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Bistro at Holiday Bay #9
Cons and Canines
A new romance, a murder, an ex-con, a PI, and a whole lot of dogs.
Alex and Leo are finally able to break ground on the dog rescue they've been working on for impossible to place dogs who have been at the shelter for an extended period or who find themselves on death row for one reason or another. The altruistic couple hire a man who is both a contractor and an ex-con to oversee the construction of the pens and buildings. There are those who aren’t happy with Leo’s choice and are campaigning to have him removed, but the man is doing a good job and Leo is a strong believer in second chances, so he keeps him on in spite of those who'd like to see him gone. When a Holiday Bay resident is found dead, Leo’s ex-con is blamed, and it is up to Leo and Alex to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Shelby and Dawson are working to redefine both their work and personal relationship, Amy is thinking of making a change, and Beck has an interesting new case that will keep everyone guessing.
Alex and Leo are finally able to break ground on the dog rescue they've been working on for impossible to place dogs who have been at the shelter for an extended period or who find themselves on death row for one reason or another. The altruistic couple hire a man who is both a contractor and an ex-con to oversee the construction of the pens and buildings. There are those who aren’t happy with Leo’s choice and are campaigning to have him removed, but the man is doing a good job and Leo is a strong believer in second chances, so he keeps him on in spite of those who'd like to see him gone. When a Holiday Bay resident is found dead, Leo’s ex-con is blamed, and it is up to Leo and Alex to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Shelby and Dawson are working to redefine both their work and personal relationship, Amy is thinking of making a change, and Beck has an interesting new case that will keep everyone guessing.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
152 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 11, 2025
246 people are currently reading
76 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
330 books1,785 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 - 21 of 21 reviews
February 25, 2025
Cons and Canines is the ninth book in Kathi Daley’s Bistro at Holiday Bay series. There are quite a few familiar characters, along with new ones, since this is this spin-off series from Ms. Daley’s Inn at Holiday Bay series. The well-plotted storyline flows smoothly, the setting is charming, and the well-developed characters are three-dimensional, compassionate, and caring. The murder mystery in this installment is intriguing and complex, with no shortage of twists, turns, or red herrings. I highly recommend this series to readers who enjoy well-crafted, cozy mysteries.
Shelby Morris learned that she not only had two half-sisters, Sage Wilson and Sierra Danielson, but that the grandmother they didn’t even know existed had passed away, leaving them cash, personal property, and a mansion and grounds worth millions of dollars. The sisters decided Shelby would move to Holiday Bay, Maine, to live in and care for the house and grounds. When Shelby Morris and her friend, talented chef, and business partner, Amy Hogan, discovered a local bar and restaurant, the Bistro at Holiday Bay, was for sale, the two friends decided to go into business together. Shelby is thrilled that Sage, a talented clothing designer, has opened a manufacturing facility in Maine for her line of outdoor wear and is spending a fair amount of time in Holiday Bay.
In this installment, Alex Weston and Leo Atwell are happy that they are finally breaking ground on their dog rescue. Despite some Holiday Bay residents expressing dissatisfaction with their choice of contractors, progress was smooth until their contractor, Cayson Boston, an ex-convict, became the prime suspect in the murder of Holiday Bay’s town manager, Gavin Houghton. Cayson, who has always maintained his innocence, was convicted of killing a liquor store clerk during an armed robbery. After receiving an early release from prison, Cayson returned to his hometown, moved into his late mother’s home, and was employed by Alex and Leo, who are firm believers in second chances. Although evidence implicating Cayson as Gavin’s killer surfaced, Cayson denies the allegations. Alex and Leo believe in Cayson’s innocence and enlist the help of their friends to prove their contractor’s innocence and identify the actual killer. Meanwhile, Nell Farmer hires Beck Cage to locate her brother, Caleb Farmer, who she believes is alive even though the authorities believe he perished in a fiery automobile accident.
Shelby Morris learned that she not only had two half-sisters, Sage Wilson and Sierra Danielson, but that the grandmother they didn’t even know existed had passed away, leaving them cash, personal property, and a mansion and grounds worth millions of dollars. The sisters decided Shelby would move to Holiday Bay, Maine, to live in and care for the house and grounds. When Shelby Morris and her friend, talented chef, and business partner, Amy Hogan, discovered a local bar and restaurant, the Bistro at Holiday Bay, was for sale, the two friends decided to go into business together. Shelby is thrilled that Sage, a talented clothing designer, has opened a manufacturing facility in Maine for her line of outdoor wear and is spending a fair amount of time in Holiday Bay.
In this installment, Alex Weston and Leo Atwell are happy that they are finally breaking ground on their dog rescue. Despite some Holiday Bay residents expressing dissatisfaction with their choice of contractors, progress was smooth until their contractor, Cayson Boston, an ex-convict, became the prime suspect in the murder of Holiday Bay’s town manager, Gavin Houghton. Cayson, who has always maintained his innocence, was convicted of killing a liquor store clerk during an armed robbery. After receiving an early release from prison, Cayson returned to his hometown, moved into his late mother’s home, and was employed by Alex and Leo, who are firm believers in second chances. Although evidence implicating Cayson as Gavin’s killer surfaced, Cayson denies the allegations. Alex and Leo believe in Cayson’s innocence and enlist the help of their friends to prove their contractor’s innocence and identify the actual killer. Meanwhile, Nell Farmer hires Beck Cage to locate her brother, Caleb Farmer, who she believes is alive even though the authorities believe he perished in a fiery automobile accident.
March 3, 2025
A good book with an interesting mystery.
Amazon synopsis:
Alex and Leo are finally able to break ground on the dog rescue they've been working on for impossible to place dogs who have been at the shelter for an extended period or who find themselves on death row for one reason or another. The altruistic couple hire a man who is both a contractor and an ex-con to oversee the construction of the pens and buildings. There are those who aren’t happy with Leo’s choice and are campaigning to have him removed, but the man is doing a good job and Leo is a strong believer in second chances, so he keeps him on in spite of those who'd like to see him gone. When a Holiday Bay resident is found dead, Leo’s ex-con is blamed, and it is up to Leo and Alex to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Shelby and Dawson are working to redefine both their work and personal relationship, Amy is thinking of making a change, and Beck has an interesting new case that will keep everyone guessing.
Amazon synopsis:
Alex and Leo are finally able to break ground on the dog rescue they've been working on for impossible to place dogs who have been at the shelter for an extended period or who find themselves on death row for one reason or another. The altruistic couple hire a man who is both a contractor and an ex-con to oversee the construction of the pens and buildings. There are those who aren’t happy with Leo’s choice and are campaigning to have him removed, but the man is doing a good job and Leo is a strong believer in second chances, so he keeps him on in spite of those who'd like to see him gone. When a Holiday Bay resident is found dead, Leo’s ex-con is blamed, and it is up to Leo and Alex to prove his innocence.
Meanwhile, Shelby and Dawson are working to redefine both their work and personal relationship, Amy is thinking of making a change, and Beck has an interesting new case that will keep everyone guessing.
April 20, 2025
Alex and Leo have broken ground on their dog rescue that they've got planned and they hire a contractor who happens to be an ex-con. The couple is happy with his work, but there are some in town who have been pushing for his removal. When a local man is killed, things seem to point to the man so Alex and Leo set out to prove his innocence. In the meantime, Shelby and Dawson are redefining their relationship, both at home and at work. Amy is ready to make some changes and Beck has an interesting case.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this one was no exception. It was well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot. The intriguing mystery was full of twists and turns plus red herrings. I was hooked on this tantalizing tale from start to finish. There was a sense of family and friendship in the story that adds depth to the mystery. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this one was no exception. It was well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot. The intriguing mystery was full of twists and turns plus red herrings. I was hooked on this tantalizing tale from start to finish. There was a sense of family and friendship in the story that adds depth to the mystery. I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to the next one.
February 28, 2025
Always enjoy catching up with my friends at Holiday Bay!
This story was a bit confusing what with all the bad people becoming good but then the unknown person dead in a car, buildings under construction or Buildings that should not be torn down, TNT beinoltg left and endangering lives, who did what to whom.... but I did keep up with the story most of the time. So glad that She'll and Dawson are an item.....will there be a wedding soon?? Will they beat Abby and Colt to the altar?? When will the next book be out??
This story was a bit confusing what with all the bad people becoming good but then the unknown person dead in a car, buildings under construction or Buildings that should not be torn down, TNT beinoltg left and endangering lives, who did what to whom.... but I did keep up with the story most of the time. So glad that She'll and Dawson are an item.....will there be a wedding soon?? Will they beat Abby and Colt to the altar?? When will the next book be out??
March 12, 2025
Another great Holiday Bay adventure
The Bistro at Holiday Bay has great stories that overlap with the Inn and Bookstore as far as characters are concerned. The main characters often were from the Inn at Holiday Bay. This story was written with several mysteries involving characters who were not necessarily familiar to the reader, though included the regular characters. It was a great read where everything falls together at the end, murder solved and back story was also connected.
The Bistro at Holiday Bay has great stories that overlap with the Inn and Bookstore as far as characters are concerned. The main characters often were from the Inn at Holiday Bay. This story was written with several mysteries involving characters who were not necessarily familiar to the reader, though included the regular characters. It was a great read where everything falls together at the end, murder solved and back story was also connected.
March 4, 2025
Hawk sitings mean listen to your intuitions.
Incredibly written complex story of a sister trying to fond out if her brother is really dead. The construction of the dog rescue is complicated by the Foreman being implicated in the murder of an elected official who had apparently turned to the dark side. I love how Kathy weaves characters from other series into other series. Enjoy another great book.
Incredibly written complex story of a sister trying to fond out if her brother is really dead. The construction of the dog rescue is complicated by the Foreman being implicated in the murder of an elected official who had apparently turned to the dark side. I love how Kathy weaves characters from other series into other series. Enjoy another great book.
March 21, 2025
Love it
Of course, Kathi hits it out of the park again. Lots of things happening in this book and it is mostly good stuff. The rescue is moving along, an older death was investigated, and a new one happened as well. In addition, things happening on the personal front for Shelby, Dawson, Amy, and Cambria are great. Can't wait to see what happens next.
Of course, Kathi hits it out of the park again. Lots of things happening in this book and it is mostly good stuff. The rescue is moving along, an older death was investigated, and a new one happened as well. In addition, things happening on the personal front for Shelby, Dawson, Amy, and Cambria are great. Can't wait to see what happens next.
February 26, 2025
Alex and Leo are having an animal shelter built to rescue animals Leo hired an ex-con to do the construction work and he's doing a great job but when there's a murder everyone thinks the ex-con did it and Shelby, Dawson, Leo, Alex and Beck are all on the job to find the real killer. Great Read
February 27, 2025
Lovely
Iliked this one, well I generally like them all. So well described the life and politics of a small town. The characters are so good, the plot believable and the book entertaining.
Iliked this one, well I generally like them all. So well described the life and politics of a small town. The characters are so good, the plot believable and the book entertaining.
March 12, 2025
The Bistro at Holiday Bay: Cons and Canines
Great. Cozy mystery. Besides a murder there is a deep element how some people can't forget or forgive someone's past behaviour even though they have become a good person.
Great. Cozy mystery. Besides a murder there is a deep element how some people can't forget or forgive someone's past behaviour even though they have become a good person.
April 1, 2025
Loved this book.
It is amazing how many people without Morales can condemn others and ignore their own lawlessness. In this book the law breasts were uncovered and punished. Justice won. We need more of this kind of winnng!
It is amazing how many people without Morales can condemn others and ignore their own lawlessness. In this book the law breasts were uncovered and punished. Justice won. We need more of this kind of winnng!
May 26, 2025
Good as Always
I really enjoy this authors books and the location of holiday bay. I like how all the characters connect with each other. These are very enjoyable clean mysteries and I highly recommend.
I really enjoy this authors books and the location of holiday bay. I like how all the characters connect with each other. These are very enjoyable clean mysteries and I highly recommend.
August 15, 2025
Oh What a Tangled Web We Weave
This story will twist and turn you in every direction. Kathi keeps you guessing as Shelby and her crew work through clues, Bistro issues, life changes to keep Holiday Bay safe.
This story will twist and turn you in every direction. Kathi keeps you guessing as Shelby and her crew work through clues, Bistro issues, life changes to keep Holiday Bay safe.
March 2, 2025
Lots going on
Several mysteries and a murder that may or may not be tied together. Shelby and Dawson are now a couple, and Shelby's Bistro partner, Amy, is moving out.
Several mysteries and a murder that may or may not be tied together. Shelby and Dawson are now a couple, and Shelby's Bistro partner, Amy, is moving out.
March 12, 2025
My review for Cons and Canines
I absolutely loved it! A bittersweet ending, but one full of hopeful futures. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! A bittersweet ending, but one full of hopeful futures. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
March 27, 2025
Another book in this series I enjoyed. Great job can't wait for the next one.
May 5, 2025
I enjoy this series
I really enjoy this series as I enjoy all of KathyDaleys books, they pull you right into the story so you can imagine everything.
I really enjoy this series as I enjoy all of KathyDaleys books, they pull you right into the story so you can imagine everything.
May 31, 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!
October 20, 2025
Cons and Canines
Sad that the one guy was really already dead but it seems that’s the way these stories go. Otherwise there wouldn’t be a story.
Sad that the one guy was really already dead but it seems that’s the way these stories go. Otherwise there wouldn’t be a story.
January 4, 2026
Great book
This is a great series. Shelby and Dawson are finally together and they have a great group of friends to help solve their mysteries.
This is a great series. Shelby and Dawson are finally together and they have a great group of friends to help solve their mysteries.
June 1, 2025
Looking forward to the new series
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews