Can't wait until the next one comes out.
Profile Image for RO G'ma.
1,061 reviews43 followers
August 6, 2024
A Sister Thing is the sixteenth book in Kathi Daley’s Cottage on Gooseberry Bay series. This is an entertaining and clean series with a strong emphasis on family, friends, community, and caring. The setting is charming, and the three-dimensional characters are well-developed. The complex and intriguing mystery, twists, and red herrings will keep readers engaged and guessing. Ms. Daley’s descriptive writing draws the reader in, making them feel like they’re taking part in the action. 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 book to anyone who enjoys reading well-crafted, cozy mysteries.

After Ainsley Holloway’s adoptive father passed away, she found a photograph of a woman with two young children. For reasons Ainsley couldn’t explain, she felt connected to the people in the photograph and started doubting her past. In her search for the truth about her past, Ainsley and her two Bernese Mountain Dogs, Kai and Kallie, moved from Georgia to Washington State and rented a cozy cottage in Gooseberry Bay. Ainsley, who originally planned to stay for only a month or two, quickly made friends, settled into the community, and opened Ainsley Holloway Investigations.

In this installment, Ainsley’s friend and local newspaper reporter, Parker Peterson, receives an anonymous tip about drug activity, and she asks Ainsley to join her on a stakeout at Wendell Houseman’s apartment building. No movement has been detected, and they’re considering giving up for the night when the subject of their stakeout leaves his apartment and drives away. Once they follow Wendell to a loading and unloading area near the marina, a man, who was waiting in a boat tied up to the dock, helps Wendell load boxes into his van. Things begin moving quickly and take an intriguing turn when Ainsley and Parker uncover something completely unexpected after following Wendell to a warehouse, where he drops off the van and leaves in a truck parked in the lot. Meanwhile, Josie’s catering business is doing well, Bexley shuts down a kitten mill, and Ainsley is excited when she learns that her sister, Avery, is back on Whidbey Island.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,044 reviews4 followers
December 1, 2024
What’s going on in Gooseberry Bay this time?

1. Parker receives an anonymous text clueing her in to a huge drug deal.
a. Parker and Ainsley do a stakeout in front of a building where the alleged dealer is.
2. During the stakeout a close friend of Parker is seen by Parker and Ainsley. Is this person directly involved in the crime ring or just on an undercover assignment?
3. Further into the stakeout after Parker and Ainsley follow Parker’s friend to another warehouse, the ladies’ other friend appears… the most unlikely friend.
a. Things go south and 2 people are fatally shot and 1 is critically injured.
4. Avery makes a wonderful announcement to Ainsley and Carmen.
5. Parker’s heart is broken, but then Avery works on repairing it.
6. Avery gains 2 new roommates.
7. Adam is awesome and spends a lot of time with Ainsley.

As with Daley’s other books, she takes her time with details and sometimes the mystery isn’t solved until the next book. It’s a great way to keep you on the edge of your seat in wonder with what will happen next! The mystery was solved in this read which is always great. Daley also gives us a feeling of warmth and friendship amongst the characters. Even the animals all have their own unique personalities. I love the Peninsula Gang’s friendship and closeness.

The next book “A Christmas Caper” in this series will be released in 3 more days! But there’s no way I’ll wait that long before reading another book. I MUST always have a book in hand, so I choose to read “Graveyard Girl” Book 1 of 6 by Stephanie Bond - you need to check them out because Bond is an amazing writer! In fact, she also continues her mysteries into the next book. They’re all 6-part series and written differently than most books series I’ve read. “Elevator Girl” is another amazing 6-part series. Man, I get so lucky in finding terrific reads!

See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses!
~ themoodyredhead ✨♥️✨
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,420 reviews12 followers
August 28, 2024
The latest from Gooseberry Bay, and I couldn't put this book down.

Ainsley is a private investigator and moved to Gooseberry Bay after losing her father. She finds out she has a sister and so she searches for her. She eventually finds her and also finds out that her childhood wasn't all that she was led to believe.

Ainsley has made lots of friends in Gooseberry Bay, Parker (local newspaper reporter) is one of them, and the beginning of this book is about helping her on a stakeout. Things go wrong, and her sister, Avery, arrives to help.

I think there may be a spin-off series from this book in the pipeline. I do hope so.

I absolutely love the cosy mystery books by Kathi Daley, I've read most of them, both the series which have finished and the ones which are ongoing, they are all really good. Some characters appear in series other than the ones, which are their own series.

The books are standalone mysteries, but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

I can't wait to read the next book in this series. I highly recommend this series and any book by Kathi Daley to cosy mystery lovers.
Profile Image for Darla Taylor.
1,852 reviews
September 24, 2024
Ainsley Holloway came to Gooseberry Bay looking for answers to her past and found her future. In this book of the series, Ainsley is excited because her sister, Avery, will be visiting soon. Avery is also taking a new job where she'll be home more and is looking at making Seattle her home base. In addition, Ainsley goes on a stake out with Parker. It's one that goes horribly wrong leaving the women with more questions than answers.

I love Kathi Daley's books. She's one of my favorite cozy mystery authors and this has become one of my favorite series of hers. This book was well-written with well-developed characters and relationships that are deep and meaningful. I was drawn into this engaging story from the beginning and kept hooked throughout. There's a strong sense of family and friendship in this book. The mystery was intriguing with plenty of twists and turns. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order.
123 reviews1 follower
November 6, 2024
Another wonderful action packed book from Kathi Daley

Parker gets a tip on a drug cartel and asked Ainsley to join her on a stake out. Shots ring out. Now Avery who just joined the FBI in Seattle steps in to help with the investigation into Deputy Todd's death and Sawyers being critically injured. Things falling place as Avery gets a lavish condo in Seattle but also will spend time in Gooseberry Bay. Story ended too fast but looks like there is another one coming out soon.
890 reviews6 followers
August 10, 2024
Investigating a lead on a drug deal went in directions no one could anticipate ending with a friend being shot and the facts that come to light are devastating and forever change the dynamics of the group. The eventual end is heartbreaking but lots of changes coming to Gooseberry Bay not all of them bad. Great read.
Profile Image for Cindy.
782 reviews1 follower
August 10, 2024
Lots going on

Avery is moving closer to Ainsley. Ainsley and Adam are now a couple. Parker and Ainsley are on a stake out where one person is killed and another is gravely injured. Things are changing for Parker, Avery and Bexley. Interesting book in the series that I read in one evening.
411 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2024
Awesome

Kathi does it again and I love how Avery is making friends and Ainsley's friends and is able to offer assistance to Bexley and Parker. Drug dealers are nothing to mess with and Ainsley and Parker end up almost in the middle of a meeting that left 2 local men dead. In the end Avery and the FBI solved the murders and are continuing to take the kingpin down.
Profile Image for JoAn.
2,460 reviews1 follower
September 23, 2024
This series never disappoints. This one has dramatic effect on all of the characters that I've grown to love. Significant twists, drug rings, murder, the support of friends that have become family and new directions for some of the characters made this book one that I couldn't put down. I'm looking forward to what's in store with the friends in Gooseberry Bay.
Profile Image for Cheryl Mayo.
74 reviews
August 30, 2024
A tragedy

This was an intriguing story that merged characters from other stories together. I was saddened by a death but also full of joy and hope at the end. Kathy Daley never disappoints.
705 reviews1 follower
February 25, 2025
A Sister Thing

What a pleasure to see the sisters working together and how well they get along. I sure would love to be able st stay in a beautiful condo like they are living in now. Luxury at its best.
479 reviews1 follower
December 31, 2025
"I shot the sheriff", no you didn't..

Ok now this has been a different experience. So many got hurt and lost more than just their lives. But with this mix came more challenging events. But who shot the sheriff?
164 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
another good one!

I love this series. Start with the first one and read them all, in order. I am ready for the next one now.
8 reviews
August 9, 2024
Wow!

This is by far the best book of the series. Engaging from the first page until the last. The feel of this book is different from the rest of the series. I look forward to the next installment.
493 reviews
August 9, 2024
Cottage in Gooseberry Bay: A sister thing

Well written and these characters are great. During a standout of a possible drug ring, Parker looking to break a story gets more than she bargained for. And of course we have dogs and cats.
Profile Image for Sue.
28 reviews8 followers
August 10, 2024
Spelling mistake

I don't know if it's the author or editor, but shame on you! The country is spelled COLOMBIA not Columbia. Please fact check before publishing
51 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2024
Cottage on Gooseberry Bay

I haven' t the slightest idea how Kathi Daley does it, but her characters are people I would like to have as friends and neighbors. Her plots are never cookie cutter. I've learned something new in every book. I also find that once I start reading I have a very hard time stopping until it is finished.
Thank you Kathi Daley for your great writing.
1,415 reviews9 followers
August 12, 2024
Drugs??? Never mix them with business??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
12 reviews
August 13, 2024
Great reading.

Love reading this series. All the characters are believable and likable. Can't wait to read the next installment. Thank you
298 reviews2 followers
August 27, 2024
Great Series!

I love these light clean mysteries by Kathie Daley. You get attached to the characters and their pets. I highly recommend her books to all.
959 reviews2 followers
August 29, 2024
Shocking mystery and a good surprise, I enjoyed this book. Don't want to spoil it if anyone should read my review, but this is a good one.
23 reviews
September 6, 2024
another great group to follow

No one author writes as fast as I read so I am glad to have found a group I could visit over and over again
Profile Image for Carol Clary.
10 reviews
September 12, 2024
A sister thing

I love that the characters interact with characters from her series'. I read all of her series and thoroughly enjoy them. I can't wait for her next book!
2 reviews
October 6, 2024
fun read

Easy and fun read. I have enjoyed the series and how it intertwines with other series. Can not wait to continue
Profile Image for Stephen Levesque.
2,808 reviews
January 23, 2025
Totally enjoyed it! This is a well written and has well developed characters. The story is catching and with the strong characters makes for a very enjoyable read. Great Reading Everyone!
81 reviews1 follower
March 20, 2025
Great beach read. I have enjoyed the series and love the characters.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.