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The Inn at Holiday Bay #40
Verification in the Video
Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing heat, humidity, and an influx of visitors to the seaside community of Holiday Bay. Known for its enthusiasm for festivals and special events, the town thrives during the busy summer season. While the crowds are good for business, they leave employees and business owners stretched thin as they struggle to keep up with the demands of another record-breaking tourist season.
Hoping to expand her skills and bring even more value to her role at the inn, Haven enrolls in a summer cooking class taught by a popular food vlogger and culinary influencer. The instructor's unconventional approach to cooking is a hit with many of the students, including Haven. Everything seems to be going well until an outdoor cooking demonstration ends in tragedy when a gunshot rings out, leaving one person dead and a long list of suspects in its wake.
Meanwhile, Abby finds herself dealing with the consequences of a promise Colt's mother made on her behalf to the local middle school principal. Soccer season approaches, creating controversial draft-day tension between Lacy and one of her daughters. Haven makes an unexpected new friend, and Colt and Lonnie join forces with Dawson and Sully to form a classic rock band, proving that life in Holiday Bay is never dull, even when murder isn't on the agenda.
Join Abby, Haven, and the rest of the gang as they navigate friendship, family, love, second chances, and a mystery that threatens to turn a carefree summer into a season no one will soon forget.
Hoping to expand her skills and bring even more value to her role at the inn, Haven enrolls in a summer cooking class taught by a popular food vlogger and culinary influencer. The instructor's unconventional approach to cooking is a hit with many of the students, including Haven. Everything seems to be going well until an outdoor cooking demonstration ends in tragedy when a gunshot rings out, leaving one person dead and a long list of suspects in its wake.
Meanwhile, Abby finds herself dealing with the consequences of a promise Colt's mother made on her behalf to the local middle school principal. Soccer season approaches, creating controversial draft-day tension between Lacy and one of her daughters. Haven makes an unexpected new friend, and Colt and Lonnie join forces with Dawson and Sully to form a classic rock band, proving that life in Holiday Bay is never dull, even when murder isn't on the agenda.
Join Abby, Haven, and the rest of the gang as they navigate friendship, family, love, second chances, and a mystery that threatens to turn a carefree summer into a season no one will soon forget.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2026
About the author
Kathi Daley
329 books1,805 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 31, 2026
I have read every book in this, and plenty in the other series from this talented author. This was a great book, telling the story of how a video posted on social media provided the clues as to what happened when a young man was shot dead.
Abby owns and runs the Inn at Holiday Bay. Georgia is her business partner and is the chef; as well as her commitment to the Inn, she films Cooking with Georgia at thr. There are several other staff there, all who have become 'family' to Abby. Haven and Bailey, two girls who happened to ask for work have become Abby's 'adopted' daughters.
Haven has been taking cooking evening classes; when the tutor taking the classes does a live, filmed demonstration which is filmed, there's a shot and someone is hit. Bailey is a computer genius and she finds something of interest. Colt, Abbys fiance and a police detective picks up the case
It's a new school year and there's a problem with the budget for after school activities for the High School. Colt's Niece Mackey lives with her Uncle and Abby, and Colt's Mum 'volunteered' Abby to head the High school's PTA and therefore sort the after school activities out.
There's never a dull moment, that's for sure!
A great story and book 40 in this long running series. Whilst all the stories Kathi's book series are standalone stories; the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storylines.
If you liked this book, try one of the other series by Kathi Daley, they're all of the cosy mystery genre. Series I have loved are Tess and Tilly; Cottage on Gooseberry Bay; Rescue Alaska; Resort at Castaway Bay; Rescue on Gooseberry Bay; Cat in the Attic; Bookstore on Holiday Bay; Bakeshop at Holiday Bay; and Zoe Donovan.
I cannot wait for another book by this talented author to hit the bookshelves!
,
Abby owns and runs the Inn at Holiday Bay. Georgia is her business partner and is the chef; as well as her commitment to the Inn, she films Cooking with Georgia at thr. There are several other staff there, all who have become 'family' to Abby. Haven and Bailey, two girls who happened to ask for work have become Abby's 'adopted' daughters.
Haven has been taking cooking evening classes; when the tutor taking the classes does a live, filmed demonstration which is filmed, there's a shot and someone is hit. Bailey is a computer genius and she finds something of interest. Colt, Abbys fiance and a police detective picks up the case
It's a new school year and there's a problem with the budget for after school activities for the High School. Colt's Niece Mackey lives with her Uncle and Abby, and Colt's Mum 'volunteered' Abby to head the High school's PTA and therefore sort the after school activities out.
There's never a dull moment, that's for sure!
A great story and book 40 in this long running series. Whilst all the stories Kathi's book series are standalone stories; the books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storylines.
If you liked this book, try one of the other series by Kathi Daley, they're all of the cosy mystery genre. Series I have loved are Tess and Tilly; Cottage on Gooseberry Bay; Rescue Alaska; Resort at Castaway Bay; Rescue on Gooseberry Bay; Cat in the Attic; Bookstore on Holiday Bay; Bakeshop at Holiday Bay; and Zoe Donovan.
I cannot wait for another book by this talented author to hit the bookshelves!
,
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 30, 2026
As usual, presents an intriguing mystery with numerous clues. Always good to catch up with the primary characters.
Amazon synopsis:
Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing heat, humidity, and an influx of visitors to the seaside community of Holiday Bay. Known for its enthusiasm for festivals and special events, the town thrives during the busy summer season. While the crowds are good for business, they leave employees and business owners stretched thin as they struggle to keep up with the demands of another record-breaking tourist season.
Hoping to expand her skills and bring even more value to her role at the inn, Haven enrolls in a summer cooking class taught by a popular food vlogger and culinary influencer. The instructor's unconventional approach to cooking is a hit with many of the students, including Haven. Everything seems to be going well until an outdoor cooking demonstration ends in tragedy when a gunshot rings out, leaving one person dead and a long list of suspects in its wake.
Meanwhile, Abby finds herself dealing with the consequences of a promise Colt's mother made on her behalf to the local middle school principal. Soccer season approaches, creating controversial draft-day tension between Lacy and one of her daughters. Haven makes an unexpected new friend, and Colt and Lonnie join forces with Dawson and Sully to form a classic rock band, proving that life in Holiday Bay is never dull, even when murder isn't on the agenda.
Join Abby, Haven, and the rest of the gang as they navigate friendship, family, love, second chances, and a mystery that threatens to turn a carefree summer into a season no one will soon forget.
Amazon synopsis:
Summer has arrived in Maine, bringing heat, humidity, and an influx of visitors to the seaside community of Holiday Bay. Known for its enthusiasm for festivals and special events, the town thrives during the busy summer season. While the crowds are good for business, they leave employees and business owners stretched thin as they struggle to keep up with the demands of another record-breaking tourist season.
Hoping to expand her skills and bring even more value to her role at the inn, Haven enrolls in a summer cooking class taught by a popular food vlogger and culinary influencer. The instructor's unconventional approach to cooking is a hit with many of the students, including Haven. Everything seems to be going well until an outdoor cooking demonstration ends in tragedy when a gunshot rings out, leaving one person dead and a long list of suspects in its wake.
Meanwhile, Abby finds herself dealing with the consequences of a promise Colt's mother made on her behalf to the local middle school principal. Soccer season approaches, creating controversial draft-day tension between Lacy and one of her daughters. Haven makes an unexpected new friend, and Colt and Lonnie join forces with Dawson and Sully to form a classic rock band, proving that life in Holiday Bay is never dull, even when murder isn't on the agenda.
Join Abby, Haven, and the rest of the gang as they navigate friendship, family, love, second chances, and a mystery that threatens to turn a carefree summer into a season no one will soon forget.
August 29, 2026
Haven enrolls in a summer cooking class taught by a popular influencer and food vlogger. She has a couple of dates with a handsome classmate. Then, during a cooking demonstration in the park which Haven's male friend is assisting the instructor, shots ring out. He dies in the ambulance on the way to the hospital and the vlogger who survived, disappears.
Abby and Lacy make plans to coach the girls soccer team again this year. Then they have to decide which players to choose in the upcoming draft. Colt's mother, Ruth, is stirring up trouble - something she is very good at. Abby keeps having to remind herself that they will soon be family and she needs to learn how to deal with her future mother-in-law. As always there is a lot going on in Holiday Bay.
Abby and Lacy make plans to coach the girls soccer team again this year. Then they have to decide which players to choose in the upcoming draft. Colt's mother, Ruth, is stirring up trouble - something she is very good at. Abby keeps having to remind herself that they will soon be family and she needs to learn how to deal with her future mother-in-law. As always there is a lot going on in Holiday Bay.
July 31, 2026
Enjoy the series
A cooking instructor with a penchant for drama has a demo in the park. One of her students is shot during the demo. Ruth, Colt's mother is being her normal pain, and it is amazing that Abby can keep from telling her off. It shows what a better person Abby is than her future MIL. This is an ongoing series with characters that age and develop throughout the series. I have read them all in order, and it is a great way to read the entire story, even though each book can stand alone.
A cooking instructor with a penchant for drama has a demo in the park. One of her students is shot during the demo. Ruth, Colt's mother is being her normal pain, and it is amazing that Abby can keep from telling her off. It shows what a better person Abby is than her future MIL. This is an ongoing series with characters that age and develop throughout the series. I have read them all in order, and it is a great way to read the entire story, even though each book can stand alone.
July 29, 2026
Great
Of course I read it in one day. I do love Holiday Bay books. Specially the Inn at Holiday Bay. I love the characters and in this one I loved Colt putting Abby before his Mother, she is a character that I wouldn’t like to cross. But if Abby believes that she was such a good influence in Mackyit obviously didn’t work on Tayler. I believe Macky is like she is because that is her personality and she does love Abby.
Of course I read it in one day. I do love Holiday Bay books. Specially the Inn at Holiday Bay. I love the characters and in this one I loved Colt putting Abby before his Mother, she is a character that I wouldn’t like to cross. But if Abby believes that she was such a good influence in Mackyit obviously didn’t work on Tayler. I believe Macky is like she is because that is her personality and she does love Abby.
August 19, 2026
Great as always
Kathi does a great job again. I love this series and I have to admit I love all of Kathi's series. This one includes a shooting with a twist, it involves a social media cook. Also lots going on at the school with the kids that draws Abby, Lacy, and Georgia into fundraising for programs. Haven finds a calling with cooking with Georgia and of course Colt's mom is stirring up trouble for Abby. Can't wait for the next book. Always highly recommend.
Kathi does a great job again. I love this series and I have to admit I love all of Kathi's series. This one includes a shooting with a twist, it involves a social media cook. Also lots going on at the school with the kids that draws Abby, Lacy, and Georgia into fundraising for programs. Haven finds a calling with cooking with Georgia and of course Colt's mom is stirring up trouble for Abby. Can't wait for the next book. Always highly recommend.
July 30, 2026
I have missed my Holiday Bay friends and loved hearing about the goings on!
I knew Colts mom wouldn't change over night but still, it seemed to me like she was just pushing things just to see Abby fail! Well, she has an awful lot to learn about Abby and the family she has that back her up!
Can't wait to see what happens next with this awesome group that has become family!!!
I knew Colts mom wouldn't change over night but still, it seemed to me like she was just pushing things just to see Abby fail! Well, she has an awful lot to learn about Abby and the family she has that back her up!
Can't wait to see what happens next with this awesome group that has become family!!!
August 11, 2026
The mystery part seemed to get lost.
I love this series & all the characters but the mystery component is getting lost. When I got to the end I had to go back & try to figure out who shot Chad & why & I'm still not entirely sure. Please keep the murder mystery component important to the story.
I love a good cozy mystery!!!
I love this series & all the characters but the mystery component is getting lost. When I got to the end I had to go back & try to figure out who shot Chad & why & I'm still not entirely sure. Please keep the murder mystery component important to the story.
I love a good cozy mystery!!!
August 20, 2026
Who shot him? But was it really not meant to be him
So this story had a good mystery about the shooting. But also a few other things that happen to mess the peace of mind for many. Starting with PTA stuff. And then family adds stress to. So much for keeping the peace. But hopefully it works out.
So this story had a good mystery about the shooting. But also a few other things that happen to mess the peace of mind for many. Starting with PTA stuff. And then family adds stress to. So much for keeping the peace. But hopefully it works out.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 3, 2026
My review for Verification in Video
I absolutely loved it! Another excellent Holiday Bay book! I hope things work out for Colt’s family. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
I absolutely loved it! Another excellent Holiday Bay book! I hope things work out for Colt’s family. This is a must read series! I can’t wait for the next book!
August 6, 2026
The Inn at Holiday Bay: Verification in the Video
The characters are fantastic and as the all grow another season older the family issues change.. As an influencer goes a little out of line with a stunt, an actual murder occurs.
The characters are fantastic and as the all grow another season older the family issues change.. As an influencer goes a little out of line with a stunt, an actual murder occurs.
August 15, 2026
Love this series and this one is just like the rest . VERY,VERY GOOD COZY MYSTERY READ. In this one the victim is Chad a friend of Hazel's from culinary class. Follow Abbey and her helpers as they try to figure out out who done it.
July 30, 2026
Latest book in one of my favorite series. Love these characters and the mystery is always good.
July 30, 2026
a perfect read for a summer afternoon
Catching up with old friend, catching a murderer, kids moving up to new schools and Colt’s interfering mom. Love ‘em all (maybe not Ruth).
Catching up with old friend, catching a murderer, kids moving up to new schools and Colt’s interfering mom. Love ‘em all (maybe not Ruth).
July 31, 2026
another fun visit to Holiday Bay and the case solved...
August 6, 2026
This was a good one. Lots of changes, lots of updates, and a terrific mystery, which of course was solved. I really enjoy this series, and the related series that accompany it too.
August 9, 2026
this is a good story looking forward to the next one.
August 11, 2026
I truly love these books and always order them as soon as they are available, but find Colt and his family pretty irritating.
August 21, 2026
This is the very best so far!
This series just keeps getting better and better! You feel like you’re a part of this family/community. And you love every moment of being involved!
This series just keeps getting better and better! You feel like you’re a part of this family/community. And you love every moment of being involved!
September 3, 2026
Family and friends clash and come together. Good food is on the menus and the upcoming school year has issues.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews