The Inn at Holiday Bay: 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: Holiday

143 pages, Kindle Edition

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.

[Carlotta Hyatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is everything I love about a holiday-themed cozy mystery. “Trickery in Toyland” delivers charm, suspense, and heart in every chapter. The writing is vivid and immersive, making the wintery backdrop and cheerful festivities feel incredibly real. The mystery is clever without ever feeling too heavy, and the characters bring warmth and humor to every page. I especially loved how the clues unfolded naturally, leading to a fun and surprising conclusion. It’s a wonderful blend of comfort and intrigue—perfect for reading with a warm drink. A beautifully written and fully satisfying five-star read.

[Velva Mosciski · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Inn at Holiday Bay: Trickery in Toyland is an absolute delight from start to finish. The cozy holiday atmosphere blends perfectly with a clever mystery that kept me guessing until the end. The characters are warm, inviting, and so easy to root for, and the inn itself feels like a place I’d love to visit. The mix of festive charm and intrigue is executed flawlessly, making it the perfect seasonal read. Every clue was satisfying, every twist engaging, and the ending wrapped everything up beautifully. A heartwarming and suspenseful holiday mystery. Five stars.

[Shemar Daniel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely adored this installment in The Inn at Holiday Bay series! The author has created a festive, cozy world filled with lovable characters and just the right amount of mystery. The Toyland theme gives the story such a charming and nostalgic feel, while the mystery adds tension and excitement. The pacing is perfect, and the clues are cleverly placed, keeping me hooked the entire time. This is the kind of book that wraps you in a warm blanket while still delivering a smart, engaging whodunit. A fantastic holiday mystery. Five stars.

[Ulices Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Trickery in Toyland” is a wonderfully written cozy mystery full of charm, warmth, and festive spirit. The author does an exceptional job balancing the joyful holiday atmosphere with an intriguing mystery that kept me turning pages late into the night. The characters feel like old friends, and the small-town setting adds so much personality and heart. I loved the creativity of the Toyland theme and how it played into the central mystery. The story is both comforting and exciting, with a resolution that’s clever and satisfying. A perfect holiday read. Five bright stars.

[Ulices Grimes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book completely exceeded my expectations! The holiday setting is magical, and the mystery woven through “Trickery in Toyland” is engaging and full of surprises. The author’s writing style is warm and inviting, making it easy to fall in love with the characters and the cozy inn. The plot is well-paced, the clues are thoughtful, and the final reveal was so clever and rewarding. I appreciated how the story balanced festive cheer with genuine suspense. It’s the perfect seasonal escape for mystery lovers. A delightful, charming, and thoroughly satisfying five-star read.

[Damion Gerlach · Rating 5 out of 5]

A festive mystery done right! “The Inn at Holiday Bay: Trickery in Toyland” is filled with charm, wit, and the perfect dose of suspense. The holiday backdrop adds so much color and warmth, making every scene feel magical. The characters are well-developed, endearing, and full of personality, and the plot is smartly crafted from beginning to end. I loved trying to piece together the clues and was genuinely surprised by the final twist. This is a book that delivers comfort and excitement in equal measure. A holiday gem. Absolutely five stars.

[Corine Okuneva · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story radiates holiday charm while delivering a mystery that is clever, engaging, and thoroughly enjoyable. The author beautifully captures the festive atmosphere of Holiday Bay, making the setting feel wonderfully cozy. The Toyland theme adds originality and fun, and the mystery fits into the story seamlessly. I enjoyed every moment spent with these characters, and the plot kept me intrigued until the satisfying conclusion. It’s the perfect blend of warmth and suspense, and it left me smiling long after I turned the last page. A delightful five-star read.

[Reagan Rempel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was completely swept up in this cozy holiday mystery! “Trickery in Toyland” delivers excellent pacing, lovable characters, and a mystery filled with clever twists. The setting is enchanting, and the inn feels like the kind of place you’d want to visit every Christmas season. The writing is inviting and descriptive, and the story moves smoothly from festive scenes to intriguing investigation. I loved how the clues were sprinkled throughout, making the final reveal satisfying and well-earned. This book embodies the heart of cozy mysteries. A wonderful five-star experience.

[Jonatan Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

An enchanting cozy mystery with a heartwarming holiday touch! “Trickery in Toyland” had me hooked right away with its rich atmosphere and engaging plot. The characters are delightful, and the author gives each one depth and charm. The central mystery is well structured, keeping me guessing as new details emerged. The festive backdrop adds so much warmth, and the Toyland concept is both fun and creative. I loved every moment spent in Holiday Bay. This book is perfect for mystery fans who enjoy seasonal stories with strong characters. An easy five stars.

[Kenny Pfeffer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a holiday treat! “The Inn at Holiday Bay: Trickery in Toyland” blends cozy charm with a mystery that is both clever and entertaining. The writing is smooth and vivid, making the snowy town and festive decorations come alive. The characters are engaging, and the relationships between them add emotional warmth and depth. The plot unfolds beautifully, with twists that kept me turning pages eagerly. The final reveal was surprising and very satisfying. This is exactly the kind of uplifting mystery I want during the holiday season. Five shining stars!.

[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.

[Dax Predovic · Rating 5 out of 5]

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[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.

[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.