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Seacliff High Mystery #1
The Secret
Alyson Prescott moves to Cutters Cove, Oregon, after being placed, along with her mother, in the witness protection program. In her previous life, Alyson was an A-list heiress with the excitement of a trendsetting lifestyle and the security of old money. After witnessing a murder executed by two members of a powerful gang family, she is forced to leave her old life behind and become a middle class girl, living in a middle class town. Alyson struggles with the duplicity in her life as she strives to reconcile her new life with the old. In the first book in the series, The Secret, Alyson and her mother buy a dilapidated old mansion on a cliff overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Alyson soon finds that the house holds a secret that only the recently deceased resident of the property seems to know the answer to. Alyson and the new friends she meets at Seacliff High, set out to find the answer to a fifty-year old mystery that will reveal a trail of murder, embezzlement, lies, and deception. As the journey intensifies, friendships are forged that will last a lifetime.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 21, 2015
241 people are currently reading
790 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
328 books1,782 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 65 reviews
March 2, 2015
In 1930, Nancy Drew was introduced to young readers and instantly became an all-time favorite teen amateur sleuth. In 2015, Alyson Prescott is a modern-day Nancy Drew...she just doesn't know it yet. She and her mother are in the Witness Protection program, Alyson can see a ghost in the ancient house they bought that's perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean, and the cool friends she makes at high school on the very first day, are about to embark on an adventure like never before. Alyson is smart and daring, and so are her new friends. This cozy mystery offers a touch of paranormal, it's clean, fast-paced, and suitable for young teens and those young at heart.
April 16, 2015
The Secret is the first book in Kathi Daley's new Seacliff High Mystery series. This series is written for young adults. However this book is just as appealing to me as all of her books. I have read all of Kathi Daley's books and have never been disappointed. If you have preteens and teens in your household this is a clean well written book about high school social life and the solving of a mystery that occurred long before the characters were born. I never like to reveal much about the plot in my reviews. A lovely young girl and her Mother have moved to Oregon and brought a old house to renovate that come equipped with tales of being haunted and having a ghost. The contents of the house's attic gets Alyson the teenager trying to delve into the past owners life and history. She quickly makes friends in her new school and they joined with her to solve the mystery. I love the fact that Alyson makes new friends quickly, so often not the case when children change schools. Please read yourself and pass on the news to all young adult readers!
March 1, 2015
Alyson Prescott and her mother move to Cutters Cove, Oregon, as part of the Witness Protection Program. They have moved into a dilapidated old mansion and are working on fixing it up to it’s former glory. Alyson must start at a new school and quickly becomes friends with Mac, Trevor and Eli. When her new friends agree to help Alyson start cleaning out the attic, they find a mystery that is many years old. As they begin to work on solving the mystery, someone breaks into Alyson’s house and sends her a threatening note. The foursome does not know what clues they have uncovered but they know that they are making someone nervous.
The characters are well developed, realistic and are three dimensional. The characters in this series are teenagers and the author portrayed them very accurately. They are in the getting-to-know each other stage and it is fun seeing how quickly they bond together. There are a couple of characters that are not really likable and at times I wanted to see them put in their place. It will be fun to watch them grow and develop and strengthen the bonds they have already formed.
There are two mysteries contained in this book. The first is who is the heir to the Cutter fortune. The second is if an apparent older suicide is actually a murder. The mysteries are complex and well-plotted and they are carried on throughout the entire book. I did not figure out these mysteries until they were revealed at the end, and the conclusion is very plausible.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a easy, clean read. The author is very talented in creating small town settings that the reader would like to visit. She seems to know exactly what happens in smaller communities and is able to describe the atmosphere and activities that make them special.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery cozy. Any age reader will enjoy this book, both young and old. That is actually true for all of Kathi Daley books, they are all clean well written cozies. The Secret is a great start to a new series by this very talented author.
The characters are well developed, realistic and are three dimensional. The characters in this series are teenagers and the author portrayed them very accurately. They are in the getting-to-know each other stage and it is fun seeing how quickly they bond together. There are a couple of characters that are not really likable and at times I wanted to see them put in their place. It will be fun to watch them grow and develop and strengthen the bonds they have already formed.
There are two mysteries contained in this book. The first is who is the heir to the Cutter fortune. The second is if an apparent older suicide is actually a murder. The mysteries are complex and well-plotted and they are carried on throughout the entire book. I did not figure out these mysteries until they were revealed at the end, and the conclusion is very plausible.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a easy, clean read. The author is very talented in creating small town settings that the reader would like to visit. She seems to know exactly what happens in smaller communities and is able to describe the atmosphere and activities that make them special.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well-crafted mystery cozy. Any age reader will enjoy this book, both young and old. That is actually true for all of Kathi Daley books, they are all clean well written cozies. The Secret is a great start to a new series by this very talented author.
March 18, 2015
I usually love YA books so I was excited to read this new YA book from author Kathi Daley.
I started to read, and slowly came to realize there were a lot of similarities to a heroine of mine, Veronica Mars. As I read on, the similarities became more and more apparent, culminating indeed, with Alyson's sidekick Mac, being a high school computer expert who relishes hacking into bank records and government files, EXACTLY like Veronica Mars' bestie, also named Mac. Eli, another sidekick identically named to another of Veronica's team, and Madison, the snobby cheerleader (exact same personality as Madison from Veronica Mars) who is Mac's nemesis...not to be a broken record here...from Veronica Mars. Right down to Alyson's big "guard dog", Tucker / Veronica's big "guard dog", Backup. Both protagonists are being raised by a single parent.
I think it's pretty safe to say Rob Thomas might not be happy to read this. Or maybe he would? They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, after all...
It also seemed contrived...like the teens in the book were from an earlier era, with the girls "donning dresses" to "go hang out with the gang" and then Ms. Daley threw in some technology, computer and surveillance equipment etc. to bring it into the modern world, but not quite melding as successfully as was hoped. Sort of Nancy Drew meets Veronica Mars.
There were some unique qualities in this book, for example the back story the author doesn't really explore much, of why Alyson and her mother are in the witness protection program. They hint at her former best friend being deceased, and that she saw a murder.(Hmm...where have I read that plotline before of the deceased best friend? Oh yeah, Veronica Mars.) I would like this storyline to be incorporated more into any future books in this series.
I started to read, and slowly came to realize there were a lot of similarities to a heroine of mine, Veronica Mars. As I read on, the similarities became more and more apparent, culminating indeed, with Alyson's sidekick Mac, being a high school computer expert who relishes hacking into bank records and government files, EXACTLY like Veronica Mars' bestie, also named Mac. Eli, another sidekick identically named to another of Veronica's team, and Madison, the snobby cheerleader (exact same personality as Madison from Veronica Mars) who is Mac's nemesis...not to be a broken record here...from Veronica Mars. Right down to Alyson's big "guard dog", Tucker / Veronica's big "guard dog", Backup. Both protagonists are being raised by a single parent.
I think it's pretty safe to say Rob Thomas might not be happy to read this. Or maybe he would? They say imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, after all...
It also seemed contrived...like the teens in the book were from an earlier era, with the girls "donning dresses" to "go hang out with the gang" and then Ms. Daley threw in some technology, computer and surveillance equipment etc. to bring it into the modern world, but not quite melding as successfully as was hoped. Sort of Nancy Drew meets Veronica Mars.
There were some unique qualities in this book, for example the back story the author doesn't really explore much, of why Alyson and her mother are in the witness protection program. They hint at her former best friend being deceased, and that she saw a murder.(Hmm...where have I read that plotline before of the deceased best friend? Oh yeah, Veronica Mars.) I would like this storyline to be incorporated more into any future books in this series.
March 10, 2015
The Secret by Kathi Daley is the first book in her new YA series, Seacliff High Mystery series.
Alyson Prescott is the teen heroine. Her and her mother have moved to Cutter Cove under the Witness Protection Program with new names and identities. Alyson is smart, outgoing and trying very hard to remember who she is now. She hates lying but her and her mother both know that they have to make this work to be safe.
On her first day of school she meets Mac and Trevor and they soon become friends. Trevor brings Eli into the group and together they begin working together to solve the mysteries. I enjoyed reading about them as they get to know each other and the bonds of friendship begin to form.
Although I am no longer any where close to the age of a teenager, this book did strongly remind me of my own youth and the hours that I spent reading Nancy Drew mystery books.
The characters are all well developed and likeable. The plot was smooth and the twists helped to keep the resolution to the mysteries just out of my reach until the end.
This cozy mystery is definitely suitable for teens as it's fast-paced, clean, easy to read and has just a touch of paranormal. I am looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
Alyson Prescott is the teen heroine. Her and her mother have moved to Cutter Cove under the Witness Protection Program with new names and identities. Alyson is smart, outgoing and trying very hard to remember who she is now. She hates lying but her and her mother both know that they have to make this work to be safe.
On her first day of school she meets Mac and Trevor and they soon become friends. Trevor brings Eli into the group and together they begin working together to solve the mysteries. I enjoyed reading about them as they get to know each other and the bonds of friendship begin to form.
Although I am no longer any where close to the age of a teenager, this book did strongly remind me of my own youth and the hours that I spent reading Nancy Drew mystery books.
The characters are all well developed and likeable. The plot was smooth and the twists helped to keep the resolution to the mysteries just out of my reach until the end.
This cozy mystery is definitely suitable for teens as it's fast-paced, clean, easy to read and has just a touch of paranormal. I am looking forward to reading the next one in this series.
March 9, 2015
Kathi Daley's entry into YA mysteries is a smashing success. I could hardly put it down, and I'm already looking forward to the next installment.
The teens in this story are very believably written, and the mystery they are trying to solve is fascinating. I love the little touch of the paranormal, and hope that will be explored more in future stories. I also hope we get more of the back story for Alyson and her mother in the future. Knowing they are in the Witness Protection Program leads to a LOT of questions.
Congratulations to Kathi on another great series!
**I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
The teens in this story are very believably written, and the mystery they are trying to solve is fascinating. I love the little touch of the paranormal, and hope that will be explored more in future stories. I also hope we get more of the back story for Alyson and her mother in the future. Knowing they are in the Witness Protection Program leads to a LOT of questions.
Congratulations to Kathi on another great series!
**I received a copy of this book in return for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.**
April 16, 2015
I enjoyed this story. It reminded me a lot of when I read Nancy Drew books. The characters were likable. We are told Alyson and her mother are in the witness protection program but we don't know all the details of what happened. Maybe we will learn more in a sequel. There are some other aspects of the story that I hope we learn more about in future books. I would like to read more about Alyson and her friends and their adventures.
February 24, 2015
Kathi Daley's move into the YA scene is well written and fast moving. I am looking forward to reading the next installment of this series.
April 6, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is the first book in the Seacliff High mystery series by Kathi Daley. This book is YA mystery, so be aware.
Basic premise: Alyson and her mom are in witness protection and move to Cutters Cove and into an old spooky house with a lot of secrets and maybe even a few ghosts too.
Some people were comparing this to Veronica Mars and Nancy Drew. And I understand those thoughts. To me it felt more like Buffy the Vampire Slayer without the vampires. I always loved the close cast in that show and this book gives me all those feels too.
I enjoyed the character of Alyson, although I am not sure so many new people would be accepted so easily into a school. I even had reservations when another new kid shows up not long after Alyson and her mom. I guess I was creating my own red herrings and throwing myself off course.
For a YA mystery, I thought this was pretty complex. I enjoyed every minute of this. And since it was also the first book in a series and had a lot riding on its shoulders, it was particularly well done. I look forward to reading more in the series.
If you love a good young adult mystery with a bit of suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
This is the first book in the Seacliff High mystery series by Kathi Daley. This book is YA mystery, so be aware.
Basic premise: Alyson and her mom are in witness protection and move to Cutters Cove and into an old spooky house with a lot of secrets and maybe even a few ghosts too.
Some people were comparing this to Veronica Mars and Nancy Drew. And I understand those thoughts. To me it felt more like Buffy the Vampire Slayer without the vampires. I always loved the close cast in that show and this book gives me all those feels too.
I enjoyed the character of Alyson, although I am not sure so many new people would be accepted so easily into a school. I even had reservations when another new kid shows up not long after Alyson and her mom. I guess I was creating my own red herrings and throwing myself off course.
For a YA mystery, I thought this was pretty complex. I enjoyed every minute of this. And since it was also the first book in a series and had a lot riding on its shoulders, it was particularly well done. I look forward to reading more in the series.
If you love a good young adult mystery with a bit of suspense, definitely check this one out. You won’t be disappointed.
May 6, 2015
The Secret by Kathi Daley is the debut book in her new YA series, Seacliff High Mystery series. Although I am almost a senior citizen, I was immediately brought back to thoughts of my youth and the hours I spent reading Nancy Drew, The Hardy Boys and Trixie Belden mystery days. Best known for writing wonderful cozy mysteries for adults (that are clean and also enjoyed by teens and young adults) Kathi Daley has successfully entered the world of young adult world novels with The Secret. It has all the hallmarks of Kathi's other series: life in a small town populated by interesting people you come to care about, friends who feel like family, families with members who truly care about each other, a mystery that is difficult to solve, humor, an awesome pet, a well woven plot including several sub-plots and a touch of the paranormal in it with a focus on teenagers.
Amanda, A.K.A. Alyson Prescott, is the teen heroine in this series. Allyson and Sarah, her mom, have been relocated to Cutter Cove, Oregon under the Witness Protection Program complete with new names and identities. Alyson is smart and outgoing. On her first day of school she meets Mac and Trevor and they soon become friends. Trevor introduces Eli to the group and together they begin working together to solve the mysteries. Allyson and Sarah are live in a very old house with lots of treasures and secrets to be discovered in the attic. The previous owner was murdered four years earlier and he wants Alyson to find his killer! Alyson makes friends quickly and soon has a group of friends to help her clean the attic, find clues, investigate suspects, and discover an heir to the Cutter fortune. The characters are all well developed and likeable. The plot is smooth with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The mystery is a well-constructed plausible one in which the story is tied up by the end of the book. There is the ongoing plotline allowing for character and story development in future books. This is definitely a book that is intended to carry on for a while.
For those that are a fan of Kathi’s adult fiction series (which my teenager and young adult daughters have started reading) you will also find this book engaging and interesting. This cozy mystery is definitely suitable for teens as well. It's fast-paced, clean, easy read with just a touch of paranormal. I am looking forward to reading the next one in this series. This cozy mystery is suitable for young teens and those young at heart. The perfect book/mystery for the young adult of the millennial generation.
Amanda, A.K.A. Alyson Prescott, is the teen heroine in this series. Allyson and Sarah, her mom, have been relocated to Cutter Cove, Oregon under the Witness Protection Program complete with new names and identities. Alyson is smart and outgoing. On her first day of school she meets Mac and Trevor and they soon become friends. Trevor introduces Eli to the group and together they begin working together to solve the mysteries. Allyson and Sarah are live in a very old house with lots of treasures and secrets to be discovered in the attic. The previous owner was murdered four years earlier and he wants Alyson to find his killer! Alyson makes friends quickly and soon has a group of friends to help her clean the attic, find clues, investigate suspects, and discover an heir to the Cutter fortune. The characters are all well developed and likeable. The plot is smooth with twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the end. The mystery is a well-constructed plausible one in which the story is tied up by the end of the book. There is the ongoing plotline allowing for character and story development in future books. This is definitely a book that is intended to carry on for a while.
For those that are a fan of Kathi’s adult fiction series (which my teenager and young adult daughters have started reading) you will also find this book engaging and interesting. This cozy mystery is definitely suitable for teens as well. It's fast-paced, clean, easy read with just a touch of paranormal. I am looking forward to reading the next one in this series. This cozy mystery is suitable for young teens and those young at heart. The perfect book/mystery for the young adult of the millennial generation.
March 9, 2015
Alyson Prescott, heiress, has recently moved with her mom to the small town of Cutter Cove, as part of a witness protection program. For her first day at her new school she is hoping to make new friends. Lucky for her she meets what will quickly become her best friends...Mac (girl), Eli and Trevor. They quickly band together to solve the mystery of her ghostly visit from Barkley, former owner of the fixer upper house her mom purchased. As they pour through the tons of forgotten items stored everywhere in the attic, they soon become convinced they know what secret they need to uncover. Will they be successful in their hunt? I enjoyed this story, set for a younger audience. The characters are charming, recalling the Namcy Drew era, and the story and secret is interesting. My rating is 4 instead of 5 because first I got a little bogged down with some of the financial data they were reviewing, and second I wasn't overly happy with the computer hacking, especially in a story aimed at a YA audience. But overall the story flowed well and I look forward to reading the next story in this series.
February 22, 2015
An excellent start to a great new Young adult series
An excellent start to a fantastic new you adult series with a lot of potential for future books. "The Secret" started off with a mother and daughter living in a very old house in a small town As Alyson makes friends she invites them over to her house to help with going through all the stuff left behind when the recluse that lived there died for years earlier. With a little help from a few strange occurrences and a good dose of Alyson's own curiosity and a few clues discovered while going through the belongings left behind and some help from her new friends, i couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Kathi Daley is ready to take over the young adult gene and do it with as much mastery as she does with her adult cozy mystery series of which she now has three. I may not be a young adult, but I look forward to reading future books in the series.
An excellent start to a fantastic new you adult series with a lot of potential for future books. "The Secret" started off with a mother and daughter living in a very old house in a small town As Alyson makes friends she invites them over to her house to help with going through all the stuff left behind when the recluse that lived there died for years earlier. With a little help from a few strange occurrences and a good dose of Alyson's own curiosity and a few clues discovered while going through the belongings left behind and some help from her new friends, i couldn't wait to find out what was going to happen next. Kathi Daley is ready to take over the young adult gene and do it with as much mastery as she does with her adult cozy mystery series of which she now has three. I may not be a young adult, but I look forward to reading future books in the series.
April 2, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review
Once again Kathi Daley brings us a nice new series focusing on teenagers as the main characters.
We meet Alyson Prescott who recently moved to small town Cutter’s Cove, Oregon with her mom. They moved into an old house that been vacated for several years and has a history of its own full of secrets. Alyson has her own secrets as well as she is drawn in learning about the secrets of the previous owner.
As she makes new friends that are different than what she had before, they find themselves using their skills to research the previous owner. In doing so, Alyson is warned to stay away from further investigating as the gang begins their initial inquiries. Finding the truth as murder, deception, lies and embezzlement go hand in hand. The things what people are willing to do for money.
They are a likeable group of teenagers who have their flaws and strengths that can work together. A plot that quickly moves along.
Once again Kathi Daley brings us a nice new series focusing on teenagers as the main characters.
We meet Alyson Prescott who recently moved to small town Cutter’s Cove, Oregon with her mom. They moved into an old house that been vacated for several years and has a history of its own full of secrets. Alyson has her own secrets as well as she is drawn in learning about the secrets of the previous owner.
As she makes new friends that are different than what she had before, they find themselves using their skills to research the previous owner. In doing so, Alyson is warned to stay away from further investigating as the gang begins their initial inquiries. Finding the truth as murder, deception, lies and embezzlement go hand in hand. The things what people are willing to do for money.
They are a likeable group of teenagers who have their flaws and strengths that can work together. A plot that quickly moves along.
March 23, 2015
Well written YA mystery.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
Since I don't normally write reviews unless I have something specific to say, here's the break down of how I rate my books...
1 star... This book was bad, so bad I may have given up and skipped to the end. I will avoid this author like the plague in the future.
2 stars... This book was not very good, and I won't be reading any more from the author.
3 stars... This book was ok, but I won't go out of my way to read more, But if I find another book by the author for under a dollar I'd pick it up.
4 stars... I really enjoyed this book and will definitely be on the look out to pick up more from the series/author.
5 stars... I loved this book! It has earned a permanent home in my collection and I'll be picking up the rest of the series and other books from the author ASAP.
April 19, 2015
The Secret ( Seacliff High Mysteries ) ( Volume 1 )
by: Kathi Daley
This is the first book in Kathi Daley new Seacliff High Mysteries. I have read several of Daley’s books and have loved them all. The Secret is geared toward the young adult, but I really enjoyed it very much, reminds me of Nancy Drew books I use to read. The story and characters are easy to follow , once I got started I did not want to put it down till the end. The Secret is a good clean mystery book . Kathy Daley you have another winner . Alyson and her mother moved to Cutters Cove, Orgeon and are in the Witness Protection Program. This is a big change for the both of them. Alyson making new friends, and there is action on solving a long time mystery and murder. Thank you Kathi Daley for another wonderful mystery winner. I can’t wait for book two in this series.
by: Kathi Daley
This is the first book in Kathi Daley new Seacliff High Mysteries. I have read several of Daley’s books and have loved them all. The Secret is geared toward the young adult, but I really enjoyed it very much, reminds me of Nancy Drew books I use to read. The story and characters are easy to follow , once I got started I did not want to put it down till the end. The Secret is a good clean mystery book . Kathy Daley you have another winner . Alyson and her mother moved to Cutters Cove, Orgeon and are in the Witness Protection Program. This is a big change for the both of them. Alyson making new friends, and there is action on solving a long time mystery and murder. Thank you Kathi Daley for another wonderful mystery winner. I can’t wait for book two in this series.
May 17, 2015
Alyson Prescott, new to the witness protection program, has moved to Cutters Cove with her mother to live in an old, run-down, four story mansion. How will Alyson adjust in a totally new environment? What secrets does the mansion hold? Did the former owner commit suicide or was he murdered?
I thought this book was fun and easy to read with a well-thought out plot. The main characters are teens and I am well beyond that age, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for all ages. This book reminded me of the Nancy Drew mysteries I read over 40 years ago. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more in this new series!
I received this book in a giveaway from the author. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
I thought this book was fun and easy to read with a well-thought out plot. The main characters are teens and I am well beyond that age, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book and recommend it for all ages. This book reminded me of the Nancy Drew mysteries I read over 40 years ago. I am eagerly looking forward to reading more in this new series!
I received this book in a giveaway from the author. My opinion is my own and not influenced by anyone.
August 13, 2015
This is the first book in the Seacliff High Mystery series.
I found this to be a very engrossing read, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. There are multiple mysteries and a touch of the paranormal. The characters are very believable and I found this to be a fast and engrossing read. I am looking forward to the next installment. Perhaps we will find out why Allyson and her mother are in the Witness Control Program!
I found this to be a very engrossing read, and am looking forward to the next book in the series. There are multiple mysteries and a touch of the paranormal. The characters are very believable and I found this to be a fast and engrossing read. I am looking forward to the next installment. Perhaps we will find out why Allyson and her mother are in the Witness Control Program!
April 10, 2015
This book is about Alyson Prescott and her mom that move to Cutter's Cove under the Witness Protection Program with new identites. When Alyson starts school she teams up with a group of students who work to help her solve the mystery of the haunted house she lives in, as well as the suspicious death, and a very old secret. YA fiction isn't my usual genre, but I really enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.
April 16, 2015
I won this book on Goodreads! I really loved this book. This is a 1st in the series "The Secret" and I find myself looking forward to the next book. The story was what you see is what you get. I liked that Kathi Daley did not make her characters week or dense. These teens were smart, clever, resourceful and had manners! I am looking forward to reading more from Kathi Daley...
February 27, 2015
The Secret
This is an amusing book. I really like Kathie Daley books so far. They are great fun. Every time I start one I read it throughout. Of course I recommend it.
This is an amusing book. I really like Kathie Daley books so far. They are great fun. Every time I start one I read it throughout. Of course I recommend it.
March 31, 2015
Cute
A modern Nancy Drew mystery or similar to Scooby Doo mystery. Very mature, level headed main character for a high school student.
A modern Nancy Drew mystery or similar to Scooby Doo mystery. Very mature, level headed main character for a high school student.
June 26, 2019
This is a fun cozy teen mystery. Nancy Drew fans will love it.
March 14, 2017
Kindle Unlimited liked it but didn't love it hence 4 stars. Wasn't anything stupid such as typos or anything like that, just didn't love this.
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku
Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)
Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)
Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
Halloween Hijinks Anniversary Edition (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 1) * - The Trouble with Turkeys (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 2) * - Christmas Crazy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 3) * - Cupids Curse (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 4) - Big Bunny Bump Off (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 5) * - Beach Blanket Barbie (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 6) * Maui Madness (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 7) - Derby Divas (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 8) - Haunted Hamlet (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 9) - Turkeys, Tuxes, and Tabbies (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 10) - Christmas Cozy (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 11) - Alaskan Alliance (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 12) - Matrimony Meltdown (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 13) - Soul Surrender (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 14) - Heavenly Honeymoon (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 15) - Hopscotch Homicide (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 16) - Ghostly Graveyard (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 17) - Santa Sleuth (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 18) - Shamrock Shenanigans (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 19) - Kitten Kaboodle (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 20) - Costume Catastrophe (Zoe Donovan Mystery Book 21) - Candy Cane Caper (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 22) - Holiday Hangover (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery Book 23) - Easter Escapade (Zoe Donovan Cozy Mystery 24) {pre-order at this time}
Spin off from Zoe Donovan series Zimmerman Academy. *means NOT ku
Whales and Tails Mystery
Romeow and Juliet (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 1) - The Mad Catter (Whales and Tails Mystery Book 2) - Grimm's Furry Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 3) - Much Ado About Felines (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 4) - The Legend of Tabby Hollow (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 5) - The Cat of Christmas Past (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 6) - A Tale of Two Tabbies (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 7) - The Great Catsby (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 8) - Count Catula (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 9) - The Cat of Christmas Present (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 10) - A Winter's Tail (Whales and Tails Cozy Mystery Book 11)
Murder at Dolphin Bay (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 1) - Murder at Sunrise (A Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery Book 2) - Murder at the Witching Hour (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #3) - Murder at Christmas (Sand and Sea Hawaiian Mystery #4)
Zoe Donovan, Whales and Tails, Sand and Sea, others, check out amazon page
October 7, 2019
Alyson Prescott and her mother, Sarah, move to Cutters Cover, a small town in Oregon after being placed in Witness Protection. In her previous life, Alyson was a trend setting heiress in a private school in New York who witnessed a murder by two members of a crime syndicate. The Prescott women by a dilapidated mansion and set out to restore it. Alyson comes across a mystery that involves the previous owner of the house. She and her two new friends set out to solve it and discover that it involves embezzlement, lies, and deception.
While this book is technically classified as young adult, I really enjoyed reading it. I read it at the suggestion of Kathi to get to know the characters before reading her Haunting by the Sea series. It's well-written with well-rounded characters. I loved getting to know Alyson and her friends. Alyson is dealing with intuition and possible ghosts. I highly recommend this book.
While this book is technically classified as young adult, I really enjoyed reading it. I read it at the suggestion of Kathi to get to know the characters before reading her Haunting by the Sea series. It's well-written with well-rounded characters. I loved getting to know Alyson and her friends. Alyson is dealing with intuition and possible ghosts. I highly recommend this book.
April 30, 2018
I think this might have been written for the YA audience.
I think this series of books might have been written and aimed toward a young audience. The characters are likeable and the back story of this family was not even addressed fully (they are part of the Witness Protection program) in this book. That may be the reason I've decided to read Book 2 in the series. It has the potential to be a good series if the story is "fleshed out" and if the Author can keep the story alive. I've decided to go on to Book 2 because I am hoping to find a series that holds my interest and because I haven't been able to find anything else in the Kindle Unlimited plan that sounds entertaining and because I HAVE TO HAVE something to read every night before I go to sleep. Fingers crossed that I'll find something that keeps me turning the page!
I think this series of books might have been written and aimed toward a young audience. The characters are likeable and the back story of this family was not even addressed fully (they are part of the Witness Protection program) in this book. That may be the reason I've decided to read Book 2 in the series. It has the potential to be a good series if the story is "fleshed out" and if the Author can keep the story alive. I've decided to go on to Book 2 because I am hoping to find a series that holds my interest and because I haven't been able to find anything else in the Kindle Unlimited plan that sounds entertaining and because I HAVE TO HAVE something to read every night before I go to sleep. Fingers crossed that I'll find something that keeps me turning the page!
February 24, 2018
Do you believe in ghosts?
I was expecting more ghostly happenings but it never materialized. Good mystery with a lot of unrealistic events. For being in witness protection, Alyson and her mother are spending lots of money, and her mother is maintaining the same profession she had before they went into the program. I do believe this series has a lot of potential and I will be reading book two.
I was expecting more ghostly happenings but it never materialized. Good mystery with a lot of unrealistic events. For being in witness protection, Alyson and her mother are spending lots of money, and her mother is maintaining the same profession she had before they went into the program. I do believe this series has a lot of potential and I will be reading book two.
May 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. The characters were young and very interesting. The first chapter alone made me want to read this mystery, loads of action, fast paced, great book.
The Secret is the first book in the series called Seacliff High. The second book in the series by Kathi Daley is called The Curse.
The Secret is the first book in the series called Seacliff High. The second book in the series by Kathi Daley is called The Curse.
May 29, 2018
Not really the audience
It has been too many years since I was in high school to fully appreciate the characters in the story. I read it because I had read the new series with these characters grown and was curious. I guess it might appeal more to the YA reader in a Veronica Mars way.
It has been too many years since I was in high school to fully appreciate the characters in the story. I read it because I had read the new series with these characters grown and was curious. I guess it might appeal more to the YA reader in a Veronica Mars way.
June 11, 2019
Seacliff High Mystery Book 1
This was another winner. I got to meet the three main characters as teenagers in High School. As the last series I read they were 12 years older. So happy to see how they started. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves mysteries and ghosts. Diana Romano
This was another winner. I got to meet the three main characters as teenagers in High School. As the last series I read they were 12 years older. So happy to see how they started. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who loves mysteries and ghosts. Diana Romano
August 5, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. It felt like a maturely written Nancy Drew. The only thing that is irritating is the "high school" attitude of teenagers.
Cussing: Mild to none
Nudity: None
Gore and explicit descriptions: None
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more.
Cussing: Mild to none
Nudity: None
Gore and explicit descriptions: None
Overall, I really enjoyed this book. Looking forward to more.
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