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Zoe Donovan Mystery #9
Haunted Hamlet
When a ghost hunter is found dead in a haunted house just days before Halloween it looks like the killer may be living impaired. Zoe must juggle the annual Zoe Donovan Spooktacular with zombies on the run, the annual pumpkin carving contest, a haunted hayride, a relationship in crisis, and a little behind the scenes investigation
202 pages, Paperback
First published July 31, 2014
337 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
357 books1,790 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 - 30 of 81 reviews
December 3, 2017
Another great addition to the Zoe series. I loved all the Halloween events going on.
August 3, 2014
Kathi has done it again! This is book 9 in the Zoe Donovan series, and as much as I love all the others, I think this is my favorite. The book has everything I love-Haunted houses, haunted hayrides, possible ghosts, and parapsychology. Zoe is helping with the set up of the Haunted Hamlet, and again gets involved in a murder. So in between getting the Halloween festivities ready, and watching Zak go crazy with Halloween decorations for his house, they try to solve the mystery. I also love the progression of relationships in this book, Zoe and Zak, Zoes parents, and Ellie, trying to find her Mr Right. I cant wait to see what the next book brings!
October 28, 2020
What a fun Halloween story, made even better by listening to it rather than reading it! Zoe is in the thick of decorating for Halloween as she and boyfriend Zak prepare for the annual festivities in Ashton Falls. Nobody thought it possible that anyone love Halloween as much as Zoe, but Zak can even out-decorate her! (Note - I own the Kindle copy and am reviewing the Audible copy)
Zoe is at the infamous local haunted Henderson House property, where a murder took place last year when Zoe was preparing for the annual event and found a body. It couldn’t possible happen again, yet she is hesitant at first about going into the house for any reason. Or could it? Yes, it could happen again. Zoe found the body of a man who seems to have fallen down the stairs inside the mansion. The man turned out to not only be a reputed ghost chaser, but he was present more than a decade earlier when several counselors from a local summer camp went there to party, and three died. That’s more than a coincidence, and Zoe can’t let it go.
Swamped with finding a way to replace the festival that could not now be taking place at Henderson House, oversee preparations for the various related events, and still do her work at the animal shelter, Zoe tries to fit another murder into her schedule. Actually, four murders – the man who died this year, and the three who died 13 years earlier when he was present.
I enjoyed how much the author details the Halloween events, including the decorations. Her love for the holiday makes the mystery more interesting and realistic. I also enjoyed the various characters and returning to the earlier days of the series. Meeting Zak’s ex-girlfriend who seems to want back into his life brings another dimension to the story.
To me, the narrator spoke a little faster than I could listen at times, but that’s just my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the narration, bringing the author’s word to life. I highly recommend this to those who are fans of the author and series, cozy mysteries set at Halloween, dogs, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook; a review was not required.
Zoe is at the infamous local haunted Henderson House property, where a murder took place last year when Zoe was preparing for the annual event and found a body. It couldn’t possible happen again, yet she is hesitant at first about going into the house for any reason. Or could it? Yes, it could happen again. Zoe found the body of a man who seems to have fallen down the stairs inside the mansion. The man turned out to not only be a reputed ghost chaser, but he was present more than a decade earlier when several counselors from a local summer camp went there to party, and three died. That’s more than a coincidence, and Zoe can’t let it go.
Swamped with finding a way to replace the festival that could not now be taking place at Henderson House, oversee preparations for the various related events, and still do her work at the animal shelter, Zoe tries to fit another murder into her schedule. Actually, four murders – the man who died this year, and the three who died 13 years earlier when he was present.
I enjoyed how much the author details the Halloween events, including the decorations. Her love for the holiday makes the mystery more interesting and realistic. I also enjoyed the various characters and returning to the earlier days of the series. Meeting Zak’s ex-girlfriend who seems to want back into his life brings another dimension to the story.
To me, the narrator spoke a little faster than I could listen at times, but that’s just my opinion. Overall, I enjoyed the mystery and the narration, bringing the author’s word to life. I highly recommend this to those who are fans of the author and series, cozy mysteries set at Halloween, dogs, and romance.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this audiobook; a review was not required.
October 8, 2020
This was a great Halloween story! A little bit old spooky story, a little present day spookiness, some adorable babies in their Halloween outfits, friends, food, haunted maze and fun. I wish Ashton Falls was a place to really visit, because spending Halloween there would be a blast! I was surprised at how Zak got into it so much, since he's usually the serious guy of the bunch. I would have loved to have seen his Mr. & Mrs. Frankenstein decorations!
Due to the body found in the old house they usually used for part of Halloween Hamlet, Zoe and the events committee had to brainstorm ideas to make up their revenue loss without their usual haunted barn. I liked the combination of the old mystery and how the cold case was solved in present time. As always, the friends had their little side stories that make this series the warm and fun series I've come to love, complete with a sweet ending this time!
Due to the body found in the old house they usually used for part of Halloween Hamlet, Zoe and the events committee had to brainstorm ideas to make up their revenue loss without their usual haunted barn. I liked the combination of the old mystery and how the cold case was solved in present time. As always, the friends had their little side stories that make this series the warm and fun series I've come to love, complete with a sweet ending this time!
February 7, 2017
As Ashton Falls gets ready for the Halloween Festivities they find out that the haunted barn utilized in previous years is not available for use as the main attraction. It is decided that the “haunted Henderson House” will be the venue instead. Just days before the big event when Zoe goes to meet a contractor who is putting up the props she finds the dead body of a ghost hunter who is looking into the deaths of 4 people which occurred 13 years ago in the Henderson House.
The book seemed a bit slow in the middle jut to take off running in the end. But I still had lots of fun with everything that was going on in the little town.
The book seemed a bit slow in the middle jut to take off running in the end. But I still had lots of fun with everything that was going on in the little town.
October 29, 2017
When a ghost hunter is found dead in a haunted house just days before Halloween it looks like the killer may be living impaired. Zoe must juggle the annual Zoe Donovan Spooktacular with zombies on the run, the annual pumpkin carving contest, a haunted hayride, a relationship in crisis, and a little behind the scenes investigation.
It was okay. Anyone that just wants a story for Halloween will find that this is adequate. I found the "investigation" unbelievable...unrealistic ... and on many levels, non-existent. The supposedly haunted house wasn't even scary. The police must have really been incompetent idiots to let this woman and her friends investigate as if she was the only one with sense enough to do so. It did have some cute dogs and a fun sounding Halloween carnival...other than that it was a mediocre story.
August 3, 2014
Haunted Hamlet by Kathi Daley is another great book in a series of great books. This book takes place at Halloween and it returns to the murder scene from book one, the Henderson House. This house is thought to be haunted by all that live in Ashton Falls and it makes perfect sense to hold the Haunted Hamlet in the barn on the property. But before that can happen, a body is found in the house by Zoe and Zak. The body is that of a man who is a real “ghost hunter”. And who also has connections to murders that took place in the same house thirteen years ago. Are these incidents related or is it a coincidence?
The mystery continues throughout the entire story and I did not figure out the murderer until it was revealed at the end. All the clues and evidence get tied together nicely and realistically. Which is always what happens when I read Kathi Daley’s series.
To me, the characters are what make this series really great. They are so well rounded, realistic and three dimensional and if every book they continue to grow. I don’t feel like I’m reading a book but rather that I’m in Ashton Falls visiting. The characters are so human and the problems that they deal with are so real, that readers can relate to. They experience all the emotions that everyone experiences, such as joy, sorrow, jealousy, love. They really feel like people that I know. And I really enjoy that while I’m reading/visiting.
I would recommend Haunted Hamlet to all readers who enjoy a cozy mystery that has it all. It can read as a stand-alone book but for total enjoyment, I think the Zoe Donovan series should be read in order. I can’t wait for the next book to see what Zoe and her friends will be up to next.
The mystery continues throughout the entire story and I did not figure out the murderer until it was revealed at the end. All the clues and evidence get tied together nicely and realistically. Which is always what happens when I read Kathi Daley’s series.
To me, the characters are what make this series really great. They are so well rounded, realistic and three dimensional and if every book they continue to grow. I don’t feel like I’m reading a book but rather that I’m in Ashton Falls visiting. The characters are so human and the problems that they deal with are so real, that readers can relate to. They experience all the emotions that everyone experiences, such as joy, sorrow, jealousy, love. They really feel like people that I know. And I really enjoy that while I’m reading/visiting.
I would recommend Haunted Hamlet to all readers who enjoy a cozy mystery that has it all. It can read as a stand-alone book but for total enjoyment, I think the Zoe Donovan series should be read in order. I can’t wait for the next book to see what Zoe and her friends will be up to next.
August 3, 2015
As others have said, I do believe this is my favorite Zoe Donovan novel so far.
I want to move to Ashton Falls!
Halloween is Zoe's favorite holiday, and mine as well.
The Haunted Hamlet is a major town affair and a necessary fundraiser for the town's budget, including paying for a new fire engine.
It is fun getting to know each town character better, watching the interactions between them. The animals add a charm and cute factor to each story.
The main thread throughout the book is about murder - both that of a visiting ghost hunter, as well as those that happened thirteen years ago at the same location. How are the murders related? Are they related?
Who knows more than they are telling?
Besides the murder and mystery thread, other conflicts arise, keeping the reader feeling part of the town's inner circle. Whose lives are going to be changed, what relationship obstacles and opportunities arise this time?
Besides a winning tale, this book gives us delicious recipes for our own gatherings, and the promise of more Ashton Falls to come!
I was allowed an advance copy of this book in exchange for anhonest opinion.
My opinion - LOVE it and can hardly wait for the next one!
I want to move to Ashton Falls!
Halloween is Zoe's favorite holiday, and mine as well.
The Haunted Hamlet is a major town affair and a necessary fundraiser for the town's budget, including paying for a new fire engine.
It is fun getting to know each town character better, watching the interactions between them. The animals add a charm and cute factor to each story.
The main thread throughout the book is about murder - both that of a visiting ghost hunter, as well as those that happened thirteen years ago at the same location. How are the murders related? Are they related?
Who knows more than they are telling?
Besides the murder and mystery thread, other conflicts arise, keeping the reader feeling part of the town's inner circle. Whose lives are going to be changed, what relationship obstacles and opportunities arise this time?
Besides a winning tale, this book gives us delicious recipes for our own gatherings, and the promise of more Ashton Falls to come!
I was allowed an advance copy of this book in exchange for anhonest opinion.
My opinion - LOVE it and can hardly wait for the next one!
October 17, 2014
I really enjoyed all of the Halloween activities that go on in the town of Ashton Falls. The Zombie Run (man I'd love to see on of those around here), haunted hayrides, pumpkin carving contests, and murder. No wait, murder is good for the story, not good in real life. But Kathi Daley sure does do it up right. She keeps the mystery building and keeps the reader guessing until her reveal.
While Haunted Hamlet would have been a great read on it's own, it made it more enjoyable to have read the first book in this series, Halloween Hijinxs, because we find Zoe back at Henderson House, the setting of the murder from that first story. I love that Ms. Daley took us back to the original scene of the crime. In reading many books, we often tend to forget certain things from our favorite series. So, thank you for the trip back, Kathi!
If you're looking for fun Halloween mystery reads, put HAUNTED HAMLET at the top of your list. And pick up HALLOWEEN HIJINX if you haven't already read it. You're going to love them both.
Have a friend with an October birthday? Give them a copy of both Halloween Zoe Donovan Mysteries!
While Haunted Hamlet would have been a great read on it's own, it made it more enjoyable to have read the first book in this series, Halloween Hijinxs, because we find Zoe back at Henderson House, the setting of the murder from that first story. I love that Ms. Daley took us back to the original scene of the crime. In reading many books, we often tend to forget certain things from our favorite series. So, thank you for the trip back, Kathi!
If you're looking for fun Halloween mystery reads, put HAUNTED HAMLET at the top of your list. And pick up HALLOWEEN HIJINX if you haven't already read it. You're going to love them both.
Have a friend with an October birthday? Give them a copy of both Halloween Zoe Donovan Mysteries!
August 2, 2014
Copy from Author for review
It’s October and Zoe and the gang are getting ready for Halloween festivities in Ashton Falls. Zoe has officially moved in with Zak while Ellie is living at Zoe’s boathouse. Ellie is still baby crazy as she keeps looking for the right guy.
Halloween is her favorite holiday and Zak has gone overboard decorating his house full of electronic gadgets. They are busy helping the town with various activities.
Zoe and Zak stumble across a dead body in an old haunted house. As they further investigate they find that the body turns out to be a real ghost hunter who had ties in the area and that the house may hold more hidden secrets from the past.
When Zoe is kidnap by the killer will Zak be able to save her before she becomes the next victim? Will Zoe realize how much she loves Zak or will it be too late?
It is another engrossing book from Kathi Daley in the Zoe Donovan series that flows quickly by. It was a joy to read.
It’s October and Zoe and the gang are getting ready for Halloween festivities in Ashton Falls. Zoe has officially moved in with Zak while Ellie is living at Zoe’s boathouse. Ellie is still baby crazy as she keeps looking for the right guy.
Halloween is her favorite holiday and Zak has gone overboard decorating his house full of electronic gadgets. They are busy helping the town with various activities.
Zoe and Zak stumble across a dead body in an old haunted house. As they further investigate they find that the body turns out to be a real ghost hunter who had ties in the area and that the house may hold more hidden secrets from the past.
When Zoe is kidnap by the killer will Zak be able to save her before she becomes the next victim? Will Zoe realize how much she loves Zak or will it be too late?
It is another engrossing book from Kathi Daley in the Zoe Donovan series that flows quickly by. It was a joy to read.
April 14, 2015
This was the second book in this series that I've read. As a lover of all things spooky, the title really caught my eye. I wasn't completely familiar with Zoe Donavan, but I loved her from the beginning.
The relationship between Zoe and Ellie felt very real, and I enjoyed the easy going friendship they shared.
When things go awry in Ashton Falls, plans change for Halloween, but the haunted hayride is a big hit.
Murder and mayhem is on the rise in this story, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced cozy.
The relationship between Zoe and Ellie felt very real, and I enjoyed the easy going friendship they shared.
When things go awry in Ashton Falls, plans change for Halloween, but the haunted hayride is a big hit.
Murder and mayhem is on the rise in this story, I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a fast paced cozy.
September 28, 2014
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! The town and it's characters are easy to fall in love with. It seems to have the perfect amount of mystery and the touch of romance, in a charming little town, to make you want to put off what you were going to do today, so you can finish reading the book.. I can't wait to go back and catch up, and learn more about everyone. Already looking forward to the next one.
August 5, 2014
This book totally awesome! there was twist and turns that left you guessing until the vary end. I also thought that set itself apart from the other books from the Zoe Donovan universe was that you found out more about the urban league of Ashton Falls. This book was highly entertaining! It only took me 4 days to read it from start to finish.
August 2, 2014
Zodar goes on alert once again. Zoe finds a body while checking the venue for the Halloween activities haunted house. Delightful return visit with friends and their pets. New mystery and old are intertwined to keep one guessing. Yummy recipes follow.
October 18, 2015
Cute cozy
Cute story, complete with a 13 year old mystery, friends, rivals, dogs, cats, a bad guy, boyfriends, potential boyfriends, and best of all, Halloween. Great story for when you just want to be entertained.
Cute story, complete with a 13 year old mystery, friends, rivals, dogs, cats, a bad guy, boyfriends, potential boyfriends, and best of all, Halloween. Great story for when you just want to be entertained.
June 14, 2019
Wow!
This novel has a fascinating mystery to solve, and the solution is completely credible. I really like the way Daley introduces the animals and shows how Zoe “matchmakes” them. BRAVO!
This novel has a fascinating mystery to solve, and the solution is completely credible. I really like the way Daley introduces the animals and shows how Zoe “matchmakes” them. BRAVO!
November 24, 2015
5 STARS!!!! I thoroughly enjoyed every minute of this story. It was a great story. Great pace, never lost interest. Cannot wait to start the next book.
March 14, 2017
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku
Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)
Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)
Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku
Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)
Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)
Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
February 6, 2022
In Ashton Falls, it's nearing Halloween, Zoe's favourite time of year. Last year, she nearly missed out on the town's celebrations as she was involved in finding a murderer, will this year be the same?
Things have changed this past year, Zoe is involved in a relationship with Zac, self-made millionaire at a young age after selling his IT company. Zoe runs Zoe's Zoo, the town's animal shelter after Zac bought it for her. Her Mum and Dad have got back together, and after 20+ years of being an only child, she had a sister of 6 months old.
Her best friends from school, Levi and Ellie are a big part of her life too; as are the animals she finds who need loving homes.
Once again, she finds a body in a house they ate using for part of the town's Halloween festivities, but it turns into something more when the whole story emerges. Will Zoe live to tell Zac what she wants to?
I am loving this cozy mystery series by Kathi Daley, its reminiscent of another of her series, Tess and Tilly, but different enough for it to have captured my attention. The books are easily read in a few hours, each a standalone mystery with the same core characters throughout the whole series. As such, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
Things have changed this past year, Zoe is involved in a relationship with Zac, self-made millionaire at a young age after selling his IT company. Zoe runs Zoe's Zoo, the town's animal shelter after Zac bought it for her. Her Mum and Dad have got back together, and after 20+ years of being an only child, she had a sister of 6 months old.
Her best friends from school, Levi and Ellie are a big part of her life too; as are the animals she finds who need loving homes.
Once again, she finds a body in a house they ate using for part of the town's Halloween festivities, but it turns into something more when the whole story emerges. Will Zoe live to tell Zac what she wants to?
I am loving this cozy mystery series by Kathi Daley, its reminiscent of another of her series, Tess and Tilly, but different enough for it to have captured my attention. The books are easily read in a few hours, each a standalone mystery with the same core characters throughout the whole series. As such, the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
January 7, 2025
I’m only giving this 4 ⭐️ because Zoe bugs. Ugh! Does she want to marry Zak or not? How does he put up with her indecisiveness? You’re either in or you’re out! Maybe I’ve read too many Zoe books in a row and I need a break. I just started the next book (Book 10, “Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies) and I’m thinking maybe I should put it down and begin a new series? Nah, once I start a series I read all of the books available in a row with nothing new in between.
Zak seems like such a nice guy and he’s so patient. Jealous Zoe came out for a rant with no logical basis behind the rage. She called Zak a liar and ran off to hide and moan and complain to Ellie about how angry she was with him. If Zoe feels she can’t trust Zak, how come she is even wasting his time making him think she may marry him?
So, now who’s the one on a rant? Yup, me.
My hope still lies with Levi and Ellie pairing up, but for now it’s good Ellie has a new companion.
If you like books with the sleuth running around like a chicken with her head cut off always finding dead bodies, you’ll like this series. Lol. And believe me when I say this series isn’t all that bad as I made it seen above. It is actually pretty cute. It’s just that Zoe never knows what she wants and always has to have her nose in everyone’s business and that sometimes gets tiring.
Zak seems like such a nice guy and he’s so patient. Jealous Zoe came out for a rant with no logical basis behind the rage. She called Zak a liar and ran off to hide and moan and complain to Ellie about how angry she was with him. If Zoe feels she can’t trust Zak, how come she is even wasting his time making him think she may marry him?
So, now who’s the one on a rant? Yup, me.
My hope still lies with Levi and Ellie pairing up, but for now it’s good Ellie has a new companion.
If you like books with the sleuth running around like a chicken with her head cut off always finding dead bodies, you’ll like this series. Lol. And believe me when I say this series isn’t all that bad as I made it seen above. It is actually pretty cute. It’s just that Zoe never knows what she wants and always has to have her nose in everyone’s business and that sometimes gets tiring.
April 15, 2019
I pretty much only read these to hear about the animals, Zoe friends (when will Ellie and Levi permanently hookup?), her adorable baby sister and the holiday festivities. The "investigations" are always unrealistic - such as in this case why would people who haven't discussed an incident for years decide to answer Zoe's questions about it?
This time around Zoe finds a body at the haunted barn, which leads to a lot of scrambling for a new event for the holiday. There isn't really anyway to figure out the villain before Zoe does as you don't get relevant information until then. Ellie and Levi both end up adopting puppies this time around - so more dogs in the future!
This time around Zoe finds a body at the haunted barn, which leads to a lot of scrambling for a new event for the holiday. There isn't really anyway to figure out the villain before Zoe does as you don't get relevant information until then. Ellie and Levi both end up adopting puppies this time around - so more dogs in the future!
September 17, 2017
Someday Zoe's jealousy will be the death of her
Another great mystery that I couldn't put down. There is a lot of fun stuff going on in this one, a haunted house, that may or may not be haunted, an accident that might be murder, a cold case that needs to be solved. A new relationship is needed for Ellie to get her out of her funk. Zoe always has a great way of helping out wether it's with a pet, a new spooky Halloween game, or finding a bad guy. I can't wait to read more about these great characters, so on to the next book in this series.
Another great mystery that I couldn't put down. There is a lot of fun stuff going on in this one, a haunted house, that may or may not be haunted, an accident that might be murder, a cold case that needs to be solved. A new relationship is needed for Ellie to get her out of her funk. Zoe always has a great way of helping out wether it's with a pet, a new spooky Halloween game, or finding a bad guy. I can't wait to read more about these great characters, so on to the next book in this series.
February 2, 2019
I love cozy mysteries. And this series is fun. I love the characters, the settings ( although I'm not sure what state it is in.) I love the animals. But one thing bothers me. The change from one part of the story to the next . I guess in normal books it would be a chapter, yet there are chapters. I just seems to jump from on event, day, situation to the next with no warning. I get confused. May be a line could be left in the book or a icon or some such to identify that this is a new idea. Keep up the good story lines and lets get the romances going.
September 19, 2024
One of the best parts about the Fall season is reading Halloween and Thanksgiving cozy mysteries. I love all the feels it gives me. I get that cozy time of year feeling where even if it's still 80 degrees outside, I feel like I'm sitting in my sweats with a cup of something hot reading a great story with delectable characters. Kathi Daley is one of the best at giving us a fun story that is easy for the reader to get into. You'll feel like one of Zoe Donovan's neighbors in no time. I highly recommend this series, it's been great so far. Happy Reading!
October 24, 2017
This is the 9th installment of the series and I really enjoyed it. This story was well written. And I enjoyed seeing the relationship of Zoe, her family, and her friends develop. It was very nice to see Zoe not obsessing over finding the murderer. She did find who had done the ghastly deed, but it was just done, not continually saying that she had to find them. I love this series and will continue reading about Zoe for as long as the author wants to write them.
November 5, 2016
A fast, easy read. The characters are fun, but for me it was too light on the mystery, the plot of which was nearly overshadowed by other things. I don't mind romance, but it all seemed a bit flat to me. I purchased 2 of these for my Kindle, and I will read the other, but perhaps later when I need something light and quick to read.
October 11, 2018
A cozy cozy!
Kathi Daley is one of my favorite authors! Her books feel so much like "home" to me. This book is a great one to read in October, it really helps get us in the seasonal mood. The mystery totally surprised me. I hadn't been guessing that outcome at all! Highly recommend this, and ALL Ms. Daley books!
Kathi Daley is one of my favorite authors! Her books feel so much like "home" to me. This book is a great one to read in October, it really helps get us in the seasonal mood. The mystery totally surprised me. I hadn't been guessing that outcome at all! Highly recommend this, and ALL Ms. Daley books!
October 5, 2020
Having to use the Henderson barn for the Halloween event, Zoe feels the goose bumps breaking out along her skin. Searching for a mother and baby cats, Zoe and Zak find a dead body in the Henderson house. With Zoe trying to stay out of the current investigation, she can't resist investigating a previous tragedy at the Henderson house.
October 22, 2021
Fiction>Mystery
Not my cup of tea. I like neither 'cozy' mysteries nor animals in my stories. I can't fault the author for this bc it's really my personal taste. 4 stars because for what it is, it's okay and I didn't hate it enough for DNF--If you like quick easy-to-read mysteries that aren't too disturbing and the characters are little cliché then you'd love this.
Not my cup of tea. I like neither 'cozy' mysteries nor animals in my stories. I can't fault the author for this bc it's really my personal taste. 4 stars because for what it is, it's okay and I didn't hate it enough for DNF--If you like quick easy-to-read mysteries that aren't too disturbing and the characters are little cliché then you'd love this.
June 24, 2017
Haunted Hamlet Review
I'm new to this series. I enjoyed this book very much. I love that she rescues animals. A person that is so good to animals is a great person. I gather that she gets into scary situations alot, but comes out fine in the end
I'm new to this series. I enjoyed this book very much. I love that she rescues animals. A person that is so good to animals is a great person. I gather that she gets into scary situations alot, but comes out fine in the end
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