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Cottage on Gooseberry Bay #19
Like a Movie
Summer in Gooseberry Bay means sun, sand, and the much-anticipated Movies on the Beach event. Ainsley and her close-knit crew are all in—Josie and Hudson are serving up treats from the food truck, Jemma is wrangling volunteers, and Ainsley and Coop are on security duty. But when a local man turns up dead—murdered in the exact same way as the victim in that week’s film—things take a chilling turn.
New deputy Dani Dixon is quick to point the finger, convinced she has her suspect. But Ainsley’s gut tells her something’s off. And when the investigation into the death of someone close to her stalls, she’s not about to let a possible killer slip through the cracks, although the obvious suspects all seem to have alibis. When Ainsley runs into a stranger with haunted eyes she begins to wonder if there might actually be more going on than she originally anticipated.
New deputy Dani Dixon is quick to point the finger, convinced she has her suspect. But Ainsley’s gut tells her something’s off. And when the investigation into the death of someone close to her stalls, she’s not about to let a possible killer slip through the cracks, although the obvious suspects all seem to have alibis. When Ainsley runs into a stranger with haunted eyes she begins to wonder if there might actually be more going on than she originally anticipated.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 8, 2025
About the author
Kathi Daley
532 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 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 22, 2025
I wasn’t going to write a review, but it has been several hours since I finished this book and I’ve thought about this book several times since I completed it. I’m upset because one of the friends of Ainsley’s peninsula crew was murdered in this read. Kind of reminds me of when Deputy Todd was offed in a previous book. I do hate it when the author writes off a well-loved character. So tragic. So sad. Sigh.
And another thing, the Peninsula Crew was so focused on finding the killer of their friend that they completely forgot the fact that the person was a friend. There was no mourning, only investigating. Everyone seemed so callous, but maybe that was just their way of coping. Finding the culprit helped the crew keep their minds busy. Perhaps the next book will have Ainsley and the Peninsula Crew celebrating their friend’s life and remembering their good times with the late friend.
I will mention some of the points I do like and that is that Ainsley and Adam are finally officially dating and spending a lot of time together. Well, they have been for several books now, but I still remember when the two were tip-toeing around one another and they were letting destiny handle everything. Their schedules never seemed to match up. It was obvious Adam and Ainsley liked each other a lot, but I just never knew if they’d end up together. I’m glad it’s working out.
Another great thing that happened in this read is that one of the mysteries Ainsley asked Avery for help with was solved and no one died in the process. Yes, there will be a lot of therapy required, but no one passed and that’s a win. ☺️
My next choice on my To Read list is book 34 from Dune House Cozy Mystery Series by Cindy Bell: “Hammocks, Hardcovers, and Homicide.”
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 🐚📚💀
And another thing, the Peninsula Crew was so focused on finding the killer of their friend that they completely forgot the fact that the person was a friend. There was no mourning, only investigating. Everyone seemed so callous, but maybe that was just their way of coping. Finding the culprit helped the crew keep their minds busy. Perhaps the next book will have Ainsley and the Peninsula Crew celebrating their friend’s life and remembering their good times with the late friend.
I will mention some of the points I do like and that is that Ainsley and Adam are finally officially dating and spending a lot of time together. Well, they have been for several books now, but I still remember when the two were tip-toeing around one another and they were letting destiny handle everything. Their schedules never seemed to match up. It was obvious Adam and Ainsley liked each other a lot, but I just never knew if they’d end up together. I’m glad it’s working out.
Another great thing that happened in this read is that one of the mysteries Ainsley asked Avery for help with was solved and no one died in the process. Yes, there will be a lot of therapy required, but no one passed and that’s a win. ☺️
My next choice on my To Read list is book 34 from Dune House Cozy Mystery Series by Cindy Bell: “Hammocks, Hardcovers, and Homicide.”
See you in my next review.
Deuces to your cabooses! 🐚📚💀
August 14, 2025
It's summer in Gooseberry Bay and there's a much anticipated event called Movies on the Beach happening. Ainsley and her friends are all helping while Josie and Hudson have a food truck set up. But things take a dark turn when a man is killed, apparently in the same manner as this week's movie victim. The new deputy, Dani Dixon, arrests someone but it turns out that the man isn't the killer. Ainsley and the peninsula gang decide to investigate as well. And in the meantime, Ainsley spots someone in the crowd with haunted eyes whom she believes is in trouble so she looks into that too.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this one is a prime example of why. The book's well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot. I was immediately drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked throughout. The book's filled with connections with family, friendship, and found family playing a large part. The mystery was intriguing with lots of red herrings, twists and turns. I truly 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.
I love Kathi Daley's books and this one is a prime example of why. The book's well-written with well-rounded characters and a fast-paced plot. I was immediately drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked throughout. The book's filled with connections with family, friendship, and found family playing a large part. The mystery was intriguing with lots of red herrings, twists and turns. I truly 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.
July 20, 2025
This is book 19 in the long-running cosy mystery series by Kathi Daley, set in Gooseberry Bay with Ainsley as the main character. Ainsley runs her own private investigator agency and has a close-knit group of friends who help her solve cases she comes across. Her sister, Avery, works for the FBI, and she sometimes helps.
In this book, one of the groups' friends is found murdered, and they work together to help solve his death. Adam, Ainsley's partner features also in this book, and their relationship seems to be getting stronger.
I love all of the books Kathi writes and look forward to each one that is released. Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you like this series then try other series by the same author like The Inn on Holiday Bay; Tess and Tilly; Zoe Donovan; Bistro at Holiday Bay; Bookshop at Holiday Bay; Resort at Castaway Bay and others. They are all equally as good.
I cannot wait until the next book is released in this series.
In this book, one of the groups' friends is found murdered, and they work together to help solve his death. Adam, Ainsley's partner features also in this book, and their relationship seems to be getting stronger.
I love all of the books Kathi writes and look forward to each one that is released. Each book is a standalone story, but the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
If you like this series then try other series by the same author like The Inn on Holiday Bay; Tess and Tilly; Zoe Donovan; Bistro at Holiday Bay; Bookshop at Holiday Bay; Resort at Castaway Bay and others. They are all equally as good.
I cannot wait until the next book is released in this series.
Read
July 19, 2025Note:
Amazon synopsis:
Summer in Gooseberry Bay means sun, sand, and the much-anticipated Movies on the Beach event. Ainsley and her close-knit crew are all in—Josie and Hudson are serving up treats from the food truck, Jemma is wrangling volunteers, and Ainsley and Coop are on security duty. But when a local man turns up dead—murdered in the exact same way as the victim in that week’s film—things take a chilling turn.
New deputy Dani Dixon is quick to point the finger, convinced she has her suspect. But Ainsley’s gut tells her something’s off. And when the investigation into the death of someone close to her stalls, she’s not about to let a possible killer slip through the cracks, although the obvious suspects all seem to have alibis. When Ainsley runs into a stranger with haunted eyes she begins to wonder if there might actually be more going on than she originally anticipated.
Amazon synopsis:
Summer in Gooseberry Bay means sun, sand, and the much-anticipated Movies on the Beach event. Ainsley and her close-knit crew are all in—Josie and Hudson are serving up treats from the food truck, Jemma is wrangling volunteers, and Ainsley and Coop are on security duty. But when a local man turns up dead—murdered in the exact same way as the victim in that week’s film—things take a chilling turn.
New deputy Dani Dixon is quick to point the finger, convinced she has her suspect. But Ainsley’s gut tells her something’s off. And when the investigation into the death of someone close to her stalls, she’s not about to let a possible killer slip through the cracks, although the obvious suspects all seem to have alibis. When Ainsley runs into a stranger with haunted eyes she begins to wonder if there might actually be more going on than she originally anticipated.
July 29, 2025
The gang gets involved in another murder. Ainsley Holloway is doing security at the movies when a murder is committed. Ainsley runs her own private investigator agency so getting involved in murder is not unusual for her. She leads the investigation into the murder at the beach movie plus a suspicious child sighting. Very good detective work. Another great book by Kathi Daley Very enjoyable read.
I received an advance review copy, ARC, For free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
I received an advance review copy, ARC, For free and I am leaving an honest opinion and voluntary review
July 18, 2025
Good book
I love that these books always have a main mystery and usually two other secondary mysteries. I wasn't happy with the death in this story. I know in real life a friend can die but with books I don't want a part of the group to die. James Patterson did that in the first book of the women's murder club and I have never read another book of his and never plan to again. This is a little different but still not a fan of it.
I love that these books always have a main mystery and usually two other secondary mysteries. I wasn't happy with the death in this story. I know in real life a friend can die but with books I don't want a part of the group to die. James Patterson did that in the first book of the women's murder club and I have never read another book of his and never plan to again. This is a little different but still not a fan of it.
July 19, 2025
Enjoyable series
Ainsley and her friends are enjoying a summer on the peninsula. At a movie night, Ainsley spots a little girl who doesn't seem to fit the story being told by the man she is with. Jackson, another friend ends up dead, and the gang has a couple mysteries to work on.
Ainsley and her friends are enjoying a summer on the peninsula. At a movie night, Ainsley spots a little girl who doesn't seem to fit the story being told by the man she is with. Jackson, another friend ends up dead, and the gang has a couple mysteries to work on.
September 5, 2025
A young girl apoeared list at the Movie in the Beach nite.
That young girl had locked eyes with Ainsley and Ainsley found she had to figure out who that young girl was. Jackson was found dead on the beach; finding out who killed him led to info none of the Goiseberry Bay friends could have guessed. Well written with a somewhat sad ending but still a good read.
That young girl had locked eyes with Ainsley and Ainsley found she had to figure out who that young girl was. Jackson was found dead on the beach; finding out who killed him led to info none of the Goiseberry Bay friends could have guessed. Well written with a somewhat sad ending but still a good read.
October 23, 2025
For goodness sake why in the world did Kathi Daley KILL OFF JACKSON IN and in such a horrific way couldn't she have come up with something anything else Jackson was a beloved character and yet she leaves the most annoying characters alive and big parts of her other series I liked how the team came together to find justice for their friend but I had to take a star away for KILLING OFF JACKSON
July 24, 2025
Another hit
Kathi does it again with Ainsley and the gang. Unfortunately, this time it involved the loss of a friend and another acquaintance is involved but the gang figures it out with Avery's help. I highly recommend any of Kathi's books to anyone who asks.
Kathi does it again with Ainsley and the gang. Unfortunately, this time it involved the loss of a friend and another acquaintance is involved but the gang figures it out with Avery's help. I highly recommend any of Kathi's books to anyone who asks.
January 3, 2026
No one dies in a movie, but ...
This was not an easy story to read. How do you deal with such a change in the group. But then the rest of what happens makes it easier to keep going. So at least the end with evening meal is nice.
This was not an easy story to read. How do you deal with such a change in the group. But then the rest of what happens makes it easier to keep going. So at least the end with evening meal is nice.
January 10, 2026
Great book
I love this series and all of the characters and dogs. I like where Ainsley and Adam are heading with their relationship and how the whole gang gets together to solve mysteries.
I love this series and all of the characters and dogs. I like where Ainsley and Adam are heading with their relationship and how the whole gang gets together to solve mysteries.
July 17, 2025
short and sweet - like all the gooseberry bay books
July 18, 2025
This installment was full of mysteries. Sorry the team lost a friend, but happy they solved the mysteries
July 21, 2025
Trafficking
People who traffic children need to be put down. No one should be used like that - it’s disgusting - just like the current US head and his friends. No excuses!
People who traffic children need to be put down. No one should be used like that - it’s disgusting - just like the current US head and his friends. No excuses!
July 21, 2025
Cottage on Gooseberry Bay: Like a Movie
Well written mystery with several underlining plots. It is summer and a busy one at that, when one of the group ends up murdered.
Well written mystery with several underlining plots. It is summer and a busy one at that, when one of the group ends up murdered.
July 26, 2025
A sad storY
A very interesting quest. Some good news some bad but a very good read. Looking forward to the next book.
A very interesting quest. Some good news some bad but a very good read. Looking forward to the next book.
July 28, 2025
Wholesome!
I love this series! Wholesome, well paced, and intriguing as ll rolled into one great series…it doesn’t get better than that!
I love this series! Wholesome, well paced, and intriguing as ll rolled into one great series…it doesn’t get better than that!
August 2, 2025
One of my favorite series have read every book and always look forward to the next one.
August 6, 2025
Always interested read. Waiting for next in any of her series
August 18, 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!
July 15, 2025
Another good story about the Gooseberry Bay peninsula gang. This time the crime hits very close to home when one of their friends is murdered on the beach. Jackson used to be part of the group, but had moved away and just returned for the summer job at the marina. While the friends are dealing with his death and who could have killed him, they also are investigating one of his missing friends, and what may be a kidnapped little girl. With the help of Ainsley's sister Avery who works for the FBI, will they be able to get justice for their friend, help the little girl and find out what happened to Jackson's friend, and if any of these things are related to each other...
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews