Trickery in Toyland

The Inn at Holiday Bay #37

by Kathi Daley

It’s the week before Christmas, and Abby and Lacy are on a mission—find the one toy Lacy’s youngest wants more than anything. But when Toyland’s long-awaited shipment arrives without the elusive gift, the pair jump into a high-stakes holiday scavenger hunt where the coveted toy is part of the prize package. What begins as merry fun quickly turns chaotic as half the parents in town seem to be chasing the same hard-to-find treasure… and some will do anything to win.

Meanwhile, Toyland’s owner is stirring up trouble of his own—trouble that ends in murder. With a suspect list longer than Santa’s naughty-and-nice roll, Colt and Alex must unravel a tangle of holiday secrets before a killer slips away.

Celebrate the season with the entire Inn family as they dive into all the beloved Pamela’s List shenanigans, fresh Christmas snow, and the joyful anticipation of Georgia’s new baby. Cozy, chaotic, and filled with Christmas cheer—this is one holiday mystery you won’t want to miss.

Genres: Mystery, Christmas, Holiday

143 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 16, 2025

About the author

Kathi lives with her husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs in beautiful Lake Tahoe. When she isn't writing, Kathi likes to read (preferably at the beach or by the fire), cook (preferably something with chocolate or cheese,) and garden (planting and planning not weeding). She also enjoys spending time on the water when she's not hiking, biking, or snowshoeing, the miles of desolate trails surrounding her home.
Kathi uses the mountain setting in which she lives, along with the animals (wild and domestic) that share her home, as inspiration for her cozy mysteries.

Join me on Facebook at Kathi Daley Books (www.facebook.com/kathidaleybooks) for updates on my books, photos of life in Lake Tahoe, recipes, contests, and giveaways. For weekly updates and contests sign up for The Daley Weekly Newsletter (http://eepurl.com/NRPDf).

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoy this series. This book was very good. I like catching up with the characters. The mysteries are always puzzling. (see note.)

Amazon synopsis:
It’s the week before Christmas, and Abby and Lacy are on a mission—find the one toy Lacy’s youngest wants more than anything. But when Toyland’s long-awaited shipment arrives without the elusive gift, the pair jump into a high-stakes holiday scavenger hunt where the coveted toy is part of the prize package. What begins as merry fun quickly turns chaotic as half the parents in town seem to be chasing the same hard-to-find treasure… and some will do anything to win.

Meanwhile, Toyland’s owner is stirring up trouble of his own—trouble that ends in murder. With a suspect list longer than Santa’s naughty-and-nice roll, Colt and Alex must unravel a tangle of holiday secrets before a killer slips away.

Celebrate the season with the entire Inn family as they dive into all the beloved traditions: Pamela’s List shenanigans, fresh Christmas snow, and the joyful anticipation of Georgia’s new baby. Cozy, chaotic, and filled with Christmas cheer—this is one holiday mystery you won’t want to miss.

[Claudia Cheyne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas is almost here. Lacy's youngest child, Maddie, has her heart set on Santa bringing her a Princess Ice Castle - one of the hottest, most in demand toys this year. Lacy will do just about anything to make her daughter's wish come true. Trouble is there just aren't any available right now. There is a rumor going around that the man who owns the only toy store in Holiday Bay is taking advantage of his position by substantially marking up prices on popular items and selling them out of the back of his warehouse late at night. His body is discovered after an apparent fall from a catwalk near his office where he walked all the time. Evidence points to the fact that he was pushed, a victim of murder. Colt helps Alex and Brax wrap up the case before the holidays.
Abby's "family" are busy entertaining and feeding guests at the inn. They also try to come up with ideas for the perfect gifts to give each other for Christmas. Georgia's pregnancy is almost over and she is feeling more miserable every day. Will Charlee arrive in time to celebrate Christmas with them?

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's Christmas in Holiday Bay and the Inn is full. Abby and her team are busy putting on a full festive program for their guests.

Lacy, one of Abby's best friends is trying to find a specific toy for her daughter, but it seems every other parent in the small town wants one too. When an opportunity to win one of these toys comes her way in the form of a scavenger hunt, she asks Abby to be her team mate. As Colt, Abby's partner is away, she agrees. However, as with most things, it doesn't go smoothly!

I really enjoy reading these cosy mystery books from Kathi Daley. Each book is a standalone story but they are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.

If you liked this book, try others by the same author, they're are equally as good.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Inn

So many people are determined to get a specific toy and pay an exorbitant amount. The owner of a toy store falls to his death from the second story of his building, and it looks like it might be more than an accident. Mackey and Abby are becoming closer, Lacy and Abby participate in a scavenger hunt, Georgia's baby is due, and the whole inn family has a lot going on.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely Christmas tale

Lacy and Abby are trying to get Lacey's daughter a Princess Ice Castle toy for Christmas. When the toy store is out of stock, they participate in a Savenger Hunt. Abby is riding a bicycle near the finish line when she is hit.

The toy store manager, Mr. Dugan, is the murder victim. While Colt is helping to find the murderer, Abby gets to spend some time with her Inn family.

[Mary Sanford · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Holiday Bay

This book was very interesting with Christmas all around with having people participating in the finding 20 items and returning to the big tree. Abby got knocked off her bike to prevent her and Lacy from winning. Later in the story you find out why it happened. There was a murder at the warehouse. There was alot of other events that happened connected with Christmas.

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this series and this one is no different . As you can guess this one is about Christmas. Lacy and Abbey head to the toy store for the last shipment of toys but. Mr. Dugan announces what came and they join the scavenger hunt. Lacey still needs her ice princess castle. Does she end up getting it. Mr. Dugan is murdered , Do they find out who did it. A VERY GOOD COZY MYSTERY SERIES.

[Dorothy Bruce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really good book! Christmas!

What an amazing book! One of the best because so much went on and crimes were committed and solved. “Abby” and the others did all the things from shopping to celebrating the holiday; and the baby was born. I am hooked on the Inn at Holiday Bay books.

[Marilyn Larkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome

A new baby on Christmas is wonderful for the family at the inn. Abby has built a great family with Colt and the rest of the family at the inn. A murder quickly solved right before Christmas was handled well by Colt and Alex. Another awesome story by Kathi can't wait for the next one.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

The Inn at Holiday Bay is my favourite in all the series of Holiday Bay. I did stay late last night to finish it. I do love the family Abby has formed, I love her relationship with Colt just like it is.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas at the Inn

With murder on the side. Perfect read as Christmas descends on the Randall family. The whole Inn “family” is together, there is a new baby. All is well with the world. And yes, they tracked down the person responsible for the possibly accidental death.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

My review for Trickery in Toyland

I absolutely loved it! I hope more little ones will be joining the Holiday Bay family in the future. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!

[Machael Loghry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was much better than the previous one. I want to thank the author for such a heart felt Christmas story and not a bunch of words describing people we are all familiar with at this point. I am looking forward to the next book.

[Lisa Lalik · Rating 5 out of 5]

up, down, all around

This story was nonstop action. Between a mystery to solve and the holiday season at the Inn, the whole gang was busy.
Along the way Mackey let everyone know exactly where she wanted to be the most.

You will love it!

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story for the Christmas season. Family Christmas time and holiday events. And of course a murder is needed to round out the season!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

great Christmas story, enjoyed it...

[Janet Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Kathi Daley series.

[Susan Franke · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emotional heart felt story. Christmas family time at the Inn interwoven with the murder of a devious toy store owner.
Have a box of Kleenex handy when you read this one

[Cindy crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great books!!

I dislike that this series is over! I want to know what happens next to their little family!! Love this series!!

[Bernie Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Christmas story.


Brings back memories of shopping for my family and trying to get what was the popular gift at the time. Well done story.

[Lauren Heiy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Holiday Bay: Trickery in Toyland

Great Holiday read with 2 mysteries, a cutthroat scavenger hunt and lots of love. The Inn family continues to grow stronger and closer.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The search for “the” Christmas gift of the year. The most precious gift, Georgia and Tanner’s baby Charleigh is born.

[Kerry Murtagh Ramsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

My expectations for these books are very low. But, come on. Please learn or find an editor who knows the difference between “sorted” and “sordid”.

[Sally Antoinette · Rating 5 out of 5]

Shopping can be murder

So much for shopping for toys for Xmas. The really " good" one's are never in large quantities. So much can happen when people are trying to get their hands on them that laws can definitely be overlooked. But the group still had a special Xmas gift, and all went well.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great Christmas story. Abby finally mentions build a house to Colt but he hasnt really responded about it. And Georgia and Tanner finally great Charlie.

[linda thielges · Rating 5 out of 5]

A not so merry Christmas for some.

Christmas is a tough time of year for some but this year was tougher! A man murdered who was selling toys for three or four times market valu

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

very good story

[Katherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. This is a good beach read series if you love small towns and characters that take care of each other.