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The Inn at Holiday Bay #38
Promise in the Proposal
Christmas may be packed away, but in Holiday Bay, the chaos is just getting started.
Colt’s first case as a newly hired county detective is anything but routine. A shocking murder, a web of buried secrets, and three long-forgotten cold cases left behind by his predecessor collide in ways Colt never saw coming—and solving the present crime may depend on unlocking the past.
While Abby and Lacy pour their energy into a community fundraiser, Abby and Colt juggle blueprints for the home they hope to build together. At the same time, Georgia finds herself struggling with unexpected baby blues, adding one more emotional wrinkle to an already busy season.
And just when Abby thinks life might slow down, Colt and Mackey prepare to ask her a question she won’t be able to refuse.
In Holiday Bay, life, love, and murder have a way of arriving all at once. Cozy, twisty, and filled with heart, this post-Christmas mystery proves that while the holidays may end, the surprises never do.
Colt’s first case as a newly hired county detective is anything but routine. A shocking murder, a web of buried secrets, and three long-forgotten cold cases left behind by his predecessor collide in ways Colt never saw coming—and solving the present crime may depend on unlocking the past.
While Abby and Lacy pour their energy into a community fundraiser, Abby and Colt juggle blueprints for the home they hope to build together. At the same time, Georgia finds herself struggling with unexpected baby blues, adding one more emotional wrinkle to an already busy season.
And just when Abby thinks life might slow down, Colt and Mackey prepare to ask her a question she won’t be able to refuse.
In Holiday Bay, life, love, and murder have a way of arriving all at once. Cozy, twisty, and filled with heart, this post-Christmas mystery proves that while the holidays may end, the surprises never do.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2026
About the author
Kathi Daley
745 books1,791 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 33 reviews
February 11, 2026
This story seemed to have a lot of repetition and a lot of facts in Colt’s cases being passed along to people outside the law enforcement group. It bothered me that the woman who specifically asked not to have her name given out was outed to friends and officials alike.
I had to laugh at the fund raising prizes that miraculously were offered, with huge values, by businesses in January, within less than 2 weeks. Having done work like this myself, it amazed me that the prizes practically fell into place. I hadn’t realized that the area was so large and housed so many wealthy businesses.
I had figured out the WHO of the kidnapping as soon as the characters were discussed.
I had to laugh at the fund raising prizes that miraculously were offered, with huge values, by businesses in January, within less than 2 weeks. Having done work like this myself, it amazed me that the prizes practically fell into place. I hadn’t realized that the area was so large and housed so many wealthy businesses.
I had figured out the WHO of the kidnapping as soon as the characters were discussed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 5, 2026
Thia was a good story with complicated mysteries. This was supposed to be number 38 out of 38 but I did not feel like the stories were ending. I suspect there will be more in the series.
Amazon synopsis:
Christmas may be packed away, but in Holiday Bay, the chaos is just getting started.
Colt’s first case as a newly hired county detective is anything but routine. A shocking murder, a web of buried secrets, and three long-forgotten cold cases left behind by his predecessor collide in ways Colt never saw coming—and solving the present crime may depend on unlocking the past.
While Abby and Lacy pour their energy into a community fundraiser, Abby and Colt juggle blueprints for the home they hope to build together. At the same time, Georgia finds herself struggling with unexpected baby blues, adding one more emotional wrinkle to an already busy season.
And just when Abby thinks life might slow down, Colt and Mackey prepare to ask her a question she won’t be able to refuse.
In Holiday Bay, life, love, and murder have a way of arriving all at once. Cozy, twisty, and filled with heart, this post-Christmas mystery proves that while the holidays may end, the surprises never do.
Amazon synopsis:
Christmas may be packed away, but in Holiday Bay, the chaos is just getting started.
Colt’s first case as a newly hired county detective is anything but routine. A shocking murder, a web of buried secrets, and three long-forgotten cold cases left behind by his predecessor collide in ways Colt never saw coming—and solving the present crime may depend on unlocking the past.
While Abby and Lacy pour their energy into a community fundraiser, Abby and Colt juggle blueprints for the home they hope to build together. At the same time, Georgia finds herself struggling with unexpected baby blues, adding one more emotional wrinkle to an already busy season.
And just when Abby thinks life might slow down, Colt and Mackey prepare to ask her a question she won’t be able to refuse.
In Holiday Bay, life, love, and murder have a way of arriving all at once. Cozy, twisty, and filled with heart, this post-Christmas mystery proves that while the holidays may end, the surprises never do.
April 1, 2026
With Christmas behind them, the Inn has closed for two weeks so the staff can spend time doing regularly scheduled maintenance and updating during their slow season. Abby and Lacy offer to take on the task of acquiring donations for prizes in a silent auction school fundraiser to build a new performing arts theater in Holiday Bay. The county detective who was going to retire and be replaced by Colt was murdered. So Colt got called in to start his job early and solve the case. Colt and Abby have been working on plans with Lonnie to build their forever home on a bluff near the Inn. That leads to a marriage proposal. Georgia is quickly getting bored just staying home with Charlee on her maternity leave. A lot of events take place in this installment of the series. Without any out-of-town guests to consider the focus is mainly on the regular characters. That was kind of nice for a change of pace.
January 30, 2026
I love this series of cosy mystery with romance books written by Kathi Daley. They're first book in this series is what got me hooked on her books, and I've read several of her series and continue to read new releases as they come out.
I've been waiting for this book, and it didn't disappoint. From Abby and Lacy being asked a last minute favour which turns into a mammoth task; Colt getting his new job and being assigned a nasty case and the overlap between the two - it was a fast paced book which had me turning the pages well into the night.
The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
I've been waiting for this book, and it didn't disappoint. From Abby and Lacy being asked a last minute favour which turns into a mammoth task; Colt getting his new job and being assigned a nasty case and the overlap between the two - it was a fast paced book which had me turning the pages well into the night.
The books in this series are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
I cannot wait for the next book to be released.
January 28, 2026
The lull after Christmas is changed when Abby's friend Lacy is asked to assist in a fundraiser for the schools, and Abby agrees to help as they only have a couple weeks to get donations for a silent auction. Colt is tasked with starting his new County job early, and it involves the murder of the detective Colt is replacing. And when just starting the case Colt finds notes from the murdered man that shows cold cases he was looking into. Did one or more of these cases get him killed? Are the cases connected? With tidbits of gossip that Abby and Lacy to help him, can Colt start his new assignment with a win...and what is the proposal referenced in the title...
January 28, 2026
Love this series a GREAT COZY MYSTERY READ. In this one , if you read this series , you can practically guess about the proposal but Colt , as detective has to investigate the murder of Gil Monohan, the detective that Colt is taking over for as he is retiring. A very stressful case. See how it ends. Abby and Lacey are helping with a fund raiser and Georgia and baby Charlee tag along.
January 29, 2026
Murder is solved
The murder is solved, and the 3 cold cases are figured out, along with their links to the murder. However, i felt that the results of the dinner with Colt's mother and his niece Mackey should have been explained as this is an important point in the relationship between Colt and Abby. So I cannot give this book 5 stars.
The murder is solved, and the 3 cold cases are figured out, along with their links to the murder. However, i felt that the results of the dinner with Colt's mother and his niece Mackey should have been explained as this is an important point in the relationship between Colt and Abby. So I cannot give this book 5 stars.
January 31, 2026
Excellent writing
I like this book just as much as the others! It was a well written story with all the characters we have come to know and love.
P.S. I tried to listen to the Audible version of this book. I couldn't make it past the first chapter. In my opinion, the written version is definitely the best format to enjoy this entire series.
I like this book just as much as the others! It was a well written story with all the characters we have come to know and love.
P.S. I tried to listen to the Audible version of this book. I couldn't make it past the first chapter. In my opinion, the written version is definitely the best format to enjoy this entire series.
February 1, 2026
Excellent development of this lovely series
I've read the entire series,who feel like I know the characters well and it's a great to read how everything is progressing. I loved how "handling" Colt's mother has been left for the next book. My mother-in-law had to be "handled" too... So I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out!
I've read the entire series,who feel like I know the characters well and it's a great to read how everything is progressing. I loved how "handling" Colt's mother has been left for the next book. My mother-in-law had to be "handled" too... So I'm looking forward to seeing how it turns out!
June 18, 2026
missing Ramos
The book had its usual charm. I liked the storyline. The characters are growing.
As a Newfoundland lover and owner, I am missing Ramos. I started reading these books when I found out a Newfie was in it. Anyway, I miss Jill and or Georgia taking the dogs for a walk in some capacity. No animals were really mentioned. Hopefully next time.
The book had its usual charm. I liked the storyline. The characters are growing.
As a Newfoundland lover and owner, I am missing Ramos. I started reading these books when I found out a Newfie was in it. Anyway, I miss Jill and or Georgia taking the dogs for a walk in some capacity. No animals were really mentioned. Hopefully next time.
June 30, 2026
Good story
The story was good, and liked all of the friendships that the author described. It's a small town and everybody knows everybody and helps one another. I like that there's adults, kids, and pets! What it did not like was how repetitive some of the sentences were. One person said something and then the next person said the same thing to confirm it. That was annoying.
The story was good, and liked all of the friendships that the author described. It's a small town and everybody knows everybody and helps one another. I like that there's adults, kids, and pets! What it did not like was how repetitive some of the sentences were. One person said something and then the next person said the same thing to confirm it. That was annoying.
January 27, 2026
Couldn’t Put It Down
The latest in the “Inn at Holiday Bay” book series doesn’t disappoint. I downloaded it this morning and was happy to have a day at home to read it straight through! If you are new to the series, go back and read them all - they are worth it.
The latest in the “Inn at Holiday Bay” book series doesn’t disappoint. I downloaded it this morning and was happy to have a day at home to read it straight through! If you are new to the series, go back and read them all - they are worth it.
January 28, 2026
Loved read
I love the Inn at Holiday Bay Series. They are my favourite and this one was one of the best. They are my story was so engaging and Colt is smart he will ace the new job . The proposal was beautiful. Can’t wait for the next one.
I love the Inn at Holiday Bay Series. They are my favourite and this one was one of the best. They are my story was so engaging and Colt is smart he will ace the new job . The proposal was beautiful. Can’t wait for the next one.
January 29, 2026
Congratulations to Abbey and Colt
When the retiring detective that Colt was replacing is murdered, Colt is placed on the case. Colt finds 3 cold cases locked in the detectives' desk. Do the three cases have any relevance to each other and the murder?
When the retiring detective that Colt was replacing is murdered, Colt is placed on the case. Colt finds 3 cold cases locked in the detectives' desk. Do the three cases have any relevance to each other and the murder?
February 10, 2026
I just finished this book yesterday. I love this series, and have been reading it since the beginning. Kathi’s characters are so real, and she always leaves me wanting the next book available quickly. This is the one book I have been waiting for along time. I am so excited to see what the future holds for Abby, Colt and the rest of the inhabitants of Holiday Bay.
February 13, 2026
Awesome
Kathi continues to come up with unique stories. The engagement has finally happened, now for Abby and Colt to get the wedding they want and the house they want. Can't wait for the next book.
Kathi continues to come up with unique stories. The engagement has finally happened, now for Abby and Colt to get the wedding they want and the house they want. Can't wait for the next book.
February 13, 2026
WWOW!! How do you spell convoluted???
So many twists and turns! But my favorite part was the ENGAGEMENT!!! You will have to read the book for the details but Colt surprised me, not to mention Abby!!!
So many twists and turns! But my favorite part was the ENGAGEMENT!!! You will have to read the book for the details but Colt surprised me, not to mention Abby!!!
February 15, 2026
Proposal, yes! But murder 2
This had some really interesting things going on. Yes there were the murder mystery things. But even better was the Proposal... and most of the kid's making a really nice dinner to celebrate.
This had some really interesting things going on. Yes there were the murder mystery things. But even better was the Proposal... and most of the kid's making a really nice dinner to celebrate.
March 14, 2026
All in the Name of Love
The twist and turns of this story will keep you reading!! But the progression of each of the characters we all love throughout this series is what will make you want more!
The twist and turns of this story will keep you reading!! But the progression of each of the characters we all love throughout this series is what will make you want more!
March 22, 2026
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Promise in the Proposal
A wonderful chapter in this series. A new police roll and a new murder with ties to 3cold cases and where to start the Investigation. Add in a fundraiser, and change in marital status and it is quite the story.
A wonderful chapter in this series. A new police roll and a new murder with ties to 3cold cases and where to start the Investigation. Add in a fundraiser, and change in marital status and it is quite the story.
April 25, 2026
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Promise in the Proposal
A very good story in the series. Definitely moved along well and didn't get hung up on conversation \ dialog that bring down the overall story.
A very good story in the series. Definitely moved along well and didn't get hung up on conversation \ dialog that bring down the overall story.
January 29, 2026
Another Great Holiday Inn Read
I have become addicted to the Holiday Inn Series and appreciate the character updates that come along with a good whodunit
I have become addicted to the Holiday Inn Series and appreciate the character updates that come along with a good whodunit
February 1, 2026
I really enjoy this series and am waiting for the next book in February.
February 1, 2026
One of my favorite series by Kathy Daley.
February 2, 2026
enjoyed the story...
February 3, 2026
My review for Promise in the Proposal
I absolutely loved it! Yay! So much has happened! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! Yay! So much has happened! This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
February 5, 2026
2.5 stars. I enjoyed it more than most in this series, but parts of the writing felt so awkward and the pacing was hit or miss
February 7, 2026
Good read
The mystery was not known until the last chapter, which made a good read. Let hope the wedding come soon and not spread out to too many books
The mystery was not known until the last chapter, which made a good read. Let hope the wedding come soon and not spread out to too many books
February 9, 2026
Great book
This is a great series. I love all of the characters. I'm not sure what will happen with Colts new job though.
This is a great series. I love all of the characters. I'm not sure what will happen with Colts new job though.
March 3, 2026
terrible ending to this installment
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews