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TJ Jensen Mystery #6
Halloween in Paradise
In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events at the high school where she works. Not only must she help one of the girls on her team deal with a case of cyberbullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And as if Tj wasn't busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look, a television series that takes a look back at unsolved murders. This time the case is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years before.
To make matters even worse—or maybe more convenient—the graduating class of the victim is in town for their ten-year reunion and all the suspects just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead, Tj must track down someone who seems willing to kill again to keep their secret.
To make matters even worse—or maybe more convenient—the graduating class of the victim is in town for their ten-year reunion and all the suspects just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead, Tj must track down someone who seems willing to kill again to keep their secret.
283 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 13, 2015
546 people are currently reading
593 people want to read
About the author
Kathi Daley
327 books1,784 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 100 reviews
November 4, 2018
I read this book because I needed a book set at Halloween for the reading challenge and I wanted something that was immediately available from the library as an audio book. This book is a mystery involving a murder that happened ten years ago when the main characters were in high school. The mystery resurfaces at their ten year reunion.
However, the real mystery for me was not the murder, but was a line from the audio book that was pronounced like this: "The trees lining the front walk of the school were a brilliant gold and a gentle breeze created a melody that reminded TJ why the trees were called quacking aspens." Yes, quacking aspens. So I immediately wondered, did the author actually write "quacking aspens" instead of "quaking aspens" or was it a mispronunciation by the narrator? So I found a print copy of the book and found it was written correctly as "quaking aspens." But this did not solve the mystery, because why would the the melody of the trees sound remind her of "quaking" since quaking is a movement and not a sound? Did the author think the trees are called quacking aspens, but then an editor corrected the spelling to quaking? And then does that mean she thinks the sound of leaves is like a quacking melody? But leaves don't sound like quacking. And quacking is not really a melody..... so many unanswered questions. The mystery remains.
However, the real mystery for me was not the murder, but was a line from the audio book that was pronounced like this: "The trees lining the front walk of the school were a brilliant gold and a gentle breeze created a melody that reminded TJ why the trees were called quacking aspens." Yes, quacking aspens. So I immediately wondered, did the author actually write "quacking aspens" instead of "quaking aspens" or was it a mispronunciation by the narrator? So I found a print copy of the book and found it was written correctly as "quaking aspens." But this did not solve the mystery, because why would the the melody of the trees sound remind her of "quaking" since quaking is a movement and not a sound? Did the author think the trees are called quacking aspens, but then an editor corrected the spelling to quaking? And then does that mean she thinks the sound of leaves is like a quacking melody? But leaves don't sound like quacking. And quacking is not really a melody..... so many unanswered questions. The mystery remains.
August 30, 2015
Tj Jensen is a soccer coach; she's raising her two half-sisters after their mother's death; and she's doing her best to keep her love life with Hunter--a handsome doctor--active and moving forward. Her 10 year homecoming class reunion is only a few days away, and the subject of the unsolved murder of a classmate, Holly, is in the spotlight. All of a sudden, a stranger comes to Paradise Lake and makes Holly's death the #1 topic. Her ruthless questions make many of the the classmates gathering for the reunion look like excellent suspects. And, perhaps, nervous enough to kill again. Once Tj and her friends begin to really think back about the night Holly died, suspicions begin to grow as wide as giant pumpkins. The killer is hard to guess, and not the only guilty person. There is an added interwoven theme throughout the story involving teen bullying. Pets, Echo and Cuervo, are joined by a cute new puppy that Gracie names Pumpkin! Once again, the talented Kathi Daley writes a story with a puzzling cold case mystery, while highlighting the main characters compassion for others, and the love of home, family, and good friends.
October 8, 2017
It’s Halloween time but it’s also the school reunion for TJ Jenson and things are hoping. Things get a little tense around when they find out that a news reporter from Second Look is coming to town to investigate a cold case. The murder happened when TJ was in High School and nobody had really thought of it since even though the case was never solved.
A lot of people are not happy with Samatha being there because they don’t want their secrets surfaced especially the killer because she soon dies in a car accident and nobody is sure if it was accidental or murder. Roy, the policemen in town is a bit overwhelmed with this since he is now the only cop. (can’t say why cause I don’t want to spoil things) So TJ comes on board to help him figure things out since she has been really good at it in the past.
I really like TJ and how she has stepped up and taken charge of your younger siblings. I love how her dad is so welcoming to them even though they are not his kids. It’s a really close knit family and TJ is learning how to balance being sort of mother but sister at the same time. She learns more it seems with each book and I am glad things are going well with her in the relationship department. 🙂 It’s just fun being back with a bunch of characters I really enjoy.
It has a good murder and there were a lot of suspects and I never managed to figure out exactly who did it as the one I really thought did it wasn’t the killer.
These cozies are short but always have great story lines and a great mystery and I really like them. If you like cozies and are in the mood for a good short read then check out this series!
The Narrator
A lot of people are not happy with Samatha being there because they don’t want their secrets surfaced especially the killer because she soon dies in a car accident and nobody is sure if it was accidental or murder. Roy, the policemen in town is a bit overwhelmed with this since he is now the only cop. (can’t say why cause I don’t want to spoil things) So TJ comes on board to help him figure things out since she has been really good at it in the past.
I really like TJ and how she has stepped up and taken charge of your younger siblings. I love how her dad is so welcoming to them even though they are not his kids. It’s a really close knit family and TJ is learning how to balance being sort of mother but sister at the same time. She learns more it seems with each book and I am glad things are going well with her in the relationship department. 🙂 It’s just fun being back with a bunch of characters I really enjoy.
It has a good murder and there were a lot of suspects and I never managed to figure out exactly who did it as the one I really thought did it wasn’t the killer.
These cozies are short but always have great story lines and a great mystery and I really like them. If you like cozies and are in the mood for a good short read then check out this series!
The Narrator
October 3, 2021
Nice, light read, I liked the plot but didn’t get a good feel for all the characters, most of whom were more like footnotes than suspects. Still, it was enjoyable and a great Halloween/Fall read
September 10, 2017
A Halloween-themed mystery set in a small town seemed just the thing to suit my mood, but it was a bonus to score one by a new to me author and narrator. As some might know, I've successfully added cozy mysteries into my reading repertoire this year and so I'm on the hunt for more to love.
Halloween in Paradise is the sixth book in the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series. I took a chance on snagging it out of order and I did alright, but I could also see where there was quite a bit of background series plotting that I missed as a result.
The series is set in the small Nevada mountain resort town of Paradise. The amateur detective heroine is Tj. Tj is a teacher and coach at the local high school and lives out at the lake resort with her grandpa, dad, and is the guardian of her younger half sisters. She's got a steady boyfriend in high school sweetheart and her best friend since grade school. Tackling the issue of being both older sister and mom to her newly acquired little sisters and helping with her student's troubles all keep her busy. Six mysteries in, Tj is established with a reputation for tackling and solving tough local murders.
The set up for this latest mystery is the big ten year class reunion involving Tj's class. Things get uncomfortable because her senior year, a classmate was killed after the homecoming dance and a party. A nosey TV investigative reporter is killed when she stirs up the old cold case.
Halloween in Paradise is a quick and light read. It was equal parts small town happenings, seasonal flavor, and mystery. I liked how the author combined the two. I did have the cold case murderer figured out quickly, but there was the 'why' and also several good distractions to make me hesitate if I was right. Tj is a likeable heroine. She's vulnerable about being a guardian, but quite confident with her work and her amateur detecting. I appreciated that she wanted to rush into danger, but she was smart enough to listen to her friends' advice, too.
The narration was done by Coleen Mario who was new to me. I thought she did a good job with Tj and the many other voices. She struggled a bit with the male voices, but not so that it distracted me. She handled the overall storyline well, too.
All in all, I had a good time with this one and will happily go back for the first books in the series and try other books by the prolific writing of Kathi Daley. I think this one and the others in the series will be a good fit for those who are looking for an easy-read, light and quick small town mystery series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
Halloween in Paradise is the sixth book in the Tj Jensen Paradise Lake Mystery series. I took a chance on snagging it out of order and I did alright, but I could also see where there was quite a bit of background series plotting that I missed as a result.
The series is set in the small Nevada mountain resort town of Paradise. The amateur detective heroine is Tj. Tj is a teacher and coach at the local high school and lives out at the lake resort with her grandpa, dad, and is the guardian of her younger half sisters. She's got a steady boyfriend in high school sweetheart and her best friend since grade school. Tackling the issue of being both older sister and mom to her newly acquired little sisters and helping with her student's troubles all keep her busy. Six mysteries in, Tj is established with a reputation for tackling and solving tough local murders.
The set up for this latest mystery is the big ten year class reunion involving Tj's class. Things get uncomfortable because her senior year, a classmate was killed after the homecoming dance and a party. A nosey TV investigative reporter is killed when she stirs up the old cold case.
Halloween in Paradise is a quick and light read. It was equal parts small town happenings, seasonal flavor, and mystery. I liked how the author combined the two. I did have the cold case murderer figured out quickly, but there was the 'why' and also several good distractions to make me hesitate if I was right. Tj is a likeable heroine. She's vulnerable about being a guardian, but quite confident with her work and her amateur detecting. I appreciated that she wanted to rush into danger, but she was smart enough to listen to her friends' advice, too.
The narration was done by Coleen Mario who was new to me. I thought she did a good job with Tj and the many other voices. She struggled a bit with the male voices, but not so that it distracted me. She handled the overall storyline well, too.
All in all, I had a good time with this one and will happily go back for the first books in the series and try other books by the prolific writing of Kathi Daley. I think this one and the others in the series will be a good fit for those who are looking for an easy-read, light and quick small town mystery series.
My thanks to Tantor Audio for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2015
Synopsis:
In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events that occur at the high school where she works. She not only must help one of her girls deal with the increasingly popular pastime of cyber bullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And if Tj wasn't busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look; a television series which takes a second look at unsolved murder cases. The case that Ms. Colton is in town to investigate is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years prior. To make matters worse, or maybe more convenient, the graduating class Holly was part of is in town for the ten year reunion of their own homecoming. In other words, all the suspects in Holly's murder, just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead Tj realizes that someone has a secret they don't want revealed.
Review:
Tj is caught up in preparations for Halloween. She has to help decorate the resort and get costumes for her sisters. She also has to help decorate for her ten year class reunion, which is being held right before Halloween. She is extra busy at work, trying to help out a couple of students who are having problems. And she also has to figure out a way to get some alone time with her boyfriend, Hunter. When a murder that occurred ten years ago once again claims the spotlight, Tj’s curiosity gets the better of her and she decides she needs to do some snooping. With the help of her friends, she takes time out of her busy schedule to try and solve yet another crime.
There are two mysteries in this book, one from ten years ago and a current one. I really liked how the main mystery has happened a long time and all the possible suspects are back in town for their class reunion. That was tricky and excellent plotting. I really enjoyed learning about Tj and her friends high school years. This made me feel like I got to know them even more. The author always does a great job with character development and they always feel like people that I know and like.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in creating settings and characters that seem so realistic. I really enjoy reading books that center around holidays and finding out what traditions are important to others.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. If you enjoy reading a book that will take you away from the present and transport you to another time and place where you can be totally immersed, this book is a must read.
In the midst of the annual Halloween frenzy, Tj finds herself pulled into a series of events that occur at the high school where she works. She not only must help one of her girls deal with the increasingly popular pastime of cyber bullying, but she must help a student who has recently suffered a personal tragedy. And if Tj wasn't busy enough, in walks Samantha Colton, a reporter for Second Look; a television series which takes a second look at unsolved murder cases. The case that Ms. Colton is in town to investigate is the death of a popular student after the homecoming dance ten years prior. To make matters worse, or maybe more convenient, the graduating class Holly was part of is in town for the ten year reunion of their own homecoming. In other words, all the suspects in Holly's murder, just happen to have converged on Serenity for the weekend. When Samantha turns up dead Tj realizes that someone has a secret they don't want revealed.
Review:
Tj is caught up in preparations for Halloween. She has to help decorate the resort and get costumes for her sisters. She also has to help decorate for her ten year class reunion, which is being held right before Halloween. She is extra busy at work, trying to help out a couple of students who are having problems. And she also has to figure out a way to get some alone time with her boyfriend, Hunter. When a murder that occurred ten years ago once again claims the spotlight, Tj’s curiosity gets the better of her and she decides she needs to do some snooping. With the help of her friends, she takes time out of her busy schedule to try and solve yet another crime.
There are two mysteries in this book, one from ten years ago and a current one. I really liked how the main mystery has happened a long time and all the possible suspects are back in town for their class reunion. That was tricky and excellent plotting. I really enjoyed learning about Tj and her friends high school years. This made me feel like I got to know them even more. The author always does a great job with character development and they always feel like people that I know and like.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. The author is very talented in creating settings and characters that seem so realistic. I really enjoy reading books that center around holidays and finding out what traditions are important to others.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy. If you enjoy reading a book that will take you away from the present and transport you to another time and place where you can be totally immersed, this book is a must read.
August 16, 2015
This is the first book I've read in this series, and I had no idea what I was missing. I have added all but one of the other five books to my Kindle this weekend so that I can catch up. I have to admit to favoring this series over the Zoe Donovan series, based solely on this one book.
Not only is TJ trying to get her younger sisters ready for trick or treating, she is also preparing for Homecoming at the high school, as well as her class reunion. As if that weren't enough, an investigative reporter for a "cold case" television show comes to town looking into a murder that took place during Homecoming Weekend when TJ was a senior. And as if all that weren't enough, TJ has to deal with bullying/cyberbullying taking place among her soccer team girls.
Things really heat up when the reporter, Samantha Colton, dies in a car wreck which may or may not have been an accident. TJ starts to look at nearly all of her friends from high school as possible suspects, so she and her boyfriend, Hunter, along with a few other friends, start their own investigation.
It turns out that everyone has secrets they have been keeping all these years, and possible motives for murder. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the family interaction interspersed with the mystery is endearing.
Already looking forward to book 7!
Not only is TJ trying to get her younger sisters ready for trick or treating, she is also preparing for Homecoming at the high school, as well as her class reunion. As if that weren't enough, an investigative reporter for a "cold case" television show comes to town looking into a murder that took place during Homecoming Weekend when TJ was a senior. And as if all that weren't enough, TJ has to deal with bullying/cyberbullying taking place among her soccer team girls.
Things really heat up when the reporter, Samantha Colton, dies in a car wreck which may or may not have been an accident. TJ starts to look at nearly all of her friends from high school as possible suspects, so she and her boyfriend, Hunter, along with a few other friends, start their own investigation.
It turns out that everyone has secrets they have been keeping all these years, and possible motives for murder. The twists and turns will keep you guessing, and the family interaction interspersed with the mystery is endearing.
Already looking forward to book 7!
June 16, 2022
It has been a couple of years since I last visited Serenity, and Halloween in Paradise, the sixth book in Kathi Daley's TJ Jensen mystery series, reminds me why I liked it.
High school coach and teacher TJ Jensen is gearing up for Halloween with her step-sisters/wards and at the same time looking forward to her 10-year high school reunion. Unfortunately, this brings up memories of a classmate who was murdered ten years before. She and her classmates come under the scrutiny of Samantha Colton, a cold-case crime reporter determined to get to the bottom of the decade-old murder. But when Samantha is herself murdered, the stakes increase exponentially. Is there a connection between the two crimes? Can TJ clear her name and solve the cold case murder before another death occurs?
While this is a fairly short book, it is packed with a good deal of action. The school setting brings the opportunity to deal with issues such as cyberbullying and grade altering, and TJ's job as coach of the girls soccer team allows her to engage in some informal counseling. TJ is a smart woman who cares deeply for her two step-sisters who have become her wards upon the death of her estranged mother. I enjoy this personal aspect a great deal.
The mysteries, themselves, were well-plotted, with a plethora of suspects and motivations. The occasion of the high school reunion is explored to full advantage, with unexpected revelations, clues, and red herrings seemingly at every turn. The resolution is appropriately suspenseful and, ultimately, satisfying.
As I mentioned before, it has been a year since I last read a book in this series, but, based on Halloween in Paradise, I'm hoping to get to the next installment much sooner.
High school coach and teacher TJ Jensen is gearing up for Halloween with her step-sisters/wards and at the same time looking forward to her 10-year high school reunion. Unfortunately, this brings up memories of a classmate who was murdered ten years before. She and her classmates come under the scrutiny of Samantha Colton, a cold-case crime reporter determined to get to the bottom of the decade-old murder. But when Samantha is herself murdered, the stakes increase exponentially. Is there a connection between the two crimes? Can TJ clear her name and solve the cold case murder before another death occurs?
While this is a fairly short book, it is packed with a good deal of action. The school setting brings the opportunity to deal with issues such as cyberbullying and grade altering, and TJ's job as coach of the girls soccer team allows her to engage in some informal counseling. TJ is a smart woman who cares deeply for her two step-sisters who have become her wards upon the death of her estranged mother. I enjoy this personal aspect a great deal.
The mysteries, themselves, were well-plotted, with a plethora of suspects and motivations. The occasion of the high school reunion is explored to full advantage, with unexpected revelations, clues, and red herrings seemingly at every turn. The resolution is appropriately suspenseful and, ultimately, satisfying.
As I mentioned before, it has been a year since I last read a book in this series, but, based on Halloween in Paradise, I'm hoping to get to the next installment much sooner.
October 25, 2017
TJ Jenkins is approaching her high school 10-year reunion while still working as coach and PE teacher in Halloween in Paradise by Kathi Daley. She has to deal with bullying done by students, causing one girl to avoid school. Then Roy, the sole police officer left in Serenity, calls to alert her to the fact that Samantha Colton, a reporter from a television show that tries to solve cold cases, is poking her nose around the area and interviewing members of TJ’s high school class about the death of Holly, the class Homecoming queen who was killed the night of Homecoming. TJ has her interview with Samantha, who seems to try to implicate each member of the class who attended the party where Holly was last seen the night of Homecoming. Then, she learns from Hunter, her doctor boyfriend, that Samantha has been killed in a serious car accident, which might have been murder.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
October 7, 2018
seasonal reading time again. there are some Halloween details in this - picking costumes, decorating the house - but there are so many little subplots (bullying, soccer team, spelling bee, new puppy, etc) that not a lot of time is spent really establishing an atmosphere or really painting a picture of the setting. many of the characters felt underdeveloped, and when a lot of information is revealed towards the end, it's hard to understand why any human being would act that way in real life. but, this is a pretty soothing cozy and I can understand why people would enjoy returning to these characters.
October 30, 2017
The Series TJ Jensen is a wonderful read for Halloween. I like to see more in this series. The book that I just read is Halloween in Paradise #6 in the series TJ Jensen by: Kathi Daley. A great Halloween Read.
November 6, 2023
I like these short, quick cozies.
August 16, 2015
The twists and turns will leave you on the edge of your seat!
This is my favorite of the series so far.
It's Halloween week in stunning Paradise Lake and Tj Jensen had a lot on her plate. Soccer team star player Carly Rice is suspended from the team for her overly aggressive behavior. Even though this behavior stems from the death of her twin brother, Tj has no choice but to follow the rules and go ahead with the suspension.
Meanwhile, another player, Lexi Michaels is the victim of cyberbullying. Lexi comes from a long line of women who were the bullies, but now that the tables are turned, maybe someone is seeking revenge.
As Tj prepares for Halloween and trick or treating with her sisters Ashley and Gracie, she is hoping to have some adult time with long time love, Hunter. This weekend is also their ten year high school reunion and the homecoming game and dance as well. Memories are stirred up when Samantha Colton shows up. Samantha is an investigative reporter for the show Second Look, a show that investigates cold cases. Samantha is in Paradise Lake to take a "second look" at the murder of Holly Riverton, a classmate of Tj's who was hit over the head and left to die on the night of a party ten years earlier.
The alumni are arriving for the reunion and are staying at Maggie's Hideaway, Tj's family resort on Paradise Lake. The resort includes the lodge, cabins, a campground and much more. Everyone is excited for the reunion and homecoming activities, but some alumni are refusing to attend. It seems that Samantha Colton is digging deep into everyone's background, finding reasons to imply that everyone had a motive to kill Holly Riverton. Jealousy, cheating, blackmail and obsession are just a few of the accusations being thrown around. When the sheriff asks Tj to meet with Samantha, her curiosity is peaked and she is surprised with all the information and secrets Ms. Colton has uncovered. The meeting has left Tj wondering if someone at the party ten years ago is responsible for the murder of Holly.
It's implied that Jessie, Holly's best friend is responsible for the investigation into Holly's death, however, Jessie isn't the one who sent the reporter to Paradise Lake. If it wasn't Jessie, then who was responsible for sending Samantha Colton to the small quiet town?
Even though Tj wants to enjoy the Halloween activities, she can't stop thinking about that ill fated party and the murder of Holly. The investigation takes a wrong turn when an accident takes the life of a key player. Was it really an accident, or does someone have a reason to stop the investigation? It seems that everyone has a secret and the twists and turns of this story will keep you guessing right to the end.
This is most certainly a 5 star book!
This is my favorite of the series so far.
It's Halloween week in stunning Paradise Lake and Tj Jensen had a lot on her plate. Soccer team star player Carly Rice is suspended from the team for her overly aggressive behavior. Even though this behavior stems from the death of her twin brother, Tj has no choice but to follow the rules and go ahead with the suspension.
Meanwhile, another player, Lexi Michaels is the victim of cyberbullying. Lexi comes from a long line of women who were the bullies, but now that the tables are turned, maybe someone is seeking revenge.
As Tj prepares for Halloween and trick or treating with her sisters Ashley and Gracie, she is hoping to have some adult time with long time love, Hunter. This weekend is also their ten year high school reunion and the homecoming game and dance as well. Memories are stirred up when Samantha Colton shows up. Samantha is an investigative reporter for the show Second Look, a show that investigates cold cases. Samantha is in Paradise Lake to take a "second look" at the murder of Holly Riverton, a classmate of Tj's who was hit over the head and left to die on the night of a party ten years earlier.
The alumni are arriving for the reunion and are staying at Maggie's Hideaway, Tj's family resort on Paradise Lake. The resort includes the lodge, cabins, a campground and much more. Everyone is excited for the reunion and homecoming activities, but some alumni are refusing to attend. It seems that Samantha Colton is digging deep into everyone's background, finding reasons to imply that everyone had a motive to kill Holly Riverton. Jealousy, cheating, blackmail and obsession are just a few of the accusations being thrown around. When the sheriff asks Tj to meet with Samantha, her curiosity is peaked and she is surprised with all the information and secrets Ms. Colton has uncovered. The meeting has left Tj wondering if someone at the party ten years ago is responsible for the murder of Holly.
It's implied that Jessie, Holly's best friend is responsible for the investigation into Holly's death, however, Jessie isn't the one who sent the reporter to Paradise Lake. If it wasn't Jessie, then who was responsible for sending Samantha Colton to the small quiet town?
Even though Tj wants to enjoy the Halloween activities, she can't stop thinking about that ill fated party and the murder of Holly. The investigation takes a wrong turn when an accident takes the life of a key player. Was it really an accident, or does someone have a reason to stop the investigation? It seems that everyone has a secret and the twists and turns of this story will keep you guessing right to the end.
This is most certainly a 5 star book!
August 28, 2015
I am writing an honest review of the book Halloween in Paradise by Kathi Daley. The opinions in this review are my own. I am fairly new to the Tj Jensen series but I really enjoyed this book. I love the way Kathi Daley includes recipes in the book that are used or mentioned by the characters. I really identified with Tj Jensen's character and the ways he deals with the plot twists she experiences in her life in this series. I also like her counterpart and love interest Hunter Hanson, he is a relatable and interesting character. Tj has great friends and family in her Paradise Lake town. This story was very good at getting me in the Halloween mood. It helped me escape and prepare for the change of seasons this year since at the time of this review August is ending. I enjoyed the pacing and the plot line in this installment of the Tj Jensen series. I really enjoy reading mysteries and Daley has done a great job with this one. I would recommend this book to other fans of Kathi Daley as well as mystery fans. In my opinion this is a very interesting read that people who appreciate books can sink their teeth into.
August 15, 2015
Fall is in the air! This is book six in the TJ series, and it is my favorite so far. TJ has a lot going on as Halloween approaches. She is dealing with some problems involving a couple of her students, has a reunion coming up, and a dance, and of course Halloween, which her sisters Ashley and Gracie are very excited about. Add in boyfriend Hunter to the mix, and the last thing TJ needs is an investigation to handle. But that's exactly what she gets when a reporter from a TV show comes to town, looking into the cold case of a murder that happened 10 years before, when TJ and her friends were in high school. After an unforeseen occurrence, TJ involves herself completely into the investigation. Is one of her friends responsible? Or was this truly an accident? This story kept me guessing until the end, I had no idea who was behind everything. This series gets better with each book, and I look forward to the next adventure of TJ and her friends!
August 16, 2015
Halloween in Paradise ( TJ Jensen Paradise Lake Mysteries- book 6 )
By: Kathi Daley
Halloween in Paradise is the sixth book in TJ Jensen Lake Mysteries series. I really enjoyed this story and Kathi Daley did a fantastic job on the story and characters , both are well written. I was hooked from the start and was not turned loose till the end. TJ has her hands full now with her job and her two sisters that she is caring for. Preparing for Halloween with her sisters , Homecoming at the school, and class reunion. On top of everything a cold case from ten years back has popped up . A class mate was killed and the killed was never caught. There are other things that needs investigating . Does TJ’s snooping get her in trouble this time? There are lots of twist and turns in Halloween in Paradise and you do not want to miss out on. Kathy has also provided us with some recipes throughout the story that sounds great.
By: Kathi Daley
Halloween in Paradise is the sixth book in TJ Jensen Lake Mysteries series. I really enjoyed this story and Kathi Daley did a fantastic job on the story and characters , both are well written. I was hooked from the start and was not turned loose till the end. TJ has her hands full now with her job and her two sisters that she is caring for. Preparing for Halloween with her sisters , Homecoming at the school, and class reunion. On top of everything a cold case from ten years back has popped up . A class mate was killed and the killed was never caught. There are other things that needs investigating . Does TJ’s snooping get her in trouble this time? There are lots of twist and turns in Halloween in Paradise and you do not want to miss out on. Kathy has also provided us with some recipes throughout the story that sounds great.
August 14, 2015
Kindle Copy for Review
It is the Halloween season as Tj is busy with the festivities as she gets her half sisters ready for the season. She is busy with her students and soccer kids who are going through rough times from losing their sibling and a case of cyber bullying.
To make matters more interesting an investigating reporter for a television show comes snooping around about a ten year old unsolved murder of a classmate of Tj. But before the reporter is able to say anything, she ends up dying in a mysterious car accident.
Tj and her friends must figure out who really killed the murder girl ten years and their motive before someone else gets hurt. Why was the person willing to kill a reporter and what secret that they are hiding after all this time?
Another winner by Ms. Daley in her Tj series as the writing flows along at a steady pace.
It is the Halloween season as Tj is busy with the festivities as she gets her half sisters ready for the season. She is busy with her students and soccer kids who are going through rough times from losing their sibling and a case of cyber bullying.
To make matters more interesting an investigating reporter for a television show comes snooping around about a ten year old unsolved murder of a classmate of Tj. But before the reporter is able to say anything, she ends up dying in a mysterious car accident.
Tj and her friends must figure out who really killed the murder girl ten years and their motive before someone else gets hurt. Why was the person willing to kill a reporter and what secret that they are hiding after all this time?
Another winner by Ms. Daley in her Tj series as the writing flows along at a steady pace.
November 28, 2015
I was lucky enough to have won a copy of this book and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love T.J., she is a strong character who just steps up and does what needs to be done. She is raising her sisters, rescue animals, helps her friends and helps to solve a murder. Actually this book contains a cold case of a student that was murdered long ago and a reunion is happening with all the classmates. A tv show has decided to bring it back to the surface. This murder ties in nicely with a new one. I like the way T.J. and friends investigate, they are not rude or obnoxious. I also love the whole close knit family and friends who are like extended family, there is such a strength about them. The mystery was good and kept me guessing until the end. I will continue on with this series.
I did win a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
I did win a copy of this book and this is my honest review.
August 17, 2015
Halloween in Paradise is the 6th book in her Tj Jenson Paradise Lake Series. Kathi Daley's books just get better and better. It certainly made for a Spooktactular Halloween book. So much going on with her family, boyfriend, friends and even a new puppy. The murder is from the past and has people that have come to town for the HIgh School reunion quite freaked out by a character that is interviewing them for a TV story. This one keeps you on your toes and reading long past bedtime!
October 8, 2018
I borrowed the audio from the library, thinking it would be fun and good for our trip to the Halloween Haunt at Cedar Point. It was fun to listen to, TJ is a young woman working as a high school teacher and soccer coach at the Serenity/Lake Paradise High School. She is raising her two younger half sisters and helping her father and grandfather run their ranch (with two dogs, 4 cats, 6 horses and a cow and a new puppy). She is helping with the reunion homecoming parties and the Deputy, her friend, Roy, notifies her that the show, Second Chances, is coming to look into the Cold Case of the death of a former classmate, Holly. He asks her to help him figure out what happened and maybe end the cold case.
My kids were given a list of about 15 books that we could listen to and they chose this one. It was about four hours listening time. It moved very quickly and there was some chuckling at what was happening in the story as it hit near home on some occasions.
My kids were given a list of about 15 books that we could listen to and they chose this one. It was about four hours listening time. It moved very quickly and there was some chuckling at what was happening in the story as it hit near home on some occasions.
October 5, 2019
This book was always going to be a hard sell for me because I have zero interest in sports and I think gym and gym teachers were created to torment children. So a heroine who is a gym teacher and soccer coach who used to be a cheerleader and date a football player was not starting in a warm fuzzy place for me. Throw in attendance and discussion of an actual football game - well, this wasn't a great match for me. However, TJ is excellent with her little sisters, incredibly kind to animals, and stands up for victims of bullying which makes it hard to actively dislike her.
The story started out being about a murder that had happened a decade earlier and then another murder took place. There was a decent pool of suspects though some new suspects dropped rather late in the story. It seemed like a reasonable number of clues and red herrings and a fairly solid resolution.
I've read other things by Kathi Daley and have enjoyed them very much. This just isn't a great series for me.
The story started out being about a murder that had happened a decade earlier and then another murder took place. There was a decent pool of suspects though some new suspects dropped rather late in the story. It seemed like a reasonable number of clues and red herrings and a fairly solid resolution.
I've read other things by Kathi Daley and have enjoyed them very much. This just isn't a great series for me.
February 24, 2019
It's amazing how easily you can burn through a book while not burning your baked goods. I listened to most of this book while working on a birthday cake and didn't even realize that I'd gotten to the end because I was enjoying it so much.
I really liked how in this book you got to see more of the other characters, like TJ's sisters. You also see how TJ isn't completely clueless about other people and how they're feeling. Plus, there is a puppy. Puppies are always good.
This book was fun, like the others, and showed that not everyone is perfect - not TJ, Jenna, Hunter, or even the kids. It felt like you were visiting some friends, even though I can't blame people for wanting to skip out on a reunion. ;) I'll be sad when I finish this series, for sure.
I really liked how in this book you got to see more of the other characters, like TJ's sisters. You also see how TJ isn't completely clueless about other people and how they're feeling. Plus, there is a puppy. Puppies are always good.
This book was fun, like the others, and showed that not everyone is perfect - not TJ, Jenna, Hunter, or even the kids. It felt like you were visiting some friends, even though I can't blame people for wanting to skip out on a reunion. ;) I'll be sad when I finish this series, for sure.
October 21, 2024
This was a Halloween themed cozy mystery. Tj is the main character in this series and she is caught up in preparing for Halloween and her ten year high school reunion. While Tj is getting ready, Samantha Colton, a reporter, shows up investigating a murder that happened ten years ago.
I liked that this story was about Halloween because it was the perfect time of the year for me to find this cozy mystery. I liked that there ended up being two mysteries to solve in this book. There are also subplots such as bullying and a spelling bee.
I recommend this book to others who like small town cozy mysteries with quite a few things going on the story. I especially recommend you read this time of the year.
I liked that this story was about Halloween because it was the perfect time of the year for me to find this cozy mystery. I liked that there ended up being two mysteries to solve in this book. There are also subplots such as bullying and a spelling bee.
I recommend this book to others who like small town cozy mysteries with quite a few things going on the story. I especially recommend you read this time of the year.
April 29, 2022
The author does a superb job of describing characters, stores, offices, costumes, and locations throughout this story set for the 10-year high school reunion. While taking time to find costumes for the girls, working on solutions to the problems with two of her soccer team students, TJ is investigating a cold case from her high school 10-years ago when one of the students was brutally murdered right after a party most students attended. There is plenty of suspects but no clear answers, even ten years later! Enjoy the mystery and mayhem from one of the best cozy authors!
June 21, 2018
When a cold case that took place when TJ and pals were in high school heats up and threatens to ruin a class reunion, the crew decides its up to them to figure out what happened and see if they can solve the case. Another great installation in the Paradise Series! Interesting plot with multiple suspects to keep you guessing along with layered subplots to twist the storyline a bit made for a very entertaining read.
August 30, 2020
It's the 10 high school reunion for TJ Jensen and her friends. But with the reunion comes a TV journalist interested in solving a cold case of the murder of a classmate their senior year. It seems there are a lot of potential suspects among the class. When the journalist meets with a tragic accident, TJ thinks it is time to solve the mystery once and for all. Lots of secrets get exposed. Good story although a bit over-dramatic.
October 7, 2021
Kind of like a little Diane Mott Davidson, with fun local characters.Murder abounding involving a 10 year old high school mean girl who is murdered. The case is never solved, and on the cusp of the school reunion, a Second Look journalist who helps solve cold cases shows up .Then whoops she is killed too. Maybe getting too close to who the real killer is. You find out as all the pieces come together.
October 24, 2020
A fun mystery read. Ten years ago after a high school
Homecoming Dance, one of the seniors was killed. At
The ten year reunion a reporter shows up trying to solve this cold case. Can you imagine someone asking hard questions about your action as a high school senior. There are ten possible suspects and everyone has a secret.
Homecoming Dance, one of the seniors was killed. At
The ten year reunion a reporter shows up trying to solve this cold case. Can you imagine someone asking hard questions about your action as a high school senior. There are ten possible suspects and everyone has a secret.
October 18, 2021
A nice Halloween themed short cozy mystery. I like the community and family element in this series. I keep reading it out of order for holidays but eventually I’ll read them all.
Audio - the narrator said “quacking” aspens instead of quaking which is ridiculous and also hilarious that no one caught it.
Audio - the narrator said “quacking” aspens instead of quaking which is ridiculous and also hilarious that no one caught it.
October 11, 2025
I love a holiday read…
“People who bully do so to get a reaction. They want the targeted person to be mortified. They want to put them in their place, so to speak; by doing so, they earn prestige. They feed on the fear. They feed on causing anguish to another person. The true byproduct of bullying comes from the person being bullied, not the person doing the bullying.”
“People who bully do so to get a reaction. They want the targeted person to be mortified. They want to put them in their place, so to speak; by doing so, they earn prestige. They feed on the fear. They feed on causing anguish to another person. The true byproduct of bullying comes from the person being bullied, not the person doing the bullying.”
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