Promise in the Proposal

The Inn at Holiday Bay #38

by Kathi Daley

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.

Genres: Romance, Mystery

155 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 27, 2026

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 4 out of 5]

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.

[Nikki · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Joanie Hinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

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...

[Sheila Penwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Holly DiFrancesco · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Susan Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Joy B · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Carola Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[D · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?

[Robert Kehoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[Shirley Audette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series and am waiting for the next book in February.

[Janet Epperson · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite series by Kathy Daley.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

enjoyed the story...

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

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

[Mrs J A Giles · Rating 5 out of 5]

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