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Zoe Donovan Mystery #1
Halloween Hijinks
Halloween Hijinks: Amid a backdrop of zombies on the run and Halloween festivities, animal control officer Zoe Donovan is faced with losing something she loves in order to save someone she loves when she finds a dead body in the basement of a haunted house just two days before Halloween. With the help of her best friends, Levi and Ellie, and her dog Charlie, she delves into a mystery as complex and multilayered as the feelings she develops for her ex-nemesis Zak Zimmerman. Halloween Hijinks is the perfect recipe, combining holiday fun with a touch of humor, a pinch of romance, and a dollop of murder.
Zoe's Treasure Hunt: Zoe and Charlie meet a mysterious stranger at the hospital while doing therapy dog rounds. The man is in town to look for a 70 year old treasure. When he is unable to continue the journey into the past himself, Zoe and Charlie take over the quest with the help of Pappy and a few of his friends.
Zoe's Treasure Hunt: Zoe and Charlie meet a mysterious stranger at the hospital while doing therapy dog rounds. The man is in town to look for a 70 year old treasure. When he is unable to continue the journey into the past himself, Zoe and Charlie take over the quest with the help of Pappy and a few of his friends.
213 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 9, 2013
843 people are currently reading
1648 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
357 books1,787 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 205 reviews
December 13, 2019
I've seen author Kathi Daley showing up in my feed on various social media platforms, but I hadn't downloaded any of her books in the last few years. I decided to give one a try, and since I was in a fall and Halloween mood, I went with the first book in her Zoe Donovan series, Halloween Hijinks. It was free this week due to an anniversary sale, and when I looked up more on Daley, wow... She's got a lot of books and this is a lengthy series. How cool to find a very prolific author.
In this series debut, Zoe rescues various animals with her partners Ellie and Levi. There's a growing rivalry between two sports teams, but it soon gets personal and more dangerous. When Zoe discovers the dead body of one team member, things look bad for a close friend of hers. Then an ex-enemy (now possible friend?), Zak, shows up to help save the day. Zoe has a few scenes with her complicated family, just enough to set the scene for the series. It's a light investigation meant to wet our appetites for the characters and the setting... and it works.
I enjoyed the animal rescue background. The writing is easy to follow. It's less than 200 pages which meant I devoured it in under two hours. It fit the bill for a Halloween-themed book, and I am curious to read more this fall. Kudos to the author for offering it up years later as it's found her a new fan.
In this series debut, Zoe rescues various animals with her partners Ellie and Levi. There's a growing rivalry between two sports teams, but it soon gets personal and more dangerous. When Zoe discovers the dead body of one team member, things look bad for a close friend of hers. Then an ex-enemy (now possible friend?), Zak, shows up to help save the day. Zoe has a few scenes with her complicated family, just enough to set the scene for the series. It's a light investigation meant to wet our appetites for the characters and the setting... and it works.
I enjoyed the animal rescue background. The writing is easy to follow. It's less than 200 pages which meant I devoured it in under two hours. It fit the bill for a Halloween-themed book, and I am curious to read more this fall. Kudos to the author for offering it up years later as it's found her a new fan.
October 25, 2020
A fun and enjoyable mystery with upcoming Halloween festivities, an important high school football game on the way, and a murder to be solved. The story is filled with a very likable cast of characters, a lovely cozy small-town setting near the mountains and a lake, and lots of adorable animals throughout as main character Zoe rescues animals and finds them good homes.
August 3, 2014
I enjoyed HALLOWEEN HIJINKS very much. I will say, for those of you who follow my reviews, this is not one of the “cozy” cozies that I normally read and review.
In this first book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series Ms. Daley has created a very real character in animal control officer Zoe Donovan. I connected with her character through her love of animals and her need to find them good homes.
I love the idea of a “zombie run” on Halloween. Sounds like it would be a real blast!
The mystery in this book was good and tight. And it wasn’t until the reveal that I myself knew who the killer was.
Give HALLOWEEN HIJINKS a try and I’m sure you’ll want to add this series to you TBR stack.
In this first book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series Ms. Daley has created a very real character in animal control officer Zoe Donovan. I connected with her character through her love of animals and her need to find them good homes.
I love the idea of a “zombie run” on Halloween. Sounds like it would be a real blast!
The mystery in this book was good and tight. And it wasn’t until the reveal that I myself knew who the killer was.
Give HALLOWEEN HIJINKS a try and I’m sure you’ll want to add this series to you TBR stack.
October 20, 2014
Some people have a costume party. Some people deck out their yards and houses. Others take the little ones trick-or-treating. For me, there's no better way to celebrate Halloween than with a fun and frightful mystery and that's just what Kathi Daley delivers in Halloween Hijinks. I've read another of Kathi's Zoe Donovan mysteries, but really relished this opportunity to start the series from the beginning. For now, I'm on something of a dual track - reading the first and latest releases from this author that I love more and more with every reading experience. Going back to the beginning gave me the chance to see how everything started and I'm eager to carry on from here.
Halloween Hijinks introduces readers to Zoe Donovan, her family, her friends, and her charming hometown. The character canvas is full with not only humans, but plenty of pets, animals, and wildlife friends, as well! I so enjoy reading about all of the fun events that Zoe is involved in planning - as someone who does event planning for (a part of) her Day Job, it gives me new and fun ideas with every story. And I love Zoe's heart for animals - if I could, I would have a sanctuary or shelter of my own to run. The only problem would be saying goodbye when the animals either found homes or went back into the wild! This story was a quick read that really got me into the Halloween holiday spirit.
Halloween Hijinks introduces readers to Zoe Donovan, her family, her friends, and her charming hometown. The character canvas is full with not only humans, but plenty of pets, animals, and wildlife friends, as well! I so enjoy reading about all of the fun events that Zoe is involved in planning - as someone who does event planning for (a part of) her Day Job, it gives me new and fun ideas with every story. And I love Zoe's heart for animals - if I could, I would have a sanctuary or shelter of my own to run. The only problem would be saying goodbye when the animals either found homes or went back into the wild! This story was a quick read that really got me into the Halloween holiday spirit.
October 1, 2019
I'd been wanting to start reading this series for a long time now, and what better month than October to read a fun Halloween mystery? I immediately liked Zoe and her three friends, well four if Zak is included, which I already know he'll be a huge part of her life. The murder of the opposing team's coach had Zoe investigating, and her job was in danger because the commissioner didn't want her poking her nose into things like that. Her best friend Levi's freedom was at stake though. With the help of her friends and faithful dog Charlie, the mystery was solved. I never would have guessed the killer until Zoe came up with the solution.
The next few chapters were part of a very sweet short story about a dying old man named Oz who wanted Zoe to find some gold that his grandfather had left. He wanted to give it to his granddaughter to use toward medical school tuition. Zoe enlisted her Pappy and his two friends' help along with Hazel the librarian, and again with Charlie's help, they found what Oz had come to town to look for.
At the end of the book, there's recipe heaven from Rosie at Rosie's Cafe, the diner that Ellie's and her mom run. This may not look like a foodie mystery, but there are some seriously yummy-sounding recipes, and I do want to make some of those desserts!
The next few chapters were part of a very sweet short story about a dying old man named Oz who wanted Zoe to find some gold that his grandfather had left. He wanted to give it to his granddaughter to use toward medical school tuition. Zoe enlisted her Pappy and his two friends' help along with Hazel the librarian, and again with Charlie's help, they found what Oz had come to town to look for.
At the end of the book, there's recipe heaven from Rosie at Rosie's Cafe, the diner that Ellie's and her mom run. This may not look like a foodie mystery, but there are some seriously yummy-sounding recipes, and I do want to make some of those desserts!
December 30, 2016
I read the Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition with the short story "Treasure Hunt" included.
I can only say WOW! The characters are so real alive and lovable and the setting in the mountains is absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe that I had this book (which I downloaded for free) so long neglected on my kindle. This is a fantastic start to a series which I will definitely continue now right away. The mystery wasn't right in your face at the beginning but started when Zoe gets a call to look for a howling dog in a "haunted house". Her investigation in the haunted house kept me on the edge of my seat - pretty scary situation! I didn't figure out who the murder was until it was revealed.
The additional story "Treasure Hunt" is not a mystery but a wonderful story about and older man coming to town to find a treasure his grandfather hid there. A great treasure hunt starts where Zoe and the older generation of town help to solve this mystery. A beautifully told heartwarming story.
The recipes added at the end sound delicious! I will try some of those too!
I can only say WOW! The characters are so real alive and lovable and the setting in the mountains is absolutely gorgeous. I can't believe that I had this book (which I downloaded for free) so long neglected on my kindle. This is a fantastic start to a series which I will definitely continue now right away. The mystery wasn't right in your face at the beginning but started when Zoe gets a call to look for a howling dog in a "haunted house". Her investigation in the haunted house kept me on the edge of my seat - pretty scary situation! I didn't figure out who the murder was until it was revealed.
The additional story "Treasure Hunt" is not a mystery but a wonderful story about and older man coming to town to find a treasure his grandfather hid there. A great treasure hunt starts where Zoe and the older generation of town help to solve this mystery. A beautifully told heartwarming story.
The recipes added at the end sound delicious! I will try some of those too!
February 1, 2014
Zoe is an animal control officer for the small alpine town of Ashton Falls. She has co-worker. Together they take in strays and find homes. She locates wild animals, takes of their needs. When the at they are better she releases back to the wild. She has provided furever homes to Charlie. a mixed terrier and 2 cats. The town holds festivals to earned operating funds. It is time for Halloween and ghosts, witches and zombies. The big football game between Ashton Fall and its rival is taking place at the same time. Zoe goes out on howling dog call. The dog is in a reported haunt house. She finds not only the dog and the body of the rival football coach. For must find the answer before a good friend is found guilty. The ending surprise me. I will read the next one.
A copy of the book provided to me for an honest review. I did not receive. any compensation.
A copy of the book provided to me for an honest review. I did not receive. any compensation.
July 15, 2015
This was a great introduction to this series. Zoe Donovan is an animal rescue specialist in Ashton Falls, a small town in a mountain setting. It is a Halloween festival complete with zombies, haunted barns and other spooky stuff; and the biggest high school football game of the season with their closest rival. Pregame pranks escalate until murder happens and Zoe steps in to investigate to save a friend. I really like how the characters and setting blend together with a murder plot that will keep you turning the pages until the final resolution happens. This turned out to be a very complex and dark murder theme making it a must read for any cozy or murder mystery fan. I am going to read the rest of this series and it is well worth your time to do the same.
October 28, 2015
~ 3 Stars
I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in this novel. It took until after halfway through the book before the murder actually happened. If you are writing a book that is a mystery, you might want to start the mystery part a bit sooner than that. (JMHO as a mystery book reader)
Beyond that the characters were interesting. And I understand that this is the first book in a series and sometimes these aren't the best offerings from the author but they live just to get the series started. I enjoyed Zoe and her job finding all the strays and homeless dogs and cats in the county she lives in.
I thought Zak could prove to be an interesting foil for Zoe but she seemed to come to like him way to fast for my liking. And there is a big build up surrounding Zoe's mother and how she is back in town but no one informed Zoe of this fact. And then nothing really came of it in the end. I thought that to be odd. I also never got a good feel for Zoe's dad and how he fit into the picture of her life.
I enjoyed the concept of this book but it lacked a bit in follow through. But, I have to say, if you plan to read further into the series, you might want to pick this on up just for the background info on all the characters.
I paid for this book with my own money.
I have to say that I was a bit disappointed in this novel. It took until after halfway through the book before the murder actually happened. If you are writing a book that is a mystery, you might want to start the mystery part a bit sooner than that. (JMHO as a mystery book reader)
Beyond that the characters were interesting. And I understand that this is the first book in a series and sometimes these aren't the best offerings from the author but they live just to get the series started. I enjoyed Zoe and her job finding all the strays and homeless dogs and cats in the county she lives in.
I thought Zak could prove to be an interesting foil for Zoe but she seemed to come to like him way to fast for my liking. And there is a big build up surrounding Zoe's mother and how she is back in town but no one informed Zoe of this fact. And then nothing really came of it in the end. I thought that to be odd. I also never got a good feel for Zoe's dad and how he fit into the picture of her life.
I enjoyed the concept of this book but it lacked a bit in follow through. But, I have to say, if you plan to read further into the series, you might want to pick this on up just for the background info on all the characters.
I paid for this book with my own money.
September 1, 2021
Questa è la prima serie di questa autrice e ho sempre voluto provarla, nonostante sia molto lunga (a memoria siamo arrivati a 34 libri) e faccia un po' fatica a stare dietro alle altre che sto già seguendo. Comunque avevo comprato questo libro e ho voluto leggerlo. C'è il solito gruppetto di amici, ben forniti di compagni a quattro zampe, che si mettono a risolvere omicidi. C'è anche una possibile storia d'amore o forse due. Insomma, mi è piaciuto, ma il finale mi ha lasciato un po' di amaro in bocca.
November 1, 2014
Interesting town and likeable characters. The motive went a bit darker than you usually find in a cozy. But I enjoyed the story and look forward to reading more about these people. I would have like a bit more wrap up as the end seemed rushed.
June 17, 2016
Even though this book started off on a good foot with me, it started to slowly slide downhill as I progressed farther and farther into the plot. While the main character Zoe is likable and easy to relate to, her weird hate turning into possible love for Zak was very bizarrely written. Then there was the fact that the actual murder didn't happen until about 40-45% of the way through the book. I was starting to lose interest and getting ready to delete this novel from my Kindle when the murder finally takes place. THEN to put a clinch on the already iffy plot line, the author completely skips the entire scene where Zoe finds the body! I understand this is a cozy mystery but I've read other cozies where there was more description then in this one. Currently I'm on the fence as to whether or not I want to read the next novel in this series. While I liked the characters, the plot holes and strange writing had me scratching my head in confusion. Right now book number two is still up in the air for me.
November 3, 2015
Zoe Donovan lives in a small town that celebrates everything and is constantly planning activities for fund-raising. This year, she is in charge of the Zombie Run for Halloween and amidst her planning, she also has a full-time job in animal control. When she gets called out for a nuisance dog barking call in a deserted house, she stumbles over a dead body - a rival football coach and one of her best friends is suspected of the crime.
There was a lot going on in this fast paced story. Lots of interesting characters, fun Halloween setting and a fun animal sidekick/service dog.
In addition, there was a bonus story which I found really fun. Definitely a series I will continue on with
There was a lot going on in this fast paced story. Lots of interesting characters, fun Halloween setting and a fun animal sidekick/service dog.
In addition, there was a bonus story which I found really fun. Definitely a series I will continue on with
January 14, 2021
Zoe is helping get Ashton Falls ready for Halloween (and the chance to raising money for various about town causes), she is a little disgruntled when Zak Zimmerman joins the committee, it turns out to be a good thing he is back in town though as one of their mutual friends has become a person of interest in the murder of a local sports coach (the coach of the rival high school), Zak has the money to hire a top notch attorney to get Levi out of jail. The Sheriff seems to have fixated purely on Levi so Zoe, Zak and Ellie (another school friend) decide to do some snooping to find out what happened!
The book then ended with a quick 3 or 4 chapter mini book which was a fun extra :D
The book then ended with a quick 3 or 4 chapter mini book which was a fun extra :D
October 1, 2016
AMAZING!!!!! I WANT A CHARLIE!!!
This is a new author and series for me and so far I am extremely pleased with Zoe and her adventures. Kathi Daley tells a wonderful story from beginning to end. She keeps you interested throughout the twists and turns that lead to a surprising ending. Her love of animals is heart warming and her ability to sleuth out the truth with the help of her hound Charlie is astounding. I look forward to reading more about the misadventures of Zoe and her Ashton Falls friends and family.
This is a new author and series for me and so far I am extremely pleased with Zoe and her adventures. Kathi Daley tells a wonderful story from beginning to end. She keeps you interested throughout the twists and turns that lead to a surprising ending. Her love of animals is heart warming and her ability to sleuth out the truth with the help of her hound Charlie is astounding. I look forward to reading more about the misadventures of Zoe and her Ashton Falls friends and family.
December 2, 2016
Kathi Daley's first Zoe Donovan mystery only hints at the great future of this cozy series. Readers meet Zoe Donovan, Zac Zimmerman (whom she doesn't even like at this time), and best friends from elementary school, Ellie and Levi. Zoe's sense of compassion for family, friends and animals is apparent from the beginning. Ms. Daley mixes mystery and humor in a memorable story that is unpredictable and moves along at a fast pace. What a wonderful start to a new Cozy mystery series!
January 5, 2017
Such a heartfelt read. This was a great first read in this series. Deff made me want to check out the rest. Ive never read a Halloween themed book that made me cry before. The ending of this one was super!
December 2, 2023
Halloween Hijinks by Kathi Daley is the first book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series. Animal rescue officer Zoe Donovan finds the body of a rival football coach when rescuing a dog from an abandoned building and when her friend Levi is accused of the murder, she sets out to find the killer. This book also includes the short story Zoe's Treasure Hunt. It was nice getting to know Zoe, her friends and the town and this book was more of an introduction to the series with the murder occurring late and not really much of an investigation. A short and light mystery with a heavy focus on animal rescue.
October 15, 2017
Cute and entertaining, a lighter read and a nice short break from heavier material.
August 25, 2020
This is the first in the Zoe Donovan cozy mystery series. There are Halloween thrills! And there are lots of hijinks! Zoe and the rest of the town are preparing for the upcoming Halloween festivities, but then Zoe finds a dead body. There’s a lot hidden in the background. There’s possibly some new romances blooming. There’s lots of animals. I loved Zoe and her friends!
October 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this quick, easy read cozy and now I'm on the search for the next book in the series. I really like the fact that animal rescue is a big part of the story.
October 30, 2014
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition is the first book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series with a short story included, I will be reviewing Halloween Hijinks and the short story, Zoe's Treasure Hunt.
Zoe Donovan is a animal control officer with a heart of gold who has a passion for finding homes for lost animals and she loves spending time with her trained therapy dog, Charlie. It's Halloween In Ashton Falls. Zoe had a few friends that keep her grounded, Levi and Ellie. Zoe takes it upon herself to set up some neighborhood festivities for the Halloween Hamlet event. Levi is also busy with the high school football team to make sure that the opposing teams hijinks don't get out of hand.
Zoe is out on a call to rescue a howling dog in a creepy haunted house, she creeps into the basement to find the football coach of the opposing team murdered. Levi ,who is coach of Ashton Falls team is soon pinned as the prime suspect in the murder. Zoe makes it her goal to find the killer bring him to justice and set Levi free.
What I love most about reading is relating to characters in a story and I could relate to Zoe and her history. I love her passion and love for animals and her friends and her fellow man. Very character driven cozy mystery and enjoyable especially when the murderer is revealed and justice is truly prevailed. If you are a dog and mystery lover this book is perfect for you. I found while reading, recalling my love for my dog when I owned one bringing back memories of my own. I look forward to getting to know Zoe on her future adventures in this series. I can't wait to read and review another book in this winning series.
Zoe’s Treasure Hunt. A short story
Zoe and her trained therapy dog, Charlie venture to the hospital to visit patients. Charlie had a special knack for helping patients in need by providing comfort and support during illness or to the dying. First she and Charlie Visit a boy named Tommy and found that he started to be doing better. Dr Ryder Westlake then recommends that Zoe and Charlie look in on another Patient named Burton Ozward, nicknamed Oz, who had a mild heart attack, not being a doctor’s dream patient he wants to leave the hospital.
It’s takes awhile for for Oz to open up to Zoe and Charlie but then he finally does and tells her a tale of fearing his remaining time on Earth was short and the real reason he came to Ashton Falls was to claim his inheritance from his dead grandfather, the inheritance being a bag of gold and clues on how to find it, like a treasure hunt.
Oz wishes the bag of gold to go to his granddaughter who has dreams of going to medical school that he would not have been able to finance otherwise. Zoe happily offers to help Oz on his quest to track down the hidden treasure his and his granddaughters sake. Zoe then enlists the help of her pappy and his friends to help in the search for the treasure because they are of advanced age and know the history of Ashton Falls. Being able to find the treasure is now Zoe’s mission before it’s too late.
I really enjoyed this story after reading Halloween Hijinks, it was a refreshing look into Zoe and Charlie’s kind hearts and Zoe’s compassion for animals and people. I also enjoyed that there was no murder involved and how sometimes one meeting one person can change someone’s perspective and views on life and love.
October 30, 2020
If you’re into cozy mysteries, Kathi Daley’s Zoe Donovan series is one of the coziest you’ll find (the author even includes recipes for the foods the characters eat!). The first book in the series, Halloween Hijinks, introduces us to twenty-four-year-old animal control officer and amateur sleuth Zoe Donovan, who along with the rest of Ashton Falls is busy getting ready for the small, close-knit town’s annual Haunted Hamlet event.
Zoe and her best-friends-since-kindergarten, Ellie Davis and Levi Denton, enjoy their jobs, helping with town events, and hanging out on Zoe’s deck with her dog, Charlie. Everything is peaceful in Zoe’s world until her middle school nemesis, Zak Zimmerman, returns to town and wants in on the planning of the Haunted Hamlet. Even more annoying to Zoe than Zak’s intrusion into her happy life is the fact that her feelings about his return are far more complicated than mere annoyance.
To make matters worse, pregame pranks by members of the high school football team (coached by Levi) and their rivals from a neighboring town are getting out of hand, causing tension between Levi and the opposing team’s coach. When Zoe finds Coach Griswold’s body while investigating the report of a dog trapped inside an abandoned house, Levi becomes the prime suspect. Obviously, Zoe thinks the police have the wrong man, but it’s up to her to prove it. Yes, she does get help from Zak.
Some of the story is too tidy, but Zoe herself is flawed and fun. This is an entertaining read for those who love a good cozy. It loses one star because the author consistently misuses the verb "to lay."
Zoe and her best-friends-since-kindergarten, Ellie Davis and Levi Denton, enjoy their jobs, helping with town events, and hanging out on Zoe’s deck with her dog, Charlie. Everything is peaceful in Zoe’s world until her middle school nemesis, Zak Zimmerman, returns to town and wants in on the planning of the Haunted Hamlet. Even more annoying to Zoe than Zak’s intrusion into her happy life is the fact that her feelings about his return are far more complicated than mere annoyance.
To make matters worse, pregame pranks by members of the high school football team (coached by Levi) and their rivals from a neighboring town are getting out of hand, causing tension between Levi and the opposing team’s coach. When Zoe finds Coach Griswold’s body while investigating the report of a dog trapped inside an abandoned house, Levi becomes the prime suspect. Obviously, Zoe thinks the police have the wrong man, but it’s up to her to prove it. Yes, she does get help from Zak.
Some of the story is too tidy, but Zoe herself is flawed and fun. This is an entertaining read for those who love a good cozy. It loses one star because the author consistently misuses the verb "to lay."
October 4, 2015
This is the first in the Zoe Donovan series.
I love the Halloween setting and Ashton Falls seems like a great place to live.
Before we can get to the mystery, this time it happens to be a murder, we have to get to know the characters and a little background and history about them.
Kathi Daley writes in an inviting manner that makes you feel at home.
You find yourself reading about friends, people you care about and want to spend time with.
To be honest, the murder victim is not well liked, by the townspeople or by the reader.
As you read and collect clues, you'll be rooting for suspects to be found not guilty.
I have read other books in this series and wish I could spend more time in Ashton Falls.
So I will be reading all the books in this series.
I am thankful to the author for providing me with an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
I love the Halloween setting and Ashton Falls seems like a great place to live.
Before we can get to the mystery, this time it happens to be a murder, we have to get to know the characters and a little background and history about them.
Kathi Daley writes in an inviting manner that makes you feel at home.
You find yourself reading about friends, people you care about and want to spend time with.
To be honest, the murder victim is not well liked, by the townspeople or by the reader.
As you read and collect clues, you'll be rooting for suspects to be found not guilty.
I have read other books in this series and wish I could spend more time in Ashton Falls.
So I will be reading all the books in this series.
I am thankful to the author for providing me with an ecopy in exchange for an honest review.
September 7, 2014
I finally picked up this one by Kathi and now know a bit about the characters. Kathi really knows how to make Halloween spooky without all the goriness that others write about. Anyone can read this and her other books, including kids.
This book contains the history of most everyone in the town and how "nosy" Zoe can be. Lots of hijinks going on plus a dead body in the basement. In the end, Zoe loses her job at the animal rescue and feels bad that Jeremy has lost his too. It looks like Zack may be back in her life as well.
I will continue reading the series. I did start this one on May 3rd and finished it on May 7th (I've been on vacation and away from the computer).
Happy reading.
This book contains the history of most everyone in the town and how "nosy" Zoe can be. Lots of hijinks going on plus a dead body in the basement. In the end, Zoe loses her job at the animal rescue and feels bad that Jeremy has lost his too. It looks like Zack may be back in her life as well.
I will continue reading the series. I did start this one on May 3rd and finished it on May 7th (I've been on vacation and away from the computer).
Happy reading.
March 29, 2016
This is the first book in the Zoe Donovan Mystery series. The characters are introduced and are easy to love. Also, who wouldn't love a book club meeting where you bring your dog? So cool. The cozy little town of Ashton Falls is a town I would want to live in. The small town football rivalry and the Halloween events were fun to read about. I also enjoyed the little bit of romance and suspense within the mystery. Plus, there was a bonus short story called Zoe's Treasure Hunt, which was an awesome surprise. The recipes at the end sound amazing! I want to read all the books in this series! Highly recommended for cozy mystery lovers, especially if you love animals!
August 18, 2014
I enjoyed this book although the mystery really didn't start until about halfway through. The beginning was more of a get to know your characters and it was done in an interesting way that kept me turning the pages wanting to know more about them. I loved the Haunted Hamlet theme and would have loved reading more about it, it sounded like a fun time. The mystery was good and made sense and there is a bonus of wonderful sounding recipes at the end. I will be moving on to the next in the series.
September 28, 2014
So much more is making sense to me now! It only makes me love these cozies even more. A trio of friends(soon to be a quartet), a beautiful small mountain town (like I have always wanted to live in). Great food, lots of fun, and the occasional corpse. Every place has its occasional drawback, but when you have Zoe and her friends on the job, albeit unofficial ly, even the bumbling sheriff manages to get it right when pointed in the right direction.
July 1, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. It is the first in the Zoe Donovan series, but not the first of Kathis I have read. I actually started with the fourth book in the series and worked my way up from there. This one was fun because I got to read about where everything started with all the characters. A very fun read!
October 26, 2013
I'm not sure how I found this on Amazon, maybe it was recommended. I'm so glad it was though because I loved it. I started and finished it in one sitting. Loved the characters and I could just picture the converted boathouse, with it's own beach.
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